Uriah the Hittite: Close Friend?

While reading this morning is 1st Chronicles 11, I was came across the list of “David’s Mighty Men”.  According verse 10 they were described as, “…heads of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.”  Basically they were some of David’s biggest supports to help him take the throne of Israel.  Many of these men traveled with David, fought with David and even helped supply his basic needs (see 1st Chronicles 11:15-19).

The first 10 chapters of 1st Chronicles will pretty much put you to sleep with the massive lists of tribe, family trees, etc.  Every once and while reading a name will pop up of importance.  In the list of David’s mighty men, the name Uriah the Hittite appeared.  Does that name sound familiar?  Well it should, it is the same Uriah the Hittite the husband of Bathsheba.

One of David’s greatest faults was with women.  The story of Uriah and Bathsheba is no exception.  We all know the story as played out in 2nd Samuel 11.  But learning that Uriah was one of David’s close companions, his neighbor and possibly a good friend was a surprise for me.  It’s one thing to sleep with some chick you see bathing on the rooftop.  It’s another level of adultery when it’s your friend’s wife.  Please don’t read too much into this statement.  All forms of adultery are sin.  But to sleep with your friend’s wife, then murder him. That’s low!

I guess the point of this post it two-fold.  One is I learned something new and felt like sharing.  You may have already known the history of Uriah the Hittite.  Secondly is to point out that we always need to guard ourselves from the temptation of sin.  Most extramarital affairs that I’ve heard and know about happen between close friends.  Whether it’s co-workers, neighbors, church members, it all too often happens between people who already know each other well.  We need to do all that we can to protect ourselves from such attacks.   Our marriages, families and our reputations as followers of Christ is on the line.

So the question for today is this, what are some ways that we can protect our marriages?  Feel free to share your tips in the comments section.

 

 

A Christian Perspective of Kony 2012

If you been on the Internet over the last couple of days you may have noticed a new slogan of “Kony 2012″. This is basically an awareness movement, led by a non-profit group Invisible Children, to bring to light the horrible acts of Joseph Kony and the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) in Uganda. The movement calls for the United States government to keep US advisers in Uganda and increase the efforts to stop and arrest Joseph Kony.  They have a 30 minute video that explains what the movement is all about.

There are mixed reviews on the effectiveness of Invisible Children and the viral stop Kony 2012 video. Personally do not have the knowledge or experience to condemn or endorse the effectiveness of such awareness tactics. Upon reading through the FAQ on the Invisible Children website I noticed they are not associated with any religious group. After looking at their financials, Invisible Children spends a large percentage of awareness and only 37% on ground relief efforts. With that being said, it’s hard not like this movement and here’s why…

These guys are doing something.  They are trying to make a difference.  They see a wrong in the world and doing what they think is right to correct it.  They are pouring their time, energy, and committing part of their lives to help children on the other side of the globe.  As a follower of Christ, I want to be part of an effort the cares for the less fortunate and helps protect those who cannot protect themselves.  As Christians, we should be actively involved in helping the less fortunate.  James 1:27 challenges us that we should care for the widows and orphans.  So rather than criticize, I want to help.

But what level of help?  I want my time, money and energy to be used to help make Christ and His name know.  I believe this would be best utilized by supporting on the ground missionaries in the areas affected by Joseph Kony.  I believe there’s more to just stopping Kony, it’s about bringing in Christ.  But I believe we as Christians can do this through the Kony 2012 movement.  By utilizing this awareness initiative, we can help make our brothers and sisters in Christ aware of Christian missionaries who desperately need our support. We can rally with Invisible Children supporters and share our reason for participating, Christ.  There is great opportunity to show that followers of Christ are concerned with the hurting and healing all across the globe.  As this is an opportunity the Christian’s shouldn’t miss (Colossians 4:5).

Please feel free to comment on your thoughts about the Kony 2012 movement.  What do you think should be the Christian’s reaction?

Bible Reading 2012

With the start of a new year, I’m attempting to read through the entire Bible in year. I’m using a similar chronological plan that I used last year. Keeping consistent with something for 365 is not an easy task, especially considering how busy were are on how much Satan wants to keep us from being in the Word of God. Here are a few tips from my reading experience last year that hopefully will help you in your 2012 en-devours.

1. Don’t go at it alone. Group accountability is huge. Studying the word of God should never be done in isolation and the group experience provides accountability, encouragement, answers to difficult questions and so much more.
2. Read for pleasure, and not as homework. Try not and treat your reading time as “homework” or an “assignment”. Every time I sit down to read with this type of attitude I end up failing. Go into the your time with wonder and awe. Pray and ask that God would reveal something new or exciting. Pray that you would read something and that God would give you strength and lift your spirit.
3. Read for relationship. The ultimate goal of reading scripture is to know the heart and thoughts of God. Read with the intent of knowing God. What does He like and dislike. How does He interact with others in the past. What are God’s main objectives and goals? This things will help you know and understand God better through scripture reading.
4. Last point is this: don’t get frustrated, and don’t give up. Even if you miss a couple of days and get really behind, DON’T GIVE UP! Last year at 3 different points I was 20 days behind on my reading. Just stick to it, and make up time when you can. The most important thing is just keep moving forward.

The plan that I will be using this year is available online and the direct link is http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/chronological/. I really like the idea that this is accessible on your home computer, phone or tablet. If you have any other reading tips, please feel free to comment below!