Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 13

God called a prophet out of Judah to go to Bethel. Jeroboam was by the altar in Bethel, fixing to burn some incense.

The prophet said that a man would come out of the House of David, named Josiah, and he would offer up the priests as sacrifices on that altar and human bones would be burnt on it. He also said to prove that it would happen the alter would break apart and its ashes would be spilled.

Jeroboam put his hand toward the altar and demanded they grab the prophet. When he did, his hand was dried up and withed, and the altar broke and the ashes were spilled. Jeroboam was mortified. He begged the prophet to ask God to restore his hand, so the prophet did, and his hand was restored.

Jeroboam offered him dinner if he would come home with him. The prophet said, “I don’t care if you offered me half your house, I will not go with you. God ordered me not to eat or drink anything, and not to go out the same way I came in, so I won’t.” And he didn’t.

Now, in Bethel, there was another old prophet who had sons that saw everything that had just happened, and they saw the way the man left out of Bethel, so they went and told the old prophet everything. So he had his sons to saddle a jackass, and he rode to find the prophet that had left Jeroboam. He found him under an oak tree and asked him, “Are you the man that came from Judah?”

The first prophet said, “I am.”

The old man said, “Come back home with me and eat some bread.”

“I cannot. God told me not to,” the prophet said.

So the old man lied to him and said, “I, too, am a prophet. God told me to bring you back and feed you.”

So the prophet went back with the old man and ate. As they were eating, God came to the old man and sent a message to the prophet he brought back with him.

God said, “Because you did not obey, you will not return home. You will die.”

When the prophet left the old man, a lion killed him. Some men came back and told the old man, who went and got the dead body and buried him in his own tomb. He then told his sons, “When I die, I want you to bury me in the same tomb, beside him, because what he prophesied will surely happen.”

And Jeroboam was guilty in the eyes of God for the death of the prophet, as well as the sins he committed, and sought to destroy him.

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If someone tells you that God said something or is going to do something, it is best to listen and not test him, because if he dies you will be held responsible, and there will be a punishment to bear.

If he is not telling the truth, it will not happen, but your job is to wait on God, regardless.

God sometimes lets people know what He has planned, not so you can stop it or do anything to help make it happen, but so your faith will grow, and you will have a chance to repent.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 12

After Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam, went to Shechem, because all of Israel had gathered in Shechem to make him king. Jeroboam of Nedat, who had went to Egypt to get away from Solomon’s . attempts to kill him when the prophet foretold that Jeroboam would get to rule ten of the tribes of Israel and leave Solomon’s son only one, heard of the coronation. So he and his household came to Shechem and told Rehoboam, “Solomon gave us a hard time. If you will not give us a hard time, we will serve you.”

Rehoboam told him to leave for three days so he could think about what was said, and then come back, so Jeroboam and his house left.

First, Rehoboam went to the old men and asked them how they thought he should proceed. They told him, “Do as they asked you to and you won’t have any problems from them.”

But Rehoboam then went to his peers, his childhood friends and asked them, and they said, “Jeroboam is being a smarty-pants to you. Be a smarty-pants back and make him rue the day he ever came to you.”

Rehoboam listened to the young men instead of the old men, and all of Israel rebelled, so that the only place he was safe was in Jerusalem. Even the tax collector Rehoboam sent to collect the taxes was stoned to death.

When all of Israel heard that Jeroboam was there, they made him King instead of Rehoboam. Only the tribe of Judah stayed with Rehoboam. So Rehoboam gathered together his warriors to go to war to get Israel back from Jeroboam; but, Shamaiah the prophet told him not to go fight, that all this was part of God’s plan. Rehoboam listened, and did not go.

Because the House of God was in Jerusalem, Jeroboam was afraid that the people would go and make sacrifices there and worship God and turn back to Rehoboam instead of him. So he built two golden calves and put one in Bethel and one in Dan and told the people that that was the god that brought them out of Egypt, and they began to worship the calves. He coincided all of Israel’s feasts and holidays to honor the calves.

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Now if you go to the book of Proverbs, you will see the book that Solomon wrote to advise his son in the way he should go. Proverbs teaches that it is wise to seek the advice of the older generation. Rehoboam started out doing this, but rejected it’s counsel and took the younger generation’s counsel instead. As in all generations, the young are impatient, angry and rebellious.

When things started falling apart, he then decided to go ahead and follow his father’s advice, who also taught in the book of Proverbs that God is the beginning of all wisdom. When the prophet relayed to Rehoboam a message from God, he took it. Had Rehoboam followed the advice of the elders of Israel, he may have delayed the chaos that came because of God’s judgment.

So what I have learned here is that, even though we have to pay for the sins that are committed, the payment will be a lot easier to bear if we turn back to God. He may even shorten the punishment.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 11

King Solomon had a lot of foreign girlfriends.

When Israel first came out of Egypt and was first gaining the land of Israel, God had told them not to befriend the peoples of other nations because they might influence them to turn from His ways. God had given them a list of nations not to befriend, but some of Solomon’s girlfriends came from these nations.

Solomon had 700 wives and 300 live-in girlfriends, or concubines. They had influenced him to follow the ways of Ashtoreth (a Zidonian god) and Milcolm (an Ammonite god). He built alters for Chemosh (a Moabite god) and Molech (another Ammonite god). He did this out of respect for his wives, but God was not pleased at all.

So God told Solomon, “Since you have not followed my ways, I will take the kingdom from you. Out of respect for your father, I will let you stay on the throne, but your son will not.”

When David had slain all of the Edomites, one of the Edomites got away. It was young Hadad, the Edomite king’s son. He went to Egypt, and the Pharoah gave him sustenance, got to know him and gave him his own sister-in-law for a wife. He had a son, Genubeth, who was raised in the Pharoah’s household.

When Hadad heard that David was dead, he asked permission to return to Edom. The Pharoah didn’t like it, but he let him go. Rezon of Zobah also returned to his place, and they caused mischief with Solomon because they hated Israel.

Jeroboam was promised by God that he would rule 10 tribes of Israel, leaving one tribe to Solomon for his own. When Solomon heard about it from the prophet, he sought to kill Jeroboam.

Solomon ruled Israel for 40 years. When he died, his son, Rehoboam ruled in his place.

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God doesn’t want any compromise. You either do it His way, or you will face the consequences. As children of God, we should be mindful of what inheritance we leave our children. If we stray, they may have to face the consequences for us, and while we are successful, they may lose all we have because of our disobedience.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 10

The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, so she came to test him to see if he was as smart as everyone said he was. She brought great gifts for the occasion.

When she was satisfied with what she found out, she told him, "You are even better in person than you sounded in the stories!" She blessed his servants and his God.

Hiram, King of Tyre, also gave him lots of gold. He was richer than any man alive, with more wisdom than any had ever seen.

He used the gold to make great shields and statues for the houses he had built.

People from all over the world would come to hear his judgments, and would pay him with silver, gold and precious stones.

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When you have a talent and you use it in the right way, God uses people to reward you. Everyone wants to witness such talent, and they would give anything to do so.

God was good to Solomon, keeping His promises to him, and rewarding him greatly for his faith.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 9

God came to Solomon again, like He did in Gibeon, and He told Solomon, “I have heard your prayer and I am pleased with your words. If you will continue to walk in my statutes, and if your children continue to follow me and walk in my laws, I will be happy to place my heart in that house you have built for me. And I will continue to live among you and I will establish you and your posterity on the throne of Israel forever. But, if you at all turn from my laws and seek other gods, or other ways, I will take the land from them that I have given them, and Israel will be nothing more than a dead legend, a lesson for the world to look back on.”

To repay Hiram, the king of Tyre for all he had done to help him, Solomon gave him twenty cities in Galilee. When Hiram came to see the cities, he was not happy with the gift, and he called the cities Cabul.

When the Pharoah conquered Gezer, he gave it to his daughter as a present. So Solomon developed the cities there.

All of the people who were not Israelites that still lived under King Solomon’s rule had to pay a bondservant’s tribute (or tax). They had to work in the domestic affairs of the land, and only the Israelites served in the military affairs. Solomon even built a navy.

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Solomon did everything he could to protect Israel and give the Lord his respect. Because of this, he continued to prosper in everything he did. Israel became a powerful nation under God and Solomon.

If we follow the direction of Joshua 1:8, where God tells us to learn the law and obey it and in return He would make us successful and prosperous, we can be as Solomon was in our daily lives. But, we must remember that God doesn’t do things for us and not expect to be treated well for it. He wants your time, your trust, your obedience and your love.

Notice how Solomon married the Pharoah of Egypt's daughter. Just about a hundred and so years before, that would have been impossible. Israel was fleeing from Egypt. God has the power to turn everything around.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8

Solomon had the Ark of the Covenant brought up from the City of David, Zion. They placed it in the holy place in the temple; but, nothing was in the Ark, except the two tables of stone that Moses had the laws of God inscribed on.

Then a thick cloud came into the room and the priests could not minister to the people because of it. Solomon shrugged and said, “The Lord did say that He would dwell in the thick darkness…”

Then Solomon praised God, and dedicated the the House of the Lord to Him publicly.

Solomon prayed for the people of Israel, and for the people in far off countries (foreignors) that hear about God and wish to trust in Him, too, that when they face the direction of the house and pray, their prayers would be answered.

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What a dedication day that must have been! But, I wonder what happened to the manna that was in the Ark of the Covenant?

It is comforting, knowing that Solomon was praying for other peoples with his dedication prayer. He gave the temple to God, and for God’s use, to be as a tool to bring everyone in the world under God’s rule – not just the Israelites. God was not just a God of Israel. My favorite part of the prayer was this:

30And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.

After all, Solomon even understood that:

46If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,)…

So when you dedicate something to God, understand that you are giving it to the world, so that God can use it to gain Glory for Himself.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 7

After Solomon built the House of the Lord, he then built his own house, which took him thirteen years. Then he built a house in honor of the forest of Lebanon and the workers that got him timber to build his houses. He built a house for the pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had taken to be his wife, also.

Then King Solomon had Hiram, out of Tyre to do all his brass work for him. There was so much brass work done by Hiram that they didn’t even bother to weigh it all, so it is unknown how much went into all the building that Solomon had done, but it is safe to say it was a lot.

The stuff that David had dedicated for the building of the House of the Lord, Solomon put with the treasures in the temple.

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Solomon was on a mission. He wanted nice things and he honored all who helped him and all who inspired him. He truly had a grateful spirit.

When you work toward a goal with a grateful spirit, you can do great things, and God will be there with you to help you see it through.


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Aurora and the 2nd Amendment

by Shonda M. Ponder
(This one is dedicated to Holly)

Can't say I didn't see this one coming.

I was working tonight in the dining room of a local cafeteria, and the television was tuned in to CNN, as it is on most days. Every now and then I glance up to catch the latest news on Aurora. My blood started boiling when I saw the caption that read, "It is something we need to re-evaluate." The headline was indicating that the subject was about the 2nd Amendment.

I went back to the dish room with my tray of dishes, followed by a co-worker, and mumbling to myself loud enough for her to hear me, and getting louder as I entered the dish room:

"No. They don't need to re-evaluate anything, unless they want to make guns more accessible to law abiding citizens. If one of those guys in the theater had had a gun, fifty-eight people might not be injured and twelve might not be dead. Sure, one or two may have been unlucky, but I guarantee the gunman would either be dead or injured well enough not to be shooting anymore.

Guns don't kill people. People kill people. Even AD's can be prevented with the right training. Any idiot should be smart enough not to point it at themselves unless they wish to commit suicide. Why should I pay the price for some idiot that wants to shoot up a bunch of people in a theater?

I am tired of them using every shooting incident to take my 2nd Amendment rights away. Why don't we take computers away from people who might slander other people and ruin their lives? Why don't we take phones away from people who might gossip? Why don't we take cars away from people who might run red lights or keep people who might cook up some dope from taking chemistry in schools? While we are at it, let's take children away from parents who might abuse them.

Hey, here's an idea, why don't we take the Presidency and the House and the Senate away from someone who might trample on our Constitution?"

Don't get me on this soapbox. I might never come down.

One of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, said "The beauty of the 2nd Amendment is that it isn't needed until someone tries to take it." The 2nd Amendment is needed now more than ever. Let's hope they don't have to pry it from my cold dead fingers.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 6

It took Solomon, with the help of Hiram, seven years to build the temple. The temple was beautiful. It was completely overlaid with gold, with ornate skilled carvings around and inside it. Each room had its purpose, as God had ordained.

God came to Solomon as he was in the building process and told him, “If you will continue to walk in my ways and follow my laws, I will be happy to live here, among these people.” God was pleased with His house that Solomon had built.

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It isn’t enough to build something for God. God expects you to maintain what you have built. In the New Testament, we are told that our bodies are now the new dwelling place of the Lord. If we do not maintain our bodies, by following in Jesus’ footsteps and obeying God, then the Lord will not live there. He wants to feel welcomed. He wants to feel comfortable, and at home. If you give to God, but your heart is not in it, God doesn’t want it.

How would you like to be invited to a friend’s house to stay for supper, and the whole time you are waiting for your friend to fix dinner, she complains about all the trouble she has to go through in order to make you feel comfortable. Does that help you feel comfortable or make you feel loved? God is the same way. If you are going to serve Him, He wants you to do it because it is pleasing to you to do so.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 5

The king of Tyre was Hiram. He and David had a great friendship. He had heard that Solomon was now king, so he sent his servants to congratulate him. Solomon sent back a message to him:

“Because of the many wars my father had to fight, he was never able to build a house for God. But, God has blessed us, and now I have peace all around me. I would like to send my servants to be under your servants and would ask that you cut me some trees out of Lebanon, for there is none who are so skilled as the Sidonians in cutting trees, and I need the best.”

I’m sure when Hiram sent his servants, he was wringing his hands, wondering if this new king would also be as good a man as his friend David was, and if his servants would be safe. So when they came back with the message, Hiram rejoiced that Solomon was a good king, and wise. So, he sent back a message to Solomon saying that he would help him, by sending the trees wherever he desired Hiram to send them, provided Solomon would feed his servants and give them provision while so doing. Solomon agreed and it was done.

Solomon sent 10,000 men at a time to Lebanon to help cut and deliver the timber for a month, then come home for two months, until the work was done. They even cut the stones for the foundation of the temple, and laid them.

With Tyre and Israel working together, they were able to start the building of the Great House of God.

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No great feat is ever accomplished alone. God gives us friends that bless us by being there to help us accomplish all we desire to accomplish for His Glory. God provides for us by sending us friends that hold us up when we grieve, and when we rejoice. God smiles when both we and our friends are able to rejoice together in great accomplishments.

So, the next time you pick up your phone to ask a friend if you can borrow some money, or if they will pray for you, or if they can feed you or give you a place to stay for a time, remember that that friend is a gift from God, to be respected and treated with thanksgiving and joy. And, when your friends call you for help, consider it a knock at the door from God, Himself.

Finally, remember that God is your greatest friend. He reached out and welcomed you into His kingdom, His home. He has never and will never fail you. So, when you see someone in need, you should reach out to them with God’s love, and give them the gift of friendship that God has given you. God gives His gifts to be shared with others.

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1 Kings 4

Solomon set up officers to mind every aspect of his kingdom, from getting food for his household, to overseeing his officers and army. He had priests, housekeepers, and everything else that was required to run things smoothly.

Solomon spoke over 3000 proverbs and had 1,005 sons. This was roughly about 3 sons born for each year of his reign. He had to have many wives.

The wisdom of Solomon gave him a reputation that travelled throughout the known world at that time. He was the wisest and most loved king of all time. God gave Solomon a very big heart. Kings from all over who had heard of Solomon came to hear him as he judged Israel.

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When God gives you a talent, it cannot be contained within the confines of your home. Word of your gifts become known to others who wish to learn from you, or hear you, or see what God has given you. It is important to keep God at the front of anything you do, in order to sustain such gift and grow it. This way, the bigger the gift, the bigger God becomes; you have the opportunity to not only tell the world about God, but to show them what He can do with someone like you.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3

Solomon struck up a diplomatic relationship with the Pharoah of Egypt. So the Pharoah let Solomon take his daughter back with him to stay in Israel until he had finished building his own house, the wall around Jerusalem and the House of God.

Back then, when the people would make a sacrifice, they would go to a high place because there was no tabernacle to sacrifice in. Solomon loved the Lord, and he did his best to follow his father’s footsteps, who had advised him to follow the Lord. So, Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sacrifice there, as he had done a thousand times before.

One night while he was in Gibeon, the Lord came to Solomon in a dream, asking, “Solomon, what is it you want from me?”

Solomon replied, “Lord, you are a great and mighty God. You have treated my father well and you have been there to provide for us and protect us. You even kept your promise to him by putting me on the throne. But, I have no idea what I am doing. I can’t judge these people. I don’t have the knowledge or the wisdom to do them justice. I am like a little child who depends on grownups to help me. I am asking you to help me. Give me wisdom that I may judge well and that I may please you.”

God was pleased with Solomon’s request. He told Solomon, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for long life, or riches, or protection from your enemies, I am granting you this. Solomon, there has never, nor will there be another king like you. You will also have the riches you have not asked for, and you will have protection from your enemies; and if you continue to walk in my ways and follow my laws and please me, I will also give you long life.

When Solomon awoke from his dream, he went to Jerusalem, where there were two women who came to him in need of judgment. One told him, “Sire, both me and this woman had a baby. Hers died, so while I was asleep, she took mine. I want my child back.” So Solomon ordered a sword be brought to him. He took the baby and said, “That is simple, I will cut the baby in half and both of you can have him.” But, when he raised the sword, one woman threw herself at Solomon’s feet and begged, “Oh, please don’t harm the child. She can have him, just please don’t kill him!”

Solomon then gave the baby to her and said, “This is the real mother.”

His judgment for this case became so famous that the people were in awe. They knew that God was with Solomon, and respected him that much more for his wisdom and knowledge as king.

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When you ask God for something that isn’t for selfish means, but rather is for helping others and seeking justice for all those around you, God will bless you with more blessings than you ask for.

How many times have we been put into positions in our lives where we felt we were in "over our heads", so to speak. The overwhelming anxiety is taxing on our emotions, our judgment and our mental outlook.

In 1 Kings 3, Solomon could have had anything he wanted as king. He could have taken it by force, just because he was king. The first few decisions he had already made as king was leading him down that tyrranical road. But, as a child of the most high he stopped and he reflected on the direction he was going, and whether he wanted to continue in that direction, and the only way he knew to change the direction in which his life events were taking him was to ask God for help.

The only way any of us can change anything is with God's guidance and leadership. God saw this as a behavior to be rewarded in Solomon, and He will see it as a behaviour to be rewarded in you and me. All we need do is ask.

That is what God wants more than anything: He wants to feel welcomed into your life. He wants to know that you value His input, His advice, and His feelings toward you.

Give this to God, and let God show you how much He values YOU.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 2

When David was on his deathbed, he spoke to Solomon, saying:

If you do as the word of Moses says, and you walk in the ways of the Lord, and you follow His laws, you will be prosperous, and He will keep His word saying that if we obey, this family will remain on the throne of Israel forever.

You know what Joab did to me. So I ask you to take action concerning him.

Be kind to Barzillai the Gileadite because he was there for me when Absalom made me run.

But Shimei, the one who cursed me when I ran, I promised I would not hurt him, but I didn't promise you wouldn't. Show him no mercy for me.

David died after being king for forty years.

Adonijah went to see Bathsheba and begged her to ask Solomon for Abishag for himself to wife. "Solomon will deny you nothing," He pleaded.

Bathsheba went to Solomon and made this request on behalf of Adonijah. Solomon was not happy about it. "You might as well ask me for the kingdom to give him. No, he will NOT have Abishag. I'm going to kill him for this!" So he sent Benaiah to do the dirty deed, and he killed Adonijah.

Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest, then he went after Joab. Joab heard about it and ran to the tabernacle and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar in distress. Benaiah killed him there under Solomon's command.

Solomon then made Benaiah captain of his host in Joab's place, and he made Zadock priest in Abiathar's place.

Solomon told Shimmei he could live in Jerusalem, but if he ever left, he would be put to death. Shimmei built a house in Jerusalem. After three years, some of his slaves ran away, and he went to Gath to get them. Someone told Solomon, so Solomon had him killed, also.

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The lesson I learned from this is that you don't tempt fate. Sooner or later, God is going to get you for the bad things you do, whether He uses the person you wronged, or his posterity; there will be a price to pay for messing with God's own.

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1

David was old, and no matter how much they covered him up he was cold. So they brought in Abishag, a young virgin to care for him and lay down with him to keep him warm. She took good care of him, even though they never had sexual intercourse.

Then, Adonijah, who was Absalom’s brother by the same mother, decided he would be the king. David was unaware of what was going on, so he couldn’t object. Adonijah went to Joab and got Joab’s support for this, even though Joab never followed Absalom. But Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, Shimmei, and Rei, and all of David’s other mighty men did not support Adonijah. Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and called everyone but them to join him.

So Nathan the prophet went to Bathsheba and told her what was going on, because Solomon didn’t know, either. He told her to go and talk to David and tell him and ask him why Solomon isn’t king, even though he promised Solomon the kingdom. He said, “I will come in after you and confirm what you say.”

So David said, “Have Nathan and Zadok and Benaiah put Solomon on a mule and march him down the street and say, ‘God Save the King’ after blowing the trumpet. They did this, and Adonijah heard it as he was eating. His cousin, Jonathon came in and told him what was going on, saying, “And the people are praising him saying, ‘God make you an even better king than David’ and even David bowed down to him on his bed!”

All the people that were with Adonijah were afraid, so they left the feast. Adonijah went and grabbed the horns of the altar in despair. Someone went and told Solomon what he had done and that he was afraid. Solomon told him, “If Adonijah shows respect and is good, I will not hurt him.” So Adonijah came down from the altar, and bowed before Solomon and Solomon sent him home peacefully.

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Solomon, as king, had made his first decision as a king. In this decision, he showed himself to be worthy by showing mercy and wisdom. He wouldn’t hurt Adonijah unless Adonijah did anything to threaten him. He was truly David’s son, and David’s wisest choice as a replacement.

Therefore, the lesson is that when you obtain any position of authority that someone else was trying to get, you should always treat that person with respect and love, as long as that person is humbled enough to respect your position in spite of their efforts.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 24

God was angered at Israel for their evil ways, so He moved David’s heart to number Israel and Judah.

David ordered Joab to go and take a census of Israel and Judah. Although Joab protested, he did so. (It is important to note here that God set specific rules in place for numbering the people. Each person numbered was supposed to pay the equivalent of $182.00 to God. If this law is not followed, God promised plague.)

It took nine months and twenty days to finish the work of counting all of the people. Then, David repented of having counted them, knowing that numbers are unimportant to God. God has never used large armies to defeat large enemies.

God gave David a choice between three punishments: He could have seven years of famine, or he could be a fugitive from his enemies for three months, or he could have 3 days of plague. David wanted to get the punishment over with, so he chose the three days of plague (which served to allow God to keep His promise. God knew David was going to choose three days over three months or seven years).

When the Angel of the Lord was by Aruanah’s (a Jebusite king) threshing place, he raised his hand to destroy Jerusalem with the plague, but God said, “No. That is enough. Enough people are dead.” David saw him and cried out, “WHY! Why kill all these people when it was I who sinned? Kill my family and me instead!” The prophet, Gad, told him to build an altar there at the threshingfloor in order to stay the plague. So David started walking toward it.

Araunah came out to enquire what was wrong, and what did David need? David told him, “I need to buy your threshingfloor to build an altar to God to offer a sacrifice so He will stop the plague in Israel.” Aruanah said, “David, you can have it. I’ll even give you the animal to sacrifice. You don’t have to pay me anything.” But David said, “No. I want to pay you for it. I would never offer a sacrifice to God that didn’t cost me something.” So David paid Aruanah the equivalent of $364.00 for the right to offer a sacrifice on his threshingfloor.

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What I have learned:

A sacrifice is thought of, by most people, as some animal you kill and burn as a gift to God. But, the truth is, God wants to know what you are willing to give up in order to do the right thing – the right thing being following God’s laws. This is why Samual told Saul (in 1st Samual 5:22) “to obey is better than sacrifice.”

When Jesus came, he made all of us kings and priests of our own lives, under God, in God’s kingdom – our goal being to bring others into the Kingdom of God where we are all kings and priests. To do this, we must be the same example for others that Christ was for us. Christ gave his life. What will you give?

Whatever you give, it has to be the best you’ve got. God doesn’t like second-hand gifts or leftovers. God wants your assurance that you have the faith to believe and understand that He is your provider. If whatever sacrifice or offering you make means nothing to you, then it means nothing to God. In return, if you give to God with your whole heart, (be it your time, your money or your provisions) He has promised to bless you.



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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 23

David’s last request was this:

He who is to become King of Israel must be a just man, who rules in deep respect of the Lord. He is to be like a light in the darkness, for the people to look to for guidance. Those of my household do not have the same respect for God that I have had, but God has made a promise to me, that my posterity should be blessed, and this promise will be kept. Those of my family who are bad will be dealt with in time, but the men who are the tools for such punishment must be punished.

David had some mighty men under him during his time of reign:

Adino, who killed 800 men at once.

Eleazer, killed as many Philistines as he could until he was exhausted, but when he was finished, all that was left was to gather the spoil.

Shammah, who stood alone when everyone else ran away and single-handedly defeated the Philistines.

Three men broke through a Philistine barricade at the well of Bethlehem in Rephaim to get David a drink of water, just because he said he was thirsty. They defeated the Philistines and brought a bowl filled with water to David. David refused to drink it because he was so humbled that these men would risk their lives just to get him a drink of water. It was something he never would have asked them to do.

Abishai, chief among the three, single-handedly killed three-hundred Philistines.
Benaiah killed two cunning men of Moab; then he slew a lion that was trapped in a pit when it snowed; then a well-built Egyptian came at him with a spear, which he took from the Egyptian and killed him with it.

Of all the mighty men David had, there were 37 in all. These were just the most notable ones.

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What I have learned:

As David neared the end of his life, he began to reflect on his life: Was it worth it? Did I do all right? What could I, should I, or would I have done differently? He thought of his children, those he would leave behind.

I know how David felt. I, too, look back on my life and I think about my children today. I realize that everything my children are and will become is a result of what I taught them, how I treated them, what decisions I made concerning them, and how they felt about all of it. I know there are times that I maybe should have done differently; and no matter how hard I tried not to have regrets as I made those decisions, the regrets are there in some ways. Even though I know that things couldn’t have been much different, given the choices I had, I wonder if I did all I could.

The decisions I had to make determined how they react to their future events as adults. Did I help them, or did I put them in danger, mentally, emotionally, spiritually? Did I do enough or not enough? I know I should have done more. I know I could have done less.

It is only when I realize that things would not have turned out much different from the way they did if I had done different, given the choices I had to work with, that I begin to finally forgive myself. I know that all I can do is pray that God will show Himself to them the way He showed Himself to me, so they will have Him as their rock to lean on the way I do. He is the one who is in control. He knows their hearts, their minds, their choices. He is the one who will open their doors and put obstacles in front of them that need to be there for His will to come to pass.

I pray that He has mercy on them the way He has shown mercy to me. Most of all, I pray that He opens their hearts and their ears to understand Him when He speaks to them, and that they act in integrity when they hear His voice. It is up to them to carry the torch when my life is over.

The only thing I can do at this point in my life is what David did: think about those who stood beside me, those who gave me a hand up, those who made a difference in my life and the lives around me – my “mighty men”. I can give them credit for being to me the people they were, the ones who were instrumental in making me who I am, and I can praise God for bringing them into my life.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 22

David wrote a song dedicated to God for delivering him from all his enemies:

In this song he praised God for delivering him from all his enemies, for making a way when his enemies put obstacles in his path and for using whatever means available to help him out.

David said the reason God helped him was

"because he delighted in me.

21The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

22For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

23For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.

24I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity."

This did not mean that David didn't sin. It means that he took responsibility for the sins he committed: "and have kept myself from mine iniquity."

Moreover:

47The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

48It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me,

49And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

50Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

David gives all the glory to God. He takes none for himself.

It is this type of praise that makes him known as "A man after God's own heart".
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I have learned that God should be given the glory for all of our daily triumphs in life. The more we find to be thankful to God for, the more He rewards us just for being ourselves.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 21

There was famine for about three consecutive years, and David asked God about it. God told him, "Because Saul killed a lot of Gibeonites." So David went to the Gibeonites and said, "I know Saul did you wrong. I would like to make up for it. How can I make things right with you now?"
,
They told David, "We don't want anything of Saul's, and we don't want you to punish anyone for it."

David said, "Just tell me what you do want, and I'll do it."

They said, "Let us have seven of Saul's bloodline, and let us hang them in Gibeah."

So David did, but he didn't send Mephibosheth because Mephibosheth was Jonathon's son, and he had swore an oath to Jonathon. Instead, he took two of Rizpah's sons, (Saul's concubine) and five of Michal's sons (Saul's grandchildren by his daughter). Rizpah mourned by taking a sackcloth and spreading it out on a rock and not letting any animals or birds on it until it rained. Then David took the bones of Saul, Jonathon, and the seven that were hanged and buried them in Saul's father's tomb, in the land of Benjamin.

Then God relieved them from the famine.

The Philistines and Israel went to war again, and during the battle, David became faint, or tired and stressed. Ishbebenob thought he had killed David, but Abishae saved David and killed Ishbebenob. Then all the warriors under David put their foot down and demanded that David never go out to battle with them again, because if he got killed it would kill the spirit of Israel and not be good for morale.

Then there was battle with the Philistines in Gob and a Hushathite killed Saph, one of the giant's sons. Then in another battle in Gob, a Bethlehemite slew Goliath's brother.

Then there was another battle with the Philistines in Gath, and one of Goliath's sons who had six fingers and six toes on each hand and foot was killed by David's nephew, Jonathon.

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Today I learned that sometimes God requires us to make up for what other people do wrong in order to build good relationships and show sincerity of heart.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 20

A no-good Benjamite named Sheba blew a trumpet and declared secession from David. Many Israelites followed him, but the Judaites stayed with David.

When David got to his house in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines that Absalom had raped in front of all of Israel, and he put them in a ward home, and he took care of them, but he never had sex with them, or visited with them again. They lived as if they were widows.

Then David told Amesa, "Gather all the men you can and in three days, meet me here." Then he told Abishai, "That man Sheba is going to cause me more trouble than Absalom did. Take my servants and go after him." So he went, and took some of Joab's men and some Cherithites and Pelethites went also.

At the stone in Gibeon, Amesa travelled ahead of them. He was wearing Joab's clothes and he had a sword fastened to the garment, but the sword fell out. Joab grabbed Amesa by the beard as if he were going to kiss him and said, "Are you okay, brother?" Then he stabbed Amesa in the stomach, killing him. Then he and Abishai chased after Sheba.

Amesa's men refused to move until Amesa was taken out of the middle of the road and and covered up. Then everyone that followed Amesa, followed Joab to chase after Sheba.
All of the people that were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down, until an old lady in the city called for Joab to come to her to speak with her.

When he came to her, she said, "Aren't you Joab?"

He said, "Yes."

She said, "Back in the old days, if anyone needed a problem settled, they would come to Abel to settle the matter with wise counsel. Here you are wanting to destroy a historical city and an old lady. Why?"

He said, "I don't wish to do so. We only want Sheba because he has rebelled against the king."

She said, "If you will wait a moment, we will hand you his head over the wall."

She did as she said she would, and they cut off Sheba's head and threw it down to Joab, who then went back to Jerusalem to David.

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Sometimes violence can be avoided by simply talking out a problem. It is always better to stop violence before it hurts innocent people.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 19

Someone told Joab that David was taking his son's death badly, and that it broke David's heart. All of Israel was sad for David, instead of happy for the victory. They went very quietly about their business, not wanting to dishonor their King's mourning.

Finally, Joab went to see him. He told David, "You should be ashamed of yourself. You have shamed all of us. Here, we saved you from your enemy and all of Israel from death. But you act like you love your enemies more than your friends. Instead of acting like the victor, you are acting like the victim! Now get up and go and speak to your servants and be the King. I swear if you don't, I am leaving, and you won't like it when I do!"

So David went and sat in the gate. All of Israel came before him; because they had all fled to their tents after Absalom was killed, and rumor had it that he had left and ran off because of Absalom, and all the people wanted to know why they had done nothing to bring the king back, because David had not yet returned to his home in Jerusalem.

So David sent word to the priests, saying, "Why haven't you talked to Israel concerning this matter? I hear the rumors, yet you are not addressing them. You act as if you don't want to have me come home."

So they sent word back for him to come home.

When David got to the Jordan, the Tribe of Judah came to meet him and help him get home. Shimei, the son of Gera, the Benjamite that cursed him on the hill as he left, came with them to meet him. Ziba, the servant of Saul, also came to meet him. David used a ferry boat to cross the Jordan, and then Shimei fell on his face before the king, begging, "Please forgive me. I know I was wrong for what I did. That is why I am here, before all of Israel, to beg your forgiveness and ask that you not take to heart what I did."

Abishai said, "Shouldn't we kill him for cursing you, David? You are the Lord's annointed!"

David said, "No. No one is going to die today. Everyone knows I am King, that is enough."

Mephibosheth, who had not bathed nor trimmed his beard or washed his clothes since the day David left, also came to meet David. David asked him, "How come you didn't go with me?"

Mephibosheth said, "Ziba lied to you. He said he would go and meet you since I was lame, and he never returned. He wanted all that was mine."

David said, "Nevertheless, Ziba went with me. So I'll just divide the land and give him half."

Mephibosheth said, "He can have it all. I am just happy you are home! You have been nothing but good to me."

Barzillai, a good old man that provided David's provisions when he was in Manahaim, also came to meet him. David invited him to come to Jerusalem so he could feast with him and thank him properly. Barzillai said, "No, I'm too old to travel that way. You can take my servant Chimham instead. But, you are king. No repayment is necessary."

David agreed to take Chimham. But when David got over Jordan and came into the city, the men of Israel said, "Why did the men of Judah go to meet the king? That was OUR job to do!"

The men of Judah said, "David is closest in kin to us. It was our right. We haven't taken any gifts or pay from him."

Then Israel said, "We have more of a right to him than you do! We've given ten times more to him than you ever have!"

But Judah said mean things that day.
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When all is said and done, I have learned that sometimes people's perceptions of the way things are different from the way things seem. Sometimes what you think is going on isn't what is going on at all. It is always best to be open to any new information instead of assuming that things are the way you see them.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 18

So David set Captains over thousands and Captains over hundreds of the people that followed him; Abishai, Joab and Ittai all had a third of the people under them. Then he said, "I am going with you."

But the people all in one accord said, "No. You don't need to go with us. You may be killed and you are worth ten thousand of us." So David submitted his stand.

As they left to go meet Absalom, David told Joab, "Be gentle with the young man." Everyone heard him.

When they went to battle, finally, it was in the woods of Ephraim. There were more people killed by the trees and thickets than by the sword of other men. Over 20,000 men were slaughtered that day.

Absalom was riding on a mule under a wild Oak tree and his hair got caught in one of the branches and the mule kept running, hanging Absalom by the hair from the tree.

A man ran and told David what he saw. Joab said, "How come you didn't kill him? I would have given you a good reward had you done so. The man then replied, "I don't care how much you would have given me, there is no way I would hurt the king's son. We all heard him tell you to be gentle with him."

Joab said, "Well, I may not be alive too long," and took three darts and killed Absalom.

The battle stopped. They buried Absalom. Then Ahimaaz said, "I guess I should go tell David."

Joab said, "No. No one tells the King anything today. Let's let him lie here a day." Then he told Cushi, "Go run tell the king what you saw."

Ahimaaz begged to go with Cushi. Joab let him go with Cushi. But Ahimaaz ran so fast, he got ahead of Cushi.

While David waited, a watchman saw Ahimaaz and said, "There is a man running alone...wait, there is another one farther behind him. The first one looks like Ahimaaz!

"Good," said David. "That must be good news."

When Ahimaaz got there, he bowed himself to David, then said, "All is well. Blessed is God for saving the king from his enemy!"

"Is Absalom safe?" David asked.

"I don't know. I saw a commotion when I left, but I don't know what it was."

When Cushi got there, David asked, "Is Absalom safe?"

Cushi said, "May all your enemies be as that young man is."

David mourned, saying, "Oh my son Absalom. If only I could have died in your place!"

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God always takes care of problems, sometimes in ways that we don't expect or would not want to see. In the end it is always in our best interest

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Daily Comments

June 2013 Comments
July Comments
June Comments

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July Comments

7/12/12 I just found out that the old man in the "Little Rascals" show with "Spanky and the Gang" was my great-great-grandpa:



I grew up on Little House on the Prairie. It was our Monday night thing when I was a kid. I watched every episode from the Pilot to the Goodbye show at least two or three times.



I remember mom telling me one day that she would woop my butt if I didn't have my room clean by the time she came home from work. I was young. I had time. So I hopped on my bicycle and rode to my cousins' house to play Bingo with Melissa and Frisbee with Travis. I was outside playing frisbee when mom drove by. I took every short cut imaginable to try to beat her home...but I got a woopin.

This is Travis, Melissa and Barbara Ann McRae when they were young. They lived two miles down a dirt road in Redwater, Texas from my house.

Me Melissa and Travis were always getting in trouble. I remember one time we went swimming in the pond behind Jaquie's house in the middle of February. Mom found my wet clothes and I had to fess up. oooh boy did I ever get in trouble.

7/2/12 -- Finally got Fallout downloaded, after two weeks of downloading. Don't ask me why it took that long, but I sure enjoyed playing it last night!

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Daily Thoughts

August
July
June

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July Thoughts for the Day:

God sometimes lets people know what He has planned, not so you can stop it or do anything to help make it happen, but so your faith will grow, and you will have a chance to repent.

Even though we have to pay for the sins that are committed, the payment will be a lot easier to bear if we turn back to God. He may even shorten the punishment.

God doesn’t want any compromise. You either do it His way, or you will face the consequences.

When you have a talent and you use it in the right way, God uses people to reward you

God doesn’t do things for us and not expect to be treated well for it.

When you dedicate something to God, understand that you are giving it to the world, so that God can use it to gain Glory for Himself.

If you give to God, but your heart is not in it, God doesn’t want it.

Friends are gifts from God, His way of telling us He is there, and He loves us. We should treat all of our friends as if they are God's gift to us.

When God gives you a talent, it cannot be contained within the confines of your home. Word of your gifts become known to others who wish to learn from you, or hear you, or see what God has given you. It is important to keep God at the front of anything you do, in order to sustain such gift and grow it. This way, the bigger the gift, the bigger God becomes; you have the opportunity to not only tell the world about God, but to show them what He can do with someone like you.

This is what God wants more than anything: He wants to feel welcomed into your life. He wants to know that you value His input, His advice, and His feelings toward you. Give this to God, and let God show you how much He values YOU.

When you obtain any position of authority that someone else was trying to get, you should always treat that person with respect and love, as long as that person is humbled enough to respect your position in spite of their efforts.

God has never used large armies to defeat large enemies.

God should be given the glory for all of our daily triumphs in life. The more we find to be thankful to God for, the more He rewards us just for being ourselves.

Sometimes God requires us to make up for what other people do wrong in order to build good relationships and show sincerity of heart.

Sometimes violence can be avoided by simply talking out a problem. It is always better to stop violence before it hurts innocent people.

Sometimes people's perceptions of the way things are different from the way things seem. Sometimes what you think is going on isn't what is going on at all. It is always best to be open to any new information instead of assuming that things are the way you see them.

God always takes care of problems, sometimes in ways that we don't expect or would not want to see. In the end it is always in our best interest

It is good to know what your enemy is up to at all times.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samual 17

Then Ahithophel told Absalom to gather 12,000 men and go after David while he is weak and weary. All the people that are with him will run and he will only kill David.

But Absalom wanted a second opinion, so he sent for Hushai (David's spy). Hushai told him, "No. Now you know your father is a man of war and right now he is angry and strong. He doesn't stay where there are people. So focus on gathering the allegience of the people, then wait until he can be found, for right now he is probably hiding in a pit somewhere. Then you will be able to get him when he least expects it."

Absalom listened to Hushai, thinking his counsel was better than the first. He called all the priests and told them to send a message to David and tell him to run, because if he doesn't, he's going to be attacked and killed.

Jonathon and Ahimaaz were Hushai's sons who stayed by Engrogel and an old woman came and told them what Absalom was up to. But a young man saw them and told Absalom what he saw. So they ran to a man's house in Bahurim. The man had a well and they hid in it. The woman spread a covering over it and put dirt and corn on it so it couldn't be seen. And the men that Absalom sent to find them could not find them.

When it was safe, they came out of the well and went and told David what they heard. By the next morning, David and all of his party were crossed over the Jordan river.

Ahithophel saw that Absalom was not listening to him, so he committed suicide by hanging himself.

When David got to Mahanaim, Absalom and all his men were crossing over Jordan. Now Absalom made Amesa the captain of his army, and Amesa's mother, Abigail, was Joab's first cousin, his mother's sister's daughter.
Absalom camped in Gilead.

When David got to Mahanaim, Joab was met by Abigail's brother and two other men who brought them food and supplies.

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Today I learned that it is good to know what your enemy is up to at all times.

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July Prayer Requests

Please keep Blake Hickman in your prayers, he is my daughter's boyfriend and was involved in a car accident this morning. He was transferred to Mercy Hospital in Hot Springs with a head injury, he is alert and doing good as of an hour ago, very tramatic for him and his family, nothing worse than to know your child is in pain. It is only by the grace of an amazing God that his injuries weren't more severe. So proud of my daughter, she has held up pretty good, she will be a great doctor one day. --Narda Joyce Launius

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They are admitting Sera into the hospital...They will be keeping her for a couple of days. She, apparently, has diabetes....and, when they checked her the last time it was a little over 400....keep her in your prayers, please. -- Brenda Brashear Pettis (Sera is home).


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Angie Jeffirs Piers needs prayers for her health and finances.

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Requesting prayers for my unborn grandson Stetson and his parents. The doctor found something on the back of his neck and is sending my daughter in law to a specialist. -- Jerita Hughes Batchelor

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I just wanted to say thanks for all the prayers for my mom,she was released from the hospital today and is resting at home.It's going to be a long road of healing but she has God on her side.And our God is an awesome God!!! -- Big Craig Rains

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One of my best friend's is slipping away from us. He is losing his battle with cancer. We have been with the family all day today and will be as long as necessary. Our hearts are broken. Please lift Mike and Penny Longan and their family up in prayer. --Mary McCarty Sumner

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Becky Melton's cousin Rusty is in ICU undergoing tests.

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Vikki Clark-Looper needs prayer for her leg that has been giving her problems.

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John Sabo's mom is in the hospital with bladder infection and chest pains. Please pray for her.

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24 hours later: Thank God for a GREAT update on Hayley; The beginning of day 5: Hayley is making a miraculous recovery. All tubes are gone. She’s been able to hold her precious newborn, Jackson. Talking, joking, and showing her beautiful smile and laugh. Eating jello and broth. Hayley Jane, please remember that you don’t have to be super mommy…you need your rest:) Lots of people love you & and will continue to support you.
-- Melissa McRae Hughes

12 hours later: Praise God!! According to Charles Smith, Hayley's husband:

They have finally taking the tubes out of Hayley's throat. I was able to sit and talk to her 30 min.. she looks so much better.. I'm so thankful for all the prayers. -- Melissa McRae Hughes

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24 hours later: Hayley's bleeding has stopped, She isn't on any pain medicine & her kidneys are functioning normal. The doctor doesn't feel comfortable taking the ventilator out yet. They have ordered more test for in the morning. We appreciate everyone's prayers. Please continue to pray for Hayley.

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By ten o'clock she was alert and talking. Praise God!

I dont care what kind of beef anyone else may have with God, nobody can convince me that prayer doesn't work. Haley was gone for 35 minutes. She isn't supposed to be asking for something to eat. God worked a miracle for all of us to see.

Melissa McRae Hughes said:
That is true! When Hayley's terrible ordeal started they had 8 minutes to deliver the baby. Although she needed CPR, they had the mindset and God given ability to save the baby. Then they worked on her for 30 minutes. I was told the dr. could have easily pronounced her dead after 20 minutes without success. Thank God they continued the CPR! Since going on the ventilator, she has continually gotten better and doing so well now that they may remove her breathing tube today. She's fully breathing on her own, has been mouthing words, hugging, squeezing hands, and answering questions. Her lab results have been coming back good now. More miracles of God after being dead for longer than what is known by man to receive brain damage! Praise God! Praise God! and thanks to all the doctors, nurses, blood donors, and prayer warriors!! Baby Jackson is also a handsome miracle baby that's doing well and seems to be healthy--at a birth weight of 8lbs 9 oz

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Update for Hayley: She woke up out of her coma shortly before two. She was trying to move and communicate by nodding. She was still breathing with help, but doing better: by five she was breathing on her own. She still needs prayer for a full recovery, but God has been so good so far! KEEP PRAYING!

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Update for those praying for Hayley Jane Smith. Her husband said that her blood pressure is stable. They are also reducing her oxygen to get her to breath on her own. I know my God works miracles and this is a miracle. Hayley is a fighter!! Keep praying ;)

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Haley Jane Smith is currently in a coma, having suffered from an amniotic pulmonary embalism, and is on life support. Her baby is fine. She is currently in need of more blood. Anyone can donate and if it's not the right blood type, they will do a trade so your donation is NOT wasted. Your blood will be used on someone else who needs it, and Hayley will still get hers. Please help if you can, and PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!

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Please pray for my sister Hayley. She was induced last night and I don't know any of the details right now, but she has been put on life support. I know God has control of everything! Please pray for my sister & her baby -- Lisa Marie Hodge

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Becky Melton's dad is in the hospital with possible heart problems.

Please keep my family in your prayers, one of my family members is sick and in the hospital -- Vikki Clark-Looper (It's good to hear she is doing better, keep praying)

I would like to ask all of my friends to pray for my Pastor, Brother Matthew C. Butler. He and his family are being attacked on all fronts by the master attacker, Satan. He needs all the prayer he can get for the strength to keep up the good fight.

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