Read: 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:55-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26
Have you ever wondered why God didn’t allow you to be a part of something that, in your eyes, was a good thing? I look at this story with David and see God’s foresight and wisdom. David wanted to fight in the battle with the Philistines against Saul and his army. If he had fought in that battle where Saul and his sons all died, everyone in Israel would have blamed him for Saul’s death. He would have never been able to rule over a nation he had fought against.
God made a way of escape for David even if he might not have seen it that way at the time. Also, he needed to go home and save his family. God needed him to fight a different war.
David honored the king of Achish and left. If he had waited he might not have been able to save his town.
When all of David’s men blamed him for losing their families and possessions, David found strength in the Lord. He called for the ephod and the priest and asked God if they would find their families and restore their possessions. God said they would so he took 400 of the men who were willing to go and left 200 exhausted men to watch their equipment. They found a slave who had been left by the raiding party. They fed him and he led them to the Amalekite’s camp. David and his men were able to win back everything that had been taken from them and the Philistines. He returned to his 200 men and shared it with them. David made a lasting law that those on the front lines and those in the background helping all get the same reward. That is a good concept to remember when you feel insignificant when “all you do is pray”. It takes everyone!
In John, Jesus was on his way to the cross. He stopped by Mary and Lazarus’ house on the way. Mary anointed his feet with expensive perfume while Judas complained that she should have sold it and used the money for the poor. He didn’t care for the poor, he just saw a missed opportunity to have stolen it for himself.
The next day, Jesus entered Jerusalem with praises and palms as the passover lamb. He rode a donkey to fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah 3:15. Jesus was at the pinnacle of his popularity at that moment because everyone was talking about how he raised Lazareth from the grave. How quickly they would turn on him.
Lord, help us to remember that everything on this earth is temporal; only what we do for you is eternal. Help us not to waste our energy on things that are going to burn but sow our energy into things that can not be burned. Your faithful love endures forever!
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Wed.’s Devo - Life From Death
Read: 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-54; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23
David must have had some men in Ziph hated him as much as Saul because they were the same ones who turned David into Saul in 1 Samuel 23:19. Saul had his most elite soldiers with him looking for David, but instead, David found him.
David and Abishai snuck into Saul’s camp at night while everyone was asleep. (I wonder who had watch that night?) They stole Saul’s spear and his water jar. When they had gotten a safe distance away, David woke Abner up. Abner was Saul’s commander of his army. David taunted him with questions about his ability to keep the king safe.
Saul recognized David’s voice and they had the same conversation they had last time. Saul repented of trying to kill him and David returned his spear and water jar. Saul blessed David and prophesied that he would do many heroic deeds and surely succeed.
They parted, but David knew he would never be safe as long as Saul lived and as long as he lived in Israelite land. He decided to go to live with the Philistines. He went to Achish, the royal city of the king of Gath. Achish, also known as Abimelech, welcomed him and he brought his two wives with him. David asked to be moved out of the royal city to a place in the country so he was given Ziklag. He and his family lived among the Philistines for about a year and four months.
From Ziklag, David would take his army and attack neighboring enemies of Israel and leave no one living to give him away. He told the Philistine king that he was fighting cities in Israel. King Achish believed David so much that when he was about to go to battle against Israel, he invited David and his men to fight with him. He promised that David would emerge his armor-bearer, the most prominent position.
Saul had banned all mediums from Israel, but when he faced the vast Philistine army without Samuel or the ephod, he caved and sought for a medium. He found one in Endor who immediately perceived that he was Saul and that her life might be quickly over. He assured her that she wouldn’t die so she brought Samuel up from the grave. He scolded Saul for disturbing his sleep then told him he had lost his kingdom to David and become an enemy of God’s. He and his sons would die the next day in battle and the battle would end in defeat. Needless to say, Saul was distraught. He ate his last supper of unleavened bread just like Jesus did the night before he died.
In John, Jesus woke Lazareth up from his sleep of death, but he walked out of his grave and lived. He was under a much better covenant than Samuel was under.
I love what Thomas said when he learned they were going back to Judah where Jesus was a wanted man. He said, “Let’s go, too and die with Jesus.” I don’t know if he was being sarcastic or what but it makes me laugh. It reminds me of the scripture: “They overcame by the blood of the lamb, and the word of their testimony and that they loved not their lives unto death.”
I think that Jesus reaction at the tomb of Lazareth was God’s reaction at the tomb of his son’s. He was both sad, that the people had no faith and mad that Satan had killed him.
This left the religious leaders with an even greater problem - Jesus had raised a man from the dead! Instead of making them believers, it made them more determined to kill him and stop his miracles. Sin is so blinding.
Lord, may our eyes be open and may we see life from death!
David must have had some men in Ziph hated him as much as Saul because they were the same ones who turned David into Saul in 1 Samuel 23:19. Saul had his most elite soldiers with him looking for David, but instead, David found him.
David and Abishai snuck into Saul’s camp at night while everyone was asleep. (I wonder who had watch that night?) They stole Saul’s spear and his water jar. When they had gotten a safe distance away, David woke Abner up. Abner was Saul’s commander of his army. David taunted him with questions about his ability to keep the king safe.
Saul recognized David’s voice and they had the same conversation they had last time. Saul repented of trying to kill him and David returned his spear and water jar. Saul blessed David and prophesied that he would do many heroic deeds and surely succeed.
They parted, but David knew he would never be safe as long as Saul lived and as long as he lived in Israelite land. He decided to go to live with the Philistines. He went to Achish, the royal city of the king of Gath. Achish, also known as Abimelech, welcomed him and he brought his two wives with him. David asked to be moved out of the royal city to a place in the country so he was given Ziklag. He and his family lived among the Philistines for about a year and four months.
From Ziklag, David would take his army and attack neighboring enemies of Israel and leave no one living to give him away. He told the Philistine king that he was fighting cities in Israel. King Achish believed David so much that when he was about to go to battle against Israel, he invited David and his men to fight with him. He promised that David would emerge his armor-bearer, the most prominent position.
Saul had banned all mediums from Israel, but when he faced the vast Philistine army without Samuel or the ephod, he caved and sought for a medium. He found one in Endor who immediately perceived that he was Saul and that her life might be quickly over. He assured her that she wouldn’t die so she brought Samuel up from the grave. He scolded Saul for disturbing his sleep then told him he had lost his kingdom to David and become an enemy of God’s. He and his sons would die the next day in battle and the battle would end in defeat. Needless to say, Saul was distraught. He ate his last supper of unleavened bread just like Jesus did the night before he died.
In John, Jesus woke Lazareth up from his sleep of death, but he walked out of his grave and lived. He was under a much better covenant than Samuel was under.
I love what Thomas said when he learned they were going back to Judah where Jesus was a wanted man. He said, “Let’s go, too and die with Jesus.” I don’t know if he was being sarcastic or what but it makes me laugh. It reminds me of the scripture: “They overcame by the blood of the lamb, and the word of their testimony and that they loved not their lives unto death.”
I think that Jesus reaction at the tomb of Lazareth was God’s reaction at the tomb of his son’s. He was both sad, that the people had no faith and mad that Satan had killed him.
This left the religious leaders with an even greater problem - Jesus had raised a man from the dead! Instead of making them believers, it made them more determined to kill him and stop his miracles. Sin is so blinding.
Lord, may our eyes be open and may we see life from death!
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Tues.’s Devo - God’s Protection
Read: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21
God arranged that David and Saul would be in the same cave. God wanted Saul’s men to see David’s loyalty since Saul had filled them with lies about him. Everyone had heard that Samuel had anointed David to be the next king. Saul, especially knew and was filled with jealousy. Saul was a fragmented man. Part of him knew what was right and loved David and the other part hated him so much it wanted him dead. That second part ruled his life most of the time.
But, today, face to face with David and the fact that David had spared his life, Saul was humbled for the moment.
Saul prophesied that David would be the next king and had him swear to have mercy on his family when that happened. David promised.
Saul went back home but David continued to hide out. He had seen over and over how fickle Saul could be.
Samuel died and all of Israel mourned his death.
David and his men stayed was near the home of a wealthy man named Nabal which means “foolish”. David’s men had been a wall of protection for his shephards in the fields. It was sheep-shearing time where all the town would hold a festival to celebrate their harvest. They would invite all who had anything to do with helping make the harvest a success. David’s men qualified and David knew it. He sent word asking if they could attend so his men could be fed. Nabal, foolishly refused to let them come and had some pretty ugly things to say about David and his men. When his wise wife, Abigail found out what he had said and who he had said it to, she quickly came to the rescue of her household. She knew David would come and kill them so she prepared a feast and took it to David. David was impressed and grateful. He repented of what he had intended to do to Nabal and his household. When Nabal found out, he had a stroke and died 10 days later. David sent messengers to Abigail to ask her if she would become his wife. She quickly left and became his wife. David also married Ahinoam while Saul gave Michal (who was David’s wife) to another man.
God doubly blessed David for his loss.
In John, once again they were questioning Jesus authority. This time it was because he claimed to be the son of God. Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 which says, “I say, you are gods; you are all children of the Most High.” Jesus pointed out that the scripture calls men “gods” and “children of the Most High” so why were they getting so upset that he claimed to be Gods’ son. If they couldn’t believe what he said, at least believe what he did. Many did and many remembered what John the Baptist said about him. But, despite his evidence, the religious leaders tried to arrest him…again. And, again, he escaped and hid out by the Jordan.
Today’s reading proves that God protects those who trust in him. There will be blessings and rewards on earth but the greatest reward is waiting for us in heaven.
Lord, thank you that nothing escapes your notice. You are writing down everything victory and every hurt. It is not in vain. You are the rewarder of the righteous and no good thing will you withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84;11)
God arranged that David and Saul would be in the same cave. God wanted Saul’s men to see David’s loyalty since Saul had filled them with lies about him. Everyone had heard that Samuel had anointed David to be the next king. Saul, especially knew and was filled with jealousy. Saul was a fragmented man. Part of him knew what was right and loved David and the other part hated him so much it wanted him dead. That second part ruled his life most of the time.
But, today, face to face with David and the fact that David had spared his life, Saul was humbled for the moment.
Saul prophesied that David would be the next king and had him swear to have mercy on his family when that happened. David promised.
Saul went back home but David continued to hide out. He had seen over and over how fickle Saul could be.
Samuel died and all of Israel mourned his death.
David and his men stayed was near the home of a wealthy man named Nabal which means “foolish”. David’s men had been a wall of protection for his shephards in the fields. It was sheep-shearing time where all the town would hold a festival to celebrate their harvest. They would invite all who had anything to do with helping make the harvest a success. David’s men qualified and David knew it. He sent word asking if they could attend so his men could be fed. Nabal, foolishly refused to let them come and had some pretty ugly things to say about David and his men. When his wise wife, Abigail found out what he had said and who he had said it to, she quickly came to the rescue of her household. She knew David would come and kill them so she prepared a feast and took it to David. David was impressed and grateful. He repented of what he had intended to do to Nabal and his household. When Nabal found out, he had a stroke and died 10 days later. David sent messengers to Abigail to ask her if she would become his wife. She quickly left and became his wife. David also married Ahinoam while Saul gave Michal (who was David’s wife) to another man.
God doubly blessed David for his loss.
In John, once again they were questioning Jesus authority. This time it was because he claimed to be the son of God. Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 which says, “I say, you are gods; you are all children of the Most High.” Jesus pointed out that the scripture calls men “gods” and “children of the Most High” so why were they getting so upset that he claimed to be Gods’ son. If they couldn’t believe what he said, at least believe what he did. Many did and many remembered what John the Baptist said about him. But, despite his evidence, the religious leaders tried to arrest him…again. And, again, he escaped and hid out by the Jordan.
Today’s reading proves that God protects those who trust in him. There will be blessings and rewards on earth but the greatest reward is waiting for us in heaven.
Lord, thank you that nothing escapes your notice. You are writing down everything victory and every hurt. It is not in vain. You are the rewarder of the righteous and no good thing will you withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84;11)
Monday, May 18, 2020
Mon.’s Devo - God is Our Stronghold and Defense
Read: 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18: Proverbs 15:18-19
After David escaped Saul, 400 other men joined him who were discontented with Saul’s leadership. David went to Mizpeh in Moab and asked the king if his father and mother could live there in safety. Mizpeh was a stronghold with a watchtower which means that it was like a military base. The king allowed them to stay there.
God sent the prophet, Gad to tell David to go back to the land of Judah. Saul found out that David was in Judah and accused is army of keeping this information from him. He reminded them of the reward he had promised them of land and position. Doeg which means “fearful” stepped forward and confessed that he had seen David in Nob with Ahimelech, the priest. He had seen the priest pray for David and give him food and Goliath’s sword. Saul immediately sent for Ahimelech and refused to believe his confession of innocence. Saul commanded his men to kill Ahimelech and his priests but his men refused. Doeg volunteered and killed 65 priests and then went and killed their families. That is a lot of blood on one man’s hands because of his fear of Saul!
One of the priests, Abiathar escaped and told David. David told him to stay with him and he would keep him safe.
David learned that the Philistines were attacking Keliah and stealing their harvest. He went and defeated the Philistines for them and stayed there until they heard that Saul was on his way to fight him and destroy the city of Keith because of him. David called for Abiathar who inquired of the Lord. God said that the men of Keliah would turn him over to Saul so they left Keliah and escaped to the mountains in Ziph.
Saul didn’t attack Keliah so David saved them twice even though they were going to betray him.
Jonathan found David and told him not to fear, because David would indeed be the next king over Israel and he, Jonathan would be his right hand man. Even Saul knew this to be true. Jonathan and David made another covenant of friendship, then Jonathan left and went home.
The Ziphites came to Saul and told Saul where David was. Saul and his men had surrounded David’s hide-out, but God saved him. Saul got a message that was needed at home where the Philistines were attacking. (I would bet that Jonathan sent that message to save David.)
In John, Jesus explained the spiritual realm as being like a sheepfold. Many can come into that realm but those who don’t come through the door of Christ are thieves and robbers and work for money. They won’t protect their sheep because they are only merchants peddling wares. Their sheep are their customers, not their family. Jesus is the true shepherd who will not only lead his sheep but will protect them and lay down his life for them.
Lord, you are our stronghold and our defense. We trust in you as our great and loving Shepherd.
After David escaped Saul, 400 other men joined him who were discontented with Saul’s leadership. David went to Mizpeh in Moab and asked the king if his father and mother could live there in safety. Mizpeh was a stronghold with a watchtower which means that it was like a military base. The king allowed them to stay there.
God sent the prophet, Gad to tell David to go back to the land of Judah. Saul found out that David was in Judah and accused is army of keeping this information from him. He reminded them of the reward he had promised them of land and position. Doeg which means “fearful” stepped forward and confessed that he had seen David in Nob with Ahimelech, the priest. He had seen the priest pray for David and give him food and Goliath’s sword. Saul immediately sent for Ahimelech and refused to believe his confession of innocence. Saul commanded his men to kill Ahimelech and his priests but his men refused. Doeg volunteered and killed 65 priests and then went and killed their families. That is a lot of blood on one man’s hands because of his fear of Saul!
One of the priests, Abiathar escaped and told David. David told him to stay with him and he would keep him safe.
David learned that the Philistines were attacking Keliah and stealing their harvest. He went and defeated the Philistines for them and stayed there until they heard that Saul was on his way to fight him and destroy the city of Keith because of him. David called for Abiathar who inquired of the Lord. God said that the men of Keliah would turn him over to Saul so they left Keliah and escaped to the mountains in Ziph.
Saul didn’t attack Keliah so David saved them twice even though they were going to betray him.
Jonathan found David and told him not to fear, because David would indeed be the next king over Israel and he, Jonathan would be his right hand man. Even Saul knew this to be true. Jonathan and David made another covenant of friendship, then Jonathan left and went home.
The Ziphites came to Saul and told Saul where David was. Saul and his men had surrounded David’s hide-out, but God saved him. Saul got a message that was needed at home where the Philistines were attacking. (I would bet that Jonathan sent that message to save David.)
In John, Jesus explained the spiritual realm as being like a sheepfold. Many can come into that realm but those who don’t come through the door of Christ are thieves and robbers and work for money. They won’t protect their sheep because they are only merchants peddling wares. Their sheep are their customers, not their family. Jesus is the true shepherd who will not only lead his sheep but will protect them and lay down his life for them.
Lord, you are our stronghold and our defense. We trust in you as our great and loving Shepherd.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Sun.’s Devo - Status with God
Read: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalms 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17
Jonathan couldn’t believe that his father had fallen so far that he would want to kill David. He and David made a pact of friendship and Jonathan told David that he prayed that God would be with him like He used to be with his father. He also asked David to treat him with the love of the Lord as long as he lived but if he died to treat his family with this love after God had destroyed all his enemies off the face of the earth. Jonathan was prophesying his future. Jonathan was in line to be the next king, but he somehow knew that he would never be the king.
Jonathan got to see just how much he hated David. He reunited with David warned him and they hugged in tears and departed to never see each other again after that day. Their friendship was a glimpse into the tender hearts to two warriors.
From that moment on, David’s life looked much like James Bond’s. He had to lie to the priest to get food and Goliath’s sword which he had laid down his life to earn. He also lied to the priest so the priest wouldn’t have to wrestle over whether to help him or not. He was trying to save him, but it cost him his life.
David ate the bread of the priest’s that would have killed anyone else, but since David was both priest and king, he lived.
He fled to Gath which was one of the five royal cities of the Philistines. It had been the city that Goliath was from. (That’s irony for you!) David had to act like a crazy man to save his life.
There were three miracles that had never been done before and the religious leaders claimed that only the Messiah would be able to do. They were:
1 - heal a Jewish leper (God had healed the Syrian leper, but it had to be a Jewish leper).
2 - Heal a deaf and dumb man.
3 - Heal a man born blind.
This man was born blind for this testimony to the Jews. That is why they went to such details to find out if he was really born blind or not. Their discovery only made them more blind. His own parents wouldn’t defend him for fear of being thrown out of the synagogue but the man who now could see was thrown out of the synagogue.
That was okay because he went back to Jesus and had his spiritual eyes opened also and received salvation which was better than being a social member of the synagogue.
Following Jesus will cost us popularity, status in the world and sometimes even status in the church, but it will gain us total status in heaven and with God and isn’t that where we want to be known?
Lord, thank you that you always honor those who truly follow You. Thank you for your protection and healing during such vulnerable times. May we live like David who knew that status with You was worth it all.
Jonathan couldn’t believe that his father had fallen so far that he would want to kill David. He and David made a pact of friendship and Jonathan told David that he prayed that God would be with him like He used to be with his father. He also asked David to treat him with the love of the Lord as long as he lived but if he died to treat his family with this love after God had destroyed all his enemies off the face of the earth. Jonathan was prophesying his future. Jonathan was in line to be the next king, but he somehow knew that he would never be the king.
Jonathan got to see just how much he hated David. He reunited with David warned him and they hugged in tears and departed to never see each other again after that day. Their friendship was a glimpse into the tender hearts to two warriors.
From that moment on, David’s life looked much like James Bond’s. He had to lie to the priest to get food and Goliath’s sword which he had laid down his life to earn. He also lied to the priest so the priest wouldn’t have to wrestle over whether to help him or not. He was trying to save him, but it cost him his life.
David ate the bread of the priest’s that would have killed anyone else, but since David was both priest and king, he lived.
He fled to Gath which was one of the five royal cities of the Philistines. It had been the city that Goliath was from. (That’s irony for you!) David had to act like a crazy man to save his life.
There were three miracles that had never been done before and the religious leaders claimed that only the Messiah would be able to do. They were:
1 - heal a Jewish leper (God had healed the Syrian leper, but it had to be a Jewish leper).
2 - Heal a deaf and dumb man.
3 - Heal a man born blind.
This man was born blind for this testimony to the Jews. That is why they went to such details to find out if he was really born blind or not. Their discovery only made them more blind. His own parents wouldn’t defend him for fear of being thrown out of the synagogue but the man who now could see was thrown out of the synagogue.
That was okay because he went back to Jesus and had his spiritual eyes opened also and received salvation which was better than being a social member of the synagogue.
Following Jesus will cost us popularity, status in the world and sometimes even status in the church, but it will gain us total status in heaven and with God and isn’t that where we want to be known?
Lord, thank you that you always honor those who truly follow You. Thank you for your protection and healing during such vulnerable times. May we live like David who knew that status with You was worth it all.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Sat.’s Devo - Heavenly Places
Read: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14
David walked in the favor of God and there was nothing Saul could do. Saul couldn’t kill David, make the people like him less or defeat him. Saul couldn’t even turn his own family against David. His own son, Jonathan defended him and loved him. His own daughter, Michal fell in love with David. Saul was in a boat without a paddle.
Saul stood for the devil and when we walk in God’s favor, there is nothing the devil can do against us. No weapon can be forged against us. No virus can come near us and we will not carry it.
When David had to flee for his life he went to Samuel, his spiritual father and they hid out in Naioth in Ramah which means “abodes” in “the heights”. That is hiding in “heavenly places”. We, who are in Christ are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Saul was tossed around between two opinions. One day he was tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord and the next day he is prophesying under the Spirit of the Lord. That had to be confusing.
In John, Jesus talked to those who are in his family and those who weren’t. Those in his family would always be free but those who weren’t would always be children of their father the devil. Jesus was the only way to the Father and they couldn’t buy that. They accused him of being from Satan.
Jesus was becoming more and more bold. He told them that before Abraham was even born, I AM! As they were picking up stones to stone him, Jesus slipped away to his heavenly place in God.
Lord, may we walk with you today in heavenly places.
David walked in the favor of God and there was nothing Saul could do. Saul couldn’t kill David, make the people like him less or defeat him. Saul couldn’t even turn his own family against David. His own son, Jonathan defended him and loved him. His own daughter, Michal fell in love with David. Saul was in a boat without a paddle.
Saul stood for the devil and when we walk in God’s favor, there is nothing the devil can do against us. No weapon can be forged against us. No virus can come near us and we will not carry it.
When David had to flee for his life he went to Samuel, his spiritual father and they hid out in Naioth in Ramah which means “abodes” in “the heights”. That is hiding in “heavenly places”. We, who are in Christ are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Saul was tossed around between two opinions. One day he was tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord and the next day he is prophesying under the Spirit of the Lord. That had to be confusing.
In John, Jesus talked to those who are in his family and those who weren’t. Those in his family would always be free but those who weren’t would always be children of their father the devil. Jesus was the only way to the Father and they couldn’t buy that. They accused him of being from Satan.
Jesus was becoming more and more bold. He told them that before Abraham was even born, I AM! As they were picking up stones to stone him, Jesus slipped away to his heavenly place in God.
Lord, may we walk with you today in heavenly places.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Fri.’s Devo - Walking By Faith
Read: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11
How many times have we heard the story about David and Goliath and it is still one of the most exciting stories to read. The Philistines were camped on one hill while the Israelites were camped on the other. Everyday was the same; the giant, Goliath came and challenged Israel to send out a person to fight him. King Saul was the giant of Israel. (Remember he was head and shoulders taller than any one.) But, King Saul was afraid.
David entered the scene and summed it up really quickly. He learned that the one who defeated Goliath would receive tax exemption for his whole family, be given Saul’s daughter in marriage and be given a huge reward. David went to Saul and told him that he would fight him using his past victories of killing lions and bears with his club to convince Saul. Saul had no other volunteer and something had to be done. After trying to give him his own armor so he would get some kind of glory from this if he actually succeeded, Saul let David go out with with no covering except his faith in God.
David apparently approached Goliath with this same club he had used with the lion and the bear because Goliath said, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with a stick?” Ironically, he didn’t use that stick at all. He used his sling which tells me he didn’t have a plan beforehand, just a lot of faith. He used his words. He told Goliath exactly what was going to happen. He was going to kill him, cut off his head and then kill his men and God was going to win this victory for Israel.
That was exactly what happened.
He met Jonathan that day, who you would think would be jealous of him and see him as a threat, but instead, Jonathan loved him. He made a pact with him and gave him his robe, his tunic, sword, bow and belt. He handed him the right to become the next king.
When we act in faith for God, he gives us the same authority and power that he gave Jesus. He gives us the right to become a son of God.
In John, Jesus refrained from cursing the ones who condemned him because God didn’t condemn them. He told them they would understand when he was lifted up on the cross. Life comes from death.
Lord, may our words proclaim what you want us to create on earth. May we be filled with faith and our mouth pour forth your will.
How many times have we heard the story about David and Goliath and it is still one of the most exciting stories to read. The Philistines were camped on one hill while the Israelites were camped on the other. Everyday was the same; the giant, Goliath came and challenged Israel to send out a person to fight him. King Saul was the giant of Israel. (Remember he was head and shoulders taller than any one.) But, King Saul was afraid.
David entered the scene and summed it up really quickly. He learned that the one who defeated Goliath would receive tax exemption for his whole family, be given Saul’s daughter in marriage and be given a huge reward. David went to Saul and told him that he would fight him using his past victories of killing lions and bears with his club to convince Saul. Saul had no other volunteer and something had to be done. After trying to give him his own armor so he would get some kind of glory from this if he actually succeeded, Saul let David go out with with no covering except his faith in God.
David apparently approached Goliath with this same club he had used with the lion and the bear because Goliath said, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with a stick?” Ironically, he didn’t use that stick at all. He used his sling which tells me he didn’t have a plan beforehand, just a lot of faith. He used his words. He told Goliath exactly what was going to happen. He was going to kill him, cut off his head and then kill his men and God was going to win this victory for Israel.
That was exactly what happened.
He met Jonathan that day, who you would think would be jealous of him and see him as a threat, but instead, Jonathan loved him. He made a pact with him and gave him his robe, his tunic, sword, bow and belt. He handed him the right to become the next king.
When we act in faith for God, he gives us the same authority and power that he gave Jesus. He gives us the right to become a son of God.
In John, Jesus refrained from cursing the ones who condemned him because God didn’t condemn them. He told them they would understand when he was lifted up on the cross. Life comes from death.
Lord, may our words proclaim what you want us to create on earth. May we be filled with faith and our mouth pour forth your will.
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