Gentleness is not the same thing as being timid. Timidity is the fear of man. Gentleness is the fear of God, or rather holding God in a position of reverence. We don't need to be afraid of anger or rejection by other people because it is God's opinion that really matters. God loves us all and wants us to be stewards of those around us.

Our desire also, is not to just make people feel better, but to help make them better. The spirit of gentleness enables us to rescue hurting people without judging them. It also enables us to speak the truth in love, even if they don't want to hear it. When we lovingly speak to someone in a gentle tone, it can open their heart to the message we are giving, much like kindness.

Let's remember our true priorities this week!

Yours in Christ,

---

This famine was God's response to Saul's murderous treatment of the Gibeonites. If you'll recall, God had told the Israelites to utterly destroy everyone in their path to clear out their promised land, but they ended up making treaties with some of them. The Gibeonites fall into that category. This shows God's desire for us to have free will. How do I see that? God enforced the treaty, even though it had gone against his instructions. We need to fulfill our end of bargains unless in fulfilling it, we are corrupted before God. I don't understand how turning over seven descendents to be put to death for the actions of a deceased king will solve anything, but that was the request of the Gibeonites, and that request likely saved many from death by starvation.

Day 2

Never let it be said that David was an OK songwriter. This guy was awesome! After the hectic life he had enjoyed to this point, a powerful song like this was definitely in order. This song is also great enough that it deserves to be quoted twice in the Bible. To paraphrase:

I was in trouble too deep for me to get out of on my own. My cause was hopeless and then I looked to God. He came in glory and power and destroyed my foes, rescuing me. My own strength is not enough, you are the true source of power. In you, the weakest man is made powerful. I will praise you forever!

Day 3

David took a census at the suggestion of Satan, which infuriated God. After this was done, David had to choose among three terrible things for the people to experience. Three years of famine would be terrible. Three months of running from enemies would be disastrous. Three days of plague would be horrendous, but it would be only 3 days. I think that may have been the one I'd choose due to the short span. That is what happened, and many died. I don't see the harm in taking a census, but in following the wishes of Satan is another matter altogether. God did show that the matter was closed by providing the fire for the alter that David built, though, so the crisis was ended.

Once this was done, David began the preparations for a temple to the Lord. I imagine he would have started on the building himself, but God let him know that he was too much a man of violence. Solomon, David's peaceful son was deemed the better choice for this task. It takes a big man to admit that he isn't the right one for a task...any task! David was not without his faults, but compared to so many others we've read about, he stands out in my mind as a wonderful example for us all.

Day 4

David made Solomon king over Israel, but he still took an active role in the way things went in Israel for the building of the temple. This was obviously something that mattered to David quite a bit. The building was a musical event as much as a construction site. Just the way I would imagine David's celebration of God!

Day 5

David had a meeting here to discuss the "state of the nation" and discuss what would be next.
Rule one: Obey the commands of God and serve Him wholeheartedly.

It was nice that God allowed David to have such an active role in the building of the temple. God put the plans in David's mind and let him be the one to understand God's intentions, so he would not become unimportant in it's building. And that blessing at the end shows a truth that is as valid today as it has always been. Everything we have came from God and we can give nothing to Him that didn't first come to us from Him.

Amen.

Day 6

It was now official. Solomon was now the king, and the party must have lasted for days! But beware, Israel. Another is setting himself to assume the kingly role. And that other is another of David's sons. Adonijah, born next after Absalom. David did have a rebuttal to this, though. He had Nathan and the priests annoint Solomon and declare him king. This caused Adonijah to be in great distress, fearing for his life, but Solomon was slow to anger and quick to forgiveness. The matter was solved within a short time and war did not break out. Solomon was already a wise and peaceful ruler.

Day 7

David's last words to Solomon were to put things right. David had sworn oaths not to harm certain people that should have been dealt with harshly so it went to Solomon to take care of these matters. Of course, David also reaffirmed the best advice that could have been given. He reminded his son to walk the Lord's path so his reign could last and prosper. He also gives us some insight into the nature of God: You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

This reminds me a little also of the words spoken when my grandfather knew that eternal glory was approaching. "...the last mile is so steep, but I see beautiful places in my dreams. I didn't want to come back. It was filled with azure skies and looked like the majestic mountains of Colombia." David is acknowledging, for the final time on this earth, the majesty of God. I imagine David also had dreams in his final days. Dreams of the glory that awaited him. This is truly a beautiful reading.

Weekly Link http://www.smallsquare.co.uk/ Those of you that know me personally know that I'm not the most coordinated person in the world. I have to stop walking to chew my gum! This flash-based site is intended to teach you the basics of juggling. So far, I just press a couple computer buttons and let the site do the real juggling, but if I can study the mechanics of it all, perhaps I can attempt to juggle something real. Chainsaws are not an option at this time, neither is anything on fire. Maybe I should get some bean bags...

I hope you enjoyed this e-zine. If you know anyone else who would enjoy this newsletter, please forward this e-mail to them or direct them to http://www.coffeeswirls.com/weeklybible/
Thanks for sharing my goal of reading the Bible in its entirety this year!