Highohfaith

David describes himself as a righteous king, one chosen by God to uphold justice. David is a prophet because he was chosen , anointed, by God through the prophet Samuel. Chosen to lead and instruct Gods chosen ones and teach and uphold righteousness. He is led by God's Holy Spirit. He seeks God's will at all times. Aside from his transgressions with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, he does just what God has willed him to do. Though he is human, sinned, and was punished , God kept his covenant with David, through Gods awesome mercy, and grace. David loved God, and God loved David. David trusted the covenant would stand firm from generation to generation. David was a great man of faith,a prophet, a great psalmist who led Gods people. David has a trite and humble heart towards God. He is thankful for all God has done for him and his kingdom. He trust God. Leaders today could learn a lot from David's resilience, his obedience, his humility, his trust and deep love and faith for God. The main theme and purpose for David's life is to fulfill God's will, though David's obedience and unwavering faith , a Savior is born. Son of David, Son of God , Jesus Christ. God's covenant fulfilled! Godly leaders of today and in biblical times as well , e.g. Balaam, sometimes lose focus,lose their perspective . This affects their ability to be effective Godly leaders, and certainly can be very detrimental for the people who put their trust in them.

Q3. (Luke 1:35) What does the virgin conception teach us about Jesus' nature? Jesus is fully God and fully human, conceived of the Holy Spirit, the Most High God, and the virgin Mother Mary. There was no 'biological' conception that took place. Just as God created Adam, from the dust of the ground. God planted the seed of conception in Mary's womb through the Holy Spirit, making her baby God's divine gift to the world. As Adan was the first human God created and Adam brought sin into the world. God sent us a savior, by His grace alone we are saved from Adams curse. Jesus IS God incarnated as God's son, made fully human, brought to earth through a miraculous conception to conquer sin and atone for our sins once and for all. "the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God." (Luke 3:38) "I believe that you are the Christ, the son of God." (John 11:27) Bible is the story of the sojourn of the "Son of God" beginning with Paradise lost (Adam) and ending with Paradise restored.(Jesus). How central is the doctrine of the virgin conception to the Christian message? It is very nature of Christianity. Jesus is the cornerstone with which we as Christians base our faith. Christ IS GOD. We must as Christians believe in God incarnated as the Son. Jesus unites us with the Father. We are unified with God only through knowing Jesus. Through Jesus' birth,life and death, the veil that separates is torn. As Christians we can now come to God blameless and forgiven because our Savior Lives!

Q1. (Luke 1:31-34) What did the angel's announcement say about who Mary's Child was and who he was to become? Mary's child is the fulfillment of the Davidiac covenant. He is Son of the Most High God and a direct descendant of David and the tribe of Judah. He is to be called Jesus (which means savior). He will save the world. He will become a great person, He is the coming Messiah, long awaited for by the Jews ( God's chosen people). His kingdom will endure forever.

Q1. (2 Samuel 22 = Psalm 18) What do you find the most inspiring in the language of this psalm? David's Psalm IS meant to be read aloud ( just as Pastor Ralph suggest). Through the awesome display of David's imagery I can feel God's presence! He uses graphic imagery to relate God's awesome power. I have read this Psalm 3 times aloud this morning. Though I have read it several times in the past reading aloud gives the Psalm so much more depth. Unleashes so much more understanding. David surely is a great writer! Through imagery he brings God's mighty power, grace,love, and salvation, into a even brighter light. Reading aloud I could close my eyes after reading a verse or two and become totally entrenched into what David must have been feeling at the time, and what's most amazing I can RELATE to his feelings!! God's love is omnipresent, timeless. I think we have all felt as David does at different times in our lives. David feels defeated, he seeks God, God comes to his rescue, God rewards his righteousness, David praises God! I think we've all been in that "place" in our walk. And we will continue to be challenged, and hopefully grow in our walk with God, each and every day! David's Psalm transcends time! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 What encourages you the most? Reading this Psalm, there are many things which encourages me. I would say what encourages me the most is the God's sovereignty and POWER. He is WORTHY of PRAISE! He is sovereign and all powerful! We can all learn a lot from David, who as we know is a man after "God's own heart"! David's love and praise for God inspires me even more to continue to shield myself with the power of God and most importantly to THANK him for ALL things!. Write down all the various titles and metaphors used of God in this psalm. God is LORD! God is my Rock! God is strength! God is perfect, He is flawless! (Romans 12:2-Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and PERFECT will.) God is light! God delivers us! God is our refuge! God is our stronghold God is our shield! God is our salvation! God is worthy! God is all POWERFUL! ( God soared on the wings of the wind-the Lords voice resounded with power! God is vengeful. Those who anger God will be avenged. God takes hold of us-He never leaves his children. When we are low, He stoops down and grabs us, God exalts us! God is LOVE-God loves us unconditionally and takes delight in his children. God is faithful- He rewards those who seek him ( Hebrews 11:6-And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. God is shrewd. God cannot be tricked! God is omnipresent (everywhere) God trains us in his ways!( 2 Samual22 34-37) God delivers us from evil (Matthew 6:13-And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one). PRAISE GOD IN ALL THINGS. God is a jealous God-He delights in our praise and thankfulness!( Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! ) Psalm 145:21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Praise, Praise, Praise Thanks be to the Lord God almighty for his Sovereign Power and Grace and His all consuming LOVE!!

Q4. (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us about David’s character and faith? Davids faith is steadfast and unwavering, through his life, time after time, he relies on God. He loves God with all his heart, David is not a man who is afraid to love. We see this in his great love for God, his love for Saul, his great love for Jonathan, Absalom, and countless others whom he has loved and shown mercy. I believe this is his greatest attribute. I know the words "David is a man after God's own heart" have become a theme of sorts for the lesson(s) of David's life.I believe that is because David's heart is his best character trait. 1 John 4:16: God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. God chose David at a very young age, possibly 12-13, just as he chose the virgin Mary at a very young age (13-14) to carry His Son. God knows a young heart is the most impressionable, the most vulnerable, pure, eager to receive the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Through both David and Mary, whom are young and untouched by the evils of the world, came the Mighty Savior of all mankind! How Awesome is GOD??? It is no coincidence that these two chosen people were of such a young age, and chosen from the 'least of those' of little worldly stature( David a young Shepard boy, Mary a young pheasant girl). Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 20:30 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." God has a plan in David's life ( and Mary's and ours, as well). In his plan are countless lessons for all us, not just David. It's part of the mystery of God. Keep seeking.Knock and the door will be opened. David was relentless in faith and love. David is a great example of faith and Godly love and we can all learn a lot from David victories, his trials, tribulations and the greatest love of all, Godly love! David's faith grows and he grows in good character and love while in his apprenticeship for the kingship. We see how David is molded and 'chiseled' by God to take on the task. We see David grow into power through the Power of God. Then God reminds us and DAVID, who is superior, he reminds us that God and only God is the great, I AM. Through David's downfall he shows us that David is mere man, nothing more, nothing less. He stumbles, he suffers, he gets back up again and again. Nothing separates him from the love of God. Though his faith becomes complacent at times in his life, he learns his lessons well, he accepts his punishment ( God's wrath )and takes responsibility for his own actions. He is accountable to God.This is a great lesson for us to learn. Though troubles come, though we may become complacent for a short while, don't stay in that spot. Don't stagnate. Jesus said "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Always return to our Mighty Savior, our Master, to the Glory of God be true! Through the Davidac covenant God promised David the ultimate promise, the Supreme and Sovereign Promise that his descendant would endure forever, conquer death for all of mankind, sit at the right hand of God forever. This promise is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. David's life is a lesson in Godly love and faith. What does it reveal about Joab’s character? His faith? Joab was a man with his OWN agenda. The narrator doesn't say much about Joab's faith. I believe it is because he is a man of little or no faith.He is perhaps agnostic. Indifferent. He is however loyal to David to an extent, that being said, time after time we see his loyalty as having an ulterior motive which benefits himself. Eg. when he kills Absalom ( he defies Davids order not to kill his son) he does it to assure David's safety but in his mind, and most importantly to him, I believe it is to assure his position as David's high commander. As long as David is king and the kingdom is secure under David's rule, Joab believes he will be David first hand man. Since he is also a cousin to David, perhaps he believes the kingdom could someday fall into his own hands. But, oh, is he ever in for a big SURPRISE. When David appoint Amasa as his high general in command. We see Joab's true colors once again, as when he killed Abner, by tricking and deceiving him, and again when he kills Absalom ( defying David's direct order) and then Amasa. He is selfish, self absorbed, narcissistic. In modern day terms we might deem him a sociopath, void of conscience. What does this passage teach us about the importance of friends? Is Joab a good friend? many have said they felt Joab was a good friend. I don't really think that's the case. While i think him to be loyal to david. I don't see a great freindship develop there. It is more an allegiance and an impetuous one at that. It is important to pick and choose our friends carefully. God relates this lesson countless times in the Bible. A few verses I can think of are: Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. Acts 13:51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. Joab always has his own best interest in mind. Sometimes God puts people in our lives who are not trustworthy. I don't question why God does this, God is God and I am NOT. I think he wants us to be able to be strong enough in our faith and walk with the Holy Spirit to be able to discern who is bad and who is Godly. If we gently try to steer a non believer to God and he resist, and tries to 'fool' you with a false doctrine, Shake the dust off you feet and don't look back, for they may well be your enemy and God's enemy as well. Genesis 19:26 But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Be true to God a true friend will always have your best interest in mind, always examine a a friend heart, seek God's discernment and will through your friendships and fellowship with others.

Q3. (2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for Absalom in the battle? Clearly he loves his son unconditionally. Why does Joab kill him against David’s orders? Joab knows that David's kingdom will never be secure as long as Absalom lives. How does David’s loud mourning threaten his kingdom? By mourning Absalom's death, David is sending a message to all the faithful warriors who stood by him, that their support, their lives, are not important. Lives lost in the battle for David's kingship, were lost in vain if David mourns Absalom's death. He must show support to his men, not loyalty to his dead son. He must embrace those whom have loved and supported him, to the point of risking their own lives. Not the one who hated him (Absalom). Or risk the alternative -l osing the support of his army of faithful warriors, thus losing the kingdom again. What does this say about his followers’ loyalty? They were extremely loyal to David, even unto death. Willing to put their lives on hand for their king. What does it say about David’s faith? About his weaknesses? Davids heart is both his weakness, and his strength. God loves David's heart, in it's fullness of strength, and it's weakness as well. David has always been a man after God's own heart! God loves David, unconditionally, just as David loved his son Absalom unconditionally. Another bit of irony ? I think Not. We love God because he first showed us what love is! God' showed David unconditional love, and in many incidences in David's life, David passes on God's love. He shows mercy to Saul, Absalom, Shimei, Ziba, and many others throughout his life time. Even though David should have killed Saul ( becasue Saul was his mortal enemy) he loved him dearly and would not kill the Lords Anointed. Even though Absalom wanted to kill David ( both Absalom and Saul were not men of God). He still loved his son, as God loves us, His children. David wanted what was in Absalom's best interest. He knew he made many mistakes raising Absalom, Absalom hated him, was repulsed by him, looked at him in his 'weakness',( not his strength) was led astray by David's own sins and lack of discipline. Yet, David still love him dearly. UNCONDITIONALLY, David passing God's love and mercy forward facilitates the prophetic fulfillment (according to God's will) of love and redemption, through Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of God. David remains ever true to God in love and mercy.. John 4:19 We love each other because he loved us first.

Q2. (2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn’t David silence Shimei son of Gera from cursing him? David believes he is being cursed by Shimei as part of God's wrath towards him. He believes it is God's will, he feels if he is obedient and accept Shimei ridicule and does not react with prideful indignation that he is embracing, submitting to God's will. And perhaps God will deliver him from His wrath. Is this a political decision or a spiritual decision? Spiritual. He is beaten down but not defeated spiritually. He believes God will keep His promises! What does it tell us about David’s faith? We see David, once again, as we have time and time again in this lesson as a man after God's own heart. At times, his actions falter throughout his life and fail to reflect God's glory ( he is human,after all). But, his faith never fails him and in all things, God is with him. We have seen this over, and over, again and again, in David's life. I consider David's life to be a great lesson in faith to all of us. The lessons we learn are indeed bittersweet, as we watch David, his family, his country, go through trial after trial. Even as we see David disappoint God, in this we must see the true lesson of David's undying love and faith.God sees it, he is a man after God's own heart. David's love and faithfulness is consistent, his love for God is unfailing. Even if obedience fails him at times, he doesn't always get it right, flesh gets in the way, worldly possessions cloud his vision, that's the sad part of David's life. However through all of the tribulations, he runs a good race and because of David's faithfulness and love, and God's faithfulness and love, The Davidac covenant is fulfilled, the triumphant Savior, Jesus Christ is born!!

Q1. (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem rather than stay and fight? There is no provision in the city for war. It has been many years since war has threatened Jerusalem. Again we catch David resting on his laurels. Not paying attention. Not taking responsibility, being lackadaisical as a king and leader, he is ineffective. He is not prepared, there is no food nor water for the months they may be in the fortified city. Davids troops are not as plentiful as Absalom's. David's troops consist mainly of those Israelites who are with him in Jerusalem. Absalom has a much stronger, larger army from all areas of the land of Israel. He has accomplished quite a massive following! Complicating this problem is also the fact that Jerusalem's fortification may be in disrepair. It is not a far stretch to think or believe that David has been lax is the upkeep of the capital city., perhaps the fortified walls are not as strong as they used be. He has shown this type of casualness, irresponsibility in other areas of his life, eg. disciplining his children. What are David’s emotions during this retreat? He is saddened, contrite, he knows what is happening is a result of his sins as prophesied by Nathan some years ago.. Submissive to God,obedient, he is in deep repentance. Filled with dismay and despair. Sorrowful. Why doesn’t he take the ark with him into exile? Faith, David trust God is always with him whether the Ark remains in David's presence or not. He feels the Ark belongs to all of Israel, God's chosen people. The Ark should be in the capital city of Jerusalem in its formal resting place, not being paraded all over the wilderness for David's sake. David also has an ulterior motive. David is true warrior, a strategist, he knows if the Ark is taken back into the city of Jerusalem that the priest Zadok and Abiathar will be with the Ark, and will act as inside 'spies' so they can report to David what is going on in his beloved city once it has been taken over by Absalom and his troops. Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, or submission? David definitely exhibits both faith and submission. He is not being fatalistic in any way. He trust God's will and is submitting to it with sorrowful repentance. What does this tell us about his faith? David may have strayed far and wide, but his faith is in tact. David is a true man of God. Through all his sins, his mistakes, he always returns to his rock, his God. His faith never falters through all his trials and tribulation in life david has remained steadfast in love with God.

Q4. (2 Samuel 13-15:13) It’s difficult to find positive spiritual lessons in these sad and grim chapters. What negative spiritual lessons do you find? 1.) If you do not obey God, willfully sin, you will surely know God's wrath. 2.) If you take your eyes off God, God will takes his eyes off you. 3.) PAY ATTENTION! "Those who have ears let them hear." 4.) Do NOT get so 'puffed' up that you forget your sovereign creator. Remain humble and thankful always, in good times and bad, in wealth and poorness, in sickness and in health. No mater what the problem is bring it to God. "Our Yoke is heavy but His is light." Give him your all and all. Be thankful in ALL things. Trust God. 5.) Do not act on your own will. 6.) Sin and disobedience affects innocent people, God's wrath can last from generation to generation. 7.) Do not feel that you need not be accountable for your actions or 'inactions', because you are!! God holds us accountable. Do not think that God isn't watching. HE IS! 8.) Do not deceive God. e.g. Saul deceived God, and God took his Holy Spirit from him. 9.) Letting greed, deceitfulness,power, sin,guilt, lack of faith take root. Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Teach your children in a Godly manner and live your life in obedience and accordance to God's will as an example to your children and others, glorify God!

Q3. (2 Samuel 15:1-6) What are the elements of Absalom’s public relations campaign to win over the people to his side? Strategy - he exalts himself in the eyes of the people. Using his good looks, his material wealth and deluding them into believing he is a man of justice How effective is it? He is very effective. What should David have done differently? At this point, I don't think David had much control over Absalom. Absalom is a grown man, anything David could say or do as a father would probably fall of deaf ears. However, he could have exercised his power as king and had Absalom killed or exiled, though Absalom knew he wouldn't. Absalom took advantage of the fact that David loved him. David could of been paying more attention to Absalom motives instead of indulging in his every little whim! Which of David’s weaknesses does Absalom exploit? I think he tried to play on what he saw was ALL of David's weaknesses. His father had committed adultery, he was a murderer. David thought he could set his own standard of justice for himself and his sons ( Absalom is 'one' to undermined this)? He is no better. David was old and it was not 'his time' anymore. He has become ineffective, frail, weak, and disillusioned. At a point in his life David was revered for his greatness. But, now all that is a distant memory, a new generation is emerging. David is obsolete, he is foreboding. All of Israel feels David's time has come to relinquish the crown to a more powerful, just ( or so they are deceived into believing) leader.

Q2. (2 Samuel 13:39-14:24) Why do you think Joab conspires to get David to bring Absalom home? Loyalty, he is loyal to both David and Israel. He knows David longs to be reunited with Absalom, and he also realizes it would be in the best interest of the people if David's successor were not in exile. Perhaps he has an ulterior motive as well, David is aging and so is JOAB! Joab knows if David and Absalom are enemies, his future could be less secure.It is in his best interest to stay in favor with BOTH David and Absalom . Why do you think David does not immediately show Absalom his favor? Perhaps, shame is the main factor. If he looks upon his son's sin, he has to revisit his own sin.

Q1. (2 Samuel 13:21-22) Why do you think David doesn’t discipline his son Amnon for his sexual assault on his half-sister? David's moral character is suffering, to extent that he does not want to discipline or reprimand his adult children. Perhaps due to his own moral decay and his sin with Bathsheba, and senseless murder of Uriah.GUILT. He knows what Amnon did is horribly wrong and he chooses to look the other way. He is becoming jaded by his stature as king and the riches which come with the position. He has been king for a long time at this point, he is becoming remiss in his duties to both family and Israel. He is resting on his laurels!! David's success was first, and most importantly, a result of God's blessing. God had blessed him and sculpted him into diligent leader, a force to be reckoned with!! Now, David is stagnating. David is suffering a sort of disillusionment and possibly disappointment in his life to both God and his people. He is no longer fervent for the Lord's blessing nor does he seem to care about much of anything. As David aged, I believe he lost his perspective, his priorities changed. We oftentimes do the same, we become "comfortable" later in life, especially if we are accustomed, as David was, to the finer, material riches of this world! Or, we go in the opposite direction, become jaded, bitter, if all does not pan out for us, the way we think it should. I think David suffered from a myriad of emotions (instead of relying on God and his faith) he was relying on emotion. He felt entitlement ( he was 'spoiled' and comfortable and perhaps took it for granted) , disillusionment,disappointment,guilt, shame, failure, etc. etc. Also, David does not want the future King ( Amnon -who is firstborn and successor to David's throne) to be looked down upon by his people for doing such a thing. He does not want to expose his own son's heinous act to the people of Israel. Perhaps, for fear that it will be a bad reflection of himself, but I think more likely it is to protect Amnon from disgrace and disfavor with the people. Unbeknownst to David, people are 'gossiping' anyway, in true 'people' fashion ( human condition). Because David is remiss, he MISSES a lot of what's going on around him and certainly in his kingdom. Most importantly he is missing out on God's favor. God loves David dearly, however, in the end of David's life, I think he dies with a feeling of complete and utter failure to his most beloved God. It is a sad story all the way around. The glory, the REDEMPTION of Davids' life and story (and OURS) is through The Davidac covenant. JESUS Christ is born! REDEMPTION!! God always has a plan. What are the consequences of David’s inaction? Dire consequences!!! Consequences which affect many innocent people and further generations from the house of David. We do not know what 'could' have happen if David had not become so languid, but we do know by his inaction, that further heinous crimes take place, including murder of his own son, Amnon. Loss of Absalom who is in exile out of fear. Coup De Tat takes place at the hands of Absalom. David is further estranged from his son. Consequently David own son becomes his enemy and Absalom is also killed. The list of the consequences of David's inaction ( in this situation and other situation which he encountered during his life time) goes on and on, and spawns for centuries. generation, after generation. Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Proverbs 23:13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Proverbs 18:19 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

Q4. (2 Samuel 12:10-14) What punishment does David deserve? Only God knows what punishment a person deserves. Judgement is his, and his alone to pronounce. What does he get instead? He gets what God feels is just punishment. God dishes out judgment and wrath according to HIS measure. Sometime the sins we do, follow us, our sins hurt others in our family and others who are completely innocent ( e.g. Uriah the Hittite) , sometimes for generations to come. Even though we are forgiven, if God feels we need to reprimanded, so be it. "GOD IS GOD and WE are not!" How does this punishment relate to the provisions of the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:14-15? God's wrath is carried out through the floggings of men. His judgement and wrath are given to us in a flesh way, since man's nature is flesh-centered, God gives us punishment we can relate to. The Davidac covenant promises that we will receive a Savior, a Savior is to come from the son of David, son of God, and the covenant is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Though God did punish David harshly and in a very public manner for his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. God did not break the Davidac covenant, this covenant unconditional, A Savior would be born from the seed of David. This covenant is given by God's grace, God's love for us, and it is fulfilled through Jesus Christ and will be completed at the second coming of our savior..God's promises do not fail! God is our Father, and as any good father, He will dish out punishment when He feels it is needed. And, as any father loves a child, Our father does this in hopes that we may learn from our sin. His plan always has our best interest in mind. He loves us. His love is greater than any earthly father, if our earthly fathers love us so, how much more does our Heavenly Father love us? The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you,... (Zeph 3.17). How do David’s sins hurt God’s glory? David is saddened by his sins, he has surely hurt God, however I don't feel his sins HURT God's GLORY but rather REVEAL God's GLORY! How do our sins reflect on Jesus Christ? If we do not live our lives according to the will of God, pursuing righteousness. Than we have rendered the life and death of Jesus, our Savior, to be in vain. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6 ( in His Sermon on the Mount) "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." We must not let our sins separate us from God. We can learn this great lesson from David's response to his punishment and his willingness to be held accountable to God. Instead of being angry at God, he LEARNS from this very hard lesson. He learns forgiveness, God's wrath, the importance of obedience, and repentance. David truly does love God,( and God loves David unconditionally) even in his darkest hour of punishment ( the dying hours of his first son with Bathsheba ) David's faith ( that God will save the boy) and heart are with God. When God delivers David's harsh punishment David accepts it as grace (forgiveness) and God's will. He does not blame God. He alone is accountable. Trust and seek God relentlessly, ( as David does again, again, again) even if our sin nature gets in the way, ESPECIALLY if our sin nature gets in the way. Run TO God, not AWAY from God. Jesus is sent to reconcile us, by grace and grace alone. He is atonement for our sins. All we need to do is accept His grace and ask his forgiveness, repent and seek righteousness. No matter what troubles we have, run the good race and never give up! Run the race with forgiveness, obedience, faith and love! Break down all the walls and let God to do His work in us till the day of completion!

Q3. (2 Samuel 12:1-10) Why might it be dangerous for Nathan the prophet to confront the king? Nathan had to be careful and insightful, after all he was following God's command by confronting David. At any time David (who has already unjustly killed a man) could have turned against Nathan, and had him killed. David,at this point, most certainly is in denial, and doesn't want to be confronted about his sin. Oftentimes we humans hide our sin, we don't see it for what it really is, disobedience. We want to maintain an outward appearance of being righteous. David may well have thought he pulled off a sin in which God did not see, but it is more likely as the parable suggest that David himself didn't recognize his own sin, often our pride or our own will, gets in the way of our discernment. What device does Nathan employ get the king to listen to him? He used a parable which, in a way "tricked" David into seeing what he had done and David, unknowingly, pronounced judgement on himself (projection). Though David didn't realize it at first until Nathan said "you are that man". His disobedience was at that moment revealed to him. And it hit him HARD. At that moment he realized fully what he had done, that he would feel God's wrath, and know God's forgiveness but he must repent. David was terribly saddened (broken) by what he had done. Sometimes God brings us into brokenness, so he can renew, rebuild us. God always has a plan which has our best interest in mind. How does David’s condemnation of the rich man’s greed help him acknowledge and condemn his own actions? Once he is told by Nathan that the rich man is him, David see the truth of what he has done. He is no longer in denial. He sees his sin for what it really is, wicked.

Q2. (2 Samuel 11) How can a “man after God’s own heart” do something so ugly, so despicable as this – first adultery and then murder by proxy to cover it up? David is a man, he has a human, flesh nature. Because Adam's invited sin into the world, ALL men are sinners. There is only one man whom ever walked the earth who was without sin, Jesus Christ! What does this teach us about our human condition? Human condition is weak, sinful. The flesh is weak but the Spirit is strong. What is our problem as humans? That's just it, we are "humans'. My pastor has a saying that goes like this and we must remind ourselves of this often. It's six simple yet very profound words. It simply goes like this: 'God is God and I'm not! Six simple words with a very profound meaning! GOD IS GOD AND I'M NOT!!!! How can David ever recover his integrity after this? Integrity with his people is easy, earthy. It is more about his stature ,his kingship, and his influence. BUT, his integrity with God, another story, God looks at the HEART of man. David must confess what he has done, and repent from his sins. He must cry out to God for his mercy, thank him for his grace,ask for forgiveness and repent, stay steadfast in God's will. He must cry out through a "Broken Hallelujah. Jeff Buckley's song "Broken Hallelujah " The last halleluiah he sings in the song is done so artfully. I can actually close my eyes and feel David's pain, see David visually, when I hear him wailing (crying out) hallelujah. It is powerful. David's heart was broken as well as God's by his sin and David is sorry that he broke God's heart, and repentant.

Q1. (2 Samuel 9:1-13) Why does David honor Mephibosheth? Jonathan always protected and loved David dearly when Jonathan was alive. And, David loved Jonathan as well, they had a very special relationship, of love (Philia) and respect for one another. David is honoring Jonathan's request to show kindness to his family. (1 Samuel 20:15) What does this teach us about David’s character? He is man of his word and can be trusted. He does not take his promises or commitment to others lightly. Thus far in his life he has remained a true, and righteous man. Doing what is right in God's eyes. A true man after God's heart.

Q4. The Davidic kingdom did end in 587 BC – temporarily. How did God fulfill his promises in the Davidic Covenant? Through Jesus Christ the promise has been fulfilled. In what ways is it fulfilled in Christ? David's kingdom will endure forever and ever through Christ Jesus, son of David, son of God. The promise remains, it is unconditional and endures forever. The promise to conquer death, and the promise to forgive us our sins. It will be made complete at the second coming of our Sovereign Lord, Jesus!

Q3. (2 Samuel 7:14-16) There is a conditional aspect in the Davidic Covenant -- that God will discipline David's descendants when they sin. How did God discipline David and his descendants? God did not discipline them by taking away His covenant with David-that a descendant would stand on the throne forever and ever, that descendant, of course, is Jesus Christ. The promise has been fulfilled. God never promised it would be easy. God's wrath and anger is mighty indeed! The power for forgiveness comes from His son, only through Jesus may we be forgiven and reunited with the Father. David and the Israelite's were held accountable by God for their sins. Psalm 90:7, “We are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed.” Hosea 13:11, “I gave you a king in my anger, and I took him away in my wrath God punished their sins by taking away all that belonged to them, by destroying and plundering the temple Solomon had built for him (so sad- God's wrath-how long must He tell us to OBEY) killing their sons and daughters, killing, imprisonment, and torture of their kings. Taking their land, and sending them in to exile! Again and again God chosen ones disappoint Him. Hosea 14:1 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!

Q2. (2 Samuel 7:8-13) What are the main promises of the Davidic Covenant? - David-a great name. ( a name remembered forever and ever) Matthew 1-1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. - a secure homeland for Gods chosen people.( refuge for those who seek the name of Jesus Christ). - peace-rest from war and enemies. ( protection from the evil one). - a dynasty for all descendents of God's chosen ( eternal life through Jesus Christ). - a son will build the temple ( Jesus Christ everlasting temple of salvation). - A EVERLASTING KINGDOM ( through the son of David - Jesus Christ -God's son, eternal salvation.). Are these promises conditional or unconditional? Unlike the Mosaic covenant, the Abraham and Davidic covenants are completely unconditional. Why does conditionality make a difference? God looks at the condition of the heart heart not the condition of the "law". Which of these promises is most important to you as a Christian? All of them, God gave all these promises to David. When God makes a covenant, the whole of the covenant is important. You can not have part of the promise or chose part of the promise without relying on the whole promise. Each is an integral part of the fulfillment of the covenant. The coming of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. His promise of salvation and eternal life rest on the whole of this covenant.. A son will be born!!

Q1. (2 Samuel 7:1-7) Why is Nathan so quick to give David approval to build the temple? He reacted to quickly to David's question without seeking God's will first. He assumed because David was a man of God, appointed by God to lead Israel that he was doing the right thing. He probably thought David had already inquired of God concerning this matter. We must never assume anything, nothing is absolute without first consulting the Lord and doing His will. We must seek God's direction in everything. What should have Nathan done instead? He should have inquired of the Lord, seek God's will in all things!! What is the danger of leaders and followers too quickly approving major spiritual directions without really waiting upon the Lord? Instead of doing God's will they rely on their own will which could be disastrous for them, as well as the people they lead. According to God's will if disaster follows, it may cause the people whom they lead to lose faith or result in diminished faith of the follower as well as the leader. AGAIN: In ALL THINGS SEEK God's WILL!!! David’s heart is partly right about building the temple though. Which part does David have right? David's intentions and his heart are in the right place. But, they are not in line with God's wishes.

sorry, I almost posted again to the same question. By doing this, I think God is showing me just how important this lesson is, to receive his blessing through Pastor Ralph teaching. Thank you Pastor Ralph for bringing these lessons to us,I learn a lot from them.

Q4. (2 Samuel 6:16, 20-23) What has happened to Michal that she is so bitter at David? Her status as David's wife has been greatly diminished, before her return to David, he had taken 7 other wives, leaving her at the 'back of the pack' so to say... She has not given David any children, while his other wives have been quite fertile. Perhaps part of her resentment towards David, and God is also that the Spirit of God had been taken from her father, Saul, when he disobeyed God. Her bitterness towards David and God is rooted in jealousy and greed and pride. How does her bitterness cause her to misjudge what she sees? Her bitterness is her stumbling block. One cannot hear God's voice or know God's will if ones heart is blocked by the ungodly, sin of resentment and bitterness. I have learned this great lesson through my Christian walk. I used to be a bitter person. It is all about FAITH, perspective, and how we see others around us. Do we see others the way God sees them? If we have true faith God will show us how to overcome bitterness and resentment and how to fully love again! What effect might it have on your spiritual life? Before I was born of water and Spirit, I was angry and bitter all the time, don't get me wrong I still have my moments, that's for sure, but I don't hold onto them. Now I trust fully in God to show me the way to forgiveness. How can you find healing from the bitterness? Praying, praising and giving thanks. Humility. Staying faithful in the Word. Show God's love and mercy as God has shown us love and mercy 'and we love because He first showed us what love is" 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Proverbs 17: 9 He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. What effect might it have on your spiritual life? It will block us from knowing and receiving God's will. it will block our faith and stunt our growth in The Holy Spirit. Are you bitter towards God because of something in your past? Absolutely not, however, there once was a time that I was angry and bitter all the time. I forgive those who have hurt me in the past, and I take accountability for my own sins which led me away from God. Now I trust fully in God to show me the way to forgiveness. I KNOW my mistakes and trouble were caused by lack of submission to God's will, and I certainly don't blame Him for anything. He is my ROCK! How can you find healing from the bitterness? Praying for help to overcome through the will of God., staying firm in the Word God. Show God's love and mercy. We love because he first showed us what love is. Remember and visit the scene of Cavalry, hear Jesus' first spoken words from the cross. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do. and repeat them often." We MUST learn forgiveness. Anger and bitterness over my past is one of the factors that brought me to God. I was tired of being angry and prayed for Him to guide me. As, a result I was baptized in June of 2005 and my walk with Christ has been an awesome learning experience, now I learn for the True and Sovereign Teacher. What would have happened if David had conformed his worship expression to his wife’s preferences? I can't say what would happen to David as only God knows. I feel his faith in God would be greatly diminished, extinguished. Instead of listening to God's voice, he would be listening to his wife's voice ( the voice of the world).

Q3. (2 Samuel 6:14, 22) How would you describe David’s approach to worship? David's approach to worship is spot on! Psalms 150 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! What does his dancing here teach us? Humility, reverence, commitment, thanksgiving, praise, excitement and wonderment, awe, worship with everything the Spirit has provided!Let him know He is our ALL in ALL! Think only of the One who stands high above all others.He is mighty and Sovereign. Praise and thanksgiving be to our God! God is a jealous God, He wants our full attention and praise! What do we learn about praise from the psalms he wrote? I learn that God looks only at the heart that He desires our praise at all times. Does what others might think affect your ability to worship? No, I praise, and dance and lift hands to our Lord. I do not care what others look at, only that God hears and sees my humility, my praise, my prayer, and thanksgiving. I lift hands and dance to Him while in church and also at home,in the car. It is not uncommon to see me with my right hand raised to God in praise while driving, and listening to Christian music. Do I care who looks at me and thinks I'm crazy! NO!! What God looks at is what's important! How has God been working in your life to teach you to worship him in spirit and in truth? I have had several revelations in past months and feel I am growing through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. One revelation that came to me which particularly speaks of praise and worship and thanksgiving and teaching us how to love God is the first verse of John 1. It simply read like this:( but it's message to me, is very deep -rooted, profound and not simple at all)! John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. I have been shown that in the beginning does not only mean the beginning of creation. The Word is GOD. If we don't read and study our Bibles in a consistent, committed way we cannot discern the will of God. We simply cannot know Him if we don't stay focused on His word.. We must seek his word in all endeavors, including praise and WORSHIP. He will teach His desires, through KNOWING him.. IN the beginning, is the beginning of everything we do, read and seek God's word in all things.

There are very specific instruction given by God about the transportation of the ark, along with who should transport it, only consecrated Levites. It should be held high on poles,so that no one will touch it, or even look upon it. God's instructions are very thorough, and very specific. His commands are to be obeyed. He has made his will know always concerning the ark, what should be placed in it, how and with what materials should be used in its construction, size etc., all is explained in Exodus,suggested reading. The mistake David and Uzzah made was not seeking God's will. The chronicler does not say whether Uzzah ask God's will or not, that being said, he certainly should have and perhaps he may have not fell against the ark. Possibly he was drawn in as an innocent victim of David's sin.

Q1. (2 Samuel 6:1-10) Why does God strike Uzzah? Why is David so angry? Only God knows for sure why He strikes Uzzah. His motives are never to be brought into question. That being said, It is my assumption and this is pure conjecture, that it is because the Ark has not been moved in the way God instructed. We are to listen to God's commands and obey them. Sometime we may be ignorant of His will concerning something, that is no excuse. In ALL things we must seek the will of our Father. In this case David was ignorant of the way God wanted His Ark moved, if he had consulted the Holy Spirit, or Holy Scripture, The Torah, he would have known the strict orders God laid out for moving the Ark.Chronicles 15:15 "And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord. There are other references in the Word as to the way the Ark should be handled .I'd say the instructions are pretty all conclusive, and made very clear by God how the Holiness of Holy, Consecrated Ark should be handled. However, David did not consult God which is not in true David character, as we previously see, David consulted God in all matters. Perhaps his judgement was so overshadowed by the joy ( of bringing the Ark home to the Israelites ) and his political ploy that he 'forgot' who was in command and forgot to consult the SOVEREIGN true KING of KINGS. As a result an innocent man dies because of David's ignorance. The oxen ( whom were transporting the Ark in ungodly way as the Philistines did, because of David's refusal, or in ignorance, doesn't matter why, to consult God.) stumbled. The word clearly state that is when Urrah touched the Ark. I believe it was a natural reflex and not a deliberate move on Urrah's part. God is just and we don't question His reason; I believed David learned a valuable lesson that day. Not to get so puffed up that you forget GOD REIGNS! David is angry because he feels moving the Ark was done in GOOD Faith and he doesn't realize his mistake of not consulting God first. He also feels humiliated as King of Israel, his people look to him for guidance. 30,000 Israelites were at the festival, David feels they may lose heart in him. Possible and probably, and most importantly, David feels they may lose heart in God, perhaps they'll see God as an unjust God. I think part of his anger is caused by guilt. I think he is also fearful that God may deal with him, in the same manner he dealt with Urrah.