Recently in my neck of the woods, there was commotion over a high school student at Heritage Baptist that was suspended because he decided to go to prom, where “Rock & Roll” music and dancing would be present. Story here.

Also, in Findlay, Ohio, I’ll have admit that something else has been sturring. That something is——-my soul.  [lol, that sounded kinda cheesy huh? Moving on...] Unlike at home, or while I was in college, when I come home…I’m alone.  No longer am I distracted in whether my roommates washed the dishes or whether my lil’ brother cleaned up his side of the room we share.   Nor am I any longer involved in situations in my family or college dorm room that would allow me to focus more on others…versus my own self.  Ya see…now when I come home, I can only preside over Justin.  And that’s new to me, believe it or not.  Now, I only have myself to judge and critique. And that’s new to me, too…believe it or not.

Being in this new environment that I once dreaded going to has allowed me to realize alot of things about myself. The most potent of these ‘things’ being habits and values that I’m not proud of. They have really brought to the full front. Life Lesson: It’s one thing to know you’re not perfect, stay content with that fact, and simply accept the “Oh, I’m just human” excuse/trap. But it’s a complete 180 to look up to God’s standard, humble yourself and realize how much farther you have to go to be ‘what you claim to be’ [which is a Christian].

I’ve encountered a lot of good Christian people and spiritual tests up here. People and test that have made me want to better, and know more. And without getting into all the stories of grace that have allowed me to grow, let me just sum it up and say that I’ve really seen a difference in only 5 months of pursuit of God’s Word.

And I’ll have to admit that for the first time, I’ve become fully conscious of sins. Every one of them.

And although I still sin daily….each sin stings more and more. And unlike I use to do, I can’t just brush them off like I did once before. I’m truly embarrassed and ashamed. And I’m finally realizing the magnitude of my sins and how that strays me away from God. It seems that although my body is still in its old habits, my spirit is seceded and calling it out!

But the bigger point I’d like to point out is that since these realizations from reading the Word,  I have to admit that I’ve become scared. Scared of missing salvation.

I’ve become more fearful of God’s power and God’s absence[damnation]. I know I have disappointed him, and that I will be judged.

It’s sort of like that feeling you got when you were a child in the backseat of the car, and you were on your way home.  And you knew as soon as you got home, you were going to get ‘whooped’/punished. The radio isn’t even turned on. You see nothing but your mother’s glaring eyes in the rear view mirror. I recall that being one of the worst feelings ever….anticipation of punishment.

I know about repentance.

However, shamefully enough, I think I’m scared because I know I’m still connected to the ‘world’. Therefore, I can’t wholefully repent. Shamefully enough, I’m not fully ready to let go of things that entice me to sin. [i.e. friends, music, media images, etc.]  Shamefully enough, I’m scared because I being to realize just how many people [of whom I know] are on the path to miss salvation as well.

And that realization is not as easy as it was for you to read it just now.  It humbles you. And It hurts… like H__ [pun intended].  Alsowhen you really realize that, it’s hard to live with. If you’re like me, you’ll be in limbo and never be stable, never at peace.

As “simple” as God makes it for us to recieve salvation, I feel like I’ve finally gotten ‘off the bench’ and started the battle to maintain it.

I guess you could say that I’ve finally gotten a spiritual perceptive of where I need to be. But I sure have a long way to go, and boy do I have a mess to clean up.

I’ve been living off the wrong standard.  I’m been living off this, “You’re a good guy, Justin” compliment and I have allowed that to make me content with my habits and values. Even look ing back at some of my past posts, I can only shake my head in humility at where my mind was at.  But I pray that one day all of those spiritually immature [ and secularly grounded]  post will eventually serve as a testimony to how I’ve grown in the Lord.

I’ve heard and read of all these experiences that people have had in which they have been touched by Jesus.  And I desire that. So much.  And I’m realizing that living this American Dream with a job, an apartment, a car, and a retirement plan isn’t the real deal. It’s a means for a purpose I have yet to find & fulfull.

And for the record… I didn’t just wake up and have this revelation. Gradually…this realization has crept up on me. And the way it’s been able to do that is through me seeking the irrifutable ‘truth’ [The  Word/Bible]. ‘No, I can’t say that I’ve noticed a change instantly’, but from reading the Word, ‘marinating’ in the Word, and being put in situations in which I’m tested to live it out, I feel that I’ve spiritually matured.

This post is simply a share. I wish I could site this post with scriptures, link, and such…… but it’s more so of a testimony than a “lesson”.  But let me end in a formal conclusion of what I’m trying to get across [because I know I'm coming from alot of angles]:

I sought the Truth consistently, and everyday, the Truth is becoming more apparent to me [as promised in John 8:31].

And that verse is so amazing and true for me. Henceforth, I realize how much I have to learn, to sacrifice, to give, to forgive, etc. 

The Tower at the University of Texas at Austin reads [Can you find it?],

“Ye shall seek the truth, and the truth shall make you free” 

I appreciate you reading this, and for my friends, I look forward to working with you towards salvation.

Extras:

• Jesus is Love
• Whether this man’s testimony is true, he serves a powerful point that Hell is real 
• God is Tryna Tell You Something

Introduction

reciprocity- a state or relationship in which there is mutual action, influence, giving and taking, correspondence, etc., between two parties.

Reciprocity was a relationship concept that evolved from a convo with some good friends.

This concept is based on the ideal that when you give something, you receive something. It alludes to the mantra, “Give, and you shall receive”. Most of my earliest debates on reciprocity were revolved around the courtship of relationships. Like most circles of friends, relationships come up in conversations….very often. And through my studies [ lol], usually the biggest issue revolved around reciprocity. It especially came up when you were in that phase of “feeling somebody out” and “dating”, and you’re trying to gauge how much they liked you. You know what I mean.

Some of the numerous ‘Reciprocity’ discussion points included,

• “If I call a girl, and leave a voice message, then she better do more than just text me back.”
• “It”ll be nice for the girl to pick up the check every once in a while.”
• “Just because you wine and dine me, it doesn’t necessarily mean I have to kiss you”
• …and so on.

My early definition of reciprocity wasn’t necessarily synonymous with ‘tit for tat’. It wasn’t so much about getting every phone call returned, or having a 1-to-1 “wall-to-wall ratio”. The essence of my reciprocity concept was feeling that the other person in the relationship/courtship was into you, as much you were into them. [A fear we all have at that early stage]

Being the young, hopeless romantic that I was, such a concept was an answer to my superficial prayers. It gave me something to gauge girls with, a talent that I felt I lacked. [<rolls eyes>, psh @ 'Hitch']

My idea of reciprocity was fun. It started alot of great conversations, table talk, and more so, it made me look like I knew what I was talking about.

Boy, was I off.

Confliction.

<disclaimer> I intend to loose half my readers in this section.

“Give and you shall recieve.”

Important phrase. Unfortunately, I think that it can place a misguided sense of anxiety and entitlement (i.e.)…

• “Gimme, Gimme”
• “When am I going to get mine?”
• “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”
• “I deserve…”

I’ve been reading The Purpose Driven Life, and it’s taught me to put God first. And I mean, really put Him first. And gradually…daily…I’m getting there. But during one the daily studies in the book, it made me question what I expected from others….versus what I expected from God.

Consequently, it helped me realize that I put too much pressure on people. As called out to me by a group of friends, I set up ‘tests ‘for people. And worst, I judge them. And I have no right do any of those things. But setting my own expectations of what others should be doing….as if I knew [ha..] is far outside my jurisdiction.

In the context of God, my expectations are negligible. And for so long…too long…I imposed them on others. In the context of everything we receive from Him daily, what I’ve been expecting from others was silly . With all that I’ve received from God, I’m in no place to enforce. I’m eternally indebted to serve His will.

<sigh>

[Thanks to those of you still reading]

The better you can reciprocate to God, the better you can reciprocate to others. The better you can love God, the better you can love others. When I really understood that, it humbled me. Receiving from others wasn’t nearly as important as receiving from God. Seeking others approval wasn’t nearly as important as seeking God’s approval. If at all.

<pause> I know you’ve probably heard that sermon a hundred times, and it was once over my head too. If anything, take it as my own affirmation.

<continue>

So you ask:

“So Justin, what in the world do I look for when trying to court someone?”

“Justin, Are you advising me to just give, and leave myself vulnerable to being stomped over.”

“How can you not calculate what you receive, isn’t it human nature?”

“You’re not making sense.”

<pause> Honestly, those were my own questions at some point during this reflection.

<continue>

Short Answer: I don’t know.

Long Answer: All I can say is that I believe that God guides me through every situation I’m in. That includes people. All I can do is stay in touch with God, and allow His will to be done. [Refer to God . It's outside my jurisdiction]

Although I know some of you have mixed feeling about Madea, but these statements make alot of sense to me now.

Retraction

I can’t uphold my current theory of reciprocity because it’s selfish to me. It made me selfish. and righteous. and arrogant.

It’s not fair for me to impose my expectations on others, and judge them accordingly. If you’re going to give, esp. in a relationship, don’t do it because you HAVE to, but because you WANT to [I know ya'll have heard that saying]. With love [marriage/friendship] comes reciprocity, but with reciprocity, you don’t always love. I have to be careful to not make reciprocity synonymous with the idea that someone cares/like for me. or is ‘meant’ for me. [Boy, has that gotten me into trouble]

Reciprocity can be detrimental. Ya see, it starts with relationships, but it flows into friendships and family. And that when get got shameful. Trust me.

Considering the flip-side. I don’t want to be gauged. I want my good deeds to be seen as Christian actions, not superficial re-actions.

My theory of reciprocity gave me this illusion that I deserved something for everything I did. And even worse, it made me think that those petty expectations [whether fulfilled or not] were worth it. I would say that with genuine love [whether in a relationship or friendship] is constant reciprocation. And that with genuine love, “reciprocation” is just another word.

Even more so. Reciprocity shouldn’t even be a factor. Or a worry. Or a burden.

Conclusion

Reciprocity should not be the guiding principle when dealing with others.

Reminiscing back, there have been too many times in which I held myself back just because I felt I didn’t receive a certain “something”. I can only imagine how much farther I’d be along if I didn’t “wait” on something in order to “give” something. Grace and mercy, that’s all I can say.

I’m only responsible for what I can give. What I receive….is not my battle. I can only pray that I can distinguish the gifts of sincerity.

The world doesn’t promise me anything. Yet, God promises me everything.

Such a thought once seemed “gloomly” to me. I gave the world more credit than that. That was until I fully accredited God for all the good that comes with this world.

I thought I was the only one that was disturbed by such things.

Finally, I can embrace my pass fears.

Click here for blog link:

Might I add:

1. The Fox and the Hound (Disney had no right to make such a sad movie…)

2. Child’s Play (Screw you, Chuckie!)

3. Snufalafagous!

I know jingles have always been popular…

There’s something awkward to me about commercials that try too hard to appeal to a certain crowd. Just does.

Have you heard those new jingles released by the Texas Department of Transportation has this “Put Texas in You Corner” in order to encourage people to register their cars. They have several versions.

• General version
• Country version
• Spanish version
• Urban version

I think the Spanish version is my favorite. But they went “really far”, just to encourage drivers to get a sticker. I’m surprised a Gospel version hasn’t been released.

Nothing’s wrong with writing a song, but when I sense that it doesn’t come from a genuine source. it’s lame to me. Excuse my frankness.

Some commercials are amusing, I admit.

I’ve heard mixed receptions about this next one. Haven’t solidified my opinion on it yet. However It’s hilarious.

This isn’t McDonald’s first time trying to appeal to a certain audience

Misc. Videos

*Note: Whatever the name of that ‘Bail Bonds’ place in Houston, you lucky I couldn’t find your work, because you were going to get called out as well.

(Speech!)

Good Morning, Friars

I am very honored and glad to be here. And since I have heard of my acceptance a couple of weeks ago, I’ve had some time to reflect on this society that I have become apart of. According to our website [The Friar Society], friars are “distinguished by their vows of absolute poverty and renunciation of all worldly pleasures.”

From reading that, I have to admit to you all that I have a LONG way to go.

And I realize that the idea of “renunicating all worldly pleasures” may seem a little extreme for us, and I’m not going to try force everyone in hear to take that vow today, but I would like to talk about how worldly pleasures have affected me.

As far as SERVICE, I know that all of us in here have done good deeds for other people. Someone, somewhere, has been positively influenced, whether they know it or not, by our actions, our money, or our time. But despite my record of service, I know that I have a lot of more work to do towards being the best citizen that I can be, the best friar I can be. Even looking back at my work on campus, I can’t help but think of how much more effective I could have been.
So I ask myself:

What stopped me from expanding my tutoring programs to ensure that more high-school students passed the TAKs test?

What stopped me from mentoring more African-American male freshmen who I’ve seen first-hand get discouraged and eventually drop out of college?

What stopped me from taking the National Society of Black Engineers to next level in achieving our organizational mission?

Referring to what Friar Ratliff stated yesterday, the University of Texas has truly opened my eyes. Being at this University has allowed me to become more conscious of many of the worlds issues that have yet to be resolved. And it seems that the more I learn about the state of our community and its history….the more I learn about myself and what I care about.

I’ll have to say that one of the effects of learning such things is that it really matures you and shapes you further into the person you’re ultimately going to be.

Looking at the world, we all know there is a lot of work to be don Poverty, Hunger, Discrimination, etc. We all know this. I know this. But now what?

SO I ask myself:

What makes me turn a deaf ear to these issues I hear about daily?

What makes me disregard issues that I say I care about until a time more convenient for me?

Now I can only speak for myself, but it is those worldly pleasures and selfish motives that impede my drive to help and influence others. Friars resisted all worldly pleasures to allow them to serve the community most effectively.

I want to that Friar.

I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but the message that I would like to provide today is that as friars, if we’re not going to repudiate our we worldly pleasures, then we at least need to keep in them check. We shouldn’t take our successes and comforts for granted. And I believe that the more often we appreciate and reflect on the “pleasures” we do have, we closer will we move towards the Friar’s vow.

As I said before, I still have a long way to go towards reaches that ideal of humility and consciousness. But for now, I realize that that is the goal I have to achieve to best serve my community.

Friars have always been trusted to set the standard and live up to it daily. I realize that the “renunciation of all worldly pleasures” may seem like quite an overwhelming task to take on for a lifetime, especially in our culture. But I believe it is important for us, as Friars to realize the effect that the “worldly pleasures” have in on the impact service to the community. I realize that if I want to change the world for the better, I’m going to have to change myself.

As the University’s motto stats, “What starts here, changes the world”. Well, the University has done about all the change it can for me, if not, I have quite a month ahead of me, but other wise the rest of the change is up me.

Went to Wholes Foods [....saw alotta of peaches(Random, I know, but I had to... LOL)] and I have some reflections to share…

Remember the first time you went in Whole Foods. If you were raised anything like me, you would have been in awe. Yeah, I was in awe.

[Flashback music]

Growing up, grocery shopping was never a big deal, and not done all that much. I would go with my mom to Randall’s or Kroger’s or [if we really wanted a bargain, Foodarama. Like any other kid I would indulge with the complimentary cookie from the bakery section, fight with my sister over who would push the cart, try to sneak in my "private request" into the basket, or skim through comics in the magazine section. Eventually I grew into that teenager that simply just waited to hear the garage go up to help bring in grocery. [By the way, I always aimed to bring them all in with one trip...always]

College comes along and now I’m shopping for myself. And grocery shopping isn’t the most pleasant thing. HEB or Wal-Mart is always crowded. It’s hard to find help in the store. Parking sucks. If I wanted to, I’d complain about the fluorescent lighting and white tiles floors.

But I’m use to all that….that’s just how is it grocery shopping in the city.

Then upon advice and my ongoing quest to becoming a “homemade chef”, I went to Whole Foods. Allow me to share my first day:

1. I parked in the Whole Foods parking garage aside luxury vehicles galore.
2. I ride an escalator up to the ground floor.
3. I enter the cozy, wood-floor, interior decorated store and I’m greeted by several employees.
4. I ask for help from an employee about their vast selection of granola, and I was told everything I possibly needed to know about granola.
5. On every aisle I walk through I ran into many ‘Whole Foods patrons’ who are friendly and more than willing to talk about their passion for the food in that aisle. For example, i ran into a charming older couple that told me a story about how they met in ‘Whole Foods’ when they were both looking for the same kind of specialty pecans.
6. The policeman in the store looked like he came start out ‘Pleasantville’, whistling and smiling at everyone.
7. The cashiers were older, professional, friendly, and seemed like they enjoyed their job. I bet they have degrees.
8. Upon inquiring on a certain type of butter, I was given the item for free as a “sample” by the employee [they do that ALL the time and it's legit]
9. Um… $1000 wine bottles in the back
10. Every part of the store had a mini-restaurant [ no cart valet though]
11. Not one rotten apple….
12. My reciept.

I can’t help but notice the extreme differences between the grocery shopping I’m use to..and this.

Luxury Grocery Shopping?

I wonder why everyone can’t shop like this. Supposedly Whole Foods has the best quality of foods and diet, in comparison to your average everyday grocery store.

I know my observation is not unique or novel. This same extreme differences can be observed etween any buildings of the same purpose on different sides of town.

Wholes Foods is the largest retailer of natural and organic foods. Whole Foods is made for the bougie. It’s on the nice side of town for a reason. Supposedly, Whole Foods is purposely placed in higher income areas. And with the market price of organic food, Whole Foods wouldn’t dare set up shop in East Austin.

Bells & Whistles asides, research shows that healthier foods are less likely Click here for article: “Healthy Food Scarce in Poor Neigborhoods”.

The richer you are, the better diet you have. The longer you live. The more you prosper.

I don’t why it took a glorified grocery store for this realization to slap me in the face again today.

My community has vast amount of issues with our diets. Diabetes. High Cholesterol. And I know that back when my grandparents were coming up, all they had was organic food.

My ‘Whole Foods issue’ is just a microcosm of a bigger problem. I realize that.

Not everyone gets the free samples and customer service. I appreciate the “Whole Foods” experience, but I remain conscious of where I am always, and realize that Whole Foods isn’t something that everyone experiences.

Meh…I know it’s just grocery shopping, but you gotta think about this kind of stuff.

One more week…

I’m just being messy now.

I listened to the CD, New Amerykah…but not too hard. However, it ain’t been the same since I saw Erykah at ACL.

Man, I’ll just let the song speak for itself.

“Soldier” Lyrics

Mmmmm
See he’s organized
And he’s on the ball
Never miss a day of school
And he’s a underdog
Wanna learn more and more
Cuz his mama taught him good
He’s about to change the face
Of yo ghetto neighborhood
Walking to school today
Saw a brother on the streets
Seem like errthang was cool
Cept the brother’s packing heat
Oop oop
Then everything changed
Cuz he saw his own wings
And his mother was sad
They will last
Time will past
Cuz I

What am I talkin’ bout
Errbody know what dis song’s about
Dey be trying to hide the history
But they know who we are
DO OO you want to see
Errybody rise to this degree?
Raise ya hands high if you agree
Just say Yessireeee ooooh,
Yessiree
If you agree say,
Yessireeeeee ooooohh,
Yessiree
Ugh
Come on
Ugh
Break it down say
Mmmm, mmhhh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, aaaye
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey

Now to my folks think dey living sweet,
Well dey gone f**k around and push delete
To the girls on perscriptions pills,
I know how ya feel
To my boys in iraqi fields
This aint no time to kill
To my girls in therapy,
See imma tell you this fo’ free
To my folks up on the hill,
With the cake and dollar bills,
You need to watch da dirty cop
Dey the one you need to watch
Im talking bout the dirty cop
Dey the one you need to WATCH
STOP

You get the wake up call
When you saw the buildings fall
Bowties with the final call
Get ya money dollar bill yall
Bowties with the final calls
Get ya money dollar bill yall

To my folks on the picket line
Dont stop til you change dey mind
I got luv fo’ my folks
Baptized when the levy broke
We gone keep marchin’ on
Until you hear dat freedom song
And if you think about turning back
I got the shotgun on ya back
And if you think about turning back
I got the shot gun on ya back
BLLAAAA (BLAT!)

What am I talking bout
Errbody know what dis song’s about
Dey be trying to hide the history
But they know who we are
Dooooo you want to see
Errybody rise to the NEXT degree?
Raise ya hands high if you agree
Just say Yessireeee ooooh,
Yessiree
If you agree say,
Yessiree hey,
Yessiree aye

Hey,hey,hey
Break it down say
Mmmm, ooooh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey hey

Mmmm, ooooh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey hey (shoop)
Mmmm, oooh
Hey aye

[Fade]

“If you thinking about turning back, I got the shotgun on ya back…”

That line has resonated in my ears since I saw her live.

It’s threatening and encouraging all at once.

For some interesting Song/Album Analysis, Click Here

When you think of “Heroes” in the Bible, who do you think of (besides Jesus)?

Some say Moses…

Some say Elijah…

If you asked me when I was a kid, I would have said David.

Bernini's David

However, I’ll admit that my knowledge of David, relative to his whole life, was sparce. Thanks, Mom and Dad for forcing me to go to Sunday School at 8:30AM all my life, but the entire story of David [in my 23 years of going to church] is not all covered.

So I read this passage the other day…

2 Samuel 11

David and Bathsheba

1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then ^[a] she went back home. 5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”

6 So David sent this word to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent him to David. 7 When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. 8 Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house.

10 When David was told, “Uriah did not go home,” he asked him, “Haven’t you just come from a distance? Why didn’t you go home?”

11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”

12 Then David said to him, “Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13 At David’s invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master’s servants; he did not go home.

14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.”

16 So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. 17 When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David’s army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.

18 Joab sent David a full account of the battle. 19 He instructed the messenger: “When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, 20 the king’s anger may flare up, and he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? 21 Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth ^[b] ? Didn’t a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then say to him, ‘Also, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.’ “

22 The messenger set out, and when he arrived he told David everything Joab had sent him to say. 23 The messenger said to David, “The men overpowered us and came out against us in the open, but we drove them back to the entrance to the city gate. 24 Then the archers shot arrows at your servants from the wall, and some of the king’s men died. Moreover, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.”

25 David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage Joab.”

26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.

2 Samuel 12

Nathan Rebukes David

1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.4 “Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”

5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

11 “This is what the LORD says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’ “

13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”
Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, ^[a] the son born to you will die.”

15 After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.

18 On the seventh day the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, “While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.”

19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked.
“Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”

20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

21 His servants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”

22 He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. ^[b]

David, from the Bible, is often heralded as a leader. He was introduced as a mere shepherd boy that took the crown of Israel and ruled a large empire. What’s so initially inspiring about David’s story, and what he is known for, is his courage in facing Goliath.However, to my recent surprise, David had alot of drama in his life. As my grandfather would say, “David did it all.”

David, from the Bible, is often heralded as a leader. He was introduced as a mere shepherd boy that took the crown of Israel and ruled a large empire. What’s so initially inspiring about David’s story, and what he is known for, is his courage in facing Goliath.However, to my recent surprise, David had alot of drama in his life. As my grandfather would say, “David did it all.”

1. David was a warrior

Or as I’ve heard a pastor say, “David was a thug”. The slingshot was just the beginning. He had so much blood on his hands, God didn’t allow him to build the temple as David had planned. (2 Samuel 7:17)

2. David was an adulterer/murderer

As you just read: He saw a woman, Bathsheba, from his temple bathing. Invited her over to his palace. Slept with her. Found out she was pregnant. Invited her husband over. Got him drunk. Put him on the front lines of an army is a hostile battle. He dies. He even made Uriah deliver his own letter of execution. That’s cold-blooded.

He even invited the man over to his house to get him drunk (2 Samuel 11:6) so that he could go backto his home and sleep with Bathesheba and therefore believe that child is his. However, Uriah obey the rule that a soldier in battle does not sleep with his wife. He was an honorable man.

3. David was a musician.

David played a ‘bad’ lyre. He was introduced to King Saul in order to calm him down, because Saul was tormented by evil spirits. [1 Samuel 16:14]

4. David was a producer (for God)

He’s responsible for a majority of Psalms (songs/prayers)

When Nathan called him out for his transgression he wrote Psalm 51 out of guilt for his attempt to cover up one sin (adultery) with another (murder).

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ^[a] ;
you teach ^[b] me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are ^[c] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

That’s real…

Spiritual Digression: From this, I think that we should perhaps compose our own prayers. This prayer is very personal. I wonder how helpful it would be to write my own prayers down.

5. David was the ultimate worshiper

Along with his Psalms, David praised God abundantly.

At some point, David even danced when he praised. And his own wife was “hatin” on him for it.[1 Chron 15:29]

6. David had 8 wives and many concubines.

Those were the times, I suppose. <shrug>

7. etc. etc….

Needless to say…’What a full life.’

Knowing David’s [whole] makes his life that more inspiring. Such a life would be “judged” severely these days. Today, His mishaps and follies would overshadow his service for the Lord. Am I wrong? Leaders today are expected to be “spotless”. God has judged David, and his story is in the Bible so that we may learn from it.

And despite the drama, he’s still revered. Despite his faults, God’s WILL persisted, and David’s lineage was able to fulfill out his destiny and produce the Messiah, himself. His legacy isn’t only a story of his great achievements, but of God’s unconditional grace.

But I’m still at the shallow end of the pool. This is just the tip of the iceberg, there’s alot more I have to read and understand about David, as well as other characters [Any suggestions?].

Other useful links that tell the story of David’s life:

• David’s Story

• David and his eldest son

Long story short: I need church to say on the path of righteousness.

Without it, I’ve noticed that I fall away from Him. I find myself losing focus, taking things for granted….etc.etc.

Ever miss church….and feel it. It’s like a void…. You miss it one Sunday, and you feel that ‘lost’ for the rest of the week.

I find that many people justify not going to church, and I understand. I really do. Perhaps, I shouldn’t sympathize such a thing, but I find myself getting frustrated at church.

Sometimes the hype, the music, the sermon..ain’t enough. But as I’ve already eluded. It’s on me. If I’m deserted an island with a Bible, I should be able to get by. I don’t have much to write on this… but that’s just how it is. Without “Church” I drift…and depending on my temptations I drift hard.

One should allow “Church” to go beyond Sunday to keep themselves righteous. (I was saying that more so to myself, than you)

Ha…But I’ve made this point already.

I’m responsible for my own salvation

Sometimes, you just have to repeat yourself to actually get it.

Sometimes, you just have to repeat yourself to actually get it.

Sometimes, you just have to repeat yourself to actually get it.

I’m not big on “listing” reasons to serve the lord, but for those that have an analytical mind, check this out: Why should Christians go to Church?

And just cause I love devotion time in church (the most intimate part of service, for me), I’ll share this with you guys.

Not that it’s a big deal, but I love the diversity (although seldom) in this video. I’ve been in similar settings with a mixed crowd, and I’ll say that it’s a beautiful thing.

Shout out to the organist!