Jehosheba is a hero of the Bible who saves a toddler from the evil schemes of a power-hungry authority.  Consider how Moses was saved under Pharaoh’s reign, or Jesus during the time of King Herod.  Even with this heroic act, we know little about Jehosheba.  She was the daughter of King Jehoram and married the priest Jehoiada.  These are two historical figures most people know little about.  Her husband led a rebellion to instill the rightful heir of David to the throne in Jerusalem.  Her father was so evil the Bible says that when he died it was to no one’s regret (2 Chron. 21:20).

 On Sint Maarten, house numbers are assigned in the order built, not for their position on the street.  Buildings can have multiple family dwellings in them, with front doors on various sides of the buildings.  Also forget about using GPS where there is not even a map of the island. 

Years ago I was led to discover the central importance of the kingdom, but I’m seeing that it is a lifetime venture to grasp the kingdom lifestyle. How very far I have yet to go! But the power of the kingdom, made possible through the resurrected and ascended Christ, through Holy Spirit, is quietly transforming. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power” 1 Corinthians 4:20.

Psalm 85 continues this picture of desiring closeness with God, but takes a slightly different perspective.  In Psalm 84, I get this imagery of excitement, anticipation, energized passion for God, whereas Psalm 85 depicts an image of peace, protection, and righteousness in relationship.  There is still a deep longing for a connection, but it’s like comparing the honeymoon, “puppy-love” phase of a new marriage, to a secure, content, lifelong covenant marriage.  

As born again believers indwelt with Holy Spirit, to reject the work of Holy Spirit in Jesus is to reject the very Spirit life within us.

Of all people, the Korahites understood the power God had and what He could do to those who did not follow Him.  They knew this because of what their own generational line experienced! 

Healings, for Jesus, were costly, as we see in Mark 5:30 - “Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth.” It is accurate to say that He was literally drained in the aftermath of miracles.

After looking to the vastness of God’s creation, David asks in 8:4, “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”  David goes on to say that God crowned us with glory and honor.  We are such a small piece in God’s creation that it is hard to imagine that God cares so much for us. 

The test of adversity reveals the nature of the foundation. In normal times a poor foundation is indistinguishable from a good one. But, it becomes clearly evident in the aftermath of a hurricane, tornado, or flood as to the quality of the foundation.

2 Samuel begins with Saul’s death.  Chapter one tells of his death and David’s reaction.  Chapter two shows David seeking God’s advice and being anointed king over Judah, the northern kingdom.  Also, we see Abner anointing Ish-bosheth, Saul’s remaining son, king over Israel, the southern kingdom.