Daily Notes & Observations is a 365-part series that follows a chronological daily Bible reading schedule and contains a short article based on something found in the text for each day. This material is also available in paperback.

May 22, 2012

The Lord Is Our Maker, We Are His People (5/22)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 95, 97-99.

“The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land” (Psalm 95:5).

Who owns the ocean? The psalmist says that God owns it. But how did God come to be the owner? He did not purchase it, trade for it, or receive it as a gift. Rather, the psalmist tells us that the sea belongs to God because He created it.

Of course, this point is not just for the natural world. This same principle applies to us as well. The psalmist goes on to point this out.
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May 21, 2012

One Who Rules in the Fear of God (5/21)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57.

The “last words of David” (2 Samuel 23:1) begin with a statement he received from the Lord about those who rule over others.

“The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, ‘He who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain’” (2 Samuel 23:3-4).

The people who have a righteous, God-fearing man as their ruler are truly blessed. Let us consider a couple of points about this.
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May 20, 2012

"They Oppose Me, Because I Follow What Is Good" (5/20)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 5, 38, 41-42.

“For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.

“But my enemies are vigorous and strong, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. And those who repay evil for good, they oppose me, because I follow what is good. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me!” (Psalm 38:18-21)

As David calls to the Lord for help, he states the reason why the wicked were opposed to him – he followed what was good (Psalm 38:20). Yet right before this, he acknowledged that he had committed iniquity (Psalm 38:18). What should this teach us?
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May 19, 2012

Destroying a City Over One Man (5/19)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Samuel 19-21.

Sheba, leader of a rebellion against David, was pursued and trapped by Joab in the city of Beth-maacah. In an effort to capture this man, Joab besieged the city and his men began attacking the wall in order to topple it (2 Samuel 20:14-15). As this was happening, a wise woman came out to reason with Joab in order to spare the city.

“‘I am of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You are seeking to destroy a city, even a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?’ Joab replied, ‘Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy! Such is not the case. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against King David. Only hand him over, and I will depart from the city.’ And the woman said to Joab, ‘Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.’

“Then the woman wisely came to all the people. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, each to his tent. Joab also returned to the king in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 20:19-22).

There are some principles of justice found in this account:
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May 18, 2012

"Examine Me, O Lord" (5/18)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64.

David placed his complete trust in the Lord and relied upon Him for help in times of trouble. He regularly referred to his integrity as a reason why God should help him, even inviting God to examine him to prove his faithfulness.

“Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.

“I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go with pretenders. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked. I shall wash my hands in innocence, and I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving and declare all Your wonders” (Psalm 26:2-7).

What if God examined us? What would He find?
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May 17, 2012

"Let Him Alone and Let Him Curse" (5/17)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Samuel 16-18.

As David traveled with his men, a man named Shimei came and followed along with them, cursing David, throwing stones at the king and his servants, and accusing David of being a man of bloodshed who was receiving what he deserved in Absalom’s rebellion. Abishai, one of David’s men, wanted to kill Shimei for his taunting.

“Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.’ But the king said, ‘What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, “Curse David,” then who shall say, “Why have you done so?”’ Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, ‘Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him. Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.’

“So David and his men went on the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside parallel with him and as he went he cursed and cast stones and threw dust at him. The king and all his people who were with him arrived weary and he refreshed himself there” (2 Samuel 16:9-14).

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May 16, 2012

How Long Will You Love What Is Worthless? (5/16)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55.

“O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him” (Psalm 4:2-3).

Too many have a warped sense of priorities, especially when it comes to spiritual things. They will reject the things of God, will consider righteousness a reproach, and will refuse to follow the truth. They mock such things and ridicule those who value them.
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