Psalm 40:17 and John 12:27 "Save Me From Myself" (May 31)

Save me from this mess?
Save me from this hour?
Save me from myself?

John 12:27 - Jesus prays:  Save me from this hour?  No, You brought me to this place.  For Your Greater Glory and for each one of us.  Sometimes, I want to be saved from the mess I am in but we aren't zapped, are we?  My mess is of my own making and I must believe and be brave and repent and return. 

My loss is huge this night.  Huge.  Just huge.  My head hangs low.  But I will keep believing in His Power at work in me though I do not see.  I will keep telling of His Grace pouring in though I do not know it.  I refuse to do anything less than lean in on Him.  Falling hurling headlong but it's not fatal, never.

Psalm 39:1 - Guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue.
Psalm 39:4 - Make me know my end, the measure of my days
Psalm 40:1 - I wait and I wish it were patiently
Psalm 40:12 Evils encompass me beyond number...my heart fails me
Psalm 40:17 Poor and needy, The LORD takes thought for me.

Psa 36:11/ Psa 37:24/ John 11 "Hurled Headlong" (May 30)

Jesus comes back to Bethany and the man he raised from the dead, Lazarus, throws him a dinner party. Meanwhile, the Jews plan a murder party for Lazarus.  What! ---for being raised from the dead. Imagine that? So...There they all are celebrating: Lazarus, Mary, Martha, Judas ... Reclining at the dinner party table with their Suffering Savior who holds secret knowledge of his soon betrayal. Jesus leans on the Father of Mercies for His Comfort to keep on giving out, pouring out his life. He doesn't lean on Lazarus or Mary (like please come through for me by saying the right things) nor does He give in to their pull (like come heal Lazarus today---and I am memerized by Jesus'response: how about if  I come in 4 days).

And it is the Beauty of God that stirs in Lazarus' sister, Mary. Overcome with the Goodness of God. I mean, Jesus just gave her brother back to her. You know when you lose something precious and someone gives it back to you in deep measure. But who gets the love of their life back? Mary did. And she bathes her LORD in perfume that equaled an annual wage. If Mary had access to that kind of resources, you know there was more. That's not the issue. Her motive was challenged by the betrayer, Judas. Aren't our motives challenged every single day of our lives. Why are we really doing what we are doing? And what are we really getting out of what we are doing? "Many Christians hold the idea that if you are good, it does not matter if you are a fool." C.S. Lewis

I read books. I read blogs. I read hearts---as best as I can. So much of what I see is people building their own kingdom here on earth and not ever even realizing it. Fudging the truth. Distancing themselves. Positioning themselves. Look at me. It's all about numbers for some, isn't it? What about me?

The bible reading in John 11 is not tidy and trim. It is horrific. A resurrected man---wonder how he told his story---is now a hunted prey because of his powerful relationship with Jesus.. It's dangerous knowing Jesus. It's not like some make it out to be. Some say: Study this passage and go live and you will be free. No, it might cost you things in this world. It just might cost you dearly like the stories of the Blind Man and now this one about Lazarus.

O God, Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me. Psalm 36:11 Help me to understand my depravity a whole lot more than I do. Establish my steps and when I fall, help me to really know that I will not be cast headlong for you, my God, upholds my hand. Psalm 37:24. For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me. I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.  Psalm 38

Psalm 31:22/ Psalm 35:22/ John 11:41 "Unanswered Prayer" (May 29)

Is there ever a prayer that is unanswered.  Not really.  God answers all of them---it's just that maybe the answer we hoped for is not the one we receive, the timing we require is revealed to be our will not His. 

In John 11:41 ~ Jesus lifts up his eyes and says, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.  Lazarus had been dead for 4 days.  Did anyone really believe that God would bring him back to life? 

If we ask, He will answer. 

Don't be silent.  Please be near to me.  Psalm 35:22
Please hear my voice as I cry for mercy.  Psalm 31:22

Just like Lazarus, awaken my soul to see life again. 
Just like Lazarus, send people my way to unbind what I cannot.

Thank you, God, for the invitation to pray without ceasing. 

Psa 27:13 and John 11:6 "Take Courage" (May 28)

No one had seen people raised from the dead, restored to sight, water changed into wine, 20,000 people fed from 5 loaves & 2 fish, demons cast out---until now, the 33-year-old Jesus performed unprecedented miracles.  So, when Mary & Martha of Bethany send word to Jesus to "Come" for the one He loves is gravely ill, they surely didn't expect Him to tarry.  Did they?  Would you?  If I had two days to live, would you come quickly, dear Jesus?  John 11:6 says "he stayed two days longer in the place where He was," when he learned of Lazarus' condition.  Jesus knew Lazarus was going to be all right.  Jesus knows that you and I are going to be okay.  Death is His Domain not ours.  There is a Bigger Story going on here.  Is sickness the worse thing that can happen to us?

In all that God has allowed to come my way, there is a verse that I have meditated on for three decades.  Never a week goes by that I do not think of it.  Be strong, Bev.  Let your heart 'Take Courage.'  Wait for the LORD, Bev, not for your circumstances to change.  Psalm 27:13 - I would have despaired unless I had believed that I will see the Goodness of God, even in this.

O God, "Be our  Shepherd.  Carry us Forever."  Psalm 28:9
Bless your people with Peace.  Psalm 29:11

Psa 24:6/ Psa 25:16/ Psa 26:12 "Standing on Level Ground" (May 27)

It does not matter what happens to us in life.  One huge reason is John 10:29 God is greater than anything that could happen to you.  "No one can snatch me out of His Hand."

No matter what, my foot stands on level ground, even if my world is falling apart - Psalm 26:12.  So, turn to me, dear God.  Be gracious for I am lonely and afflicted - Psalm 25:16.

I want to be a part of this generation, seeking your Face, O God.  Not your Hand for what you can do.  Your Face for Who you are.  A Redeemer inviting me into a relationship.  Face-to-face. 

Standing on Level Ground while an earthquake shatters my world.

Psalm 22:22 and John 10:9 "Keep Telling" (May 26)

What do people trust in today?  Success.  Reputation.  Ambition.  Personal Peace.  Affluence.
In John's day, they trusted in horses and chariots. 

I spent many days as a child in the midst of trouble.  Psalm 29:7 ~ God answers us in the day of trouble.  He is the Door.  I cannot remember much about my childhood.  I do remember one afternoon that went south.  I've reflected on the terror of the moment way-too-many times in my adult life.  I asked the LORD, one time, where was He when this tragedy struck?  Immediately, John 10:9 came to mind---He was the Door, standing at my door, saving me from trouble.  I made it through.  I'm still here. 

I love David's mantra in Psalm 22:22 - Keep Telling, Keep Trusting.  Even when you feel like Psalm 22:1 Forsaken.  A heart like melted wax.  A strength dried up like a prune.

I cannot change my present circumstances.  I can believe that the Good Shepherd is standing at my door.  So, I will keep telling of His Love, His Kindness.  I mean, so far, He has rescued me again and again.  And He will take care of me. 

Psa 17:15/ Psa 19:14/ John 9:30 "Far Too Easily Pleased" (May 25

We are far too easily pleased. C.S. Lewis said it. May I never be satisfied with anything greater than becoming like Christ.

Whether we can see or not, believe for the sake of His Glory. John 9:30 "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes." Since the world began, no one has ever even heard of anyone who can open blind eyes. So, why is it that we don't believe God?

Psalm 17:15 - As for me, when I awake, I shall be satisfied with His Likeness. What am I settling for these days? His Likeness only? Or is a solution that I demand. A response that I require. A change that must happen or else...

Psalm 19:14 Let these words of God that are in my mouth be acceptable to you, God. Let this meditation of my heart that wanders off the tried-and-true path be pleasing to you, God. My Rock. My Redeemer.
"We are far too easily pleased."

Psalm 15:4 and John 9:5 "Light of the World" (May 24)

I used to think that God gave me my portion in life and I just had to accept it.
I do not think that way any longer.
The LORD is my chosen portion. Psalm 16:5
Big difference for me.

Help me, O God, to speak truth from my heart not just my lips
Strengthen me to swear to my own hurt and never change.  Psalm 15:4
Bless you LORD Who gives me counsel.
Make me aware every single night of my heart instructing me. Psalm 16:7
Thank You for making known the path of life.  Psalm 16:11

Some are born blind on the path of life
That the works of God might be displayed. John 9:3.
Would you welcome a Stranger into your face?
Rubbing the Smell of Dirt on your blind eyes?
Telling you to go to Siloam---a place you've never seen.

The no-named blind man risked a lot.
Sure, he gained his sight, but he
Lost his job begging for money
Lost his reputation being healed on the Sabbath
Lost his credibility in the community---he was never really blind.
Lost his parents support---they threw him under the bus.
But look what he gained:  The Sight & Light of the World. John 9:5

Psalm 12:7 and John 8:28 "Lift Up the Son of Man" (May 23)

Our society is grasping for a word from a preacher, a word from a teacher, a word that will change their life.  Preachers feel the pull that they have to deliver something to help you live the Christian life and become a better person.  Christ says in John 8:28, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He," and that changes everything.  We cannot stay curved in on ourselves if we are flat before Him.  Radical repentance will change your life not a list of good things you should be doing.  "...Abide in My Word and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."  John 8:32
Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;


Psalm 12:7 - God will guard us from this generation that says you have to do it their way.  Be successful.  Make a name for yourself.  Guard us, God!  Light up our eyes, Psalm 13:2

Lift up the Son of Man.

Psalm 9:9/ Psalm 11:4/ John 8 "God Stoops Down to Me" May 22)

I wonder if Jesus stooped down to write in the sand for me, a sin-sick-soul "curved in on myself."  Whatever he wrote, caused the elderly to leave first.  They understood his mantra.  They got it.  God still stoops from heaven into our daily lives to forgive and blanket us with grace. 

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8

Why do I so quickly want to roll my eyes?  distance my heart?  put up a wall?  justify my actions?  prove my point?  throw a pebble? 

The God of transcendent Beauty stoops down to me this day because "His Eyes see."  Psalm 11:4  The God of the Vast Universe lowers Himself down, lowers His Eyes.  He is my Stronghold in this time of trouble. Psalm 9:9. 

Psalm 8:4 and John 7:38 "Mindful of Me" (May 21)

What flows out of me?  I cannot verbalize the fathom of the depth of my dilemma. 

All I know is this---I have the holy privilege every moment of choosing ravishing repentance before my Holy God, Who will never let go of me.  So grateful to the One Who is mindful of little me, Psalm 8:4.

John 7:38 ~ Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”  We all have to ask:  What is flowing out of us.  I do not really know.  But, there is Something so different about my life and how I can now let go of the guilt that once encompassed, entrapped, enslaved.

This I know. 
The evil within me is real. 
The God within me is so much Greater. 
The wrestled guilt no longer holds any power over me.

Psalm 6:6 and John 7:18 "Flooded with Tears" (May 20)

Sometimes, I think I'm reading the Bible for the first time.  How did I miss that before?  David had so many enemies---his own father-in-law and the whole household, his own son Absalom, and I don't have to list any beyond that uncontrollable grief.  Yet, in Psalm 6:3, David's very own soul was troubled.  I think there is validity to the Crabb quote that says our greatest enemy is within.

David flooded his bed with tears.  In the morning, David awoke to pour out his voice to his God, Psalm 5:3.  Oooh!  The cry of my soul.  It is not what is happening to me but what happens within me that makes me so needy. 

Whose glory do I seek?  John 7:18
The one who seeks the Glory of God is true.

2 Sam 24:10 and John 6:64 "Heartstruck" (May 19)

Oh!  To be like this humble servant in 2 Samuel who was so willing to take a look at what was going on inside of his heart. 

2 Samuel 24:10 ~ David's heart struck him, after he numbered the people.  While he was taking care of his business, David's heart grew cold toward the stirrings of his heart.  But, wait, NO MORE...Heartstruck! 

John 6:64 "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."  Oswald Chambers writes that the Words from God are ones He speaks this day to us, not the past, according to the tense of the verb in the Greek.  God is speaking Spirit and life.  And if we are listening, our heart is struck.  So, where am I this day?  Heartstruck or Heartless? 

Psalm 18:28 2 Sam 22:37 John 6:26 "Why Do You Seek Me?" (May 18)

Oh, earthly mess of mine!
My steps take place in the dark
My God is there, O this God Divine
Enlightening my blackness with His mark.
Psalm 18:28

I think I' swinging my doors open wide
But it is my God Who initiated first
My God is right here by my side
Offering me verse by verse!
2 Sam 22:37

"Why do you seek Me?"
Is it for earthly gain
To live my life for me?
To live my life for Thee?
"Why do you seek Me?
For what stirs within
Or for a better life without.
John 6:26

Psa 64:6 Psa 27:13 John 6:6 "Five Loaves Two Fish" (May 17)

Sometimes, I feel like I have no earthly idea how I am going to get out of the mess I am in.  This is one of those times. 

Psalm 70:5  "I am poor and needy (probably more than ever).  Hasten to me."  Come to my house, O God.  Do not delay.

I have NO IDEA how this all can work out. 
John 6:6 "Where are we to buy bread?" 
Someone in the crowd offers 200 denarii---someone's rich----that equals a year's salary.
There is no place that can cook bread in 33A.D. for 5,000 men plus their families and the bill would be extravagant. 

I sat in a counselor's office six years ago.  I sunk into the chair in deep despair in every which way.  Inward minds and hearts run deep, Psalm 64:6.  How I found this genteel guy is beyond me.  I remember asking him if there was any hope for me?  He looked me square in the eye and said:  "Five Loaves and Two Fish."  And I believed in the midst of my despair.  Psalm 27:13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the Goodness of God. 

It is six years later and I'm still looking where to buy bread.  But I know something this day that I didn't know then.  I know Something this day that I didn't know last year, last month, last week, maybe even the last day.

And, maybe, God is being good to us through our enemies, you know, the ones throwing stones. 

2 Sam 19:6 and John 5:44 "Do You Hate Those Who Love You?" (May 16)

You cannot have it both ways.
Your son is trying to kill you.
You cannot take it easy on him.
Those seeking him are dying too.  2 Sam 19:6

David is rebuked.
You love those who hate you---father-in-laws and sons.
You hate those who love you---the ones risking their lives.
Wake up.

John 5:44 ~ Do you want the Glory of God
or the glory of man?

It's so much easier to love the distant than
to love those you rub noses with every day.

2 Sam 16:12 and Luke 5:5 "God Is Repaying Me With Good" (May 15)

I cannot fathom the depths of betrayal that David passed through.  O Absalom, my son, my son!  Would I have died instead of you---even with how vicious his son treated him.  Horrific.  Macabre.

Whether it's the fool, Shimei, throwing rocks at David or his father-in-law ravaging David's resources, strangling David's life, David takes a beautiful look at the Sovereignty of God and writes:

2 Samuel 16:12 ~ "It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.” Is there anyone in your life that has done your wrong?  Maybe even this day?  Can we join this saint of old who conjured up that even cursing could be used by God.  Maybe God is repaying me with good by "this thing" that is happening to me? 

Luke 5:5-6 ~ You may be stuck in your situation for 38 years.  "Do you want to be healed?"

Whatever "this thing" is, know this.  Your God might be repaying you with good---His Goodness!

2 Sam 15:31/ Psa 69:4/ Psa 3:3 "Lifter of My Head" (March 14)

If anyone knew betrayal, it's David.  Now, his eldest son, Absalom conspires against him.  Oh my goodness. 

2Samuel 15:31 David prays to God to turn Ahithophel's advice to David to foolishness---but it didn't happen. 

Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.  I am the one who will give you justice.  I'll treat you right. 

Do we ever make it our goal, the theme of our days, to steal the hearts of our children, our husband, our friends?

No wonder David writes in Psalm 69:4, at this same moment in history, that those who hate him w/o cause are more than the hairs of his head.  One day, God will answer David that it actually His Thoughts toward him that are more than the number of hairs on David's head.  Each strand stands for God's thoughts not David's enemies.

And no wonder at all that David writes in Psalm 3:3 a verse that has captured my heart for decades:  My Glory! And the Lifter of my head.  If I can stand this day, and I am standing tall, it is only because my God has lifted my head.

2Sam 13:1 and Luke 4:16 "Stand in God's Presence Today" (May 13)

Am I present in my conversations with my world?  Focusing on them not on what I will say next.  Focusing on them not how I feel.  Focusing on them not caring what the world thinks of me.  Focusing on them, realizing I will have to take a stand for what I say and do.  Focusing on them, drawing out from them the man or woman God intends for them to be, no matter what the cost to me.

2 Samuel 13:1 talks about how the time was right for what?  Sin. 

Luke 4:16 - Jesus asked the woman from Samaria, "Go and get your husband."  He knew she didn't have a husband.  He wanted her to deal with the untruth.  The womans response:  Which mountain should we worship on?  Do I do the same things?  Divert the attention away from myself cause it's too hard to deal with the fact that I have had 5 husbands. The woman wanted to talk about where to worship rather than dealing with worship from her heart.  Worship of the one whose in whose Presence she stood.  She wanted to converse from 20,000 feet in the air.

May we all stand today in the Presence of the God we adore, fully standing in the Truth of the moment. 

Psalm 51:6 Psalm 32:6 John 3:19 "The Rush of Waters" (May 12)

There are dark corners in all of us. 
Do I loathe them or peer into my innermost being.
Oh, to live this present hour in Truth, in Rest.

David connives, murders, denies, steals
Someone's husband.

David agrees, confesses, embraces, delights
Someone's servant.

In the rush of waters,
You are our forever Hiding Place.
In the depths of despair
You surround us with your Face.

Psalm 51:6 - one of my most favorite verses...
You delight in Truth in my innermost being.

Am I living in the present? 
Dealing with what is stirring inside?
We are all curved in, so bent.
Disturb & delight ~ may we never hide.

2 Sam 11:1 and John 3:8 "Rend Your Heart not your Garments" (May 11)

Rend your Heart not your Garments. Does a fish know when it is wet? Same for modern man born in the past 200 years. It is hard for an arrogant person to know that he is arrogant toward God. Arrogance is the ocean we swim in, the air we breathe (John Piper).  Rend your heart, not your garments. Joel 2:13.

David should rended his heart.  In 2 Samuel 11:1, David decided to take the high road.  He had just killed 40,000 horsemen in the last battle.  He was reeling off success.  But in the spring, when kings go to battle, David stays home.  Arrogance.  And he connives how to get rid of Uriah so he can have his wife.  Unbelievable jargon. 

John 3:8 says that for those of us born of the Spirit of God, and David was, the wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.  Same with all of us who follow Him.  Listen for the Wind.  Rend your heart.  And go with God.

2 Sam 9:7/ Psalm 60:12/ John 2:3 "My Wine Ran Out" (May 10)

Someone, Someone
has shown my family kindness this year
by offering to us their heart, their home
And we barely knew who they were
It is the Kindness of our God

Someone, Someone
has just breathed his last breath
I've never met the man; I will one day
He has reached deep into his pockets
More than anyone else ever has
He has given my son a future, a college education.

I'm "taken" by the story of Mephibosheth
The one who was lame in both feet
The one who now eats at the king's table
All because he waited on God ~ 2 Samuel 9:7
His wine ran out (John 2) and David poured it back

There's no wine in the wedding of my life this day
Depleted.  Devastated.  Drained.  Discouraged.
No Wine.  So I wait for a King to appear
I know He will.  I just know He will.

Who will bring me where I need to go
Who will lead me past this mess
Have you rejected us, O God
I don't see you in my dilemma
With God, we shall do valiantly;
it is He who will tread down what we face.
Psalm 60:11-12

2 Sam 7:3 and Psalm 30:5 and John 1:38 "I Find Courage to Pray" (March 9)

Who am I?  You have brought me to this place.
Alone.
Stable.
Kept.
Fixed.
Grasped.
And everything that is going on---it's all right by You.

2 Sam 7:18 ~ “Who am I, O Lord God...that you have brought me thus far? ...
I find courage to pray this prayer to you.
May it please You to bless this house, this generation
that our children may continue before You forever...forever...forever!

Go.
Do.
All.
That is in your heart
For the LORD is with you. 2 Sam 7:3


"What are you seeking?" John 1:38
What are those tears for?
Your weeping may tarry
God's joy will carry you - Psalm 30:5

2 Sam 4:8 and John 1:23 "Change Your Ways" (May 8)

What does it mean to change our ways?  Really.
Aristotle said: "The unexamined life is simply not worth living."
So what needs to change?  Behavior?
Could that be nothing more than behavior modification?
What was does real deep change of the heart look like?
I know a little better this night than I did last year, a few months ago.
This isn't about the power of positive thinking---"it's all good."
This isn't about being positive, giving thanks in all things.
This is about a wrestle with those things that cause our heart to be darkened to the Light. 

Here's a story of someone who chose darkness, for whatever reason. 
2 Samuel 4:8 Here, David, here is the head of the son of Saul, your enemy.  Avenged! 

No. No. No, cries David in  “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life."

Once again, do not take matters into your own hands.  "As the LORD lives, Who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, you will not be rewarded for revenge. 

How can I see this day, this circumstance that my God is redeeming me right out of this adversity?

Leave it on His Lap.

Make straight the way of the LORD, John 1:23.
A calling to change our circumstances.  No
A calling to change our ways.
Written in the stark darkness of my life.
All the lights, all the power in our neighborhood is off.
There is more Light in my life pushing out this present darkness than ever. 

2 Sam 1:16 and Luke 24:45 "Don't Take Matters into your own Hands" (May 7

I don't think figuring out life is as easy as people make it out to be.  I am currently embroiled in a mess.  A real mess.  And I do not know what to do other than Love God, Love His People, Trust in the Darkness, Fall Forward in Love.  I do not know.  Bring me the ephod.  Inquire of the LORD.  God help us!  But do no take matters into your own hands, Bev!  Don't do it. 

Luke 24:38 Why are you troubled, why do you have doubts arise in your mind?
Luke 24:45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

For those of us who need to find our way
Find Your Kingdom
Disrupt Disturb Extinguish Enlighten Protect Provide

2 Samuel 1:16 ~ An Amalekite tells David that he killed the Anointed one, King Saul, the one who was trying to murder David.  David orders this man executed for killing the one whom God has anointed.  Unbelievable.  David never took matters into his own hands.  He trusted that God would take care of him and that God would take care of the evil king, his father-in-law. What will I do with this story?

I Sam 30:6 and Luke 24:31-32 "Bring Me The Ephod" (May 6)

There are things we do to ourselves and we are responsible for our actions.  There are things God allows to happen to us and His Provision always takes care of us, according to His Way.  But to hear of David's plight in the ending chapters of I Samuel is so much.  David learns of the Amalekites' raid on Ziklag---home of his wives and daughters.  They're all gone.  No wives at home waiting with a hot meal.  Captured!  David becomes greatly distressed because the people of his town now want to stone him for getting them in this mess. 

So, what does David do?  I Samuel 30:6 - "David strengthened himself in the LORD, his God."  Wonder what that means for me this day?  "Bring me the ephod! And David inquires of the the LORD---what shall we do?

Luke 24:31-32 Their hearts burned within them as the Risen Christ opened up the Scriptures burned within them and the Risen LORD opened their eyes.



Hearts burning within.  Not only did David contend with a father-in-law gone made but a city gone wild.  Yet, he remained a man tethered, grasped, kept.  The Scriptures burned within him. 

And all this fighting costs King Saul his life.  I climbed a treacherous hill (for me) at Beth-shan and stood on the tippity top of that huge mound where the Philistines fastened the headless body of Saul to the wall overlooking both sides of the valley to send a message.  And I thought about the Scriptures burning within my own soul.  And how alive I am to God.  And what it really means for me to strengthen myself in the LORD.  To inquire of Him.  Bring me the ephod.

I Sam 29:5 and Luke 23:51 "Looking For The Kingdom" (May 4)

I am looking for the Kingdom of God.

Luke 23:51 ~Joseph of Arimethea was "looking for the Kingdom."
What a way to live your life.   Is there any other way to live?

David was looking for the Kingdom in I Samuel.
Trying to live right before a holy God.
Don't kill my lord, my king
My betrayer.

David was willing to fight for the Philistines.
But would he kill the Israelites?
A mercenary gone mad.
Go home.

And for the third mention of the mantra concerning David:
I Samuel 29:5 ~ "Is not this David,
of whom they sing to one another in dances,
‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”
Three mentions!  You know Saul thinks about this way too much.
What about me?
Do I think about the success of others with delight or disgust.
Leave this in the lap of the LORD we so love.

What do these verses really mean for us today?
Am I looking for the Kingdom of God or
Am I looking for the Kingdom here on earth?

I Sam 24:10 and Luke 23:5 "What Stirs in You" (May 4)

What stirs in you?  What is the energy behind your words, your thoughts, your actions this day?

Is it the Energy of Christ, Col 1:29.  Or is it the energy of your flesh that doesn't want to suffer, doesn't want to look bad.

Luke 23:5 talks about what the people said about this Galilean carpenter who fixes more than just furniture.  He fixes broken hearts.  "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”  And that teaching has reached our hearts this day.

From David in a cave being stirred by God to spare the life of his father-in-law who is seeking to murder him, I Sam 24:8-10.  David who says to Saul:  Why do you listen to the words of men? I am going to do you good, not evil for evil, for what stirs in me is the Mighty God...

From rich men in trees stealing money from the community and stealing a look at this Christ...

From poor lame, blind men who can't feel, touch, see their way...

From Jesus surrendering to a cross for the sins of the world...

All the way to me, this moment in history.

What stirs in me this day?

I Sam 23:4 Psa 54:4 63:3 Luke 22:61 "Upholder of My Life" (May 3)

Where are you today?
Fleeing from your enemies.
Coasting with your friends.
Feeling good about yourself.
Where are you this day?

David is hiding from his father-in-law.
Betrayed.
He hears that a city needs his help, his men.
David saves the city of Keilah.
Yet, instead of wearning a hero's halo,
David hears Keilah's betraying words.
We are willing to turn you over to Saul.

Why do I think things don't make sense.
Why do I think life isn't fair.
Because it's not.
So, I want to pay very close attention to
what David does next ...
"David inquires of the LORD" I Sam 23:4
Who leads Him to the Rock of Escape from Saul.

Psalm 63:3 "Your Steadfast Love is better than life."
In the watches of the night, what does David do?
He meditates on His God not his dilemma.
"Behold, God is my Helper,
the LORD is the Upholder of my Life."
Not, IF the enemy goes away, IF evil leaves me alone.
No matter what, the LORD is the Upholder not man.

Psalm 52:7 57:2 142:7 "Sleeping for Sorrow" (May 2)

Luke 22:45  Jesus found the disciples "sleeping for sorrow," instead of praying for hope.  He told them:  "Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

So, here's David flailing, fleeing, in flight from his father-in-law.  The one earthly man he should be able to trust.  Saul, whose eyes burn with the rage of hell.  The psalmist hears that Doeg slaughtered 85 priests who helped David---who prayed to the Steadfast God of Love on David's behalf.  Don't trust in the abundance of your riches, your blessings, in this life. Psalm 52:7. Trust in the steadfast love of God, no matter what is going on around you, and you'll be a green olive tree.

I wish I could verbalize the thoughts swirling in my head, my heart.  Why is it that people don't listen to their own heart.  What stirs within reveals your heart.  That look on your face reflects the anger, disgust within.  I've heard "it's all good," way too many times in the last 24 hours.  Maybe, it's not.  And you just think it should be, if you were spiritual.

David knew. 
The Steadfast Love of God, not what he conjured up in a cave.
Psalm 57:2-3 I cry out to God Most High, in whatever this current cave may be,
to God Who fulfills His purpose for me. 
Psalm 142:2 I pour out my complaint before Him; tell my troubles to my LORD.
"There is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains;
No one cares for my soul."  Psalm 142:4
David's dilemma sinks deeper than just losing his life. 
He lost part of his family.  Betrayed. 
Bring me out of prison, God.  Deal bountifully with me.  Psalm 142:7
I'm flat out of energy.  May the Energy of Christ be alive in me.