Friendships

I Samuel 20:1-42

You have probably met and known many different people in your life. Most of them may simply be acquaintances, while others you might consider friends. Of these, there may only be a few that you would consider close friends.
Then, perhaps, there is that one person who is as close to you as a brother or sister. In Proverbs 18:24 declares... “But there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother”, someone in whom you can confide and trust, and with whom you can share your hopes and dreams. A friend who is there not only through the good times, but also the bad—through thick and thin—someone who won’t desert you when the going gets tough.
A true friendship that stands the test of trials and time is rare. Friends may come and go, but to have a lifelong, close personal friendship is truly a great blessing. I have two wild friends that I have known for 24 years. They are both married and have children but we still keep in touch. We are always there for one another and we care about each other so much, no matter what. There is one more person I would call a friend and that is my husband. I would say they are the best friends I have known in my life who helped shaped my world and life. They encouraged me and strengthen me in my times of need by laughing it off... kind of. I have done the same for them and I am blessed that God has given me such wonderful women of God and a lovely husband whom I am married to for nearly 21 years. We (my girl friends) live apart, from each other, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Singapore respectively but we call each other from time to time and pick up from where we stopped our last conversation.

The story of Jonathan (means the Lord has given) and David (means beloved) is the story of one such friendship. As you read about this friendship, you will find that they shared much in common. There were also things that could have easily destroyed their bond, but instead, they made it stronger.
Jonathan, prince and son of Saul, was the heir apparent to the throne of Israel. He was destined to rule after the death of his father. Jonathan was well aware of this and the promises God would have made to his father had Saul been faithful. He was a young man of courage, strength, and determination who looked to and relied on God. He was a mighty soldier in his own right—highly respected and trusted by the men he led. These character traits were clearly evidenced when Jonathan fought against a garrison of Philistine soldiers with only his armour bearer by his side. Trusting in God, he slew 20 Philistines in a half acre area of land (1Samuel 14: 1-23).
On the other hand David was the youngest son of Jesse. He was a shepherd boy that rescued his sheep from a lion and bear by killing them. He also played harp which he may have learned during his free time. It was the playing of this instrument that gave him favour with King Saul. The soothing music that David skilfully played refreshed and calmed Saul’s troubled spirit. This moved the king to bestow upon him the great honour of being his armour bearer. After David killed Goliath, King Saul gave him his daughter Michal as his wife. Therefore David became the prince of Israel and a brother in-law to Jonathan.
David grew in stature and respect among the army and the people of Israel. Saul’s love and favour towards David turned into bitterness, resentment and hate. Saul became determined to murder him, since he knew that David would replace him on the throne. This also meant that Jonathan would never be king.
David’s courage and bravery in killing Goliath has affected Jonathan deeply; he was moved to love David as much as his own life. He realised that they shared much in common in the areas of courage, bravery, strength, loyalty, trust and faith in God. From that day forward, they were the best of friends. Jonathan was moved to the point of giving David some of his treasured items: His robe, sword, bow and belt, and even his armour
Many times, he interceded for David, warning him that his father was seeking to take his life. Jonathan urged his father not to do this, saying, “Let not the king sin against his servant, David; because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good towards you: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel: you saw it, and did rejoice: why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause” (1Samuel 19:4-5).
He even risked his life by travelling a great distance to see David in hiding, knowing that his father surely had spies watching every move. And he did this knowing that David would ascend to the throne in his place. Understanding that he must decrease while David increased, he pledged to stand loyally beside him.
Think how easy it would have been for Jonathan to go along with his father’s plotting, giving in to carnal nature and lust for power. It would have been easy for him to fall into the same attitudes as Saul, to have a bitter state of mind, saying, “It’s not fair, God! Why should I be punished just because my father messed up?” Instead, he not only accepted God’s decision, he became best friends with the man whom his own human nature would have considered his rival! In all of this, he showed great loyalty not only to David but also to God and His will. In a way, Jonathan showed loyalty to his father as well, preventing him from committing a terrible murder.
In the same manner David also showed great loyalty to Saul and Jonathan. As many times as Jonathan and David were alone, it would have been very easy for David to give in to his human nature and kill a potential rival. Even when presented with the opportunity to sneak up on Saul (the very one trying to murder him) and kill him, David restrained himself. David well remembered the covenant made with his best friend, recalling the words Jonathan spoke:
“And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I die not: But also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever: no, not when the LORD has cut off the enemies of David everyone from the face of the earth” (1 Samuel 20:14-15)
Even though David had been anointed king, he still showed great respect toward Jonathan—even to the point of bowing before him three times. So great was his love that, upon the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death, he composed a song of lamentation called the Song of the Bow, and instructed that it be taught to the children of Judah. What a wonderful tribute to true friendship, when so many would have rejoiced at the death of rivals. (2 Samuel 1:17-27)
Even after the death of Jonathan, David kept his promise to show kindness to his friend. He searched out Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who was lame and provided for him the rest of his life. As a final act of love and respect, David brought the bones of King Saul and Jonathan from Jabesh Gilead and buried them in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father (2 Samuel 21:12-14). In this way David honoured God’s anointed king, Saul, and recognised the loyal, unselfish love of his friend.
Much can be learned from the friendship of Jonathan and David. They were both princes of Israel, one by birth, the other by marriage. They were both in line to assume the throne of Israel. Both were mighty men of valour, and were respected and trusted by the men they led in battle. Each had accomplished great exploits, relying on God for victory. They were fervent, driven, resourceful, courageous, bold, meek and humble. They knew and respected government and authority and served those under and over them. They were loyal to one another and to their king.
They could have been enemies and rivals, yet they set aside jealousy, resentment, bitterness, competition and lust for power, choosing instead to become the closest of friends. They knew how and when to laugh together, cry and show their emotions together, sharing hopes and dreams, thereby cementing their friendship forever. They were real men, able to show the true, proper and right love of a brotherly friendship, willing to lay down their lives for one another. So great was their friendship that at one of their partings, “they kissed one another, and wept one with another, but David more so” (1Samuel 20:41)
How rare this kind of friendship is in the world today!
Yet, YOU can have this kind of friendship with God and Christ. Recall Christ’s words to His disciples: “Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:13 -15)
The record of David and Jonathan’s friendship has been preserved in the Bible for our benefit. It pictures the close relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ. They desire that same close, personal relationship with every human being.

David And Goliath

1 Samuel 17: 1-58


The Philistine army had gathered for war against Israel. The two armies faced each other, camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. A Philistine giant measuring over nine feet tall and wearing full armour came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. His name was Goliath. Saul, the King of Israel, and the whole army were terrified of Goliath.
Goliath is a Philistine and there is a suggestion that he came from the tribe called the Anak who were living in Canaan the Promised Land for the Israelites. His name means Exile.
David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse, from Bethlehem. He was a strong, healthy lad, apparently with an uncommon characteristic among his people of the time. He was a shepherd from an early age, and developed his courage and fighting skills by defending the flocks from the wild animals, including lions and bears, that preyed upon them. The free time that being a shepherd provided also allowed him to develop two other skills, that of music and poetry. David was a warrior, and a writer of psalms. His name means beloved.
Number eight in the bible means new beginning and his name indicated that there was already a prophetic calling in his life before Samuel anointed him with the horn (horn symbolises blessing) of oil. In the Hebrew times the eldest inherit and so David was seen to be the least of young man in the family. He was seen by his brothers and father as a shepherd boy and the last born. When your family troubles you, watch out as it could be that you have a special calling or that you will be somebody someday. If you study the Bible you will see that a lot of high profile people/leaders in the Bible faced great opposition in their calling. Pain is a friend to make you know that there is an enemy. When he killed the lion and bear nobody knew except his family. David may have felt good within himself as I know the good feelings I have when I overcome a situation that has bordered me. Just imagine David feeling great after killing those animals. Every victory in life is bringing you to a greater challenge and success. Responsibilities always bring hardship but the ending result is joyous because you are fulfilling your dreams. Every hero can weep but should not get bitter.

One day, David, who was actually then too young for the army, arrived with some deliveries for his older brothers. While there, David heard Goliath shouting his daily defiance and he saw the great fear stirred within the men of Israel. David responded, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of God?" Being uncircumcised indicated that the enemies had no covenant and protection from God. Fear consumed them because their eyes were on King Saul and not the living God. Men can only go so far as with men it may look impossible but with God all things are possible. When he heard Goliath, he immediately volunteered to fight him. It was hard for the people around him to accept him in. They refused him and even his own brothers were furious and said he was acting proudly. One important lesson we must learn from this is that we alone can hear our call from God. Since the task is to be done by us, no one around us will understand and they will always misunderstand us. There is a knowing deep down in you that say, yes, you can do it. Encourage yourself like David and make sure you are hearing from God clearly. The giant was to be brought down by David and none of the others. He was called for such a time to do this. God has given him boldness, strength and favour; therefore no one would have stopped him. When your call is of God, nothing can stop you from achieving that.
After turning down an offer of the king's own armour, which was too big for him, David went down to the creek and got five suitable stones for his sling. The sling and stones was the only thing that David had with him at this time. What have you got with you right now that you can use to bring glory and honour to God? God can use the little things to make you great. Give Him the least and best possession you have and you will be surprised to see it multiply.
The Bible declares that Goliath and his armour bearer stood upon the field of battle. He killed Goliath with a single perfectly-accurate shot, perhaps with a little help from an angel - the stone didn't just rebound off the giant man's thick skull as would naturally be expected, but actually penetrated with the power of a modern high-velocity bullet. Upon seeing their hero defeated, the Philistine army made a disorderly retreat (i.e. they just dropped everything and ran), giving the Israelites then in hot pursuit the victory.
Goliath’s name indicated where he was to be – exile. It made matters worse because he was cursing Israel and their living God. Goliath’s god was deaf and dumb, unable to move but David’s God was living and active. The Philistines worshipped dagon, god of Agriculture (1Samuel 5:2) We must be careful in what we say about God’s people and God, as we may end up being the victims. The Philistines defile God by carrying the ark of God from the Israelites and putting the living God on the same level as their god – dagon. We cannot put Jehovah God on our level. However, we can call on Him as daddy or Abba father and He will truly hear us. God has prepared and raised David up to fight Goliath. Each one of us was born with a purpose. God has set something out there and every day we may be walking towards it.
When David killed Goliath he took Goliath’s head and buried it outside the walls of Jerusalem. This place was then named Golgotha. On that same hill our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. This is our God showing us that he has defeated all the giants we are facing today. When we believe His word and know that we are God’s beloved like David we will bring down the giants (problems) in our lives.

Colossians 1:16-17
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Jesus holds our lives together
In the past, the stones that were used to build buildings were not plastered together with cement but every piece of stone fitted just right. That makes us wonder what keeps the buildings up, like the arch in the picture. All the stones have to be precision cut to fit nicely into the structure and the centre stone is placed in position last. It is the keystone that keeps the arch from falling.
Jesus is like the keystone in our lives. He keeps our lives from falling apart. When there are a lot of things going on, it may seem like Jesus is just peripheral to other more pressing things. However, remember that Jesus is the one who holds our lives together. The world is not our focus because it is simply peripheral to Jesus. In everything we must always include Jesus because when He is the focus in your life, everything holds together and stacks right into place. When the disciples were in a boat that was beaten by storm, Jesus was there to speak Shalom into the situation. So when your life seems to be falling apart, Jesus will be there to hold you in His loving arms of GRACE.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17

A merry heart does good, like a medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Proverbs 17: 22

Be nice to people
- All People-
Even when you don't have to be.
Everybody is important.

Ben Carson

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honour, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.

Proverbs 4:7-9

Joshua and Caleb

God sends Moses into the land of Egypt to rescue and deliver His people from their slavery to the Egyptians. He throws 10 whopper plagues at the Pharaoh in order to get him to release His people from their bondage. God literally parts the Red Sea to complete the deliverance mission. God the Father performs one of the most powerful supernatural displays of signs and wonders that the world has ever seen to get His people pulled out of Egypt. (Exodus 3:17)
Moses tells God's people that God will give them what He calls the Promised Land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey. He will settle His people down in this land and this is where He will break the Israelites off into 12 different tribes.
From Deuteronomy 1:19-25 it seems plain that Moses intended to go straight on into the Promised Land at this point; it was the people’s suggestion that they should send spies ahead.
The Israelites sent twelve spies into the Promised Land to check out who the enemy was and to develop battle strategies to defeat them. God was going to allow them to go into the Promised Land, but they first had to defeat and drive out their enemies in order to conquer and possess the land.
When the spies return after 40 days, ten of them came back with a bad report. They said their enemies were giants and that their kingdoms were too well fortified and they wouldn't be able to defeat them. They were grasshoppers before their enemies.
However, the two men of faith Joshua and Caleb trusted God (Numbers 13:30) and insisted that they should go and over throw them. They saw giant grapes (Num.13:23), land flowing with milk and honey, the giants were their bread (Num.14:9) and it was clear they (the enemies) had no protection (Num.14:9). They knew that God’s favour was upon the Israelites and not the giants.
God appointed Moses to be the leader and he made a mistake in listening to the people and sending spies to Canaan. Since he made that move it was easy for him to accept the bad report from the ten spies and ignore Caleb and Joshua’s report. Every one of us are leaders in certain areas from being a big brother/sister, mother, father, doctor, nurse cleaner, we have to be very careful on who we listen to. We are in that position for a reason and if we are not careful we may mess up what is yet to come our way.
In Japan and China I gather there is no word for crisis, only opportunity. Whenever, there is crisis they see it as an opportunity. At the moment while there is global downturn Chinese people are going around the place and buying companies, property and whatever that is on distress sale due to the financial crisis. Joshua and Caleb saw the giants as their bread. If we can allow the Holy Spirit to work this through us we will be champions. The Lord said He will never leave us nor forsake us and therefore we have his protection over our lives. The Israelites murmured and complain but God’s grace was still upon them. If they murmured and complain at that time and God still blessed them, how much more will He do for us now that Jesus has come and died on the cross.
It is important to note that whatever you call a thing, it is to you. For example they saw themselves as grasshoppers and so that’s what they will become. Have you noticed they did not confront them yet and already they were fearful? When we see a problem from a distance it is a tale not the truth. Our faith in God is only as strong as the test we survive. Remember big giants guard big treasures. What’s your giant; see through it as there is treasure in it.
Names are so important here that I thought I will just mention this: Joshua came from the tribe of Ephraim. Ephraim’s father was Joseph and he was blessed with double grape (Genesis 49:22) Caleb came from the tribe of Judah which means praise. Joshua could not fulfil his destiny till he stood with Judah – Praise.
I find names in the Bible exciting as they tell a story. When I am reading the Old Testament I look for Jesus in those stories. It is wonderful.
First of all, let’s find out what Jesus’ real name was in that time period as it obviously was not “Jesus”. The Letter “J” was not to be invented for another 1600 years! If you saw the movie “Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson, then you might recall everyone calling him “Yeshua”. This is the short form of “Yahoshua”, which, was the Hebrew name for Joshua. So, if “Jesus’” real name in English should be “Joshua”, then why do we call him “Jesus”? Where did we get the word “Jesus” from? It is a horrible attempt to translate “Yeshua” into the Greek “Ieosous”, and then they mixed in a little Latin to end up with “Jesus”. The name “Yahshua” (Joshua) is the combination of two Hebrew words, “Yah”, which is the short form of “Yahweh” (like Jim is the short form of James) and “Shua”, which means “salvation”. So the name Joshua means “Yahweh is salvation”.

Thanks for calling by again. May God bless you.

Virtuous Wife

Virtuous Wife in Hebrew means wealthy, rich, honourable, strong. It is from the word
Chayil - Khah-yil soildiers, company, valour, strength, riches, power, war,
Root chuwl –khool – to twist, to dance, make to bring forth, fall grievously with pain, hope, look,, travail with pain, wait carefully (patiently)

Proverbs 31:10

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
A virtuous wife is wealthy, rich, honourable, bold and strong. The Bible declares that she is above rubies. How powerful and anointed that is to know and allow the precious Holy Spirit to work it out together with us. The virtuous wife is made to bring forth any situation to honour her husband, family and God Almighty. She is able to twist her way through and dance when the tough gets going. She may fall grievously with pain but will rise up and look in hope, travail with pain in prayer and wait patiently with care.
Her lamp does not go out by night and when it is the thickest night her lamp shines brighter than before. Strength and honour are her clothing. She is a watchman over the ways of her household. Everything that goes on in the house she will pick it up before it is known. She not only cares physically for her home but she is also a watchman over the emotional and spiritual condition of her family. She has a servant heart, wise and is kind in her ways and words. She may be wounded and has fear but she will find rest, as her significance is not in men but God. Therefore she excels many daughters even though they have done well.

THE TRUTH

I pray that this will bless you in the way it has truly blessed me.

''...THE TRUTH ITSELF STANDS UP FOR DEMETRIUS!''
3 JOHN 12:

When others speak well of you, you have acceptance; but when the truth speaks well of you, you have character. Demetrius had it - do you? A lot has been written and said about character. Study the following words carefully then ask yourself, 'Do I have character?'

Character is simply confidence dressed in humility.

It keeps its word, its temper and its friends. It has a steady eye, a steady nerve, a steady tongue, and steady habits.

It is silent when it has nothing to say, thoughtful and compassionate when it judges, and is always first to make amends when it is wrong.

Character does not run scared.

It is surefooted, committed, and handles whatever comes along.

Character has a sense of honour.

It knows that a good laugh is often the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations. Character never makes excuses.

It takes its bumps, learns from its mistakes and becomes wiser.

Character knows that courtesy and good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices. It bespeaks an aristocracy that is not dependent on ancestors or money.

A Lord can be totally without it while the lowest of the low may ooze it out of every pore.

Character can talk with crowds and keep your virtue.

Character walks with Kings and does not loose the common touch.

Everyone is comfortable with a person who has character because they are comfortable with themselves!


So, how do you measure up? Still need work? Be encouraged we have the Lord on our side, He will see us through

A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.
HENRY BROOKE ADAMS

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited.
PLUTARCH

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.
PROV.4:13

Village style PMV. There is still space for someone to squeeze in, while one is trying to find space to sit comfortably, everyone in the vehicle laughing and joking.

DPI Outstation Bubuleta - Milne Bay Province

Watunou Primary School - Milne Bay

God's Workmanship

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, Which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
Before others catch the vision, it’s born in the heart of one person. Before one Hebrew slave caught the vision of the Promised Land, Moses saw it. He saw a people no longer bound by chains, building homes and businesses, growing crops and worshiping God. But how did he keep his vision alive in a wilderness? The Bible says... he persevered because he saw Him who was invisible (Hebrew 11:27) Moses was sustained by what he saw. So your vision, if it is of God, will sustain you through the worst of times. Actually, without a vision we perish.
God will never give you a vision you can fulfil alone. He’ll bring others alongside to compensate for your weakness. He gave Joshua to Moses to be his personal assistant. He gave him Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands so that the battle could be won. He gave him his father in-law, Jethro , to save him from a leaders most dreaded fate; death by administration. Finally, He gave him 70 more leaders with the right spirit to complete the job. But I’m getting old you say. Moses changed his life at 40 and found his destiny at 80. Had you seen him at 40 you would have said, surely he’s the man for the job, educated by royalty, trained by generals, with instant access to Pharaoh. But you would have been wrong. The 80 year old Moses may smell like a shepherd and speak like a farmer, but he’s God’s choice! When you surrender your life to God you’ll discover something wonderful; GOD’S NOT LIMITED BY YOUR LIMITATIONS!
May God Bless you and thank you for calling by.

Switzerland

DO NOT SETTLE DOWN HERE

This is a continuation of the above that I did not complete. I hope you are blessed in the way the word of God has blessed me. This my personal devotion and I pray that God will enrich you with the same message.


Who is Hannah? Hannah – favoured, an Israelite

She is the bride that is not satisfied with where she is in her blessing. Even though the man who purchased her with His precious blood loves her, she wants more. She knows that to be barren according to the word of God is to be cursed by God, yet she knows that she can move the hand of her maker to bring her desires to pass (Ps. 37:4) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your hearts desires. Vrs 23, the steps of the godly are directed by the Lord, He delights in every detail of their lives. Delight means to be soft or pliable – luxurious and pleasant e.g. velvet cloth.
God uses a burden of Hannah’s heart to bring a surprising larger solution to a burden of His own heart. She knew she was barren but she was not going to allow the situation to stop her from asking the Lord continually. She can pray and worship God in truth and in spirit. She is not going to quit or run away from her circumstances or problems.

The Bible says that after eating and drinking Hannah rose up. There are times in life where one has to get up and say: ‘No, I am not having what is being dished out to me.’ We have to make a stand and let the enemy know where we stand in this situation. A lot of people get so pushed down to the ground that they are not able to stand up, but know that there is more movement when one is standing than lying down.

There is a process in greatness. You don’t just become great by sitting around. In order to be great, one has to go through afflictions and persecutions. Think of Joseph. I don’t care how much they hate you but if you have favour, nothing will stop you. Just know God has set you up if you are hated. When trouble is at its worst, God is about to get you out. Understand the process to get to where God wants you to be. Enough trouble will even make an atheist call out: ‘O God!’ The more they persecute you, the more God will bless you.

Ecclesiastes 7:8: ‘The end of a thing is better than its beginning’.

God was preparing Hannah’s heart to give her first child away. When God touches us and makes tender our hearts, we will be willing to give away whatever is precious to us. Hannah knew that giving her first child away will open doors for more children.

It is better to wrestle with God like Jacob than with men. (Gen.32: 22-32). There are times in our lives where we have to be left alone to wrestle with God. Remember his father already blessed Jacob but he knew that there was more. When the angel was trying to leave, Jacob persisted to be blessed. When Jacob declare who he was, the angel must have checked heaven and found out that Jacob was not Jacob but Israel. If he did not wrestle with God, he would have died without knowing his true identity, and his brother Esau would have killed him. You don’t visit your brother with 500 men just to say ‘Hello’, do you? It is when we wrestle with God that we have revelation of who God is and who we are in Him. Jacob has to be inbalance in the natural to be dependent on supernatural God.

Penninah was so blessed that she became complacent and was unable to hear God. She was prayerless and so her walk with God was shaky. She looked okay on the outside with the blessing of her children, but her heart did not change. We cannot change the world or people, till God changes our own hearts. We must allow God to break us.

Hannah did not take matters into her own hands. She trusted the Lord to fight for her but she spent time with God in prayer and worship. When we spend time with God, we become tender hearted to obey God and do His will.

Why settle down here when the heavens are the limit? There are lots of men and women in the Bible who move the hand of their redeemer, e.g.: Abraham leaving his country for a new country, Ruth leaving her home to see the purposes of God fulfilled, Esther orphaned, Gideon mighty man of valour.

What does the Word of God say about you? Will you choose to be like Penninah or Hannah and rise up to stand on the word of God till the one who purchased you comes and recover you from where you are?

May God bless you richly.

DO NOT SETTLE DOWN HERE

1 Samuel 1: 1-18

In those days Israel had no king or prophet, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. If you read the Book of Judges, you can see some of the things they did were very wicked. Also, it seemed that in the House of God there was sin, and men of God/priests were not hearing well too, which you can see in the life of Eli and his sons. God was looking for someone to bring forth His plans, in that he wanted to replace the offices of judge with prophets and kings. As you know, Moses and Deborah were both political leaders over Israel and prophets.

It was customary, though not authorized by God, for a man to take a second wife when his first wife was barren. A woman in OT times who could not bear any children was viewed as cursed by God. For Hannah, this time of infertility would end when God gave her a child. On the other hand, Peninnah had children and so she continued to provoke Hannah, causing inner turmoil and pain. This went on year after year. Since what we say is the result of what’s within us, I wonder what their hearts were like? What happens when one is presented with a situation like this?

Elkanah – God has obtained
El –Elohim, the Almighty God
Kanah (qanah) –i.e. create, by extension especially by purchase, provoke to jealousy, possess, recover, redeem.

According to the Word of God in Isaiah 54:5, it says ‘For your Marker is your husband; The Lord of hosts is His Name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel’.

Furthermore, the Bible says that Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is the bride.* Matt.25:6 At midnight a cry was heard: behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!’

These two wives represent believers in the churches today. Year after year they would travel to Shiloh to worship and give sacrifice to the Lord. On the day of sacrifice Elkanah would give portions to Peninnah and her children. But he would give special (worthy/double) portion to Hannah because he loved her very much.


Who is Peninnah? - a pearl and Israelite

She is the bride that does not want change, cannot accept correction, is proud, arrogant. She goes to church thinking her praise is good enough and so God blesses her more. She is religious, legalistic, judges other people and is critical, quick to see wrong in others more than herself. God blesses us to bless others, spiritual, physically and to serve the Lord.

Please don’t get me wrong here. Success is good when we use our success to glorify God. On the other hand, success can stop us from moving into what God wants us to be, like Peninnah being content with her blessing, she does not want to push on. She is in the church long enough, she gets bored with the pastor/leaders and every member. She dresses on the outside so well, and can praise and dance, but can not give up dying to self. At the same time her heart has hardened and is not willing to change or allow God – her bridegroom - to change her. She then moves from church to church, job to job, partner to partner. But trying to solve how you feel by these actions does not do anything for you, it is your heart and attitude that needs to move or change.

When Elakanah, her redeemer, gave her her portion, he was fair. I can’t see any bias in this, as there are times when the Lord gives us what we are able to handle. Peninnah was blessed but she was spiritually poor as her heart condition needed to change.

What is it that needs to be change in your life? Eli, the man of God, misreading Hannah reveals the sorry state of worship that had degenerated under him and his wicked sons. It was unfortunate that the people Peninnah associated with had influenced her. Make sure the people you hang out with are people that will bring the best out of you.

Will complete this later... God Bless

The renown that riches or beauty confer is fleeting and frail;
mental excellence is a splendid and lasting possession.

By Sallust (86-34 B.C)

It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the best books great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their soul into ours. God be thanked for books. They are the voices of the distant and the dead, and make us heir of the spiritual life of past ages. Books are true levelers. They give to all who will faithfully use them, the society, the spiritual presence, of the best and greatest of our race.

By William Ellery Channing

Milne Bay Joke - Noah

This is to all the Milne Bay people. A joke that every Papua New Guinean will smile about. I could not stop laughing. Please check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5Q6hC3lA7c Noah's Ark Det 1 how?

Esther

“FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”
(Esther 4:14)

For our world is a lot like Esther’s world. And God, Who was at work in Esther’s day, is still at work in our day. He has been and still is doing some marvellous things in this world! God is involved in a divine plan to shed light where there is darkness, to bring good to where there is evil, and to conquer hatred with love. Our God is involved in a master plan to snatch the perishing from destruction and to wash completely clean sinners stained and ashamed.

And the forces of evil that were arrayed against God and His servants in Esther’s day are still arrayed against the kingdom of God in our day. And what does God want us to do? What part will He call us to play in His mighty work? And what will we do when the call comes?
When the moment comes for us to make crucial decisions that will have effects and consequences upon God’s kingdom, how will we respond? Will we boldly trust Him? Will we take a step in the direction of a huge risk? Or will we be silent or frozen, inaction because we don’t have the faith to act?

Our text is just one verse - Esther 4:14. It is one of the great references in the entire Bible. In Esther 4:14, we read these words of God, passed through Mordecai, for Esther:
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

God’s work in this world is always mysterious!

There is always some mystery, some tantalizing unknowns and uncertainties in what God is doing in our world. See how Mordecai seems to grasp this concept? “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Who knows? Who knows, indeed? Is it possible that this is your moment to act? Well, I don’t know! Maybe! Could it be that this is our unique challenge, because of what God has invested in us, what He has given us, what position He has placed us in, that NOW we must act? Who knows?
There will always be some uncertainty in God’s claims upon our lives! There will always be unknowns in God’s work in this world. It is the very nature of faith and trust in God that He calls us to take steps when we don’t have all the details nailed down.

Now God gives us the big picture. Mordecai has no doubts that deliverance will come for the Jewish people. God has made covenants with them, there are promises given to Abraham that must be fulfilled. Deliverance is assured. “…relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews…” according to the first part of this verse. But there is some mystery as to how that rescue will actually take place.
“Who knows, Esther? Perhaps this is your moment!”
But how does the big picture find expression in daily life? That’s often where the mystery comes in. That is where we hear the voice of God. That is where we sense the nudging of the Holy Spirit. That’s where we follow God’s leading.

Of course there will be adventure. Naturally there will be risks. There may even be some danger. Tangling with the enemy of our souls, rescuing the perishing, is not comfortable or safe. How many times was the apostle Paul beaten? Stoned? Shipwrecked? Cold and naked? Weary and sleepless? But what a story he had to tell!! (2Cor. 11)
God’s work in this world will always have an element of mystery to it. Please, do not let the uncertainties of situations keep us from being the agent of God when He needs an agent. Leave some room for mystery, and be bold in faith.

The Lord needs people

A second lesson could be stated this way: God’s work in this world has always been dependent upon individuals. People, one by one, have always been the key element in what God is doing in this world. In all of God’s efforts to redeem mankind and bring glory to Him, the Lord has always called upon and depended upon men and women, boys and girls.

We hear Mordecai saying in his message to Esther, “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” We can imagine Mordecai and Esther assessing the circumstances that have come upon them and wondering what one thing either of them can do in the face of this hideous decree of Haman’s.

Granted, it is easier for Mordecai to see how Esther as queen can play a crucial role. He’s older; more experienced, and is looking in from the outside. Esther is younger, less experienced in matters of the world, and is at greater risk and danger. And of course it’s always easier for one person to see what another person should do! It’s clear as crystal to me what you should do, especially when it’s not my neck on the line.

But the Scriptures are full of examples of single individuals, called upon by God, giving personal effort for the sake of God’s kingdom.
It is Moses that God singles out to be the leader of His people out of the iron furnace of Egypt. It is Moses who must trek into the palace and literally, verbally confront Pharaoh as the mouthpiece of God with a demand that has no chance of going anywhere.

It is a young shepherd boy by the name of David who comes upon a giant named Goliath terrorizing the army of Israel and its leader, King Saul. It is just one young boy, taking up his sling and five smooth stones and his great faith in God, who ruins the Philistines’ day and gives Israel one heck of a victory.

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

And who was that spear thrower in Numbers 25 who took a javelin and thrust it through both an Israelite man and his Midianite wife and brought to an end a plague from God that had already killed 24,000 in Israel? His name was Phinehas, a grandson of Aaron the priest. A pretty bold move, wouldn’t you say? How many thousands more might the plague have taken if Phinehas had remained comfortable on his tabernacle stool? Or was it a pew?

God’s work in this world has always been dependent upon individuals. How does God want to use you? What part will He call on you to play that only you can fulfil? Will you respond to His call? What are you wrestling with right now that you know you need to surrender to? Will others suffer because we don’t want to get involved? Will others perish because I don’t want to be disturbed?

Every individual in the kingdom of God has been drawn there because each one can play a pivotal role at a unique time to further the cause of Christ in our world. Let us be ever alert to stand and say, “Here I am, Lord, send me!” To that volunteer will come adventure, great reward, exhilarating victory, and marvellous stories to tell to the children and grandchildren. But it won’t be easy. And the battles will be real for the kingdom of darkness is real. And there will probably be some wounds. But it will be worth it all.

God will act without us

God’s work in this world is not ultimately dependent upon individuals. Even though people, as individuals, have always had a key role to play in the kingdom of God, it is ultimately God Who fulfils His plans. Notice that Mordecai says, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place…” Mordecai knows that God WILL keep His promises.

What was made clear to Abraham about a people, a land, and a covenant (Gen. 12) will come to pass. The Jews will not be completely destroyed, no matter what enemy has made what plans. Mordecai is fully convinced that God’s plans will be fulfilled to the letter.

God will not be disappointed from accomplishing exactly what He has planned. If Esther chooses to sit out this round, if she chooses to remain completely silent at this time, God’s plans for His people will be completed in some other way. Relief and deliverance will come:
- from some other action
- of some other individual
- from some other place, eg: revival taking place in Fiji in the pacific as I am speaking.

We have a great God. If we choose to be silent when God’s Spirit says speak, if we choose to be disobedient when opportunity knocks, if we decide to turn a deaf ear when a need comes calling, God will not be defeated. Someone else will respond, and someone else will be blessed, and someone else will have a story to tell to the nations!

When the Lord Jesus was commanded by the Pharisees to hush up His disciples, for they were shouting, ‘Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord’… When the Pharisees said, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples,” the Lord Jesus said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40) God would have His Son recognized and praised, either by disciples or by rocks from the side of the road.

What this means for us, is that God can handle our failures. Sure it’s a shame when we stumble and fail, but God can handle it. Sure we lose and there are consequences to be paid, but God can handle it. Sure we are afraid and paralyzed and immobile, but God cannot fail. And if He cannot fail, then we are encouraged to step forward when He calls for us to act.

Esther came to understand that this was her moment on the stage of Jewish history. And by the grace of God she was found faithful. She proved to be dependable as one of God’s children. And her story and her glory live on for all of time and eternity.

So Mordecai’s question to Esther is God’s question for us as well: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Don’t worry about the uncertainties. Be ready to answer God’s call. Don’t let failure keep you from stepping forward again. For ultimately, it is God’s work, and He will not fail.