Biblical Shakers

  Click on Title for Video Intro Monday, II Samuel Chapter 21 II Samuel 2l Verse 1 Mindy Strayer Verse 1:  During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood—stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.” THOUGHT    There are two parts that I found interesting in this verse.  First we see the importance of keeping your word. Numbers 30:1-2 says, Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel, “This is what the Lord commands. When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.” According to the Bible commentary there were no written contracts in ancient times. A person’s word was like a binding signature. To make a vow was even more binding because an offering was given with it. Breaking a vow meant that one had broken trust and broken a relat...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, II Samuel Chapter 17 II Samuel 17 Verse 8 & 10 Matt Strayer Verse 8:  “You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops.” Verse 10: ”...for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.” THOUGHT The above verses describe how feared David was throughout the land of Israel. Everyone knew that he was a great fighter and someone who was very brave. I could only think of the Psalms that I’ve read that David has written. He himself cried out to God in fear and despair many times, yet everyone else feared him. It is obvious that if it had not been for God’s strength and guidance, David would not have this reputation. God gave him the strength to be brave and bold, the strength to fight hard until the end.  Let’s not forget to call on God often so tha...

Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, II Samuel Chapter 13 II Samuel 13 Verse 5 Bart Strayer Verse 5:  “Go to bed and pretend to be ill.” Jonadab said. “When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand.’” THOUGHT Amnon was a victim of bad, bad counsel. I know I have gone over this before, but I feel compelled to reemphasize the warning of bad counsel. As a young Christian, it is easy to be influenced by bad counsel. It is important to pray for God’s detection and protection against bad counsel. As we mature, we are able to identify bad ungodly advice. So be forewarned when someone gives you advice without prayer. Take heed. When giving counsel, many times our best response can be, “I don’t know what to tell you, but I’ll pray with you about it.”  We men can be the worst. We think we need to offer quick solutions to ever...

  Click on Title for Video Introduction Monday, II Samuel Chapter 9 II Samuel 9 Verse 1 Delores Little Verse 1:  David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” THOUGHT Let’s go back to 1 Samuel 20:15&42.  “And do not ever cut off your kindness from my family, not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”  Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, "The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. Now in II Samuel 9 after David became king, he remembers that promise he made back in I Samuel chapter 8.  David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”  They tell him about Ziba, a servant of Saul’s household....