October 10 -- "Conviction Over Opportunity"

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 24

"Conviction Over Opportunity"

David had more than one opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Saul and put an end to his own torture of being hunted and hounded by the king. But he did not act on those opportunities.  Instead, he chose to respect God’s chosen leader and keep him alive even though it meant his own torment and discomfort would continue.  Some would say that whenever God opens a door of opportunity, we must go through it and take hold of the situation that has presented itself.  But is that always true? Actually, no.  There are times when personal character matters more than seizing opportunity.  In this case, David had a personal conviction from God about laying a hand on God’s chosen leader. David’s logic, though it seemed illogical to some, was simply that one should never attack the Lord’s anointed – even though the opportunity to do so presented itself. 

What application does this have to Christians today? Who is, or are, the Lord’s anointed who should not be attacked? Does this mean we should never challenge or attack a Christian leader or Pastor? That we must recognize him as God’s anointed and not “lay a hand” on him?  In the New Testament, congregations are not led by kings or prophets. They are led by “pastors,” a word that means servant-shepherds. Yes, I know in many circles the pastor and his wife are treated like royalty. Some even refer to the pastor’s wife as first lady.  But this verse was never intended to place people above others or remove them from accountability for their actions. While we must hold our leaders accountable for issues to do with false doctrine, sin, and stewardship failures, we must be very careful not to “attack” or “oppose” or “dispute with” our pastor-shepherd for issues that are not critical or vital to the life of the church. He is God’s under-shepherd and has been chosen by God for his service to the church.  As such, we must be careful to support and defend him privately and publicly.

More importantly for us, we need to see the underlying principle here – Conviction Trumps Opportunity!  We must never yield to an apparent opportunity when doing so will compromise our convictions.  David chose not to lift a finger against Saul because in his heart he knew God would not be pleased.  In the same way, we must be careful not to go through “an open door” just because it is there.  We must seek God’s will and search our own hearts.  If seizing the opportunity compromises our convictions, we must decline.  Perhaps you’re competing for a promotion at work, but you know another employee is more deserving than you.  Be careful that you don’t “attack” that other employee just to better your situation.  Or, maybe you’ve just been in a minor traffic collision that was really your fault, but when the police report is made, you claim the other person was at fault just so you can protect your driving record or insurance premiums. 

Remember – conviction always trumps opportunity.  Put God’s principles first, then if a door opens that doesn’t require compromise of your convictions, you can be confident in going through that door.

October 9 -- "What Are You Seeking?"

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 23 & Psalm 57 

"What Are You Seeking?"

Saul was a "seeker." Saul was seeking David.  He was determined to find David and execute him so he would no longer be a threat to his kingdom and dynasty. 

When Saul would hear a report about David’s whereabouts, he would immediately pursue him in that location. According to Saul’s son Jonathan, Saul was fully aware that God had chosen David to be the new king.  In verse 17, Jonathan says to David, “You [David] shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” Despite knowing in his heart that God had given the kingdom over to David, Saul still sought him.  Saul was a “seeker” all right, but he wasn’t seeking after the right thing(s).  He was seeking his own benefit and acclaim.

David, also, was a “seeker.” But he wasn’t seeking his own advancement or comfort.  He was a seeker after God. And, herein is the essential principle that sustained David and protected him from Saul’s relentless pursuit.  David was a man “after God’s own heart.”  He loved the Lord and sought to draw close to him continually.  We are told about four times in today’s chapter that David repeatedly “inquired of the LORD.” While Saul was seeking David, David was seeking God.  As a result, David always remained one step ahead of his pursuer.

In Psalm 57, David credited the LORD with answering his prayers and saving him from Saul’s pursuit. “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me.” (Psalm 57:2-3)

David knew that God had a purpose for his life. He knew that God would see to it that this purpose was fulfilled. So, David continually inquired of the Lord and committed his safekeeping to “God Most High.”

God also has a purpose for your life.  But your enemy (the devil) is seeking to thwart God’s purpose and drive you off course from God’s plan.  This is why it is so important to seek the LORD regularly and continually.  If you remain committed to seeking the LORD along life’s path, He will see to it that you are always one step ahead of your pursuer.  He will “put to shame him who tramples on” you.

Don’t turn aside to the right or the left. Be a “seeker” of God. Stay on His divine path. Inquire regularly and sincerely of Him. He has never lost one of His followers, and He will not lose you. No one can snatch you out of His hand. (John 10:29)

October 8 -- "Three D's: Distress, Debt, Discontent"

 Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 22

"Three D's: Distress, Debt, Discontent"

Today, many people are facing distress, financial debt, and a sense of discontentment. Just as 1 Samuel 22:2 offers guidance and hope to those in similar circumstances in ancient times, this passage can provide encouragement and direction to those facing these challenges today. Just as David assimilated this “motley crew” into his team and turned them into successful warriors, our God is seeking those discontented souls among us so He can turn them into warriors for His kingdom.

Distress: In our modern world, distress can take various forms, such as personal crises, health issues, or emotional struggles. The cave of Adullam represents a place of refuge for those in distress today. Just as David turned to God for refuge, we can do the same. Seek solace in prayer and meditation on God's Word. Find a local church or a community of believers who can provide emotional support and prayer during difficult times. Remember that God is always near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He can bring comfort and peace in the midst of distress.

Financial Debt: Financial debt is a common challenge in today's society. The debt can weigh heavily on individuals and families, causing stress and anxiety. Like those who joined David in his time of distress, we should seek practical solutions to address our financial challenges. This may include creating a budget, seeking financial counseling, or exploring debt consolidation options. Above all, trust God with your financial situation. Pray for wisdom and provision, and be diligent in managing your resources. God can open doors and provide opportunities to alleviate your debt burden.

Discontentment: “Bitterness of soul” often arises from comparing our lives to others or feeling unfulfilled in our current circumstances. The story of David and the cave of Adullam reminds us that God can transform our discontentment into purpose. Seek God's guidance and direction for your life. Ask Him to reveal His plan and purpose for you and be open to His leading. Sometimes, discontentment can be a signal that God is calling you to a new path or a deeper relationship with Him. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for what you have, and trust that God can use your discontentment as a catalyst for positive change.

Just as David provided hope and guidance to those in distress, debt, and discontentment, our Lord offers a timeless message of encouragement and direction for individuals facing similar challenges today. Turn to God for refuge, seek practical solutions, and trust that God can transform your circumstances and lead you to a place of purpose and contentment.

October 7 -- "Humanity Above Legality"

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 21 

"Humanity Above Legality"

Under the Law of Moses, the "table of shewbread" (KJV), was an important piece of furniture inside the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It was situated on the north side of the Holy Place, a private chamber where only priests were allowed to enter and perform daily rituals of worship as representatives for the people.

On top of the table, the priests placed the twelve loaves of shewbread, also called “the bread of the Presence” or "Holy bread." The twelve loaves stood for the twelve tribes of Israel.  The loaves were a symbolic acknowledgment that God was the resource for Israel’s life and nourishment (i.e. “The Bread of Life”) and also served as Israel’s act of thanksgiving to God.  The loaves of bread were changed every Sabbath, and the priests ate that which had been removed.  It was forbidden under the Law for anyone but the priests to eat the shewbread.

Then one day, David and his small band of supporters were on the run from king Saul.  And they ran out of food. So. David went to Ahimelech the priest and requested some food.  And the priest answered David, “I have no common bread on hand, but there is the ‘holy bread.’”  The priest then gave them the holy bread. It was the only bread he had, which had been removed from God’s presence and replaced by fresh bread at the same time.

Although this was technically a violation of the Law, the priest recognized that it was the right thing to do. The principle that this draws our attention to about the Law is that in cases of human necessity (such as in the case of David), acts of mercy are preferred to ritual services.  Human need takes precedence over legal technicalities.

Jesus would later refer back to this incident when His disciples were accused of doing that “which is not lawful” by picking wheat grain on the sabbath.  Jesus there reminded all of us that religion should never get in the way of our care and compassion for our fellow human beings.  Jesus summed up his lesson that day by saying, “I desire mercy not sacrifice” (Matthew 12:7), thus placing acts of mercy and grace above religious and ritual acts.

If your religion is so structured that you cannot feel the pain and need of others, it is time to let the Holy Spirit renew grace in your heart. God desires mercy, and mercy requires acts of compassion. Mercy requires that we see the humanity of others, and also recognize our own humanity. Mercy sees the true need and seeks restoration. And in order to give mercy, it must flow of our own awareness of how we have received mercy so abundantly.

October 6 -- "What Can The Righteous Do?"

 Today’s Reading: Psalms 11 & 59

"What Can The Righteous Do?"

In Psalm 11:3, David asks a profound question, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  The word translated “foundations” refers to the moral and spiritual underpinnings of any society. David was facing a time in his life when all that he believed about society and justice and truth seemed to be collapsing.  He was being chased down by a bitter and vindictive king whom he had served in loyalty and faithfulness all his life.  Everything seemed to be turning upside down.  You can sense in his words a feeling of despair and hopelessness.

We, too, live at a time in history when the foundations of society and truth and justice are collapsing all around us. Governments and their leaders are corrupt.  Righteousness among nations and people seems to be at an all time low.  Evil has become good, and good has become evil. When a nation celebrates what God condemns, judgment from on high must eventually come. And we can see it coming as our nation falls deeper and deeper into darkness. So, what are we, as followers of Christ to do?

First of all, we must not give in to these feelings of despair and hopelessness. This is exactly the opposite of what God wants us to do.  Instead, we must turn our eyes upon the Lord, now more than ever and keep our hope in Him and His promises strong.

Second, like David, we must take refuge in the Lord. Verse 1, says “I have taken refuge in the Lord. How can you say to me, ‘Escape to the mountain like a bird!’” These are times when we must not flee.  When David’s friends encouraged him to flee the country, he replied, “I have taken refuge in the Lord.” He reasoned that if God cannot protect him, then running away won’t keep him safe.  The only safe place is in God.

Third, we must pray and engage in spiritual warfare.  We must recognize that the root causes of our collapsing moral and spiritual foundation come from the prince of darkness, Satan himself.  We must put on the armor of God and pray fervently for his dark schemes to be defeated in the spiritual realm.

Finally, we must stand and fight.  As followers of Christ, what are we to do when the foundation is crumbling?  Shine the light of Christ!  Never back down when confronting darkness.  Proclaim God’s truth and righteousness loudly in the public square and fight every attempt to degrade the foundations any further. 

So, dear follower of Christ. When the foundations are destroyed, don’t despair. Take refuge in the Lord. Pray without ceasing. Stand and fight.  

October 5 -- "When the Lord is Between Us"

 Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 20

"When the Lord is Between Us"

Jonathan was king Saul’s son and next in line for the throne of Israel. At least, that’s how Saul viewed the matter. But God had other plans.  He planned to remove Saul from the throne and install David as the new king. Although Saul knew in his heart that this was God’s plan, he refused to yield to it.  He fought hard to keep control of the kingdom and to pass it down to his son and succeeding generations.

Jonathan and David were best friends. They had grown up together in the royal household and their hearts were knit together in a true bond of friendship.  But David was in trouble. Saul was trying to kill him to prevent him from taking over the kingdom. So, against his own best interest, Jonathan devises a plan to protect David from his vicious father.  To seal the agreement, Jonathan invoked the statement, “The LORD is between you and me forever.” By uttering those words, Jonathan was invoking the watchful eye of God to keep an eye on both of them and to make them true to their words.

This phrase was commonly used in the Bible by two parties who entered a covenant or agreement.  It really started in Genesis 31 when Laban and Jacob, two sneaky, conniving, and deceitful men entered into an agreement to establish a boundary between them.  Laban recognized that both he and Jacob were “slippery” characters so he invoked the Lord’s help in keeping an eye on them and catching either one of them in the act if they attempted to renege on their deal. Thus, this phrase became a way of swearing to keep an agreement under penalty of God’s watchful eye.

Jonathan and David were not sneaky, conniving men like Laban and Jacob.  They were good friends who cared deeply for one another.  When Jonathan entered the covenant with David and the house of David, he did so honestly and with every intention of keeping the deal.  There was no chance of either party reneging on the deal. Nevertheless, Jonathan still sealed his promise by invoking the watchful eye of the Lord.  In essence, he was saying, “With the Lord watching over us, we are certain that our covenant will be fulfilled. May He watch over us forever.”

It is so important for all of us that the LORD keep His watchful eye on our relationships with others and on our integrity to keep commitments.  Today, we don’t normally utter the phrase, “The Lord is between you and me” when entering into a relationship, or covenant, or agreement. Nevertheless, we should always seek God’s watchful eye over our hearts such that He “catches” us when our hearts begin to veer off course or we begin to falter in our commitments.  We must always keep the LORD “between” us and those He brings into our lives.

October 4 -- "Astounded and Confounded"

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 19 

"Astounded and Confounded"

When Samuel first anointed Saul as the king of Israel, he predicted that Saul would prophesy, saying, “The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person” (1 Samuel 10:6).  The word “prophesy” means to speak out a message from God under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy at its most basic definition is “a message from God.” So, to prophesy is to proclaim a message from God. The one who does this is, therefore, a prophet.

Years later, as king, Saul sent three different groups of servants who prophesied to David. When Saul personally traveled to this location, he also prophesied: “Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. This is why people say, ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’” (1 Samuel 19:23–24).

At this point in his life, Saul has become a mean, angry man.  He has let jealousy eat at his soul and devour him.  He has repeatedly ordered the execution of David and has personally attempted to murder him on at least two occasions.  He is old, bitter, and corrupt.  So, we find it strange that God would use him to prophecy.  Yet, we are told that the Spirit of God came upon him and he began prophesying.

This is an astounding and confounding moment.  It is astounding to witness as God’s supernatural power comes upon this king of Israel.  It is confounding because it seems like Saul is the last person in the world through whom God would choose to speak His message.  That’s one reason the people around him said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”  They were a bit confounded by God’s choice to use this corrupt, evil king to speak forth His words.

This is where we must rely on the wisdom and sovereignty of God.  We may be confounded at times by the people God uses.  But in His wisdom, He uses them anyway.  He is sovereign and gives His gifts to whomsoever He chooses.  We must not question God’s wisdom or sovereignty.  We must simply maintain a right heart with Him and be astounded and confounded when He uses us for His divine purposes.  After all, there is no goodness or qualities within any of us for which God chooses to use us.