One of the nice things about being in a closer walk with God is quicker recovery. I didn't enter church tonight in the right frame of mind. As the drumsticks cracked to open the time of worship, I realized how sinful my thoughts and attitudes were and was quickly able to throw that up to God in prayer. Before the words of the first song were sung, I had done enough business with God to truly worship Him in spite of my recent faults.
Not only did He help me worship by quickly taking my junk from me, but He used that junk to teach me a lesson. Whenever I'm unhappy, it's almost without fail because I'm being selfish and self-focused. In times of being down, the antidote is to take my eyes off of myself and focus on the Lord and the needs of those around me.
"The art of losing myself in bringing You praise..." The words of that worship song rang true in my life tonight.
"Lord, enable me to lose myself so that I may be unhindered in bringing You praise and bringing light to the lives of others. Thanks for showing me that there is more to life than my personal happiness. Open up my eyes to things unseen--soften my heart to know that bringing You glory is all that matters in life. Thank You for Your patient teaching, Amen."
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The Lord Keeps His Promises
I Samuel 30: 8, 18 - 19: (emphasis added)
So David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?" And He answered him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all."
So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.
Whenever David turned to God for direction, the answer was sure and the blessing was great. Don't let that lesson be lost in your own life: go to God for all decisions and be willing to follow Him as He leads. The road may be uncanny, but He will not lead you astray.
So David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?" And He answered him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all."
So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.
Whenever David turned to God for direction, the answer was sure and the blessing was great. Don't let that lesson be lost in your own life: go to God for all decisions and be willing to follow Him as He leads. The road may be uncanny, but He will not lead you astray.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Worth the Wait
And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him...then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her." I Sam 28:6-7
When God doesn't answer, wait. Wait, and if necessary, get right with him. But by all means, do not go off looking for answers on your own. In Chapter 28, Saul seeks the counsel of a medium when he doesn't get an answer from God on how to fight the Philistines. The chapter mentions that he had earlier cast "the mediums and spiritists out of the land" (v. 3). Yet in desperation, he turns to a medium, and even promises her safety in spite of the Levitical laws that required stoning such a person (Lev. 20:27). He gets an answer in v.19, but it's not the one he wanted: he would die in battle the next day.
I don't struggle with consulting mediums for battle plans, but there are plenty of applications for waiting on the Lord in my life. It can be painful to sit and wait for the Lord to lead. However, it sure beats the misery of running away on my own and running head-first into His wrath.
When God doesn't answer, wait. Wait, and if necessary, get right with him. But by all means, do not go off looking for answers on your own. In Chapter 28, Saul seeks the counsel of a medium when he doesn't get an answer from God on how to fight the Philistines. The chapter mentions that he had earlier cast "the mediums and spiritists out of the land" (v. 3). Yet in desperation, he turns to a medium, and even promises her safety in spite of the Levitical laws that required stoning such a person (Lev. 20:27). He gets an answer in v.19, but it's not the one he wanted: he would die in battle the next day.
I don't struggle with consulting mediums for battle plans, but there are plenty of applications for waiting on the Lord in my life. It can be painful to sit and wait for the Lord to lead. However, it sure beats the misery of running away on my own and running head-first into His wrath.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Peace Out
So I'm rocking the morning quiet time on Christmas Day, and I come across an awesome connection between the familiar Christmas verse about "peace on earth, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14) and the OT (Isaiah 53:5): "...the chastisement for our peace was upon Him..."
In front of the family manger, it struck me that the only reason we can have "peace on earth" is that our punishment was on Christ. This connection definitely brought new life to the old Christmas cliche and gave me a deeper appreciation for the moments of "peace" I experience in my daily life.
In front of the family manger, it struck me that the only reason we can have "peace on earth" is that our punishment was on Christ. This connection definitely brought new life to the old Christmas cliche and gave me a deeper appreciation for the moments of "peace" I experience in my daily life.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Really?
I Sam 23:2-5
Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the Lord said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah."
But David's men said to him, "Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
Then David inquired of the Lord once again. And the Lord answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
In v.4, David gives God a "really?". God had told him in v.2 what to do. However, when David's buddies question God's plan out of fear, David double checks with God again...you know, just in case. Silly. God's answer was no different the second time around, yet this time He was more direct in His answer: "I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
So often, I want the full scoop before I'm willing to move forward in anything. However, when it comes to following God's leading, may I not be so presumptuous as to question Him. I may not get it, I may fear it, but I better do it. How can I glorify God when I question Him? "Lord, help me not to question You or hold out for more information when You prompt me to go. May my focus be on You--not on myself or others. May I obey You fully and without question, for Your glory. Amen."
God didn't mislead David, and He won't mislead us. Trust Him without question.
Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the Lord said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah."
But David's men said to him, "Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
Then David inquired of the Lord once again. And the Lord answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
In v.4, David gives God a "really?". God had told him in v.2 what to do. However, when David's buddies question God's plan out of fear, David double checks with God again...you know, just in case. Silly. God's answer was no different the second time around, yet this time He was more direct in His answer: "I will deliver the Philistines into your hand."
So often, I want the full scoop before I'm willing to move forward in anything. However, when it comes to following God's leading, may I not be so presumptuous as to question Him. I may not get it, I may fear it, but I better do it. How can I glorify God when I question Him? "Lord, help me not to question You or hold out for more information when You prompt me to go. May my focus be on You--not on myself or others. May I obey You fully and without question, for Your glory. Amen."
God didn't mislead David, and He won't mislead us. Trust Him without question.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Band of Brothers
"David...escapted to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them." I Sam 22:1-2
The amazing power of fellowship. It doesn't matter if every guy is a first round draft pick or a McDonald's All-American. Even the motliest of motley crews can bring tremendous power and encouragement to an individual. Reading the verses above, David's "brothers" seem more like a band of losers. However, their presence seems instrumental in David's turnaround: he went from fearfully hiding in a cave at the beginning of the chapter to bravely assuring a shaken priest that "with me you shall be safe" at the end of the chapter. More importantly, in the beginning of chapter 23 we see David returning to his Lord--seeking His will for his next course of action ("David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?'" I Sam 23:2).
I'm thankful for my small group brothers who give me the encouragement and boldness to take chances, make a doctor's appointment, leave work at a reasonable hour, own my junk, make morning time with God a consistent part of life, stay out the ditch of self-pity, manage my time better, persevere in running, and push on to greater service of others for the Lord's glory.
Thanks brothers!
The amazing power of fellowship. It doesn't matter if every guy is a first round draft pick or a McDonald's All-American. Even the motliest of motley crews can bring tremendous power and encouragement to an individual. Reading the verses above, David's "brothers" seem more like a band of losers. However, their presence seems instrumental in David's turnaround: he went from fearfully hiding in a cave at the beginning of the chapter to bravely assuring a shaken priest that "with me you shall be safe" at the end of the chapter. More importantly, in the beginning of chapter 23 we see David returning to his Lord--seeking His will for his next course of action ("David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?'" I Sam 23:2).
I'm thankful for my small group brothers who give me the encouragement and boldness to take chances, make a doctor's appointment, leave work at a reasonable hour, own my junk, make morning time with God a consistent part of life, stay out the ditch of self-pity, manage my time better, persevere in running, and push on to greater service of others for the Lord's glory.
Thanks brothers!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Avoiding the need for an escape hatch
In the end of I Sam 21, David goes mad. He literally feigns insanity to avoid a risky situation in front of the Philistine king in enemy territory. Was it a wise move? Should he be commended for taking the only escape hatch available to preserve his life--and the lineage to our Saviour?
Not so fast my friend!
What was David doing in enemy territory by himself, holding the sword of the Philistine champion he had previously killed? Why did he even need an escape hatch? If he had focused on God instead of continuing to run from Saul, I would venture to say that he would not have ended up here. Was he wrong for running for his life? Not necessarily. Was he wrong for not looking to God and trusting Him for deliverance? YES. David already experienced God's divine protection and deliverance when he took Goliath one-on-one--why couldn't God do the same again?
As I apply this to my own life, I had the thought that I need to follow God at every turn. If I keep my focus on Him that consistently, I can trust that I'm in His will and protected as He sees fit. Following the protection He provides, I will not need resort to my feeble efforts--I will not need to create my own escape hatch.
Not so fast my friend!
What was David doing in enemy territory by himself, holding the sword of the Philistine champion he had previously killed? Why did he even need an escape hatch? If he had focused on God instead of continuing to run from Saul, I would venture to say that he would not have ended up here. Was he wrong for running for his life? Not necessarily. Was he wrong for not looking to God and trusting Him for deliverance? YES. David already experienced God's divine protection and deliverance when he took Goliath one-on-one--why couldn't God do the same again?
As I apply this to my own life, I had the thought that I need to follow God at every turn. If I keep my focus on Him that consistently, I can trust that I'm in His will and protected as He sees fit. Following the protection He provides, I will not need resort to my feeble efforts--I will not need to create my own escape hatch.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
I wanna be, I wanna be like Paul. Like Paul, if I could be like Paul!
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Wow, I want to be able to say what Paul does in vs. 7 at the end of my days! While it's a work in progress until then, I can focus on sharing my light with others through relationship building, and being a "light" Lord, am I fully poured out for you? Show me where I need to keep tipping over! Help me to fully carry out the ministry you have called me too. Lord, thank you for the disciplines you are growing me in, and how what I do everyday is the basis for fully carrying out ministry.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Wow, I want to be able to say what Paul does in vs. 7 at the end of my days! While it's a work in progress until then, I can focus on sharing my light with others through relationship building, and being a "light" Lord, am I fully poured out for you? Show me where I need to keep tipping over! Help me to fully carry out the ministry you have called me too. Lord, thank you for the disciplines you are growing me in, and how what I do everyday is the basis for fully carrying out ministry.
Focusing on our Focus
Scene 1: "And the Philistine said to David, 'Come to me and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!' ... So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine." I Sam 17:45 and 48.
Scene 2: "And David said to Jonathan, 'Indeed tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat. But let me go, that I may hide in the field until the third day at evening.'" I Sam 20:5
What a difference a few chapters makes! In I Sam 17, David was the young buck boldly running to defeat a large enemy in the name of the Lord. In I Sam 20, the same David is running wildly away from his own king and father-in-law. What is behind this difference? What stands out to me is the lack of focus on God. In chapter 17, David was all about defending God's glory with no thought to his own life. In chapter 20, David's primary concern seems to be that his life is imminent danger.
We all wax and wane in our boldness and strengths. It's good to see that David is human just like we are. However, is the waxing and waning simply a natural part of life or naturally the result of a wrong focus in life? When we focus on God, we are strong enough in Him to face every obstacle that comes our way--every time.
"God give me the grace to keep my focus continually on You. Smooth out the ups and downs in my boldness by enabling me to consistently move forward in the the boldness that comes from following You. Amen."
Scene 2: "And David said to Jonathan, 'Indeed tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat. But let me go, that I may hide in the field until the third day at evening.'" I Sam 20:5
What a difference a few chapters makes! In I Sam 17, David was the young buck boldly running to defeat a large enemy in the name of the Lord. In I Sam 20, the same David is running wildly away from his own king and father-in-law. What is behind this difference? What stands out to me is the lack of focus on God. In chapter 17, David was all about defending God's glory with no thought to his own life. In chapter 20, David's primary concern seems to be that his life is imminent danger.
We all wax and wane in our boldness and strengths. It's good to see that David is human just like we are. However, is the waxing and waning simply a natural part of life or naturally the result of a wrong focus in life? When we focus on God, we are strong enough in Him to face every obstacle that comes our way--every time.
"God give me the grace to keep my focus continually on You. Smooth out the ups and downs in my boldness by enabling me to consistently move forward in the the boldness that comes from following You. Amen."
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Wise up!
"David behaved more wisely than all the sevants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed." I Sam 18:30.
Whether it's a well-timed witty comment or keen insight, I often find myself wanting to come across as "wise" so people will like me. I see in today's verse that wisdom can lead to high esteem...at least in the eye's of some. One verse earlier, this same wise guy (not wiseguy) David earned an enemy for always being "spot-on" (for our friends across the pond): "So Saul became David's enemy continually." This animosity was not because of something that David had done against Saul, Saul was just jealous of his position (I Sam 18:8-9, 28)
So, no matter how awesome you rise to be, there will always be someone who can't stand you. I guess the lesson here for me is to not worry about what people think of me...for good or for bad. My Lord and Saviour is the only one who I should seek to impress with my wise behavior.
Whether it's a well-timed witty comment or keen insight, I often find myself wanting to come across as "wise" so people will like me. I see in today's verse that wisdom can lead to high esteem...at least in the eye's of some. One verse earlier, this same wise guy (not wiseguy) David earned an enemy for always being "spot-on" (for our friends across the pond): "So Saul became David's enemy continually." This animosity was not because of something that David had done against Saul, Saul was just jealous of his position (I Sam 18:8-9, 28)
So, no matter how awesome you rise to be, there will always be someone who can't stand you. I guess the lesson here for me is to not worry about what people think of me...for good or for bad. My Lord and Saviour is the only one who I should seek to impress with my wise behavior.
Talk to the Owner
"...the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's..." I Samuel 17:47
Except for the medieval enthusiast, swords and spears are not something we interact with on a daily basis. However, it's a great reminder that the Lord is not limited to physical items to accomplish victory in our lives. The Lord is owner of the battles in which we are involved. It's almost like God participates in our daily lives like the kid with the cool electronic football game--He's in control and can intervene at any time. What a comfort that the Owner of the game of life is on our side!
Except for the medieval enthusiast, swords and spears are not something we interact with on a daily basis. However, it's a great reminder that the Lord is not limited to physical items to accomplish victory in our lives. The Lord is owner of the battles in which we are involved. It's almost like God participates in our daily lives like the kid with the cool electronic football game--He's in control and can intervene at any time. What a comfort that the Owner of the game of life is on our side!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Underdogs
App St. vs. Michigan, Diamondbacks vs. Yankees in the 2001 World Series, David vs. Goliath, ...everyone loves the underdog, and it seems like everyone knows this particular Bible story (especially the SportsCenter anchors). But what makes David's case unique?
Besides challenging a 9 foot 9 inch warrior to a fight to the death with the freedom of his countrymen riding on the outcome, there was something greater: David was standing up for God's honor. "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (I Sam 17:26).
Not only did he fight for the honor of God, he fought by the power of God. "Moreover David said, 'The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine'" (I Sam 17:37). David wasn't insane. He wasn't cocky. He wasn't insanely cocky. He was supremely confident in the Lord's ability to deliver him in this noblest of pursuits.
Living as a Christian in a secular world, I often feel like the underdog. Am I willing to stand up for God's honor? Am I ready to trust His power enough to step out in faith?
Besides challenging a 9 foot 9 inch warrior to a fight to the death with the freedom of his countrymen riding on the outcome, there was something greater: David was standing up for God's honor. "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (I Sam 17:26).
Not only did he fight for the honor of God, he fought by the power of God. "Moreover David said, 'The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine'" (I Sam 17:37). David wasn't insane. He wasn't cocky. He wasn't insanely cocky. He was supremely confident in the Lord's ability to deliver him in this noblest of pursuits.
Living as a Christian in a secular world, I often feel like the underdog. Am I willing to stand up for God's honor? Am I ready to trust His power enough to step out in faith?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Mourning the past, missing the present
I Samuel 16:1
"Now the Lord said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.'"
How many times do I need to hear this message? Don't mourn over what God has taken away--keep your head up and see the new direction in which He's leading you. Unfortunately, things aren't as direct for us as they were for Samuel. Can you imagine if God said to you "I am sending you to Hottie McHotterson the Arlingtonite"? I would love the clarity, but alas... Even without the obvious direction, the lesson is still obviously there: Don't miss the open door God has for you because you are so worried about the one that He has just shut. In applying hindsight to this passage, the closed door of a self-centered, man-pleasing king was no loss compared to the opened door of a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22, I Sam 13:14).
"Now the Lord said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.'"
How many times do I need to hear this message? Don't mourn over what God has taken away--keep your head up and see the new direction in which He's leading you. Unfortunately, things aren't as direct for us as they were for Samuel. Can you imagine if God said to you "I am sending you to Hottie McHotterson the Arlingtonite"? I would love the clarity, but alas... Even without the obvious direction, the lesson is still obviously there: Don't miss the open door God has for you because you are so worried about the one that He has just shut. In applying hindsight to this passage, the closed door of a self-centered, man-pleasing king was no loss compared to the opened door of a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22, I Sam 13:14).
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Close doesn't count when it comes to obedience
I Sam 15:
When God calls you to do something--no matter what--obey completely. In v. 3, God told Saul to "go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey." However, in v.9 we see that while Saul and the people had no problem obeying the command to kill the babies, they stopped short at killing "the best of the sheep, the oxen, the falings, the lambs, and all that was good." The telling part comes next: they "were unwilling to utterly destroy them."
When we are unwilling to completely obey God's command, there are consequences. Saul's consequence comes in v. 26: "the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel." Though he had a reasonable excuse of sparing those animals for sacrifice to the Lord, it was not the sacrifce that the Lord desired--He desired obedience. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" (v.22).
What is God calling me to do? Will I respond with complete obedience?
When God calls you to do something--no matter what--obey completely. In v. 3, God told Saul to "go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey." However, in v.9 we see that while Saul and the people had no problem obeying the command to kill the babies, they stopped short at killing "the best of the sheep, the oxen, the falings, the lambs, and all that was good." The telling part comes next: they "were unwilling to utterly destroy them."
When we are unwilling to completely obey God's command, there are consequences. Saul's consequence comes in v. 26: "the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel." Though he had a reasonable excuse of sparing those animals for sacrifice to the Lord, it was not the sacrifce that the Lord desired--He desired obedience. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" (v.22).
What is God calling me to do? Will I respond with complete obedience?
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