Latest Thoughts of the Day

I Kings 11:23

7/11/2026

And God raised up against Solomon another sadversary, Rezan son of Aliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezar king of Zobah.

Solomon’s beginning to worship false gods began small, as he made accommodations for the wives he married for political reasons. He began to look at this compromise as a necessity to carry on his rule, but God saw it as a departure from Him. God did not allow a major nation to wage war against Solomon, but He raised up a multitude of little, petty, individual forces to trouble and annoy. Is this what happens to us? Dozens of irritating annoyances that demand petty solutions? Are these the things that rob us of peace and success? Solomon could tell us to fear God and to keep His commands, but he let it all slip. Help us, Lord, to take seriously Solomon’s example. Solomon needed Jesus.

2 Samuel 13:20

7/10/2026

Her brother, Absalom said to her, "Has that Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet now, my sister. Don't take this thing to heart." And Tamar lived in her brother Absalom's house, a desolate woman.

Amnon is heir to the throne, so any open move at all to avenge the rape of his sister would be interpreted politically. So, even in e-mails words are veiled so as in no way to make known Absalom’s real intent. Two years later, he will murder Amnon. Meanwhile, he cares for his disgraced sister. David does nothing about Amnon’s sin against Tamar, and this only adds to the resentment that will result in Absalom’s rebellion to David, The prophet Nathan had said that the sword would never leave David’s household. Very bad things in David’s household do not overrule the good things which point to Jesus.

I Samuel 16:12

7/9/2026

So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and had handsome features.

This is the first appearance of David in the Bible. David will go on to do things that will figure significantly in God’s story of our redemption, so much so that his name will appear over a thousand times in the entire word of God. But he enters our view as the least significant of a family of many brothers. His appearance will be significant to us at first, but the thing that has impressed the Lord concerning him is his character. The “Son of David” who will come in a thousand years will “have no form or comeliness that we should desire him’. David’s life will point forward in many ways to Christ. It is in terms of character that we will reflect the image of Jesus.

Ruth 2:11

7/8/2026

Boaz replied, "I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-lw since the death of your husband--how you left your father and mother and your homeland nd came to live with a people you did not know before."

The fact that Boaz appreciates and values the sacrifices he sees in Ruth tells us much about his character. Most men would want only a little information about this strange woman’s past and would be ready to forgive “whatever” it was. Boaz admired Ruth’s character and appreciated her kindness. Their primary attraction to one another was based on character. To the degree that any of our relationships are based on character they are strong, fruitful and significant. After one thousand three hundred years, this union resulted in the birth of our Lord. Had Boaz not been drawn to Ruth, we would not have had Jesus.

Judges 11:20

7/7/2026

Sihon, however, did not trust Israel to pass through his territory. He mustered all his men and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel.

Jephthah is presenting an argument to the king of Ammon to answer Ammon’s claim to Israel’s land, that the political dispute between the nations may be settled without war. Jephtha looks back several hundred years to a precedent that supports his argument. Ownership over the land had been secured when the inhabitants of the land had waged war against Israel and lost. Clearly, God had given this land to Israel. Ammon does not see it this way and goes ahead with war with Jephtha’s army, and loses dramatically, granting another victory to Israel. We see the wisdom and knowledge of Jephtha, and are the more amazed at Jephtha’s foolish vow. Great men have great weaknesses. Help us, Lord to submit our wills to Jesus!

Joshua 12:12

7/6/2026

The king of Eglon, one, the king of Gezer, one...

The title “king” was given to what were more like mayors of important cities, but each in this list were cities the Lord had promise to deliver to the Israelites. His judgment had been passed upon their wickedness, they had been given time to repent, and the judgment had ultimately fallen. The “one” following each name was like a check-mark, as the conquered foes had been checked off. When men and governments become enemies to believers in God’s kingdom, we may emotionally deliver them up to God, to dispose of according to His wisdom. The evil they may do to us is cancelled, and all continued involvement will be for our good. Unless they repent they shall all likewise perish. Thank You, O Captain of our Salvation, for conquering Your enemies and ours. We rally behind King Jesus.

Deuteronomy 17:10

7/5/2026

You must act according to the instructions they give you at the place the Lord will choose. Be careful to do everything they direct you to do.

Moses is articulating details of the law that establish protocol for dealing with disputes of different kinds. The Supreme Court for the Israelites will be a special council of the highest-ranking officers, meeting at a place that will be appointed by God for the purpose. When all this is in order and the people are settled in the land, and when such an issue comes up as will challenge the participants, they must accept the final decision as a word from God for them, and they must be careful to obey. They must allow the court to decide the issue and must step into line. Earthly authority points to divine authority and ultimately points to the Name above all Names, Jesus.

Numbers 18:16

7/4/2026

When they are a month old, you must redeem them at the redemption price set at five shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs.

Because of the final plague in Egypt, which fell upon each first-born male, each first-born male of the descendants of Israel belonged to the Lord. Families were allowed to keep them if they were redeemed by a price. In their place, the tribe of Judah was dedicated as the official servants of Yahweh. The practice would descend into being just a tax, but the priest would be careful to help the people appreciate the spiritual significance of it all. Babies are born with a need for redemption. Serving God with our lives is part of being descendants if Abraham . The goal was to lift the vision of each family to the One who would visit them as Jesus.