Hello to all of you! Wow, it has been a very busy couple of weeks full of major transition for me and my family. We are somewhat settled in Peoria now, although most of our belongings are still in storage, awaiting our moving to a more long-term housing situation. Thank you for your patience during this time. I intend to restart the blog with regularity as the opportunity presents itself. There is still a lot of household business that requires my attention at this time.
For now, I'm homeschooling the kids. I intend to do this through the end of the semester...that is, if I don't lose my sanity first! No, they are great students. It just requires a lot of time figuring out what to have them work on. My mom was here with us for the first week and was a great help.
We had our first worship time together at our new church yesterday! It's called Richwoods Christian Church. I started work with them last week. Right now I'm working just half-time overseeing their home-based small groups ministry. There are 24 groups, if I remember correctly. Each has a leader, and there are several coaches who each mentor a number of leaders. I will be supporting the coaches primarily and orchestrating the big picture. Please pray for me in this role that I will be effective and insightful and faithful.
I haven't yet determined what I will be doing to supplement my income. That is a big concern for me right now, and I also need your prayers for that.
It is great being here with Michele and getting to spend time with her on a daily basis! God has blessed me with her love. The kids are doing well and adapting nicely, though missing their friends. My house is up for lease now and Michele's is still up for sale. They are both needing some new people who would like to live and love beneath their roofs.
Even though the blogging may be scarce for a while, I hope that you keep up your conversations with God by staying in his Word. He has so many things to reveal to you there! May he bless you and guide you today.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Take All Things to God
Good morning to all and happy Wednesday! Please join me today as we continue in 2 Samuel. Please read verses 2:1-3:1. There's lots of great info here but I'm going to focus on the beginning of the chapter this morning.
This is what jumps out at me as I read:
After this, David asked the LORD, "Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?"
"Yes", the LORD replied.
Then David asked, "Which town should I go to?"
"To Hebron", the LORD answered. (v.1)
Now that Saul was dead David knew that he would be crowned king of his home territory but he didn't just automatically move to Judah. No, Lord, instead David consulted you first. At this time in his life it seems as if he didn't do much without coming to you first. David counted on you to guide his every step and he wanted to make sure he was in your will.
In reading this verse it appears as if you instantly verbally answered David without him having to wait for you to answer. I can't help but think of the many times that waiting has been in your plan for me. Did you really just instantly answer David or was there some waiting involved that we don't know about? For me it's hard to tell. And, did he truly audibly hear your answer? There are many times I've wished you would literally speak to me so I know, without a doubt, what you're saying to me. Lord, you aren't limited in the ways you speak to your children and you certainly could make your voice audibly heard if you so chose. This conversation seems so simple as I read this verse. Maybe David was just so in tune to your voice due to his deep relationship with you. Maybe he chose to trust you completely and not listen to the many other voices in his life. This is one thing that the Bible isn't always clear on. The one thing that is very clear, Lord, is that David knew what you wanted from him and he followed.
And the anointing that occurred privately so many years ago came true publicly as a result.
Then the men of Judah came to David and crowned him king over the people of Judah. (v. 4)
All because he came to you, Lord, for guidance and chose to be obedient.
Please share any feedback that you have with us. We would love to hear from you!
This is what jumps out at me as I read:
After this, David asked the LORD, "Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?"
"Yes", the LORD replied.
Then David asked, "Which town should I go to?"
"To Hebron", the LORD answered. (v.1)
Now that Saul was dead David knew that he would be crowned king of his home territory but he didn't just automatically move to Judah. No, Lord, instead David consulted you first. At this time in his life it seems as if he didn't do much without coming to you first. David counted on you to guide his every step and he wanted to make sure he was in your will.
In reading this verse it appears as if you instantly verbally answered David without him having to wait for you to answer. I can't help but think of the many times that waiting has been in your plan for me. Did you really just instantly answer David or was there some waiting involved that we don't know about? For me it's hard to tell. And, did he truly audibly hear your answer? There are many times I've wished you would literally speak to me so I know, without a doubt, what you're saying to me. Lord, you aren't limited in the ways you speak to your children and you certainly could make your voice audibly heard if you so chose. This conversation seems so simple as I read this verse. Maybe David was just so in tune to your voice due to his deep relationship with you. Maybe he chose to trust you completely and not listen to the many other voices in his life. This is one thing that the Bible isn't always clear on. The one thing that is very clear, Lord, is that David knew what you wanted from him and he followed.
And the anointing that occurred privately so many years ago came true publicly as a result.
Then the men of Judah came to David and crowned him king over the people of Judah. (v. 4)
All because he came to you, Lord, for guidance and chose to be obedient.
Please share any feedback that you have with us. We would love to hear from you!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A Different Kind of Character
Good morning. I woke this morning to the sound of the birds chirping. Such a beautiful sound and evidence that spring is here!! Are you ready to hear from God today? I am. I, Michele, will be writing today and tomorrow for you as Chris continues getting ready for the move. Today we are moving forward into the first chapter of 2 Samuel. The story continues after Saul's death.
Keep in mind as you read this chapter how Saul had died by taking his own life (1Samuel 31:3,4). In the beginning of this chapter David has no idea that Saul is dead until a man from Saul's camp comes to inform him. But, he has a different story to tell about how Saul died. He lies because he wants to get praise from David for killing Saul. Little does he know that David has a different kind of character than he suspects. And this is actually how David responds:
"Why were you not afraid to kill the LORD'S anointed one?" David asked.
Then David said to one of the men, "Kill him!" So the man thrust his sword into the Amalekite and killed him. "You have condemned yourself," David said, "for you yourself confessed that you killed the LORD'S anointed one." (v. 14-16)
Certainly NOT what the Amalekite expected from David! It doesn't make sense does it? Saul had been David's enemy for a very long time and he isn't jumping for joy that he's dead?? But, it wasn't about Saul for David. It was all about God. David may not have had a lot of respect for Saul but he had an amazing amount of respect for God. After all, God had anointed Saul and saw him fit to be king. Who was David to dispute that? So David respected Saul as the king. Keep in mind that David had many opportunities to end Saul's life himself and chose not to. Such a contrast in character between David and the Amalekite man.
This is what it looks like to put God first in our hearts. Even when David's greatest enemy died and it looks as if he had come out on top, he didn't gloat. David continued to show respect for Saul as king because of his relationship with the true king. What an example for us to follow. Our allegiance should be always to God first regardless of the situation or who has authority. We are called to honor those who God has given authority to and David did just that. And ultimately David was blessed.
God, I want to follow David's example. I want to let my enemies know that you hold the highest seat in my heart, not them. Please don't allow my heart to become full of the desire for revenge. I want my heart to be full of your Spirit. I will put you first and daily submit to your authority over me. I am yours! Amen.
Keep in mind as you read this chapter how Saul had died by taking his own life (1Samuel 31:3,4). In the beginning of this chapter David has no idea that Saul is dead until a man from Saul's camp comes to inform him. But, he has a different story to tell about how Saul died. He lies because he wants to get praise from David for killing Saul. Little does he know that David has a different kind of character than he suspects. And this is actually how David responds:
"Why were you not afraid to kill the LORD'S anointed one?" David asked.
Then David said to one of the men, "Kill him!" So the man thrust his sword into the Amalekite and killed him. "You have condemned yourself," David said, "for you yourself confessed that you killed the LORD'S anointed one." (v. 14-16)
Certainly NOT what the Amalekite expected from David! It doesn't make sense does it? Saul had been David's enemy for a very long time and he isn't jumping for joy that he's dead?? But, it wasn't about Saul for David. It was all about God. David may not have had a lot of respect for Saul but he had an amazing amount of respect for God. After all, God had anointed Saul and saw him fit to be king. Who was David to dispute that? So David respected Saul as the king. Keep in mind that David had many opportunities to end Saul's life himself and chose not to. Such a contrast in character between David and the Amalekite man.
This is what it looks like to put God first in our hearts. Even when David's greatest enemy died and it looks as if he had come out on top, he didn't gloat. David continued to show respect for Saul as king because of his relationship with the true king. What an example for us to follow. Our allegiance should be always to God first regardless of the situation or who has authority. We are called to honor those who God has given authority to and David did just that. And ultimately David was blessed.
God, I want to follow David's example. I want to let my enemies know that you hold the highest seat in my heart, not them. Please don't allow my heart to become full of the desire for revenge. I want my heart to be full of your Spirit. I will put you first and daily submit to your authority over me. I am yours! Amen.
Monday, March 12, 2012
To Obey or Not to Obey?
Happy Monday and welcome to a new week and the last chapter of 1 Samuel. Please read 1 Samuel 31. It's only 13 verses long. Saul's life has come to an end and we will learn how. Thank you for letting me, Michele, be with you this morning as we wrap up 1 Samuel.
I read this a couple of times and both times my focus remained on verse 4. This is what it says:
Saul groaned to his armor bearer, "Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Phillistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me."
But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
Why would Saul ask his armor bearer to kill him, Lord? It sounds as if Saul was trying to escape some sort of torture. I hear you telling me something about both Saul and his armor bearer in this verse. First of all, the armor bearer refused to kill Saul. Why? Saul was king and he should have obeyed, correct?? Not necessarily. The king was telling his armor bearer to do something that was morally wrong. When we are faced with moral dilemmas we always need to follow your ways regardless of who's giving the order. There is only one set of standards for moral issues and they are yours, God. So, the armor bearer made the right decision and chose your way, not Saul's. That time. Too bad he didn't continue on that same path. (v. 5)
Second of all, I hear you continuing to tell me about Saul's character, or lack there of. Saul was afraid of what the Phillistines may do to him if they got a hold of him so he opted for what he saw as an easier way out. He commanded his armor bearer to kill him in a "not so brutal" sort of way. Much to his dismay, his armor bearer chose not to follow through on Saul's command. So Saul decided to take matters into his own hands like he had done for much of his life. He didn't even turn to you, Lord, and ask for your guidance or direction. He did the next thing that would bring about the result he wanted and that was to kill himself. You may have chosen to help him if he just would have asked.
There are so many in this world who desperately need you but just don't get it. They think they can only count on themselves and ignore you, the God who spoke this world into existence. What a lonely and dark world we live in without you, Lord. And how do we face moral dilemmas if we don't understand your standards?
Help us, dear Lord, to take the higher road because, in the end, we will be on the right path. Give us hearts that only want to be obedient to you when we're given bad direction from someone in authority. You are the only judge and you will protect us when we do what's right. We want to be an example for those who don't know you so they will someday understand your ways and your love. Help them to see you when they see us. Amen.
Maybe this isn't the verse that spoke most to your heart. Maybe you have additional thoughts. Let us know! We would love to hear how this chapter spoke to each one of you. Have a blessed day and thank you for letting me spend another morning with you.
I read this a couple of times and both times my focus remained on verse 4. This is what it says:
Saul groaned to his armor bearer, "Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Phillistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me."
But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
Why would Saul ask his armor bearer to kill him, Lord? It sounds as if Saul was trying to escape some sort of torture. I hear you telling me something about both Saul and his armor bearer in this verse. First of all, the armor bearer refused to kill Saul. Why? Saul was king and he should have obeyed, correct?? Not necessarily. The king was telling his armor bearer to do something that was morally wrong. When we are faced with moral dilemmas we always need to follow your ways regardless of who's giving the order. There is only one set of standards for moral issues and they are yours, God. So, the armor bearer made the right decision and chose your way, not Saul's. That time. Too bad he didn't continue on that same path. (v. 5)
Second of all, I hear you continuing to tell me about Saul's character, or lack there of. Saul was afraid of what the Phillistines may do to him if they got a hold of him so he opted for what he saw as an easier way out. He commanded his armor bearer to kill him in a "not so brutal" sort of way. Much to his dismay, his armor bearer chose not to follow through on Saul's command. So Saul decided to take matters into his own hands like he had done for much of his life. He didn't even turn to you, Lord, and ask for your guidance or direction. He did the next thing that would bring about the result he wanted and that was to kill himself. You may have chosen to help him if he just would have asked.
There are so many in this world who desperately need you but just don't get it. They think they can only count on themselves and ignore you, the God who spoke this world into existence. What a lonely and dark world we live in without you, Lord. And how do we face moral dilemmas if we don't understand your standards?
Help us, dear Lord, to take the higher road because, in the end, we will be on the right path. Give us hearts that only want to be obedient to you when we're given bad direction from someone in authority. You are the only judge and you will protect us when we do what's right. We want to be an example for those who don't know you so they will someday understand your ways and your love. Help them to see you when they see us. Amen.
Maybe this isn't the verse that spoke most to your heart. Maybe you have additional thoughts. Let us know! We would love to hear how this chapter spoke to each one of you. Have a blessed day and thank you for letting me spend another morning with you.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Faith in Action
Happy Friday to all! Finally, the end of the week is here! I hope you all enjoy your weekend. This is Michele again today writing to you from 1 Samuel 30. Please take the time to read this thoroughly and ponder what you hear God impressing upon your heart. I'm really enjoying 1 Samuel, it's full of adventure and excitement.
In the last chapter David and his men were asked to go back to the land of the Phillistines. When they arrived at Ziklag they found that it had been completely destroyed by the Amelikites and they took all the women and children with them when they left. What an awful experience that must have been for David and his men. David's men decided that this must be his fault and turned on him. They needed someone to blame. I love David's response here, Lord!
....But David found strength in the Lord his God. (v. 6)
It gives me chills to think about this man being threatened to be stoned and he seems unshaken by the threats. God, David knew you and trusted in your ability to protect and strengthen him. He knew exactly who to turn to. Not only did David believe that you would strengthen him, he also knew that you would guide him into action. So, he immediately turned to you and asked for your guidance.
Then he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring me the ephod!" So Abiathar brought it. Then David asked the Lord, "Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?"
And the Lord told him, "Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!" (v. 7-8)
And, that's exactly what happened! As I continue to read, I find that David and his men were able to recover all that was taken from them just as you said they would.
This is faith in action! How many times have I turned to the wrong source when things have gone wrong. Instead of immediately turning to you, I turn to other people or just simply worry. Nothing is impossible with you and you will show me what steps need to be taken, if any. If I truly lay my concerns at your feet and trust in your goodness and love for me, I will always come out victorious. That means giving up my control in all situations and, like David, give it to you, Lord. In your hands is the best place for my fears. In your hands is the best place for the situations that are way too big for me to handle alone. In your hands is the best place for my life! Thank you, Lord, for this reminder today and for speaking to me through David's life. Amen.
Please share with us any comments you may have. We love to hear from you and to know that you've been blessed by God's Word each day. Have a fabulous weekend!
In the last chapter David and his men were asked to go back to the land of the Phillistines. When they arrived at Ziklag they found that it had been completely destroyed by the Amelikites and they took all the women and children with them when they left. What an awful experience that must have been for David and his men. David's men decided that this must be his fault and turned on him. They needed someone to blame. I love David's response here, Lord!
....But David found strength in the Lord his God. (v. 6)
It gives me chills to think about this man being threatened to be stoned and he seems unshaken by the threats. God, David knew you and trusted in your ability to protect and strengthen him. He knew exactly who to turn to. Not only did David believe that you would strengthen him, he also knew that you would guide him into action. So, he immediately turned to you and asked for your guidance.
Then he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring me the ephod!" So Abiathar brought it. Then David asked the Lord, "Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?"
And the Lord told him, "Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!" (v. 7-8)
And, that's exactly what happened! As I continue to read, I find that David and his men were able to recover all that was taken from them just as you said they would.
This is faith in action! How many times have I turned to the wrong source when things have gone wrong. Instead of immediately turning to you, I turn to other people or just simply worry. Nothing is impossible with you and you will show me what steps need to be taken, if any. If I truly lay my concerns at your feet and trust in your goodness and love for me, I will always come out victorious. That means giving up my control in all situations and, like David, give it to you, Lord. In your hands is the best place for my fears. In your hands is the best place for the situations that are way too big for me to handle alone. In your hands is the best place for my life! Thank you, Lord, for this reminder today and for speaking to me through David's life. Amen.
Please share with us any comments you may have. We love to hear from you and to know that you've been blessed by God's Word each day. Have a fabulous weekend!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
No Way Out
To our loyal online community: Just a note to let you know that I am currently in the mode of moving from Texas to Illinois. So please bear with me as the blog will have to be a little inconsistent for a week or so as we cram to get everything packed in time and then get situated in our new place. We'll get it back to our normal frequency asap! In the meantime, continue your own private conversations with God.
Having just read through 1 Samuel 29, which is our text for today, I am thinking about what God is wanting to communicate to me through it. It's a very short chapter (11 verses). If you read my post on chapter 27 then you remember that David had run away to the Philistines for protection from King Saul. He had grown tired of the constant running and the many close-calls as he dodged his enemy. He had decided that it was safer among the enemies of God's people than to stay in Israel.
But then one day the Philistines decide to invade Israel and the king tells David that he is expected to join forces with them and fight against his own people. It was a classic case of "What's a guy like you doing in a place like this?" David was in between a rock and a hard place wondering how in the world he ever got himself into this mess. It was his own failure to keep trusting in God. Now what will he do--fight against God's covenant people or blow his cover as a friend of the Philistines? Either course seems like a death sentence.
I think I've been between a rock and a hard place a time or two. Sometimes you just end up in a no-win situation and either way you go, you're toast. It's a double-edged sword that cuts no matter which direction you swing it. Sometimes you get there through your own bad decisions, and other times you just get put in that position innocently. In either case, it's a stressful place to be!
But in today's reading, this is what impresses me:
So Achish [King of the Philistines] called David and said to him, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until now, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don't approve of you. Turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers." (v. 6-7)
Whew! That was close! God is well aware of David's plight, it turns out. Even now he steps in and comes to David's aid. David had no way out of this, but God made a way. That's what I feel God is impressing on my heart today. When there seems to be no good way to turn, he will make a way that I don't even foresee. He is able to deliver me out of any bad situation or provide a way through it. God is bigger than any other power or person that may threaten me. I've experienced his deliverance first-hand more than once in my life. There were times when I thought my life was basically over. I couldn't see any positive way forward. And then God stepped in and worked things out in some totally surprising way. He does that kind of thing, you know!
Lord, I want to trust you implicitly. I am so thankful for your faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. You are my deliverer and the one who holds my life in your hand. When there appears to be nothing but dead-ends before me, I will pray and wait and trust you to open up the way. You are awesome, God! Amen.
Please share this post on Facebook! And share your comments below. Pray for us in our big transition! Thanks so much!
Having just read through 1 Samuel 29, which is our text for today, I am thinking about what God is wanting to communicate to me through it. It's a very short chapter (11 verses). If you read my post on chapter 27 then you remember that David had run away to the Philistines for protection from King Saul. He had grown tired of the constant running and the many close-calls as he dodged his enemy. He had decided that it was safer among the enemies of God's people than to stay in Israel.
But then one day the Philistines decide to invade Israel and the king tells David that he is expected to join forces with them and fight against his own people. It was a classic case of "What's a guy like you doing in a place like this?" David was in between a rock and a hard place wondering how in the world he ever got himself into this mess. It was his own failure to keep trusting in God. Now what will he do--fight against God's covenant people or blow his cover as a friend of the Philistines? Either course seems like a death sentence.
I think I've been between a rock and a hard place a time or two. Sometimes you just end up in a no-win situation and either way you go, you're toast. It's a double-edged sword that cuts no matter which direction you swing it. Sometimes you get there through your own bad decisions, and other times you just get put in that position innocently. In either case, it's a stressful place to be!
But in today's reading, this is what impresses me:
So Achish [King of the Philistines] called David and said to him, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until now, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don't approve of you. Turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers." (v. 6-7)
Whew! That was close! God is well aware of David's plight, it turns out. Even now he steps in and comes to David's aid. David had no way out of this, but God made a way. That's what I feel God is impressing on my heart today. When there seems to be no good way to turn, he will make a way that I don't even foresee. He is able to deliver me out of any bad situation or provide a way through it. God is bigger than any other power or person that may threaten me. I've experienced his deliverance first-hand more than once in my life. There were times when I thought my life was basically over. I couldn't see any positive way forward. And then God stepped in and worked things out in some totally surprising way. He does that kind of thing, you know!
Lord, I want to trust you implicitly. I am so thankful for your faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. You are my deliverer and the one who holds my life in your hand. When there appears to be nothing but dead-ends before me, I will pray and wait and trust you to open up the way. You are awesome, God! Amen.
Please share this post on Facebook! And share your comments below. Pray for us in our big transition! Thanks so much!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Trusting and Obeying
Are you craving a word from God today? When life seems to wear us down and we realize we're not strong enough on our own, we need to soak in God's word. God will strengthen us and give us whatever we need for the journey. This is Michele with you this morning and we are studying 1Samuel 28:3-25. Read it more than once if you need to.
This is what jumps out at me as I read this text:
....And Saul had banned from the land of Isreal all mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. When Saul saw the vast Phillistine army, he became frantic with fear. He asked the LORD what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets. Saul then said to his advisers, "Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do." (v. 3, 5-7)
Well that didn't take long, did it? Saul seems to have immediately forgotten his own ban on mediums. And why wouldn't you answer him, God? This reminds me of times when I've asked my child to do something or given him directions more than once and he has chosen to either ignore me or obey only a portion of what I've asked. If the child won't listen to your direction, Lord, then he or she may need to experience some natural consequences. I believe this is what happened here with Saul. You had directed him in the past and Saul was not obedient so you decided to leave him to his own devices.
Maybe this was a test to see where his heart really was on this matter. When it came down to it, Saul proved that his heart was not changed although he publicly denounced this practice. I think Saul thought that he was okay to call for a medium because he felt that God had left him. In fact, this is exactly what he told Samuel when Samuel asked why he had called him back (v. 15).
I know there have been times in my life when I've been very troubled about something and I don't feel like you're there. I have foolishly run to the counsel of others without waiting on you. Maybe the same has been true for me and you are teaching me that I need to seek you with my whole heart and be obedient to your direction in my life. You certainly don't force obedience. You know what's best and patiently wait for me to realize the same as I experience the natural consequences of my disobedience.
Father, help me to seek you with all of my heart and be obedient to what you ask of me. If I'm truly trusting in you this will come naturally. Lord, I don't ever want to feel like you've left me. I want to be fully submitted to you. Mold me and shape me into the child you want me to be. I give you reign over my heart. I am yours! Amen.
Please share your comments with us. If this post was a blessing to you pass it on to someone else and bless them, as well!
This is what jumps out at me as I read this text:
....And Saul had banned from the land of Isreal all mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. When Saul saw the vast Phillistine army, he became frantic with fear. He asked the LORD what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets. Saul then said to his advisers, "Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do." (v. 3, 5-7)
Well that didn't take long, did it? Saul seems to have immediately forgotten his own ban on mediums. And why wouldn't you answer him, God? This reminds me of times when I've asked my child to do something or given him directions more than once and he has chosen to either ignore me or obey only a portion of what I've asked. If the child won't listen to your direction, Lord, then he or she may need to experience some natural consequences. I believe this is what happened here with Saul. You had directed him in the past and Saul was not obedient so you decided to leave him to his own devices.
Maybe this was a test to see where his heart really was on this matter. When it came down to it, Saul proved that his heart was not changed although he publicly denounced this practice. I think Saul thought that he was okay to call for a medium because he felt that God had left him. In fact, this is exactly what he told Samuel when Samuel asked why he had called him back (v. 15).
I know there have been times in my life when I've been very troubled about something and I don't feel like you're there. I have foolishly run to the counsel of others without waiting on you. Maybe the same has been true for me and you are teaching me that I need to seek you with my whole heart and be obedient to your direction in my life. You certainly don't force obedience. You know what's best and patiently wait for me to realize the same as I experience the natural consequences of my disobedience.
Father, help me to seek you with all of my heart and be obedient to what you ask of me. If I'm truly trusting in you this will come naturally. Lord, I don't ever want to feel like you've left me. I want to be fully submitted to you. Mold me and shape me into the child you want me to be. I give you reign over my heart. I am yours! Amen.
Please share your comments with us. If this post was a blessing to you pass it on to someone else and bless them, as well!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
When You Just Get Tired
I'm hoping for some wisdom from God today as I come to this moment to listen to his word and respond. Welcome along! Our conversation will grow out of 1 Samuel 27 through 28:2. That sounds long but it's just 14 verses. Go ahead and pray for insight and then read it with me. These are the words that jump off the page at me:
In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish [King of Philistia] said to David, "You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army." David said, "Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do." (28:1-2)
How does this happen? Did I read that right? So let me get this straight. David--the Israeli patriot, future anointed king of Israel, champion of God's honor--is marching into battle with the pagan king of the Philistines against the covenant people of God? And not only that, he's even talking smack about how he's going to whip them? I gotta admit. I never saw that one coming!
But then again, we never do. Have you ever found yourself doing the one evil thing you never thought you'd do? There you are thinking, "How in the world did I get myself into this?? I can't believe I'm actually doing this!" You didn't plan to. It was unthinkable that you'd ever get pulled into that. But, nevertheless, there you are. It's a sobering moment of truth.
I've got to believe that's exactly where David was. So how do we get into those places? Pretty much the same way that David did.
David thought to himself, "One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand." (27:1)
God, I can see myself in David here. This is a moment of weakness where I can let myself turn inward and get tired of fighting the good fight. It wasn't that David had just suffered a defeat or was teetering from a crisis, either. He had just pulled off a great stunt and once again put Saul to shame (chp. 26). You had brought him through yet another sticky situation. But he must have just gotten tired of it all.
Sometimes we get to thinking that your way just isn't working for us. We get alone with our thoughts and don't accept the encouragement of others. We think faith will only get us so far and we forget your faithfulness to your promises. We start compromising our ethics because it seems like the expedient thing to do. We lose our focus and stray off course. Sometimes we wander into places, relationships or diversions that seem to offer some refuge from the stress and strain. It seems like a small line to cross and worth the relief it brings. But it's not where we belong, and the tide eventually starts to roll in.
That's how we one day wake up and realize we've traveled far from where we once stood, done things we never thought we'd stoop to. Lord, help me to stay out of that pit! Remind me of your faithfulness and how you've been there for me in the past. Let me never forget that you were there yesterday and you'll be there tomorrow. God, I pledge not to compromise on what's good and right and in tune with your will. I will rely on you and find fresh strength for the journey each day. Thank you for providing it. And thank you for your grace and forgiveness for the times I've failed. I need it and I receive it today because of what Jesus did for me on the cross. Amen.
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In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish [King of Philistia] said to David, "You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army." David said, "Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do." (28:1-2)
How does this happen? Did I read that right? So let me get this straight. David--the Israeli patriot, future anointed king of Israel, champion of God's honor--is marching into battle with the pagan king of the Philistines against the covenant people of God? And not only that, he's even talking smack about how he's going to whip them? I gotta admit. I never saw that one coming!
But then again, we never do. Have you ever found yourself doing the one evil thing you never thought you'd do? There you are thinking, "How in the world did I get myself into this?? I can't believe I'm actually doing this!" You didn't plan to. It was unthinkable that you'd ever get pulled into that. But, nevertheless, there you are. It's a sobering moment of truth.
I've got to believe that's exactly where David was. So how do we get into those places? Pretty much the same way that David did.
David thought to himself, "One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand." (27:1)
God, I can see myself in David here. This is a moment of weakness where I can let myself turn inward and get tired of fighting the good fight. It wasn't that David had just suffered a defeat or was teetering from a crisis, either. He had just pulled off a great stunt and once again put Saul to shame (chp. 26). You had brought him through yet another sticky situation. But he must have just gotten tired of it all.
Sometimes we get to thinking that your way just isn't working for us. We get alone with our thoughts and don't accept the encouragement of others. We think faith will only get us so far and we forget your faithfulness to your promises. We start compromising our ethics because it seems like the expedient thing to do. We lose our focus and stray off course. Sometimes we wander into places, relationships or diversions that seem to offer some refuge from the stress and strain. It seems like a small line to cross and worth the relief it brings. But it's not where we belong, and the tide eventually starts to roll in.
That's how we one day wake up and realize we've traveled far from where we once stood, done things we never thought we'd stoop to. Lord, help me to stay out of that pit! Remind me of your faithfulness and how you've been there for me in the past. Let me never forget that you were there yesterday and you'll be there tomorrow. God, I pledge not to compromise on what's good and right and in tune with your will. I will rely on you and find fresh strength for the journey each day. Thank you for providing it. And thank you for your grace and forgiveness for the times I've failed. I need it and I receive it today because of what Jesus did for me on the cross. Amen.
Please share your comments! You can comment as "Anonymous" or sign in at the top right of the page. Remember to post this to Facebook! It's as simple as clicking the Facebook logo (f) below and typing in your password. Thanks, and God's peace to you!
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