2 Samuel 1-4
When Saul and Jonathan died in battle, David mourned for them.
His heart was pure; his love was true; his grief was genuine.
Though Saul abandoned obedience to follow fleshly ways,
David respected God’s anointed until the very last day.
Our Lord sent David back to Judah, to dwell in Hebron town.
His faithful men and families came to live in the cities around.
Shortly thereafter the house of Judah anointed him as king.
Fifteen years had flown by since Samuel’s first anointing.
The ten northern tribes of Israel installed Ishbosheth, Sauls’s son.
God would yet unite the nation, but His work was not yet done.
For seven years and six full months, David led the Southern nation.
The Bible records many events til he reached his ultimate station.
There was conflict and much division resulting in frequent war.
David’s army usually won, the strength of his kingdom soared.
Ishbosheth, the Northern King was really quite a fool.
When he falsely accused his general, Abner changed the rules.
Abner, the Northern chief of staff, was about to unite the two nations.
He would deliver the tribes of the north in an act of dedication.
But as fate would have it, Abner died. Joab killed him to get even.
Joab was a great fighting man, but he wasn’t a man to believe in.
Meanwhile in the Northern kingdom, Ishbosheth lost control.
Two of Abner’s well-known captains played a prominent role.
Rechab and Baanah entered his bedroom, killed him and cut off his head
Then they brought it to King David to prove that he was dead.
But David was an honest man. He didn’t reward a traitor.
The king had proven time and again that he was a treachery hater.
Instead of being rewarded these captains experienced death.
Ironically they woke up in hell along with Ishbosheth.
I appreciate the integrity David brought to his throne.
Let us applaud his honesty and adopt it as our own.
David had his failures too. He wasn’t a perfect guy.
But let us remember well, dear friend, neither are you or I.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saul's Sad Ending
1 Samuel 28, 31
While Saul was hunting David down time was passing by.
Meanwhile Samuel approached the day that he would surely die.
Saul had listened to Samuel, had driven the mediums away,
(Mediums are the tool of Satan to lead the people astray).
When Samuel died the nation mourned remembering him with love.
But Saul, who turned his back on God, lacked wisdom from above.
The Philistines gathered to attack and his spirit melted in fear.
He told his staff to find a medium to which he could draw near.
Saul disguised himself at night and went to the witch at En Dor.
He desired of her to call up Samuel whom he would implore.
They saw Samuel suddenly appear; his face was bearing a frown.
Saul bowed down in humility, his face toward the ground.
God has forbidden necromancy. The dead cannot come back.
He allowed this one occasion to illustrate this fact.
The witch, completely surprised and scared, cried out loud to all,
“Why have you deceived me? For surely you are King Saul.”
Samuel’s message to the king was short and to the point.
“You disobeyed provoking God to find a new king to anoint.
The Philistines will take this nation of which you’ve been the head.
Tomorrow you will be defeated. You and your sons will be dead.”
The battle was joined and Israel fled before the Philistine soldiers.
Jonathan and brothers were killed that day. Saul could see it was over.
Wounded and dying Saul requested not to be killed by the horde,
So his assistant slew him there. Then he too fell on his sword.
So Saul, his sons, his bodyguards—the Philistines found them dead.
They stripped him of his armor and then they cut off his head.
Saul, who had a great beginning, closed his life in shame.
There is literally nothing about him that we desire to claim.
How will you finish your life? To whom do you belong?
This should be our ultimate goal: to finish spiritually strong.
We have this life to honor our Lord, to prepare for heaven above,
So let us serve to the very last day the One we have come to love.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
While Saul was hunting David down time was passing by.
Meanwhile Samuel approached the day that he would surely die.
Saul had listened to Samuel, had driven the mediums away,
(Mediums are the tool of Satan to lead the people astray).
When Samuel died the nation mourned remembering him with love.
But Saul, who turned his back on God, lacked wisdom from above.
The Philistines gathered to attack and his spirit melted in fear.
He told his staff to find a medium to which he could draw near.
Saul disguised himself at night and went to the witch at En Dor.
He desired of her to call up Samuel whom he would implore.
They saw Samuel suddenly appear; his face was bearing a frown.
Saul bowed down in humility, his face toward the ground.
God has forbidden necromancy. The dead cannot come back.
He allowed this one occasion to illustrate this fact.
The witch, completely surprised and scared, cried out loud to all,
“Why have you deceived me? For surely you are King Saul.”
Samuel’s message to the king was short and to the point.
“You disobeyed provoking God to find a new king to anoint.
The Philistines will take this nation of which you’ve been the head.
Tomorrow you will be defeated. You and your sons will be dead.”
The battle was joined and Israel fled before the Philistine soldiers.
Jonathan and brothers were killed that day. Saul could see it was over.
Wounded and dying Saul requested not to be killed by the horde,
So his assistant slew him there. Then he too fell on his sword.
So Saul, his sons, his bodyguards—the Philistines found them dead.
They stripped him of his armor and then they cut off his head.
Saul, who had a great beginning, closed his life in shame.
There is literally nothing about him that we desire to claim.
How will you finish your life? To whom do you belong?
This should be our ultimate goal: to finish spiritually strong.
We have this life to honor our Lord, to prepare for heaven above,
So let us serve to the very last day the One we have come to love.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Character on Display
1 Samuel 24, 26
David endured intense persecution at the hand of Saul.
He had no palace in which to dwell safely behind the wall.
David lived in the hills and deserts deep in the wilderness.
Though times were hard it truly was the key to his future success.
Adversity is a better teacher than success can ever be.
Adversity reveals character for all the world to see.
David could have called for Saul to meet him in a fight,
But to kill the Lord’s anointed simply wasn’t right.
There was an occasion when David hid deep inside a cave.
Saul turned aside to relieve himself with no one there to save.
David sneaked up very close, cut the corner of Saul’s robe.
As he left, David called out, “O King Saul, behold.”
Holding the tassel cut from the robe, David said to Saul.
“If indeed I wanted to kill you, nothing could stop me at all.
Why do you listen to those who despise me, for I seek not your throne?
All I want is peace between us and a place to call my home.”
There was yet a second occasion when Saul was sound asleep.
David enlisted a courageous friend, sneaked into their camp quite deep.
As they stood o’er Saul’s tired body, Abishai sought to spear him,
But David said, “He’s the Lord’s anointed. Let us respect and fear him.”
After retreating David called out holding high Saul’s spear.
“O my Lord, why do you chase me? I could have killed you here.”
Once again in selfless example, he put character on display.
Everyone saw that this was a man who was worthy to obey.
David expressed total respect for the one appointed to lead.
He would not hurt him in any way just so he could succeed.
Oh how great is his example. What grace and humility!
He is a lesson in leadership for all of us to see.
God has many He could use with talent and vision galore.
Though these are sterling qualities, a leader needs much more.
Just as Jesus loved His church, laid down His life for her,
So He desires believers today to demonstrate character.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
David endured intense persecution at the hand of Saul.
He had no palace in which to dwell safely behind the wall.
David lived in the hills and deserts deep in the wilderness.
Though times were hard it truly was the key to his future success.
Adversity is a better teacher than success can ever be.
Adversity reveals character for all the world to see.
David could have called for Saul to meet him in a fight,
But to kill the Lord’s anointed simply wasn’t right.
There was an occasion when David hid deep inside a cave.
Saul turned aside to relieve himself with no one there to save.
David sneaked up very close, cut the corner of Saul’s robe.
As he left, David called out, “O King Saul, behold.”
Holding the tassel cut from the robe, David said to Saul.
“If indeed I wanted to kill you, nothing could stop me at all.
Why do you listen to those who despise me, for I seek not your throne?
All I want is peace between us and a place to call my home.”
There was yet a second occasion when Saul was sound asleep.
David enlisted a courageous friend, sneaked into their camp quite deep.
As they stood o’er Saul’s tired body, Abishai sought to spear him,
But David said, “He’s the Lord’s anointed. Let us respect and fear him.”
After retreating David called out holding high Saul’s spear.
“O my Lord, why do you chase me? I could have killed you here.”
Once again in selfless example, he put character on display.
Everyone saw that this was a man who was worthy to obey.
David expressed total respect for the one appointed to lead.
He would not hurt him in any way just so he could succeed.
Oh how great is his example. What grace and humility!
He is a lesson in leadership for all of us to see.
God has many He could use with talent and vision galore.
Though these are sterling qualities, a leader needs much more.
Just as Jesus loved His church, laid down His life for her,
So He desires believers today to demonstrate character.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Monday, April 26, 2010
Preparation for the Throne
1 Samuel 22; Psalm 57; 142; Philippians 4:13
Samuel records the trials of David hunted by the king.
When he awoke, he never knew what each new day would bring.
Jonathan helped him flee the king and stay one step ahead.
By the faithfulness of God, he defeated fear and dread.
Though he was hunted like a dog, David kept his head.
Many others came to him desiring to be led.
David made them mighty men whose valor became known.
These many issues daily faced prepared him for the throne.
From the Cave of Adullum, which he shared with loyal men,
David cried unto the Lord time and time again.
From the depths of dark despair up to a time of praise,
David yielded to the Lord, fought off his deep malaise.
Saul went on a killing spree, murdering Israel’s priests.
The king was losing lucidity with evil on the increase.
The spirit of darkness ruled him; he was slowly losing his mind.
His life became a symbol of the failure of mankind.
We are reminded by this account of the terrible danger of sin.
A jealous, bitter, murderous spirit changes us within.
When we focus on self alone; live by the order of Saul,
We become most miserable, perhaps a danger to all.
But David is an illustration of God’s grace and love.
He remained steady and stable because of God above.
With each new challenge that he faced, he called unto the Lord.
He received strength and grace each day for his spirit to be restored.
So here is a truth God has revealed for all of us to see:
Living in communion with Him is the only way to be.
We have no strength on our own because of sin’s cruel sting,
But when we rely upon God above, we can do everything.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Samuel records the trials of David hunted by the king.
When he awoke, he never knew what each new day would bring.
Jonathan helped him flee the king and stay one step ahead.
By the faithfulness of God, he defeated fear and dread.
Though he was hunted like a dog, David kept his head.
Many others came to him desiring to be led.
David made them mighty men whose valor became known.
These many issues daily faced prepared him for the throne.
From the Cave of Adullum, which he shared with loyal men,
David cried unto the Lord time and time again.
From the depths of dark despair up to a time of praise,
David yielded to the Lord, fought off his deep malaise.
Saul went on a killing spree, murdering Israel’s priests.
The king was losing lucidity with evil on the increase.
The spirit of darkness ruled him; he was slowly losing his mind.
His life became a symbol of the failure of mankind.
We are reminded by this account of the terrible danger of sin.
A jealous, bitter, murderous spirit changes us within.
When we focus on self alone; live by the order of Saul,
We become most miserable, perhaps a danger to all.
But David is an illustration of God’s grace and love.
He remained steady and stable because of God above.
With each new challenge that he faced, he called unto the Lord.
He received strength and grace each day for his spirit to be restored.
So here is a truth God has revealed for all of us to see:
Living in communion with Him is the only way to be.
We have no strength on our own because of sin’s cruel sting,
But when we rely upon God above, we can do everything.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Terrible Cost of Jealousy
1 Samuel 18
After Goliath, David was in…admired and honored by all.
Saul took David into his home to serve at his beck and call.
Jonathan, the son of Saul, made David, his best friend.
Ambition, fame, and pride of life he was able to transcend.
Saul set David over the men who fought in Israel’s wars.
Never did he anticipate the trouble that was in store.
It was a simple innocent song that started all the pain
When Israeli women danced and sang a troublesome refrain.
The song gave praise to Saul and David, Israel’s famous men.
But for every opponent Saul had killed, David had slain ten.
King Saul did not appreciate the musical critique.
He succumbed to paranoia, for his ego now was tweaked.
Because of his sin and jealousy, the king wished David dead,
But David acted wisely and stayed one step ahead.
But then one night with Saul morose, Dave was summoned to play.
Saul attempted to kill him, but David got away.
Thus began a time of peril filled with great dismay.
These were days of testing as David learned how to pray.
His Psalms record the deepest feelings David freely expressed
Pouring out the pain and pressure from the constant stress.
Jealousy is an ugly thing. It always brings heartache and pain.
In the end the loss is great and nothing at all is gained.
If you allow your mind and spirit to travel down this road,
You will lose God’s precious peace as did Saul of old.
So learn from Saul and forsake this sin, for it will surely kill you.
Satan seeks to sell these lies and he will surely bill you.
If you yield to his foul plan, the actions you embrace
Will cause pain for others and bring you much disgrace.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
After Goliath, David was in…admired and honored by all.
Saul took David into his home to serve at his beck and call.
Jonathan, the son of Saul, made David, his best friend.
Ambition, fame, and pride of life he was able to transcend.
Saul set David over the men who fought in Israel’s wars.
Never did he anticipate the trouble that was in store.
It was a simple innocent song that started all the pain
When Israeli women danced and sang a troublesome refrain.
The song gave praise to Saul and David, Israel’s famous men.
But for every opponent Saul had killed, David had slain ten.
King Saul did not appreciate the musical critique.
He succumbed to paranoia, for his ego now was tweaked.
Because of his sin and jealousy, the king wished David dead,
But David acted wisely and stayed one step ahead.
But then one night with Saul morose, Dave was summoned to play.
Saul attempted to kill him, but David got away.
Thus began a time of peril filled with great dismay.
These were days of testing as David learned how to pray.
His Psalms record the deepest feelings David freely expressed
Pouring out the pain and pressure from the constant stress.
Jealousy is an ugly thing. It always brings heartache and pain.
In the end the loss is great and nothing at all is gained.
If you allow your mind and spirit to travel down this road,
You will lose God’s precious peace as did Saul of old.
So learn from Saul and forsake this sin, for it will surely kill you.
Satan seeks to sell these lies and he will surely bill you.
If you yield to his foul plan, the actions you embrace
Will cause pain for others and bring you much disgrace.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Friday, April 23, 2010
Early Lessons from the Palace
1 Samuel 16:14-23
The Spirit of God departed from Saul leaving him to his sin.
Because of the emptiness of his life an evil spirit came in.
The torment of his soul was intense causing all joy to cease.
Only when David played his harp could he experience peace.
God was the author of the event that brought David to the King.
He learned much from all he saw as he would play and sing.
David could see the anguish of Saul deep in his tormented soul.
He wisely continued to yield to God giving Him full control.
What can we learn from this short account? Is there a lesson here?
Without God’s Spirit as troubles mount, we lose all hope and cheer.
When we tell God to take a hike; that we want full control,
Our arrogance leads to emptiness, a void within our soul.
We were created to be filled and led by God’s Holy Spirit.
The trouble with this message is so many will not hear it.
Our fallen nature rises strong insisting on its way.
Soon we’re held captive by fallen flesh much to our dismay.
Perhaps you are a child of God but living far from His ways.
You have no joy or peace within knowing how far you strayed.
Remember how the faithful shepherd left the ninety-nine
To journey into the wilderness the poor lost lamb to find.
Jesus is that shepherd now. You are precious to Him.
When he died upon the cross, He paid the price of your sin.
If you continue to wander away all peace and joy will leave.
The Shepherd is calling to those astray with love too great to believe.
Only a fool resists such grace refusing to walk with Him.
Only a fool continues to live captive to self and sin.
In the Bible the Psalmist wrote, “The fool says there is no God.”
To profess Christ but live in the world is confusingly odd.
You would be wise to check your condition, to make your salvation sure.
You should have as your ambition to grow in the Lord mature.
You will find the longings of sin will gradually slip away.
The Spirit will give you peace within as you walk with Him every day.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
The Spirit of God departed from Saul leaving him to his sin.
Because of the emptiness of his life an evil spirit came in.
The torment of his soul was intense causing all joy to cease.
Only when David played his harp could he experience peace.
God was the author of the event that brought David to the King.
He learned much from all he saw as he would play and sing.
David could see the anguish of Saul deep in his tormented soul.
He wisely continued to yield to God giving Him full control.
What can we learn from this short account? Is there a lesson here?
Without God’s Spirit as troubles mount, we lose all hope and cheer.
When we tell God to take a hike; that we want full control,
Our arrogance leads to emptiness, a void within our soul.
We were created to be filled and led by God’s Holy Spirit.
The trouble with this message is so many will not hear it.
Our fallen nature rises strong insisting on its way.
Soon we’re held captive by fallen flesh much to our dismay.
Perhaps you are a child of God but living far from His ways.
You have no joy or peace within knowing how far you strayed.
Remember how the faithful shepherd left the ninety-nine
To journey into the wilderness the poor lost lamb to find.
Jesus is that shepherd now. You are precious to Him.
When he died upon the cross, He paid the price of your sin.
If you continue to wander away all peace and joy will leave.
The Shepherd is calling to those astray with love too great to believe.
Only a fool resists such grace refusing to walk with Him.
Only a fool continues to live captive to self and sin.
In the Bible the Psalmist wrote, “The fool says there is no God.”
To profess Christ but live in the world is confusingly odd.
You would be wise to check your condition, to make your salvation sure.
You should have as your ambition to grow in the Lord mature.
You will find the longings of sin will gradually slip away.
The Spirit will give you peace within as you walk with Him every day.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Leadership is not Good Looks
David Anointed King
1 Samuel 15
“Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.”
The Lord said to Samuel, “It’s time to stop grieving.
I have an assignment for you.
Though Saul is rejected, I’ll soon be revealing
A king whose devotion is true.
Go down to Jesse in Bethlehem town.
Take a young heifer with you.
Have all the sons of Jesse around;
I’ll show you the one I choose.”
Jesse presented his first-born son.
What a tremendous start!
But God said to Sam, “He’s not the one.
He doesn’t have the right heart
You must be careful not to assume
A leader by his appearance.
The one who rules from the throne room
Will be known for godly adherence.
Throughout the day the candidates progressed,
Seven strong sons passed through.
But none of them completely possessed
The virtues the king must imbue.
Samuel asked, “Are all the sons here?
Does there remain one or two?
None of the seven who have appeared
Is the one that our God will use.”
“There is yet one who is far away
Frankly, he’s still a youth.
He likes to sing to the Lord in praise,
He’s also a lover of truth.”
When David arrived from the fields that day,
The youngest of Jesse’s eight sons,
Samuel anointed; then knelt to pray,
For he was the chosen one.
Just remember this, dear friend.
It’s wisdom God would impart:
God is in charge from beginning to end
Choosing the one with His heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
1 Samuel 15
“Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.”
The Lord said to Samuel, “It’s time to stop grieving.
I have an assignment for you.
Though Saul is rejected, I’ll soon be revealing
A king whose devotion is true.
Go down to Jesse in Bethlehem town.
Take a young heifer with you.
Have all the sons of Jesse around;
I’ll show you the one I choose.”
Jesse presented his first-born son.
What a tremendous start!
But God said to Sam, “He’s not the one.
He doesn’t have the right heart
You must be careful not to assume
A leader by his appearance.
The one who rules from the throne room
Will be known for godly adherence.
Throughout the day the candidates progressed,
Seven strong sons passed through.
But none of them completely possessed
The virtues the king must imbue.
Samuel asked, “Are all the sons here?
Does there remain one or two?
None of the seven who have appeared
Is the one that our God will use.”
“There is yet one who is far away
Frankly, he’s still a youth.
He likes to sing to the Lord in praise,
He’s also a lover of truth.”
When David arrived from the fields that day,
The youngest of Jesse’s eight sons,
Samuel anointed; then knelt to pray,
For he was the chosen one.
Just remember this, dear friend.
It’s wisdom God would impart:
God is in charge from beginning to end
Choosing the one with His heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
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