Okay; I could use a little help. You first mentioned that Bathsheba was in great power because of her beauty, then you said the the one in power is held accountable, and also that David was also holding great power. What and who is responsible in your opinion here? Your final line was a bit confusing as to whom you were speaking. Is it the man, because he is held accountable as the leader of the family and society, or the woman because she is a temptress with her beauty?

And as a Pastor, I wonder why you are aware that Anna Kournikova was the most downloaded female because of her beauty? I sincerely have to question how much time you spend on and what you search in private on the internet. You, of course, are not immune to adultery through pornography, and interestingly enough, you continue to reveal yourself on this devotional.

You have more than once aroused the question that you may have a personal history with porn.

Do you? And if you are no longer involved in it, how did you stop? Or are you still involved in private? Is it possible that you can be honest with us in an effort to heal those who are struggling with your own story?

I am hopeful to hear what you have to say about such a serious topic and how you are able to control yourself (or not) with so much temptation everywhere, especially the internet. Thank you for your honesty in the pursuit of glorifying God with all of our bodies, minds, and souls.

I wonder if any among us, who are living hundreds of years after the event, is really qualified to know with such certainty, what Bathsheba was thinking.

What were Bathsheba's options if she declined the King? It may take "two to tango" yet a woman did not have the "right" to refuse a man during this era. What about Africa? I learned on a mission trip to Swaziand that in Africa a woman does not "own her body". "Man" does.

Bathsheba did not have to bathe on the roof where she knew she could be seen. Yes, beautiful have power but men who are in positions of authority have more power. Also, beatutiful woman only have the power that men give them by lusting for them. Also, David had been appointed by God to lead the nation, which meant his power was conferred on him by God. Also, I find it offensive taht your believe that Bryant has a personal history with porn because he knows about it. How can he speak on a subject unless he has knowledge of the subject? Perhaps you should look at yourslef and see if you are too judgmental.

Brent, your insinuations about Bryant are very offensive. He has the highest of moral standards and is a Godly man, full of integrity and wisdom. He speaks to the issues of sex, lust, porn, etc., because they are so prevalent in today's society, especially among men. Bryant is so serious about even the appearance of impropriety that he will not be alone in a closed room or a car with any other woman than his wife.

Bryant does not use computers, so surfing the net isn't in his vocabulary. He is, however, an avid reader and stays current with the world around him so that he can speak to issues that affect us all.

As far as having to have personal knowledge in order to speak on any given subject, that is ridiculous. Who of us has actually seen Jesus? Yet, this entire ministry is based on His teachings.

The devotion comment section is meant to be an avenue where our readers can exchange ideas and gain insight into the Christian walk. It is not to be used as a place to attack others and certainly not a place to cast doubt on the integrity of the pastor who is the head of this ministry.

That being said, it is our prayer that the devotions will bless and challenge all who read them, knowing that they come from the heart of an anointed man of God.

Brent, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Brent - if you'd sincerely like to know how Bryant feels about porn, as well as what the Bible says about lust, I'd recommend listening to the many sermons he has done on the subject. There is an entire database of sermons on this site. And next time you might want to do your homework before tossing out silly insinuations.

This devotion prompted me to read more about the consequences of the sin of David and Bathsheba. One thing that sadly happened was that the son who resulted from the sin died according the proclamation of the Lord. David could not be consoled while the child was sick. David mourned and fasted in hopes God would spare his son. But God did not rescue the child from the illness and the child died. Afterward David's advisers could not understand why he recovered so quickly and began eating again.
2 Samuel 12:32 reads, "...I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, 'Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.' But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me." So David understood the consequences of his sin and accepted God's dealing with him and the sin but David also had the hope of heaven and could find relief in knowing he would again see his son in heaven. Glory be to God for His resolutions, for how He turns bad into good. David, although devastated for his sin, still recognized the goodness of his Father God. He had such trust in Him that in the midst of sorrow he could find joy in the hope of heaven.

Brent, I really don't see the importance of your point anyway. Even it was true that someone had had a "history" with porn (which I don't believe Bryant has) Isn't that the whole point of our christian beliefs. That no matter what "our history" that Christ has redeemed us by his sacrifice on the cross. Paul of the New Testament certainly didn't have a unblemished "history", yet was one of the most effective witnesses of the grace, mercy, and redemption of Christ. When we humble ourselves by accepting our human faults and sins and ask Him to come into our life as Savior and Lord we are forgiven of our past history and don't have to be slaves to it anymore. And as far as someone having power over us, usually we have to give over our power to someone for them to have power over us. God bless

First thing we need to do to understand what happened in this particular scripture, is to find the faults.
David was not where he was supposed to be at the time that it happened. It was a time that the kings were at war, but David was back in his palace. That was his first fault. Second when he saw her bathing on the roof top he should have turned and not yeilded to his temptation. That was his second fault. She was not so much at fault in the taking of her bath as most think. It was the custom to take baths on the roofs of homes. The water would be drawn from the wells and placed on the roofs so the sun could warm the water. Next he should not have sent for her, he knew better. There is another of his faults. Yes she could have said no, but she yeilded to her own temptations at this time. That was her fault. Many women would have been flattered for the king to send for them, but they do have the right to say "NO." David should not have tried to cover it up and then have a man murdered. David was most at fault, because he was God's man and he knew what he was doing was wrong. Both was at fault and there wasn't much said about Bathsheba, because she wasn't the one that God was using to do his work. She is in the lineage of Jesus Christ, but usually her dead husband is mentioned along with her.
If we do what God expects of us we won't get into trouble, in my life it is usually when I am going contrary to God's will for me, when I get into trouble.
Brent, I hope you don't really believe what you wrote, if you would have reread what you wrote and thought for a second, you would have realized that you didn't need to say what you did. If you believe you was wrong, why don't you write back and apoligize, it would be big on your part. I have had to do that before on things in my life.
Everyone have a great evening.

I have been close to a number of pastors, and believe me they don't have to go far to see the sinful nature of men and women. There is a virtual parade of members of their flock passing through their offices sharing all manner of sin, pain and suffering.

I think that it is normal for Bryant to share his biblical and pastora perspective on the probleme he knows all to well that his people suffer. Satan doesn't have to think up new tricks to attack the sheep. He knows our natural weaknesses all to well.

I thank God for grounded and real world preachers. It's easy to pontificate from the pulpit. It's something all together different to get down on your knees with those that I suffering and help bear their pain and sorrow.

My own preacher never ceases to amaze me with his tireless devotion to his congregation and to our community.

Brent, you need to do some soul searching. You have some issues you need to resolve. I'm sure Bryant would be more than willing to work with you.

Thanks Jerry for your comments. You said pretty much everything I was feeling. Also, I had heard the point before about the women of that time often bathing on the roofs of their homes, but I wasn't even sure where I had heard it from so I didn't feel I should repeat it. I'm glad you were able to shed some light on that custom. Appreciate your thoughtful input. God bless

Wow. I asked an honest question, seeking an understanding how to overcome something serious, and you come back with insults and tell me that the Pastor is immune and that he doesn't use the computer? I did not mean to offend anyone, and I thought a leader is someone who can deal with real world situations and lead an open discussion about them. If a man will not get into a car with another woman or enter a room alone with one, then he apparently has some information on the issues that men deal with. So why is asking him about his understanding and experience a problem? And for you to think that he is immune is misleading, especially when he posted on a past devotional about issues that he had in the past with telling his wife that he was sexually attracted to other women, and she was miserable. If this is someone who knows nothing of lust, then I am forced to see your ignorance through the glass wall that you have forced between us. Where I am supposed to watch and be a silent Christian, I am am also supposed to fear asking hard questions -- lest you all condemn me for presenting something serious. And I believe that any man that is married and tells his wife that he is lusting after others, maybe just maybe had an issue with lust. Uhhmmm? Could it be possible? You all condemn me while you convict me of condemning. The hypocrisy is eye opening and the Christlike love and understanding here is merely conditional for you and your own self righteous hearts. You get angry at what you don't understand, and demand that I be quiet because of your ignorance. Give someone the benefit of the doubt at least some of the time. I really needed help, and perhaps I just worded it wrong. And if Bryant doesn't use a computer, who is writing this stuff? Thanks; I guess?

Bryant uses a pen and paper to write. God bless.