For The Kingdom And The King: Recent Episodes
kingdomandking
This is a podcast devoted to my four children. I will leave the legacy of recording me reading the entire bible. I pray I finish this endeavor, and I love you children very much.
The recording of this episode didn't record the first 5 minutes, it starts in the middle of me telling you about the anniversary dinner you kids made for me and your mom.
I decided to read the entire book of Ezra. This has to be the funniest book in the bible so far, from Darius' letter to the leaders of the city beyond the river, to the elders of Israel saying to the exiles to return or we will banish you and keep your property. The last third of the book is challenging because Ezra realizes the exiles married foreigners in direct conflict with God's established commands. This rule was to prevent foreign false gods (little g) from corrupting Israel again, as we saw with the first established Israel. We saw that with Solomon and nearly all of the kings after him until the exile. The bottom line is, as Christians, you children need to be equally yoked with a spouse who also has a saving faith in Jesus Christ, anything less than that is dangerous. It's a tough lesson, but it has to be taught. I love you all.
I detail our memorable July 4th holiday. From participating in the longest parade in the United States, to watching an Oakland A's game and seeing fireworks after. For the reading, we go over more of Elisha's miracles and the strained relationship the King of Israel has on Elisha. A famine hits Israel and a siege from the Samarians. The king demands Elisha's head because he thinks Elisha's god is behind this. The belief that killing a man could control a god shows how little the king thought of God. This is a perfect illustration of a small man who never had true faith in God. God is not some talisman that can be taken out of a box and put back in it when convenient. God is God. Sometimes it will rain, and sometimes there will be a drought. Love God always.
We begin to see Elisha's ministry and his role in advising the king of Israel and Judah. These next few chapters in 2nd Kings details some of the various miracles God performed through Elisha. These miracles may seem random, but there are sincere reasons why they were included in the bible canon. The oil in the jars miracles truly resonates with me during my career stress at the moment. God will provide even when things seem so unbelievably dire. I wish I had the time to thoroughly go over every one of Elisha's miracles, they are fascinating.
The start of 2nd Kings has Elijah preparing to ascend into heaven, while Elisha takes the reigns from Elijah. All of the other prophets seem to know that Elijah will be taken up soon. Elisha keeps telling them to stop talking about it. He also asks Elijah for a double portion of his power. What I learned from these passages was that you shouldn't feel bashful about asking God for things you might need. Elisha wanted double the power Elijah had and asked for it. What do you specifically want God to do for you? Be as specific as possible when you ask God for things, and if He gives them to you, tell others what God has done for you.
Jeroboam thought his wife could get a prophesy about her ill son in disguise. That didn't work out here, I think about when Adam and Eve hid from God after eating the forbidden fruit. Of course God knew where they were, just like he knew that his wife was in a disguise. You can't fool God, ever. It's been a while since I recorded this episode. Turns out uploading it and editing these take almost as long as recording them. I'm gonna start posting more and more very soon. God bless.
Listen this week as we see the end of Solomon, and then quickly the demise of his son. Solomon although wise, was led astray. At the end of his life, he left God, and pursued the false god's of his hundreds of wives and concubines. This is way after the ten commandments were hands down, adultery is a very well known sin, and Solomon lived in that sin, he was soaking in it by the end of his life. The large difference between David and his son Solomon, was that when David was confronted with his sin, he acknowledged it, and repented. Solomon didn't seem to care about his life in sin. When Solomon's son ascended to be king, he wouldn't listen to his elder's who were wise. Instead he listened to his young friends, and this led to him losing the kingdom.
Listen as we read about Solomon doing the finishing touches on the temple. His prayer to God for the people of Israel and those that are foreigners who are seeking God. I changed the outgoing song a little bit today with one of my fathers favorite songs. I might start using it as the intro music for a while. Have a wonderful day children, if you have time, give your mom a call today to tell her that you love her.
Solomon completes the building of the temple. Something his father wanted to do very badly but God wouldn't allow him to because of the blood on his hands, and the warfare he participated in. The kingdom work is never done, and I hope one day you children continue building the kingdom when I'm good and gone.
1st and 2nd Kings is the story of the kings of Israel's united kingdom, and divided kingdom. This takes place just as King David is about to die, and David's oldest, Adonijah believes he is the next king and starts acting as such. King David is alerted to this from Bathsheba and David makes sure the entire kingdom knows his heir is Solomon. I love you all very much.
Today we read King David's final words to Israel. Final words can sometimes be profound. I had the privilege to watch both of my parents die in front of me and was there for their final words. In the line of work that I do, clients share with me what their recently deceased loved ones have said on their death beds. It's a fascinating topic, but the only words you should truly concentrate on, is the words of God, found in the Bible. God bless.
Most of this episode is me just talking as I'm driving around our town running errands. Chapter 21 and 22 reveal God giving King David a choice in punishments, 3 years of famine, 3 months of being chased by enemies, or 3 days of plague. David chose the plague. The bottom line is, our sin will curse us, and God is still merciful.
My father always said that the first person a child rebels against is his own parents. I'm glad he told me this growing up, not because I was rebellious, I wasn't. Because you children are starting to test the waters of standing up to me and your mom. It's only natural to see how far you can get with whatever boundaries we set for you. Sometimes we will set a boundary and one of you will immediately confront us on how unfair these are. We do not take these personally the way children do. I actually get amused when children confront me and your mom about decisions we have made.
Here, Absalom is about to go to war with David, his father. This is most likely because of David's sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. David's legacy as a king and a father is in jeopardy of being forever tarnished by his sin, and by the curse that came upon him because of it. I hope my legacy is a that I loved you all, and that I'd do anything for you.
The next few chapters are disturbing, incest, rape, and revenge. It's like a weird independent film that I would never watch. I especially wouldn't let you watch it. I do want you three sons of mine to realize though that as future men, I expect you to be protective of your sister, even if she is older than you. I am not sanctioning murder by the way. I'm just requesting that as men, you will be men. And sometimes men need to protect, sometimes they need to fight, and I truly pray you are never confronted with this, but sometimes we are asked to lay our lives down for others.
Listen in as King David seeks out the family of his fallen best friend and once prince of Israel, Jonathan. The kindness is so extreme, and so honoring of his best friend. Then in an about face, King David does one of the most despicable acts a man can do, and is called to account for it. When you are confronted with sin you are committing, love the people who confront you, repent from your sin, and love God for putting these brave people in your life.
David hears about the death of King Saul and his best friend Jonathan. His reaction to the news is heartbreak not elation. You'd expect David to feel some joy knowing the man who had been trying to kill him was himself dead, but David saw it differently. David mourned the death of his king, and God's anointed. This is David living out Jesus' future command to turn the other cheek and to pray for your enemies, when Jesus spoke of this, it appeared to be radical, but one of the greatest kings of Israel, David, lived this out, far into the open for his future kingdom to see.
Listen as we conclude the book of 1st Samuel, and also read about the conclusion of the lives of King Saul and his sons, including Jonathan. A lot happens in these chapters, King Saul continues to show why God has rejected him in these final chapters. David continues to show us why God accepts him, and blesses him. The bottom line is actions and intent speak louder than words.
Listen while we read about David continuing to be pursued by King Saul. Multiple times David could have killed King Saul but refuses. He will not kill the Lord's anointed, and actually feels a lot of guilt for cutting a piece of cloth off of Saul's robe while he is in a cave, uhhh indisposed. The bottom line is, you are going to have people dislike you, and wish your destruction for no reason, and my advice is to be like David. Let God deal with these people.
Listen as I read chapters 18-22, these chapters detail Saul's slow evolution into madness, as David's success becomes meteoric. I am always amazed at Jonathan's love and friendship of David, we could all learn from that kind of devotion. these chapters also show that despite being successful and having God with him, David did not have an easy time. Saul is constantly trying to kill him, other people are dying because they refuse to turn David in, Jonathan's relationship with his father is broken because of his loyalty to David. It's a great analogy for being a Christian, because being a Christian does not mean you're going to have an easy life, actually it's the opposite. Being a Christian guarantees that your life will now face some hardships. You may have to end a friendship, or a relationship because of your belief in Jesus Christ, and all I can say to you kids is, choose Jesus over everything.
Probably the most popular bible story, the story of David versus Goliath. We hear the phrase "David versus Goliath" all the time in popular culture, but maybe the vast majority is getting this story wrong. I have my own take on this fight, and it's imperative that you give credit where credit is due, God was with David, period.
One thing that bothers me about this story is Saul accepting the terms of battle from Goliath. For many days, Goliath would walk out to the valley the Philistines were camped in and mocked the Israelites demanding that he fight their champion, and whoever wins, the other side will be their servants. Saul should have looked at Goliath on the first day they saw him and order a full charge into battle. Don't ever accept the enemy's premise when you fight with God on your side.
Today we read chapters 14-15, Jonathan goes on a rampage and kills dozens of Philistines along with his faithful armor bearer. Saul makes a terrible vow that ultimately will lead to his and Jonathan's death, not unlike the vow Jephthah made which lead to his daughters death.
Chapter 15 Samuel tells Saul that God commands that he destroys the Amelakites, and instead Saul allows his soldiers to take their livestock among other treasures, and allows the king to live. God tells Samuel that he is rejecting Saul, and Samuel hacks Agag to pieces. I love this story.
Listen as we read about Saul's ascension as king of Israel. Samuel warns Israel that they are wrong for demanding a king, God still allows them to have one on the condition that Samuel warn them that the king they demand, will demand their children for war, and their livestock for his own. They still demand a king, and are given Saul, this turns out to be a terrible choice.
Listen in as we read about Samuel's sons who because of their corruption, the Israelites demand a king to judge over them. God tells Samuel to warn them about this, but they demand a king and God allows Samuel to give them one. Eli and Samuel seem to have the same parenting issues in raising children up who do not honor the lord. It's a typical joke that it's the pastors kids who get into the most trouble in the church, although that isn't always the case. I remember growing up that the pastors youngest son would repeatedly get kicked out of Sunday school, and he turned into a fine young man later on. I pray you children obey and fear God.
I am skipping Ruth, because your mother really wants to read it to you all. So I am reading the next book, 1st Samuel. This book is action packed, historical, recounts some of the most famous battle scenes in the bible, and is constantly being taught incorrectly. There are so many subtleties in this book that are missed and I hope to bring them to light to you all. The chapters I read for this podcast describe the prophet Eli who has evil children who blasphemed God. Eli didn't really do anything about that except to chastise his sons a few times. If a parent is not willing to discipline their children, then God will. The Israelites lose the Ark of God in chapter 4, and I go into detail as to why that happened. I love you all, and hope you have a great day.
We finish Judges today. I start the podcast out talking while I drive around town delivering documents to clients houses. This is a long podcast, and I would love to read more commentary about the concubine's fate in Judges 19, that threw me for a loop. The bottom line is, sin must be rooted out, and in modern times we can't raise an army for sinning, but we can raise our eyes to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and repent. Make war on sin, and fight until the very end. I love you children.
SAMSON!!! A super hero character who was the warrior judge of Israel for twenty years. This old testament character gets the best and worst PR. As children we learn his strength comes from his long hair (WRONG!) it comes from his obedience to God. When his obedience fails, so does the strength God had given him. Delilah shows Samson who she is on numerous occasions, then gaslights him afterwards every time. My take away from the story of Samson is this, when someone tells you who they are, believe them!!!! I love you.
I read through chapter 12 and discuss my father's funeral briefly. Some of you kids broke my one and only rule in the house and you guys had to deal with the repercussions of that, and you guys did spectacularly by the way. Just know that if I'm ever upset with you kids, I still love you and cherish you with all of my heart. One day you'll all be adults and my work of parenting will take more of a back seat than it is now. Please understand that I have to train you all up in the faith, and teach you respect, and responsibility. I love you all so much, and I'm so proud of you all.
Listen as I read Judges in my hotel room down the street from your Nana's house. We are having a funeral for my dad in a couple days and I got here early to help set up the home for the service. I hope you four are getting along with each other, and I pray that you four kids remain close for the rest of your lives.
We start Judges today. This is a rollercoaster of a book, I've heard it referred to as the tragic sequel to Joshua and that is a pretty good description of it. We took one of the names of the Judges and gave it to one of you boys. If you aren't one of my children and for some reason you're listening to this, try and figure out which Judge of Israel it is, it's one of my favorite stories.
We finish the Book of Joshua for this podcast. I paused a few times between the chapters to discuss what the chapters meant for me. Today is the start of a three day weekend. I can't wait to spend the weekend with you all. I love you.
I recorded this podcast hoping to get into the bible but when I finally stopped talking, I saw I had already spoken 30 minutes. So here's your first of hopefully many bonus episodes.
Listen as I read this before my early Wednesday bible study. I probably got 4 hours sleep at the most last night. I love you kids so much, I hope you have a great day.
Lots of really cute stories in this episode. I had to record the first story as soon as it happened, so adorable. We are reading through Joshua where it is being detailed which tribe and clan get which piece of land. It may seem boring to read through, but it's as if we are reading the legal description of the promised land. In the job that I do, it's fascinating. Later this morning I'll be substitute teaching at your school, but not for one of your classes. I woke up early to get some work done and record this podcast. I love you all so much.
Hi kids, listen this week as I read through Joshua 9-11. It's exciting to see how God is handing over these kingdoms to the Israelites. I hope and pray God hands you kingdoms in your own lives; love, children maybe (one day), stability. I love you all.
Listen in as we read about Israel conquering Jericho, and Ai. We read more about Rahab, a known prostitute who honored God, and His people. She and her family were rewarded with their lives. In contrast we also learn about Achan, a soldier who on his first battle in conquering Jericho, took gold and silver which were ordered by God to be given to Him. His consequence was a brutal death to himself and his entire family. My advice is to destroy all sin in your life as best you can, with the same brutality Achan suffered. God bless, I love you all.
Listen as we start the book of Joshua. The Israelites are gearing up to take the promised land, a land promised to them by God. Joshua will be exalted, spies will be hidden away, and God will be ever present. It's an exciting time for the Israelites to see the action of what's to come. I hope you are blessed in seeing things God does in your lives, because He is constantly doing things in your lives. I love you all.
I finish Deuteronomy this episode. These three chapters show a changing of leadership in Israel, Moses hands over leadership to Joshua. God brings Moses up on a mountain to show him the promised land, but prohibits him from going into it. Sometimes our dreams aren't in God's plan, just like Moses' dream to lead the Israelites into the promised land. Don't forget, Moses was not called by God until he was 80. God has a plan for you children, pray that He reveals it to you. They say the two most important days in our life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why. This is bad theology. The most important day in your life is the day you follow Jesus Christ, maybe the runner up to that day is the day God reveals your purpose here on earth. God bless, I love you with all my heart.
I recorded myself twice today. I decided to leave early to pick up my youngest child and record myself reading. I really am loving Deuteronomy, the commands that God is giving the Israelites still have meaning and purpose today. I love you all. Read and meditate on His word.
I woke up early again and decided to take a drive and read the bible in the ferry parking lot. It's a large parking lot next to a ferry that's well lit. It's amazing how well the day goes mentally when I read the bible at the start of the day. I love you very much.
Two episodes posted within a few hours! Listen in on some great rules and regulations Moses is handing down that resonate very specifically to this day. I give a few anecdotes about your mom and how she feels about needles, and how you guys did great today getting your shots. I love you all immensely.
I recorded this on New Years Day, in the morning. We had a great New Years Eve, we went to an Italian restaurant with the Namesake's godparents, and then drove to an amusement park to watch a firework show at 9pm. This morning we went to get dim sum and we gorged ourselves on some of the best dim sum in Northern California. I waited a few days to post this episode because life has been hectic. The next podcast I'll try to explain what goes into every podcast. I love you all.
I recorded this on my father's 76th birthday. Today we visited your grandmothers house and just hung out with her all day. I ramble a little more than usual in this podcast. I love you all.
I couldn't sleep, so I got up drove to the grocery store, and parked the car at the ferry parking lot to read some Deuteronomy. I love the end song on this podcast, it has a great chorus "I will rise, stand redeemed, heaven open over me."
Rise children, stand redeemed, and heaven will open over you. I love you all.
Listen to this podcast while I talk for a very long time while I drive around Colorado Springs looking for a place to eat. I record this in 3 parts, the first part looking for somewhere to eat, the second part I record after shopping at a book store, and the third part is when I actually read chapters 5-6. One of my favorite verses in the Old Testament is Chapter 6:4-5. I love you all.
We start a new book. Deuteronomy. Listen in as Moses recounts what the Israelites went through to get to the Promised Land. I pray you are all doing well, and are getting along with each other. I love you.
This was a marathon reading session. I broke it up into two sessions. The first (Chapters 31-32) were read in my truck while parked outside of your school. The second (Chapters 33-36) were read in a McDonalds parking lot just across the street from my church. I discussed a lot of things, tried to pronounce the names correctly, and can't wait to read you al Deuteronomy.
Good morning children. I recorded this at 5am, it's Monday. I'm excited to start the week with you four. I cover a lot of ground today, from a second census, to daughters demanding their inheritance, to festivals, feasts, sacrifices, and oaths. I love you all.
My dad would occasionally say "if God could speak from an ass, he could probably speak through me". He was of course taking about Balaam and his donkey. I end this podcast with audio from one of my favorite sermons, by SM Lockridge. I hope you enjoy.
Numbers 18-21, lots to unpack. From Levites accepting tithes, the Moses not trusting God, and Aaron's death, and his son's succession. I love you all.
I decided to record you kids during conversations I had with all of you. I also recorded bed time routine which is something you kids will love one day.
Happy Thanksgiving. I recorded this the day before Thanksgiving 2021. I love you and am very proud of you. God bless.
Listen this week as I read Numbers Chapter 7. I read this humming the song "12 Days of Christmas" to myself. We celebrate Thanksgiving in two days. I can't tell you how thankful I am for you four, you're such a huge blessing to me. I love you.
Ok I added two podcasts on the same day. That's going to be rare. I already had a podcast edited and I felt like staying up to record another. Sorry for all the yawning, I was kinda tired. I love you all with every ounce of my being. God bless.
Listen as I read through the first 3 chapters of Numbers. This book is often ignored by preachers. But it's in the bible, and we will read through it together. Maybe I will give some more commentary about it. I'm going to start talking more about you children so the memories we make now aren't ever forgotten.
Hello children. Today we finish Leviticus. I'm going to spend the weekend fasting, and praying. I hope when you listen to this, that you are blessed, and are in good relationships with each other. God bless.
It's been a while since the last podcast was uploaded. A lot of things have happened since then, and I will eventually share them with you when the time is right.
Listen this week as I read some very interesting laws. I love when scripture ends with the phrase "I am the Lord", and in these chapters it happens frequently. May God Bless you four children, and I pray that you are very close as adults.
Listen as I read Leviticus 15-18. These chapters cover bodily discharges, the Day of Atonement, eating blood, and unlawful sexual relations. The prose in the way these chapters were written is beautiful, and as a lawyer I appreciate the way the law is covered leaving no question, and no loopholes.
Listen as we read through chapters dedicated to cleanliness, and in certain circumstances what constitutes being clean and unclean.
Listen today as we read about the consecration (ordination) of Aaron and his sons as high priests. Lots of action takes place with two of Aaron's sons as they do not follow God's commands, and are killed. Take note children, God will always be God, and must be approached with reverence and obedience.
This week we start Leviticus, the book of laws. This book takes place right after Exodus when God comes down and lives among the Israelites. In order to live with God though, the Israelites need to follow very specific rules lest they be killed. We go through chapters 1-7 which detail all the rules having to do with sacrifice.
Listen as I read Chapters 35-40. These chapters explain in minute detail how the tabernacle was designed, what was required to enter the tent of meeting, and what the priests had to wear.
Listen this week as I read Chapters 30-34. Moses comes down the mountain, breaks the ten commandments at the sight of Israel worshiping a false god, goes back up the mountain, and gets them again.
I only read one chapter this week. I read it while waiting the 15 minutes after getting my second covid vaccine. There's a lot more talking than reading the bible this week.
Couldn't sleep again kids, so I went for a walk and ended up at my office with bible in hand. Today I read Chapters 26-28, these chapters detail how to build the tabernacle, and what it should be adorned with. We also read about what the holy priests should wear when they enter into the Holy of Holies. I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I pray you four are getting along with each other.
Listen this week as I recount the Entrepreneur's birth story. Today she turns 11. I also cover the construction of the Ark of the Covenant by reading Chapters 22-25. One of the great historical mysteries is where the Ark is now, it's lost to the ages.
I apologize for the quality in this episode. I spliced a couple readings together. I just got to my office to work for the rest of the day. I hope you all are doing well. I love you all.
While reading Exodus 12-15, I read a bible verse that I love with all my heart. I pray that you listen, read the bible, and meditate on that verse for all your days. I rambled a little more for this episode. I woke up early and just walked to the office with my bible. Some advice: wake up early, read the bible often, and trust in Jesus Christ always.
It's Friday morning, and I just pulled up to my office. I decided to stay outside and read a few chapters before I walked in. Today I read through the plagues God cursed Egypt with and saved Israel from. Don't ever forget every book in the bible, every story, every prophet points to Jesus Christ. Read the bible with that lens, and you will be blessed.
Excited to start Exodus. Lots of well known bible stories come from this book. I'm going to be giving more commentary about what we read together. I love how reluctant Moses was even when God appeared to him as a burning bush. I'm using a new intro and outro song while I read Exodus to you, I know you'll recognize it.
This is a much longer episode. I wanted to finish Genesis, it has been many years. I want to finish Exodus within the next four weeks, hopefully much sooner. I hope this podcast finds you well. I love you all.
I felt like God was telling me to keep reading the bible to you. So I am going to try record a podcast every day for you. I have to stop typing because even though I locked all the laptops away, you still found a screen to play on. So I'm going to go downstairs and take whatever screen you are watching, away from you. :-)
It's been a long time since I posted an episode here. A lot has happened, and right now we are in the middle of a pandemic. I'm sorry I took so long to star this back up again, and I really hope I can finish what I started here. I don't have a lot of money, but I think if I can finish reading the bible to you, that will be a better inheritance then all the money in the world. I love you my children.
This morning was so hard to leave my bed to go to bible study. I woke up at 3am and the Spy was cuddling with my on my right side. I went to start the shower and the Namesake, who was also sleeping in our bed, shot up and then crawled over his mom and said "Dad I want to sleep with you." So I went back to bed for another 20 minutes and cuddled with the Spy and the Namesake. After they both went back to sleep.
I want to start recording these again kids. I hope you will find these one day. I think of this as a spiritual and everlasting time capsule. If you ever miss me, and want to hear my voice, you can always hear it on here. I'm so proud of you wherever you are in life, and I wish I could hold you for always. Love Dad.
Here is a recording from February, I waited until October to actually publish it, along with the episode before this one. I love you children more than words can convey.
Wow, it's been over seven months since I last recorded a podcast. I am so sorry this took so long. I pray I can finish what I've started.
It's December 3, 2018. I stayed home to care for the "spy", as he was getting over a cold. You three older kids had after school language class. Listen in as I read through the above chapters in Genesis, the circumcision and Covenant between God and Abraham, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Listen to this episode as I read through Genesis 11-16, midway through the episode, you all interrupt the episode and I make you hot chocolate. I love you all. Love Dad
November 20, 2018. Listen in as I read Genesis 6-10. I also recite one of my favorite songs lyrics about parenthood. I love you all.
The first episode of many. I pray I can finish this endeavor I have started. Today is November 29, 2018. May God bless and keep you, who ever you are listening, but especially to the four this podcast series is dedicated to. I love you.