2009 – Day 139.May 20 – Riding Out The Storm
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 12: 13 – 25 … Link to 2nd Samuel 12 for study …
My Journal for Today: In today’s passage we read of one of the worst storms in David’s life. Yes, he shared it with Bathsheba; but like most storms in the life of believers, we have to ride out the storms of life essentially alone. Others may be there, as they were for David; and others may be affected. But they have to ride out the storm for themselves as well.
David, in this scenario is a pretty good model of riding out the storm. He did the right things. He fasted and prayed. He relied on God and His truth (i.e., God’s word); and He turned his life and circumstances over to God, not giving in to his own feelings of remorse and grief. And then, when the circumstances took the life which he and Bathsheba had born, David moved on, not wallowing in self pity as is the case for many, if not most, of us. Oh, how our enemy, Satan, loves to see us paralyzed in self pity.
When we are faced with the consequences and the whirlwind which comes after we have sinned, I’m one who has a tendency to beat myself up and to wallow in self pity. And it does no good … for me, for those around me, and most certainly, for God. And though it’s taken years, I’m learning to follow the model of David in this storm of life which is recorded in God’s word for us in 2nd Samuel.
I pray that you don’t have to face the storms which will arise in the aftermath of sin, especially habitual, long-lasting sin. Obviously the best way to avoid such storms is to avoid sin in the first place. But should the storm come as a result of your sin, ride out the storm you must. And if you can confess and repent and move on, as David did, the storm will pass. And if you have done what David did in this scenario, you can go to Psalms 51 [linked for you] and then to Psalm 32 [also linked here]; and you will read how God can take a sinner and bring about restoration so that he offender can move on and still live for the glory of God.
Today’s devotional entry has been a good study for me. I hope it has for you. We all need to remember that God will never abandon His children (see Hebrews 13: 5); and He will be there on the other side of the storm with His grace to give us strength and to move on (see 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9 and Phil 4: 13). And after the storm passes, we can move on and still be used by God for His glory. David did; and so can we.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, thank You for the reminder of who I am in Christ; and how You will stay with me even in storms which I have created. Amen
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
2009 – Day 138.May 19 – The Consequences of Sin
2009 – Day 138.May 19 – The Consequences of Sin
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 11: 1 – 12: 13 … Linked to 2nd Sam. 11 – 12 for study ...
My Journal for Today: If you’re reading along with me in this study of David, we’ve finally come to that juicy story of David’s rejection of God’s way. And wow [!], when David does something, he doesn’t just do it half-heartedly. No, he does it up big time. Think about it. Our David, the so-called “man after God’s own heart,” commits adultery, lies, cheats on his wives, conceives a child out of wedlock, conspires to commit murder, and orders a contract killing. And the “hit” is not just on some obscure soldier in David’s army. It is one of his most highly decorated military leaders; and probably a close friend in arms. He commits sin upon sin upon sin upon sin; and then God waits until just the right time to send Nathan, the Prophet, to confront David.
As Swindoll points out, scholars have said that it could have been about a year between the sins of 2nd Sam. 11 until the confrontation by Nathan in chapter 12. And that may seem like a long time; but I hope you have learned, as have I, that God’s timing is always perfect. I agree with Swindoll that there are times when I question God’s timing, thinking that The Lord should intervene sooner than I think. But I’ve learned my lesson over the years … that God is God; and I am not … that (and it’s documented in Isaiah 55: 8 – 9) God’s ways are higher than my ways … and that God knows exactly what to do and when to do it.
But the confrontation by Nathan and the confession by David which followed (well documented in Psalm 51) illustrates the overriding truth that sin, especially flagrant conscious rebellion by a believer against God and/or His ways, ALWAYS has consequences.
David was not some ignorant, new believer, who was doing something bad because he was not mature in his faith. No, the actions we read about in these passages are being committed by the young boy of faith who slew Goliath. He is the one whom God had saved from Saul all those years; and he was the one who had become King when Saul fell on his sword. But David is also the one who let his guard down over selfish sin; and he was the one who chose lust over his love of God. He was the one who set aside what he knew to be truth; and chose to believe Satan’s lies. And he was the one who was revealed in all of this by God through Nathan.
If we have sin we’ve stuffed away in the closet of our souls, do we really think God has not seen it? Do we really think, without confession and the atonement of Christ’s blood, we can keep this sin a secret? Do we really think God is just going to let it go THIS ONE TIME? Duh …!!!
I don’t need to belabor this issue; … this is another lesson into the truth of Jeremiah 17: 9, which I bring up so often in my devotionals. We are walking through life with flesh and a heart which is deceitful beyond measure; and Satan loves to parlay that reality into situations, like the one for David in today’s history lesson, where our heart will fall pray to his temptations.
Get it straight, fellow warrior! SIN ALWAYS HAS CONSEQUENCES!!! And if we know and believe 1st John 1: 9 [linked here for you if you don’t know it – memorize this one because it is one of the most important New Testament truths!], what are we waiting for? Let’s bring it out into the light and confess it and be cleansed of it FOREVER!!! I don’t’ think I need to write any more about this.
My Prayer for Today: Oh, Lord, help me to stay vigilant and vulnerable in Your sight. Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 11: 1 – 12: 13 … Linked to 2nd Sam. 11 – 12 for study ...
My Journal for Today: If you’re reading along with me in this study of David, we’ve finally come to that juicy story of David’s rejection of God’s way. And wow [!], when David does something, he doesn’t just do it half-heartedly. No, he does it up big time. Think about it. Our David, the so-called “man after God’s own heart,” commits adultery, lies, cheats on his wives, conceives a child out of wedlock, conspires to commit murder, and orders a contract killing. And the “hit” is not just on some obscure soldier in David’s army. It is one of his most highly decorated military leaders; and probably a close friend in arms. He commits sin upon sin upon sin upon sin; and then God waits until just the right time to send Nathan, the Prophet, to confront David.
As Swindoll points out, scholars have said that it could have been about a year between the sins of 2nd Sam. 11 until the confrontation by Nathan in chapter 12. And that may seem like a long time; but I hope you have learned, as have I, that God’s timing is always perfect. I agree with Swindoll that there are times when I question God’s timing, thinking that The Lord should intervene sooner than I think. But I’ve learned my lesson over the years … that God is God; and I am not … that (and it’s documented in Isaiah 55: 8 – 9) God’s ways are higher than my ways … and that God knows exactly what to do and when to do it.
But the confrontation by Nathan and the confession by David which followed (well documented in Psalm 51) illustrates the overriding truth that sin, especially flagrant conscious rebellion by a believer against God and/or His ways, ALWAYS has consequences.
David was not some ignorant, new believer, who was doing something bad because he was not mature in his faith. No, the actions we read about in these passages are being committed by the young boy of faith who slew Goliath. He is the one whom God had saved from Saul all those years; and he was the one who had become King when Saul fell on his sword. But David is also the one who let his guard down over selfish sin; and he was the one who chose lust over his love of God. He was the one who set aside what he knew to be truth; and chose to believe Satan’s lies. And he was the one who was revealed in all of this by God through Nathan.
If we have sin we’ve stuffed away in the closet of our souls, do we really think God has not seen it? Do we really think, without confession and the atonement of Christ’s blood, we can keep this sin a secret? Do we really think God is just going to let it go THIS ONE TIME? Duh …!!!
I don’t need to belabor this issue; … this is another lesson into the truth of Jeremiah 17: 9, which I bring up so often in my devotionals. We are walking through life with flesh and a heart which is deceitful beyond measure; and Satan loves to parlay that reality into situations, like the one for David in today’s history lesson, where our heart will fall pray to his temptations.
Get it straight, fellow warrior! SIN ALWAYS HAS CONSEQUENCES!!! And if we know and believe 1st John 1: 9 [linked here for you if you don’t know it – memorize this one because it is one of the most important New Testament truths!], what are we waiting for? Let’s bring it out into the light and confess it and be cleansed of it FOREVER!!! I don’t’ think I need to write any more about this.
My Prayer for Today: Oh, Lord, help me to stay vigilant and vulnerable in Your sight. Amen
Monday, May 18, 2009
2009 – Day 132.May 18 – Hope with Broken Dreams
2009 – Day 132.May 18 – Hope with Broken Dreams
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 18 – 29 … Link to 2nd Sam. 6 for study ...
Passage #2 for the Day: 1st Chron. 22: 1 – 6 … Link to 1st Chron. 22 for study ...
My Journal for the Day: Many of us may have been there. We have a dream; and God seems to say “No” to us; and yet, someone, maybe someone younger, comes in and makes it happen. Oh, the potential to let pride build anger, covetousness, or envy into our lives, especially if or when we see someone else taking our dream and running with it.
As we read the passages for today, we see David having to step aside to allow Solomon, his son, build God’s Temple to honor God, a dream which had been birthed in David’s heart. And as David steps aside to let Solomon build the temple, here we begin to see why God thought of David as “a man after My own heart.” David’s response to God when he learned his son would be the one to build the Temple for God was exactly what God expects from any of His children; and that is humility and obedience. As Swindoll pointed out in his devotional for today, “When God says no, it means He has a better way, and He expects [us] to support it.”
He goes on to point out that not everyone is called to “build the temple;” but we’re all called to be faithful and obedient. But man, … that can be tough when we see others getting all the credit for something we knew we could have done or something which had our mark on it.
And yes, it is hard; but we’ve got to realize that the only really important thing is God’s plan and His purpose; and when He gets the glory, that’s really all that counts in the eternal scheme of things. So, if I start something and someone else finishes it; … even if they get all the earthly recognition, that is okay if that project was for God’s glory. And I hope all of us can realize this; and we can develop the kind of humility we see in David from today’s lesson for our lives.
My Prayer for Today: Oh, Lord, my God, teach me to find Your dream and do whatever it takes to make YOUR will my will. Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 18 – 29 … Link to 2nd Sam. 6 for study ...
Passage #2 for the Day: 1st Chron. 22: 1 – 6 … Link to 1st Chron. 22 for study ...
My Journal for the Day: Many of us may have been there. We have a dream; and God seems to say “No” to us; and yet, someone, maybe someone younger, comes in and makes it happen. Oh, the potential to let pride build anger, covetousness, or envy into our lives, especially if or when we see someone else taking our dream and running with it.
As we read the passages for today, we see David having to step aside to allow Solomon, his son, build God’s Temple to honor God, a dream which had been birthed in David’s heart. And as David steps aside to let Solomon build the temple, here we begin to see why God thought of David as “a man after My own heart.” David’s response to God when he learned his son would be the one to build the Temple for God was exactly what God expects from any of His children; and that is humility and obedience. As Swindoll pointed out in his devotional for today, “When God says no, it means He has a better way, and He expects [us] to support it.”
He goes on to point out that not everyone is called to “build the temple;” but we’re all called to be faithful and obedient. But man, … that can be tough when we see others getting all the credit for something we knew we could have done or something which had our mark on it.
And yes, it is hard; but we’ve got to realize that the only really important thing is God’s plan and His purpose; and when He gets the glory, that’s really all that counts in the eternal scheme of things. So, if I start something and someone else finishes it; … even if they get all the earthly recognition, that is okay if that project was for God’s glory. And I hope all of us can realize this; and we can develop the kind of humility we see in David from today’s lesson for our lives.
My Prayer for Today: Oh, Lord, my God, teach me to find Your dream and do whatever it takes to make YOUR will my will. Amen
Sunday, May 17, 2009
2009 – Day 136.May 17 – Who Am I?
2009 – Day 136.May 17 – Who Am I?
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 4 – 20… Link to 2nd Sam. 7 for study …
My Journal for Today: In today’s passage we read of a man taking stock of his life. God has let him know that it will not be David who will build the Lord’s Temple; and he comes back to God, basically asking the question, “Who is this David, Lord?” And as Swindoll rightfully points out, the language David uses to converse with God is almost like a child; because it is children who refer to themselves by their own name to their parents, before growing and later in life using self-directed pronouns.
So, we read David asking “Who am I?” to God. And in doing so, he does a self inventory which leads David to count his blessings. If I were to ask God today, “Who am I” … what would I see in my life as it has been cast by God? What would my life look like? And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing today as I meditate on what David asked of God.
Maybe you’d be asking “Who am I” that God would give me life when the lives of others are snuffed out by tornados or tsunamis? Maybe you’d say, “Who am I that God would allow me to have a regular income when others are struggling so much financially?” Who am I that I drive over the speed limit and I don’t get fined when others do? And we could go on and on and on, couldn’t we?
Do we really stop long enough or often enough to realize just how blessed we are? Do we really appreciate the truth of Lamentations 3: 22,-23 [linked], which says that God’s mercies are new every day. As I sit here this morning, I realize that for what I’ve done in my past, I could be an ex-con; … but I’m not. I correspond with a young man in prison who is now labeled by his state as having committed a sex crime; and yet, here I sit on the outside when I have committed what my state labels as sex-crimes in my past. I am an Elder in my church and an ordained minister, leading a ministry for God’s kingdom; and my young brother in Christ languishes in prison. Who am I to receive such mercy when my young friend has not?
It is no wonder that David lamented where he was in life and who he had become? And this study today helps us [well, at least me] see that God can use each of us for His glory in different ways and in different places in life. I don’t know why God has put me here and my young brother in Christ in prison. But now that we are what we are, where we are, and whom we are, it behooves us to grow where we’re planted and to be used for God’s glory, going just where He leads us and being just whom we have been molded to become.
I am the clay, God is the potter? May this cracked pot be used for His glory?
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I am so blessed; and even if I can’t build Your temple, may I be Your servant as You call me to be. Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 4 – 20… Link to 2nd Sam. 7 for study …
My Journal for Today: In today’s passage we read of a man taking stock of his life. God has let him know that it will not be David who will build the Lord’s Temple; and he comes back to God, basically asking the question, “Who is this David, Lord?” And as Swindoll rightfully points out, the language David uses to converse with God is almost like a child; because it is children who refer to themselves by their own name to their parents, before growing and later in life using self-directed pronouns.
So, we read David asking “Who am I?” to God. And in doing so, he does a self inventory which leads David to count his blessings. If I were to ask God today, “Who am I” … what would I see in my life as it has been cast by God? What would my life look like? And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing today as I meditate on what David asked of God.
Maybe you’d be asking “Who am I” that God would give me life when the lives of others are snuffed out by tornados or tsunamis? Maybe you’d say, “Who am I that God would allow me to have a regular income when others are struggling so much financially?” Who am I that I drive over the speed limit and I don’t get fined when others do? And we could go on and on and on, couldn’t we?
Do we really stop long enough or often enough to realize just how blessed we are? Do we really appreciate the truth of Lamentations 3: 22,-23 [linked], which says that God’s mercies are new every day. As I sit here this morning, I realize that for what I’ve done in my past, I could be an ex-con; … but I’m not. I correspond with a young man in prison who is now labeled by his state as having committed a sex crime; and yet, here I sit on the outside when I have committed what my state labels as sex-crimes in my past. I am an Elder in my church and an ordained minister, leading a ministry for God’s kingdom; and my young brother in Christ languishes in prison. Who am I to receive such mercy when my young friend has not?
It is no wonder that David lamented where he was in life and who he had become? And this study today helps us [well, at least me] see that God can use each of us for His glory in different ways and in different places in life. I don’t know why God has put me here and my young brother in Christ in prison. But now that we are what we are, where we are, and whom we are, it behooves us to grow where we’re planted and to be used for God’s glory, going just where He leads us and being just whom we have been molded to become.
I am the clay, God is the potter? May this cracked pot be used for His glory?
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I am so blessed; and even if I can’t build Your temple, may I be Your servant as You call me to be. Amen
Saturday, May 16, 2009
2009 – Day 135.May 16 – When God Says No
2009 – Day 135.May 16 – When God Says No
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 4 – 17 … Link to 2nd Sam. 7 for study …
My Journal for Today: Isn’t it stifling at times when God says, “No;” and you had plans that seemed so God honoring? And as we read in today’s passage, sometimes God’s “No” is not chastisement or a penalty for sin. No, it may just be God redirecting us for our own good and/or for His glory.
God’s plan can be a mystery to us. Read and meditate here on Isaiah 55: 8 – 9, which says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” That’s a humbling directive, isn’t it? God is God; and we are not! It can really be just that simple at times when we diligently following God with commitment and direction. But we let our feelings and/or our pride get in the way.
We FEEL (and the operant word there is “feel”) that we should go in one direction for God; but we sense from Him that He says, “No, go in this other direction, which is My direction.” And we can’t understand why God would take us in another way than the one we FEEL is the way we should go. David would have loved to build a temple for God; but God said, “No, it will be your son who does that.” That wasn’t a punishment for David’s pridefulness or sinfulness. It was simply God being God.
But, … Ouch! That had to have hurt David’s pride; and maybe that was exactly the point. All too often it may be our pride that causes us to FEEL that we should go one way; and God needs for us to be humble, so He takes us in another direction, which will glorify His Name; and it hurts our pride.
Oh, this pride thing is a bug-a-boo, isn’t it? I sometimes wonder why God gave mankind the capability of being prideful. But then again, if we couldn’t choose pride over humility, the concept of “faith” would have no meaning. If we were automatons for God, He would really not get the glory, as He does when we, by faith, choose humility and set aside pride to follow God, especially when the outcome seems so mysterious to us.
David needed to learn that lesson as God was teaching him through the Prophet, Nathan. And so do we need to learn that lesson today. … Hey, dear one who might be reading this; … will you join me in covenant with God today, that we won’t let our feelings get in the way of God’s direction for our lives? Join me in praying to God that we allow Him to take us wherever He would lead us for our good and His glory. Let’s declare His directive from that verse I quote so often in my devotionals, Luke 9: 23, which is Christ saying to any or all of His disciples, "Just follow Me!”
My Prayer for Today: My Lord, I need to say it every day … You are God and I am not! Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 4 – 17 … Link to 2nd Sam. 7 for study …
My Journal for Today: Isn’t it stifling at times when God says, “No;” and you had plans that seemed so God honoring? And as we read in today’s passage, sometimes God’s “No” is not chastisement or a penalty for sin. No, it may just be God redirecting us for our own good and/or for His glory.
God’s plan can be a mystery to us. Read and meditate here on Isaiah 55: 8 – 9, which says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” That’s a humbling directive, isn’t it? God is God; and we are not! It can really be just that simple at times when we diligently following God with commitment and direction. But we let our feelings and/or our pride get in the way.
We FEEL (and the operant word there is “feel”) that we should go in one direction for God; but we sense from Him that He says, “No, go in this other direction, which is My direction.” And we can’t understand why God would take us in another way than the one we FEEL is the way we should go. David would have loved to build a temple for God; but God said, “No, it will be your son who does that.” That wasn’t a punishment for David’s pridefulness or sinfulness. It was simply God being God.
But, … Ouch! That had to have hurt David’s pride; and maybe that was exactly the point. All too often it may be our pride that causes us to FEEL that we should go one way; and God needs for us to be humble, so He takes us in another direction, which will glorify His Name; and it hurts our pride.
Oh, this pride thing is a bug-a-boo, isn’t it? I sometimes wonder why God gave mankind the capability of being prideful. But then again, if we couldn’t choose pride over humility, the concept of “faith” would have no meaning. If we were automatons for God, He would really not get the glory, as He does when we, by faith, choose humility and set aside pride to follow God, especially when the outcome seems so mysterious to us.
David needed to learn that lesson as God was teaching him through the Prophet, Nathan. And so do we need to learn that lesson today. … Hey, dear one who might be reading this; … will you join me in covenant with God today, that we won’t let our feelings get in the way of God’s direction for our lives? Join me in praying to God that we allow Him to take us wherever He would lead us for our good and His glory. Let’s declare His directive from that verse I quote so often in my devotionals, Luke 9: 23, which is Christ saying to any or all of His disciples, "Just follow Me!”
My Prayer for Today: My Lord, I need to say it every day … You are God and I am not! Amen
Friday, May 15, 2009
2009 – Day 134.May 15 – The Interludes of Life
2009 – Day 134.May 15 – The Interludes of Life
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 1 – 3 … 1 Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.”3 Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
My Journal for Today: This is a short segment from the life of David; but, as Swindoll points out, it illustrates an important point about how we prioritize moments of our life that can allow us to sense God’s will or direction. Swindoll calls a moment like the one illustrated by today’s passages as an “interlude” in life. And he contends that we need many moments like this in our life to slow down and sense the direction God has for us.
It was in such an “interlude” from which David got a leaning that he was uncomfortable about living in a house when God was residing in a tent. Have you ever had times when you were quiet enough to avoid the tyrannies and the urgencies of life or the deluge of information in this world to sense God’s leading? Perhaps such moments occurred when you were alone studying for an exam as a student and you were praying for enlightenment. Or maybe you went off to a retreat and God’s Spirit enlightened you as to a new direction for your life. Or maybe you just woke up, as it often happens to me early in my quiet times with God, and you got one of those “aha” or “eureka” moments from God.
Right now two scripture passages have bubbled up in my mind, sitting here meditating on this premise. One is my wife’s favorite, Proverbs 3: 5 – 6, which you probably know by heart (or I hope you do). It says, “…in all your ways acknowledge [God], and He will direct your paths.” Well, think about that. If you’re so wrapped up in the demands of the world or not taking the time to seek God’s wisdom (see also James 1: 5 – 6, you will be subject to the leaning or leading of the world or your own deceitful heart (see Jer. 17: 9); and how dangerous the latter can be! No, the point here is that we have to CHOOSE to slow down and we have to humbly CREATE the interludes in life which allow us to seek and sense the mind of God.
The second verse which comes to me here in this morning’s meditate is Ephesians 5: 15 – 16. This passage says, See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. And God seems to be saying to me here, “Bill, you will not be able to walk circumspectly or wisely, following My lead, if you don’t slow down enough to let Me guide your paths in life.” And this supports Swindoll’s contention in today’s devotional, illustrated by David slowing down enough and living in that cedar home, that he needed to make a move to honor God. And so do we!
Are you CHOOSING to slow down and create listening interludes which allow you to hear God? Perhaps you do it by going off on a retreat periodically to seek God’s leading. Perhaps you take off a half-day of prayer periodically to just go out in nature somewhere on a lovely warm day to listen to God and pray and meditate on His word. But more importantly than these periodic events, which are very healthy interludes for your spiritual well being, I’m asking if you have an EVERDAY INTERLUDE with God, where you intentionally and intently go to a quiet place, … and in solitude, you take time – God’s time – to be with our Lord and to sense His will or direction for your life?
Dear one, this is a discipline I began and developed a little over 20 years ago; and using the disciplines of solitude and meditation daily changed my life. And from times like this one, where I’m here, CHOOSING to take the time to get into God’s word, to pray for His mind and direction, and to journal my thoughts, I reap the benefits of joy and peace; and quite often I get those “eureka” direction-finding thoughts which lead me in toward God. And you might ask, “Bill, how do you know these are moments of insight are from God?” And to that very good question, I would answer that I’m confident because [#1] these interludes lead me in a direction which is consistent with God’s word; and [#2] they draw me closer to God. And since I know that Satan (or even my own selfish nature) would never lead me in a direction which was totally consistent with God’s word, I’m safe to know that God is leading me. And most certainly I know that Satan would never lead me deeper into my relationship with God. So, when, from these day interludes with God, He gives me His light of insight, I know I can respond as David did to the Prophet Samuel, who came to David with God’s leading and said, [verse 3 today], “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
I do pray that you selectively create listening interludes in your life to be with God; and then, I hope you do listen for God’s direction. Because if and when you do, He will lead you.
My Prayer for Today: Thank You, Lord, for leading me from these quiet times we have together. Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 7: 1 – 3 … 1 Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.”3 Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
My Journal for Today: This is a short segment from the life of David; but, as Swindoll points out, it illustrates an important point about how we prioritize moments of our life that can allow us to sense God’s will or direction. Swindoll calls a moment like the one illustrated by today’s passages as an “interlude” in life. And he contends that we need many moments like this in our life to slow down and sense the direction God has for us.
It was in such an “interlude” from which David got a leaning that he was uncomfortable about living in a house when God was residing in a tent. Have you ever had times when you were quiet enough to avoid the tyrannies and the urgencies of life or the deluge of information in this world to sense God’s leading? Perhaps such moments occurred when you were alone studying for an exam as a student and you were praying for enlightenment. Or maybe you went off to a retreat and God’s Spirit enlightened you as to a new direction for your life. Or maybe you just woke up, as it often happens to me early in my quiet times with God, and you got one of those “aha” or “eureka” moments from God.
Right now two scripture passages have bubbled up in my mind, sitting here meditating on this premise. One is my wife’s favorite, Proverbs 3: 5 – 6, which you probably know by heart (or I hope you do). It says, “…in all your ways acknowledge [God], and He will direct your paths.” Well, think about that. If you’re so wrapped up in the demands of the world or not taking the time to seek God’s wisdom (see also James 1: 5 – 6, you will be subject to the leaning or leading of the world or your own deceitful heart (see Jer. 17: 9); and how dangerous the latter can be! No, the point here is that we have to CHOOSE to slow down and we have to humbly CREATE the interludes in life which allow us to seek and sense the mind of God.
The second verse which comes to me here in this morning’s meditate is Ephesians 5: 15 – 16. This passage says, See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. And God seems to be saying to me here, “Bill, you will not be able to walk circumspectly or wisely, following My lead, if you don’t slow down enough to let Me guide your paths in life.” And this supports Swindoll’s contention in today’s devotional, illustrated by David slowing down enough and living in that cedar home, that he needed to make a move to honor God. And so do we!
Are you CHOOSING to slow down and create listening interludes which allow you to hear God? Perhaps you do it by going off on a retreat periodically to seek God’s leading. Perhaps you take off a half-day of prayer periodically to just go out in nature somewhere on a lovely warm day to listen to God and pray and meditate on His word. But more importantly than these periodic events, which are very healthy interludes for your spiritual well being, I’m asking if you have an EVERDAY INTERLUDE with God, where you intentionally and intently go to a quiet place, … and in solitude, you take time – God’s time – to be with our Lord and to sense His will or direction for your life?
Dear one, this is a discipline I began and developed a little over 20 years ago; and using the disciplines of solitude and meditation daily changed my life. And from times like this one, where I’m here, CHOOSING to take the time to get into God’s word, to pray for His mind and direction, and to journal my thoughts, I reap the benefits of joy and peace; and quite often I get those “eureka” direction-finding thoughts which lead me in toward God. And you might ask, “Bill, how do you know these are moments of insight are from God?” And to that very good question, I would answer that I’m confident because [#1] these interludes lead me in a direction which is consistent with God’s word; and [#2] they draw me closer to God. And since I know that Satan (or even my own selfish nature) would never lead me in a direction which was totally consistent with God’s word, I’m safe to know that God is leading me. And most certainly I know that Satan would never lead me deeper into my relationship with God. So, when, from these day interludes with God, He gives me His light of insight, I know I can respond as David did to the Prophet Samuel, who came to David with God’s leading and said, [verse 3 today], “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
I do pray that you selectively create listening interludes in your life to be with God; and then, I hope you do listen for God’s direction. Because if and when you do, He will lead you.
My Prayer for Today: Thank You, Lord, for leading me from these quiet times we have together. Amen
Thursday, May 14, 2009
2009 – Day 133.May 14 – True Freedom
2009 – Day 133.May 14 – True Freedom
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 6: 14 – 23 … Link to 2nd Sam. 6 for study ...
My Journal for the Day: This passage illustrates the power of obedience to produce freedom in one’s life. And Chuck Swindoll brings out two specific points in that regard which relate closely to the way we view life, either vertically in our relationship with God or horizontally, following the world’s view. I’ve discussed this in past devotionals; and I believe that Swindoll’s study today illustrates the strong vertical focus David had on God. I’ve certainly seen this illustrated in my past studies by see David’s vertical focus on God in his slaying of Goliath and his honoring Saul as God’s anointed king in spite of Saul’s hatred and jealousy for David. And now we see it in the way he honors God as he prepares the Arc of the Covenant and worships God with open abandon.
And Swindoll points out that … the better you know where you stand with the Lord, the freer you can be. In today’s passage we see David boldly and gleefully dancing, almost naked before God, much to the chagrin of his wife, worshipping his love for his God openly and honestly. And in Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, we see what can happen when the world and the flesh come into contact with someone, like David, who boldly and openly proclaims his love for God. And it’s true that when you get bold and vulnerable in your witness for God, the world will likely recoil with embarrassment in the least or anger/hostility at worst. You’ll note Michal’s response in verse 16 of today’s highlight passage. She saw David dancing freely and joyfully, worshipping the Lord, and the verse says, "she despised him in her heart.”
And the second point Swindoll brings out, which is illustrated in today’s stud, is that the freer you are before the Lord, the more confident you will become. And this was certainly true of David as he danced with joy, throwing aside the conventions of “kingly” dress, and freeing himself to worship His Lord. David, in this scenario is the picture of vulnerability and unconventional witness. He didn’t care what others thought, … only that God knew how joy-filled he was in the presence of his God.
What about you? I know that at times I’ve found myself balking a bit and muting my enthusiasm in worship on Sunday mornings, letting my horizontal feelings dictate just how open I would be to raise my hands while worshipping God in our service. We’re a church that has come from a “tradition” of a more subdued, muted style of worship; and having broken away from the boundaries and traditions of our “denominational” style, we now find our newer worship style evolving and growing to be freer and more expressive, which makes some, especially the older members of our congregation, uncomfortable. And I, personally, love the newer, freer style of worship! But I’m convicted by today’s study that I’m not open and free enough in the way I personally express my worship of the God of the Universe and the One Who saved me.
Why should I care what others think when I raise my hands with joy on Sunday morning, singing my praises to my Lord? I need to have more of David in my worship and less of Michal.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, as I grow to know You more, help me to be free to worship You, letting Your Spirit witness my love for You openly and freely. Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 6: 14 – 23 … Link to 2nd Sam. 6 for study ...
My Journal for the Day: This passage illustrates the power of obedience to produce freedom in one’s life. And Chuck Swindoll brings out two specific points in that regard which relate closely to the way we view life, either vertically in our relationship with God or horizontally, following the world’s view. I’ve discussed this in past devotionals; and I believe that Swindoll’s study today illustrates the strong vertical focus David had on God. I’ve certainly seen this illustrated in my past studies by see David’s vertical focus on God in his slaying of Goliath and his honoring Saul as God’s anointed king in spite of Saul’s hatred and jealousy for David. And now we see it in the way he honors God as he prepares the Arc of the Covenant and worships God with open abandon.
And Swindoll points out that … the better you know where you stand with the Lord, the freer you can be. In today’s passage we see David boldly and gleefully dancing, almost naked before God, much to the chagrin of his wife, worshipping his love for his God openly and honestly. And in Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, we see what can happen when the world and the flesh come into contact with someone, like David, who boldly and openly proclaims his love for God. And it’s true that when you get bold and vulnerable in your witness for God, the world will likely recoil with embarrassment in the least or anger/hostility at worst. You’ll note Michal’s response in verse 16 of today’s highlight passage. She saw David dancing freely and joyfully, worshipping the Lord, and the verse says, "she despised him in her heart.”
And the second point Swindoll brings out, which is illustrated in today’s stud, is that the freer you are before the Lord, the more confident you will become. And this was certainly true of David as he danced with joy, throwing aside the conventions of “kingly” dress, and freeing himself to worship His Lord. David, in this scenario is the picture of vulnerability and unconventional witness. He didn’t care what others thought, … only that God knew how joy-filled he was in the presence of his God.
What about you? I know that at times I’ve found myself balking a bit and muting my enthusiasm in worship on Sunday mornings, letting my horizontal feelings dictate just how open I would be to raise my hands while worshipping God in our service. We’re a church that has come from a “tradition” of a more subdued, muted style of worship; and having broken away from the boundaries and traditions of our “denominational” style, we now find our newer worship style evolving and growing to be freer and more expressive, which makes some, especially the older members of our congregation, uncomfortable. And I, personally, love the newer, freer style of worship! But I’m convicted by today’s study that I’m not open and free enough in the way I personally express my worship of the God of the Universe and the One Who saved me.
Why should I care what others think when I raise my hands with joy on Sunday morning, singing my praises to my Lord? I need to have more of David in my worship and less of Michal.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, as I grow to know You more, help me to be free to worship You, letting Your Spirit witness my love for You openly and freely. Amen
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
2009 – Day 132.May 13 – Principles Versus Precepts
2009 – Day 132.May 13 – Principles Versus Precepts
Passages of the Day: …
1st Samuel 13: 14 … “But now [Saul] your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
2nd Samuel 6: 9 – 13 … 9 David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” 10 So David would not move the ark of the LORD with him into the City of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 11 The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household. … 12 Now it was told King David, saying, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. 13 And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.
Acts 13: 21 – 22 … 21 And afterward [the time of the Judges] they [God’s people] asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
My Journal for Today: Today, with these three passages we see why God raised up David to be the replacement King for Saul; and even in the New Testament (see Acts 13 above), he was touted as “the man” after God’s heart, … the man who would do ALL of God’s will. And Swindoll points out that such a one is a man [or woman] who will follow God’s precepts as well as to follow God’s principles.
Swindoll uses a common word picture to explain the difference between precepts and principles, comparing the following of a sign like “Speed Limit 15” as a precept; and a sign like “Drive Carefully” as a principle. Dr. Swindoll says that the 2nd Samuel 6 passage above shows that when David saw one of God’s precepts, he would conform his decisions to those of God’s precepts; and when David perceived or knew of God’s principles, he would submit and follow it as best he could.
Now, we know that David was certainly not perfect in this regard. We know, from the entirety of David’s life, especially the time he fell into sin with Bathsheba and tried to cover his sin with the murder of Uriah, that this man had the flesh to fall away from following God. But when we read God’s word in Psalms 51 and 32, we see that David, once convicted, would come back with a heart desirous of pursuing Godly righteousness.
So, Swindoll points out that Christians who are men or women after God’s own heart are rare when we look at the world. They may not be perfect; but these are the ones who keep short accounts of sin; and when they are convicted by God’s principles or precepts, they respond with confession and repentance, and they bring their lives into conformity to the way God would lead them.
That was the pattern of David’s life; and so, we have another of the pop quizzes which come from such a study. And the question from our quiz is much like the one where we opened this study of David (see my devotional for April 8, 2009). And the question for me comes up again, “Am I a man after God’s heart?”
Well, I know that I have a heart which is deceitful (see Jer. 17: 9); and I know that I’m a sinner (see Romans 3: 23). But I also know that God will always be there to pour His strength into my weakness (see Isaiah 41: 10 or 2nd Cor. 12: 9), giving me His ever sufficient grace to lift me up. So, I will continue to pursue God’s precepts and principles to my utmost, doing all I can to be “a man after God’s own heart.”
My Prayer for Today: Lord, all I can do is surrender; You have to do the rest. Amen
Passages of the Day: …
1st Samuel 13: 14 … “But now [Saul] your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
2nd Samuel 6: 9 – 13 … 9 David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” 10 So David would not move the ark of the LORD with him into the City of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 11 The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household. … 12 Now it was told King David, saying, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. 13 And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.
Acts 13: 21 – 22 … 21 And afterward [the time of the Judges] they [God’s people] asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
My Journal for Today: Today, with these three passages we see why God raised up David to be the replacement King for Saul; and even in the New Testament (see Acts 13 above), he was touted as “the man” after God’s heart, … the man who would do ALL of God’s will. And Swindoll points out that such a one is a man [or woman] who will follow God’s precepts as well as to follow God’s principles.
Swindoll uses a common word picture to explain the difference between precepts and principles, comparing the following of a sign like “Speed Limit 15” as a precept; and a sign like “Drive Carefully” as a principle. Dr. Swindoll says that the 2nd Samuel 6 passage above shows that when David saw one of God’s precepts, he would conform his decisions to those of God’s precepts; and when David perceived or knew of God’s principles, he would submit and follow it as best he could.
Now, we know that David was certainly not perfect in this regard. We know, from the entirety of David’s life, especially the time he fell into sin with Bathsheba and tried to cover his sin with the murder of Uriah, that this man had the flesh to fall away from following God. But when we read God’s word in Psalms 51 and 32, we see that David, once convicted, would come back with a heart desirous of pursuing Godly righteousness.
So, Swindoll points out that Christians who are men or women after God’s own heart are rare when we look at the world. They may not be perfect; but these are the ones who keep short accounts of sin; and when they are convicted by God’s principles or precepts, they respond with confession and repentance, and they bring their lives into conformity to the way God would lead them.
That was the pattern of David’s life; and so, we have another of the pop quizzes which come from such a study. And the question from our quiz is much like the one where we opened this study of David (see my devotional for April 8, 2009). And the question for me comes up again, “Am I a man after God’s heart?”
Well, I know that I have a heart which is deceitful (see Jer. 17: 9); and I know that I’m a sinner (see Romans 3: 23). But I also know that God will always be there to pour His strength into my weakness (see Isaiah 41: 10 or 2nd Cor. 12: 9), giving me His ever sufficient grace to lift me up. So, I will continue to pursue God’s precepts and principles to my utmost, doing all I can to be “a man after God’s own heart.”
My Prayer for Today: Lord, all I can do is surrender; You have to do the rest. Amen
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
2009 – Day 131.May 12 – God Cares
2009 – Day 131.May 12 – God Cares
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 6: 1 – 9 … Link to passage for study …
My Journal for Today: When some people read a passage like this one today, they might think that it illustrates a heartless God; but the opposite is the point in this passage. God does care; and as long as we care about what God has clearly spelled out are His cares, i.e., His will, as He had in His decrees about the Arc of the Covenant, we can know that our hearts and actions are in accord with His will; and we will be blessed. However, if we, as did Uzzah in this passage, breech God’s will, the consequences can be dire – even to the point of death. Uzzah, not being a Levite, touched the untouchable; and the penalty had been clearly defined by God’s decree; and Uzzah died.
And we also see an interesting point of humanity from David in this passage, who showed a moment of displaced anger toward God when Uzzah was stricken dead. I personally think David, “the man after God’s own heart,” knew that he should have not let such an incident happen. David should have done his homework and insured that only Levites would be within touching distance of the Arc. But because of David’s haste, a man died needlessly; and I believe that David’s misplaced anger reflected his own actions and lack of studied care for which God had declared His care.
Have you ever been careless and thoughtless; and your thoughtless actions caused someone else to be hurt? And in that moment of realization, it’s easy to get mad at others or even God, when, in point of fact, it is you who was at fault. This was really David’s fault in the moment God struck down Uzzah. Yes, as Swindoll points out, David was a “man after God’s own heart;” but he was not a perfect man; and even his imperfect anger reflected a misplaced heart for God’s perfection and for His declared word.
Swindoll helps his readers, in this case yours truly, to see that we need to KNOW in our minds and hearts what God cares for. And where do we learn that? Well, the answer to that one is “Duh !!” The answer, of course, is that we know God and His will from His word.
So, what does that imply? It means, if we’re to have a heart for God, we must have an intentional heart for God’s truth, which is found in His word, … the Bible. So, I return to a verse which often rings true when we look for God’s desire that we succeed and prosper in caring for what God cares for; and that passage is found in Joshua 1: 8, linked here for you. … [And I really hope you have memorized this one!]
If you’ve been reading along with me through this study of the life of David, I hope you’ve picked up on one of the main recurring themes, pointing believers toward God’s word as the source for knowing God and His will for our lives. Dear one, we cannot, and will not, know God or His will for our lives if we choose to ignore God’s word. It’s that simple; and if we choose to prioritize other things in our lives above investing diligent time studying God through His word, we just might suffer some dire consequences, like others being hurt because WE ignore God’s will.
My friend(s), sin leads to death; and choosing to ignore God and His truth, is sin. I’ll leave it to you to decide if you want to cause the death of a Uzzah because you chose to worship idols rather than to worship God through His word. My heart is for God; and I pray that I internalize this message that my God wants me to be pursuing Him through His word.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I get the message; and I am here today pursuing You through Your word. Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 6: 1 – 9 … Link to passage for study …
My Journal for Today: When some people read a passage like this one today, they might think that it illustrates a heartless God; but the opposite is the point in this passage. God does care; and as long as we care about what God has clearly spelled out are His cares, i.e., His will, as He had in His decrees about the Arc of the Covenant, we can know that our hearts and actions are in accord with His will; and we will be blessed. However, if we, as did Uzzah in this passage, breech God’s will, the consequences can be dire – even to the point of death. Uzzah, not being a Levite, touched the untouchable; and the penalty had been clearly defined by God’s decree; and Uzzah died.
And we also see an interesting point of humanity from David in this passage, who showed a moment of displaced anger toward God when Uzzah was stricken dead. I personally think David, “the man after God’s own heart,” knew that he should have not let such an incident happen. David should have done his homework and insured that only Levites would be within touching distance of the Arc. But because of David’s haste, a man died needlessly; and I believe that David’s misplaced anger reflected his own actions and lack of studied care for which God had declared His care.
Have you ever been careless and thoughtless; and your thoughtless actions caused someone else to be hurt? And in that moment of realization, it’s easy to get mad at others or even God, when, in point of fact, it is you who was at fault. This was really David’s fault in the moment God struck down Uzzah. Yes, as Swindoll points out, David was a “man after God’s own heart;” but he was not a perfect man; and even his imperfect anger reflected a misplaced heart for God’s perfection and for His declared word.
Swindoll helps his readers, in this case yours truly, to see that we need to KNOW in our minds and hearts what God cares for. And where do we learn that? Well, the answer to that one is “Duh !!” The answer, of course, is that we know God and His will from His word.
So, what does that imply? It means, if we’re to have a heart for God, we must have an intentional heart for God’s truth, which is found in His word, … the Bible. So, I return to a verse which often rings true when we look for God’s desire that we succeed and prosper in caring for what God cares for; and that passage is found in Joshua 1: 8, linked here for you. … [And I really hope you have memorized this one!]
If you’ve been reading along with me through this study of the life of David, I hope you’ve picked up on one of the main recurring themes, pointing believers toward God’s word as the source for knowing God and His will for our lives. Dear one, we cannot, and will not, know God or His will for our lives if we choose to ignore God’s word. It’s that simple; and if we choose to prioritize other things in our lives above investing diligent time studying God through His word, we just might suffer some dire consequences, like others being hurt because WE ignore God’s will.
My friend(s), sin leads to death; and choosing to ignore God and His truth, is sin. I’ll leave it to you to decide if you want to cause the death of a Uzzah because you chose to worship idols rather than to worship God through His word. My heart is for God; and I pray that I internalize this message that my God wants me to be pursuing Him through His word.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I get the message; and I am here today pursuing You through Your word. Amen
Monday, May 11, 2009
2009 – Day 140.May 11 – Taking Control
2009 – Day 140.May 11 – Taking Control
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 2: 1 – 7 … Link to passage for study …
My Journal for Today: Finally the time came for David to move from fugitive to monarch. But with Saul now dead by his own hand, how did David move ahead? He had been a dozen or more years fleeing Saul and fighting in the desert wilderness; and David had learned to look to God before leaping ahead on his own. And this is the lesson we should learn from today’s passage in David’s life.
When we get an opportunity, perhaps a promotion or the chance to exercise our own control in life, the natural tendency is going to be to “take control” in the flesh. However, it would be wise to learn from David’s life here. The first thing David did when he was finally anointed to be the King in Judah was to humbly wait on God for direction and guidance. And that it is the ever present life lesson we get from God’s wisdom in Proverbs 3: 5 – 6, linked here for your convenience.
And I hope you have that one passage memorized and down cold; because the guidance from God’s truth here can impact anyone throughout our lives. And David, in our study today, is a good example of this truth. When we have the opportunity to exercise power or control in life, the wisest thing we can do is to set aside pride and humbly do what Christ commands in Luke 9: 23 … to set aside self and follow our Savior no matter what the daily cross might be.
Now, back in the day when our passage today was describing David’s time of anointing, God spoke directly, and even audibly, to His servants or anointed leaders. But in this time of the New Covenant, God primarily “speaks” to His followers through His word, … the Bible. And that is why the advice of Prov. 3: 5 – 6 and from the very words spoken by our Lord in Luke 9: 23 are so pertinent to us in life. Because when we have the chance to move ahead and direct the affairs of mankind, exercising God-given control, when we follow His word, we will find His will and His way; and He will lead us to take Godly actions which will glorify our Father in Heaven. Relying on self, however, will very often lead to selfish disaster.
So, here we have another inventory moment, … one of those “pop quizzes” from God’s truth, … a 2nd Cor. 13: 5 moment, … a test of our faith. And I ask myself, “Bill, do you filter ALL of your directions and decisions through God’s word for guidance and confirmation?” And to that question, I can honestly say that I’ve come to the place where that is my reflex and “M.O.” in life. How about you? Are you looking to God’s word, and going to God in prayer (as we’re directed in Phil. 4: 6 – 7) to seek out God’s peace as our stamp of approval on the decisions we make?
If you’re not, I would exhort you to begin developing and acquiring the discipline which was exhibited by David in today’s passage. Take it from one who has learned by the life courses of “hard knocks.” Going to God first and humbly finding His will through His word is going to pay big dividends in your life if you can learn that as a discipline rather than relying on our own hearts and our flesh to make important decision in life.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, may I humbly seek Your way through Your word to guide me in life. Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Samuel 2: 1 – 7 … Link to passage for study …
My Journal for Today: Finally the time came for David to move from fugitive to monarch. But with Saul now dead by his own hand, how did David move ahead? He had been a dozen or more years fleeing Saul and fighting in the desert wilderness; and David had learned to look to God before leaping ahead on his own. And this is the lesson we should learn from today’s passage in David’s life.
When we get an opportunity, perhaps a promotion or the chance to exercise our own control in life, the natural tendency is going to be to “take control” in the flesh. However, it would be wise to learn from David’s life here. The first thing David did when he was finally anointed to be the King in Judah was to humbly wait on God for direction and guidance. And that it is the ever present life lesson we get from God’s wisdom in Proverbs 3: 5 – 6, linked here for your convenience.
And I hope you have that one passage memorized and down cold; because the guidance from God’s truth here can impact anyone throughout our lives. And David, in our study today, is a good example of this truth. When we have the opportunity to exercise power or control in life, the wisest thing we can do is to set aside pride and humbly do what Christ commands in Luke 9: 23 … to set aside self and follow our Savior no matter what the daily cross might be.
Now, back in the day when our passage today was describing David’s time of anointing, God spoke directly, and even audibly, to His servants or anointed leaders. But in this time of the New Covenant, God primarily “speaks” to His followers through His word, … the Bible. And that is why the advice of Prov. 3: 5 – 6 and from the very words spoken by our Lord in Luke 9: 23 are so pertinent to us in life. Because when we have the chance to move ahead and direct the affairs of mankind, exercising God-given control, when we follow His word, we will find His will and His way; and He will lead us to take Godly actions which will glorify our Father in Heaven. Relying on self, however, will very often lead to selfish disaster.
So, here we have another inventory moment, … one of those “pop quizzes” from God’s truth, … a 2nd Cor. 13: 5 moment, … a test of our faith. And I ask myself, “Bill, do you filter ALL of your directions and decisions through God’s word for guidance and confirmation?” And to that question, I can honestly say that I’ve come to the place where that is my reflex and “M.O.” in life. How about you? Are you looking to God’s word, and going to God in prayer (as we’re directed in Phil. 4: 6 – 7) to seek out God’s peace as our stamp of approval on the decisions we make?
If you’re not, I would exhort you to begin developing and acquiring the discipline which was exhibited by David in today’s passage. Take it from one who has learned by the life courses of “hard knocks.” Going to God first and humbly finding His will through His word is going to pay big dividends in your life if you can learn that as a discipline rather than relying on our own hearts and our flesh to make important decision in life.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, may I humbly seek Your way through Your word to guide me in life. Amen
Sunday, May 10, 2009
– Day 129.May 10 – God Takes Charge
2009 – Day 129.May 10 – God Takes Charge
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 31: 1 – 13 … Linked to 1st Samuel 31 for your study …
My Journal for Today: I don’t think I would have seen the parallels between Saul’s death and the death of Christ had I not gotten the interpretive help and teaching in today’s devotional from Chuck Swindoll. However, he does point out that in both scenarios, God changed everything for Israel and mankind as Saul’s death became a picture of what would take place when God demonstrated His control of history and mankind’s eternal future by the death of a ruler. Here are some points to which Swindoll points out to illustrate this.
>>> First, in both instances, in the death of Saul and centuries later, Christ, the end of all national hope for Israel seemed to have occurred. But in both deaths, a whole new hope for mankind was given light.
>>> Secondly, when both Saul and Jesus died, the adversary of Israel or mankind appeared to have one a final victory. However, as history marched forward from both deaths, the line of David would prove that the victory was in the hands of God’s chosen people.
>>> Thirdly, in both instances God ushered in a whole new plan of salvation, which came through the line of Jesse and David to bring salvation to God’s people. And so, Saul’s death brought David’s line into the line of succession, which would not have occurred without Saul dying in the way he did. With Christ, the line of salvation was opened to the Gentile as well as the Jew. So, in both deaths God opened up salvation to a whole new people.
>>> And fourthly and finally, Saul’s death showed God’s people how futile and foolish a kingship based on human worship could be; and with David becoming king, the hope of Messiah became the way man viewed their eternal future. With Christ’s death, the era of law and guilt died and mankind found that his way to salvation based on his own sacrifice had ended, being replace with the hope that comes only through God’s grace.
With both of these deaths in history, Swindoll thinks God was and is saying to mankind. “When are you going to turn your lives over to MY control?” In Saul’s death this message was prophetic. But with Christ’s death on the cross, the message to man was the fulfillment and final answer to the prophesy. Saul’s death pointed mankind to the line of David, showing where the King of kings would come. In Christ’s death, we see clearly, if we’re willing to receive our Lord as the King of kings, that mankind has only one hope for salvation; and that has come through the life, death, and resurrection of David’s line, culminating in Jesus Christ, Who was and is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, Your story, which both ended and began on the cross, tells it all; … You are the only hope for our salvation. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 31: 1 – 13 … Linked to 1st Samuel 31 for your study …
My Journal for Today: I don’t think I would have seen the parallels between Saul’s death and the death of Christ had I not gotten the interpretive help and teaching in today’s devotional from Chuck Swindoll. However, he does point out that in both scenarios, God changed everything for Israel and mankind as Saul’s death became a picture of what would take place when God demonstrated His control of history and mankind’s eternal future by the death of a ruler. Here are some points to which Swindoll points out to illustrate this.
>>> First, in both instances, in the death of Saul and centuries later, Christ, the end of all national hope for Israel seemed to have occurred. But in both deaths, a whole new hope for mankind was given light.
>>> Secondly, when both Saul and Jesus died, the adversary of Israel or mankind appeared to have one a final victory. However, as history marched forward from both deaths, the line of David would prove that the victory was in the hands of God’s chosen people.
>>> Thirdly, in both instances God ushered in a whole new plan of salvation, which came through the line of Jesse and David to bring salvation to God’s people. And so, Saul’s death brought David’s line into the line of succession, which would not have occurred without Saul dying in the way he did. With Christ, the line of salvation was opened to the Gentile as well as the Jew. So, in both deaths God opened up salvation to a whole new people.
>>> And fourthly and finally, Saul’s death showed God’s people how futile and foolish a kingship based on human worship could be; and with David becoming king, the hope of Messiah became the way man viewed their eternal future. With Christ’s death, the era of law and guilt died and mankind found that his way to salvation based on his own sacrifice had ended, being replace with the hope that comes only through God’s grace.
With both of these deaths in history, Swindoll thinks God was and is saying to mankind. “When are you going to turn your lives over to MY control?” In Saul’s death this message was prophetic. But with Christ’s death on the cross, the message to man was the fulfillment and final answer to the prophesy. Saul’s death pointed mankind to the line of David, showing where the King of kings would come. In Christ’s death, we see clearly, if we’re willing to receive our Lord as the King of kings, that mankind has only one hope for salvation; and that has come through the life, death, and resurrection of David’s line, culminating in Jesus Christ, Who was and is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, Your story, which both ended and began on the cross, tells it all; … You are the only hope for our salvation. Amen
Saturday, May 09, 2009
2009 – Day 128.May 09 – Our Epitaph
2009 – Day 128.May 09 – Our Epitaph
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 31: 1 – 13 … Linked to 1st Samuel 31 for your study …
My Journal for Today: Chuck Swindoll poses a thought provoking question after one reads today’s passage about the passing of Saul and his sons in 1st Samuel 31. He asks the rhetorical question, “What words will be used in the eulogy to sum up your life?”
In today’s passage we read of the tragic demise of a man who could have been, as Swindoll points out, David’s role model and mentor; and yet, as we’ve been studying these past days, Saul ignominiously pursued Israel’s anointed one to try to kill him. And then today, we read how he took his own life to avoid being killed by uncircumcised pagans. What a sad legacy!
And as I pondered Swindoll’s question about my potential eulogy, I thought about what might have been said at my funeral had it taken place over 30 years go when I didn’t know Christ as my Savior, … when, as some Southerner might say, “He was as lost as a ball in high weeds!” And at that time, because of the politeness at funerals, no one probably would have likely spoken the truth that I had denied my daughters a lot of my presence and parenting as a father because of my brain being consumed in a bondage to pornography. My wife would have likely been thinking, but probably would not have said the truth, … that I had abandoned her emotionally and physically as a husband.
But God mercifully and gracefully reached into my sin-dead life; and He broke me to a place where I could, and did, receive Him as my Lord and Savior. And now over 25 years after I have become my Lord’s disciple, I would hope that someone would say, should I go home to be with the Lord, “Bill was a devoted Christian husband to Elly since 1983 when he gave his life to Christ.” And I hope that someone would say, “The Berry Patch, as they call their family, has two strong Christian daughters, their two devoted Christian husbands, and five Christian grandkids, all of whom are thriving in the example set by Bill, who was a Christian who led his family to the Lord.” And then I pray that someone might recount how I was called into the Ministry and became an Ordained Christian Minister, who was affectionately nicknamed “Elder Berry,” and who was called to found and lead a Christian ministry, BattlePlan Ministry, to help Christians walk free from habitual sexual sin and into a fruitful walk of freedom in Christ.
Whatever anyone would say in my eulogy besides the above, which underlines my life in Christ, would be icing on the cake which has become my life. But as you have read of king Saul’s life in 1st Samuel and from my witness above, have you asked yourself what one might say in your eulogy down the road of life, … after you’ve had some time to let God’s Spirit be used in and through your life to give glory to God? I shudder to think what my eulogy could have been like or would have been like from those years before I was given the opportunity to turn my life around with God’s grace enabling and empowering me to do so.
My dear one, … if you’ve given your life to Christ (see Romans 12: 1 – 2), then you now have the same power in you to live fruitfully for Christ which was the power that raised our Savior from the grave. Even if you were just saved yesterday, you could begin tomorrow to intentionally and purposefully shine Christ’s Spirit-empowered light into a very dark world, letting others see Christ giving you that light for God’s glory (see Matthew 5: 16). And one day, whenever you go home to be with your Lord, someone might give a eulogy of purpose and Christian power, which would be a testimony of glory for Your God.
And that is my prayer today for all of us … that we leave a eulogy of purpose and fruitfulness which trumpets the glory of God for all to hear.
My Prayer for Today: And my powerful Holy Spirit, let Your Light shine through my life for all to see You, precious Savior, and so that my eulogy will glorify You, my Father in Heaven. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 31: 1 – 13 … Linked to 1st Samuel 31 for your study …
My Journal for Today: Chuck Swindoll poses a thought provoking question after one reads today’s passage about the passing of Saul and his sons in 1st Samuel 31. He asks the rhetorical question, “What words will be used in the eulogy to sum up your life?”
In today’s passage we read of the tragic demise of a man who could have been, as Swindoll points out, David’s role model and mentor; and yet, as we’ve been studying these past days, Saul ignominiously pursued Israel’s anointed one to try to kill him. And then today, we read how he took his own life to avoid being killed by uncircumcised pagans. What a sad legacy!
And as I pondered Swindoll’s question about my potential eulogy, I thought about what might have been said at my funeral had it taken place over 30 years go when I didn’t know Christ as my Savior, … when, as some Southerner might say, “He was as lost as a ball in high weeds!” And at that time, because of the politeness at funerals, no one probably would have likely spoken the truth that I had denied my daughters a lot of my presence and parenting as a father because of my brain being consumed in a bondage to pornography. My wife would have likely been thinking, but probably would not have said the truth, … that I had abandoned her emotionally and physically as a husband.
But God mercifully and gracefully reached into my sin-dead life; and He broke me to a place where I could, and did, receive Him as my Lord and Savior. And now over 25 years after I have become my Lord’s disciple, I would hope that someone would say, should I go home to be with the Lord, “Bill was a devoted Christian husband to Elly since 1983 when he gave his life to Christ.” And I hope that someone would say, “The Berry Patch, as they call their family, has two strong Christian daughters, their two devoted Christian husbands, and five Christian grandkids, all of whom are thriving in the example set by Bill, who was a Christian who led his family to the Lord.” And then I pray that someone might recount how I was called into the Ministry and became an Ordained Christian Minister, who was affectionately nicknamed “Elder Berry,” and who was called to found and lead a Christian ministry, BattlePlan Ministry, to help Christians walk free from habitual sexual sin and into a fruitful walk of freedom in Christ.
Whatever anyone would say in my eulogy besides the above, which underlines my life in Christ, would be icing on the cake which has become my life. But as you have read of king Saul’s life in 1st Samuel and from my witness above, have you asked yourself what one might say in your eulogy down the road of life, … after you’ve had some time to let God’s Spirit be used in and through your life to give glory to God? I shudder to think what my eulogy could have been like or would have been like from those years before I was given the opportunity to turn my life around with God’s grace enabling and empowering me to do so.
My dear one, … if you’ve given your life to Christ (see Romans 12: 1 – 2), then you now have the same power in you to live fruitfully for Christ which was the power that raised our Savior from the grave. Even if you were just saved yesterday, you could begin tomorrow to intentionally and purposefully shine Christ’s Spirit-empowered light into a very dark world, letting others see Christ giving you that light for God’s glory (see Matthew 5: 16). And one day, whenever you go home to be with your Lord, someone might give a eulogy of purpose and Christian power, which would be a testimony of glory for Your God.
And that is my prayer today for all of us … that we leave a eulogy of purpose and fruitfulness which trumpets the glory of God for all to hear.
My Prayer for Today: And my powerful Holy Spirit, let Your Light shine through my life for all to see You, precious Savior, and so that my eulogy will glorify You, my Father in Heaven. Amen
Friday, May 08, 2009
2009 – Day 127.May 08 – “A Very Present Help”
2009 – Day 127.May 08 – “A Very Present Help”
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 30: 1 – 6 … Linked to 1st Samuel 30 for your study …
My Journal for Today: Down about as far as he could go; so, where does David turn? He’s tired and depressed; and he no doubt was worried about the loss of the women and children under his leadership, including two of his own wives who’d been captured by the Amalekites, a fearsome warrior tribe of the time. What was the king-to-be to do? No where to look, but up; and that’s exactly where David turned. Read 1st Samuel, verse 6; and we read that David was strengthened by His Lord.
Perhaps you’re in a place of despair and seeming hopelessness even as you read this. Maybe it’s the lousy economy which has you down and almost out. Perhaps it’s a diagnosis of cancer. Or maybe it’s a relational problem in your home. But you can empathize with David; … no where to turn but upwards … from the horizontal to the vertical. And that’s exactly where God had allowed David to plunge; and that’s exactly where David turned; … to God.
And if we read on in David’s immediate plight or on to times later, we learn that God lifted David up and delivered him into victory after victory, … even on to the kingship for which God had anointed David. But David had to be delivered from his immediate valley of the shadow of death (you know Psalm 23, a Psalm of David), seeing that God will never forsake, nor abandon, His chosen ones [Do you remember Deut. 31: 6?]. David had to experience the strength which can come only from God, written about by another Psalmist in Psalm 46: 1, “… a very present help in time of trouble.”
I could personalize this with testimony and more from God’s word; but I think you’ve probably been in some valley of despair, as was David in today’s passage; and I pray that you know Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you don’t, and you’re in that low place in your life, you’re there alone; aren’t you? But if you have God in your life, you’re with the One Who wants you to look up to Him, … to cry to Him, … to rely on Him. Because only God can take you through that valley of despair and give you that peace that surpasses all understanding (I hope you have Phil. 4: 6-7 internalized).
My Prayer for Today: Down and out? Look up, dear one, to the God Who is there to deliver you. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 30: 1 – 6 … Linked to 1st Samuel 30 for your study …
My Journal for Today: Down about as far as he could go; so, where does David turn? He’s tired and depressed; and he no doubt was worried about the loss of the women and children under his leadership, including two of his own wives who’d been captured by the Amalekites, a fearsome warrior tribe of the time. What was the king-to-be to do? No where to look, but up; and that’s exactly where David turned. Read 1st Samuel, verse 6; and we read that David was strengthened by His Lord.
Perhaps you’re in a place of despair and seeming hopelessness even as you read this. Maybe it’s the lousy economy which has you down and almost out. Perhaps it’s a diagnosis of cancer. Or maybe it’s a relational problem in your home. But you can empathize with David; … no where to turn but upwards … from the horizontal to the vertical. And that’s exactly where God had allowed David to plunge; and that’s exactly where David turned; … to God.
And if we read on in David’s immediate plight or on to times later, we learn that God lifted David up and delivered him into victory after victory, … even on to the kingship for which God had anointed David. But David had to be delivered from his immediate valley of the shadow of death (you know Psalm 23, a Psalm of David), seeing that God will never forsake, nor abandon, His chosen ones [Do you remember Deut. 31: 6?]. David had to experience the strength which can come only from God, written about by another Psalmist in Psalm 46: 1, “… a very present help in time of trouble.”
I could personalize this with testimony and more from God’s word; but I think you’ve probably been in some valley of despair, as was David in today’s passage; and I pray that you know Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you don’t, and you’re in that low place in your life, you’re there alone; aren’t you? But if you have God in your life, you’re with the One Who wants you to look up to Him, … to cry to Him, … to rely on Him. Because only God can take you through that valley of despair and give you that peace that surpasses all understanding (I hope you have Phil. 4: 6-7 internalized).
My Prayer for Today: Down and out? Look up, dear one, to the God Who is there to deliver you. Amen
Thursday, May 07, 2009
2009 – Day 126.May 07 – Lesson Learned!
2009 – Day 126.May 07 – Lesson Learned!
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 35 - 38 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
Highlight Passage – 1st Samuel 25: 35 – 38 … 35 So David received from her [Abigail’s] hand what she had brought him, and said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have heeded your voice and respected your person.” … 36 Now Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was, holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; therefore she told him nothing, little or much, until morning light. 37 So it was, in the morning, when the wine had gone from Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became like a stone. 38 Then it happened, after about ten days, that the LORD struck Nabal, and he died.
My Journal for Today: Above I have given you the link to go back and study the context of today’s shorter highlight passage [also above for your quick study]. It’s another rather remarkable story, illustrating the interaction between Abigail, David, and Nabal, Abby’s husband.
You may remember that Abigail had done the tough, but Godly thing, standing in the gap for her scoundrel (and probably abusive) husband, saving his life from a very angry anointed one, David. And David recognized that Abigail had given him wise and Godly counsel; and he spared her household, allowing Abigail to give David and his 400 men all the food and drink they needed. And what was Abby’s hubby doing the whole time his wife was being his advocate? As you’ve hopefully read, this “scallywag” was off getting drunk and probably carousing without his wife. And so, what did God do?
Well, the next morning, after Abigail informed her husband what had transpired with David, The Lord saw fit to bring some sort of severe vascular malady (maybe a stroke or heart attack) to this evil man; and he died ten days latter. And if you take a sneak peak by reading ahead a bit, you’ll see that David, recognizing how special Abigail was, proposed to her; and she came to David and was made over to be one of his wives.
This is not the place to discuss the rights or wrongs of David having more than one wife (which becomes interesting theological speculation given David’s fall into sin some years later); but at this point we realize that God can, in His own timing and in His own way, take care of seemingly impossible situations and honoring our righteous decisions, especially when we honor God by doing things the right way rather than the world’s way.
There are many examples in Scripture of God honoring His promises, even when mankind has trouble doing the right thing. BUT, when man does it the RIGHT way, God may not do things exactly as we might imagine or desire; but He’ll always do it the best way for those who believe and follow Him. That’s the working out of a verse (Romans 8: 28 - linked below) which I hope you have memorized and internalized. And we see it played out in this true-life scenario in 1st Samuel 25.
Abigail does the right thing; and God takes over, doing exactly what was needed to protect her family, her household, and to bring about justice for her life with her abusive husband. And so, here’s the deal, … my fellow Christ follower. If we live up to the truth of Luke 9: 23 (also one you should have memorized by now – but linked here if you don’t), God will do the right thing by us (again, I refer you to Romans 8: 28 - linked for your convenience).
Oh, how it’s taken many failures on my part and God's mercy over the years for me to come to the belief and realization of these truths. I pray that you don’t have to incur God’s humility if/when you can’t or won’t choose to humble yourself and learn the lessons we’ve been learning from the life of Abigail. And the main lesson is, … if you don’t humble yourself before God, He will take you through the lessons in “Humility 101;” and the lessons you will have to learn may be something like Nabal had to learn. Personally, I’d rather intentionally submit and humble myself intentionally to life God’s way rather than having to take a mandatory God lesson in humility from our Lord. What is it the old commercial says, … “Pay me now or pay me later!”
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I surrender to You in humility now; and I truly believe that You will guide and protect me as you’ve promised in Your word. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 35 - 38 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
Highlight Passage – 1st Samuel 25: 35 – 38 … 35 So David received from her [Abigail’s] hand what she had brought him, and said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have heeded your voice and respected your person.” … 36 Now Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was, holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; therefore she told him nothing, little or much, until morning light. 37 So it was, in the morning, when the wine had gone from Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became like a stone. 38 Then it happened, after about ten days, that the LORD struck Nabal, and he died.
My Journal for Today: Above I have given you the link to go back and study the context of today’s shorter highlight passage [also above for your quick study]. It’s another rather remarkable story, illustrating the interaction between Abigail, David, and Nabal, Abby’s husband.
You may remember that Abigail had done the tough, but Godly thing, standing in the gap for her scoundrel (and probably abusive) husband, saving his life from a very angry anointed one, David. And David recognized that Abigail had given him wise and Godly counsel; and he spared her household, allowing Abigail to give David and his 400 men all the food and drink they needed. And what was Abby’s hubby doing the whole time his wife was being his advocate? As you’ve hopefully read, this “scallywag” was off getting drunk and probably carousing without his wife. And so, what did God do?
Well, the next morning, after Abigail informed her husband what had transpired with David, The Lord saw fit to bring some sort of severe vascular malady (maybe a stroke or heart attack) to this evil man; and he died ten days latter. And if you take a sneak peak by reading ahead a bit, you’ll see that David, recognizing how special Abigail was, proposed to her; and she came to David and was made over to be one of his wives.
This is not the place to discuss the rights or wrongs of David having more than one wife (which becomes interesting theological speculation given David’s fall into sin some years later); but at this point we realize that God can, in His own timing and in His own way, take care of seemingly impossible situations and honoring our righteous decisions, especially when we honor God by doing things the right way rather than the world’s way.
There are many examples in Scripture of God honoring His promises, even when mankind has trouble doing the right thing. BUT, when man does it the RIGHT way, God may not do things exactly as we might imagine or desire; but He’ll always do it the best way for those who believe and follow Him. That’s the working out of a verse (Romans 8: 28 - linked below) which I hope you have memorized and internalized. And we see it played out in this true-life scenario in 1st Samuel 25.
Abigail does the right thing; and God takes over, doing exactly what was needed to protect her family, her household, and to bring about justice for her life with her abusive husband. And so, here’s the deal, … my fellow Christ follower. If we live up to the truth of Luke 9: 23 (also one you should have memorized by now – but linked here if you don’t), God will do the right thing by us (again, I refer you to Romans 8: 28 - linked for your convenience).
Oh, how it’s taken many failures on my part and God's mercy over the years for me to come to the belief and realization of these truths. I pray that you don’t have to incur God’s humility if/when you can’t or won’t choose to humble yourself and learn the lessons we’ve been learning from the life of Abigail. And the main lesson is, … if you don’t humble yourself before God, He will take you through the lessons in “Humility 101;” and the lessons you will have to learn may be something like Nabal had to learn. Personally, I’d rather intentionally submit and humble myself intentionally to life God’s way rather than having to take a mandatory God lesson in humility from our Lord. What is it the old commercial says, … “Pay me now or pay me later!”
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I surrender to You in humility now; and I truly believe that You will guide and protect me as you’ve promised in Your word. Amen
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
2009 – Day 125.May 06 – Patiently Waiting
2009 – Day 125.May 06 – Patiently Waiting
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 29 - 34 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study ...
My Journal for Today: If you’ve been following this interaction between David and Abigail in these past few days, we are learning some lessons from this wise woman. The character lessons are obvious, such as her loyalty to her husband and family and her courage in confronting an angry king-to-be with a force of 400 men who were bent on taking out her household. But beyond this, Swindoll points out three lessons in wisdom which we can glean from today’s passage.
And the first of these is stated this way, “When conflicts arise, … be wise.” And I’d go a step further, I’d say, “Be Godly wise!” And my dear fellow believer, take it from my personal record of failures, when we’re in a conflict, the NATURAL reaction will be to act according to our flesh or our feelings; and this is almost always NOT the wise way to go. I learned a long time ago that I need to resist letting feelings dictate my choices or decisions. Rather, instead of reacting, I need to respond. And that means I need to make choices which are consistent with God’s way, not my own way.
In any conflict, there are always at least two sides; and Swindoll is right when he writes, “Weigh the differences” before responding. Hence, I’ve learned, whenever I can, to run any decision or action through the truth of Phil. 4: 6-7 to seek God’s peace from prayer before I go off half-cocked and react in the flesh. In other words, when in doubt, seek God’s route and deny self. And again, I refer – as I do so often – to Christ’s formula for discipleship in Luke 9: 23. God’s way is always THE WAY.
Next Swindoll writes about this scenario, “Take each conflict as it comes; … and treat it separately.” Each conflict and situation may require a different approach or decision. And that’s the reason the flesh can so often lead us astray. When we react in the flesh rather than to respond with Godly wisdom, we have a tendency to do handle varying situations with the way our flesh dictates; and that will often be with similar, selfish motives. The battle you won yesterday may not need the same approach as a conflict which arises today. So, we must take on each situation as it arises … one at a time!
And finally, there is great wisdom in letting time help us dictate our decision making. And so, Swindoll points out, “Whenever you realize there’s nothing more you can do, … WAIT.” And actually, this wisdom melds with the other advice we’ve been covering these past few days. If David had acted brashly, in the flesh, he would have killed Abigail’s husband and all the males in that household. He would have reacted in the flesh rather than to respond with Godly wisdom. But by waiting and listening to Abigail’s wise counsel and teaching, God’s way was found and the Lord’s wisdom prevailed. Often – well, whenever possible – it’s best to take some time to make a decision, seeking God’s will and His way, rather than letting our feelings or our flesh overcome our faith. And, oh, how the enemy desires for us to listen to our deceitful flesh (again, always remember the ever prevalent truth of Jer. 17: 9) rather than to take the time to respond to God’s leading.
As I meditate here about Abigail and her advice and counsel for David, I think about how I’ve learned to take time, when I need to make a decision, seeking and listening to the advice of my God-given wife, Elly. I may not always take her counsel [though if I’m honest, I usually do]; but I’d be a fool not to let God use her Spirit-given gifts to temper my feelings or leanings on any given matter. And often, when I’m listening to my wife, I’ve heard her return to her favorite Bible verse; and she will say “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.” And I know the rest from Prov. 3: 5 – 6, which is always the best advice, “In all your ways, acknowledge [God’s way], and He will keep your paths straight.” [My emphasis added.]
The advice we read above, which comes from this biblical encounter, is a good teaching; and it’s one we’d all be wise to learn and implement, especially when we’re confronted with decisions which weigh our feelings and our faith. Let’s let Abigail be our teacher and let David’s surrender to God’s wisdom be our guide.
My Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for Your word which teaches me Your way rather than following my way. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 29 - 34 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study ...
My Journal for Today: If you’ve been following this interaction between David and Abigail in these past few days, we are learning some lessons from this wise woman. The character lessons are obvious, such as her loyalty to her husband and family and her courage in confronting an angry king-to-be with a force of 400 men who were bent on taking out her household. But beyond this, Swindoll points out three lessons in wisdom which we can glean from today’s passage.
And the first of these is stated this way, “When conflicts arise, … be wise.” And I’d go a step further, I’d say, “Be Godly wise!” And my dear fellow believer, take it from my personal record of failures, when we’re in a conflict, the NATURAL reaction will be to act according to our flesh or our feelings; and this is almost always NOT the wise way to go. I learned a long time ago that I need to resist letting feelings dictate my choices or decisions. Rather, instead of reacting, I need to respond. And that means I need to make choices which are consistent with God’s way, not my own way.
In any conflict, there are always at least two sides; and Swindoll is right when he writes, “Weigh the differences” before responding. Hence, I’ve learned, whenever I can, to run any decision or action through the truth of Phil. 4: 6-7 to seek God’s peace from prayer before I go off half-cocked and react in the flesh. In other words, when in doubt, seek God’s route and deny self. And again, I refer – as I do so often – to Christ’s formula for discipleship in Luke 9: 23. God’s way is always THE WAY.
Next Swindoll writes about this scenario, “Take each conflict as it comes; … and treat it separately.” Each conflict and situation may require a different approach or decision. And that’s the reason the flesh can so often lead us astray. When we react in the flesh rather than to respond with Godly wisdom, we have a tendency to do handle varying situations with the way our flesh dictates; and that will often be with similar, selfish motives. The battle you won yesterday may not need the same approach as a conflict which arises today. So, we must take on each situation as it arises … one at a time!
And finally, there is great wisdom in letting time help us dictate our decision making. And so, Swindoll points out, “Whenever you realize there’s nothing more you can do, … WAIT.” And actually, this wisdom melds with the other advice we’ve been covering these past few days. If David had acted brashly, in the flesh, he would have killed Abigail’s husband and all the males in that household. He would have reacted in the flesh rather than to respond with Godly wisdom. But by waiting and listening to Abigail’s wise counsel and teaching, God’s way was found and the Lord’s wisdom prevailed. Often – well, whenever possible – it’s best to take some time to make a decision, seeking God’s will and His way, rather than letting our feelings or our flesh overcome our faith. And, oh, how the enemy desires for us to listen to our deceitful flesh (again, always remember the ever prevalent truth of Jer. 17: 9) rather than to take the time to respond to God’s leading.
As I meditate here about Abigail and her advice and counsel for David, I think about how I’ve learned to take time, when I need to make a decision, seeking and listening to the advice of my God-given wife, Elly. I may not always take her counsel [though if I’m honest, I usually do]; but I’d be a fool not to let God use her Spirit-given gifts to temper my feelings or leanings on any given matter. And often, when I’m listening to my wife, I’ve heard her return to her favorite Bible verse; and she will say “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.” And I know the rest from Prov. 3: 5 – 6, which is always the best advice, “In all your ways, acknowledge [God’s way], and He will keep your paths straight.” [My emphasis added.]
The advice we read above, which comes from this biblical encounter, is a good teaching; and it’s one we’d all be wise to learn and implement, especially when we’re confronted with decisions which weigh our feelings and our faith. Let’s let Abigail be our teacher and let David’s surrender to God’s wisdom be our guide.
My Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for Your word which teaches me Your way rather than following my way. Amen
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
2009 – Day 124.May 05 – Critical Decisions
2009 – Day 124.May 05 – Critical Decisions
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 20 – 28 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
My Journal for Today: This gal, Abigail, was quite a lady. Here she was with a scoundrel for a hubby; and she’s confronted with a king-to-be who’s hot with anger; and what does she do? Well, creatively she convinces David that he would do his image and reputation ill if he acted on that anger by killing Abigail’s husband, who was aptly named Nabal, which, according to my Bible dictionary, meant “the fool.” And so, confronted by this Godly woman who is creatively confronting him with God’s wisdom, David realizes that it would be an ill-begotten decision to kill this fool.
And again, I say that Abigail teaches us another lesson about life. Yesterday, Swindoll’s devotional helped me to recognize what a blessing it is to have a wife who is a Godly woman. And no one should have recognized that more easily than I, because I am a “Nabal” who was blessed by God to have an “Abigail” wife. And I can recognize much of my own dear wife, Elly, in Abigail, a woman who would stand up for her husband and do all she could/can to shield her family from the forces of the world; and this would be true in spite of a husband who can be, and often is, one fool-hardy dude.
But beyond that amazing quality in Abby, this dear woman showed that in a crisis, anyone who is surrendered to God can do amazing things for the Lord. Never underestimate what you can do for God, Who sees much more in you that you might see in yourself. And right now I’m thinking of many great figures of the faith, people who rose well above their own self image to do great things for God. They are people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Esther, and today’s highlighted servant, Abigail. All of these Old Testament characters doubted themselves or their position for God; but when it came right down to it, God used them for His glory.
I’m now reflecting back about 25 years in my life, … just after surrendering my life to Christ and thinking that I had so little to offer God and His kingdom, having squandered much of my life as a scoundrel, a con-man, and a fool. But bragging only on God’s transforming grace, I may still be a fool for Christ at times; but somehow God has reshaped this meager soul into a Church Elder, Ministry Director, and Ordained Minister. And it was my dear wife, … my “Abigail,” in the person of Elly Berry, who was used by God to protect our family, forgive me, encourage me, and stick with me until God could do His thing in my heart.
Now, I hope and pray this day that we can see that God can use any of us as an Abigail for His glory. But we must be ready; and when the opportunity to act presents itself, we have to be willing to jump into the fray and be used of/for God.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, may we all become ready to be used for Your glory. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 20 – 28 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
My Journal for Today: This gal, Abigail, was quite a lady. Here she was with a scoundrel for a hubby; and she’s confronted with a king-to-be who’s hot with anger; and what does she do? Well, creatively she convinces David that he would do his image and reputation ill if he acted on that anger by killing Abigail’s husband, who was aptly named Nabal, which, according to my Bible dictionary, meant “the fool.” And so, confronted by this Godly woman who is creatively confronting him with God’s wisdom, David realizes that it would be an ill-begotten decision to kill this fool.
And again, I say that Abigail teaches us another lesson about life. Yesterday, Swindoll’s devotional helped me to recognize what a blessing it is to have a wife who is a Godly woman. And no one should have recognized that more easily than I, because I am a “Nabal” who was blessed by God to have an “Abigail” wife. And I can recognize much of my own dear wife, Elly, in Abigail, a woman who would stand up for her husband and do all she could/can to shield her family from the forces of the world; and this would be true in spite of a husband who can be, and often is, one fool-hardy dude.
But beyond that amazing quality in Abby, this dear woman showed that in a crisis, anyone who is surrendered to God can do amazing things for the Lord. Never underestimate what you can do for God, Who sees much more in you that you might see in yourself. And right now I’m thinking of many great figures of the faith, people who rose well above their own self image to do great things for God. They are people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Esther, and today’s highlighted servant, Abigail. All of these Old Testament characters doubted themselves or their position for God; but when it came right down to it, God used them for His glory.
I’m now reflecting back about 25 years in my life, … just after surrendering my life to Christ and thinking that I had so little to offer God and His kingdom, having squandered much of my life as a scoundrel, a con-man, and a fool. But bragging only on God’s transforming grace, I may still be a fool for Christ at times; but somehow God has reshaped this meager soul into a Church Elder, Ministry Director, and Ordained Minister. And it was my dear wife, … my “Abigail,” in the person of Elly Berry, who was used by God to protect our family, forgive me, encourage me, and stick with me until God could do His thing in my heart.
Now, I hope and pray this day that we can see that God can use any of us as an Abigail for His glory. But we must be ready; and when the opportunity to act presents itself, we have to be willing to jump into the fray and be used of/for God.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, may we all become ready to be used for Your glory. Amen
Monday, May 04, 2009
2009 – Day 123.May 04 – Wise Protection
2009 – Day 123.May 04 – Wise Protection
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 1 – 19 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
My Journal for Today: I have to admit; when I read through Swindoll’s selected passage today before I read his devotional entry, I wondered what Pastor Chuck, the author and teacher was going to glean from this passage which could be applied for our growth as believers. But Swindoll exposed a good lesson we can learn from Abigail, the wife of the shepherd, Nabal.
I did see that David’s attitude left a lot to be desired when it comes to sending 400 armed men when Nabal refused to give anything to David’s cause. Yes, Nabal was a scoundrel of a man; and Swindoll rightly points out that Abigail could have laid back and gotten rid of a lousy husband by letting David’s men crush her abusive husband. But that was not what she did. No, … instead Abigail becomes an example of a protective wife, doing all she could to deter the anger of David’s soldiers.
So, what do we gain from this vignette? Well, first we see that David reacted with carnal anger to Nabal’s insult, sending 400 swordsman to eliminate one Bedouin shepherd. I agree with Swindoll’s assessment; … it’s like taking a shotgun to kill a roach. But in Abigail we see a woman that her husband, who obviously was a scoundrel, really didn’t deserve. And in this scenario, Abigail becomes a model of doing the right thing, the Godly thing, as opposed to the expedient thing.
How often would most people, when they have an opportunity to keep their mouth shut and get rid of a bad thing in their life would step up and do what God would have them do instead of doing the carnally expedient thing? It’s an example of the kind of tests which come our way occasionally to stand for Godly right or to do take the easy, very human, way out. I’ll bet you’re thinking of such a test in your life right now. I’ve certainly had them in my life; and I admit to taking the easy way out all too often.
And I’m also convicted by the fact that I missed the lesson when I read through this passage before reading Swindoll’s devotional to help me grow in my understanding and wisdom as I read God’s word. Oh, there is so much to learn and apply from the Bible; and I hope you, who might be reading along, grow with me as we continue to observe God’s account of the life of David.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, as I live for You, I see today’s lesson. Help me become responsive to Your will rather than reactive in my own flesh. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 1 – 19 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
My Journal for Today: I have to admit; when I read through Swindoll’s selected passage today before I read his devotional entry, I wondered what Pastor Chuck, the author and teacher was going to glean from this passage which could be applied for our growth as believers. But Swindoll exposed a good lesson we can learn from Abigail, the wife of the shepherd, Nabal.
I did see that David’s attitude left a lot to be desired when it comes to sending 400 armed men when Nabal refused to give anything to David’s cause. Yes, Nabal was a scoundrel of a man; and Swindoll rightly points out that Abigail could have laid back and gotten rid of a lousy husband by letting David’s men crush her abusive husband. But that was not what she did. No, … instead Abigail becomes an example of a protective wife, doing all she could to deter the anger of David’s soldiers.
So, what do we gain from this vignette? Well, first we see that David reacted with carnal anger to Nabal’s insult, sending 400 swordsman to eliminate one Bedouin shepherd. I agree with Swindoll’s assessment; … it’s like taking a shotgun to kill a roach. But in Abigail we see a woman that her husband, who obviously was a scoundrel, really didn’t deserve. And in this scenario, Abigail becomes a model of doing the right thing, the Godly thing, as opposed to the expedient thing.
How often would most people, when they have an opportunity to keep their mouth shut and get rid of a bad thing in their life would step up and do what God would have them do instead of doing the carnally expedient thing? It’s an example of the kind of tests which come our way occasionally to stand for Godly right or to do take the easy, very human, way out. I’ll bet you’re thinking of such a test in your life right now. I’ve certainly had them in my life; and I admit to taking the easy way out all too often.
And I’m also convicted by the fact that I missed the lesson when I read through this passage before reading Swindoll’s devotional to help me grow in my understanding and wisdom as I read God’s word. Oh, there is so much to learn and apply from the Bible; and I hope you, who might be reading along, grow with me as we continue to observe God’s account of the life of David.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, as I live for You, I see today’s lesson. Help me become responsive to Your will rather than reactive in my own flesh. Amen
Sunday, May 03, 2009
2009 – Day 122.May 03 – Revenge or Forgiveness
2009 – Day 122.May 03 – Revenge or Forgiveness
Blogger’s Note: Well, I’m excited! A God-thing has just happened for me. You may have read and noted my “Blogger’s Note” from this morning’s devotional entry. I had forgotten to bring my Chuck Swindoll book, Great Days with the Great Lives. So, I had decided to go to the online devotional from The Daily Bread while we were in East TN on vacation for my morning quiet times. Well, I did have a very poignant time with God earlier this morning using The Daily Bread; and after Elly and I had had our quiet times with God in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Well, Elly noted that I was a bit bummed out, not having my devotional book; and said that she thought she had seen a bookstore as we turned last night to come to our condo. So, we went out to see if we could find that store. >>> Finding the store, we found out it was open; and we went in to find the “Religion” section. And low and behold, they had ONLY ONE COPY of “my” devotional book. And so, having purchased that book, I get to do two devotionals for this day, which actually seems very appropriate since we were missing our corporate worship time in church . >>> Therefore, below you’ll find my extended time to go deep into God’s word and have more personal worship time. And now, as I sit here listening to a wonderful Moody FM station, playing worship music here for this area, I’m back with you and Chuck Swindoll to get closer to our God.
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 8: 24: 8 - 22 … Linked to 1st Samuel 24 for your study …
My Journal for Today: If you read my devotional yesterday, you’ll note that David had a clear conscience in his retreat from Saul’s pursuit, turning over any vengeance to God, and “turning his cheek” to the king who was pursuing him in anger and jealousy. And we saw how this Messiah-like attitude allowed David to rise above his own temptation to be bitter toward Saul.
Today, emphasizing and studying from much the same text in 1st Samuel 24, Swindoll points out that there are three points we need to remember if we are tempted toward anger, bitterness, and/or revenge when someone has wronged us or is trying to make our life miserable. These three points are …
1. First, “… since man is depraved, expect to be mistreated.” Do we really think that we’re going to live our lives out and have all those who are in our circle of influence to be act like Christ toward us, always treating us as we would treat them? Since that simply “ain’t gonna to happen,” we need to be ready if someone acts out their anger or jealousy toward us.
2. Second, Swindoll points out, “… since mistreatment is inevitable, anticipate feelings of revenge.” God’s truth (from Jeremiah 17: 9) says that our hearts are wicked and deceitful beyond measure. So, we’ve got to know that our human reaction to mistreatment will be feelings of revenge; and that’s the lie Satan would try to get us to believe and follow. And since we know this will be our nature, we must be ready to surrender to God and be super-natural in our response.
3. Finally, my devotional author says, “ … since the desire for revenge is predictable, [we must] refuge to fight in the flesh.” That was what we learn from David’s example from today’s text. He simply refused to relent to his own flesh and the desire to get back at Saul. And that must be our “M.O.” as well.
We’ve simply must be ready (note I didn’t say “easily”) to rise above the flesh when (not “IF”) anyone in our life comes after us in some way, predictably causing us to desire revenge. We must do what Paul warned us to do … and that is to resist the Devil so that he will flee from us. So, when we’re attacked, we’ve first got to ready to go into SURRENDER MODE rather than react by going into attack mode. Because as long as we’re surrendered to God’s Spirit, allowing His grace to cover us, we’ll be able to treat others exactly like Jesus commanded us … just like we would desire that they treat us.
My Prayer for Today: Holy God, help me to live by the Golden Rule rather than the rule of the flesh. Amen
Blogger’s Note: Well, I’m excited! A God-thing has just happened for me. You may have read and noted my “Blogger’s Note” from this morning’s devotional entry. I had forgotten to bring my Chuck Swindoll book, Great Days with the Great Lives. So, I had decided to go to the online devotional from The Daily Bread while we were in East TN on vacation for my morning quiet times. Well, I did have a very poignant time with God earlier this morning using The Daily Bread; and after Elly and I had had our quiet times with God in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Well, Elly noted that I was a bit bummed out, not having my devotional book; and said that she thought she had seen a bookstore as we turned last night to come to our condo. So, we went out to see if we could find that store. >>> Finding the store, we found out it was open; and we went in to find the “Religion” section. And low and behold, they had ONLY ONE COPY of “my” devotional book. And so, having purchased that book, I get to do two devotionals for this day, which actually seems very appropriate since we were missing our corporate worship time in church . >>> Therefore, below you’ll find my extended time to go deep into God’s word and have more personal worship time. And now, as I sit here listening to a wonderful Moody FM station, playing worship music here for this area, I’m back with you and Chuck Swindoll to get closer to our God.
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 8: 24: 8 - 22 … Linked to 1st Samuel 24 for your study …
My Journal for Today: If you read my devotional yesterday, you’ll note that David had a clear conscience in his retreat from Saul’s pursuit, turning over any vengeance to God, and “turning his cheek” to the king who was pursuing him in anger and jealousy. And we saw how this Messiah-like attitude allowed David to rise above his own temptation to be bitter toward Saul.
Today, emphasizing and studying from much the same text in 1st Samuel 24, Swindoll points out that there are three points we need to remember if we are tempted toward anger, bitterness, and/or revenge when someone has wronged us or is trying to make our life miserable. These three points are …
1. First, “… since man is depraved, expect to be mistreated.” Do we really think that we’re going to live our lives out and have all those who are in our circle of influence to be act like Christ toward us, always treating us as we would treat them? Since that simply “ain’t gonna to happen,” we need to be ready if someone acts out their anger or jealousy toward us.
2. Second, Swindoll points out, “… since mistreatment is inevitable, anticipate feelings of revenge.” God’s truth (from Jeremiah 17: 9) says that our hearts are wicked and deceitful beyond measure. So, we’ve got to know that our human reaction to mistreatment will be feelings of revenge; and that’s the lie Satan would try to get us to believe and follow. And since we know this will be our nature, we must be ready to surrender to God and be super-natural in our response.
3. Finally, my devotional author says, “ … since the desire for revenge is predictable, [we must] refuge to fight in the flesh.” That was what we learn from David’s example from today’s text. He simply refused to relent to his own flesh and the desire to get back at Saul. And that must be our “M.O.” as well.
We’ve simply must be ready (note I didn’t say “easily”) to rise above the flesh when (not “IF”) anyone in our life comes after us in some way, predictably causing us to desire revenge. We must do what Paul warned us to do … and that is to resist the Devil so that he will flee from us. So, when we’re attacked, we’ve first got to ready to go into SURRENDER MODE rather than react by going into attack mode. Because as long as we’re surrendered to God’s Spirit, allowing His grace to cover us, we’ll be able to treat others exactly like Jesus commanded us … just like we would desire that they treat us.
My Prayer for Today: Holy God, help me to live by the Golden Rule rather than the rule of the flesh. Amen
2009 – Day 122.May 03 – from The Daily Bread - In Remembrance of Me
2009 – Day 122.May 03 – from The Daily Bread - In Remembrance of Me
Blogger’s Note: On vacation with family, when I left home, traveling to East TN, I left the Swindoll devotional book at home. Therefore, I’ve chosen to use the devotions from the classic book, The Daily Bread, for my devotionals while I’m on vacation. The online version was available for me to use during my travels.
Daily Bread Passage for May 3: Luke 22: 7 - 22 ... Passage linked for your study …
My Journal for Today: The author of today’s devotional in The Daily Bread uses a common scenario to help us identify with the Last Supper scene from today’s passage in Luke 22. The scene had two parents leaving pictures of themselves at the eye level of their toddler when they left the child with a baby sitter to help the child remember that the parents would be there for the child in their absence.
And here we have Jesus, knowing that He would not physically be with His Disciples very soon; and so He takes a ritual very familiar to them, the Passover Supper, and gives them a picture in remembrance of Him. I’ve always felt that the sensitivity and love shown in this scene, as we read about it in the New Testament, here in Luke and in the Upper Room Discourse of John 13 – 16, illustrates just how far God will go with His love to reinforce the truth that He will never leave us nor forsake us, a message we can read over and over again in His word (see Deut. 31: 6, Joshua 1: 5, and Hebrews 13: 5).
As the sheep of His flock, Jesus knew His disciples (including you and me) would feel separated at times from our Good Shepherd. So, He gave us a poignant and powerful reminder that would help reinforce the Good Shepherd’s promise that He would die so that we will live forever. As His sheep, we need the truth of Isaiah 53: 6 [linked] bored into our minds and hearts; and our Communion was/is one of God’s way of doing that.
I hope you have ways, like the sharing of Communion, to remember the Good Shepherd in your life. As the sheep of His flock, it’s pretty easy for us to fall prey to letting the circumstances of life dampen or deter our vision of our Shepherd. However, every time I come back to His word every morning – like I am here with this journaling – I’m given a picture at my eye level to remind me that my Good Shepherd is right here with me. And as I write this, I do so in remembrance of Him.
My Prayer for Today: Oh, my Good Shepherd, thank You for giving me remembrances from Your word of Your presence. Amen
PS NOTE: The timing and imagery of the Daily Bread author today using a “baby sitter” scenario to illustrate God’s desire to comfort His children with His New Covenant Communion was not lost on me today since I had left my “security blanket” (i.e., my daily devotional book) when I left home. It was as if God was saying to this little wayward lamb, “Don’t worry, Bill, … My word from The Daily Bread will bring Me close to you.” And it did just that!
Blogger’s Note: On vacation with family, when I left home, traveling to East TN, I left the Swindoll devotional book at home. Therefore, I’ve chosen to use the devotions from the classic book, The Daily Bread, for my devotionals while I’m on vacation. The online version was available for me to use during my travels.
Daily Bread Passage for May 3: Luke 22: 7 - 22 ... Passage linked for your study …
My Journal for Today: The author of today’s devotional in The Daily Bread uses a common scenario to help us identify with the Last Supper scene from today’s passage in Luke 22. The scene had two parents leaving pictures of themselves at the eye level of their toddler when they left the child with a baby sitter to help the child remember that the parents would be there for the child in their absence.
And here we have Jesus, knowing that He would not physically be with His Disciples very soon; and so He takes a ritual very familiar to them, the Passover Supper, and gives them a picture in remembrance of Him. I’ve always felt that the sensitivity and love shown in this scene, as we read about it in the New Testament, here in Luke and in the Upper Room Discourse of John 13 – 16, illustrates just how far God will go with His love to reinforce the truth that He will never leave us nor forsake us, a message we can read over and over again in His word (see Deut. 31: 6, Joshua 1: 5, and Hebrews 13: 5).
As the sheep of His flock, Jesus knew His disciples (including you and me) would feel separated at times from our Good Shepherd. So, He gave us a poignant and powerful reminder that would help reinforce the Good Shepherd’s promise that He would die so that we will live forever. As His sheep, we need the truth of Isaiah 53: 6 [linked] bored into our minds and hearts; and our Communion was/is one of God’s way of doing that.
I hope you have ways, like the sharing of Communion, to remember the Good Shepherd in your life. As the sheep of His flock, it’s pretty easy for us to fall prey to letting the circumstances of life dampen or deter our vision of our Shepherd. However, every time I come back to His word every morning – like I am here with this journaling – I’m given a picture at my eye level to remind me that my Good Shepherd is right here with me. And as I write this, I do so in remembrance of Him.
My Prayer for Today: Oh, my Good Shepherd, thank You for giving me remembrances from Your word of Your presence. Amen
PS NOTE: The timing and imagery of the Daily Bread author today using a “baby sitter” scenario to illustrate God’s desire to comfort His children with His New Covenant Communion was not lost on me today since I had left my “security blanket” (i.e., my daily devotional book) when I left home. It was as if God was saying to this little wayward lamb, “Don’t worry, Bill, … My word from The Daily Bread will bring Me close to you.” And it did just that!
Saturday, May 02, 2009
2009 – Day 121.May 02 – A Clear Conscience
2009 – Day 121.May 02 – A Clear Conscience
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 24: 8 - 21 … Linked to 1st Samuel 24 for your study …
My Journal for Today: Yesterday, in exposing the first eight verses of 1st Samuel 24, Chuck Swindoll indicated that David’s attitude and actions in this passage are illustrative of the words David’s son, Solomon, who would write years later in Proverbs 16: 7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” And this was certainly the case when we see the turnabout in attitude involving Saul after he heard David’s lament and declaration of a clear conscience in today’s text.
However, Swindoll also points out a more logical truth. You may have a Saul in your life, one who’s out to get you. Maybe he’s one who would do anything he could to make life miserable for you. However, if you turned it over to God, telling him much the same thing David did to Saul, that you’ll just let God be the judge, … that person may just go on making life hell for you.
In today’s life picture, David’s righteousness turned Saul’s heart from pursuer to confessor. And David becomes a model of how we should turn our human heart into a witness for God’s righteousness. However, even if Saul had some back and declared that he would still pledge to take David’s life, at least David’s conscience was clear; and David’s witness to God’s way would be a strong one. And that’s the point of this lesson from God’s word.
Do I (or you) harbor ill feelings, grudges, or anger against anyone? Has my (our) anger turned into a root of bitterness, against which the Bible (in Hebrews 12: 14-15 – linked for study) clearly warns can damage our witness as Christians. David’s conscience was clear; and he had the piece of cloth from Saul’s robe to give witness to his honoring God by not taking the life of God’s anointed king and to leave vengeance to God.
I hope we all can pass this little test of our conscience. Personally, at this moment in my life, I know of no one with whom I hold any grudge or ill will; and I pray that attitude remains. I also pray that given a scenario like the one we have studied in the life of David, we would pass God’s test and have a clear conscience.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, if there ever be one tendency to judge the heart of another, may I defer that judgment to you and claim Your peace from a clear conscience. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 24: 8 - 21 … Linked to 1st Samuel 24 for your study …
My Journal for Today: Yesterday, in exposing the first eight verses of 1st Samuel 24, Chuck Swindoll indicated that David’s attitude and actions in this passage are illustrative of the words David’s son, Solomon, who would write years later in Proverbs 16: 7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” And this was certainly the case when we see the turnabout in attitude involving Saul after he heard David’s lament and declaration of a clear conscience in today’s text.
However, Swindoll also points out a more logical truth. You may have a Saul in your life, one who’s out to get you. Maybe he’s one who would do anything he could to make life miserable for you. However, if you turned it over to God, telling him much the same thing David did to Saul, that you’ll just let God be the judge, … that person may just go on making life hell for you.
In today’s life picture, David’s righteousness turned Saul’s heart from pursuer to confessor. And David becomes a model of how we should turn our human heart into a witness for God’s righteousness. However, even if Saul had some back and declared that he would still pledge to take David’s life, at least David’s conscience was clear; and David’s witness to God’s way would be a strong one. And that’s the point of this lesson from God’s word.
Do I (or you) harbor ill feelings, grudges, or anger against anyone? Has my (our) anger turned into a root of bitterness, against which the Bible (in Hebrews 12: 14-15 – linked for study) clearly warns can damage our witness as Christians. David’s conscience was clear; and he had the piece of cloth from Saul’s robe to give witness to his honoring God by not taking the life of God’s anointed king and to leave vengeance to God.
I hope we all can pass this little test of our conscience. Personally, at this moment in my life, I know of no one with whom I hold any grudge or ill will; and I pray that attitude remains. I also pray that given a scenario like the one we have studied in the life of David, we would pass God’s test and have a clear conscience.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, if there ever be one tendency to judge the heart of another, may I defer that judgment to you and claim Your peace from a clear conscience. Amen
Friday, May 01, 2009
2009 – Day 120.May 01 – Godly Persuasion
May, 2009 Topic: David … Continued from April 30, 2009
2009 – Day 120.May 01 – Godly Persuasion
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 24: 1 - 7 … 1 Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, “Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3 So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.) 4 Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 6 And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” 7 So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.
My Journal for Today: What a remarkable scenario! Here is David who has been pursued by a maniacal king who is intent on taking David out; and in one almost comical moment as David was in a cave near En Gedi “relieving himself,” he finds Saul napping in the same cave where David and his men had taken refuge. And to show his men that Saul was there, he cuts off a small portion of Saul’s robe. And then God grips David’s conscience for cutting the robe; and David persuades his men, who would have liked to take Saul out, that they should be restrained and let Saul leave the cave, which is what transpired.
As Swindoll points out in his devotional for today, David had to have used very strong and persuasive words to convince David’s mighty men that they should not take advantage of this situation and eliminate the king who pursued David. But David’s words did just that; and they were strong words. In the Hebrew the phrase “restrained his servants” is the Hebrew expression “shaca” (pr. “shawka”), which literally means “to tear” or “rip apart.” So, whatever David said ripped these men to the core; and they were dissuaded from killing Saul, allowing him to leave the cave that day with his life.
David’s conviction was very real, … that he must not kill God’s anointed king and leave the vengeance to God. And this principle, based in God’s righteousness, was so strong in David’s character that he “ripped his men up” with his verbal arguments to refrain from the temptation to take the life of God’s king – even if that very king would have killed David in a heartbeat. As we’d say today, “Go figure!”
Years later, as Swindoll points out, David’s son, Solomon, would write in Proverbs 16: 7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” And this would certainly apply here. Righteousness, i.e., God’s way, has a persuasive power to move the hearts of those who see it in action. In other words, if we, who believe in doing life God’s way, actually live that out, those around us will be persuaded by the Godly integrity of our life.
And so, I must ask myself, “Am I living out God’s will and His way enough so that my life influences others?” Another word picture of this is the one from Jesus’ command in Matt. 5: 16, which would have me reflecting His Light into the dark world through my Godly living so that The Father’s Light is seen and He is glorified. When David made his argument that he could not take Saul’s life in that cave, it was David holding a piece of Saul’s robe in his hand, showing these men that he had the opportunity to kill him but believed it wrong which convinced those men that they too must follow God’s way and not follow their own fleshly feelings.
I hope we all know and follow God’s will when we’re confronted by the temptation to do things the way the world would have us do them. Right now I’m thinking of what God’s word says in 1st John 2: 15 – 16, which says … “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” And that way, the righteous way, … God’s way, … can be very difficult at times. However, if we’re going to be that light, shining in the darkness of the world, to influence others, we have to be like David in that cave and do the right thing.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to do life Your way and to shine Your Light into the darkness. Amen
2009 – Day 120.May 01 – Godly Persuasion
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 24: 1 - 7 … 1 Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, “Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3 So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.) 4 Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 6 And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” 7 So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.
My Journal for Today: What a remarkable scenario! Here is David who has been pursued by a maniacal king who is intent on taking David out; and in one almost comical moment as David was in a cave near En Gedi “relieving himself,” he finds Saul napping in the same cave where David and his men had taken refuge. And to show his men that Saul was there, he cuts off a small portion of Saul’s robe. And then God grips David’s conscience for cutting the robe; and David persuades his men, who would have liked to take Saul out, that they should be restrained and let Saul leave the cave, which is what transpired.
As Swindoll points out in his devotional for today, David had to have used very strong and persuasive words to convince David’s mighty men that they should not take advantage of this situation and eliminate the king who pursued David. But David’s words did just that; and they were strong words. In the Hebrew the phrase “restrained his servants” is the Hebrew expression “shaca” (pr. “shawka”), which literally means “to tear” or “rip apart.” So, whatever David said ripped these men to the core; and they were dissuaded from killing Saul, allowing him to leave the cave that day with his life.
David’s conviction was very real, … that he must not kill God’s anointed king and leave the vengeance to God. And this principle, based in God’s righteousness, was so strong in David’s character that he “ripped his men up” with his verbal arguments to refrain from the temptation to take the life of God’s king – even if that very king would have killed David in a heartbeat. As we’d say today, “Go figure!”
Years later, as Swindoll points out, David’s son, Solomon, would write in Proverbs 16: 7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” And this would certainly apply here. Righteousness, i.e., God’s way, has a persuasive power to move the hearts of those who see it in action. In other words, if we, who believe in doing life God’s way, actually live that out, those around us will be persuaded by the Godly integrity of our life.
And so, I must ask myself, “Am I living out God’s will and His way enough so that my life influences others?” Another word picture of this is the one from Jesus’ command in Matt. 5: 16, which would have me reflecting His Light into the dark world through my Godly living so that The Father’s Light is seen and He is glorified. When David made his argument that he could not take Saul’s life in that cave, it was David holding a piece of Saul’s robe in his hand, showing these men that he had the opportunity to kill him but believed it wrong which convinced those men that they too must follow God’s way and not follow their own fleshly feelings.
I hope we all know and follow God’s will when we’re confronted by the temptation to do things the way the world would have us do them. Right now I’m thinking of what God’s word says in 1st John 2: 15 – 16, which says … “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” And that way, the righteous way, … God’s way, … can be very difficult at times. However, if we’re going to be that light, shining in the darkness of the world, to influence others, we have to be like David in that cave and do the right thing.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to do life Your way and to shine Your Light into the darkness. Amen
Thursday, April 30, 2009
2009 – Day 119.Apr. 30 – A True Friend
2009 – Day 119.Apr. 30 – A True Friend
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 23: 14 - 18 … 14 And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. 15 So David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in a forest. 16 Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.” 18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.
My Journal for Today: I’m glad that Swindoll brings up the relationship which David had with Jonathan again. It is a truly remarkable friendship, isn’t it? And we read just how remarkable in this short passage highlighted today.
Here is this young kid, whom Jonathan’s dad, who just happens to be the king, has sworn to kill; and Jonathan, who normally would be the 1st born, heir apparent, reaches out and befriends the one man who is anointed to become the King. And this might lead one to ask, “What’s wrong with this picture?”
Well, there’s a lot that is very unnatural about the friendship between Jonathan and David. The normal thing would be for Jonathan to be jealous of David and to do all he could to undermine David so that he could take over and be the king in the future. And then there is the depth of this friendship, which goes way beyond what most “friends” would think, say, or do for a “friend.”
That’s why I agree with scholars who write about Jonathan as a type of Christ in the Old Testament. Because, when we think about normal, human friendships, the covenant friendship exhibited by Jonathan for David is the kind of “friendship” which Christ has for you and me as Christians. This friendship, exhibited by Jonathan for David, is like that described in John 15: 15, where Jesus says, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."
How many friends do you have like Jonathan was for David? How many friends do you have where the relationship is a “covenant” friendship; … where the friend would die for you, and even more importantly, would live for you. It’s a friendship where you can regurgitate any emotion all over your friend; and he’ll be there to hold your head … to support you … to protect you … to encourage you … or to say by you, … no matter what. How unnatural is such a relationship? And yet this was the friendship between Jonathan and David; and Jonathan had the character of Christlikeness way before Christ walked the earth.
I personally think that this relationship comes from Scripture to illustrate just how super-natural it is for Christ to love us in our humanity; and it is also there to illustrate the kind of relationship we should have for our closest friends, especially like the relationship we should have for our spouse. Remember that Christ’s covenant love/friendship with the Church is often pictured in the New Testament by a covenant marriage relationship; and that’s the kind of love and friendship any Christian should have for a true friend, especially a spouse, whom God has given you to share life with as a “friend.”
My friend should be someone I would give over all my possessions whenever that friend has need. It would be someone I would share their burdens or their victories … 100%. It would be someone for whom I would set aside all other earthly titles and/or loyalties. And as I said, it would not only be someone for whom I would die but for whom I would totally live.
I hope you have a friend like that. I do; and I am blessed.
My Prayer for Today: Jesus, You call me “friend;” but You have also given me another who is a Jonathan for me; and in this dear one, I am a blessed soul. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 23: 14 - 18 … 14 And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. 15 So David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in a forest. 16 Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.” 18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.
My Journal for Today: I’m glad that Swindoll brings up the relationship which David had with Jonathan again. It is a truly remarkable friendship, isn’t it? And we read just how remarkable in this short passage highlighted today.
Here is this young kid, whom Jonathan’s dad, who just happens to be the king, has sworn to kill; and Jonathan, who normally would be the 1st born, heir apparent, reaches out and befriends the one man who is anointed to become the King. And this might lead one to ask, “What’s wrong with this picture?”
Well, there’s a lot that is very unnatural about the friendship between Jonathan and David. The normal thing would be for Jonathan to be jealous of David and to do all he could to undermine David so that he could take over and be the king in the future. And then there is the depth of this friendship, which goes way beyond what most “friends” would think, say, or do for a “friend.”
That’s why I agree with scholars who write about Jonathan as a type of Christ in the Old Testament. Because, when we think about normal, human friendships, the covenant friendship exhibited by Jonathan for David is the kind of “friendship” which Christ has for you and me as Christians. This friendship, exhibited by Jonathan for David, is like that described in John 15: 15, where Jesus says, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."
How many friends do you have like Jonathan was for David? How many friends do you have where the relationship is a “covenant” friendship; … where the friend would die for you, and even more importantly, would live for you. It’s a friendship where you can regurgitate any emotion all over your friend; and he’ll be there to hold your head … to support you … to protect you … to encourage you … or to say by you, … no matter what. How unnatural is such a relationship? And yet this was the friendship between Jonathan and David; and Jonathan had the character of Christlikeness way before Christ walked the earth.
I personally think that this relationship comes from Scripture to illustrate just how super-natural it is for Christ to love us in our humanity; and it is also there to illustrate the kind of relationship we should have for our closest friends, especially like the relationship we should have for our spouse. Remember that Christ’s covenant love/friendship with the Church is often pictured in the New Testament by a covenant marriage relationship; and that’s the kind of love and friendship any Christian should have for a true friend, especially a spouse, whom God has given you to share life with as a “friend.”
My friend should be someone I would give over all my possessions whenever that friend has need. It would be someone I would share their burdens or their victories … 100%. It would be someone for whom I would set aside all other earthly titles and/or loyalties. And as I said, it would not only be someone for whom I would die but for whom I would totally live.
I hope you have a friend like that. I do; and I am blessed.
My Prayer for Today: Jesus, You call me “friend;” but You have also given me another who is a Jonathan for me; and in this dear one, I am a blessed soul. Amen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
2009 – Day 118.Apr. 29 – Cave Dwellers
2009 – Day 118.Apr. 29 – Cave Dwellers
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 22: 3 – 23 … 1st Sam. 22 linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 34: … Linked for study …
My Journal for Today: If you were with me yesterday, you saw that Chuck Swindoll took us to three Psalms which were written while David and his mighty men were in the Cave out near En Gedi (see our passage in 1st Samuel 22 and 1st Sam. 24: 1 – 3). And as you read the apparent sequence of David’s attitude transformation from Ps. 142 and Ps. 52, we come to Psalm 34; and we read of a man, a leader of men, who could have “caved” (pardon the pun) to despair or disillusionment; but he didn’t.
No, David may have been in the cave; but the cave didn’t get into David. David chose to put his eyes on His Lord, just as we should when we’ve been led into the caves of life. Perhaps, as you read this, you are in an economic cave, surrounded by the coldness of privation. Perhaps it’s an emotional cave based on some relational brokenness. Perhaps, you’ve come to a spiritual cave where things seem very dark and where God seems very far away or just not there at all. We all have times when we feel like we’re backed into a dark, cold, and dreary cave in life.
BUT, in those moments we can choose to “cave” to our own fears and our flesh, or we can, as did David, exercise our faith in The Lord. Read back through Psalm 34, especially if you’re in a cave right now. Let the hopefulness give you light and warmth; and add to it the truth of passages like Isaiah 41: 10 or Romans 8: 31. And even more with the reality of Deut. 31: 6 or Hebrews 13: 5, you can, like David, realize that God is right there with you in your cave; and He will never forsake you.
God doesn’t promise that we won’t be led into the caves of life; but He does promise to be there with us and to give us the strength to bear up in those cave times of life (see 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9). And these truths and promises are the lights which I’ve memorized over the years which shine light into my caves when I find myself in one. They give me warmth to overcome the shivering cold. They let me know that my God will never abandon me to go it alone. And when I realize that, even in the cave, I have God to give me the warmth and light of His love.
My Prayer for Today: Shine your Light, Lord; … give me Your warmth; and I will walk out of the cave WITH YOU. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 22: 3 – 23 … 1st Sam. 22 linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 34: … Linked for study …
My Journal for Today: If you were with me yesterday, you saw that Chuck Swindoll took us to three Psalms which were written while David and his mighty men were in the Cave out near En Gedi (see our passage in 1st Samuel 22 and 1st Sam. 24: 1 – 3). And as you read the apparent sequence of David’s attitude transformation from Ps. 142 and Ps. 52, we come to Psalm 34; and we read of a man, a leader of men, who could have “caved” (pardon the pun) to despair or disillusionment; but he didn’t.
No, David may have been in the cave; but the cave didn’t get into David. David chose to put his eyes on His Lord, just as we should when we’ve been led into the caves of life. Perhaps, as you read this, you are in an economic cave, surrounded by the coldness of privation. Perhaps it’s an emotional cave based on some relational brokenness. Perhaps, you’ve come to a spiritual cave where things seem very dark and where God seems very far away or just not there at all. We all have times when we feel like we’re backed into a dark, cold, and dreary cave in life.
BUT, in those moments we can choose to “cave” to our own fears and our flesh, or we can, as did David, exercise our faith in The Lord. Read back through Psalm 34, especially if you’re in a cave right now. Let the hopefulness give you light and warmth; and add to it the truth of passages like Isaiah 41: 10 or Romans 8: 31. And even more with the reality of Deut. 31: 6 or Hebrews 13: 5, you can, like David, realize that God is right there with you in your cave; and He will never forsake you.
God doesn’t promise that we won’t be led into the caves of life; but He does promise to be there with us and to give us the strength to bear up in those cave times of life (see 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9). And these truths and promises are the lights which I’ve memorized over the years which shine light into my caves when I find myself in one. They give me warmth to overcome the shivering cold. They let me know that my God will never abandon me to go it alone. And when I realize that, even in the cave, I have God to give me the warmth and light of His love.
My Prayer for Today: Shine your Light, Lord; … give me Your warmth; and I will walk out of the cave WITH YOU. Amen
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
2009 – Day 117.Apr. 28 – Declaration of Dependence
2009 – Day 117.Apr. 28 – Declaration of Dependence
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 22 … Passage linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 142: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 57: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 34: … Linked for study ...
My Journal for Today: Okay, if you’re following along with me, this morning Swindoll really gets us into God’s word concerning David’s dilemma and his declaration of dependence. And he points out that the three Psalms which he’s asked us to read which were likely written chronologically in reverse order, … Psalm 142 first and Psalm 34 last. And Swindoll argues this because there just seems to be a sequence of humility which presents in this way: >>> In Psalm 142, Swindoll points out that David was totally down and out – on his face before God. In Psalm 57, he’s on his knees, begging for deliverance; and in Psalm 34, David is back on his feet and completely grateful for deliverance.
BUT, look at all three of these Psalms in the context of 1st Samuel 22, which is the historical context for the writing of these songs. David is totally dependent upon God in all of these passages, humbled by his circumstances, and vulnerable to bring his need to God, recognizing that God is his only answer, … his only way out. At no time in this sequence, in these songs of dependence, did David show one inkling of independence and pride. There is not one bit of evidence of anger or bitterness to God, … only total dependence and humble submission to his Lord.
That, my dear disciple of Christ, it is David’s heart which was the heart God recognized as a heart after God. It is a heart of dependence, … a heart of humility; and as Swindoll points out, it is a heart which is sadly missing in most Christians today. He points out three things which David had which we, as Christians, should seek after.
First, David hurt enough to admit his need. How many of us, when we’re hurting react by blaming God and even turning away from Him in bitterness, expressing our anger by acting out sinfully in some way?
Secondly, David was vulnerable enough to ask for help. How many of us, when we’re in a bad place, react by going into Lone Ranger mode, wanting to solve the problem alone rather than admitting we need help?
And finally, David was humble enough to learn from God. How many of us, when we’ve been hurt, dig in and let pride take control, not being willing to learn from our defeats? What is it they say these days about the definition of “insanity” as trying to do things the same way over and over and expecting different results?
But independence, pride, and stubborn insanity was NOT the pattern of David’s heart. No, we read in today’s passages a type of Christ, Whom we know from Phil. 2: 5 – 11 [linked] was humble to the point of emptying Himself of His glory, becoming a man, and even dying on a cross to take on the burden of our sin. And that was the picture of David’s heart as well. May it become, as commanded in Phil. 2: 5, our attitude as well.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be vulnerable like David. Help me to be humble like You. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 22 … Passage linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 142: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 57: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 34: … Linked for study ...
My Journal for Today: Okay, if you’re following along with me, this morning Swindoll really gets us into God’s word concerning David’s dilemma and his declaration of dependence. And he points out that the three Psalms which he’s asked us to read which were likely written chronologically in reverse order, … Psalm 142 first and Psalm 34 last. And Swindoll argues this because there just seems to be a sequence of humility which presents in this way: >>> In Psalm 142, Swindoll points out that David was totally down and out – on his face before God. In Psalm 57, he’s on his knees, begging for deliverance; and in Psalm 34, David is back on his feet and completely grateful for deliverance.
BUT, look at all three of these Psalms in the context of 1st Samuel 22, which is the historical context for the writing of these songs. David is totally dependent upon God in all of these passages, humbled by his circumstances, and vulnerable to bring his need to God, recognizing that God is his only answer, … his only way out. At no time in this sequence, in these songs of dependence, did David show one inkling of independence and pride. There is not one bit of evidence of anger or bitterness to God, … only total dependence and humble submission to his Lord.
That, my dear disciple of Christ, it is David’s heart which was the heart God recognized as a heart after God. It is a heart of dependence, … a heart of humility; and as Swindoll points out, it is a heart which is sadly missing in most Christians today. He points out three things which David had which we, as Christians, should seek after.
First, David hurt enough to admit his need. How many of us, when we’re hurting react by blaming God and even turning away from Him in bitterness, expressing our anger by acting out sinfully in some way?
Secondly, David was vulnerable enough to ask for help. How many of us, when we’re in a bad place, react by going into Lone Ranger mode, wanting to solve the problem alone rather than admitting we need help?
And finally, David was humble enough to learn from God. How many of us, when we’ve been hurt, dig in and let pride take control, not being willing to learn from our defeats? What is it they say these days about the definition of “insanity” as trying to do things the same way over and over and expecting different results?
But independence, pride, and stubborn insanity was NOT the pattern of David’s heart. No, we read in today’s passages a type of Christ, Whom we know from Phil. 2: 5 – 11 [linked] was humble to the point of emptying Himself of His glory, becoming a man, and even dying on a cross to take on the burden of our sin. And that was the picture of David’s heart as well. May it become, as commanded in Phil. 2: 5, our attitude as well.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be vulnerable like David. Help me to be humble like You. Amen
Monday, April 27, 2009
2009 – Day 116.Apr. 27 – Never Alone
2009 – Day 116.Apr. 27 – Never Alone
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 21: 10 – 22: 2 … 1st Sam. 21-22 for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 142: … Linked for study …
My Journal for Today: Have you ever been bummed out and down in the dumpers to the point where you just want to be alone? Well, that’s where David was in this scenario today from 1st Samuel. He was on the run; and Saul was really after him. He was going from place to place and hiding in caves in the wilderness of the Negev. I’ve been there; and it’s a desolate area. One can see how David would be so low. When you read Psalm 142, which was a song of lament David wrote during those times, you can see just how low David felt.
But in the midst of all of this, two very positive things remained. First – and foremost – David never lost sight of his need for God. Yes, reading Psalm 142 shows he was really down; but he was not out because he was crying out to God; and you can sense that David still knew that God was his only answer in these troubled times. Sure, things might be really bad for you now; but there is always God; and He may seem far away; but if you believe as did David, you know God will never leave you nor forsake you (see Deut. 31: 6 or Hebrews 13: 5). And if you believe that, as did David, and cry out to God for Him to show you His light in the darkness, the Lord is there with you. You are NEVER ALONE.
Secondly in today’s passages, you’ll note that David’s loved ones didn’t abandon him in his troubled times. No, even though David would probably have wanted to be alone, his family and his close compatriots came to him; and they stood by David, willing to die with him. When you have a loved one who is down and out, are you willing to live – and die – WITH that person? David’s mighty men were simply not going to let David bear the world’s challenges alone. And they came to him; and they stayed with him.
But even if David had not had this support, God was there with him; and God was allowing these events to reshape the “man after God’s own heart” for later service. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen that David had been shaped as a boy in the desert as a shepherd; and God was with him during his high times, when he defeated Goliath. God was also with him as he became Saul’s general, slaying the ten thousands which led to Saul’s jealousy. And God was with David out there in those caves as Saul pursued David, trying to have him killed.
We must never forget, and we must believe, that we are NEVER ALONE.
My Prayer for Today: Thank you, Lord, for always being with me. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 21: 10 – 22: 2 … 1st Sam. 21-22 for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 142: … Linked for study …
My Journal for Today: Have you ever been bummed out and down in the dumpers to the point where you just want to be alone? Well, that’s where David was in this scenario today from 1st Samuel. He was on the run; and Saul was really after him. He was going from place to place and hiding in caves in the wilderness of the Negev. I’ve been there; and it’s a desolate area. One can see how David would be so low. When you read Psalm 142, which was a song of lament David wrote during those times, you can see just how low David felt.
But in the midst of all of this, two very positive things remained. First – and foremost – David never lost sight of his need for God. Yes, reading Psalm 142 shows he was really down; but he was not out because he was crying out to God; and you can sense that David still knew that God was his only answer in these troubled times. Sure, things might be really bad for you now; but there is always God; and He may seem far away; but if you believe as did David, you know God will never leave you nor forsake you (see Deut. 31: 6 or Hebrews 13: 5). And if you believe that, as did David, and cry out to God for Him to show you His light in the darkness, the Lord is there with you. You are NEVER ALONE.
Secondly in today’s passages, you’ll note that David’s loved ones didn’t abandon him in his troubled times. No, even though David would probably have wanted to be alone, his family and his close compatriots came to him; and they stood by David, willing to die with him. When you have a loved one who is down and out, are you willing to live – and die – WITH that person? David’s mighty men were simply not going to let David bear the world’s challenges alone. And they came to him; and they stayed with him.
But even if David had not had this support, God was there with him; and God was allowing these events to reshape the “man after God’s own heart” for later service. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen that David had been shaped as a boy in the desert as a shepherd; and God was with him during his high times, when he defeated Goliath. God was also with him as he became Saul’s general, slaying the ten thousands which led to Saul’s jealousy. And God was with David out there in those caves as Saul pursued David, trying to have him killed.
We must never forget, and we must believe, that we are NEVER ALONE.
My Prayer for Today: Thank you, Lord, for always being with me. Amen
Sunday, April 26, 2009
2009 – Day 115.Apr. 26 – Walking In Victory
2009 – Day 115.Apr. 26 – Walking In Victory
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 18: 8 - 15 … Linked for your study …
My Journal for Today: The contrast between these two men is stark; and from this study of character, we learn a great lesson. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that David kept his focus on God; and he walked in victory. Whereas Saul became a prisoner to his own fears and jealousy; and he walked into a self-induced prison of paranoia.
So, we see the answer to the question, “How does a Christian walk in victory?” And the answer is right there, modeled by David. He focused on the Savior (i.e., God) and avoided the trap of falling prey to fear and reacting in anger. In spite of Saul’s hatred and even his aggressive anger, David CHOSE to love his king and to serve him; and he also chose to flee (as we’ll read later) rather than to strike back at his king.
David never took his eyes off of God; and as I sit here, reflecting on today’s passage, I have begun humming that old hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, which has the formula which David used in the face of stress and worldly terror. In fact, I just plugged in my Ipod; and I’m listening to Alisa Dishong sing that old hymn …
Oh soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see.
There’s life for a look at my Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
[The Chorus] Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Oh, how I love returning to this old song and singing its truth, especially when I allow myself to look inward at self rather than looking outward to my Savior. In fact, this morning as I listened to Alisa singing this beautiful truth, my mind/heart was taken to a parallel truth from God which I memorized years ago. It’s found in the formula Paul declared in his powerful exclamation from Galatians 6: 9, which says, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Oh how Satan and the world want us to get wrapped up in self and to take our eyes off of the Savior. And as soon as that happens, we can fall prey to the same demons which captured Saul’s spirit … fear, jealousy, and even paranoia. But if we do not grow weary and look inward to self, keeping our eyes on our Lord, as did David, the ways and circumstances of life, the darkness of our world, will be diminished by the Light of the Savior, … in the light of His glory and grace.
It is my prayer this morning that you know and remember that old hymn and you have joined me, singing the words above to your own heart, no matter what things of this earth are trying to capture your spirit. As Paul also wrote to Timothy (in 2nd Tim. 1: 7 – paraphrased), … you have not been given, as a Christian, a spirit of fear, but rather a Spirit of love and power and of a sound mind. Never forget those truths above, dear one; and let the Spirit of God shine God’s Light into your heart to diminish the darkness of despair and doubt which our enemies would try to bring into your life.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, You are my Light. Shine brightly so that I may follow Your path, fleeing from Satan and self, and keeping my eyes on You, my Jesus. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 18: 8 - 15 … Linked for your study …
My Journal for Today: The contrast between these two men is stark; and from this study of character, we learn a great lesson. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that David kept his focus on God; and he walked in victory. Whereas Saul became a prisoner to his own fears and jealousy; and he walked into a self-induced prison of paranoia.
So, we see the answer to the question, “How does a Christian walk in victory?” And the answer is right there, modeled by David. He focused on the Savior (i.e., God) and avoided the trap of falling prey to fear and reacting in anger. In spite of Saul’s hatred and even his aggressive anger, David CHOSE to love his king and to serve him; and he also chose to flee (as we’ll read later) rather than to strike back at his king.
David never took his eyes off of God; and as I sit here, reflecting on today’s passage, I have begun humming that old hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, which has the formula which David used in the face of stress and worldly terror. In fact, I just plugged in my Ipod; and I’m listening to Alisa Dishong sing that old hymn …
Oh soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see.
There’s life for a look at my Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
[The Chorus] Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Oh, how I love returning to this old song and singing its truth, especially when I allow myself to look inward at self rather than looking outward to my Savior. In fact, this morning as I listened to Alisa singing this beautiful truth, my mind/heart was taken to a parallel truth from God which I memorized years ago. It’s found in the formula Paul declared in his powerful exclamation from Galatians 6: 9, which says, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Oh how Satan and the world want us to get wrapped up in self and to take our eyes off of the Savior. And as soon as that happens, we can fall prey to the same demons which captured Saul’s spirit … fear, jealousy, and even paranoia. But if we do not grow weary and look inward to self, keeping our eyes on our Lord, as did David, the ways and circumstances of life, the darkness of our world, will be diminished by the Light of the Savior, … in the light of His glory and grace.
It is my prayer this morning that you know and remember that old hymn and you have joined me, singing the words above to your own heart, no matter what things of this earth are trying to capture your spirit. As Paul also wrote to Timothy (in 2nd Tim. 1: 7 – paraphrased), … you have not been given, as a Christian, a spirit of fear, but rather a Spirit of love and power and of a sound mind. Never forget those truths above, dear one; and let the Spirit of God shine God’s Light into your heart to diminish the darkness of despair and doubt which our enemies would try to bring into your life.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, You are my Light. Shine brightly so that I may follow Your path, fleeing from Satan and self, and keeping my eyes on You, my Jesus. Amen
Saturday, April 25, 2009
2009 – Day 114.Apr. 25 – A Teachable Spirit
2009 – Day 114.Apr. 25 – A Teachable Spirit
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 18: 5 - 16 … Linked for study to passage …
My Journal for Today: Today’s passage and Swindoll’s devotional presents an interesting and pertinent character study into another interaction and comparison between Saul, the king, and David, the king-to-be. And the focus verse for this study is found in verse 14 of 1st Sam. 18, which in the NKJV says, And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him.
You’ll note that I underlined the phrase “behaved wisely,” which has differing translations in our scholarly Bibles. It is the Hebrew word “sakai,” which is one of those Hebrew expressions which can take on different colors depending on the circumstances. And the focus of this study is on this Hebrew term, which was attributed to David.
In the NASB, the sentence from 1st Sam. 18: 14 reads thusly, David was prospering in all his way, for the LORD was with him. In the NIV, it reads, In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. If you read down through 1st Samuel 18 you see that term “sakai” is used four separate times to describe David’s persistent wisdom and/or his spiritual success, given the task of leading Saul’s armies into battle. And we also read the reaction it provoked from Saul, which was rage and jealousy, even to the point of throwing a spear at David in attempted murder.
But David’s character through all of this, even being attacked by Saul, remained quietly teachable and remarkably loyal to his king. David was consistently and persistently “sakai” because he had the Lord’s Spirit upon him. And Swindoll points to a study of the word “sakai” in Proverbs (see Prov. 10: 19 and Prov. 21: 11) that one who exhibits “sakai” is one who generally keeps his mouth shut and one who intentionally grows in “teachability.”
David was still young; but he was learning what to be and what not to be as king from observing Saul; and God was giving David the enabling grace to learn and grow in this quiet, but powerful, quality of teachability. I truly hope that I never lose my drive to be what the Hebrews call “sakai” before my God. And I see, from today’s study, just how much God wants me grow into Christlikeness, Who, of course, was our super model of “sakai,” the One who grew and became the likeness of His Heavenly Father, Jehovah, on earth.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be teachable and to grow to be “sakai” in Your presence. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 18: 5 - 16 … Linked for study to passage …
My Journal for Today: Today’s passage and Swindoll’s devotional presents an interesting and pertinent character study into another interaction and comparison between Saul, the king, and David, the king-to-be. And the focus verse for this study is found in verse 14 of 1st Sam. 18, which in the NKJV says, And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him.
You’ll note that I underlined the phrase “behaved wisely,” which has differing translations in our scholarly Bibles. It is the Hebrew word “sakai,” which is one of those Hebrew expressions which can take on different colors depending on the circumstances. And the focus of this study is on this Hebrew term, which was attributed to David.
In the NASB, the sentence from 1st Sam. 18: 14 reads thusly, David was prospering in all his way, for the LORD was with him. In the NIV, it reads, In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. If you read down through 1st Samuel 18 you see that term “sakai” is used four separate times to describe David’s persistent wisdom and/or his spiritual success, given the task of leading Saul’s armies into battle. And we also read the reaction it provoked from Saul, which was rage and jealousy, even to the point of throwing a spear at David in attempted murder.
But David’s character through all of this, even being attacked by Saul, remained quietly teachable and remarkably loyal to his king. David was consistently and persistently “sakai” because he had the Lord’s Spirit upon him. And Swindoll points to a study of the word “sakai” in Proverbs (see Prov. 10: 19 and Prov. 21: 11) that one who exhibits “sakai” is one who generally keeps his mouth shut and one who intentionally grows in “teachability.”
David was still young; but he was learning what to be and what not to be as king from observing Saul; and God was giving David the enabling grace to learn and grow in this quiet, but powerful, quality of teachability. I truly hope that I never lose my drive to be what the Hebrews call “sakai” before my God. And I see, from today’s study, just how much God wants me grow into Christlikeness, Who, of course, was our super model of “sakai,” the One who grew and became the likeness of His Heavenly Father, Jehovah, on earth.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be teachable and to grow to be “sakai” in Your presence. Amen
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