2012 August Devotional

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    THE JEBUSITESAUGUST 1

    Bible Reading: II Samuel 5:1-10Key Verse: 6- And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the

    inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the

    blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come inhither.

    Key Words: And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites

    The Jebusites were a Canaanite people, descendants of Ham. They were also

    the inhabitants of Jebus, known today as Jerusalem. The Israelites encountered the

    Jebusites when they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land under

    Joshua; however, Jerusalem remained under Jebusite control for many years until itwas decisively captured by King David. Although the Jebusites lost the city in battle,

    David respected their property rights he legally purchased the threshing floor of

    Araunauh (also known as Ornan) the Jebusite which became one of the most

    famous places in the world, Mount Moriah, the site where Solomon built the first

    Temple of God. (See I Chronicles chapter 21.)

    The Jebusites represent opposition (II Samuel 5:6). Anytime we follow the will

    and the Word of God we are going to face opposition. Remember a certain amountof opposition is a great help to man. Kites rise against, not with, the wind.

    Hitler imprisoned a German pastor, Martin Niemoller, for eight years. He spent

    time in prison and concentration camps, including Dachau. Hitler realized that if

    Niemoller, a World War I hero in Germany, could be persuaded to join his cause,

    then most of Hitlers enemies would follow suit. So he sent a former friend of

    Niemollers to visit him, a friend who supported Hitlers cause. Seeing Niemoller in

    his cell, the friend said, Martin! Martin! Why are you here? To which Niemollerreplied, My friend, why are you not here?

    Remember, there is always opposition to doing the will of God!!

    What to do: Do it anyway!

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    THE KENITESAUGUST 2

    Bible Reading: Judges 1:8-20Key Verse: 16- And the children of the Kenite, Moses father in law, went up out of the

    city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which

    lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.Key Words: And the children of the Kenite, Moses father-in-law

    The Kenites are first mentioned in Genesis 15:18. Their land was among the

    land promised to Abram.

    The most popular of all Kenites would be Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.

    The Kenites held a very special place in Israels history. They traveled with the

    children of Israel in the desert.Balaam said of the Kenites, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy

    nest in a rock. Numbers 24:21b.

    The Kenites are a picture of safety that comes from putting your nest in the

    Rock, which is, of course, our Lord and our God, Jesus Christ.

    An interesting map is on display in the British Museum in London. It is an old

    Mariners chart, drawn in 1525, outlining the North American coastline and adjacent

    waters. The cartographer made some interesting notations on areas of the map thatrepresented regions at that time not yet explored. He wrote, Here be giants, Here

    be scorpions, and Here be dragons. Eventually the map came into possession of

    Sir John Franklin, a British explorer in the early 1800s. Scratching out the fearful

    inscriptions, he wrote these words across the map, Here is God.

    The Kenites knew where to put their nest: in the Rock.

    What to do: Do the same as the Kenites of Numbers 24:21b.

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    THE MOABITESAUGUST 3

    Bible Reading: Ruth 1:1-18Key Verse: 18- When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then

    she left speaking unto her.

    Key Words: then she left speaking unto her

    The Moabites were a Semetic people who lived in the highlands east of theDead Sea which is known as Jordan. They can be traced back as far as 582 BC.

    Jewish historian, Josephus, says their demise came at the hand of theBabylonians about that time.

    The Moabites are descendants of Lot. The Moabites, or at least Ruth, theMoabitess, is a picture of what a person can become when the right person (Naomi)influences their life.

    Years ago the communist government in China commissioned an author to writea biography of Hudson Taylor with the purpose of distorting the facts and presentinghim in a bad light. They wanted to discredit the name of this consecrated missionaryof the Gospel. As the author was doing his research, he was increasingly impressedby Taylor's saintly character and Godly life, and he found it extremely difficult to carryout his assigned task with a clear conscience. Eventually, at the risk of losing his life,

    he laid aside his pen, renounced his atheism, and received Jesus as his personalSavior. Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others.

    Dr. John Geddie went to Aneityum in 1848 and worked there for God for 24years. On the tablet erected to his memory these words are inscribed: When helanded, in 1848, there were no Christians. When he left, in 1872, there were noheathen.

    Now, thats an influence!

    What to do: We may not be a Naomi or a Hudson Taylor or a John Geddie, but we

    can all be who and what God called us to be and leave an influence onothers.

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    THE HIVITESAUGUST 4

    Bible Reading: Joshua 9:1-15Key Verse: 7- And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell

    among us; and how shall we make a league with you?

    Key Words: the Hivites

    The Hivites at one time dwelt in what is now Lebanon. It is believed that the

    Hivites were destroyed by the Assyrians during the time of Sennacherib. The most

    popular of all the Hivites was Hamor and his son Shechem. You read about them in

    Genesis 34. It was Shechem who raped Dinah, the daughter of Jacob.

    Now, its bad when the thing you are remembered for is rape!

    The name Hivite means life. It carries the idea of a life of pleasure andworldlinessthats the Hivites.

    Charles Spurgeon once said, I sometimes get this question put to me,

    concerning certain worldly amusements, May I do so-and-so? I am very sorry

    whenever anyone asks me that question, because it shows that there is something

    wrong, or it would not be raised at all. If a person's conscience lets him say, Well, I

    can go to A, he will very soon go on to B, C, D, E, and through all the letters of the

    alphabet. . .When Satan cannot catch us with a big sin, he will try a little one. It doesnot matter to him as long as he catches his fish, what bait he uses. Beware of the

    beginning of evil, for many, who bade fair to go right, have turned aside and

    perished amongst the dark mountains in the wide field of sin.

    So it was with the Hivites!

    What to do: Remember, first you make your decision, then your decision makes

    you.

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    THE AMALEKITESAUGUST 5

    Bible Reading: I Samuel 15:1-9Key Verse: 2- Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to

    Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

    Key Words: I remember that which Amalek did

    The Amalekites were a Nomad people who dwelt in Gereb which is around

    Beersheba in Southern Israel. It was a desert land which is now one of the primary

    places for Israels military forces.

    The Amalekites were a primary enemy of Israel, if not the primary enemy. You

    read in I Samuel where God instructs King Saul to destroy all that they have. One of

    the reasons for this is the Amalekites pulled a sneak attack on Israel when they wereleaving Egypt. Not only was it a surprise attack, they attacked from the rear. Those

    in the rear would have been mostly women and children and the elderly. The

    Amalekites were cowardly indeed.

    The most well-known of the Amalekites would have been Amalek. The

    Amalekites were known as a people of destruction, leaving behind devastation

    everywhere they went. Satan has his Amalekites today who want to destroy

    Christianity, but in spite of that it lives on.Soon after a missionary arrived in a small Chinese town she noticed that a gang

    of bandits had just destroyed the little town and everything in it. Then a native

    Christian showed the missionary the ruins of his home: a burnt roof and structure,

    and furniture, all turned to ashes. Then, what appeared to be the last straw, the

    native Christian pointed to his hymnbook and Bible. He said, They even burned my

    Bible and hymnbook! And from the ruins, the native picked a single page of his

    Chinese hymnbook, the only thing to escape the flames! The missionary took up thepiece of paper and it read Joy to the world, the Lord is come! What an apparent

    mockery, a note of joy in the midst of total destruction. But the missionary went on to

    say, that if you could have gone to the little chapel and seen the light on the faces of

    those native Christians that evening, that those who had lost nearly everything were

    speaking of the home that Jesus has prepared for those who love Him.

    What to do: Ive read the last chapter of the Book. We are victorious! Dont forget

    that!

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    THE PERIZZITESAUGUST 6

    Bible Reading: Exodus 3:1-10Key Verse: 8- And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians,

    and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land

    flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, andthe Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

    Key Words: the Perizzites

    The Perizzites are one of seven people groups listed as possessing the

    Promised Land. It is believed that the Perizzites dwelt in the city of Debir. Debir is

    located in the southern part of Israel near Hebron. It was a part of the land Caleb

    received for an inheritance when Israel took over the land.There are no famous Perizzites mentioned in the Bible. It is believed they were

    named after a skilled warrior named Perez. The name Perizzite means unwalled or

    unprotected.

    Just as Jericho was a walled city, the Perizzites dwelt in an unwalled city. But it

    really doesnt matterif God be for you, then who can be against you? But if God be

    against you, then there is no protection. Only God can protect.

    Lorrie Anderson, missionary to the head-shrinking Candoshi Shapra Indians ofPeru, was looking for a quiet place for her daily time of Bible reading and prayer, so

    she went down by the edge of the river. After reading the Bible, she took up her

    prayer list. Eyes closed, she did not see the deadly anaconda weaving through the

    water until it struck, burying its fangs into her flesh. It withdrew to strike, hitting her

    arm again and again as it held her, screaming, in its coils. It reared up for the death

    blows. Then suddenly the giant snake, never known to release its prey, relaxed its

    grip and slithered off through the water. While Lorrie was being treated, a witchdoctor from a nearby village burst into the hut and stared at her. She couldn't believe

    Lorrie had survived. She said her son-in-law, also a witch doctor, had chanted to the

    spirit of the anaconda that morning and sent it to kill the young missionary. "I'm

    certain," Lorrie said, "that except for the protection of God, it would have worked."

    Praise God for His protection!

    What to do: Make God your Wall of Protection.

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    THE HITTITESAUGUST 7

    Bible Reading: Joshua 1:1-8Key Verse: 4- From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the

    river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going

    down of the sun, shall be your coast.Key Words: land of the Hittites

    The Hittites, as you can see from our key verse, once dwelt in the Promised

    Land. They are descendents of Heth, hence the name Hittites. Heth was the son of

    Canaan, who was the youngest son of Ham.

    The Hittites went to what is now Turkey after being driven from the land by

    Joshua and the Israelites. They became a very powerful nation and ruled theirregion from 1600 to 1234 B.C. They were astrology worshippers, worshipping both

    the sky and Arinna, the sun goddess.

    The Hittites are a picture of what happens to a powerful nation without God.

    This is a warning to America as well.

    French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I

    sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample

    rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it inher rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her

    institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic

    Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into

    the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I

    understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is

    good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"

    We often say God bless America, I am convinced that that will not happen untilAmerica blesses God!!

    What to do: Be a blessing to God.

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    THE HORITESAUGUST 8

    Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 2:16-23Key Verse: 22- As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he

    destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in

    their stead even unto this day:Key Words: when he destroyed the Horims

    We know very little about the Horites, but we do know they dwelt in a placecalled Seir which is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. We also know theydwelt in caves for which the region of Seir is known. As a matter of fact, the nameHorite means cave men or cave people.

    Horim had six sons who were known as dukes. The word means chieftains.Evidently, each son had a village which he oversaw with Horim being the chiefchieftain.

    Reading about the Horites makes me thankful for all God has given to me. Canyou imagine living in a cave?

    Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in thepulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning theweather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, Certainly the

    preacher wont think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day likethis. Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, We thank Thee, OGod, that it is not always like this. But it was with the Horites!

    What to do: The next time you want to complain about your dwelling place, think of

    the Horites.

    THE KADMONITESAUGUST 9

    Bible Reading: Genesis 29:1-20

    Key Verse: 1- Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the peopleof the east.

    Key Words: people of the east

    Now heres one most of us have never heard of: the Kadmonite people. Theyoccupied the land around the River Euphrates. They dwelt east of the PromisedLand. As a matter of fact, the name Kadmonite means people or sons of the east.

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    They would have been shepherds by trade. It is from this group of people that Jacobfound Rachel. It is the land to which Jacob fled when fleeing from Esau. Job is saidto be the greatest of the men of the east (Job 1:3).

    The people of the east, the Kadmonites were a part of the coalition that foughtwith the Midianites against Gideon (Judges 6:3, 33). It was the people of the east,

    the Kadmonites, that were slaughtered by Gideon (Judges 8:10). They are a pictureof a defeated people.One of the most publicized boxing matches of all time took place November 25,

    1980, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans between Sugar Ray Leonard andRoberto Duran. Leonard used his superior speed and movement to outbox andbefuddle Duran. "The whole fight, I was moving, I was moving," Leonard said. "AndVoom! I snapped his head back with a jab. Voom! I snapped it back again. He triedto get me against the ropes, I'd pivot, spin off and Pow! Come under with a punch."

    In Round 7, Leonard started to taunt Duran. Leonard's most memorable punchcame late in the round. Winding up his right hand, as if to throw a bolo punch,Leonard snapped out a left jab and caught Duran flush in the face.

    In the closing seconds of Round 8, Duran turned his back to Leonard and quit,saying to referee Octavio Meyran, "No Mas" ("no more" in Spanish). Leonard wasthe winner by a technical knockout at 2:44 of Round 8.

    What the Israelites did to the Kadmonites was not a technical knockout, it wassimply a knockout. The Kadmonites were to be heard from no more.

    What to do: Remember, we are free to do what we want to do, but we are not free

    to choose the consequences of our actions.

    THE GIBEONITESAUGUST 10

    Bible Reading: II Samuel 21:1-14Key Verse: 1- Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after

    year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and

    for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.Key Words: slew the Gibeonites

    The Gibeonites dwelt just north of Jerusalem. According to II Samuel 21:2, theywere a remnant or an off-shoot of the Amorites. Today they dwell in the city of Jibwhich is around the west back of Palestine. Today there are fewer than 5,000 peoplewho claim to be Gibeonites. They almost all practice the Muslim religion.

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    The Gibeonites are known for deceiving Joshua and the Israelites. See Joshuachapter 9.

    In our Bible reading for today Israel is being punished by God for breakingIsraels covenant with the Gibeonites.

    The principle we learn from the Gibeonites is to keep our word. Our word should

    be our bond, no matter what!The brilliant Christian scholar and writer C. S. Lewis took that truth seriously. Hewas determined to pay what he had vowed. His biography tells of the suffering heendured because he kept a promise he had made to a buddy during World War I.This friend was worried about the care of his wife and small daughter if he should bekilled in battle, so Lewis assured him that if that were to happen he would look afterthem. As the war dragged on, the man was killed. True to his word, Lewis took careof his friends family. Yet no matter how helpful he tried to be, the woman was

    ungrateful, rude, arrogant, and domineering. Through it all, Lewis kept forgiving her.He refused to let her actions become an excuse to renege on his promise.

    Quite convicting, isnt it?

    What to do: Strive to keep your promises.

    THE HARARITESAUGUST 11

    Bible Reading: II Samuel 23:8-39

    Key Verse: 11- And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And thePhilistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full oflentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.

    Key Words: the Hararite

    The Hebrew word hararite means mountain men. No doubt these people dweltin the mountains around Judah. They would have been a rough and rugged group.We know that based upon the fact that two of them were listed among Davidsmighty men: Shammah (II Samuel 23:11) and Ahiam, the son of Sharar (II Samuel23:32-33).

    The word mightyin verse 22 means valiant hero stand.Researchers for the World Almanacand Book of Facts asked 2000 American

    eighth-grade students to name prominent people they admired and wanted to belike. Those most frequently mentioned by the teens as their heroes were celebritiessuch as Burt Reynolds, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, and the late John Belushi.

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    Commenting on this, columnist Sidney J. Harris lamented the fact that every one ofthe 30 prominent personalities who were named was either an entertainer or anathlete. He noted that statesmen, authors, painters, musicians, architects, doctors,and astronauts failed to capture the imagination of those students. He furthersuggested that the heroes and heroines created by our society are people who have

    made it big, but not necessarily people who have done big things.I challenge each of us to go and be mighty people for God, and do some bigthings.

    What to do: If you aim for nothing, youll hit it every time so aim for something for

    Gods glory.

    THE ISHMEELITES (ISHMAELITES)AUGUST 12

    Bible Reading: Genesis 37:23-36Key Verse: 25- And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and

    looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camelsbearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

    Key Words: a company of Ishmeelites

    The Ishmaelites are descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham, through hisrelationship with Hagar. God promised in Genesis 17:20 to make him a great nation.He had twelve sons, all of whom are scattered through Arab nations.

    During Josephs day the Ishmaelites were known as spice traders (Genesis37:25) who traveled from Gilead to Egypt (Genesis 37:28; 39:1). The Midianites and

    Amalekites which were defeated by Gideon are identified as Ishmaelites (Judges8:24). The Ishmaelites are associated with Edom and the Moabites as well (Psalm83:6-7). It is obvious that the Ishmaelites belong to the desert tribes who did and still

    to this day consistently harass and attempt to intimidate Israel, but I might add to noavail.

    Speaking of intimidation, I read recently about George Bernard Shaw who onceappeared before a London audience which applauded him vigorously. He stepped tothe front of the platform ready to give his speech. The crowd was calling wildly forhim. As the roar subsided, and in that tense moment of silence, just before hebegun, a voice from the balcony cried Blah! That would have finished many

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    speakers. But not Shaw; he was not intimidated. He looked up and said calmly,Brother, I agree with you fully, but what can two of us do against so many?

    Just as the attempt to intimidate Shaw failed, so have the many attempts of theArab nations failed to intimidate Israel. And so it goes and will go until the Lordreturns.

    What to do: Pray for Israel, but take their example and do not be intimidated by

    those who have disdain for God.

    THE MIDIANITESAUGUST 13

    Bible Reading: Genesis 25:1-11Key Verse: 2- And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and

    Ishbak, and Shuah.

    Key Words: and Midian

    The Midianites were descendants of Midian, the son of Abraham through

    Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2).

    The Midianites dwelt primarily around the desert of the Sinai. They were a

    Nomadic people.

    The Midianites are primarily known for two things, both of which showed their

    disdain for Israel. First, they joined with the Moabites in hiring Balaam to curse Israel(Numbers 22:4-7). They also, some 200 years later, joined with the Amalekites and

    the children of the east, the Kadmonites, and for several years oppressed Israel,

    until Gideon was called by God to lead them out of captivity and bondage to

    freedom (Judges 6-7). It is for this reason the Midianites are seen as an oppressive

    people.

    As believers in Christ we as well can experience certain degrees of oppression,

    depending upon where we live and how we serve.Christians in Romania relate that during the government oppression they had

    endured for years, Bibles were very scarce. Christians would tear pages out of the

    Bible, pass them around, and hide them so that they could have them to read.

    Recently, their church in Romania began a building program and, while digging

    some footers, discovered a metal container that had been buried in 1937. It had

    dozens of little blue Bibles in it and a note that said, We know that in the near future

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    we will no longer be allowed to worship God freely. It is our prayer that you will find

    these Bibles at a time when our people most need the Word of God. Those

    Romanians in 1937 went to some risk to help save a generation of total strangers.

    What to do: The risk we take by faith for the Lord will always be worth the results.

    THE KENEZITES

    AUGUST 14Bible Reading: Numbers 32:1-15

    Key Verse: 12- Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the sonof Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

    Key Words: the Kenezite

    No doubt Caleb would be the best known of all the Kenezites. Their namecomes from a descendant named Kenaz. All of the Kenezites were from the tribe of

    Asher, Jacobs second son.The Kenezites would have dwelt in the mountains of Israel. Remember, it was

    Caleb who said, Give me this mountain (Joshua 14:12).The Kenezites were a fearless people who, as a whole, put God first. When

    others ran in fear, not Calebhe stood strong!!!When a traveler in the early days of the West, came to the Mississippi, he

    discovered there was no bridge. Fortunately, it was winter and the great river was

    sheeted over with ice. But the traveler was afraid to trust himself to cross it, notknowing how thick it was. Finally, with infinite caution, he crept on his hands andknees and managed to get halfway over. And then he heardyes he heard singingfrom behind. Cautiously he turned, and there, out of the dusk, came anothertraveler, driving a four-horse load of coal over the ice, singing as he went! When hesaw the traveler crawling along slowly in fear, the young lad stopped, looked at himfor a few seconds and then said, Sir, I would at least stand up, and if you die youwill at least die like a man! Thats the Kenezites, thats Caleb. If they were to die,

    they would do it like men.

    What to do: Be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might.

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    THE KORHITESAUGUST 15

    Bible Reading: Numbers 16:1-11Key Verse: 1- Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and

    Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben,

    took men:Key Words: Now Korah

    The Korhites are the primary people who rose up against Moses and

    questioned his right to lead Israel. The Korhites were of the religious leaders, the

    tribe of Levi. They were probably in charge of the temple music (I Chronicles 6:22,

    31-32).

    But the thing that stands out about their service was their desire for power. Theaverage person fails to understand the difference between power and authority.

    As a result, many people can simply force people to do what they want because

    they have the power to make them do it. However, few people like to be forced to do

    anything. Eventually such power-driven leadership destroys relationships. On the

    other hand, some have the ability to lead through authority. Authority is different than

    power. Power is something you have and force on people. Authority is something

    you gain. It is given to you by the people you lead. How does one gain authorityfrom those they lead? Only through service and sacrifice. When people see that you

    have their best interests at heart, when they see you are willing to sacrifice and

    serve them, they will be willing to follow. Thats servant leadership, thats authority.

    Thats what Korah and the Korhites failed to understand. Today, some of our

    churches are filled with Korhites who want the power but fail to gain the authority.

    May God help them and bless the others.

    What to do: Long for Gods power and authority.

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    THE BETHLEHEMITESAUGUST 16

    Bible Reading: I Samuel 16:1-13Key Verse: 1- And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul,

    seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go,

    I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among hissons.

    Key Words: Jesse the Bethlehemite

    Bethlehem is a town of about 10,000 people. It is located five miles south of

    Jerusalem.

    Salma, the son of Caleb, is described as the father of Bethlehem (I Chronicles

    2:51). Rachel, the wife of Jacob, is said to be buried in Bethlehem. David dwelt atBethlehem (I Samuel 17:15); and we do know that Bethlehem was the birth city of

    Jesus (Matthew 2:1).

    The name Bethlehem means house of bread. If you were ever to visit the Holy

    Land, you would quickly see that bread is the main course at meal time. Every meal

    had a bread served.

    Jesus is our Bread of Life. He is the main thing. Without Him we have nothing.

    In Acts 2:46 we are told, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple,and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and

    singleness of heart. In Acts 20:7, we are told, And upon the first day of the week,

    when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready

    to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

    The principle is to keep the main thing the main thing. Keep Jesus as the Bread

    of your life and youll never lack for spiritual nourishment.

    What to do: Dont lack for spiritual nutrition. Keep Jesus as the Bread of your life.

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    THE HUSHATHITESAUGUST 17

    Bible Reading: II Samuel 21:15-22Key Verse: 18- And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the

    Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the

    sons of the giant.Key Words: Sibbechai the Hushathite

    The Hushathites appear five times in Gods Word. The Hushathites are

    descendants of Husha, who was from Palestine, but the most notable Hushathite

    would be Sibbechai, one of Davids mighty men. The Hushathites were warriors. All

    five times they are mentioned in Gods Word, they are at war or preparing to go to

    war.The root word for Hushathite is eager excitement. Everywhere these people

    went they were eager to go to war and excited about the battle. This is not a bad

    thing for they appeared to be always on the right side of the battle, the Lords side!

    When we grow cold in lifes spiritual battles, we lose our excitement and

    eagerness for God. I recently read a story in regard to this.

    On the night of March 29, 1848, Niagara Falls completely and mysteriously

    stopped flowing. The estimated 500,000 gallons of water that customarily rushedover the falls stalled to a trickle.

    To some, the mystery of this sudden "turning off" of the river seemed to be a

    message from on high and by night most of the churches were packed with people

    praying. Some frightened voices began to speak about the end of the world. Fear

    grew into the proportions of panic.

    The cause of this unusual event began along the shores of Lake Erie near

    Buffalo. For several days, the wind had been blowing to the east over Lake Erie,driving much of its ice flow down river. Then the winds suddenly shifted to the west,

    driving the lake water west and causing the lakes ice to break up and dam the river.

    The Niagara River ceased to flow for almost 30 hours until the ice shifted and the

    dam broke up.

    This is what can happen to the believer when we become cold towards Christ

    and do not allow the Holy Spirit to flow through our lives. It can become disastrous.

    Has your love for Christ grown cold? Today in prayer, confess any sin to Christ andremember the love you had for Him when you first became a Christian. Walk with

    Him and do not let your love grow cold.

    ~ Author Unknown

    ...continued on the next page

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    What to do: Keep a close relationship with God and youll stay eager and excited

    about the things of God.

    THE LEVITESAUGUST 18

    Bible Reading: Joshua 3:1-13Key Verse: 3- And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the

    covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then yeshall remove from your place, and go after it.

    Key Words: the Levites

    The Levites were descendants of Levi. They were set apart for the service ofthe sanctuary, and were subordinate to the priest. A Levite served in their positionfrom the age of 25 to the age of 50 (Numbers 8:24-25). Their primary responsibilitywas to preserve the law and see that its requirements were met (Deuteronomy31:9-13).

    The Levites while serving men were servants of God. Their ultimate goal wasto please Jehovah.

    So popular and effective was Campbell Morgan's ministry that he was given allkinds of offers from many different places and people. John Wannamaker, the greatmerchant of Philadelphia, offered to build Morgan a million dollar church if he wouldbecome its pastor. Morgan turned him down, something the wealthy Wanamaker

    was not accustomed to in his dealings with people. "I am God's man," said Morgan."If I did that I would become John Wanamaker's man."

    What to do: Serve others but do so to please God.

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    THE SUCHATHITESAUGUST 19

    Bible Reading: I Chronicles 2:42-55Key Verse: 55- And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites,

    the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath,

    the father of the house of Rechab.Key Words: and Suchathites

    The Suchathites were scribes. A scribe was not just a writer; he was a keeperand register of public documents. They were the town clerks (see Acts 19:35).These scribes were a part of the Kenites. Remember Kenites? They traveled withthe Israelites during the time of the judges; and evidently, the Suchathites kept allthe public records for Israel.

    Whoever kept the records could not be one who was faint of heart. Recordingthings accurately is a blessing, unless of course the record reflects badly uponyouthen you must be courageous.

    Whoever invented the word chicken-hearted didnt know his chickens. I havenever seen a greater demonstration of courage, fearlessness, and loyalty than Ihave seen displayed by a chicken in the time of danger. A hen will sit immovablethrough the most violent storm with her chicks gathered safely beneath her, that they

    might be protected from the elements without. This example can help us betterunderstand why Jesus compared His own love to that of a hen who doth gather herchicks under her wings.

    Now, most of us have never heard of the Suchathites until you read thisdevotion. So the next time you read about the scribes in the Bible, you will knowwhere they came from: the Suchathites.

    What to do: Make sure as you write and speak, you write and speak accurately

    because someone is reading and listening.

    THE TIZITEAUGUST 20

    Bible Reading: I Chronicles 8:1-16; 11:45Key Verse: 11:45- Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,Key Words: the Tizite

    The only reference in Gods Word to any Tizite is a man named Joha. He wasone of the sons of Beriah, the Benjamite. He would have been the chief over their

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    tribe or village. He was also one of Davids mighty men. In all likelihood the villagehe was chief of would have been located somewhere around the MediterraneanSea.

    In chapter 11 of I Chronicles, God lists for us all of Davids mighty men. Hewants us to know who they are because they are called valiant men. As you read

    the Bible, it becomes clear that courageous men stand out in Gods Word. Its alsoclear that God has no respect for cowards (Revelation 21:8). The word fearfulmeans coward. So God brings to light Joha, the Tizite, because he was a valiantman, one of courage.

    To me a courageous person is one who forgets self and puts himself in harmsway for the safety and life of others.

    One summer morning as Ray Blankenship was preparing his breakfast, hegazed out the window, and saw a small girl being swept along in the rain-flooded

    drainage ditch beside his Andover, Ohio, home. Blankenship knew that fartherdownstream, the ditch disappeared with a roar underneath a road and then emptiedinto the main culvert. Ray dashed out the door and raced along the ditch, trying toget ahead of the foundering child. Then he hurled himself into the deep, churningwater. Blankenship surfaced and was able to grab the child's arm. They tumbled endover end. Within about three feet of the yawning culvert, Ray's free hand feltsomething, possibly a rock, protruding from one bank. He clung desperately, but thetremendous force of the water tried to tear him and the child away. "If I can just hangon until help comes," he thought. He did better than that. By the time fire-departmentrescuers arrived, Blankenship had pulled the girl to safety. Both were treated forshock. On April 12, 1989, Ray Blankenship was awarded the Coast Guard's SilverLifesaving Medal. The award was amazing considering Blankenship couldnt swim.

    We would never know of Ray Blankenship had it not been for his courage.Neither would we know of Joha and the village of Tizite had it not been for him beingone of Davids valiant mighty men.

    What to do:

    Your courage may never be known by the world, but God knows; so becourageous for Him.

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    THE GESHURITESAUGUST 21

    Bible Reading: II Samuel 3:1-11; Joshua 13:13Key Verse: 3- And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and

    the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

    Key Words: king of Geshur

    Geshur was a territory in the northern part of Bashan. It was located on the eastside of Jordan. When Joshua divided the land, it was allotted to the half-tribe ofManasseh, but the Geshurites could never be expelled (Joshua 13:13).

    In the time of David Geshur was an independent kingdom. David married adaughter, Maacah, of the king of Geshur (II Samuel 3:3). When Absalom rebelledagainst his father, he fled to his mothers native land of Geshur where he stayed,according to Jewish historians, for three years.

    The name Geshurite means a bridge, that which connects one area withanother area which was previously disconnected. The Geshurites seeminglyconnected with every group of people they encountered, both the Israelites, andIsraels greatest enemy at that time, the Amalekites. Now, before we become toohard on the Geshurites being a bridge, is that not what Jesus is? He is a bridge, ourconnection to heaven. Jesus connected with both rich and poor, religious and non-

    religious, the needy and the sick, and those who were wealthy and well-to-do.Years ago when our family would travel from Birmingham to Mobile, our trip

    would take five to six hours because of the long distance: almost 300 miles. Buttoday, the trip takes under four hours. The reason? Years ago you couldnt cross theMobile Bay in Saraland where our parents live; you had to go all the way around thebay which made the journey longer and more tiring. But today there is a bridge inSaraland which makes the journey less tedious.

    Jesus is our Bridge. He makes our journey on the earth worthwhile. While I long

    for heaven, I am to occupy until He comes for me because Jesus lightens my loadon the earth and makes the journey possible.

    I trust that Jesus is your Connection to a worthwhile journey on this earth, forHis glory.

    What to do:

    Make your journey worthwhile by traveling this life in the will of God.

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    THE GITTITESAUGUST 22

    Bible Reading: II Samuel 6:1-11Key Verse: 10- So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city

    of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

    Key Words: the house of Obed-edom the Gittite

    The Gittites dwelt in the land of Gath, a name primarily known because ofGoliath. But there is one more popular than Goliath, the man Obed-edom, theGittite.

    Who is Obed-edom? Why be like him? His choices and his life led to blessingsfor himself and his family. Let us, together, learn who Obed-edom was and about hislife.

    Obed-edom is first mentioned in the Bible, just after the death of Uzzah fortouching the Ark of God. This happened during King Davids first attempt to movethe Ark to Jerusalem. The Ark of God was placed in the home of Obed-edom. Hemust have been a man of faith to allow something in his home, just after God hadkilled someone for touching it (this broke one of the commands of the Lordconcerning the Ark). The Ark of God remained with Obed-edom for three months,and the Lord blessed his household and everything he owned.

    When it came time to move the Ark to Jerusalem, (this time correctly) Obed-edom had a choice. He could have stayed where he was and lived off of his pastrelationship with God or move with the Ark of God, staying in Gods presence and inrelationship with God, which he chose to do. The presence of God is a special thing.

    The well-known theologian Charles Hodge wrote about his early years atPrinceton: It was my privilege to be the pupil-assistant of Professor Joseph Henry,the illustrious scientist. When, for the first time, electric signals were sent from pointto point, the earth itself being used for the return current, Professor Henry put me at

    one end of the circuit, while he stood directing the experiments at the other. I canwell remember the wonderful care with which he arranged them. Very often, whenthe testing moment came, he would raise his hand in adoring reverence and callupon me to uncover my head and worship in silence. He would say, Because God ishere, I am about to ask Him a question.

    Obed-edom knew the importance of being in the presence of God. Thats whatwe learn of the Gittites that should be our desire day by day: Gods presence.

    What to do:

    Desire to be like Obed-edom and live in Gods presence.

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    THE MERARITESAUGUST 23

    Bible Reading: Numbers 3:33-43; 26:57Key Verse: 26:57- And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their

    families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the

    Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.Key Words: the family of the Merarites

    The Merarites were descendants of Merari. They along with the Gershonitesand Kohathites had charge of the tabernacle, which they had to carry from place toplace (Num. 3:20, 33-37; 4:29-33). In the distribution of the oxen and wagonsoffered by the princes (Num. 7), Moses gave twice as many to the Merarites (fourwagons and eight oxen) as he gave to the Gershonites, because the latter had tocarry only the lighter furniture of the tabernacle, such as the curtains, hangings, etc.,while the former had to carry the heavier portion, as the boards, bars, sockets,pillars, etc., and consequently needed a greater supply of oxen and wagons.

    The name Merarimeans bitterness. Now, I cannot say for sure that Merari wasa bitter person, nor that the Merarites were bitter people; but I can say for sure thatbitterness destroys.

    Armand M. Nicholi, M. D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School,

    explains that Sigmund Freud died at the age of 83, a bitter and disillusioned man.Tragically, this Viennese physician, one of the most influential thinkers of our time,had little compassion for the common person. Freud wrote in 1918, I have foundlittle that is good about human beings on the whole. In my experience most of themare trash, no matter whether they publicly subscribe to this or that ethical doctrine orto none at all. Freud died friendless. It is well-known that he had broken with eachof his followers. The end was bitter.

    Dont let the events of life make you bitter. Stay close to God and be better.

    What to do:

    Things in life can make you bitter or better depending on your attitudetoward them. So keep a Godly outlook and attitude.

    http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/hanging.htmlhttp://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/hanging.htmlhttp://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/moses.htmlhttp://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/moses.html
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    THE HEZRONITESAUGUST 24

    Bible Reading: I Chronicles 2:5; Ruth 4:13-22Key Verse: I Chron 2:5- The sons of Pharez; Hezron, and Hamul.Key Words: the sons of Pharez; Hezron

    Not much is known about the Hezronites, but heres what we do know. They aredescendants of Hezron who was the son of Pharez. They primarily lived south ofJudea. We know Hezron was in the same geneology as King David.

    The name Hezron means enclosed, surrounded. As you study the Hezronitesyou would have to believe they were surrounded by the care of our Lord andProtector.

    A mother and her four-year-old daughter were preparing to retire for the night.The child was afraid of the dark, and the mother, on this occasion alone with thechild, felt fearful also. When the light was out, the child caught a glimpse of themoon outside the window. Mother, she asked, is the moon Gods light?

    Yes, said the mother.The next question was, Will God put out His light and go to sleep?The mother replied, No, my child, God never goes to sleep.Then out of the simplicity of a childs faith, she said that which gave

    reassurance to the fearful mother, Well, as long as God is awake, there is no senseboth of us staying awake.

    Now, isnt that the truth? Remember the words of Jesus from Matthew 11:28,Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

    What to do:

    Be still and know that you are surrounded by God.

    THE AMORITESAUGUST 25

    Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-8

    Key Verse: 4- After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt inHeshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

    Key Words: king of the Amorites

    The Amorites were one of the seven people groups that possessed thePromised Land (Numbers 13:29).

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    After Israel possessed the land, the Amorites migrated to the land we knowtoday as Syria. One of the more well-known Amorites was Sihon who was the kingof the Amorites who led them to victory over the northern house of Moab. He led the

    Amorites to oppose Israel, which was a bad decision on his part. Israel defeated theAmorites and Sihon died in the battle.

    The name Amorite means a mountaineer. The Amorites were mountain people,probably dwelling around Mount Herman during the time of Israels invasion ofCanaan. To this day their descendants are still opposed to Israel and consider Israelas their greatest enemy. Their feelings toward Israel will not end until the King ofKings and Lord of Lords returns and makes all things righteous on this earthwhichreminds me of the following story.

    Rabbi David A. Nelson likes to tell the story of two brothers who went to theirrabbi to settle a long-standing feud. The rabbi got the two to reconcile their

    differences and shake hands. As they were about to leave, he asked each one tomake a wish for the other in honor of the Jewish New Year. The first brother turnedto the other and said, "I wish you what you wish me." At that, the second brotherthrew up his hands and said, "See, Rabbi, he's starting up again!"

    So it is with Israel! The Amorites and all the other ites will always see theIsraelites as their foe until the Lord returns.

    What to do: Pray for Israel. Pray for the Lord to return, but occupy until He does.

    THE AMMONITESAUGUST 26

    Bible Reading: I Kings 11:1-8Key Verse: 5- For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and

    after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

    Key Words: the abomination of the Ammonites

    The Ammonites were descendants of Ammon (Benammi), the son of Lot(Genesis 19:38). From the very beginning (Deuteronomy 2:16-20) of the history untilwe lose sight of them, this tribe is closely associated with the Moabites (Judges10:11; II Chronicles 20:1; Zephaniah 2:8).

    The Ammonites showed no kindness to the Israelites. They were usually hostiletoward Israel (Judges 3:13; I Samuel 11:11).

    These are some interesting facts about the Ammonites.

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    One of Solomons wives was Naamah, an Ammonite. She was the mother ofRehoboam (I Kings 14:31; II Chronicles 12:13). The prophets predicted fearful

    judgments against the Ammonites because of their hostility to Israel (Zephaniah 2:8;Jeremiah 49:1-6; Ezekiel 25:1-5, 10; Amos 1:13-15).

    The national idol worshipped by this people was Molech or Milcom, at whose

    altar they offered human sacrifices (I Kings 11:5, 7). The high places built for this idolby Solomon, at the instigation of his Ammonite wives, were not destroyed until thetime of Josiah (II Kings 23:13).

    The name Ammon means divinity or a god. Ammon was named after a falsegod, probably Zeus (god of Jupiter).

    While the worship of the Ammonites was truly wrong, it is possible that even inour Christian churches, our worship can be wrong as well.

    A question to ask ourselves is, Who Are You Worshiping? During the tenure of

    the great orator Henry Ward Beecher, a visiting minister (Beechers brother) oncesubstituted for the popular pastor. A large audience had already assembled to hearBeecher, and when the substitute pastor stepped into the pulpit, severaldisappointed listeners began to move toward the exits. Thats when the ministerstood and said loudly, All who have come here today to worship Henry WardBeecher may now withdraw from the church. All who have come to worship Godkeep your seats!

    What to do: Make sure your worship is right.

    THE CANAANITESAUGUST 27

    Bible Reading: Judges 3:1-11Key Verse: 3- Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the

    Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermonunto the entering in of Hamath.

    Key Words: all the Canaanites

    The Canaanites are descendants of Canaan, the fourth son of Ham, who wasthe son of Noah.

    The Canaanites covered a large portion of land during Bible times. Theyinhabited Palestine, the western part of Jordan, which went almost all the way toEgypt.

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    The Canaanites were a cursed people (Genesis 9:25). This does not mean theywere black. That has been a false myth and teaching for years. The curse was thatCanaan would be a servant of servants.

    Abraham cautioned his servant not to take a wife for Israel from the Canaanites(Genesis 24:3).

    Canaan was always at war (Judges 3). Its interesting that God has nothinggood to say about the Canaanites.NOBS Study Bible says the name Canaan means merchant or servant. Now,

    we are all to be servants, but not servants of the world, servants of God.Bruce Thielemann, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, told of a

    conversation with a member of his flock who said, You preachers talk a lot aboutdo unto others, but when you get right down to it, it comes down to basin theology.Thielemann asked, Basin theology? Whats that? The layman said, Remember

    what Pilate did when he had the chance to acquit Jesus? He called for a basin andwashed his hands of the whole thing. But Jesus the night before His death, calledfor a basin and proceeded to wash the feet of the disciples. It all comes down tobasin theology: Which one will you use?

    I trust you will choose to be the basin for Jesus.

    What to do: Be a basin for Jesus.

    THE SHUNAMMITESAUGUST 28

    Bible Reading: II Kings 4:8-17Key Verse: 12- And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when

    he had called her, she stood before him.

    Key Words: Call this Shunammite

    The Shunammites were people from Shunem which was a small village locatedwithin the boundary of the tribe of Issachar. It was located close to Mount Gilboa.

    This is the place the Philistines camped when they came against Saul (I Samuel28:4).We only find two Shunammites mentioned by name, one of whom showed

    kindness to Elisha and the other, Abishag, who showed kindness to David. Fromthem we see a picture of kindness.

    Mamie Adams always went to a branch post office in her town because thepostal employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just beforeChristmas one year and the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that

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    there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby.I know, said Mamie, but the machine wont ask me about my arthritis.

    You will seldom go wrong by showing kindness!!

    What to do: Go out of your way to be kind to others.

    THE PELETHITEAUGUST 29

    Bible Reading: I Kings 1:32-40Key Verse: 38- So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of

    Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and causedSolomon to ride upon king Davids mule, and brought him to Gihon.

    Key Words: And the Pelethites

    The Pelethites are always mentioned along with the Cherethites, and only in the

    time of David. The word probably means runners or couriers, and may denote thatwhile forming part of Davids bodyguard, they were also sometimes employed ascouriers (II Samuel 8:18; 20:7, 23; I Kings 1:38, 44; I Chronicles 18:17).

    K. Hughes, writing for Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome, writesthe following.

    It was Christmas Eve 1875 and Ira Sankey was traveling on a Delaware Riversteamboat when he was recognized by some of the passengers. His picture hadbeen in the newspaper because he was the song leader for the famous evangelist

    D. L. Moody. They asked him to sing one of his own hymns, but Sankey demurred,saying that he preferred to sing William B. Bradburys hymn, Savior Like aShepherd Lead Us.

    As he sang, one of the stanzas began, We are Thine; do Thou befriend us. Bethe Guardian of our way. When he finished, a man stepped from the shadows andasked, Did you ever serve in the Union Army? Yes, Mr. Sankey answered, in thespring of 1860.

    Can you remember if you were doing picket duty on a bright, moonlit night in1862?Yes, Mr. Sankey answered, very much surprised.So did I, but I was serving in the Confederate army. When I saw you standing

    at your post, I thought to myself, That fellow will never get away alive. I raised mymusket and took aim. I was standing in the shadow, completely concealed, while thefull light of the moon was falling upon you. At that instant, just as a moment ago, youraised your eyes to heaven and began to sing Let him sing his song to the end, I

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    said to myself, I can shoot him afterwards. Hes my victim at all events, and mybullet cannot miss him.

    But the song you sang then was the song you sang just now. I heard the wordsperfectly: We are Thine; do Thou befriend us. Be the Guardian of our way. Thosewords stirred up many memories. I began to think of my childhood and my God-

    fearing mother. She had many times sung that song to me. When you had finishedyour song, it was impossible for me to take aim again. I thought, The Lord who isable to save that man from certain death must surely be great and mighty. And myarm of its own accord dropped limp at my side.

    While we do not have a personal bodyguard, we do have the greatest protectionof all: Jehovah God!!

    What to do: Understand that safety does come from God.

    THE ISRAELITES AUGUST 30

    Bible Reading: Genesis 32:24-32Key Verse: 28- And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for

    as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

    Key Words: Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel

    The Israelites, according to Unger Bible Dictionary, was the usual name of thetwelve tribes, from their leaving Egypt until after the death of Saul, but after the

    defection of the ten tribes, they arrogated to themselves the name of the whole

    nation (II Samuel 2:9, 10, 17, 28; 3:10, 17; 19:40-43; I Kings 12:1). The kings of the

    ten tribes were called kings of Israel, and the descendants of David, who ruled over

    Judah and Benjamin, were known as kings of Judah, and in the prophets of that

    period Judah and Israel are put in opposition (Hosea 4:15; 5:3, 5; 6:10; 7:1; 8:2, 3,

    6, 8; 9:1, 7; Amos 1:1; 2:6; 3:14; Micah 1:5; Isaiah 5:7). Yet in Isaiah 8:14 the two

    kingdoms are called the houses of Israel.

    The name Israel in the Hebrew means the rule of God or God will rule. God

    rules because God knows best. A man was questioning Gods arrangement of the

    universe. He said, Why does God make a big tree with small nuts, and a small plant

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    with large watermelons. It doesnt make sense. Just then a nut fell out of the tree

    and hit him on the head. He said, Thank God that wasnt a watermelon.

    Now, arent you glad that God rules?

    What to do: The next time you make a mess of things, be thankful youre not in

    charge of the whole universe.

    THE CONTRITEAUGUST 31

    Bible Reading: Psalm 34Key Verse: 18- The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth

    such as be of a contrite spirit.

    Key Words: as be of a contrite spirit

    The word contrite carries the idea of a broken spirit, to be guilty, but remorseful

    of our guilt.

    Mankind will often throw you under the bus when you are found guilty. Let me

    explain.

    A bank hired a fellow to be a janitor. They closed early one day and he was in a

    hurry to get home like the others, so he quickly gathered up the trash. In thisparticular bank, all the trash was shredded. So he emptied all of what he believed to

    be trash, and sent it through the shredder. Just before he finished the last barrel, the

    closing cashier discovered he had shredded all the deposits of that day.

    Well, two things happened. You can guess the first one. And after he was fired,

    they brought in a number of people early the next morning and seated them at a

    long series of tables. They tried to put together the shredded checks, attempting to

    match tiny, little pieces of signature, amounts of money, places, events, and so on. Itmade the headlines of the news with three words, An Impossible Job. You could

    never put together thousands of checks that had been shredded, no matter how

    many people you hire. Its simply impossible. The remorse of the janitor could not

    change the outcome of this colossal mistake.

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    But let me hasten to add, it did change the janitor. While he as dismissed from

    his job, isnt it great to know God doesnt dismiss us for every mistake or sin we

    commit if we only come before Him seeking forgiveness with a contrite spirit.

    What to do: Ask God to give you a contrite spirit.

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    I deeply appreciate the help of

    Cathy Fortenberry

    Sandy Lancaster

    Glenda Myrick

    Mary Parsons

    John and Tascha Piatt

    Reba Pontbriand

    And my lovely wife, Linda

    Without God using these people to helpthis devotional would not have been possible.

    Dr. Mike Rouse