Friday, September 12, 2014
The Elephant in the Room: Is Jesus the Only Way?
The exclusivity of Jesus' claims can make us feel a little uncomfortable. It raises a lot of questions in our minds as we think about people that we know and care about who have grown up in other faiths, not to mention the people in other nations that are closed to Christianity. I hope this video message will be helpful as you wrestle with this important topic.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Great Expectations: To Build
I want my one and only life to count, don't you? I want to live it for a cause greater than myself and leave ripples that will continue to expand outward long after I'm gone. The cool thing is that that is what God wants for my life, too…and yours! That's why he invites us, no matter what we do for a living, to partner with him in building something that can be amazing--his church. Skeptical? I don't blame you. The church isn't always what it could be or should be. But that's where you and I come in!
Great Expectations: To Believe
Hello, friends! Thank you for stopping by my blog! If you struggle to believe or trust God, or would like to have a clearer understanding of what it means to have faith in Jesus, maybe this video message I gave recently will be of some help. Just know that we all struggle to have faith. And the fact that you may have doubts is so natural and common for all of us who take our journey through life with God. Doubts don't mean that you don't know God or that he will reject you. He is patiently calling us to trust that he is for us and not against us. In the struggle of life, belief can grow. If you want to skip over the music, drag the video slider to 19:45.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Christ the King
Hello, my friends! We are doing great here in Peoria, Illinois. The kids have adjusted and are enjoying the beginning of a fun summer full of activity. I am enjoying my ministry at Richwoods Christian Church and God has continued to work in and through me. If you would like, you can watch a video of a sermon I preached this weekend, as long as it remains online.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Update on the Workmans
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I've Already Decided
Good morning and happy Tuesday to all of you! This is Michele with you this morning, excited to have the opportunity to share with you what God has placed upon my heart regarding 1 Samuel 26. Again, David has the opportunity to kill Saul but doesn't follow through. Read it through and focus on David's response to this opportunity.
I can just imagine how David must have felt. Saul has been hunting him down for some time now without success. David is now given a second opportunity to end this whole nightmare but he chooses not to. What? Why? God, you handed him over to David. Was David being disobedient to you? Or....had he already made a decision to not kill Saul? Maybe this was a test from you to see how David would respond when he was asked to make a moral decision? Again. Was David honoring Saul or was he ultimately honoring you, Lord?
"God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!" Abishai whispered to David. "Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won't need to strike twice."
"No!" David said. "Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord's anointed one?" (v. 8-9)
Even under the pressure from Abishai, David doesn't seem to cave. He has already made the decision not to kill Saul and I don't believe it had anything to do with Saul himself. It was all about David's decision to honor you, Lord. Even when it would have been so easy to do what was wrong, David stood on his desire to please and honor you. What a great example of godliness he was to Abishai.
I've taught my son to make important moral decisions before he has to stand up against the pressure to make a bad choice. We are much stronger in situations of moral dilemma when we already know what our response will be. How about decisions regarding how you will conduct yourself at work (stealing anything from a paper clip to taking extra time during a break), at home (faithful to your spouse and upstanding as a parent), at school (will you follow the crowd when it comes to drinking or smoking or making fun of another classmate), in your relationships (will you have sex before marriage), etc. The list goes on and on.
Lord, I want to honor you with my life and in the decisions I make. There is always someone watching and waiting to see how I will respond in certain situations. I want to stand on my decision to follow you and not the ways of the world. Help me, Lord, and convict my heart when I'm tempted to make a decision that does not honor you. I want to leave a legacy of godliness to pass along to those who follow after me. I want to follow your ways even when I'm handed the opportunity to easily do the wrong thing. You are my master and my king...I choose to honor you! Amen
I can just imagine how David must have felt. Saul has been hunting him down for some time now without success. David is now given a second opportunity to end this whole nightmare but he chooses not to. What? Why? God, you handed him over to David. Was David being disobedient to you? Or....had he already made a decision to not kill Saul? Maybe this was a test from you to see how David would respond when he was asked to make a moral decision? Again. Was David honoring Saul or was he ultimately honoring you, Lord?
"God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!" Abishai whispered to David. "Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won't need to strike twice."
"No!" David said. "Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord's anointed one?" (v. 8-9)
Even under the pressure from Abishai, David doesn't seem to cave. He has already made the decision not to kill Saul and I don't believe it had anything to do with Saul himself. It was all about David's decision to honor you, Lord. Even when it would have been so easy to do what was wrong, David stood on his desire to please and honor you. What a great example of godliness he was to Abishai.
I've taught my son to make important moral decisions before he has to stand up against the pressure to make a bad choice. We are much stronger in situations of moral dilemma when we already know what our response will be. How about decisions regarding how you will conduct yourself at work (stealing anything from a paper clip to taking extra time during a break), at home (faithful to your spouse and upstanding as a parent), at school (will you follow the crowd when it comes to drinking or smoking or making fun of another classmate), in your relationships (will you have sex before marriage), etc. The list goes on and on.
Lord, I want to honor you with my life and in the decisions I make. There is always someone watching and waiting to see how I will respond in certain situations. I want to stand on my decision to follow you and not the ways of the world. Help me, Lord, and convict my heart when I'm tempted to make a decision that does not honor you. I want to leave a legacy of godliness to pass along to those who follow after me. I want to follow your ways even when I'm handed the opportunity to easily do the wrong thing. You are my master and my king...I choose to honor you! Amen
Friday, February 24, 2012
Flying Off the Handle?
Streams of living water in the desert...that is how it feels to step out of the world and its frustrations and into the blessed Word of God! May you be blessed today, as I am, with encouragment and comfort as we read and think about 1 Samuel 25. This is Katrinka writing today, glad to be able to share with you and receive a blessing back! God bless you each and every one. Join in with our discussion please, and share it as you see fit.
Chris wrote yesterday about the wonderful quality of nobility. It was an inspiring lesson to see David rise above the temptation to take revenge on Saul, the one who tried repeatedly to kill David. His noble character and trust in God to straighten things out instead of taking it into his own hands was a great example to me. Then I read chapter 25 and saw a totally different side of David! Here in this chapter he gets really mad for a reason that was not nearly as important as his encounter with King Saul in chapter 24.
David's pride got hurt! His men had been helpful with the sheep shearing of Nabal's flock. Since it was a festive time, David politely asked of the owner Nabal, "Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them."(v. 8). When David heard about Nabal's arrogant rejection and insults over his request, David lost it! I mean, he exploded into action probably yelling, "Put on your swords!" (v. 13). Then he went out for revenge with 400 men. David was frothing at the mouth, so to speak, when he said,
Hmmmmmm? Is this the same man we read about yesterday?? Is this the one who bowed low before his enemy and spared his life graciously? I guess David was human after all! I know that I can relate to this change of attitude. Sometimes I feel noble and can be magnanimous and open-minded. And at another time my humanity takes over and I can get all bent out of shape and lose my cool over something microscopic! Are you like that too?
That's when we all need someone like Abigail to come into the picture. Abigail, a woman. Abigail, the wife of the Nabal (which means Fool - v. 25). Now how in the world can this one little woman stand up against an army of 400 to save her home and family? With great courage and fast action, she took herself into the line of fire in an attempt to make peace with David. Abigail played a vital role in this scenario because she was a peacemaker. Jesus our Lord said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9).
When we are raving and ranting, we need someone to calm us down and put things back into perspective. Abigail did just that. When she saw David, Abigail demonstrated what it is to be a peacemaker. In verses 23 and following we read of her humility, of her gentle reasoning with David. And then she spoke words that must have struck David to the heart, "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, ..." (v. 26).
You know what I hear when I read that? The Lord sent Abigail to David. God used a simple woman to speak words of wisdom to a mighty warrior who had defeated Goliath and had command of thousands of soldiers.
Isn't that a little ironic? Many times in my life I have found that the Lord does things like that. I believe that he is patient and kind and merciful and helpful to his children, and that he often prevents us from making great mistakes by sending someone or something--a voice--that brings about peace in our lives in place of conflict, hurt and pain.
You like happy endings? I do! This one has a perfect fairytale ending. To make a long story short, Nabal the ungrateful is struck dead by God! That was quick vengeance! Then David asks Abigail to marry him and, I believe, they lived "happily ever after." Isn't that ending a lot more satisfying than having it all end up in a bloodbath? I think so. And now the lesson for me and for you: Be a peacemaker, and listen to those peacemakers who God sends our way.
Dear Lord, bring about more peace in our lives as we trust in You and listen for your direction in our lives. Forgive us when we lose control and fly off the handle. Keep us calm in your Everlasting Love and care. In Jesus' name we ask it, Amen.
Chris wrote yesterday about the wonderful quality of nobility. It was an inspiring lesson to see David rise above the temptation to take revenge on Saul, the one who tried repeatedly to kill David. His noble character and trust in God to straighten things out instead of taking it into his own hands was a great example to me. Then I read chapter 25 and saw a totally different side of David! Here in this chapter he gets really mad for a reason that was not nearly as important as his encounter with King Saul in chapter 24.
David's pride got hurt! His men had been helpful with the sheep shearing of Nabal's flock. Since it was a festive time, David politely asked of the owner Nabal, "Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them."(v. 8). When David heard about Nabal's arrogant rejection and insults over his request, David lost it! I mean, he exploded into action probably yelling, "Put on your swords!" (v. 13). Then he went out for revenge with 400 men. David was frothing at the mouth, so to speak, when he said,
"It's been useless--all my watching over this fellow's property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!"(vv. 21-22).
Hmmmmmm? Is this the same man we read about yesterday?? Is this the one who bowed low before his enemy and spared his life graciously? I guess David was human after all! I know that I can relate to this change of attitude. Sometimes I feel noble and can be magnanimous and open-minded. And at another time my humanity takes over and I can get all bent out of shape and lose my cool over something microscopic! Are you like that too?
That's when we all need someone like Abigail to come into the picture. Abigail, a woman. Abigail, the wife of the Nabal (which means Fool - v. 25). Now how in the world can this one little woman stand up against an army of 400 to save her home and family? With great courage and fast action, she took herself into the line of fire in an attempt to make peace with David. Abigail played a vital role in this scenario because she was a peacemaker. Jesus our Lord said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9).
When we are raving and ranting, we need someone to calm us down and put things back into perspective. Abigail did just that. When she saw David, Abigail demonstrated what it is to be a peacemaker. In verses 23 and following we read of her humility, of her gentle reasoning with David. And then she spoke words that must have struck David to the heart, "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, ..." (v. 26).
You know what I hear when I read that? The Lord sent Abigail to David. God used a simple woman to speak words of wisdom to a mighty warrior who had defeated Goliath and had command of thousands of soldiers.
Isn't that a little ironic? Many times in my life I have found that the Lord does things like that. I believe that he is patient and kind and merciful and helpful to his children, and that he often prevents us from making great mistakes by sending someone or something--a voice--that brings about peace in our lives in place of conflict, hurt and pain.
You like happy endings? I do! This one has a perfect fairytale ending. To make a long story short, Nabal the ungrateful is struck dead by God! That was quick vengeance! Then David asks Abigail to marry him and, I believe, they lived "happily ever after." Isn't that ending a lot more satisfying than having it all end up in a bloodbath? I think so. And now the lesson for me and for you: Be a peacemaker, and listen to those peacemakers who God sends our way.
Dear Lord, bring about more peace in our lives as we trust in You and listen for your direction in our lives. Forgive us when we lose control and fly off the handle. Keep us calm in your Everlasting Love and care. In Jesus' name we ask it, Amen.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Rise to Nobility
Welcome back! Every day there is a fresh supply of wisdom and inspiration from God. You just have to receive it! So let's listen to his heart from 1 Samuel 24 today. It's an easy read, so don't miss the blessing.
God is speaking to me today about nobility. Yeah, that's not a quality you hear much about anymore, is it? Living a noble life may not get you on TV or in the mags and definitely not in the Super Bowl half-time show, but it will win you honor and respect. It will also give you a deep sense that way down at your core, everything is good, as it should be.
David is being hunted like an animal by King Saul for nothing except pure envy. Saul has falsely accused David and slandered him and turned him into a target. Then Saul steps unwittingly into a cave where David is hiding with his men. At last, David has a chance to rid himself of Saul forever! Yet, he passes up the opportunity. I'm struck by what he says to Saul as he surprises him at the mouth of the cave:
May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you." (v. 12-13)
Hollywood's all about revenge. ABC even has a primetime show by that name. God, I have to admit that there are times that I have wanted revenge. Badly. There is something animal in us that wants to strike back when we've been wounded. I am totally impressed by David's self-restraint. Revenge was his for the taking and he let it go! And why would he do that? He wanted to live a noble life. I aspire to that kind of character, Lord. I want to entrust vengeance to you.
What impresses me even more is that David chose mercy over malice even when his whole band of men were egging him on. He could really have found good reason to listen to them. They were validating his anger and his craving for revenge. They even interpreted this fortuitous opportunity as God's will that David strike back. It's so easy to justify our hatred, God. It's such a temptation to tell our stories of betrayal to as many people as we can so that we can win their empathy and feel validated in getting even.
Lord, help me to have the moral courage to stand with you like David did, to push back against the voices that prod us to a life of anything less than nobility--especially the voice within. No wonder you called David a man after your own heart. His heart was noble. He lived above his petty, jealous, back-stabbing enemies. He rose above even his misguided friends. He took the high road, and he didn't even pat himself on the back for it. It wasn't just a show. He was real. It was who he was in you.
I choose the path of nobility, God. Lead me in it, and help me to instill it in my children. And thank you for the people who have modeled it for me so well. They are a glory to you! Amen.
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God is speaking to me today about nobility. Yeah, that's not a quality you hear much about anymore, is it? Living a noble life may not get you on TV or in the mags and definitely not in the Super Bowl half-time show, but it will win you honor and respect. It will also give you a deep sense that way down at your core, everything is good, as it should be.
David is being hunted like an animal by King Saul for nothing except pure envy. Saul has falsely accused David and slandered him and turned him into a target. Then Saul steps unwittingly into a cave where David is hiding with his men. At last, David has a chance to rid himself of Saul forever! Yet, he passes up the opportunity. I'm struck by what he says to Saul as he surprises him at the mouth of the cave:
May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you." (v. 12-13)
Hollywood's all about revenge. ABC even has a primetime show by that name. God, I have to admit that there are times that I have wanted revenge. Badly. There is something animal in us that wants to strike back when we've been wounded. I am totally impressed by David's self-restraint. Revenge was his for the taking and he let it go! And why would he do that? He wanted to live a noble life. I aspire to that kind of character, Lord. I want to entrust vengeance to you.
What impresses me even more is that David chose mercy over malice even when his whole band of men were egging him on. He could really have found good reason to listen to them. They were validating his anger and his craving for revenge. They even interpreted this fortuitous opportunity as God's will that David strike back. It's so easy to justify our hatred, God. It's such a temptation to tell our stories of betrayal to as many people as we can so that we can win their empathy and feel validated in getting even.
Lord, help me to have the moral courage to stand with you like David did, to push back against the voices that prod us to a life of anything less than nobility--especially the voice within. No wonder you called David a man after your own heart. His heart was noble. He lived above his petty, jealous, back-stabbing enemies. He rose above even his misguided friends. He took the high road, and he didn't even pat himself on the back for it. It wasn't just a show. He was real. It was who he was in you.
I choose the path of nobility, God. Lead me in it, and help me to instill it in my children. And thank you for the people who have modeled it for me so well. They are a glory to you! Amen.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Best Friends
God is inviting us into a conversation with him about who he is, who we are, and what a life of faith looks like through the Scriptures. Today we are coming to 1 Samuel 23, where we continue the exploits of David.
These were some of the dark times of David's life. He used to be the winner of Israeli Idol--everyone was cheering him and singing his praises. But now he's been reduced to a fugitive, living as a nomad in desolate places. Everywhere he goes, even people he rescues try to turn him over to the king. That had to be depressing! It's troubling, God, that sometimes even the very people we've helped the most can turn on us. They are among the individuals in our lives who suck the emotional and spiritual energy right out of us. Just being around them is exhausting. But what I feel you touching my heart with is this statement:
And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (v. 16)
I need more people like Jonathan in my life. They are the people that invigorate me. They are the spiritual energy-boosters. When I'm down and out, they are the ones that I love to hear from. God, I'm thinking of some of those people now and how you've used them to lift me up out of the dumps more than once. In my dark days, there would be an email from Jeanne with a prayer for strength. Here is one I saved:
Dear Chris~
I have been thinking of and praying for you, Lori and Steven. I have my chapel
hour today (2-3) and will offer it for you and your children. I know this day
will be particularly difficult and I pray you find the Spirit of the Lord in
the midst of your sadness.
Yes, she was my Jonathan so many times even though we weren't otherwise very close. I think of Michele who points me to you on a regular basis, daily encouraging me to remember that I am yours and that you have a plan for me. I think of Scott and Greg and many others who have helped me find strength in you, God, via a phone call or a visit or something in writing. I think of Terry and Steve who drove 8 hours to come and lay hands on my shoulders and pray with me during a crisis. And I think of my mom who has been my constant encourager for all my life, who has even flown across the ocean to stand by my side and gently remind me of God's love and helped me find his strength when my own was depleted. And the list could go on.
What would I do without those people in my life? Where would I be today without my Jonathans? God, they are such immense blessings from you! They are the best friends! I pray that my friends who read this blog find that I am one of their Jonathans, along with Michele and Katrinka who regularly contribute. I hope they find help through us to access your strength. And I pray that they will add more Jonathans to their lives by taking the risk to reach out and connect on a spiritual level with other friends of yours, God. They need that kind of relationships. I also pray that we will consider who we may be a Jonathan for today, tomorrow and every day moving forward. Somebody we know right now is sinking. Let us be one who helps them find strength in you, God, our Rock, Fortress and Deliverer. Amen!
Please share your story of one of your Jonathans, or share a way that you have found that you can be a Jonathan to others. And please share this post on Facebook! (Click "f" below.) Peace.
These were some of the dark times of David's life. He used to be the winner of Israeli Idol--everyone was cheering him and singing his praises. But now he's been reduced to a fugitive, living as a nomad in desolate places. Everywhere he goes, even people he rescues try to turn him over to the king. That had to be depressing! It's troubling, God, that sometimes even the very people we've helped the most can turn on us. They are among the individuals in our lives who suck the emotional and spiritual energy right out of us. Just being around them is exhausting. But what I feel you touching my heart with is this statement:
And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (v. 16)
I need more people like Jonathan in my life. They are the people that invigorate me. They are the spiritual energy-boosters. When I'm down and out, they are the ones that I love to hear from. God, I'm thinking of some of those people now and how you've used them to lift me up out of the dumps more than once. In my dark days, there would be an email from Jeanne with a prayer for strength. Here is one I saved:
Dear Chris~
I have been thinking of and praying for you, Lori and Steven. I have my chapel
hour today (2-3) and will offer it for you and your children. I know this day
will be particularly difficult and I pray you find the Spirit of the Lord in
the midst of your sadness.
Yes, she was my Jonathan so many times even though we weren't otherwise very close. I think of Michele who points me to you on a regular basis, daily encouraging me to remember that I am yours and that you have a plan for me. I think of Scott and Greg and many others who have helped me find strength in you, God, via a phone call or a visit or something in writing. I think of Terry and Steve who drove 8 hours to come and lay hands on my shoulders and pray with me during a crisis. And I think of my mom who has been my constant encourager for all my life, who has even flown across the ocean to stand by my side and gently remind me of God's love and helped me find his strength when my own was depleted. And the list could go on.
What would I do without those people in my life? Where would I be today without my Jonathans? God, they are such immense blessings from you! They are the best friends! I pray that my friends who read this blog find that I am one of their Jonathans, along with Michele and Katrinka who regularly contribute. I hope they find help through us to access your strength. And I pray that they will add more Jonathans to their lives by taking the risk to reach out and connect on a spiritual level with other friends of yours, God. They need that kind of relationships. I also pray that we will consider who we may be a Jonathan for today, tomorrow and every day moving forward. Somebody we know right now is sinking. Let us be one who helps them find strength in you, God, our Rock, Fortress and Deliverer. Amen!
Please share your story of one of your Jonathans, or share a way that you have found that you can be a Jonathan to others. And please share this post on Facebook! (Click "f" below.) Peace.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Rise of Evil
Good morning and happy Tuesday to all of you! This is Michele writing for you this morning. Thank you for being with me as we dive into God's Word. Are you ready to hear from the Lord? Me too! Please read 1 Samuel 22:3-23 with me. It's short but pretty intense.
Then the king said to Doeg, "You do it." So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests' families-men and women, children and babies-and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. (v. 18-19)
Lord, this seems a little unfair and way over the top! All because one priest consulted you for David and gave him food and a sword? Was it necessary for eighty-five men and their families to die for that? What had happened to Saul? He had become an evil madman.
Why would you let this happen, God? Why didn't you protect those who served you? One would think that there should be some sort of special protection for those who live their lives in service to you. It doesn't make sense that those who love you have to lose their lives while evil is allowed to flourish. Saul had become a very evil man and he expected everyone else to follow in his schemes. I was encouraged to read in verse 17 that Saul's own men refused to do the killing that he had ordered them to do. Someone needed to stand up for what was right. I also noticed that Saul didn't do any of the killing himself, he needed someone else to do his dirty work. What a coward!
But, God, you don't want us to develop a relationship with you so we can escape the evil in this world. You don't want us to come to you with the misconception that life will be easier that way. Some of the most long suffering people I know are very devoted Christians. As Christians we never have to suffer alone, you come along side us and even carry us when our own strength is gone. Coming to you is not a guarantee of all good things to come but it IS a guarantee of eternal life and the ultimate abolition of evil.
Dear Lord, keep our minds on the ultimate prize of eternal life with you. Fill our hearts with hope and joy and help us not to expect to live an easy and carefree life here on earth because we know you. Life is hard and as Christians the world does not side with us. Regardless of how the course of our lives may go, give us hearts that are wholly committed to you. We love you, Lord. Amen
Then the king said to Doeg, "You do it." So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests' families-men and women, children and babies-and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. (v. 18-19)
Lord, this seems a little unfair and way over the top! All because one priest consulted you for David and gave him food and a sword? Was it necessary for eighty-five men and their families to die for that? What had happened to Saul? He had become an evil madman.
Why would you let this happen, God? Why didn't you protect those who served you? One would think that there should be some sort of special protection for those who live their lives in service to you. It doesn't make sense that those who love you have to lose their lives while evil is allowed to flourish. Saul had become a very evil man and he expected everyone else to follow in his schemes. I was encouraged to read in verse 17 that Saul's own men refused to do the killing that he had ordered them to do. Someone needed to stand up for what was right. I also noticed that Saul didn't do any of the killing himself, he needed someone else to do his dirty work. What a coward!
But, God, you don't want us to develop a relationship with you so we can escape the evil in this world. You don't want us to come to you with the misconception that life will be easier that way. Some of the most long suffering people I know are very devoted Christians. As Christians we never have to suffer alone, you come along side us and even carry us when our own strength is gone. Coming to you is not a guarantee of all good things to come but it IS a guarantee of eternal life and the ultimate abolition of evil.
Dear Lord, keep our minds on the ultimate prize of eternal life with you. Fill our hearts with hope and joy and help us not to expect to live an easy and carefree life here on earth because we know you. Life is hard and as Christians the world does not side with us. Regardless of how the course of our lives may go, give us hearts that are wholly committed to you. We love you, Lord. Amen
Friday, February 17, 2012
When Life Falls Apart
Welcome to today's conversation with God! His voice is the only one that is always true, so I filter all the other voices in my life through his word. I'm reading 1 Samuel 21 through 22:2. And what I see here is a man in trouble--a man full of fear, anxiety and desperation. Life had definitely turned south on David. His storybook rise to popularity and privilege has turned into a nightmare.
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. (v. 12-13)
This isn't quite the same guy that boldly charged the giant, is it? This isn't the same man of faith who was confident that God would enable him to beat down that big bully. I mean, where is the David that fearlessly led dozens of conquests against Israel's fiercest enemies?
Life happened to David. Here's what I mean. God had always given him the outcome he had hoped for. He had won every battle. Until now. He went from hero to hated in the eyes of the king, and for the first time he felt totally vulnerable. That's a familiar place for me, God, and probably for lots of others. It's that moment where I realize that you don't seem to be helping me. You aren't coming through like you have before. Whereas faith had once given me almost a feeling of invincibility, it becomes starkly clear that my relationship with you doesn't guarantee me that I won't be badly hurt or that I cannot fail. I begin to wonder if you've withdrawn your favor.
That's when I start thinking that's it all up to me to save my own neck. That's when I try to scheme my way out of the problems I am facing. David was definitely in scheming mode at this point. He's lying to good people who would help him. He's running to people who are worse than Saul. And he ends up in a dark cave feeling the loneliness and depression close in around him.
God, I've been to that dark place before. Long sleepless nights. Troubled thoughts that hound me. Feelings of being abandoned. But it's a place where you can still be found. You met David in that cave. You reminded him that he should never take your help for granted. He needed to seek it. He needed to seek you. He needed to let his troubled thoughts find peace in the only one who is bigger than all of that mess he was in. It's wonderful, God, that even in the darkest place your light can emerge. As David wrote from within that cave:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all. (Psalm 34:18-19)
I'd love for you to share an experience of your own and what you learned from it. You can comment below, selecting "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" menu. And please take just a second to share this post with your friends on Facebook. It may be just what they needed today! (Click the Facebook "f" icon below.)
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. (v. 12-13)
This isn't quite the same guy that boldly charged the giant, is it? This isn't the same man of faith who was confident that God would enable him to beat down that big bully. I mean, where is the David that fearlessly led dozens of conquests against Israel's fiercest enemies?
Life happened to David. Here's what I mean. God had always given him the outcome he had hoped for. He had won every battle. Until now. He went from hero to hated in the eyes of the king, and for the first time he felt totally vulnerable. That's a familiar place for me, God, and probably for lots of others. It's that moment where I realize that you don't seem to be helping me. You aren't coming through like you have before. Whereas faith had once given me almost a feeling of invincibility, it becomes starkly clear that my relationship with you doesn't guarantee me that I won't be badly hurt or that I cannot fail. I begin to wonder if you've withdrawn your favor.
That's when I start thinking that's it all up to me to save my own neck. That's when I try to scheme my way out of the problems I am facing. David was definitely in scheming mode at this point. He's lying to good people who would help him. He's running to people who are worse than Saul. And he ends up in a dark cave feeling the loneliness and depression close in around him.
God, I've been to that dark place before. Long sleepless nights. Troubled thoughts that hound me. Feelings of being abandoned. But it's a place where you can still be found. You met David in that cave. You reminded him that he should never take your help for granted. He needed to seek it. He needed to seek you. He needed to let his troubled thoughts find peace in the only one who is bigger than all of that mess he was in. It's wonderful, God, that even in the darkest place your light can emerge. As David wrote from within that cave:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all. (Psalm 34:18-19)
I'd love for you to share an experience of your own and what you learned from it. You can comment below, selecting "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" menu. And please take just a second to share this post with your friends on Facebook. It may be just what they needed today! (Click the Facebook "f" icon below.)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
From Cyber-Acquaintances to Loyal Friendships
I hope you had a happy Valentine's Day with the one you love! If you're not in love right now, don't forget how special your close friends and family are. As I listen for a word from God today from 1 Samuel 20, I'm thinking about how important relationships are. Read with me about David's true friendship with Jonathan. What a great story!
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have a sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD..." (v. 42)
It’s been said that “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.” That is what Jonathan was to David. God, you are showing me something about the importance of loyalty. It's a quality that is hard to find these days. A loyal friend or a loyal spouse is a priceless blessing. And you are showing me what loyalty really is. Some people are scared of commitment. Others make commitments and stand by them, but only as long as it's in their own best interest. A truly loyal person is willing to suffer to keep his commitment. That's what I see in Jonathan. He stood by his friend even though David was a threat to his own heirship to the throne. Not only that, but he remained loyal even when it almost got him killed!
Jonathan had a tough situation to navigate, trying to balance his loyalty to both his friend, David, and his own father, King Saul. It's not uncommon to have conflicting loyalties. Relationships are complicated. It's admirable how well Jonathan managed to avoid betraying either of these two important relationships. I see, God, that the wisdom it took to do that came from Jonathan's ultimate loyaly to you. The principles that you had taught him through your word about love and truth and honor were clearly guiding him. It's a far cry from the soap opera lives that so many people live!
God, thank you for reminding me that loyalty is the key to lasting, satisfying relationships. And thank you for the reminder that true loyalty must stand strong even when it hurts or threatens my own self-interest. I know that you being my highest loyalty helps me tremendously to deal effectively with the complicated situations that relationships present.
It would be great if you were to share your own reflections below! And please share this post on Facebook. We're good at cyber-acquaintances, but real loyalty is something most of us crave and we all need. Peace.
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have a sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD..." (v. 42)
It’s been said that “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.” That is what Jonathan was to David. God, you are showing me something about the importance of loyalty. It's a quality that is hard to find these days. A loyal friend or a loyal spouse is a priceless blessing. And you are showing me what loyalty really is. Some people are scared of commitment. Others make commitments and stand by them, but only as long as it's in their own best interest. A truly loyal person is willing to suffer to keep his commitment. That's what I see in Jonathan. He stood by his friend even though David was a threat to his own heirship to the throne. Not only that, but he remained loyal even when it almost got him killed!
Jonathan had a tough situation to navigate, trying to balance his loyalty to both his friend, David, and his own father, King Saul. It's not uncommon to have conflicting loyalties. Relationships are complicated. It's admirable how well Jonathan managed to avoid betraying either of these two important relationships. I see, God, that the wisdom it took to do that came from Jonathan's ultimate loyaly to you. The principles that you had taught him through your word about love and truth and honor were clearly guiding him. It's a far cry from the soap opera lives that so many people live!
God, thank you for reminding me that loyalty is the key to lasting, satisfying relationships. And thank you for the reminder that true loyalty must stand strong even when it hurts or threatens my own self-interest. I know that you being my highest loyalty helps me tremendously to deal effectively with the complicated situations that relationships present.
It would be great if you were to share your own reflections below! And please share this post on Facebook. We're good at cyber-acquaintances, but real loyalty is something most of us crave and we all need. Peace.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Green with Envy
Happy Valentines Day to all of you! Make sure you tell someone special that you love them today. This is Michele with you this morning and we are moving into Chapter 19 of 1 Samuel. Please take a read and let your mind ponder what God is wanting to get across to you. He always has something valuable to say to us in his Word. God speaks to each one of us in a unique way depending on what we need to hear.
This is what I hear him saying to my heart as I read this chapter:
So Saul listened to Jonathan and vowed, "As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed."
Afterward Jonathan called David and told him what had happened. Then he brought David to Saul, and David served in the court as before. (v. 6-7)
Finally, Lord, Saul came to his senses and listened to Jonathan. In the verses leading up to this, Jonathan reminded his father of all the things David had done for him and all of Isreal in the past. It appears as if Saul was able to look past himself then and remember who David really was. Jonathan seemed to have a great influence on this father.
All went well until David had yet another victory and Saul just couldn't handle it. (v.8)
But one day when Saul was sitting at home, with spear in hand, the tormenting spirit from the Lord suddenly came upon him again. As David played his harp, Saul hurled his spear at David. But David dodged out of the way, and leaving the spear stuck in the wall, he fled and escaped into the night. (v. 9-10)
Ugh! Looks like Saul was still a very jealous man. God, why is it that we get caught up in wanting to be better than others? Maybe there's a coworker who's making a good impression on his/her boss, maybe a friend wins an award for doing something very well, or someone else gets an accolade that we think we deserve. We need to be happy for other's accomplishments and not always want ourselves to be the best. Lord, I realize that this story is quite extreme but not unheard of. I'm currently thinking of our crime rate and the amount of gang violence or just murders in general that occur in our world. A good percentage of violent crimes happen because someone has what someone else wants. Some individuals will go to any extreme to get what they want.
Heavenly Father, please make us the kind of people who will give you praise for other's accomplishments and recognize your work in their lives. Help us to support others and love them with a love that only comes from you. We want to be shining examples of your love, not jealous and self serving. The next generation needs to be taught how to love others and if Christians don't teach them they will definitely learn the ways of our fallen world. Give us, dear Lord, the desire to teach our young ones your ways. Amen
Please share your thoughts with us. Bless others if you've been blessed! Have a great one and again, Happy Valentines Day!
This is what I hear him saying to my heart as I read this chapter:
So Saul listened to Jonathan and vowed, "As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed."
Afterward Jonathan called David and told him what had happened. Then he brought David to Saul, and David served in the court as before. (v. 6-7)
Finally, Lord, Saul came to his senses and listened to Jonathan. In the verses leading up to this, Jonathan reminded his father of all the things David had done for him and all of Isreal in the past. It appears as if Saul was able to look past himself then and remember who David really was. Jonathan seemed to have a great influence on this father.
All went well until David had yet another victory and Saul just couldn't handle it. (v.8)
But one day when Saul was sitting at home, with spear in hand, the tormenting spirit from the Lord suddenly came upon him again. As David played his harp, Saul hurled his spear at David. But David dodged out of the way, and leaving the spear stuck in the wall, he fled and escaped into the night. (v. 9-10)
Ugh! Looks like Saul was still a very jealous man. God, why is it that we get caught up in wanting to be better than others? Maybe there's a coworker who's making a good impression on his/her boss, maybe a friend wins an award for doing something very well, or someone else gets an accolade that we think we deserve. We need to be happy for other's accomplishments and not always want ourselves to be the best. Lord, I realize that this story is quite extreme but not unheard of. I'm currently thinking of our crime rate and the amount of gang violence or just murders in general that occur in our world. A good percentage of violent crimes happen because someone has what someone else wants. Some individuals will go to any extreme to get what they want.
Heavenly Father, please make us the kind of people who will give you praise for other's accomplishments and recognize your work in their lives. Help us to support others and love them with a love that only comes from you. We want to be shining examples of your love, not jealous and self serving. The next generation needs to be taught how to love others and if Christians don't teach them they will definitely learn the ways of our fallen world. Give us, dear Lord, the desire to teach our young ones your ways. Amen
Please share your thoughts with us. Bless others if you've been blessed! Have a great one and again, Happy Valentines Day!
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