Tag: David

Nobody

November 4, 2025

Once again, Jesus brought this Casting Crowns song to my attention. He does this often. When I am down and need something to bring me back to what my ministry is, He sends His personal message to me. It is never a verbal word from Him. If I stop and listen, I know what He has done. Let me tell you about this time.

It starts out with the question of why God chose me. Do you ever ask yourself why you felt a desire to accept Christ when others easily refuse? I accepted Him when I was a kid. In college, I rejected the Church I attended, not God. He then asked me to accept a call to His ministry. I still do not understand that.

I never thought of myself as one of the not-quites or worthless individuals, as some do. I knew what I wanted to do. I once thought I might be a good candidate for President of the US. I thought that after a few years as a reporter, I might want to try my hand at politics.

Like the writer of this song, I can relate to Moses’ apprehension at being a leader and how David felt when he stepped up and accepted the call to fight Goliath. He was young and already believed that he could do anything he was asked to do. It took me a few more years to get there, but I think I may be close.

David did, in fact, take rocks to a sword fight. Yes, I said rocks. Reread the story, and you will see that after he shed Saul’s armor and sword, he took up his shepherd’s pouch, staff, and sling. He stopped and selected five stones that he placed in the bag. Some wonder why others have said that his opponent had four brothers. Only one was a brother. The other three were cousins. He was prepared.

I am beginning to see who He wants me to be. I minister to those I worked with and around for over forty years. I’ve worked with multiple groups in churches and other ministries. Now you are my congregation. I hope I can come across as loving and understanding as Jesus did.

That’s what He tried to teach His followers. He showed love to everyone, even those who opposed Him. He did not stop there. He died for all of us. Even those who wanted Him dead forced the Romans to execute Him.

I know I will not go down in history. All I can ask for is what the chorus of this song says. I just want to tell you what I know about my Lord and Savior. I am not important in any way other than as a witness to what a life of service can mean. I hope that you want to be a nobody like I am.

©Copyright 2025 by Charles Kensinger

The death of a king

May 28, 2020

Medical practices have changed a lot since the period written about in the first book of the Kings of Israel. Chapter one begins with the elderly King David needing some aid to stay warm while sleeping.  Electric blankets and space heaters had not been invented yet.  Abishag, a young unmarried woman is brought in to be a human hot water bottle.  This problem with old age sets the stage for a coup.

We have finally finished the material about and by David. In 1 Kings 1, we begin to look at the third king of Israel, Solomon. David is still alive, and his second-oldest son makes a play to become the ruler of the Jews. The shepherd king is old and feeble. A young woman is found to share his bed to keep him warm. Talk about a live hot water bottle. She will be significant later.

David’s son, Adonijah, decided to promote himself as king. Joab supported him.  As the next oldest to Absalom, he felt he should be the successor.  No one told him he was next in line. As many of us do, he considered it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission. He even invited all of his brothers except Solomon to the coronation.

Nathan was not invited, either. He went to Bathsheba and asked her to go to see her husband about his wishes for an heir to the throne.  This triggers a ceremony to put Solomon on the throne before there is a battle between brothers. When word reaches Adonimah, the party is over.  He runs to the altar and pleads that Solomon will not take revenge on him for trying to grab his Jehovah granted position. Solomon agrees to forgive him if he is faithful to the new king.  That’s not going to happen.

Adonijah uses Joab and Abiathar to help promote his place as the next ruler. The problem is that Yahweh had told David a son by Bathsheba would succeed him. Remember the prophet Nathan that confronted David about his sin with her? He works with her to move Solomon in as the current leader’s true choice.

His older brother goes to the altar in the tent of meeting and holds onto the horns until he has the new King’s pledge not to kill him. Execution of family members is common to secure your place as a monarch.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Praise and Glory to Jehovah

May 28, 2020

Psalms 111 is again a song of praise. Words used to describe Jehovah are great, glorious, majestic, righteous, gracious, compassionate, powerful, faithful, just, and trustworthy. Redemption for His people is His desire. He is holy and awesome. He gives understanding and wisdom.

We continue praising the Lord in Psalms 112 by delighting in His commands. God’s children will be blessed and prosperous is His promise. As the Israelites found out, sometimes God’s promises can be delayed especially by our sin. We are to be generous and our faith never is shaken. Often, we forget His wishes for our own. Fear is the opposite of trusting Yahweh. That trust results in having a home where there is no weeping and sorrow.

As servants we should praise God is written in Psalms 113. What does the phrase “from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,” mean to you? This is where He should be praised. Stop and think about it. The light of the sun strikes everywhere in our solar system. It rises and sets all over. The universe has billions of suns in as many solar systems. Jehovah should be praised anywhere these suns rise and set. He is always there when we need Him, unlike other things we worship.

Psalms 114 gives us a history lesson of what Yahweh did for the Israelites. The Psalmist also asks why these miracles happened. They were not accidents. God used His power and authority over the universe that He created to benefit His people.

Who receives the glory for your accomplishments? Psalms 115 says that the credit should be given to God. He is our Father who does occupy Heaven. The creator of the universe is unique and one of a kind. Nothing and no one is like Him. We don’t replace the Lord with idols as the Israelites did. We let our attention and praise go to other humans like music stars and athletes. God blesses us even though we often reject Him.

Why do you love the Lord? Psalms 116 says it is because He heard a cry. Often, we love God because of what He has done for us. We should love Jehovah for who he is. Gracious, righteous, compassionate, good, and savior are words that the Psalmist uses to describe our Lord. We don’t often think of death as a benefit of following Christ, but it is. Leaving this world means going to be in His presence.

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” Enough said by Psalm 117.

Thanks to the Lord is just the beginning of Psalms 118. Love is the main theme. His love makes Him my helper. He defended me with His strength and gave me salvation. Verse twenty-two is prophetic of the Messiah. Verse twenty-seven may also refer to the procession into Jerusalem before Jesus was sacrificed on the altar of the cross.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Gatekeepers and Levites

May 27, 2020

1 Chronicles 28 6

How important are the gatekeepers of the Tabernacle and the Temple? 1 Chronicles 26 lists the men from the Korahite clan that were given this task. It was their job to restrict women and gentiles from certain areas. They also had to watch for violations of the law of being ceremonially clean before approaching Jehovah. This is different from our culture since Christ has once and forever paid for the debt of our sin. Jesus asks even the unclean to come to Him for salvation. The outward ceremony is not what Yahweh wants. He wants our constant improvement through His Spirit living in us.

I would like to mention one of these men and his family. Obed-Edom has been mentioned before. It was at his home that King David left the Ark of the Covenant when a mishap disrupted the second king’s first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. Remember that he was blessed for the three months that he ministered to God by allowing His presence to reside with his family. How fortunate we are to have The Father’s Spirit living in us.

Even in those days, treasurers were needed to manage all the gifts brought to God by His people. As every congregation needs someone to handle finances, certain Levitical families were chosen for this important task. Some of this treasure dated back to Samuel. The Israelites on the other side of the Jordan were even assigned Levites to manage their contributions to The Lord.

The army that protected the Israelites were volunteers that were supported by the plunder they took in battle, their own families and those they defended. In 1 Chronicles 27, we are given the names that were in the twelve divisions that took turns serving each month.

The third commander is Benaiah, the son of Jehoiadah, David’s priest. This is the same man that is one of the thirty mighty men. He is a good selection for a military leader. Joab’s brother, Asahel leads those assigned the fourth month.

Each tribe had a leader. There were also overseers whose responsibilities were to manage the property of the King. One of these is Jonathan, the son of Uzziah. This might be Bathsheba’s first husband who was murdered at David’s command. The King’s counselor and confidants are also listed. Our President and each state governor have their own staff, much like David’s.

While still King of Israel in 1 Chronicles 28, David gathers all his officials and declares his intention of having Solomon, his son, succeed him. In  Second Samuel we read of some uncertainty of the order of succession. That is not shown in the Chronicles. These are written by the royal chronicler, not a religious scribe as in the books of Samuel and Kings. As I have mentioned before, the unsavory events are left out.

To confirm this selection, the plans for the Temple are handed down to the King’s chosen heir. Solomon is selected by Jehovah, not David or the people. This continues the tradition of the first and second monarch in Israel. We will discuss the problems with failing to follow His will for leadership in Second Chronicles.

1 Chronicles 29 ends with the death of King David. Before that, an offering is taken from the wealthy of Israel to have even more materials than the King has provided for the construction of the Temple. There is no question as to who the next king will be and build the Temple for his father.

Next, we have a final prayer from David. Note the name Lord that is used often. This is the name Jehovah or Yahweh. The scribes wrote Lord to indicate the name of God to avoid taking this name in vain. They were much more diligent than we are.

Solomon is once again acknowledged as the next king and David’s life ends. Tomorrow we will look at the Psalms that David wrote before we move on to the kingdom under the son of David.

Work is the topic of Psalms 127. Our efforts are not profitable if God is not the one who does the work along with us. All we do is worthless if Jehovah is not involved in it. Another topic here is that of children. Not every parent views their kids as a blessing. Don’t ask how many your quiver should hold. You might not want to know.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Who knows you better than God?

May 27, 2020

We have another positive prayer in Psalm 131. If we have our hope in Jehovah, we will be as content as a child with its mother. Are you proud and caught up in the cares of this world? Get back to God as King David did. That is where we need to rest.

When King David praises Jehovah before other “gods” in Psalm 138, he acknowledges that He is the only true God. Bowing down toward the Temple means praying to the home of Yahweh. In our culture, we know that He is omnipresent, or everywhere at once.

The Israelite King urges every monarch to honor Jehovah. He opposes the proud but does not look down on the lowliest of us. We should follow His example. “Your love endures forever” ends the song. A fabulous thought.

Who knows you better than God? Psalm 139 tells of all the things that Jehovah knows about you. We cannot flee from the creator of the universe. There is no place to run to and hide. Yahweh knows all of us and we are always watched by him.

God did not only create the world but each person on it. He knows you and He cares. He knows when we would be born and die and everything in between. David wants to know why evil people are not held accountable. While Jehovah knows everything, David like us is limited in his decision-making ability. The Son of God encourages us to forgive those who sin against us. His justification is that we all have erred. He who is without sin should throw the first stone.

No one living is righteous compared to Jehovah according to David in Psalm 143. His opponents are causing him to be depressed over the continued situation. Yahweh has protected the King in the past. He has no reason to believe this will stop.

We all need reassurance, even from Jehovah. His love needs to be felt by each of us. We must do the will of the Lord. The reason for God to help David is because he is a servant of God.

God is described as his rock, fortress, deliverer, and refuge in Psalm 144. He trains us to do the work that He has for us. Human beings are nothing when looked at in the light of this awesome being.

Like the King of Israel, we what Jehovah to come to us. We cannot go to Him. We do not know how to find Him. This was taken care of over two thousand years ago when Jesus can to our planet and became one of us.

The Shepherd King says he will sing a new song to Yahweh and he does. All these psalms we have looked at were new a long time ago. That was David’s way to praise the Lord. He wrote songs, played the ten-string lyre, and sang. I write. What do you do to praise God?

Often in his day, David heard of other gods. Eventually, some king will try to get others to worship him as a god. In Psalm 145 this king refers to God as King. His praise for Jehovah is endless. Often, we fall away from Him because we stop communicating with Him and focus on our selves or this world.

The Kingdom of God is referred to here. God proves Himself to a man if we will give the credit where it is due. When Jesus came, he also was worthy of praise for the ideas about the Heavenly Kingdom that He showed to us. He spoke often about what the Kingdom was like.

David knew there was something better than his personal dynasty coming. He praises the coming reign of someone better than he. The rule of his offspring will surpass anything he could imagine. That is what Heaven will be, unimaginable.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

When others lie about you

May 27, 2020

King David was praising God with music and song even in Psalm 108 which must have been written at a time when Jehovah seemed to have deserted Israel. He proclaims Yahweh’s love for His people, but there seems to be some reason that the army fails to see this love.

The tribes of Israel are His and the countries around them will be washed away and placed under their feet. David’s plea is that God will again join them in the battle to make them victorious.

Have you, like David in Psalm 109, had people speak against you and lie? These are so-called friends that the Psalmist is speaking of. Are you also a person who prays? The king is wishing that these people will be allowed to reap what they are sowing be Jehovah allowing them to die. His attitude would not be considered Christian. We are urged to forgive others by our Lord. Hoping for the death of others does not fit that mold.

While he condemns them, he also complements Yahweh for His love, compassion, and provision.

We discussed the opening of Psalm 110 before Resurrection Day. The prophecy that the Messiah’s enemies would be placed at His feet begins this poem. This prophetic song describes the time when Christ will return as a conquering warrior. His priesthood is also talked of here. Judgment will come at that time.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Solomon is installed as king

May 27, 2020

David not only had Solomon installed as king before he died in 1 Chronicles 23 he also established the service of the Levitical families. They had all the needed functions of the Tabernacle covered. Some were musicians, gatekeepers, in charge of all the different kinds of festivals, and sacrifices. These families would continue these duties after the Temple is built by Solomon.

The book of 1st Chronicles is very interesting in the way it tells the same stories as other books. One example in chapter twenty-four is the way Aaron’s oldest two sons died. No specifics are given, but we know from Exodus that their deaths were in response to disobedience. We are given the genealogical divisions for work in the Tabernacle and eventually the Temple.

Of course, David would appoint some of the Levites as musicians. The prophets mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25 are most likely what we know as Cantors. They would chant or sing the words of the Psalms during worship. The accompaniment by the lyres, harps, and cymbals is also assigned by the King. Two-hundred and eighty-eight men from the line of Levi are selected for their positions by Jehovah.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

The Lord reigns

May 27, 2020

A song that says, “Let us sing for joy to the Lord” is Chapter 95 of Psalms. Thanksgiving, rejoicing, and praise are flowing. He is the King of all deities and the creator of everything. That is why we should worship Him. Yahweh reminds them that their ancestors rebelled and were punished for forty years because they did not trust Him enough to go into the land of Canaan the first time. When have you rebelled?

“The Lord reigns” is the beginning of Psalm 97. Clouds and darkness, righteousness and justice, and fire and lightning are all used to describe Him. Those who do not worship Jehovah are considered wrong. Today Christians are often ridiculed by those whose faith is based on other gods or no god at all. Science is an object of worship as is money, fame, and society.

New songs are often mentioned in the Psalms and #98 is not an exception. We sing of His salvation, righteousness, love, faithfulness, and judgment. The new song is not only sung by us but by the earth and the sea. Even the mountains and rivers also are said to praise their creator.

We have a replay of Psalm 97 in Psalm 99 that we are reading today. His reign is mentioned again. He is placed between the cherubim on the lid of the Ark of Covenant. He is over the entire universe. He is holy or separate from everyone and everything. He was not created. God is The Creator. Those who praised Him are honored as He is.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Rock, fortress, deliverer, and refuge

May 27, 2020

Are you ready for a song?  In Second Samuel in the twenty-second chapter, David sings to us.  He describes Jehovah as his rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, stronghold, and savior.  Stop and meditate on these descriptions for a few minutes.  Just a few thoughts about our rock who can be a stepping stone or stumbling block and corner or capstone.

The King’s description of Yahweh is full of terrifying and powerful words.  He can do anything that He desires.  Our safety and survival are dependent on Him.  When David speaks of his righteousness and following God’s laws, we may be skeptical. He like all of us had his failures.  The Lord’s forgiveness is what we all need.

His faithfulness lasts and David accredits all his success to Him.  After a long life if trials, defeats, and victories his majesty knows who is majestic.

King David’s last words are given in 2 Samuel 23.  He tells how Jehovah spoke through him and ruled the people by his hand.  Was his house righteous and did God give him salvation because of his actions? No, like all of us it was his relationship with the Lord that that secured his eternal home.

The chapter ends with a list of the names of the mighty men that enabled the King to defeat his enemies and serve Israel as a mighty monarch. Note that Bathsheba’s first husband, Uriah is one of the thirty-seven men named. The exploits recounted here may be rerun from earlier in the books of Samuel. Reading the stories for the second time gives us the opportunity to reflect on the graciousness of Yahweh.

David is again Thanking Yahweh for saving him from Saul in Chapter 57. His praise is extended to his Lord for making the King appear as a fool. God is given the glory for his rescue. The young Psalmist sings praises to Jehovah after acknowledging the predicament he is in.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

As a dear pants for water

May 18, 2020

David calls Jehovah his King and God in Psalm 5. The Israeli Monarch shares his morning prayers with us. Arrogance, deceitfulness, and wickedness do not please Yahweh. He finds them guilty and punishes them for their sins. When we fall to these same weaknesses, we receive discipline as well.

The love of God allows us to have access to Him. We can take refuge in Him. He protects, and we rejoice in you. His favor surrounds us as a shield.

Have you encountered the discipline of Jehovah as David did in Psalm 38? Adultery with Bathsheba as he attempts to trick her husband and finally, murder him has caused the King to realize there are consequences for his actions.

Many of the Psalms are full of complaints about those who try to destroy the shepherd. He continues to hold onto Yahweh for strength and courage. Our sin drives a wedge between us and God. King David admits his guilt to grow in the grace of his Lord.

Those who have concern for the weak are blessed in Psalm 41. When we ask for mercy and admit our sinfulness, the Lord will hear us. Our enemies will have no power over us because Jehovah is merciful to us. He will heal us from disease and defend us against all our foes.

How deep is your desire for a relationship with Jehovah? In Psalm 42 the writer likens himself to a dear panting for water. Do you have a thirst for God? Often others criticize our faith. This is nothing new. Praise and prayer should never cease. His love is infinite. Our hope must remain in the Father and the Son, even when we are down and depressed.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger