CRY OUT
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 5-6

"They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him." 1 Chronicles 5:20 NLT

The paragraph of verses this gem is nestled into starts out with these words...

"There were 44,760 skilled warriors in the army of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were all skilled in combat and armed with shields, swords and bows."

These were not butchers, bakers and candle-stick makers, these were men honed for war. Raised for battle. Trained in turmoil.

And still they had to call out to God.

Their resources, their strengths, their abilities failed them.

Maybe you're there.

Maybe you are almost there.

You've exhausted your reserves. You've used every strength you have. You've utilized your God-given strengths. And still the battle is not turning in your favor.

Do you trust God enough to call out to Him for help?

No, just because it's all your fault doesn't keep Him from helping.

No, He's not too busy helping another well-deserving soul to help you.

No, it's never too deep into the battle, too far gone or too much deserved.

Cry out.

Then keep your eyes peeled for His answers!

BATHSHEBA
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 3-4

"The sons born to David in Jerusalem included Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon. Bathsheba, the daughter of Ammiel, was the mother of these sons." 1 Chronicles 3:5 NLT

Bathsheba herself might have thought that the only mention she would receive was the sordid list of events in 2 Samuel 11.

She had probably been told by her enemy, some close friends and even family members that from that point on, she would only be known by the occurrences orchestrated by the king.

She may have walked around the palace with her head bowed low, knowing that people knew. Suspected maybe they whispered about her when she wasn't around. Maybe she figured people were very well aware of what kind of woman she was now known to be.

All because of the circumstances she found herself in with David. Circumstances none of us know if she had any say over or not. Circumstances that placed her in quite a predicament. Circumstances that could have/would have/should have left her broken, stained or dead.

But in today's reading, she is mentioned as a momma to princes, most notably, a future king!

That gives me hope.

God can use us and wants to use us, friends--no matter the past!

My Instagram feed had this quote on it today, and I believe it was placed there by God to focus my thoughts on His Word and the truth in it...

'One thing I love about God is, He'll bring you out of situations that you got yourself into and won't hold it against you...' -Kim Pothier

BEING THAT ONE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2

"Achan son of Carmi, one of Zerah's descendants, brought disaster on Israel by taking plunder that had been set apart for the Lord." 1 Chronicles 2:7 NLT

How would you like to be listed, among countless generations, amidst page after page of begats, as the 'one' who brought disaster on your family and on your people?

To be known for that?

To have that legacy?

To have that written about you for centuries-later readers to uncover as they read the Bible?

It took Achan one poor choice.

Just one.

And the same choice, staring him in the face, could have turned out so completely different had he chosen what was right over what was wrong.

We, very easily, can be 'that one', by the choices we make today.

The one who sets our family on the path towards God...

The one who stands up for someone who cannot stand for themselves...

The one who accepts a key to unlock chains of an addiction...

The one who turns their life over to the Lord for Him to do a great work...

Be the one, the good one, today.

MOVING ON UP...OR ARE WE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 24-25

"King Nebuchadnezzar took ten thousand captives from Jerusalem, including all the princes and the best of the soldiers, craftsmen, and smiths. So only the poorest people were left in the land." 2 Kings 24:14 NLT

My Life Application Bible commentary says this:

'The Babylonian policy for taking captives was different from that of the Assyrians who moved most of the people out and resettled the land with foreigners. The Babylonians took only the strong and skilled, leaving behind the poor and weak to rule the land, thus elevating them to positions of authority and winning their loyalty.'

Isn't that what satan attempts to do with us?

He manipulates and connives us into spots where we 'think' we are better off--and we fall for his tricks. Over and over we fall for his tricks.

He makes us think we are bettering ourselves, when all along we are falling right into his trap.

He leads us to believe life is going very, very well for us, and in reality we are on wrong paths that lead us farther and farther from the Lord.

He pampers us and allows us to think we are living the high life, when truthfully, our souls are in danger.

This morning's reading has me re-evaluating the tactics of my enemy. I'm on high alert for his tricks. I am watching him like a hawk. I want clear eyes to see just what it is he is up to in my life, so I can take an even stronger stand in those areas with God by my side.

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND!
Today's reading: 2 Kings 22-23

"Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, I have found the Book of the Law in the Lord's Temple! Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it." 2 Kings 22:8 NLT

The inquisitive part of me asks these questions...

Where had the ' Bible' been?
Had it not been being preached from?
Why were these folks so surprised to find it where it was supposed to be?
Hadn't anyone missed it before then?

Just a few questions.

I mean, truly, hadn't they noticed it missing? Hadn't their services been a little lacking in what was read, taught, discussed? Who had been in charge of the 'Bible' and why wasn't that person being held accountable the first Sabbath it wasn't in their services?

What about your church?

Is the Word of God preached?

Is it held to the highest place of authority, what it says is what is done?

Since it isn't just the pastor's responsibility to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, how are you doing with your part of that task?

No, we're not in church right now--but is the Bible still being preached, taught, discussed and read in your homes?

FIRST RESPONSE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 19-21

"When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord." 2 Kings 20:2 NLT

Hezekiah had just received a fatal diagnosis. He had been given just a short time left to live. He had been told he needed to set his affairs in order.

His response? Prayer.

What would yours have been?

Honestly, now, what would you have done?

Are you the person who would give up at that very moment? Take your bit of bad news and stop living at that very moment?

Begin biting your fingernails? Wringing your hands?

Start the acid build up in your gut that produces ulcers upon ulcers upon ulcers?

Turn to Google, turn to Facebook to post your information, turn to another doctor?

Are you a 'deny-er'? One who ignores and signs up for several others tasks to keep your mind occupied?

Maybe, just maybe you are one of those who would keep it all to yourself? Would you attempt to handle this solo? Bother no one else with it? Keep that stiff upper lip and continue on as if nothing happened because you don't need anyone else or their help?

Or would you turn to God?

In prayer. In desperation. In hope. In response because it's always been your response?

I saw a post yesterday in regards to this pandemic we're living through, and I think it sums up what a Christian's life should be about at all times--especially hard times...

"These days are not a drill. We practiced our faith for days like these." -Ann Voskamp

Isn't that true? What we've talked about, believed, sang about, shared with others, what we've raised our hands in praise over, what we've listened to from our pews--it's for such a time as this.

We've got to make Him our first response. Turn to God. It's the only way we can turn!

HEAVILY TAXED
Today's reading: 2 Kings 17-18

"King Shalmaneser of Arryria attacked and defeated King Hoshea, so Israel was forced to pay heavy annual tribute to Assyria...This disaster came upon the nation of Israel because the people worshiped others gods, sinning against the Lord their God, who had brought them safely out of their slavery in Egypt." 2 Kings 17:3, 7 NLT

If we're not hearing news about the virus, we're hearing news about oil prices or a more common topic year round--taxes.

Heavy taxes.

Wrongly imposed taxes.

Taxes on taxes.

But in the case of the country of Israel in this portion of the Bible, their taxes were brought on by their sins. By their choice to worship gods instead of God. Sure, it was by way of an enemy nation and an enemy king, but it was due to their refusal to turn back to God.

Sin does charge us more than we would ever think it will cost us, doesn't it?

More hurt.

More separation.

More anxiety.

More guilt.

More time spent away from God.

More loss.

Kind of like a tax, isn't it?

Taxes we could, by our choice to serve God wholeheartedly, be exempt from!

REFUSED
Today's reading: 2 Kings 14-16

"...He did what was evil in the Lord's sight. He refused to turn from the sins of idolatry..." 2 Kings 14:24 NLT

"...Zechariah did what was evil in the Lord's sight, as his ancestors had done. He refused to turn from the sins of idolatry..." 2 Kings 15:9 NLT

"But Menahem did what was evil in the Lord's sight. During his entire reign, he refused to turn from the sins of idolatry..." 2 Kings 15:18 NLT

"But Pekahiah did what was evil in the Lord's sight. He refused to turn from the sins of idolatry..." 2 Kings 15:24 NLT

But Pekah did what was evil in the Lord's sight. He refused to turn from the sins of idolatry..." 2 Kings 15:28 NLT

Am I the only one seeing a pattern in today's Scripture reading?

Generation after generation refused to turn from sin, the same sins their predecessors lost their lives and their reigns to.

Why would anyone do that? Did they not have counsel that might give them better advice? Friends who would direct them down different paths? Loved ones that might put before them the simple fact that 'something wasn't working' and needed changed?

Why do we do that?

Why do we continue in some sins? The sins we have carried around with us for years? Fallen victim to for most of our lives? Trip up and commit almost daily?

Why do we refuse to turn?

Too hard?

Too much effort required?

Too afraid of the change it will bring about?

Too defeated to try again?

Too much of that sin defining us?

Too embarrassed to ask for help in breaking the strongholds? Praying it through? Seeking to make amends?

Or is it that we think the sin no longer effects us?

Okay, is it one you want passed on to your child/children/next generation?

If you could stop it now for them, would you?

PITIED
Today's reading: 2 Kings 11-13

"But the Lord was gracious to the people of Israel, and they were not totally destroyed. He pitied them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And to this day he still has not completely destroyed them or banished them from his presence." 2 Kings 13:23 NLT

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I have issues with being pitied.

Pitied for what I don't have...

Pitied for the social class I am in...

Pitied for the occupation I have...

Pitied for the lack of education I have...

Pitied for what I cannot do physically...

Pitied for the gender I was assigned at conception...

I know, I know, it's a pride thing. It very, very seldom rears its ugly head--but it was brought to mind with this verse.

I will tell you, however, being pitied by God is a completely different feeling.

 I see His pity as compassion. As deep seated love. As my only hope!

I realize it's only because He knows my inabilities and my inadequacies and my characteristics that He deems me needing His help and special attention.

God's pity for me doesn't press me down, it raises me up.

It doesn't weigh heavy on me, it lifts my spirit.

It doesn't make things worse, it makes things right.

It doesn't make me feel less than, it makes me feel loved by my Creator!

THAT ONE THING
Today's reading: 2 Kings 9-10

"Nonetheless, the Lord said to Jehu, You have done well in following my instructions to destroy the family of Ahab. Because of this I will cause your descendants to be the kings of Israel down to the fourth generation. But Jehu did not obey the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit." 2 Kings 10:30-31 NLT

That one thing.

All but for that one specific thing.

He could have had God's blessing on his entire life. He could have had blessings bestowed on generations to follow him. He could have had the hand of God on the lives of so many that would come after him.

Except for that one thing.

The 'little god he kept in his pocket'.

The one thing he chose to run to.

Turn to.

Bow down to.

Worship.

Give God's place to.

Fall back on.

Give in to.

Settle for.

Is there that one thing in your life? One thing that's keeping you from all God has for you? That thing that is holding you back?

MORE ON OUR SIDE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 6-8

"When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses and chariots everywhere. Ah, my lord, what will we do now? he cried out to Elisha. Don't be afraid! Elisha told him. For there are more on our side than on theirs! Then Elisha prayed, O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" 2 Kings 6:15-17 NLT

It might be that as you rise and shine, you find nothing has changed.

Maybe there is still a stack of bills on your kitchen table...the diagnosis hasn't been reversed...the prodigal didn't come home...the broken vows haven't been mended...the desire to eat, drink, medicate, whatever your temptation is remains strong.

Or maybe things have changed.

The phone call in the middle of the night has flipped your world upside down...the mountain that loomed yesterday has grown considerably in size...the promise was broken...the water heater decided to quit and leave a floorful of water...the job no longer needs you.

What ever it is you see this morning, no matter how large the enemy looks, despite how big the problems are, if you are His--God is on our side and that makes us victorious!

His hand holds us safely.

His promises have not changed.

His truth is still steadfast and sure.

His wings cover us.

His love for us is greater than we will ever know.

His forgiveness forgives.

His mercy never ends.

His bounty provides us with more than we will ever need in this lifetime.

His angel armies surround us from all sides.

His ways are higher than ours.

Friend, there is more, much more, on our side than on theirs!

May God open your eyes to see it.

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Today's reading: 2 Kings 4-5

"One day the widow of one of Elisha's fellow prophets came to Elisha and cried out to him, My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves." 2 Kings 4:1 NLT

I'm not a widow.

My husband has never served a prophet.

The creditors aren't beating down the door.

I don't have two sons, I have one, but not two.

But...

I see myself in this gal.

In the way she used her words.

In the way she slid a simple, but factual, statement into her plea...

...and you know how he feared the Lord...

Could have come from my lips.

It's a phrase used by myself, and others--yes, I'm throwing you under the bus right along with me this morning--when bad things happen to godly people.

But I've served the Lord...

But I've attended church my whole life...

But I'm doing everything as God wants me to do it...

But I was in church last week at least three times...

But I have read my Bible every day for ten day straight...

But I've given my tithes...

But...

But...

But...

Oh, it hurts when we think it shouldn't be happening the way it is coming to pass. It doesn't make sense. It doesn't seem, shall I say it in my very best dramatic third grade girl way--FAIR!

It's during those unfair times we tend to throw out the facts we have that should even up the scales.

It's while we are hurting that we look for reasons why we shouldn't be.

It's when things look bleak or unlovely that we tend to peer into the windows of other people's lives to notice what they have and we haven't.

It's while things seem very topsy-turvy that we begin with our 'checklist of godliness' and check off every box we've accomplished.

But shouldn't that be the very time when we should be bowing our knees and thanking God for knowing better? For knowing more than we do? For seeing farther than the moment we're standing in? For still loving us? For having it under His trustworthy control? For working ALL things together for His glory and for our faith-muscle building good?

I'm going to have to remind myself of that...

STICKING WITH HIM
Today's reading: 2 Kings 1-3

"And Elijah said to Elisha, Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel. But Elisha replied, As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you! So they went on together to Bethel." 2 Kings 2:2 NLT

Three times you can read that Elisha said the same thing to Elijah...No, I won't leave you!

He was determined to stick by Elijah's side. No matter where he went. No matter what he endured. No matter what it required.

That's commitment.

That's dedication.

That's servitude.

That's love.

Is that something that can be said of our commitment/dedication/service/love to the Lord?

Will I go where ever He asks?

Will I seek Him out where ever it is He has me?

Will I know, without a doubt, He is with me no matter the external circumstances?

Will I not leave His side for anything?

BUT FIRST
Today's reading: 1 Kings 21-22

"Then Jehoshaphat added, But first let's find out what the Lord says." 1 Kings 22:5 NLT

If you're anything like me, your mind spins constantly with ideas, notions and thoughts.

There is a perpetual to-do list going on in your head.

There is a running account of things you'd like to accomplish, see started and ideas you'd like to inflate like a helium balloon readied for take-off.

Good ideas.

Heartfelt ideas.

Reach-out-and-touch-others kind of ideas.

And I'm the kind of gal who likes to see them get done.

Quickly.

According to my plans.

In a short timeframe.

But the verse that caught my eye today reminds me that I need to pull the brakes and see just what it is God is wanting me to do.

You see, even the very best of good intentions done at the wrong time or in the wrong way don't end well.

The godliest of motives, if not done in God's timeframe, will flop like a fish out of water.

So I need to remember to check with God first. Always.

To see what it is He thinks. What He says. What He gives the green light on. Which doors He opens. And on what ideas I have that He lovingly says, 'Wait'.

Maybe you do, too.

And really, it doesn't matter the size of the task at hand.

GOING BACK
Today's reading: 1 Kings 19-20

"Then the Lord told him, Go back the way you came and travel to the wilderness..." 1 Kings 19:15 NLT

God was asking Elijah to retrace his steps and walk down familiar, if not trying and unsettling paths.

When, if Elijah was anything like most of us, was ready for something new. Something different. Something a little less confrontational. Something, honestly, a little easier.

But God asks him to go back--to go to the wilderness--to do a work for God in a place where Elijah was sure no work could be done. He'd tried, Elijah tells the Lord.

Maybe God has you in the same spot.

Maybe He isn't releasing you quite yet from a ministry, a job, a prayer request or a vow you have made to him.

He keeps asking you to return to it. To go back to it. To try again...and again...and again.

You've not seen any progress in all the time you've been at it. You've seen no grand movements in the right direction. You've not witnessed any grand accomplishments or leaps of success. You've not seen an explosion of growth or a single sprout of promise--but He is asking you to continue in it.

It's because He knows more about it than you do.

He sees deeper into it all than you can ever see.

He peers farther into the future than your life will touch.

Trust Him--and go back to it. Again. And if He asks, again. And if He continues to ask, again.

DOING MY PART
Today's reading: 1 Kings 16-18

"Then the Lord said to Elijah, Go and live in the village of Zarepath, near the city of Sidon. There is a widow there who will feed you. I have given her my instructions." 1 Kings 17:8-9 NLT

This is for the person to whom God has spoken...

For the person who God has asked to do something special...

The guy or gal who is being led by God to step out and do a work for the Lord...

The kind of work that scares them.

The kind of step that takes a lot of faith.

The kind of request that is going to look, to the world, like the workings of a religious nut.

The kind of thing that seems impossible.

The kind of obedience that when followed through will seemingly only make a small dent in the big problem.

Have Elijah-sized faith.

Believe like Elijah did when he packed up his little tent there by the brook and moved into the town of Zarepath.

Have enough confidence to leave your 'ravens of replenishment' behind.

Move on to the next miracle.

Trust the Lord with what He has asked you to do--and that the next person will do the same.

You see, God asked Elijah to do his part. God asked the widow to do her part. And, friend, God is asking you to do your part. Only your part, no one else's.

BUT EVEN AFTER THIS
Today's reading: 1 Kings 13-15

"But even after this, Jeroboam did not turn from his evil ways. He continued to choose priests from the rank and file of the people. Anyone who wanted to could become a priest for the pagan shrines." 1 Kings 13:33 NLT

But even after this?

For those a little older than myself, did you say the same things after watching the man land on the moon? Or watch a president assassinated on television? Or even as you held a loved one who returned from the Vietnam War or World War II? Maybe after having lived through the Depression?

Did you say it after 9/11?

Maybe you're saying it now and it goes like this...

But even after this...some will still not wash their hands?

But even after this...people will not appreciate the value of family gatherings?

But even after this...folks won't see the blessing of corporate worship?

But even after this...fellow employees will still insist on coming to work feverish and sick?

How will what we're going through today, right now, make a difference in you?

In your walk with the Lord?

In your commitment to serving Him?

Because, if even after this you're not seeing Him or seeing an opportunity to trust Him even more than before or allow 'this' to draw you closer to Him...you aren't looking hard enough.

WHEN HE TELLS US--TWICE
Today's reading: 1 Kings 10-12

"The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice." 1 Kings 11:9 NLT

Not only once did God speak directly to Solomon about making sure his heart wasn't led away from Him, but twice.

Two times.

Two separate times God mentioned making sure Solomon followed and obeyed God's commands.

And we know Solomon heard both times, because it is recorded that Solomon responded to God's charge.

So to see that now Solomon has done just what God asked him not to do?

To hear that Solomon is guilty of what God warned him against?

To know Solomon has sinned against God in the exact way God had told him to be very aware of two different times?

Oh, Solomon. Why?

Why do we do it? Why do we dip our toes into the same sins God speaks to our hearts about? Why do we buy into the same temptations God warns us against over and over? Why do we stumble over the same sin-obstacles time and time again?

When God warns us. When He speaks to our hearts. When He loves us enough to tell us up front what will and won't please Him.

MAY I NEVER FORGET
Today's reading: 1 Kings 8-9

"And though this Temple is impressive now, it will become an appalling sight for all who pass by. They will scoff and ask, Why did the Lord do such terrible things to his land and to his Temple! And the answer will be, Because his people forgot the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead. That is why the Lord has brought all these disasters upon them." 1 Kings 9:8-9 NLT

Our pastors have gone to great lengths in this shelter at home period to provide us with at-home communions packs for today's livestream service.

Their hopes are that we don't forget.

Don't forget God's gift of Jesus.

That we don't forget Jesus' perfect life.

That we don't forget Jesus' choice to go to the cross for our sins.

His pain and death.

And most importantly, this beautiful Easter morning, His resurrection and life!

It would be easy to forget amidst this pandemonium. Among this chaos. This fear. This unknown. This discombobulation of our normal lives.

But the body who chooses to remember will choose to live.

I choose to remember today.

Jesus is alive!

HIS PROMISE
Today's reading: 1 Kings 6-7

"Then the Lord gave this message to Solomon: Concerning this Temple you are building, if you keep all my laws and regulations and obey all my commands, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the people of Israel and never forsake my people." 1 Kings 6:11-13 NLT

 During this time of quarantine, isolation and separation...

With doors, miles and sometimes oceans between us...

No matter the time zone, the culture, the zip code...

Regardless of our skin color, our history or our net taxable income...

Despite the length of time we've been believers, the depth of our study up to this point or the understanding we currently have of the Bible...

No matter, Easter-miracle-believing-friends, God promises to be with us!

If we're believing in God and in Jesus' resurrection and have asked for that holy blood to wash away our sins, we have the promise of God's nearness to us--no matter the germs!

Praying for you this oddly weird Easter season--may it be a time that has slowed us all down to the speed at which we can remember the real reason for this holy-day!

Happy Easter!

GOOD FRIDAY
Today's reading: 1 Kings 3-5

"That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!" 1 Kings 3:5 NLT

God knew better than to ask us, so He gave us what we needed/wanted/would have asked for if we knew what was best for us...His Son.

This still-dark Good Friday morning, I know that.

I know, for a fact, that at different stages and ages of my life, my request from God would have varied. What I thought I needed. What I believed I wanted. What I knew I just had to have to get through.

He knew I needed a Savior.

He also knew I was a thinker and a ponder-er. It would have taken me a lifetime to decide for sure what to ask for. I would think and re-think. I would make lists of pro's and con's. I would have asked others their opinions and sought out wise counsel.

He knew I needed a Savior.

My imagination would have run wild with the idea of getting to receive whatever I would ask for. My thoughts would race. My dreams would grow. My ideas would sprout and grow like kudzu in the south.

He knew I needed a Savior--and His Son far exceeded my expectations!

I'm so glad He didn't ask me, He just provided and then allowed me the privilege of accepting His gift.

SUCCESS
Today's reading: 1 Kings 1-2

"Observe the requirements of the Lord your God and follow all his ways. Keep each of the laws, commands, regulations and stipulations written in the law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you and wherever you go." 1 Kings 2:3 NLT

Those were some of David's last words to his son and successor to the throne, Solomon.

Solomon, who would later be known as the wisest man on earth.

And how would Solomon go about observing, following, keeping and obeying these laws and commands of the Lord? Only by knowing them. And he would only know them by being in the scrolls of the Word. The recorded words of God

Same goes for us.

Pick up your Bible, friends--it's our only way to success!

WHO WILL BE TOUCHED?
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 23-24

"Once again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census. Go and count the people of Israel and Judah, the Lord told him." 2 Samuel 24:1 NLT

Let's get this point out in the open from the get go...God does not cause anyone to sin.

God will, however, allow circumstances to occur in which the depths of our hearts are exposed, the actual bedrock of our faith is revealed and the security upon which we are building everyone upon is shown to us and sometimes to the world.

It was this case in David's life in regards to this census.

There is nothing wrong with a census. Nothing to the point, God asked David to take one.

He asked David to take a count of all the people in the land of Israel and Judah.

But when the numbers began rolling in, 800,000 fighting men in Israel and 500,000 in Judah, David started to feel something...

Pride in numbers...

Satisfaction in accomplishments...

Safety in might...

Security in the hands of so many men...

His eyes left God and settled squarely on his own accomplishments, his own possessions, his own provisions.

Just what God wanted to reveal--and deal with.

Maybe you've been through such an ordeal with the Lord.

Quite possibly He has gifted you with a fine blessing, a new job, the perfect man/woman, some extra spending money, a new schedule at work, and you have not in any way shape or form used it to  glorify Him--but instead it has allowed you to wander farther and farther from Him.

Yes, I know--ouch!

Check your stance. Watch your motives. Re-evaluate your attention to the things God has allowed in your life. Re-focus on Him--and only Him!

HE HEARS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 20-22

"...He heard from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears." 2 Samuel 22:7 NLT

Maybe during this 'shelter at home' time you are feeling a little cut off from the world.

You're possibly missing family and friends.

The Zoom and Facetime meetings with your small group from church just don't cut it.

Your pre-recorded and internet streamed worship services are great but just not the same.

You are feeling far from the people and places you love.

Feeling distant.

Maybe, just maybe, God's feeling a long way off, too.

Thousands of miles away in His heavenly realm, oblivious to all that's going on in this virus-ridden world.

Do not fear--God hears our prayers, Christian brothers and sisters!

Our cries for help, our prayers for needs, our whispers of thanks and our praises reach His ears each and every time we speak them!

So keep talking to Him.

Keep praying.

Keep conversing with the One who governs the universe and holds your heart in His hand!

GIVE IT TO THEM
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 17-19

In reading verses 31through 40 of 2 Samuel 19, I'm amazed at the love exhibited by Barzillai for his son.

If you will recall from 2 Samuel 17:17:27-29, Barzillai was one of the men who helped David when David had to escape Jerusalem for his life when Absalom was intent upon killing him.

When this threat was over, David went back to find Barzillai and reward him for his kindness. He offered to take Barzillai with him to Jerusalem and set him up in a home and care for him there.

Barzillai kindly passed on the offer, stating he was too old--but he asked David to convey this blessing upon Barzillai's son, Kimham.

What a gift!

Barzillai loved his son that much.

Barzillai realized the scope of the offer David was presenting and in a fleeting moment knew it would best suit his son and his future, so he passed it on to him.

It reminds me of a poem by Ruth Bell Graham. It's one she wrote as she was praying and waiting for her prodigal to return from the far country. A poem in which she speaks of giving up her place in heaven just to know her son would be there.

IF I COULD STAND ASIDE
If I could stand aside
and see
him walking through
Those Splendor'd Gates
thrown wide
instead of me--
If I could yield my place
to this, my boy,
the tears upon my upturned face
would be
of joy!

My heart is full this morning as I read this passage and recall this poem to know that all God offers me is more than enough for me--and all those I love! I don't have to choose whether I get it or they get it, we can both have it. I don't have to determine if God has enough to go around, He has more than enough. I don't have to portion out God's love and mercy and grace, it is abundantly flowing into my life and into the lives of those I love!

IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 14-16

"He did it to place the matter before you in a different light..." 2 Samuel 14:20 NLT

Once again we see David being approached with a story in an effort to help him see his choices and family matters from a different perspective.

Aren't we in that same predicament?

Are you seeing the privilege and blessing of attending corporate worship as you never have before?

Are you taking a second thought about the comings and goings of every day life, even in a small, rural community like my own?

Are you noticing coughs, fevers, sniffles like never before, especially in your kids?

Are you seeing with different eyes the value of having always been able to 'drop in' or 'stop by' or 'just hang out' with friends?

Are you viewing friends and family members who serve in the medical community in a completely different, more appreciated way?

Are you taking comfort in a small stockpile of toilet paper in your linen closet as you never thought you would before?

We're all seeing things in a different light--and I'm not sure it's such a bad thing!

LOVED ENOUGH
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 12-13

"So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor." 2 Samuel 12:1 NLT

God loved David enough to call his sin sin.

God loved David enough to ask Nathan to step in and address the issue with David's heart.

God loved David enough to speak through the story, in 2 Samuel 12, of the man with the little lamb.

God loved David enough to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about a confession in David's heart.

God loved him that much.

And God loves us that much, too.

He still calls sin sin.

He still asks people to step in and call us to account. Pastors, mentors, godly friends, church family members, brothers and sisters in Christ and family.

He still speaks through His Word and the accounts written in it.

He still moves through the power of the Holy Spirit.

At any given time, we could be the rich man or the poor man in this story...

SLIPPERY SLOPE
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 8-11

"...But the Lord was very displeased with what David had done." 2 Samuel 11:27 NLT

Let's get this out in the open right here and right now: this sad spot is not where David started out.

No, it's a place he chose.

A place he allowed himself to inhabit.

A spot he settled into by his actions and deeds.

If you've been reading 2 Samuel with me, you've read how with each chapter, God had been building up His kingdom through David. God had been allowing David to overcome enemy after enemy. God had given David strength. God had been with David.

And then, well, then we come to chapter 11. This is where I would cue the sad music. This is where David chooses to make some poor choices. David acts unwisely. David decides to walk too closely to a pit of temptation. Let's look at his choices...

-when other kings went to war, he stayed home
-he noticed a woman of exceptional beauty-no passing glance here, folks
-he sent someone to find out who she was
-he sent for her
-he slept with her
-he attempted to cover things up by calling her husband home
-he had her husband killed

David could have stopped this downward spiral at any given point by changing his choices, but he chose to continue--and therefore we find him in this horrible spot, God being very displeased with him.

God's chosen one. God's anointed one. The leader of God's people. The head of God's country.

What an in-the-face reminder of how important it is to make each and every choice with a look in to the future. To pause and see what kind of impact our deeds might have. To realize before a decision is made how easily it might be for one thing to lead to another...to lead to another..to lead to another...

THE LORD BURSTS THROUGH
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 4-7

"The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. So David asked the Lord, Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me? The Lord replied, Yes, go ahead. I will give you the victory. So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. The Lord has done it! David exclaimed. He burst through my enemies like a raging flood! So David named that place Baal-perazim (which means 'the Lord bursts through')." 2 Samuel 5:18-20 NLT

I love this account!

In my imaginative mind I can see David whooping it up with his soldiers, fist bumping and shouting, 'The Lord has done it!' amidst the troops. I can imagine the proclamation he signed with his kingly plume to rename the place 'the Lord bursts through' in honor of the battle.

I can just see it with my mind's eye.

David's choice of words. David's use of descriptive language. David's decision to praise God out loud instead of just in his heart.

We are touched by it and a monument is made to mark it.

My favorite Christian speaker and author, Priscilla Shirer, has said she keeps a folder on her computer labeled, When God Speaks. In this folder, she lists each and every time she notices God stepping into her life--in big and small ways. Answers to prayer. Divine interventions. God moments. She says she does this for her own record and for a testament of God's goodness for those she leaves behind. I have heard her say it's quite a read for when she is down in the dumps or waiting impatiently for God to act on her behalf.

I don't know about you, but I could write a book, a very big book, about all God has done for me. God has 'burst through' for me on so many occasions.

I could fill thousands of journals, millions of notebooks, bejillions of pages with what God has done. I could leave a whole lot of reading material for many generations to come.

Why don't we start sharing those moments with others? Why don't we begin to testify of His greatness, His faithfulness, His provision?

How about today we share one thing with one person? It's a start!

WHO WILL WIN?
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-3

"That was the beginning of a long war between those who had been loyal to Saul and those who were loyal to David. As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul's dynasty became weaker and weaker." 2 Samuel 3:1 NLT

It is said there is an old Cherokee Indian story that goes like this...

An old Cherokee was teaching his grandson about life. 
A fight is going on inside me, he said to the boy. It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil--he is angry, envious, sorrowful, regret filled, greedy, arrogant, guilty, resentful, lying and has a large ego. 
He continued, The other is good--he is loving, peaceful, hope filled, joyous, serene, humble, kind, benevolent, generous, truthful and compassionate. 
The same fight is going on inside you--and inside every other person, too. 
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, Which wolf will win? 
The old Cherokee simply replied, The one you feed.

Things are no different than they were in David's time, or in the time of the North American Indians, there is a battle inside us. A battle of our hearts. A battle for our hearts.

A war.

A scuffle over boundary lines.

A clash to establish loyalty.

A skirmish constantly being waged between what is right and what is wrong.

A fight involving what God's asked you to do and what your carnal side wants to do for itself.

A conflict between godliness and sinfulness.

And the side that will win? It's the one you feed.