Sunday, June 30, 2019
Tough Roads and God's Plan
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 20:42, Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ ” So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.
David will now begin his journey on a very tough road. He and Jonathan have made a covenant with each other, not knowing if they will ever see each other again. When we see the lives of men like David, and even Joseph, we cannot deny the fact that God will allow trying times to visit us. What do we say of Job who lost so much, as God was proving his faithfulness to Satan. Today we hear so much nonsense about “name it and claim it” and how God does not desire for us to suffer, but to prosper. Yet, that is so contrary to what we see in the lives of many in Scripture; for even Jesus Himself did not live a wealthy life and ultimately suffered pain and death to give us life. These men who suffered for the cause of Christ gained much more than any one of us will gain chasing the prosperity of this world. The Apostle Paul who was appointed to suffer for the cause of Christ, as Jesus told Ananias in Acts 9, wrote this in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” In Philippians 3:7-11 he also wrote, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” The fact of the matter is that suffering yields us far greater rewards and growth than gaining all this world has to offer, which some day will perish (1 Peter 1:6-9; 1 John 2:17). Even though David’s life would never be the same going forward, it was of great importance that David would now learn to depend on God, and God alone. The road that the Lord put him on was for his benefit, as he could only become the kind of leader for God’s people Israel that God desired, only if he learned how to trust God’s leading and trust in God’s protection over that of men who will betray in the blink of an eye. The Lord had to become David’s sole Protector and Provider. God would teach David humility as he submitted to God’s authority in not striking back at King Saul, God’s anointed. He would learn not to take matters into his own hands, but trust God to take vengeance upon his enemies. God will often lead us down tough roads as part of His plan for our lives because we need to learn how to trust Him and submit to His leading and authority. He does not do this to be cruel. On the contrary, the greatest and lasting lessons are often learned as we walk through the toughest of circumstances. However, through it all, God never forsakes us on the road He has led on (Hebrews 13:5-6). In Matthew 4 Jesus faced a great test as He fasted for forty days and forty nights. Who led Him into the wilderness to be tested by the devil? It was the Holy Spirit who led Him that way (Matthew 4:1). If this is true of the life of our Lord and Savior, why would we think that we are exempt from such testing of our faith? The tough road that God calls us to walk is all about learning to be crucified with Christ and taking up our cross daily. It is the path that will lead us to find God’s purpose in this life, and ultimately teach us what it means to have true faith and trust in the One who not only died for us, but also has called us into His service, for His glory. The tough path is the path that leads to strength. The Apostle Paul put it this way in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Saturday, June 29, 2019
Sorrowful Goodbyes
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 20:41, As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so.
Saying “goodbye” can be a very emotional and sorrowful experience. Any time we part and say “goodbye” we never really know if we will see that person again. Quite often we take it for granted that we will see that someone again, especially in our everyday comings and goings. James 4:13-15 reminds us, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” It is for this reason that I am adamant about never leaving home without letting my loved ones know how much I love them and how much they mean to me, even if we are not happy with one another at the moment. David and Jonathan were closer than brothers. This was a very difficult departure, but more so for David. Jonathan would be going back to the palace to serve his father, while David would now begin a life of being on the run, away from his family and all that was familiar to him. Some of us may have experienced this kind of sorrow, maybe even in our service to the Lord, where we were called, like Abraham, to leave the life we were familiar with in order to serve God on the mission field. Some of us may have relocated because of work, or any other number of reasons. In our having to relocate, we may have had to leave people we knew and loved behind, not knowing if we would ever see them again. David and Jonathan would not meet again until just before Jonathan’s death (1 Samuel 23:17). Knowing that life can be so uncertain, and knowing that the only Person who knows whether we will be here later today or tomorrow is the LORD, why would one put off calling upon Jesus and accepting Him as their Savior? Jesus told us in John 3:18, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Why are we condemned if we reject Jesus today? Because we are not guaranteed tomorrow. The saddest goodbye we will say in this lifetime is the one when a loved one goes on to eternity before we do. For a person who never trusted Jesus, their departure is the most painful for us who have called on, and know, Christ. A person who rejects the Lord and goes on to eternity without Him is eternally condemned to both Hell and eventually the Lake of Fire. Sadly, we do not hear that too often today in much of the preaching we hear. On the other hand, those who do know the Lord and depart from us, we know are with the Lord forever more. Even though their departure from us is sorrowful, we can rejoice in knowing that their departure is temporary and that one day we will be reunited. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 give us this hope, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.” If there is any motivation in our lives at all for being bold in our willingness to share Jesus with others, it should be that our loved ones and those we know do not perish. Saying goodbye to those we know and love can be both a time of sorrow and rejoicing, but only if we know that they have departed and will be safe in the arms of Jesus.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Friday, June 28, 2019
He Is Not Interested
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 20:25-26, Now the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on a seat by the wall. And Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. 26 Nevertheless Saul did not say anything that day, for he thought, “Something has happened to him; he is unclean, surely he is unclean.”
I am afraid that what we see here is something that we have all been guilty of at some point in our walk with the Lord. King Saul, Jonathan, and Abner are gathered together in celebration of the New Moon, where a sacrifice is offered. David has purposely chosen not to attend, as he feared that Saul would make an attempt on his life. He has already told Jonathan to tell Saul that he has gone to be with his family for the New Moon celebration, should Saul inquire about David’s absence. Although Saul says nothing of David’s absence to Jonathan and Abner, God gives us a glimpse of his thoughts. It is obvious that what is meant to be an occasion of worship, for Saul is an occasion to commit evil. During a time when God should have been the center of their thoughts, Saul was preoccupied with the wickedness he had planned. How often have we, in the midst of our worship or fellowship with other believers, been preoccupied with less than honorable thoughts about our fellow brothers or sisters in Christ? How often have we been at odds or thought negatively about others while pretending to honor God with our empty raising of hands up to the Lord for all to see? King Saul made a false, and negative, assumption in respect to why David did not attend the feast. How often have we made false assumptions about others, only to find out that we missed the mark by a mile in our thinking? Philippians 2:3 reminds us that we are to think better of other than we think of ourselves. Saul’s sinful thoughts already marred his offerings. To make matters worse, his intentions added to his thoughts. So often, we come before the Lord offering up our sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise, but neglect to consider that our thoughts and intentions have made our offerings an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 21:27 clearly tells us, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent!” If we have evil thoughts toward a brother or sister in Christ, whom we are called to love, or are at odds with someone and not made an honest attempt to resolve it, choosing instead not to forgive, why are we then bringing our hypocritical sacrifices before the Lord? Does He not know our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts? In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus clearly stated, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” As born again followers of Jesus, we must make a conscious effort to remember that the outward show we put on for others does not fool the Lord. He sees beyond our empty actions straight to our hearts. If we think that bringing our tithes, offerings, and other sacrifices, to the Lord will make up for our unwillingness to forgive someone we are at odds with, we are sadly mistaken. God is not interested in our empty gifts when our hearts of full of evil and wicked intentions. We must get right with others and with the Lord, before we come to the altar to offer up gifts and sacrifices. Let us be careful to offer up our gifts and offerings with clean hands and hearts, which can only be truly done, and be acceptable, in Christ Jesus.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Actions and Attitude of Love
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 20:13, may the Lord do so and much more to Jonathan. But if it pleases my father to do you evil, then I will report it to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. And the Lord be with you as He has been with my father.
When I read this verse, it reminds me of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Jonathan was the kind of friend that knew how to prove his love. His love was not just lip service. He showed his love by his actions, and his attitude. He was willing to put his life on the line in order to help David. Jesus said, in John 13:15, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” 1 Corinthians 13 tells us love is kind, does not envy or seek its own. Jonathan’s words of encouragement to David were kind. His words, “the LORD be with you as He has been with my father” were words that clearly demonstrated that he did not envy what God had chosen for David’s life, even though it was going to affect Jonathan’s chances of inheriting the throne. Jonathan could have used his friendship with David, and Saul’s hatred for him, to his advantage to gain future access to the throne. Instead, he chose to show his love for David by coming along side him, endangering his own life, and not envying the fact that God was working in David’s life, as was plainly seen by Jonathan. He did not look after his own interests, but those of David. Philippians 2:3-4 clearly commands, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” When others see our actions and attitudes, do they see the love of Jesus? Do they see the love described in 1 Corinthians 13 or do they see envy, selfishness, and self-centeredness? What kind of friend are we? What kind of brother or sister in Christ are we? When the opportunities arise for us to come along side those whom God chooses for His service, are we ready to come along side and help them shine, or are we more interested in trying to steal the limelight for ourselves? Demonstrating true love towards others, toward those we claim to love, should always manifest itself in our actions and our attitudes toward them, and shine brightly for the glory of God.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Giving More than Just Our Words
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 20:9, But Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! For if I knew certainly that evil was determined by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you?”
Sometimes encouragement comes from some of the most unexpected places or unlikely people. Although it is true that Jonathan and David were closer than brothers, we must still observe the facts that King Saul was Jonathan’s father, and he stood to inherit the throne as his son. This must have resonated in David’s mind as he conversed with Jonathan, while trying to avoid being killed by Saul and his men. Yet, Jonathan remained faithful to David, and now speaks words of encouragement to him. When was the last time we spoke words of encouragement to someone who was in great need of hearing them? Colossians 4:6 admonishes us, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” In other words, our speech should be edifying and encouraging to one another. However, there are those times when God puts us before someone, not just to speak words of encouragement, but to follow those words up with actions of encouragement. This requires that we not be so involved in self that we overlook the needs of others. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Words of encouragement go a long way when we are down and trying to survive difficult times, but someone coming along side us during those times goes a long way in helping us stand firm and moving ahead by faith. God did not intend for us to fight the battles of life by ourselves. Even Jesus sent his disciple out two by two (Mark 6:7). Galatians 6:2 tells us to, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” James 2:14-17 also tells us, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Now, I want to caution us right here. Some will use this portion of Scripture to try and guilt us into giving them money or some other material thing. In encouraging and helping others, we must be wise and sensitive to God’s leading as far as who He wants us to minister to and help. When Jesus was here on earth, He did not heal everyone. He served, healed, and provided for those whom He encountered as He walked this earth, but He did not do this for all. Although He provided for the physical need of some, He was more concerned with meeting the spiritual needs of the world. In Luke 19:10 He said that He came to seek and save the lost. So it will be with us. We will not be able to be there for everyone we meet, but the Lord will make it clear when He has put us in a position to minister to, and help, the person(s) that truly need to hear a word of encouragement, or need a helping hand. The one thing we can offer to all those we meet, which is needed more than anything we could help them with, is the Gospel message. Jonathan not only tried to encourage David with what he said to him, but he also made himself available to help him determine whether King Saul was really seeking to harm him, and then help him escape King Saul’s attempts. Others will not always have material needs. Sometimes the need is that of our time, talents, or abilities. As a matter of fact, sometimes it is more difficult and challenging to give of our time than it is to give of our material resources. I would like to remind us that Jesus did not just say, “I love you”, He proved it by His actions by laying down His life for us. So, I ask again, “When was the last time we spoke words of encouragement to others?” The better question is, “When was the last time we backed those words up with actions that not only encouraged others, but also proved our faith and showed the love of Jesus?”
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Saturday, June 22, 2019
A Friend and Brother
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 20:4, So Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you.”
Ephesians 6:12 warns, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The enemies we face each day are organized. They work together. In Mark 5, in dealing with a man who was possessed by demons, Jesus asked one of them, “What is your name?” In verse 9 the demon responded, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” If only we, as Christ followers, were this united in our daily battles and struggles. One of the saddest things I have seen in Christianity is the division and discord that exists within the body of Christ. There are far too many lonely Christians who desire fellowship and friendship, but cannot seem to find it amongst God’s people because we are either too busy living our own lives, or we just are not willing to put in the effort it takes to maintain good relationships. At best, many relationships today, amongst God’s people, remains on a superficial level. The few friendships that do exist often end up turning into clicks with exclusive membership. This ought not to be within the local church or within the body of Christ in general. Jonathan is a prime example of what true friendship looks like. It was evident by Jonathan’s dedication to David that he was not a “fair-weathered” friend. When David was at the height of his favor with King Saul, Jonathan made himself a friend to David (1 Samuel 18:1). When King Saul was seeking to kill David, Jonathan remained a faithful friend to David. Here we find David on the run, and even though David tests Jonathan’s loyalty in verses 1-3, he does not have to wonder where Jonathan is in this great time of need. Based on the friendships we claim to enjoy with others, what kind of friend are we? Do we make ourselves available in our friends’ times of need, or are we too busy complaining about how no one is there for us? Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” If we expect to make friends and keep friends, we must make ourselves the kind of friend that others can depend on. I say this with caution, as there are many who would take advantage of such kindness and suck the life out of us, but that is why we must be friends who are wise in what kind of friend we are to others. If we prayerfully ask the Lord to show us who is in need of a faithful friend, the Lord will lead us to them. I know that we will not be friends with everyone, but we can certainly find a friend or two whom we can fellowship with and encourage. What we will find, if we truly make the effort, is that when we become a faithful friend who sees others through thick and thin, we will not only find a friend, we will find a brother. Proverbs 17:17 tells us, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” I have found, personally, that some of my closest family members have not been the members of my earthly, biological family, but my brothers and sisters in Christ. There is a special bond that we share when we know the Lord and when we sacrifice whatever necessary to be there for each other during trying times. Jonathan did not abandon David in his time of persecution and need, even though the one who was pursuing him was Jonathan’s own flesh and blood. The love and friendship that these two shared was as great as it could be humanly speaking, but there is One who is a Friend and a Brother who will always be with us through good and bad. His Name is Jesus. In John 15:13-15, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” In Hebrews 2:10-11, the Word of God tells us that Jesus is our Brother, “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren” In Hebrews 13:5 God promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is ultimately the Friend and Brother who will see us through all tribulation, will not abandon us, and will never be a “fair-weather” Friend. We are commanded to love one another as He has loved us (John 15:12). That means that we are to lay down our lives for one another, if needed. This was the friendship and brotherhood that Jonathan and David shared. This is the kind of friendship and brotherhood that world should see amongst God’s people. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Are We Really Listening?
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 19:23-24, So he went there to Naioth in Ramah. Then the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
It still amazes me today that for as long as I have known the Lord, I still waste so much time resisting God’s direction in my life. You would think that after so many years of following the Lord, reading and studying His Word, and praying, that we would get the hints that the Lord puts before us to get our attention. Instead, we continue to follow our own path and our own desires until He finally has to do something drastic to humble us and get our eyes back on Him. Saul was hard-hearted and stiff-necked. In this chapter we see that he will not relent in trying to chase down David in his attempts to kill him. In verses 20-22, Saul sends messengers to follow after David after he departed to be with Samuel. He did this three times, and the result each time was that the messengers prophesied, or praised and worshipped God instead of carrying out Saul’s demands. These three instances were instances of God sending His own message to Saul, “David is mine and you will not touch him. He is under my protection.” Yet, Saul persisted. How often have we set out to accomplish something, in our own strength, and driven by our own desires, only to be frustrated by failed attempts? How have we responded? Quite often the response has been to try a different way, only to fail again. Do we ever just stop and ask, “Lord, what is it that you want me to do? Should I really be pursuing this or should I change direction? Is this something you want for me, or is this just my own selfish want?” When all else failed, Saul decided that he would go and do it himself. Such a display of arrogance to think that he would be able to accomplish what God stopped in his three previous attempts. Yet, how often have we been driven by our own pride in trying to accomplish something that was obviously not part of God’s plan for our lives? The Word of God is very clear in 1 Peter 5:5 and James 4:6 that “God resists the proud”. When Saul finally arrives in Naioth in Ramah, he too is overcome by the Spirit and begins to praise and worship God. It is as if God is telling him, “Saul, this is what I can do in your life, by my Spirit, if you will submit to me.” Yet, Saul’s prophesying is a momentary, superficial act, which is in no way a true reflection of what is in his heart. Sadly, there are far too many people who put up a front that convinces others that they have a heart for God, when in fact they are only out for themselves and what they want. Amazingly, God stripped Saul of what made him important, in his own mind, and humbled him by stripping him naked. Oftentimes, God has to strip away those things that give us self-worth, in our own thinking, in order to humble us before Him. We, as true followers of Jesus, must be genuine in our praise of, worship of, and life for, God. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must seek God’s will and plan for our lives, over our own plans and desires. In Luke 9:23-25 Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” I must ask that we consider this question, “Are we arrogantly following our own path and desires, or are we really humbly listening to the Lord’s leading and guidance by way of the Spirit?”
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Proper Relationship Priorities
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 19:17, Then Saul said to Michal, “Why have you deceived me like this, and sent my enemy away, so that he has escaped?” And Michal answered Saul, “He said to me, ‘Let me go! Why should I kill you?’ ”
Talk about family drama! Michal was faced with having to make the decision between being faithful to her father or her husband. I will say this right up front…Michal made the right choice. First and foremost, King Saul was wrong in his persecution of David. Secondly, based on the priority that God outlines for relationships, Michal made the godly choice; the choice that would be most pleasing to the LORD. In Genesis 2:24, after the LORD created Eve for Adam, He said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Jesus repeated this in Matthew 19:5, and the Apostle Paul also repeated it in Ephesians 5:31. It is very clear by God’s command that a man or woman, once married, must make their spouse the #1 person, only after the LORD Himself. I do want to stress this however, even though our spouse comes first, before our parents, we are not excused from honoring our father and mother, as commanded by the Word of God (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2). Although we are called to cling to one another as husband and wife, we are still to honor our parents by taking care of them, valuing their godly advice, but certainly respectfully standing up against those demands that are sinful, as Jonathan did with Saul, as previously discussed. In this case, Michal was 100% correct in not honoring her father’s demand, as it was a violation of God’s Word. The bottom line is the we can never go wrong if we set the proper relationship priorities. God will always honor our priorities when they are set based on His Word. Let us always honor our fathers and mothers, but always make sure to make our husbands and wives the priority. While we are at it, never ever put God in the back seat. He always belongs on the throne of our lives, as the Head of our homes, and not just as Savior, but also LORD.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Short-lived Repentance
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 19:6, So Saul heeded the voice of Jonathan, and Saul swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be killed.”
After Jonathan’s courageous plea, on behalf of David, we see what appears to be genuine repentance on the part of Saul. Some believe that Saul only repented in order to trick David into drawing near to him, but as we read on, there seems to be a genuineness in Saul’s response to Jonathan’s reasoning (v. 4-5). However, note what happens once Saul chooses to change his way of thinking regarding David’s innocence. Not long after, an occasion arises that would put Saul right back where he was first tempted to feel insecure, and jealous of David’s accomplishments. Verse 8 tells us, “And there was war again; and David went out and fought with the Philistines, and struck them with a mighty blow, and they fled from him.” Although Saul did right by repenting of his misguided actions, he did not prepare himself for the next occasion when temptation would rear its ugly head. To add insult to injury, that annoying and provoking distressing spirit showed up to further instigate Saul to turn on David once again. This is where many of us fail to see why it is that we continually repeat the same sins over and over. We stumble, the Holy Spirit convicts, we feel remorse, repent, confess, but never take steps to prepare for the next time temptation comes our way. We neglect to put on the full armor of God provided for us in Ephesians 6, and when the enemy shows up, we cannot figure out how it was that we stumbled over the same sin AGAIN! The first thing we need to remember is that just because we repent and confess, does not mean that we are in the clear. We may have been restored by the LORD, as we know from 1 John 1:8-2:1, but we are not clear from the enemies’ attacks. As a matter of fact, the Word of God warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” When we have victory over a particular sin, or sins, that is the time we need to be most vigilant. That is the time when we need to stay closest to the LORD, praying, reading, studying, and applying His Word (James 1:22-25). The Bible is very clear that our enemy is continually seeking to devour us. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” Saul did not prepare himself for the next time David would go out and have a victory. After that victory, the distressing spirit came to visit and we find Saul in a position to easily make another attempt on David’s life, with a spear in his hand (v. 9). Far too often, we overcome a sinful situation, but then go right back to where we were when we were first tempted and fell. This also happened in the life of Lot. After God used Abraham to rescue him and his family, after they were captured and taken away, instead of fleeing Sodom, we find Lot comfortably back at that gates of Sodom (Genesis 19:1). This time it would cost Lot everything. Saul needed David more than he needed that spear. Yet, this began David’s 20 year run as a fugitive, and Saul lost the one person who God could use to bring him peace and tranquility whenever the distressing spirit showed up. How often do we give up God’s blessings because we refuse to turn away from our pet sin(s)? How often do we place ourselves in a position for the enemy to easily tempt us and cause us to sin against God, because our pride tells us we are okay, and our laziness keeps us from spending the kind of time we need to spend with God in prayer and in His Word? How often do we allow the distractions of life to pull us away from what should be first in our life, the LORD? All this makes us easier targets when the devils finally launch their attacks. We need to break this cycle of “short-lived” repentance, and get serious about the spiritual war that is being fought around us. We need not only to claim the victory we have in Jesus, we need to live it for the glory of God!
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Friday, June 14, 2019
To Obey God or Man
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 19:4, Thus Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you.
Although Saul was trying to spread his hate for David among his servants and the people, Jonathan had the courage to stand up to his father, respectfully, and do what was right before God. Jonathan was a brave young man who had much faith in the LORD. We saw this plainly when he took his armorbearer with him and attacked the Philistines, while his father Saul stood by doing nothing in 1 Samuel 13 and 14. Here, he must decide between his loyalty to his father and standing up for what he knew was right before God. I am sure that Jonathan knew that standing up to his father and standing up against his orders could cost him his life, as a king would even take the life of their own family if disrespected or an order was disobeyed. As born again followers of Jesus, we will face moments when we will have to choose between obeying man and obeying God. In a world that clearly accepts wrong as right and right as wrong, we will find ourselves, and our obedience to God and His Word, being challenged by those who will mock us and call us intolerant when we choose to stand up for what is right before God. As Christians, we are not to be troublemakers and rebels. However, we are to stand firmly in what we know is truth, when that truth is challenged and when we are called to disobey God’s truth. There are many “hot topics” today and many issues in society that will challenge our faith and our obedience. In obeying God and His Word, we may even put ourselves in a position to be persecuted by friends, family, and people in general. There are many relationships in the Scriptures that the LORD speaks of, as far as our submission to authority. Some of those relationships are parents and children, citizens and governmental authority, and our submission to local church leaders, just to name a few. However, in all of those relationships, God never gives those in authority the power or permission to force those who are supposed to submit to do something that would cause them to sin against the LORD or disobey one of God’s commands. Jonathan knew that taking David’s life violated God’s law, which states, “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13). Jonathan could have quietly disagreed with King Saul and secretly gone to David only. However, when standing up for what is right, the LORD will give us the strength to stand up, and also the strength to speak up. Note that Jonathan did not start a protest or cause an upheaval in the kingdom. He simply approached his father, with humility, and attempted to remind him that he was wrong in seeking David’s death, because David was innocent of what the king falsely accused him of in his own mind (v. 4-5). The Apostles faced a similar decision in Acts 5 when they were faced with whether or not they should continue preaching the Name of Jesus. In that same chapter, their decision to continue preaching earned them a severe beating. Act 5:26-29 reads, “Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, ‘Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!’ 29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.’” In Acts 5:40-42 we also read, “And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” The bottom line is that when we are faced with whether we should obey God or man, we should ALWAYS choose God; and if we suffer for our decision, we must count it joy to have suffered for the cause of Jesus Christ, as Peter wrote in his Epistle. 1 Peter 3:12-13 states, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Monday, June 10, 2019
Do Not Allow Hate to Flourish
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 19:1, Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David.
Sadly, Saul’s hatred for David was so strong that he wanted everyone to hate David. In doing so, Saul was putting everyone in a difficult position, as they would now have to divide their loyalty between Saul and David. As followers of Jesus, we must be very careful that we not allow our insecurities, fears, prejudices, or fleshly desires, cause us to hate others and be divisive amongst God’s people. We cannot be the type of Christians who claims to love Jesus while hating our own brothers and sisters in Christ. As a matter of fact, we cannot even excuse hating those who are not of the faith. Why, you ask? We cannot justify hating those whom Jesus loved and died for. John 3:16 is very clear that Jesus died for the world. He did not die for a particular group of people, a particular culture, or a particular type of person. What God does hates is sin, not the sinner. He loves the sinner, and proved it on Calvary. Romans 5:8 clearly states, “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 John 2:9-11 says, “He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” 1 John 4:20-21 also reiterates, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” In his desire to kill David, Saul put others in a difficult position, who both admired and loved David. When we let our own foolishness and pride cause division amongst God’s people, we put others in a difficult position. More importantly, when we cause division, we do something that God absolutely hates. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us, “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 a false witness who speaks lies, and one who cause discord among brethren.” Like Jonathan, we ought not buy into other people’s hatred and divisiveness. When someone comes to us gossiping about others and attempting to cause division by using us to spread such divisive hatred, we need to be bold enough to stop it right in its tracks, with both humility and love. I heard it once said that anyone who talks to you or me about someone else will talk about us to others when we are not around. In David’s case, we see that the love of Jonathan toward him was greater than Saul’s hatred toward him. We must keep from allowing hatred, for anyone, to creep into our hearts; and if we are the ones on the receiving end of someone else’s hatred, always remember that God’s love for us is always greater than the hate some will have for us. Especially the hatred that we will face for stand up for what is right, and living for Jesus. Ultimately, it was God’s love for David that protected him from Saul’s hate. As God’s children, let us not allow hatred to flourish in our hearts, or allow ourselves to infect those around us.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Sunday, June 9, 2019
God Sets the Boundaries
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 18:28-29, Thus Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him; 29 and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually.
When we read how often Saul failed in his attempts to cause David’s death, it should encourage us to know that regardless of what our enemies try to do against us, God is always with us and is the One who sets the boundaries. I am reminded of Job and how the Lord set the boundaries within which Satan could work in persecuting Job. Job 1 and 2 clearly show God setting boundaries that Satan was not to cross, and amazingly, did not cross. With that said, there will be times when God will allow us to face trials and challenges that are meant to be blessings. Some may not see the logic in that, and even see God as being cruel in allowing suffering in the life of one of His own, but James 1 and 1 Peter 1 put this in the proper perspective for us. James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 1 Peter 1:6-8a also reminds us, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love.” King Saul had nothing but malice in his heart toward David. Yet, David, in continuing to be faithful to both God and the king, went out and did whatever needed to be done to prove that faithfulness, and God protected him. When Saul could not takes David’s life directly, he resorted to trying to manipulate circumstances so that David would be killed by the Philistine (v. 17-27). As God’s people, we must be mindful of the fact that no amount of manipulating will get us what God has not intended for us. In 1 Kings 22, Ahab, King of Israel, tried to manipulate circumstances by going into battle, disguising himself so that he would not be recognized, and the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, would instead be pursued by their enemies. 1 Kings 22:33-34 recorded the results of this failed attempt at manipulating situations. It reads, “And it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 34 Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, ‘Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.’” Verse 37 begins with, “So the king died…” Again, a twofold reminder here; first, we will never outsmart God. When we try to manipulate circumstances to try and get what WE want, all we will do is frustrate ourselves. Secondly, in those times when we are not aware that someone is trying to interfere in God’s plan for our lives, we can rest assured that no amount of manipulation on their part will thwart God’s will and plan. Even when we are made aware of such actions toward us, the best avenue we can take is to remain prayerful and faithful to what we know God has called us to, and let Him deal with the circumstances and the people who dare to oppose Him, by way of trying to interfere in our lives. The best way for God to get glory from this kind of conflict, should it come our way, is for us to trust Him to see us through, so that when those who oppose us see that God is with us, the fear of the Lord will fall upon them, just as it did with Saul. Isaiah 54:17 is a great reminder that our enemies will not succeed against us, “‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the LORD.” When all is said and done, trust God to set the boundaries.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Do Not Be A Victim
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 18:16, But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
I want to focus on this verse because it is the end product of David’s refusal to be a victim. Saul has determined in his heart that he wants to kill David because of his growing popularity. We saw yesterday that Saul had already made two attempts on David’s life and failed. Saul clearly saw that God had forsaken him and was now working in David’s life. This caused him great fear, as we know from verses 12 and 15. As we continue to see Saul’s attempts at persecuting David, we see God frustrating Saul’s attempts and lifting up David more and more. This is a clear and perfect example of what James wrote in chapter 4, verse 6, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” In verse 10 of that same chapter, James also wrote, “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Stop and think about what was happening in David’s life. Saul, who once loved David, now hates him. In order to get him away from the palace and throne, he put him in charge over a thousand men; probably in hopes that he would be killed in battle. David was not ignorant of the fact that Saul wanted him dead, as he escaped Saul’s two attempts to kill him with a spear (verse 11). This was certainly a great opportunity for David to get discouraged and give in to a “victim mentality”. “Woe is me! Here I am trying to do that right thing before God and this man is trying to kill me!” “Oh woe is me! Does God not care that this is happening? Will no one feel sorry for me and my circumstances?” How often have we met, or been, this person? Instead of making himself a victim, or allowing Saul to victimize him, David chose to behave wisely (verses 14-15). Although Saul tried to manipulate circumstances to persecute David and make life difficult for him, David’s choice to live wisely and not feed into a victim mentality was used by God to frustrate Saul’s feeble attempts. Instead of causing fear and discouragement in David’s life, Saul’s plan backfired. Verse 15 tells us, “Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him.” The fact of the matter is that no one can frustrate God’s plans for us if we choose to continue living a life that honors the Lord. Will there be moments of feeling discouraged, or moments of sorrow due to suffering? Yes, there will be. However, that should not overshadow the peace and joy we have in Christ Jesus. In John 16:33 Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” When we find ourselves in the crosshairs of those who seek to do us harm because of their own insecurities, or jealousies, or who seek to derail us, remember Proverbs 26:27. It reads, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.” God had a plan for David’s life, and even though David would have to run for his life for many years before he would actually be crowned king, God protected him, and lifted him up in those dark days of discouragement. All along the way, David continued to faithfully serve God, and even remained faithful to King Saul. We may be tempted to take on a victim mentality when it seems like life is persecuting us, but for those of us who have Christ, we already have the victory. David may not have been “officially” crowned king, but he was already anointed by God to be king. We may not be where we should be, or need to be, but we are already a child of God. Eternity is already ours in Christ, and the devils have already been defeated. We have the Word of God and know the end of the Book. Let us live out our Christianity like we truly believe that we have victory in Jesus. We must not let the devils convince us to give in to the “woe is me” attitude or latch on to the “victim mentality”. In Christ, we have already won.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
Saturday, June 1, 2019
The Devil Made Me Do It
Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 18:10-11, And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. 11 And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice.
Some of us may not be old enough to remember Flip Wilson, who was well known for the phrase, “The devil made me do it!” Although many may not know him, I’m sure that are many who have heard the statement. Sadly, too many of us use the devil as an excuse for the sins we commit. Like Adam, who blamed God for giving him Eve, we point the finger at Satan and his devils when we do not want to take responsibility for our own sinful actions. This is not to say that the devils do not tempt us. What I am saying is that the devils may tempt us, but it is our own sinful desires that we choose to give in to. Note that I said that we “choose” to give in to them. As I was writing this, someone posted something that read, “‘The devil is really working today!’ The devil responded, ‘Actually, I’m on vacation. That’s all you, chief.’” Although this is meant for comic relief, there is a bit of truth to it. Before the distressing spirit came upon Saul again, he was already feeling insecure, and was already jealous and upset with David because he received greater praise than he did. When the distressing spirit came upon him and Saul cast the spear toward David (twice), Saul already had in his heart that he would cause David harm. Verse 9 of this chapter tells us, “So Saul eyed David from that day forward.” We often blame the devils for the things we do that were already deep in our hearts. What we harbor in our hearts, if we contemplate them for too long, will manifest with a bit of prompting. If we go back to the Garden, Eve also blamed Satan for her choice to eat of the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:13 tells us, “And the LORD God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’” However, let us not forget what Genesis tells us before she made her decision to eat of the fruit that God forbade. In Genesis 3:6 we were told, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” Note that once Eve set her eyes on the fruit, Satan is nowhere to be found. He put the temptation before her, and then stepped aside. Her own desires drove the rest of that tragic event. So it is with us. James 1:13-15 clearly states, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” We need to acknowledge that all that is in our hearts is not always pure. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” When we find ourselves being tripped up by sin, the possibility may be that the devils are tempting us, but the fact of the matter is that when temptation comes, we do not have to follow through and sin. The Word of God is clear of this in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which reads, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” When we sin, the LORD does not want our excuses; He wants our repentance. In Matthew 5:4 Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Psalm 31:10 says, “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.” If we choose to blame the devils for our actions, rather than see our sins for what they are, and for how God sees them, we will never truly come to that place of repentance where we are honestly confessing before the LORD. The next time we are tempted to say, “The devil made me do it”, we need to stop and consider that the only one who may be at fault, and is most likely at fault, is self. Praise be to God that we have a Savior who not only died to pay for our sins, but is our Advocate before the Father and is always ready to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1 & 2).
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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