Every Day Is Memorial Day, 1st Timothy 3:16

Follow God's Instructions

2 Samuel 6:6-7---And when they came to Nachon's threshing-floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error, and there he died by the ark of God.

David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He had a new cart built and had the ark put on it with oxen pulling the cart. Everyone went before the ark playing musical instruments and singing. When they had come to Nachon's threshing floor, the ark looked like it might tip over. One of the men alongside it, Uzzah, reached out to steady it. He fell down dead. It seems very harsh to us today, and it did to David. The next time David moved the ark, he did so according to the Law. The priests were supposed to carry the ark with special poles. David learned that you cannot add to God's law and expect to be free of problems. God's instructions are for our good. Everyone learned that the presence of God was not a little thing. If the ark had fallen and touched the earth, it would be less defiled than if a man touched it! Man does not realize that his rebellious, disobedient nature is far more corrupting than dirt. We strive to keep our physical bodies clean, but the real filth is on the inside. What lessons should we learn today from this tragic event? God's way is the best way, and it is for our good. If He gives us instruction, it is because He is protecting and keeping us. Don't presume to add to God's directions or take away from them. Do not do only what He tells you, but do it like He tells you. The other lesson is to realize the holiness of God and the defiled condition of man. If we see that clearly, we will not stick our hands into God's business, defiling it with our carnal ways and ideas. We have a great deal of Ark touching in the world today. Man wants to do what he thinks is best for the church instead of waiting upon God and doing as God directs. Don't reach out your hand even when you think it is a good thing you are doing. Follow God's directions.

We Are In This Together, Am I Doing My Part?

1st Samuel 30:22-24---Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

David and his men returned from a predicament of marching with the Philistines against Judah. The commanders of the Philistines feared David would turn on them so they sent them back before the battle. Delivered from that situation, they came home to find their city burned and their families had been taken captive. David didn't act without consulting the LORD. The LORD sent him against the Amalekites that had burned their city. It is interesting that Saul lost the kingdom over sparing the Amalekites, while David is about to come to power after a battle with them. They had marched so long that one-third of David's men could not go on. Two-thirds marched on and fought for 24 straight hours, recapturing everything and taking a huge amount of spoil. On returning to the others, some did not want to share the spoils of war. David had the right perspective. He insisted the victory was from God and so all had a right to the spoils. Those who stayed behind and took care of their home were as deserving as those who went into battle. Some people think that missionaries and pastors will have all the heavenly rewards. They would not be where they are without the prayer and financial support of those who stay behind. The spoils will be shared by all. Even the angels in heaven rejoice over every soul that comes into the Kingdom.

5/26/2018---You Are Being Transformed

John 1:9,11-12---The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–

Throughout the Gospel of John, we have the declarations of Jesus' identity. One of those declarations is that Jesus is the light of the world. Darkness is ignorance and uncertainty. Light is clarity that reveals things as they truly are. Verse 9 clearly says that everyone who comes into the world is given light. There is no one that dies without a revelation of the light. John goes on to describe the different responses to the light that shines on everyone. The first response is from the Jewish people (His own). They did not receive the light, Jesus. They were presented with the light and knew it was light, and yet chose to remain in darkness. As we will see later in John, that is not true of all the Jewish people, but of the vast majority. Many of the leaders came to believe but would not say so because they preferred to cling to their positions in that society. Claiming Jesus is THE light can be hazardous to your social standing. The second response John gives is that of all who did receive Him, that is, those who believed in His name. His name means the salvation of JHWH. They believed He was indeed the salvation of God. To believe in the name also means to accept the authority the name represents. Instead of clinging to the world's authority, they chose to yield to the authority of His name. Those who do so are given the right to become children of God. Have you decided His authority is above that of all worldly authority? Have you believed that He is indeed THE salvation of God? Then you have the right to become a child of God.

5/25/2018---Lord, Help Me To Trust You To Deal With Those That Do Me Wrong

1 Samuel 26:10, 24---David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die, or he shall descend into battle, and perish. And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

David learned from his experience with the wicked Nabal, that the LORD is more than capable of dispensing justice. He learned from his past experience and applied it to his present circumstance. That is something we all need to do. In verse 10, David's friend wanted to kill the sleeping Saul. This is the second time God had delivered Saul into David's hands, but he left vengeance to God. He will let the LORD take care of him. David knew that the way he treated the king, others would treat him when he became king. He believed in the law of sowing and reaping. If he was faithful to obey the LORD in not harming Saul, God would preserve his life. We see that in the New Testament lesson of the measuring cup. The same measure you use toward your brother will be used toward you. If you use a spoon of grace toward others, you will receive a spoon back from them and from God. David looked for the biggest measure of grace and mercy he could find, for he wanted that from others and from God. He certainly would be in need of it in the future, and he did receive it. To think you won't need it is foolish. Be gracious toward those who have wronged you, and the LORD will be gracious to you.

5/24/2018---Who Can I Encourage Today?

1 Samuel 23:16-17---And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this."

David was going through a difficult time in his life. He had done nothing wrong or even with any impure motives, yet King Saul was hunting him down to kill him. Not only had he done nothing wrong, but he had been a faithful servant of the king, one of the best. He had fought the King's battles and soothed him when he was troubled. He was the King's son-in-law. There was no explanation but jealousy. David never said an evil word toward the King in response to all the evil the King intended upon David. After some time of being an exile, David was discouraged. Jonathan had made a covenant of friendship with David. He risked his own standing to go out and find and encourage David. He helped him find strength in God. This is the best thing you can do for your discouraged friends. Help them find strength in God. He is the source of any genuine strength to endure. Jonathan gave him the often-repeated Biblical message, "Do not be afraid." Many times we think all our effort is in vain. If you are being obedient to God, it is never in vain. God will see you through. Your enemies will not triumph in the end. Jonathan told David of his convictions that one-day David would reign. He could sense it was to be. Perhaps you have a discouraged friend who needs help to find strength in God. You can encourage them not to fear. You can encourage them with what you see coming in their lives. They need to look forward to what God is doing and not get bogged down in the present turmoil.

5/23/2018---Rejoice When Others Pass You Up In Service To Our King

1 Samuel 18:7-9---As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?"  And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

The green-eyed monster, jealousy, reared its ugly head in the heart of King Saul. On the return from the battlefield, the maidens sang this song. Saul may have been a bit on edge because of Samuel's prediction about the kingdom no longer belonging to him. This song stirred an ugly spirit up in him. He was the one they sang praise about before. Now, someone else is the chief person in the song, and he is credited with more than the king! Be careful with your words of praise for men. The enemy can use them in destructive ways. "Welcome home pastor. Your assistant did such a great job, we forgot you were gone," a well-meaning board member says. The enemy places a wedge of competition between two people who are striving for the Kingdom of God. If one of them has an ear that will listen to the flesh, they will never be striving together again. Friendly voices have unwittingly sowed the seed of competition. Saul could never look at David the same way again. There may have been more to it than that. It may have also been backed by the fact that Saul saw in David what he had lost. He saw the love of God and faith in God's word that once was so real to him but now seemed so distant. He saw the humility of this young man and recognized he was gone. Those are the assets that put him on the throne. Those are the assets that make you useful to God. Don't allow words of praise for others cause jealousy in you.

5/22/2018----Is Christ Reigning In You?

Luke 17:20-21---And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The Jews believed the Messiah would lead them to victory over all their enemies and set up a Jewish nation like that of David's. If Jesus was this Messiah, their natural question would be when He would begin this kingdom. Jesus' answer shows that His perspective of the Kingdom of God is very different from theirs. As usual, they are thinking on very physical and temporal terms, whereas Jesus is speaking about spiritual realities that are eternal. Jesus told them that we would not be able to carefully watch as things changed step by step. It is not an outward event. You won't be able to point to a specific battle or political maneuver. The Kingdom is something that takes place within a person. The Kingdom of God is established in a heart when the King of kings reigns in that heart. Then that person is a subject of the King and has entered into the Kingdom. You can see the transformation in the life of the person because he serves a new master. Jesus began His ministry preaching the same message as John. "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." Since the resurrection of Jesus, the Kingdom is preached. We often hear a compromising form of the Gospel that implies you get a free ticket to heaven and go on being your own king. Is that really entering the Kingdom? The Kingdom has come to every heart in which the King reigns.

Being Faithful

1 Samuel 18:3-4---And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.  Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

One of the ancient covenants that remained from tribal days was this one that Jonathan entered into with David. Jonathan had the same heart of faith in God and His ability to defeat the enemies in life. When he heard David speak, his soul resonated with the same tone of faith and courage in God. He loved him as himself. He saw his own heart toward God in David. You may have felt something like this when you heard a brother or sister share their testimony. This covenant took the form of the exchange of clothing and weapons. It was, in symbolic style, saying that my possessions are yours and your enemies are mine. It is not recorded that David gave his clothes and weapons to Jonathan, but as a person of lower class and wealth, he had already committed himself to the royal family. They had entered into a covenant to defend and provide for one another. It is a wonderful gift of God when you find someone that shares your heart for ministry. They come alongside you with understanding and encouragement, and you do the same for them. This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who became a man, the last Adam, in order to come alongside us. He took off his robe of glory and weapons of power to be with us. We give Him our weak and meager allegiance and He gives us His clothing of glory and weapons of light. We have entered into a friendship covenant, promising to fight side by side against our common enemy.

Excuses That Are Sending People To Hell, Luke 14:18-20

Are You Fighting For Self Or God's Testimony?

1 Samuel 17:45,46,47---Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Goliath hurried to meet David. When he saw he was just a boy, he mocked him and made boasting threats. David responded with the facts. Goliath had physical weapons upon which he relied. David declared that he fought as a representative of LORD of the armies of heaven and the armies of Israel. "The outcome of the battle," he declared, "will show that there is a God in Israel." David fought that the world might know God. He declared one more reason that God would bring the victory, that everyone gathered would know that the LORD does not save by sword or spear. He is the One who determines the outcome of the battle. It is His battle. "He is about to give you, Goliath, into my hands," David was saying. What faith David had in his God! He was so certain that he ran to meet Goliath. For David, it was a chance to proclaim the greatness of his God. Saul needed to be reminded the battle was not about physical weapons. The fearful army of Israel needed that reminder. We do too. Though it is not a physical war we fight, we often try to solve our spiritual wars through natural solutions like man-made reasoning, instead of prayer and faith. Are you declaring that the outcome of your battle will show God is alive and well? Do you know it is not up to man to win it, for it is the Lord's battle?

"Go And The LORD Be With You!"

1 Samuel 17:36-37---Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

David had been going back and forth from playing music for the king to tending his Father's flock. His Father asked him to take some food to his older brothers and get their promise that they would share the spoils of war. When he delivered the food, he saw the enemy army send out one giant man who asked for a one on one to determine the outcome of the battle without the two armies clashing. Whoever lost would be servants of the other nation. David inquired about the reward for fighting Goliath and spoke boldly that someone needed to kill this heathen. It was reported to King Saul who had David brought before him. David told the king not to worry. He volunteered to fight the giant. The king told David that a boy did not have a chance against a seasoned veteran like Goliath. Then David relayed his experiences of killing a bear and a lion in the protection of his flock. David had confidence in God because of past victories. He had faith that God would win this battle because this giant was defying the armies of the living God. Experience and faith told David that this lion that threatened God's sheep would be like the lion he had slain defending his father's sheep. You have been given victories in your past to help you have confidence in what God can do today. Mix the experience from your past victories with faith in God's heart and take on the giants of life today.

Praise Music, Ready and Standing By

1 Samuel 16:23---And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

The Spirit of God departed from Saul and an evil spirit was sent by God to trouble him. Evil spirits are always waiting to trouble us, but they need permission to attack those who belong to God. A spirit was given permission to oppress Saul. It would put him in a foul mood. Saul invited this spirit through his disobedience and pride. Nevertheless, he did not like the effect the spirit had upon him. Someone in his court suggested that music would cause the spirit to leave him. David was called in to play the harp. The man who has been anointed the next king was called to help Saul deal with the consequences of his choices. It worked. Music seemed to bring the king relief. It works for us too. You'll find that when you are in a foul mood if you will listen to praise music, you will be uplifted, and your mind will pull out of the rut it seems to be stuck in. If by faith, you can sing, you'll feel much better. I have even made up songs to deal with certain attacks of the enemy. God allows this to strengthen and test us or wake us up to our sin. In many cities, you can turn on Christian radio and get instant help through the songs of praise. Why was David's music so effective? The Spirit of the LORD had come upon David in power. (1 Samuel 16:13) A worshipping saint causes the enemy to cringe and flee. There are many stories of the wonders that praise music has done in asylums. It is a powerful tool. Use it for the glory of God.

Do I Make Judgments Based On How A Person Appears?

1 Samuel 16:7---But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

The LORD sent Samuel to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse. When the oldest was presented, a strong, tall warrior, Samuel thought surely this was the man. The Lord responded with our verse for today. From these ancient roots, we have the expression, "Don't judge a book by its cover." We are so governed by what our senses tell us. Man makes associations with things he has been through in the past. We all have prejudices of one kind or another, but God sees straight into the heart. The sharpest looking man among us with the warmest smile and most pleasant manners may be the vilest person we ever met. The street person in dirty clothes and not a penny to his name may have a heart totally given to God. That is why the LORD tells us not to judge by outward appearances. Jesus told us to judge by the fruit produced from the life. (Matthew 7:20) If we must make a quick decision without a chance to see the fruit of the life, then we must listen to the One who sees the heart. Only the LORD can look in and give us direction. Man is quick to make judgment calls about another's motivations or heart attitudes. That is God's area of expertise, not man's. I have seen the most discerning make the worst judgment calls at times. All men are fallible, but God sees the heart. He sees ours too. We don't fool God with our outward appearance. We would be better off to be the poor dirty fellow in the street with a heart after God than Mr. Slick that has everyone but God fooled.

The Heart Can Harden, Be Careful

1 Samuel 15:22-23---And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

After Samuel told Saul the words coming from God, Saul still justified himself and tried to shift the blame onto his men. He added that they wanted to sacrifice the animals to God. Caught in the act, yet he makes it increasingly worse with lies and pointing the finger at others. Finally, Samuel cuts to the chase. He is not going to let this man of God condemn himself anymore by the lies coming from his mouth. Obedience is what God desires, not sacrifices. God will provide the ultimate sacrifice that will please Him, but He does not delight in the blood of bulls and goats. It is an obedient heart surrendered to Him that pleases Him. Saul had gone from the humble man who didn't think he could do the job, to a cocky liar that defends his rebellion, even blaming those he leads to saving his own skin. God is not after our sacrifices either. He is after a heart surrendered to Him in humility. We often look for some way to please God with service or sacrifice, when God is just looking for a humble obedient heart. The work the Spirit guides us to is rarely some great sacrifice, but often many little ones. Say a word here, lend a hand there, or give a hug or an encouragement at God's direction. We often don't realize when we are being obedient in a way that is pleasing the heart of God. That is true humility.