God knows everything about what is going to be. I believe this, and many of you believe this too.

Let us begin with that bit of reference.

So why did God choose Saul as the first king for His people? After all, God knew exactly what Saul was going to do. (I Samuel, Chapter 8:10-20 ...)

And look at the way Saul affected those who were closest to him. Saul's relationship with his wife was significant to the extent that she was barely mentioned. Saul's son became best friends with a young man whom seemed okay with King Saul until others showed admiration for him also. And that same young man was adored by Saul's younger daughter ...to whom Saul promised her hand in marriage if the young man achieved a task which the king felt impossible to achieve, hoping the young man would instead die in the process. But after the young man did survive and marry the king's daughter, King Saul treated him like an enemy, and the young man's wife and her brother had to both help him flee for his life. So why did God choose Saul? I Samuel, Chapter 9:1-2, shows why God chose Saul. God gave them the kind of king that they were looking for ...to perhaps show them how much of a mistake it was to desire a king.

The next king was the kind of person that God would have us be ...but God's focus was on the person, not the kingship; because we have to remember that God's people wanted a king ...and that was not what God wanted. God wants us to be the person He directs us to be. God's full plan would be fulfilled later, with the King of Kings, Jesus.

God wants us to be us. Yes, we are flawed in many ways, but we can let God work on us ...and in us. The good thing about flawed people is that there's always room for improvement. It all hinges upon the fact that we admit that we aren't flawless ...and at the same time realizing that Jesus came to earth to live the life that none of us could, while providing the very hope that we all need.

(http://truthandanangrydefense.blogspot.com/)

God is righteous. We constantly try to judge, but ...well, let's let the story speak for itself.

Many have lost a cherished friend at the hand ...or, let us say, unsteady hand on the wheel of a drunken driver. It is now December 22nd, 2010 ...and the holiday season is not always an easy one for many. Let's be careful not to make it even more difficult than it already is.

It could be that the driver was not in the proper frame of mind before he had begun to drink. It could be that he too, had just lost a loved one. The difference is, he had chosen an unwise means to cope with his grief ...through the consumption of alcohol. The reason behind his drinking will most likely remain unknown. There are often unknown and unforeseen reasons behind much of life.

But this story is not about such a man ...who would carelessly attempt to drown his emotions.

He couldn't believe she was gone! The bus was soon to arrive. It was where it had all begun ...her hometown, the town where they had first met. At the last stop, a very attractive lady boarded the bus and sat right across the aisle from him. She gave it her all, attempting to get his attention ...through overt, exaggerated movements and expressions. But he was not impressed, nor swayed by such shallow expressions.

There is a joy, yet sadness, observing others who misplace emotions, however naive or innocent ...some not at all, yet putting forth their best (or worst) effort, however ill-timed or inadequate it may seem. A deep realization and satisfaction of what true love is, often takes years, mixed with pain and joy. His true love now rested within the memories of his recently departed wife. The bus would soon be approaching the place where all those memories began. His eyes took in the surroundings, a rebirth of all those precious memories.

He was seated exactly seven seats back from the front. His eyes fixed upon the empty aisle, just behind the bus driver. Yes, that was exactly right. It was that exact spot that his eyes first met hers. Not knowing that he had, he had smiled, with raised hand, indicating the only empty seat ...beside him.

Next week they would've celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary.

It was a clear and certain journey of lost hopes. A tear entered his eye, though it did not travel alone. Tears gathered, blurring his vision. Then a momentary peace came over him. Through blurred vision, he felt he could see her standing there. That vision was clear ...or was it? At least in his heart of hearts it was.

Unbeknownst to him, a young lady in the front row suddenly turned around. She found no moment to gather, nor assess her emotions. She considered it an affront ...that he was staring at her.

She did not hesitate to leave her seat. She threw her arms into the air, verbalizing something that could be readily discerned by no one, as she marched down the aisle. No one knew who she was, nor had they known that she often had these sort of episodes, due to her mental illness. In spite of her illness, she was a very effective communicator. Most of the time it was a complete pleasure to communicate with her. But this was the exception. She had felt she was no longer in need of her medication, and at the present, she found herself leaping upon him, pummeling him with her fists.

The source of her anger was no longer a concern ...her emotions were enough to rally the troops. Emotions ruled. Others left their seats and began beating on him as well, not knowing what he had done to the woman, yet assured her retaliation was justified. He obviously deserved this beating ...and more.