Nathan Whitley's Blog, page 18

The Beauty and the Beast

I have a four year old daughter. Shes been watching Disney Princess movies since we brought her home from the hospital. At least thats what it seems like. Of course, in my opinion, Easton is the greatest princess ever. But I digress. One Disney Princess movie stands out from the rest, besides Frozen, and thats Beauty and the Beast. I have seen that movie more times than any 39 year old man wants to admit.

Perhaps you are familiar with the story. If not, then let me give you a brief synopsis....

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Samuel 18-20

Saul became jealous of David after his defeat of Goliath. Why would Saul be jealous of David after he just brought about one of the greatest victories ever seen in Israel? The women came out of all cities of Israel, singing a new song: Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands (1 Sam. 18:6-7). Saul had never heard a more irritating song in his life. It wasnt that Saul wasnt being praised, its that David was being praised more. Jealousy is a cruel taskmaster. It will blind you...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Samuel 15-17

The most familiar story in the life of David is his battle with Goliath. References abound to David and Goliath in popular culture. You wouldnt have to darken the door of a Sunday school class to be familiar with the story of David and Goliath.

Goliath stood at least 96 tall. The armor that he wore weighed at least 125 pounds. The iron head of his spear weighed somewhere between 15-16 pounds. He was an intimidating specimen. Armies of men ran and hid when the giant parted the crowds to stand...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Samuel 13-14

Sauls reign as Israels king was rocky to say the least. During a battle with the Philistines, Saul acted out of fear and offered a burnt offering, instead of waiting on Samuel to arrive (1 Sam. 13:5-9). Samuel said, Thou hast dont foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee (1 Sam. 13:13). Additionally, Samuel prophesied that Saul would be replaced as king with a man after Gods own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). Needless to say, things werent going well...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Samuel 9-12

Israel desired a king like all the other nations. The Lord chose Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. Samuel had anointed Saul privately but the prophet wanted to publicly reveal to Israel their first king. As the tribes gathered together and Samuel made his pronouncement, the tall handsome young man could not be found. It was Sauls first public appearance, and yet he doesnt come out from behind the curtain. Again the prophet announces his name and again, no Saul. Does Saul have a strong case...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Samuel 4-8

Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them (1 Sam. 8:7). That was the Lords response to Samuel when Israel demanded a king. They hadnt rejected Samuels leadership, they had rejected the Lords kingship.

Israel was supposed to be a theocracy, a nation whose king was the Lord. Rather than have the Lord rule over them, they wanted to be like all the other nations (1 Sam. 8:5)....

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Samuel 1-3

Hannah wanted a son, and Israel needed a prophet. Thats how First Samuel opens. Hannah was barren, unable to have children. Israel, on the other hand, was spiritually barren. The answer for both Hannah and Israel was Samuel. Samuel would be the son that Hannah desperately desired; and he would be the prophet that would lead Israel back to God. The difference between Hannah and Israel, was that Hannah knew she wanted a son. On the contrary, Israel didnt know they needed a prophet.

The sun was...

Daily Readings in the Bible Ruth 3-4

Naomi received word that the drought was over in Bethlehem-Judah. The now childless widow had nothing keeping her in Moab. All that was left were her two widowed Moabite daughter in-laws, Orpah and Ruth. The two young ladies decided it was best to follow Naomi to Bethlehem, the House of Bread.

The three of them headed towards Bethlehem-Judah, to which Naomi told them both to head back towards Moab. Naomi wanted to return to Bethlehem alone. She didnt want to be a burden to these two young...

Daily Readings in the Bible Ruth 1-2

The period of the Judges lasted 450 years (Acts 13:20). Thirteen judges ruled in all. The theme of the book of Judges was that men did what was right in their own eyes (Jud. 21:25). During the period of the Judges a famine befell Canaan, and was felt in the fertile areas of Judah.   In the Book of Ruth we are introduced to Elimelech, a man from Bethlehem in Judah. Bethlehem was located in Judah. Bethlehem was a very fertile land; it was covered with wheat and barley. The name Bethlehem...

Daily Readings in the Bible Judges 19-21

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Jud. 21:25). Thats how the writer of Judges concludes his book. Life without a king.

Israel failed to remove their enemies from their land and disobeyed God (Jud. 1-3). Thats life without a king. Israel worshiped and served idols (Jud. 2:11-13). Thats life without a king. Because of Israels backsliding they were oppressed by their enemies (Jud. 2:14-15). Thats life without a king. Israel depended...