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The Seven Streams Method
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- April 10
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I Samuel 21-25 We are in the Nation Stream and David is on the run from King Saul. We are reading from the Lexham English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis The jealous venom Saul had for David that began after Goliath was killed has reached full strength. Saul hates him so furious that the hatred is driving Saul into madness. Control freaks often end up going mad over time unless they can turn it over to God. But Saul is turning out to be unable [actually refusing] to turn anything over to God.
David is well into his seven years of being a fugitive on the run. He lived like a scrapper, did some real quick "thinking on his feet", remained in pray, ultimately he kept his heart and head in tact (creatively so at times!). It is interesting to talk to some old soldiers and have them gaze away, admit they were scared and then confess with a sigh, "those were the best months and years ever..." Things were very exciting for David. Perhaps too exciting at times. But David made the best of it. Through his "fear of God" [his reverence] David triumphed here too. The compensating begins immediately when he is fed the holy bread. This isn't to happen but he is hungry and on the run. Then he is in hostile territory and exposed. His feigning insanity erases the appearance of him being threatening and he survives. 22 - This entire chapter proves one thing: Saul has gone utterly manic and crazy. The battle lines have been drawn and there is no reversing them. The soul of every man in the country had to decide from there on whether they were with Saul or with David. It was a fatal mistake to choose unwisely. Imagine the devilish soul of Saul to kill 85 Hebrew priests and families and animals. David in his conquests did things that may appear similar but they were completely opposite. David eradicated communities that were so utterly wretched and diabolically sinful they the entire village was well on its way to cultural suicide and self -destruction. Saul, on the other hand, is killing people that were working for God. Saul is completely gone bad and is as bad off as Judas by now. 23 - notice that David, when faced with a dilemma of whether/when/how to fight back the Philistines, he pauses to inquire of God...twice. This is something we do not see Saul doing. This is a pattern we see over and again, especially in contrast to Saul. David asks of God. When Saul is perplexed, he takes a poll. He's a politician if there ever was one. David is a statesman and king in the making. The intrigue, the cunning, the meeting with Jonathan, the strategy and countering and countering again is the stuff of legend. This is the thinking that has David to be a folk hero the world over to this day. 24 - David shows more character when he spares Saul's life than anyone expects. Most read this and personalize it to muse, "come on David, do it for Israel. The chump in charge needs to go now and here's your opening." Amazing that David handles the incident in the cave the way he does, simply amazing. Saul realizes what he is made of when he realizes how merciful David is. Saul exclaims and confesses that David is a better man then Saul is. Biblical scholar, Dr. Halley humorously quips about this, that Saul acknowledged being a fool --- but kept on being one. 25 - Samuel dies here. Note that Samuel was the last one who had had any spiritual input into SAul's existence. And it had been a long time ago, btw. This is the last of the last of any sign of any spiritual hope for Saul - and he (Samuel) is gone now. It is impossible to not assess this chapter; the story of Abigail and Nabal and their vastly differing treatment of David and his men, and not see the obvious. Nabal is a stin-gy scoundrel and Abigail is gracious and honoring. Nabal dies and Abigail becomes wife to David before the chapter is out. Eventually Abigail is living in the King's residence. Nabal? he is composting in no time. We need to see that it is vitally important to be about the things of God. Join in what God is doing. When someone is immersed in the duties of the LORD and you can be of assistance, it is not wise to be one's usually crotchety self. Honor that person. Pour out for that person. Supply them as you are able. Do we want to be involved in the things of God, or do we want to be found fighting them ... like Saul. It is dangerous to not see this and learn from Abigail and Nabal's fates here. Lord, we all go through suffering, but not as bad as David was put through. May we be writing and praying and be in the Psalms especially during difficult times. Thank you for being with us regardless. Amen.35 min - April 9
Exodus 4-7 We are in The World Stream as we continue the story of Moses. We are reading from the Lexham English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis
30 min - April 8
Romans 1:1-3:20 We are in the Church Stream and we commence on the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul explains so many details to the believers in Rome. We are reading from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Paul's assignment in history is to provide a clear explanation of the gospel that would be shared to all the Believers in Rome. Remember that when Jesus died and rose, people weren't prancing and celebrating, "oh goodie, goodie. Now we are saved. The perfect sacrifice has been made, my sins have been cancelled by Christ Jesus on the Cross, yippee, now I know God really loves me ... " No, they were devastated by His death, and shocked by His coming back from the dead. WE, on the other hand, understand Jesus' death because Paul explained what it all meant. That is why the Church of the first century were so enamored with Paul, eager beyond description; eager as school kids at an ice cream shop to welcome him and sobbing sad tears when he departed. It was melodrama with meaning. Keep this in mind: explain the gospel to people and you will be revered in a way that perhaps, in many ways, only missionaries understand being revered.
Paul wrote Romans from Corinth late in his 3rd Missionary Journey. The year is 57-58 A.D. [not for nothin' the Olympics were held in Corinth a few years prior so Paul is using suitable words throughout his books, "run the race, finish the course, I buffet my body, I don't box like I'm just punching the air...]. Imagine the ominous sentiment when Paul finished his "Book to The Romans", rolls it up, hands it to Phoebe ["FEE-bee"] of Cenchreae and says, "here, take this to the Believers Rome ... !" Do we realize what hung upon this journey, of a lady traversing through a world that was not altogether safe for anyone to be traveling through; foreign places, encountering pagans, scungy cultic people were everywhere, there were bandits, warriors, brothels, taverns, ad infinitum? She arrived in Rome at least three years ahead of Paul. These are much of the same three+ years he is being held under guard in Caesarea. This gave plenty of time for his letter to the Romans to circulate. In God's timing, Paul was being held for a purpose. This delay is why Paul arrives to such a hero's homecoming welcome in Acts 28:14-17. They had read his letter and were thrilled to know what he told them. Plus he told them he was 'on his way' to see them. Almost 1,960 years later, the Book of Romans has been published in nearly 3,000 languages, 50.000.000 more copies of it get published in the USA alone EACH year! Billions and billions of copies of Romans have been published. Perhaps Phoebe was [while carrying this letter on rolled up leather] was thinking, "wow, I hope they read this. They really need to read this!" [She did now know the immensity of what was in her hands.] We need to read it too. Another peculiar fact comes to us about Romans from the entire enterprise of smuggling Bibles and those involved. When Bibles were smuggled into the old Soviet Union the stakes were high. Penalty of execution loomed over those who were caught with Scripture. So when things became more dicey, only the New Testament was snuck in. When the intensity rose yet further, the cargo was reduced to take in only The Book of Romans. When certain life or death was on the line, they only brought in Romans ch. 3. The Communists knew that they would never succeed in their plans if the population understood that they were justified and saved by grace in Jesus Christ. [not the State] So today we read/"red" Romans 1-3:20. I think the Devil himself shudders over such truth. Listen again if you need to. WE say all that to say this: do not read Romans and shrug, "ok, we're saved, cool, whatever." Our destinies - ALL of our destinies hang upon our understanding of the Book of Romans! Read Romans again and again. And read it to the whole world. An encouraging projection is that "if the gospel can 'fly' in Rome, it will fly in any city. Romans 1 - opens with a single long sentence that covers seven verses. All that is to say: It's from Paul. It's about Jesus Christ. It's to Rome. THAT is what this letter is about. And it would change the capitol of the world. The whole chapter asserts that sin is everywhere and everyone is involved in sin. If there was ever dark activity going on in the world at the time, it was going on in Rome. The verses speak to a dark world and a dark leadership careening the world into ever horrendous behavior. Even today, governments and lurid interest groups are offended by Paul's assertions in chapter one. It's because they are true. The "not ashamed of the gospel" verse in the middle is added because people were questioning him about Jesus' crucifixion. It was a shameful thing to them. No one follows a leader who was a criminal that was executed. Only false Messiahs and leaders die as crooks. False movements were revealed by leaders who turned out to be false, got discovered and were executed. Paul should be ashamed of this (in some people's minds). Paul wasn't. Thus we have the famous Romans 1:16 in the middle of the opening chapter. 2 - The new ethic under Jesus applies to everyone. People of Jewish Heritage included. Many in Rome who were Jews that had come there thought they had inside track with God, and thought they had a say in who is saved and who is not. Paul was telling them, along with the rest, "uh, you need this grace in Christ too! Quit acting like you're better than the newcomers." Think that God justified Abraham simply for believing and worshiping. That is it. And Abraham is justified 600 years before Moses wrote up any law. This is a reality check. Paul doesn't explain that here but it certainly applies to the assumptions the "old guard" in the new church are living by as they are looking down on new comers who are justified by Christ alone. Perhaps they were scoffing that it shouldn't be this easy for them. Judgment is coming. No one will be excused. All secrets will be laid open before God. And only this who are IN CHRIST will be justified. 3 - the significance of the Jews is a beautiful picture here. God needed to come to us via a race. He couldn't have just splattered his gospel to all 6000 cultures at once. It would have been interpreted as diversely as the gods of India where there are millions of them. A people needed to be shouldered with the responsibility of maintaining the Scriptures. The Jewish people embraced this assignment and became "the people of The Book." There assignment was something to be revered - it was not something to be haughty about. For they had practiced the Law for 1450 years only to prove that the Law cannot be humanly upheld. A Savior and an ultimate one at that was needed for all. For no one is righteous, no one. And no one is justified by The Law. The Law only proves there is a problem to be solved. The theme for this week distills out to be "things have changed. now, what are you going to do?" Jacob and then Joseph die at the end of Genesis, years pass, The friendly Egyptians pass, invaders come in, New Egyptians arise who are mean, who enslave and kill. Are you going to be whipped forever? what are you going to do? David in I Sam. 17ff faces a killer of a giant. Will he be a giant-killer? -or run away? Then King Saul wants him dead, then the whole army is looking for him. He is the anointed King, for heaven's sake and has to play the fugitive. Really? Now what!? Later, David writes Psalm 18 and the following praises right after he is crowned king (the seven years running from Saul had ended). And he is praising God. Not a word of complaint or whining, no "hey God what was that all about? Y'Trying to scare me?!" He's completely in charge and his attitude is, basically, "with malice toward none. With charity for all..." Isaiah talks of and walks them through some very serious matters. It's what is coming for them. So what are they going to do? Amid this Isaiah talks of a suffering servant Savior ... will they reject Him too? What will they do ??! Hosea is in pain. He approaches his adulterous wife who's in another man's home. Will she come home? Hosea's heart is broken. Will she do this to him forever? [will we break God's heart forever?]. Matthew walks us through the arrest, trial and crucifixion. Our teacher/leader/Messiah is dead. Now what? Woo, he's back and wants us to go to all the world .... and associate with pagans? all our life? really? Oh, you are going to be WITH US?! My oh my things are changing. The Romans receive the best explanation of the gospel in the world. It has some rattling parts to it, though. You are justified by what Jesus has done - not what you have done; bragging is overwith. To the Jews, you are still the chosen, not the favorite, but still the chosen and the first. Will you help others grow in God? Lord, we can count on you and you only. Thank you for salvation and for your faithfulness. Amen.25 min - April 7
Matthew 27-28 Today we are in the Christ Stream and we will finish the book of Matthew. We will cover our first reading of the crucifixion and resurrection as we read from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streasm | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Today we read of what the world has been waiting thousands of years for. History builds to this event. The remainder of history reflects back on this event and draws inspiration to finish our call of Destiny.
27 - is the trial, crucifixion, and burial. We are going to look at some of the distinctions of the other gospels compared to Matthew this time through. If you wish to reference some of this, they are Mk 15, Lk 23, Jn. 18 Matthew says the chief priests and elders took counsel. They had already met with Annas and Caiaphas and been convinced that it was better for one man to die instead of the whole nation...wrong intentions but they did supply the right answer. They want him dead but they want Pilate to drop the gavel. Only Matthew gives detail of Judas here. Keep in mind that Matthew was a government worker prior to being a disciple -and the only one of the 12 to be so. Legal matters are more of an issue to him than to Mark, Luke and John. All the disciples were from Galilee in the north except one; Judas. Interesting that Matthew is possibly making an insinuation here about where "faithful ones" come from and vice versa. When Matthew tells of him before the governor, John is describing this scene in much greater detail as being before Pilate, the discourse, the back and forth, and the frustration of all involved. From here Matthew tells the most in describing Barabbas, while John merely mentions him. Only Luke describes the scene of him in front of Herod. Matthew tells of the crown of thorns and the mocking as does Mk and John. Lk doesn't have that part. At this point only John tells of Pilate being practically desperate to release Jesus as he addresses the crowd and then Jesus, back and forth. Finally Pilate delivers Jesus to them and washes his hands [only in Matthew] to symbolize that the guilt of killing Jesus is not on him. Only Matthew and Mk reference Jesus being scourged/whipped, but all four gospels say that Pilate then handed him over to be crucified. Luke gives the most dialogue from when Jesus is going from Pilate to Golgotha (the Hebrew word for "skull"). "Calvary" comes from a Latin derivative; a translation that plays out later. Jesus is offered wine mixed with gall -Mark calls the gall--> myrrh. And then He is crucified The sign "This is Jesus, King of the Jews" is placed above him. Mk /Lk only reference "... King of the Jews". Matthew describes the whole sign for his gospel is written specifically to tell Jesus story to the Jews living in Israel/Jerusalem. [Mark writes to Jews everywhere, Luke write to Greeks, John writes to the whole world (Jn.3:16, "God so loved ...the what?" John [alone] describes the bantering over Jesus' outfit. Mt, Mk, Lk all tell of Jesus being scoffed at; while Matthew tells the most about the derision. The thieves beside Jesus are merely mentioned by Mt./Mk. Luke is the one who fully describes the dialogue between the two thieves and their contrasting attitudes. And Luke is the only one who describes the beautiful dialogue between Jesus and the penitent thief. "Today, you will be with me in Paradise" is one of the most beautiful things ever spoken. It is also a marvelous testament to "being saved by grace". The death of Jesus is told by all four who focus and highlight various things distinctively. Matthew gives the greatest description of the natural phenomenon: curtain tearing, earthquake, ground splitting, tombs breaking open, and multiple resurrections! Only John tells of Jesus' side being pierced. Matthew gives the least detail about Jesus' burial, but he is the only one to tell of the issue of guards at the tomb and more guards being added. 28 - Looking only through Matthew for the finale~ here, He tells of the women going to the tomb, the earthquake (more nature detail), and the angels informing them of Jesus Resurrection. Now they must also go tell the others. Then Jesus appears to them! and also tells them to tell the disciples that He's alive and they must go to Galilee to meet Him there. Hey, what better assignment to give to a group of ladies? What do they love better than spreading good news with no other agenda but to be spreading good news. God knows how to spread the word around, eh?! Meanwhile there's a scheme afloat back among the chief priests to spread false rumors about the Resurrection being faked. -- good luck with that. Jesus had other appearances, but Matthew focuses on the Galilee scene next to highlight the Great Commission mainly. He tells them to take this gospel to the whole world and to obey all His commands and assures them that He will be with them always until the End of the Age. These words have motivated more action than any other sentence ever spoken. Hundreds of thousands come to Christ daily even today because of this word from Jesus. It triggers more missions and publishing and evangelism and salvations and related activity of ministry than any other single thing ever ... ONE SENTENCE. Matthew is so focused on making this the finale~ of his book that he ends with it. 'doesn't even mention Jesus going up and ascending back to God. Good Heavens. We need to obey this verse here. Lord, you went through it all so we would have all of you and take all of you to all of the world. Thank you for being with us still and that you always will. Amen22 min - April 6
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Hosea 1-2 We are in the Exile Stream starting a new book - Hosea. We are reading from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis What we read of Hosea the Prophet is found almost solely in this book. There is precious little written about Hosea elsewhere. He came on the scene just before Isaiah and Micah, and was younger than Amos. His work of living and prophesying to the north was right around 760 B.C. - 720 B.C. For what it's worth, the first stones of the city of Rome were being laid and the first columns and colonnades were being erected as Hosea was beginning his painful years of ministry. When he began, the northern Kingdom had been split from the south for about 200 years and was at it's height of power and wealth. During Hosea's lifetime it went from it's height under King Jeroboam II to being decimated as the Assyrian Army ransacked the nation under Israel's King Hoshea. God had sent Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, and Amos to the north. All four had come from the south. Now he was sending Hosea into ministry - he was from the north. So they may have referred to him as "a local". Hosea is addressing the nations rampant problem of adultery. They had worshiped an idol of a calf for two centuries and that had long morphed into a horrendous mess. The population in the north was utterly degraded. Hardly a child, nor a home, nor a marriage was intact. Chastity was not valued or protected. At the rate they were going, it would not be long before God would "vacuum up" THESE particular people and throw them it into the dustbin of history.
Hosea 1 - notice the kings listed here are the same kings listed in Isaiah 1. From the start, Hosea is ordered to 'do as the locals': have children with a prostitute. SHE will be your wife. God had been true to these people all through their history, and yet they go about "whoring" - to use KJV term. Imagine the pain that adultery causes God. We are called to one God and to live it out with one spouse. But humans want a dark version of "freedom" from this...and from God. Hosea, under God's orders, has three children with Gomer the prostitute. Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi. Jezreel is the first son's name because the House of Israel would finally end here (722BC) The bloody mess that Jehu responded to would be avenged (see II Kings 10:1ff) Son; Jezreel's birth was a statement that retribution was on its way. The decapitations in II Kings 10 would be repeated by the Assyrians swarming in (II Kings 17:5 ca. a century later). It would be a horror show sequel to put it lightly. Only the death scale would rise "1000" times over. Lo-Ruhamah, a daughter is born and her name means "not loved". The love and mercy from God is soon overwith for Israel. They had smacked God in the face for two centuries. He had had enough of the Northern Kingdom. Lo-Ammi another son is born and his name means "not my people". It's sad symbolism, isn't it?! The death of a people was imminent Still God's goodness comes forth in the final two verses as God tells of his intention to grow his people and to unite them. Hosea 2 - The 2nd and 3rd children are referenced in the first verse here. Mr. "not my people" and Miss "not loved (no mercy)" are to be told, "you ARE my people, You ARE loved." Mother is to stop the prostitution. All are to come home again to where she was truly cared for and not just offered gifts and luxuries at a pimp's place - though soon to be deserted by this liar. God wants to call them home like parents call children for supper. But they won't come. but He still loves them, still they won't come. But He still loves... So God's love will be opened up (Hosea 1:10) to whosoever will (Romans 9:24-26). The Romans' reference is worth checking before the day passes. God is certainly good to us, regardless how we dismiss, ignore, or swat away his love. Lord make us like you, please make us like you. Your goodness, even in the face of being treated treacherously by your own children, is nearly unfathomable. May we be infused with your relentless love. Amen15 min - April 5
Isaiah 50-54 We are in the Prophetic Stream today. We will be covering the famous chapter Isaiah 53 as we read from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis
Lord, you serve and send The Savior. It is truly you and your work for us that saves. Keep us filled with faith and gratitude. Bless you Lord, Amen.The theme of this section of scripture is that the LORD will serve His people; they will be redeemed and restored and The Servant of the LORD will aid and protect them in Zion. This idea has been seen scattered throughout Isaiah but the resumption of this thinking comes into full view here as this concept has been accumulating through Isaiah's book.
50 - it begins with the nation in dismay, but God assures immediately they he can redeem from any situation. God has full control over nature, the LORD speaks, he gives us "ear to hear", He helps, The Lord calls all to come to Him and trust Him - to stop trusting in their own plans; contrare~ plans that they think are going to be of any protection. 51 - These next two chapters are devoted to telling of Zion's redemption and restoration. Judah would go into captivity in the future, but God's plan for His own has never wavered. His commitment to Abraham and Sarah has not been down graded or altered in the least. God's plan is endless - so listen to God, come to God, look to God, He will strengthen - but they needed to adorn themselves in Him. Remember ALL He has done! He comforts and calms and liberates. The delirium that comes from disobedience is akin to drunkenness and need never be a problem to them again. 52 - This chapter is also pure wonderment. It is the day of Zion's triumph. It's so beautiful it is actually a song. There's no way to list all the great things God is up to and not simply recite the whole chapter --> again. This is truly a song of happy days. People who've sung "Our God Reigns" since for-ev-er may wonder where it comes from. It's from here! v. seven has the whole song within it. The rest of the chapter is just as marvelous. 53 - The fascination of this chapter merely grows with time. Isaiah told so many details about a Savior and he is describing Him 700 years before His arrival. The details cannot be ignored or altered if one religions' description of a Savior doesn't match God's. Some have tried to explain this chapter away as being some other person from some other era or to be someone who is coming yet in the future. This chapter is Jesus and what He has done to heal, to forgive, and to save. 54 - The fascination here is that Zion is going to expand; expand in every way, the people, the land, the blessing, the dwellings, and the beauty; the adornment, the jewels, oh my! It will all be the wonderful work of God. The people of Zion have suffered, but God's mercy and comfort and lovingkindness will prevail and 'win the day'. Zion will prevail in righteousness.22 min - April 4
Psalm 18-21 We are in the Wisdom Stream today reading from the book of Psalms. We are using the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis
God, we want to walk with you as David did; so completely caught up into your goodness and faithfulness and comprehensive care that the world all around us is a mere reminder of how good you are to us. Thank you for your goodness, Lord. Amen.Into the Wisdom stream today we reach Psalm 18 - a highlight of the Bible! If any student of the Psalms made a list of their favorite Psalms to count on one hand, Psalm 18 is one of them. It's David's triumphant praise after "the battle is over". His enemies are neutralized. King Saul, who hated him, is gone now. David's kingdom is realized and he is Ruler of Israel. Note the traits of the Psalm: God is all the things David needed all along, needs now, and what David is grateful for. David calls and claims that God is his rock, his shield, his high tower. The false religions of the world idolatrously claim "this rock is my god, this shield is my god, this tower is my god." The pagan religions have things perfectly backward. This is why David is a hallmark of our faith and devotion. This Psalm is so pivotal and landmark in David's life that it is repeated in II Samuel 22. We will reach that section in the "nation stream" next week.
19 - The wonder of nature as David is in awe of what God has done morphs straight into David's wonderment over what God has said; His Word. It is perfect, right, pure, ...Gold. 'Makes y'want to read the rest of the Bible doesn't it?! Praise God 20 - twenty has a nice variation - 18 was David rejoicing in all God had done for him. This Psalm of prayer is asking God to grant all that is desired and sought for - for you! It rings as a rally cry for battle. It is a request for victory. As in all of David's life, he is not distracted by objects and trusting in them. He trusts in God alone, for himself and for others - even as he is headed into the thick of battle. 21 - David is yet enraptured with his marvelous God. In 20 he is asking for victory as he seems destined to head into battle. In 21, David is thanking God for victory in this same conflict that seems imminent. Notice that all that God is going to do is in the future tense. God will find them (David's enemies), He will burn them, He will destroy them. David is as certain of this as he was on his first battlefield in I Sam. 17. He is basically teaching us a very clear prayer lesson. Thank God in advance.16 min - April 3
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I Samuel 17-20 We are in the Nation Stream today as we experience that classic story of David & Goliath. We are reading from the World English Bible. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis
Lord, thank you for David's example here. We can shine with you and walk with you no matter who is against us, or how fierce the attitude is against us or how bleak the odds seem against us. You will always give us the human and spiritual comfort that we need. Amen.David and Goliath - the battle seems to be a preview or a "trailer" of world history. We've heard of this reference in so many contests. Well the original story comes from here;
I Samuel 17. It is intriguing that historians of all stripes and creeds will confess that monotheism hung upon the outcome of this battle. Theologically, God is bigger than our perspectives, but for that assessment [the fate of montheism] to be attached to this David/Goliath showdown is impressive. David's courage and confidence and skill; to be assured that he could drop this behemoth pagan goon in a single pop testifies to the fact that David was in touch with more than his dismissive brothers were aware of. Saul tried to dress David in Saul's armor so that any victory would be associated with Saul. David doesn't need it. If David can take on a several hundred pound lion and a several hundred pound bear, then he can take on a several hundred pound man who lacks claws and teeth. Pastor Chuck Swindoll once called Goliath a "cross-eyed discus thrower" - he didn't have much talent or break many records, but he sure kept the spectators awake! We know the story of the five smooth stones. Goliath did have four other brothers so if the Philistines wanted to break contract and charge them in, David was ready to drop them too. Analyze this fascinating story from any angle and the discussion of it remains endless 18 - Saul's character and paranoia are only further revealed in this string of stories. He treats David as an enemy AND has to hide that fact that he loathes him, is jealous, and scared of David. David becomes all the more entwined in the Kingdom as Jonathan [Saul's son] and David become "friends for life". The chanting about David's prowess is making Saul crazy. Still, Saul wants him close (like Mafia thinking that is determined to keep enemies close-by). He throws spears at him after using music to make David vulnerable He mocks David in offering his daughter then revoking the deal. He sends David on a fool's mission to kill Philistines ... time and again Saul shows his vapid character and David shows his faithfulness. 19 - things only get worse for Saul as it turns out his own home is committed to David over Saul. Jonathan is caught in a duplicitous position in his sonship to the king and his friendship to the future king who is hated by the present king; his father. Jonathan becomes vital informant to David and is strangely yet secretly protected by Jonathan. Michal, Saul's daughter is Davids' wife and she is eventually protecting David against the king; her father. Saul might do well to read into the obvious but the LORD had left him and he is too crazed to see reality anymore. In his effort to apprehend David, the LORD God of Israel intercepts again and "slays" all Saul's messengers through using them to prophecy. It's certainly an odd scene. It seems to only prove the mangled hilarity of trying to fight God or anyone who is indeed on God's side. 20 - Then there's the dinner, and David's failure to appear for saying he was going to meet his family in Bethlehem, [remember I Sam. 18:2; Saul had forbidden this]. Jonathan's attempting to cover for David threw Saul into a manic rage and now he is throwing spears at Jonathan; his own son! The scene with Jonathan and David meeting, the part of the little boy present as a decoy and informant during the "arrows routine" - of which the young boy is oblivious - all this is nothing short of clever. It shows more of the same mind of David that would win him numerous other battles and verify why Jonathan and he are such dear friends. This would seem to be the benediction put upon their friendship as Jonathan is now starkly aware of his father's hatred of David. Jonathan was a true hearted fellow and in his right mind, but he wasn't going to trigger an open rebellion against his own father; the King. So Jonathan and David part company and it is a sad day for the both of them. Their final encounter is in ch. 23, but this one here in ch. 20 feels like they are both bracing themselves emotionally to part company. The friendship between them had become so costly. And this made it all the more dear.36 min - April 2
Genesis 49:29-Exodus 3:22 We are in the World Stream today and will compete the book of Genesis and start the book of Exodus. We are reading from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis
Dear Lord Jesus, seasons come and go as the reading today encompasses a 400 year period. Let us take this calling of Moses very seriously for you call us to lead enslaved people into freedom. You've told us to receive nations into your Kingdom. We are to live for our Deliverer too; Assure us also as you assured Moses - that you will be with us. Amen.Jacob's departure is upon us. I like his determination to not be buried in Egypt. They were a culture obsessed with the process and their definition of the afterlife. For Egyptian royalty, death was what one's entire life was spent preparing for. It's one of the matters Jesus is hinting about when he declared he was the God of the Living / not the Dead. Jacob wants to be sure that he is buried back on the other side of the Nile with his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham near Hebron. He finished his speech and ... he was gone.
Gen. 50 - the funeral for Jacob is ornate, and as soon as this is overwith, Joseph shows his good ethics yet again to assure his brothers that they were family and not enemies. Jump to the end of Joseph's life and what does he insist? that his bones be carried out of Egypt when the Israelites leave. Fascinating reference to an Exodus that would take place 400 years later! Joseph soon breathes his last after being in Egypt 93 years. Interesting "book-ends" in Genesis: the warning in Genesis 2, "do not eat this fruit or you will surely die." At the end of the book, Jacob dies - and Joseph dies just a chapter later. Genesis seems to end with "I told you that this is where your disobedience would take you." At any rate the 4,000 year march from leaving Eden to the Calvary event is well on it's way. Chronologically, we are 2200 years into it with 1800 years to go. Exodus 1 - As time goes by, the Israelites multiply being in very fertile ground in the Nile delta region. The new Pharaoh was the one that took command following the Hyksos Invasion of 1700 B.C. The Hyksos were in charge of north Egypt until Egypt pulled together again after it's own civil wars and were able to defeat the Hyksos after 108 years of them being there. Egypt re established and the "New Kingdon" was upon them. Thus there was a new Pharaoh who "knew nothing about Joseph" as it reads in Ex.1:8. The Israelites are enslaved to keep them under wraps. The boys are sentenced to die at birth to keep numbers down and to keep a rebellion at bay. 2 - This is the chaos that Moses is born into. Moses is the most important figure of the Ancient World. From Eden to Jesus, no more important man than Moses comes along. He is hid from Pharaoh and his murderous edict - and then found by Pharaoh's daughter! He could not have come closer to death! [We see the same developments around Jesus' birth in Matthew when Herod tries to kill the threat to his rule.] Note that from vv. 1:10-12 --> 40 years went by; Moses spent 40 years in Pharaoh's Palace - learning the ways of the Egyptians, [Ex. 2:5-11a] 40 years in the desert - learning that place and learning to be with God. during his 40 years in the desert [Ex. 2:11-22]. He starts a family there and come that time, the slavery back in Egypt is becoming unbearable under a different Pharaoh. 3 - God calls Moses to lead the delivery of His people from bondage. It's one of the most vital and miraculous passages in the Bible. So much hinges upon this incident. Moses is in near disbelief at what is happening. He gives four huge reasons that prove his personal inadequacy to lead this endeavor. God flushes all Moses excuses. God tells him that they will come and worship on "this mountain" - OUT of Egypt. God will take them to a good and rich land, He will show them miracles and there will be provision, they will leave Egypt with great riches.25 min - April 1
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Acts 27:27-28:30 We are in the Church Stream today as we finish the book of Acts. We are reading from the God's Word Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis
Dear Lord, we bid farewell to Paul for now. Thank you for his inspiring life. Let us be encouraged to make our days count for you and for your Kingdom. Amen.If you look on the map in the back of your Bible or the map we provide in these show notes, take note the route of Paul's final missionary journey listed in Acts. The story picks up today between his departing from Myra; the south point of Asia Minor and the wreck in Malta. Paul took one ship from Caesarea to Myra, another from Myra to Malta, and a third from Malta to Puteoli/ Italy. This month of Paul's life, he had the greatest challenges relating to natural calamity. The dramatic events seem like a cruise gone bad with storms, a damaged vessel, near death at every turn, a fear of starvation, prisoners escaping, painful dilemmas and decisions, people finally swimming to shore or getting there by clinging to a chunk of wood from the broken ship. Paul ministers to these men even in this setting and they are all encouraged by his gracious deeds and dining with them (if we can use that word). Paul uses his status even as a prisoner to defend the incarcerated so that they are treated properly. Paul promised that all would reach shore and no one would be harmed and that is what happened. 28 - they discover that they are on Malta from the locals and voila, the locals are friendly. The snake in the fire incident merely verifies that God is up to something and Paul is soon revered. Paul is then given access to Publius (the leader and his family) and Paul is used to heal his father. Soon others who are sick come and are healed. It is fascinating the way Paul makes the most of every opportunity for the gospel and advancing the Kingdom. The final leg of the journey [from Malta to Rome] is on an Alexandrian ship. There is excitement to meet and be with Paul as Believers were in many places throughout the Roman Empire by now. It was 61 A.D. An entire second generation of Christians were growing up and Paul was a celebrated and very honored man to the new Believers. His teaching was priceless to them. His letters were prized more than gold by the early church. His writings became what we follow as most of the New Testament. Luke finishes the Book of Acts at about this time. Paul did have impressive audiences to speak to in Rome. Most were encouraged, some Jews converted through his teaching, other Jews were only made more stubborn thereby. While he was in Rome, Paul wrote to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and his book to Philemon. Paul was later acquitted of his charges later in AD 61 or early the next year. There is some information telling that Paul made a trip to Spain. We know he planned one; Romans 15:28. There is some evidence that there was another missionary journey Paul took to Greece and Asia Minor (and Spain as mentioned). He wrote his letters to Timothy and Titus during these years between 63-67 A.D. His influence cannot be overstated in Christian History. Some have clearly stated that Apostle Paul is the most influential person that ever lived for his explanations of Christ clearly changed the way the world thought. This affect seeped into the dealings of religion, commerce/business, education, administration, hospitality, social structures, civility, ad infinitum. Even honest secular scholars admit Paul's colossal affect on the world.
22 min
About The Seven Streams Method
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The Seven Streams Method is an innovative way to go through the Bible in a year using Seven Streams that correspond with the days of the week. Narration by Serena Travis. Commentary by Drake Travis.