Proof of the Truth

O. T. #645  "Proof of the Truth"
November 30, 2015
1 Samuel 24-Part 2
Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! 1 Samuel 24:10 NLT

LET IT GLOW

After Saul left David's cave, they had a conversation, shouting across the ravine. David explained what happened without Saul's knowing-David cut off a piece of the king's robe, showing that he could have killed the king. David's men tried to persuade him to take advantage of the opportunity and kill the king, but David refused, since Saul was God's anointed king of Israel. David held the proof of the truth, a piece of robe.

In verse 15, David says, May the LORD therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one. He is my advocate, and He will rescue me from your power.

David certainly did what was right by not killing Saul. He endured the temptation. Do we endure temptation to sin when it comes our way. Jesus has provided a way of escape-praying to Him. Jesus is our Advocate, interceding for us at the throne of God.


LET IT GROW

Reading verse 16, I want to say, "Come on Saul. Really? Crying?" Maybe sanity returned to Saul for a couple of minutes, but then maybe it was only an act.

Finally, Saul admits:

• David is a better man than he is;
• David repaid him with good, not evil;
• David had been amazingly kind to him;
• David deserved the  Lord's reward for the kindness he had shown Saul;
• David was surely going to be king, and Israel will flourish under David's rule;
• Then Saul asks David to swear that he will not kill Saul's family nor his line of descendants when it happened.

David promised this oath and he returned to his stronghold while Saul returned home.

David never took revenge on Saul's family. Most of his sons were killed by the Philistines (31:2) and the Gibeonites (2 Sam. 21). Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, was allowed to live in David's palace (2 Sam. 9).   (Life Application Study Bible)

That was quite an admission for this (previously) bitter king. This nice attitude did not last long, though.
Do we keep our promises?

LET IT GO

Love my enemies, not taking advantage of them when possible.

Trust my Advocate, Jesus Christ.

Let the truth be my proof.

In Time of Temptation

O. T. #644  "In Time of Temptation"
November 27, 2015
1 Samuel 24
The LORD forbid that I should do this...   1 Samuel 24:6

LET IT GLOW

Saul took 3,000 men from Israel to seek David at Engedi, where David was camped. On the way, Saul answered nature's call (use restroom) and went into the cave to answer it. This was the same cave where David and his men were camped in the back. What a vulnerable time. No coincidence.

During this time, David and his men have a quiet conversation. They encouraged him to kill Saul, saying it was God's opportunity for David. However, David not take advantage of the opportune time, restraining himself, and only cut off a piece of the hem of the king's robe.

Afterwards, David felt guilty for doing even that small thing. He had refused to attack the Lord's anointed, for the Lord Himself chose Saul. David had respect for the office which Saul held-king of Israel, even though Saul was out of God's will. Do you see why God called David a man after His own heart? David was very tenderhearted when he was young.

What do we do in time of temptation? Do we yield or resist with the help of the Lord? Even when others see nothing wrong with an act, and we know it is contrary to God's Word, what will we do?

There's no such thing as a small step on the road to temptation or on the pathway to revenge and retaliation. Even a small step in that direction is a wrong step. (Swindoll)


LET IT GROW

Picture this in your mind, the king lays his outer robe on the ground, squats to relieve himself, and probably his men are guarding the cave outside. David and his men are in the back of that very cave, dark and large, discussing killing the king right then and there. Finishing him off without a struggle, insisting that God arranged the circumstances for David, but he does not allow it.

According to verse 7, David persuaded his men with his words and did not allow his men to rise up against Saul. Unbeknowing to Saul, he arose, left the cave, and went on his way.

Persuaded literally means tore apart.

David tore his men apart with his words. They may have batted words of justification for killing the king back and forth. David stood for a righteous principle until they were persuaded.

We read the same Hebrew word in Isaiah 53, referring to Jesus' suffering in the future:
He was wounded for our transgressions. It means pierced through, torn apart, ripped. 
The physical beating before the cross, then having nails driven in his hands and feet. Oh, the mental and emotional anguish Christ endured for you and me to provide our salvation free to us. such love.

How can we rationalize a wrong we are about to do? Do we hear the hammer on the nails?

Our godly lifestyle and obedience to God is a witness to others. Who knows how many are watching you and me and our reactions to situations or words.


LET IT GO

Don't compromise my beliefs and the Word of God; make the right decisions.

Don't take advantage of our enemies when they are down.

Stop holding onto the world and go with God.

Thankful for My Refuge

O. T.#643  "Thankful for My Refuge"
November 26, 2015

"It's all because of Jesus I'm alive," says the song. Think about it-He planned out our life and provided for our salvation before we were born, created us and placed us in the right family and town, then revealed Himself to us through salvation. Down through the years, Jesus has protected us, provided for us, forgiven us of our wanderings and mistakes (sins), and continues to love us anyway, every day, for all eternity. We can experience His presence through the Holy Spirit and He never leaves us. He continues to shower us with grace and mercy. He is my Refuge to whom I can run in time of need. We have so much to be thankful for, don't we?


Psalm 100 says:
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

In thinking about David, we can see where God guided his steps (chapter 22), guarded his life (chapter 23), and gave him grace (chapter 24). Satan used Saul to seek to kill David, but God was too strong for the enemy. As long as David sought the mind of the Lord, God gave him protection and victory. David had victory at Keilah, in the wilderness, and over the Ziphites.     (Wiersbe) 

Swindoll, in his book entitled David, A Story of Passion and Destiny, says:
Do you need to duck into a cave today and find encouragement like David?

Psalm 31:1 says, In Thee, O LORD, I have taken refuge.

The Hebrew term refuge speaks of a protective place, a place of safety and security and secrecy. David tells the Lord that He-Jehovah God-became his refuge.
Why do we need a refuge?

1. We need a refuge because we are in distress and sorrow accompanies us.
2. We need a refuge because we are sinful and guilt accuses us.
3. We need a refuge because we are surrounded by adversaries and misunderstanding assaults us.

Why not share David's shelter? The One he called my Strength...my Mighty Rock...my Fortress...my Stronghold...my High Tower. (Ps. 62) We know Him today by another name: Jesus. He is still available... even to cave dwellers, lonely people needing someone to care.


Happy Thanksgiving to all! May your cup overflow as the Lord blesses you and your family!
Linda

Deciding to Go Farther

O. T. #642  "Deciding to Go Farther"
November 25, 2015
1 Samuel 23-Part 4
When David heard that Saul and his men were searching for him, he went even farther into the wilderness to the great rock, and he remained there in the wilderness of Maon. 
1 Samuel 23:25  NLT

LET IT GLOW

We were able to visit the beautiful state of Vermont during the indescribable foliage. One morning, we drove, decided to go farther up the mountains, so we drove up toward the ski slopes, without snow, and saw the huge, ginormous boulders that had fallen down off those monstrous mountains. They must have weighed a ton. (Of course we had to take our pictures there.) While being in their midst and standing on them, I was reminded of Jesus being my Rock. I could stand on Him. He isn't going to be moved by anyone or anything. What a firm foundation for my life! David took refuge in his Rock, also.

With the help of the Ziphites, Saul pursued David. When David heard of Saul and his army looking for him, he went even farther into the wilderness to the great rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. This place where David camped is called the Rock of Escape, Rock of Division, Rock of Separation, or Narrow Escape.

En Gedi was an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea fourteen miles east of Ziph, where there is a fresh water spring and lush vineyards, (Song of So. 1:14), standing in stark contrast to the surrounding wilderness. The limestone that dominates this region is permeated with caves, which provided good hiding places for David. (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Swindoll described it as the perfect place to hide. It provided protection and water and a natural lookout spot where he could see for miles around, to guard against any enemy's approach.


Sounds like a good description of Jesus in HIs child's life.
David referred to Jesus being his Rock in Psalms 18:2, 31, 46.

Look back, and see that David went even farther into the wilderness (verse 25). That phrase rang a bell. We read of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest, went a little farther to pray (Matt. 26:39).

How far are we willing to go with Jesus? Do we draw a line, build a wall, close the door instead of going a little farther with Him? It may require that we go farther than we want to go, but His will demands it in order to accomplish it. Will we go a little farther in our prayer time or set our limits? What blessing would have experienced if only we had gone a little farther with Him?



LET IT GROW

David and Saul were now on opposite sides of a mountain. Only rocks divided Saul and David. Just when  Saul and his men were about to close in on David, an urgent message reached the king. It caused Saul to call off the hunt when the Philistines made a new invasion in Israel again. What a timely retreat. God continued to protect David from the sword of Saul.

Do we ever stand on opposite sides of issues with people? Do we stand on the Rock, only to retreat when He directs?

LET IT GO

                       ... so I go a little farther with Jesus.
                                   ...and stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ my Savior.


*My husband and I are spending the next few days in Branson, celebrating our 43rd anniversary. I will try to write ahead so nothing is missed.

My Hiding Place

O. T. #641  "My Hiding Place"
November 24, 2015
1 Samuel 23-Part 3
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Ps. 32:7 KJV

LET IT GLOW

I have a room in my house which is my hiding place. There I take my needs and feelings to the Lord. It is the quiet place where I have my morning worship, alone. Although, the Christian radio is on with songs of praise to my Savior. David had his hiding place. Shall we check it out?

David and his men went into the wilderness to hide from Saul because the men of Ziph told Saul where David's location was.
During that time, David wrote Psalm 54, singing unto God:

• Come with great power and rescue me.
• Defend me with Your might.
• Listen to my prayer.
• Pay attention to my plea.
• Strangers are attacking me.
• Violent people are trying to kill me.
• They care nothing for You God.
• Your are my helper
• You, the LORD, keep me alive.
• Turn the evil plans of my enemies against them.
• Put an end to them as You promised.
• I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you.
• I will praise your name for it is good, O LORD.
• You have rescued me from troubles.
• You have helped me to triumph over my enemies.

Is God our helper? Do we ask Him to help us, or do we try to solve our problems our self, do it all without His help? Do we than the Lord for keeping us alive, waking up today, having breath this very second?

LET IT GROW

Now back to 1 Samuel 22. Saul sent the men of Ziph to check again to make sure where David was staying, who has seen him there, for he is very crafty. Discover his hiding places, then come back when you are sure. If David is in the area, I'll track him down, even if I have to search every hiding place. The men returned home to Ziph.

Many ravines and caves are found in this rugged region which David used as a place of refuge from Saul. There was wilderness surrounding Ziph, which was located four miles south of  Hebron.    (MacArthur)

In verse 23, The King James Version uses the wording lurking place, which refers to a refuge, hiding place, in the Hebrew language. 

David mentions his hiding place was in God, a shelter from trouble when the enemy compasses us about. It is found in Psalms 27:5; 31:20; 32:7; 119:114; 143:9. (Falwell)

Do we have a hiding place where we meet daily with our heavenly Father? I'm talking about a place where we sing His praises, read His Word, and pray in privacy? Is that where we run when our enemy compasses about us? He is always found when we seek Him.

David was not afraid to come to God and express his true feelings and needs. Be honest and straightforward with God. (Life Application Study Bible)


LET IT GO

Whatever I depend upon as my refuge, that is other than God, get rid of it.

Share my true feelings and needs in my hiding place with Him.

Make only God my refuge.

Trust God.

Sing about my deliverance by God.

Come Down Whenever You're Ready

O. T. #639  "Come Down Whenever You're Ready"
November 23, 2015
1 Samuel 23-Part 2
And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.  1 Samuel 23:14b

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever had an encouraging visit or call from an old friend, just when you needed it? I have had such many times. An encouragement it was, too. David had an encouraging visit from an old friend. Yet, the men of the town turned to Saul's side and told him how they would help out. All Saul had to do was "Come down whenever you're ready", they said.

Saul and his army were heading to the city where David and his men slaughtered the Philistines, at Keliah. Then David got assurance from God that it would happen, he took his 600 men and they wandered around in the wilderness to escape Saul. When Saul heard of this, he didn't go to Keliah. so David's troops stayed in the stronghold of the wilderness and hill country of Ziph.
Listen to what happened. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn't let Saul find him.

God's protection is better than a 1,000 men army, right? If God could keep Saul from finding him, can't He protect us from harm, too? So why do we worry, or am I the only one? Walking down the path which is God's will, by faith, can be a rough road. Most of our ministry has been that way. Wouldn't trade it for anything, though, because we experienced our God providing and protecting us along that road. Few walk the narrow way. They want the wide way, but it leads to destruction.

How strong is your faith in our strong God? Anyone seeking to harm you? The devil is for one.

We don't know how long that lasted, but one day David got the news that Saul was headed his way. David's friend, Jonathan, came to encourage David to stay strong in his faith in God. What a friend, a true friend. This must have been the last time they saw each other, though.
What did Jonathan tell David?

• His father would never find David.
• David was going to be king of Israel.
• Jonathan would be next to him.
• Saul knew that would happen.

The guys renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. Then Jonathan returned home and David stayed at Horesh.

LET IT GROW

The men of Ziph betrayed David by going to Saul in Gibeah. They told the king exactly where David was hiding. Thy said, "Come down whenever you're ready and we will catch him and hand him over to you."  BETRAYERS! As long as David and his army was in town, the town was secure from the Philistines. They knew it, but for whatever reason, it did not hold water to being on the good side of the king.

Don't you know those words excited Saul.
Do we truly know who our true friends are, except when times get rough. How do we react?

LET IT GO

Forgive our betrayers and never loose faith.

Love my enemies, pray for those who despitefully use me.

Asking a Fourth Time

O. T. #639  "Asking a Fourth Time"
November 20, 2015
1 Samuel 23-Part 1
David asked the LORD...   1 Samuel 22:1, 4, 9, 12  NLT

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes my prayer was answered the first time, and then some prayers are not answered yet. I wait. I pray, asking a fourth, fifth, sixth time, well, continually. I want to know which way and on what path the Lord is leading me. Meanwhile, I continue to do what He has for me to do, here and now.

One day news came to David that the Philistines were at it again. They were stealing grain from the threshing floors at the city of Keilah. so David asked the LORD if he should go and attack them. He received a go. The problem was, his men were afraid to fight the whole Philistine army. So David consulted the LORD again. Go was the answer a second time. The Lord said He would help them conquer the Philistines.
David and his men went to Keilah and slaughtered the Philistines. They took their livestock and rescued the people of Keilah.

Do we let the Lord use us to accomplish His purposes? Are we willing? Do we ask Him what He wants us to do today? When we know the answer, do we do it? Then, do we give God the glory?


LET IT GLOW

Soon Saul heard what David did at Keilah. He thought David had trapped himself in a walled city, easy for Saul to kill this time. Saul sent his army to do the task. It was a plan which David learned about before he was captured. Ho does he keep finding out Saul's plans?
 A third time the scriptures says that David asked the Lord if Saul was coming. Affirmative. David did not want the city destroyed because he was there in its midst. David went to the One who knows all things, his God, a fourth time. He asked if the leaders of Keilah would betray him and his men to Saul. Yes was the answer another time.

What will happen to David and his 600 men, a growing army? The next chapter will tell us, so stay with us, friends.

Just how faithful are we to listen to the Lord's answer and do it? Is our relationship with Him as strong as David's that we seek His will in in all things and obey?


LET IT GO

Be ready to go when the Lord says for me to go.

Ask, seek, knock, and I will receive, find, have the way opened.

Be ready to go when and where the Lord says for me to go.

When the Truth Leads to Suffering

O. T. #638  "When the Truth Leads to Suffering"
November 19, 2015
1 Samuel 22-Part 5
This was certainly not the first time I had consulted God for him!  1 Samuel 22:15 NLT 

LET IT GLOW

I have tried to always stand for the Truth in God's Word. There have been times that it cost me my job. It wasn't what the person wanted to hear. We are all sinners in need of a Savior-Jesus Christ. I cannot deny it. It is true. How someone reacts to it is not what I am accountable for, but whether I tell it is what I have to answer for one day. No matter the consequences. When the truth leads to suffering how do I react? Do I consider it a privilege to have suffered for the cause of Christ? The Lord has been faithful in providing for our family, even amidst the suffering. In today's story, a priest suffered for telling the truth.

In verse 13, we read Saul asking 4 whys of Ahimelech, the priest who consulted the Lord and then gave David food and a sword. The one which stand out is the question, "Why have you encouraged him to kill me, as he is trying to do this very day?" Saul is a mess. David never did any such thing. He is so paranoid. We know that David never did kill him. Later, we will read where Saul orders his guard to kill him (Saul) so the enemy would not have the glory of doing it.

What is Priest Ahimelech's defense to his accusations of King Saul?

• Sir, is there any among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law?
• He the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household!
• This was certainly not the first time I consulted God for him!
• May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, For I knew nothing at all of any plot against you.

This man was telling the truth, but Saul was blinded by his sin of jealousy. Are we consulting God in our situation? Are we praying for our brothers and sisters in the faith to stand strong? Do we tell the truth when we are confronted with a situation in question? No matter the consequences?

LET IT GROW

In spite of his telling the truth, in spite of his doing the right thing, in spite of begging for his life and the life of his family, Ahimelech and his family were killed. Are we going to be found faithful to God and his servants until our death?

Also, the King ordered all the priests of the LORD because they were allies and conspirators of David; they knew he was running away from the king and didn't tell.

What happened? Saul's men refused to kill the LORD's priests. So, Saul told Doeg, the dog, I mean the Edomite, to kill them. He did, all 85 priests. Not only them, but Doeg went to Nob and killed the priests' families and their cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. Oh, man, how could someone be so evil? Then I look at Paris and understand that it has been happening throughout the ages.

This was the fulfillment of the promise in chapter 3, where Eli's family would be judged forever for their iniquity which his sons did in the house of God and Eli did nothing about it.

If it comes down to our denying knowing and believing in our God and Savior Jesus or be killed, what will be our answer? Will our faith be strong enough to witness to our assailant? Even if our family is killed too? That is some serious thinking to do. It may come to that one day. If not us, then our children or their children's children. The evil one is always trying to destroy our witness of the Almighty One and Only Savior, Jesus Christ.

However, there was one ...

LET IT GO

Though they slay me, yet will I praise Him!

Once and For All, You Wicked Warrior

O. T. #637  "Once and For All, You Wicked Warrior"
November 17, 2015
1 Samuel 22-Part 4
God will strike you down once and for all.  1 Samuel 22: 8a


LET IT GLOW

Talking about evil and wicked warriors, we know an example of this in our world today with the attack on Paris last week. Our heart and prayers go out to this city and families suffering at the hands of wicked ones. Once and for all, those wicked warriors will get what's coming to them-judgment of God. Let's pray for our military as they fight them daily.

We left Doeg the Edomite sharing with King Saul how the priest Ahimelech consulted the Lord and then gave then David food and Goliath's sword. Saul still wants to kill David. I call this traitor by the letters in his name, D-O-G, so you can guess what I think of him.

Regarding this time, David wrote Psalm 52, which describes our wicked warrior.
However, in the last two verses David compares himself to an olive tree, flourishing in the house of God. Did you know the olive tree is the longest living of trees? The flourishing olive tree has even greater longevity, according to Life Application Study Bible. (David lived about 69 years.)
Also, David was contrasting God's eternal protection of His faithful servants with the sudden destruction of the wicked.

What else does David say?

• He will always trust in God's unfailing love. (verse 8b)
• He will praise God forever, for what He has done. (verse 9a)
• He will trust in God's good name in the presence of His faithful people. (verse 9b)

Even amidst the running for his life, David takes time to praise God in a song. What about us, dear one? Can we be like David? He can do this because David trust in God's unfailing love and good name. Has this young man been taught about the God of Israel or what? Are we teaching others the same thing which David said? Do they hear our praising our God? There is none like our God!



LET IT GROW

David wrote this psalm about this Dog; he:

• boasts of his crimes as a great warrior;
• doesn't realize God's justice continues forever;
• plots destruction all the day long;
• uses his tongue, which cuts like a sharp razor;
• is an expert at telling lies;
• loves to destroy others with his words;

David warns that Dog that God will strike him down once and for all. God will pull him from his home and uproot him from the land of the living. The righteous are going to be amazed when they see this and will laugh and say, "Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness." (See verses 6-7, NLV)

In what are we putting our trust-God or wealth? From experience I know that it is not always easy to trust in God and wait on Him to handle things for us. It is not an easy thing to let God take revenge on those who do evil to us. Once and for all, they will get what is coming to them. I have found that when I do so, God's justice is harsher than what I could have though up. How sad it is when these things happen to stubborn, rebellious, and wicked people.

LET IT GO

Let go of any hateful thoughts of revenge.

Trust in my Almighty God and His wisdom and power and unfailing love.

Praise God forever for all He has done for me.

Trust in His good name-Emanuel, El Shaddiah, Elohim.

Caring for Elderly Parents

O. T. #636   "Caring for Elderly Parents" 
November 16, 2015
1 Samuel 22-Part 3
Later David went to Mizpeh in Moab, where he asked the king, "Please allow my father and mother to live here with you until I know what God is going to do for me."  1 Sam. 22:3 NLT

LET IT GLOW

I have known of adult children who take advantage of their elderly parents, squandering their retirement funds. Then, on the other hand, I have known of children who take care of their elderly parents so they don't have to go to a nursing home or sell their home. Decisions for those days ahead will eventually have to be faced by so many folks. Which will you be like? Is it time for you to think ahead and make plans now for such situations?

David went to Mizpeh, located in Moab to set up his camp. (Great grandmother Ruth was from that land.) David asked the king of Moab to allow his mother and father Jesse to live with him until David knew what God was going to do for him. So his parents stayed with the King of Moab during the entire time David was living in his stronghold.

Sounds like David did not put anything passed Saul. He could have kidnapped David's parents for a ransom of getting David. I had not considered that possibility until reading how David protected his parents from the hateful and killer Saul.

Are we lovingly taking care of the needs of our parents? Some of you may be caregivers of your elderly parents. May the Lord bless you as you continue to sacrifice your time and energy to lovingly provide for them. How I wish my parents were alive for me to care for them. Family loves, no matter the price.

LET IT GROW
Then David returned to Judah after the prophet Gad convinced him to do so. Soon news of his arrival reached Saul. Evidently Gad was a longtime spiritual guardian and prophet to David. (2 Sam.24:11)
How did Saul react to such news?
He asked his officers if:

• the son of Jesse promised them fields and vineyards;
• David promised to make them generals and captains in his army.
• that is why they conspired against him (accusingly).

Saul reminded his officers that not one of them told him when his own son, Jonathan, made a pact with David. He accused them of not even being sorry for him. Openly, Saul accused his own son of encouraging David to kill Saul, even today. What a messy attitude Saul had.

The Doeg spoke up revealing what he witnessed in Nob-David spoke with the priest Ahimelech, who consulted the Lord, and gave David food and the sword of Goliath. Immediately, Saul sent for Ahimelech and his family after hearing such news.

We will convene with the story next post. what is Saul going to do to this priest and his family?

Do we falsely accuse people of conspiring against us? Do others do that to us? How do we react when it happens? Do we tell the truth or let them think whatever they will and we don't confront them?

LET IT GO

Love those in the  older generation in my family and church family.

Stand up for the truth.

Down Time

O. T. #635  "Down Time"
November 13, 2015
1 Samuel 22-Part 2
...and there were with him about four hundred. 1 Samuel 22:2

LET IT GLOW

We aren't finished with David's cave experience. In verses 1 and 2, we read of those men who came to support him and join Dav's army-his brothers and relatives, men in trouble or in debt and those discontented. They totaled 400. Now that's no small spare-of-the-moment army in my books. Well, there are more to come.

I Chronicles 12: 8-18 tells us about it:

• Brave and experienced warriors from the tribe of Gad, were experts with spears and shields, as fierce as lions and swift as deer came to David's stronghold.
• Eleven of those men are mentioned by name as being army commanders.
• Their weakest could take on 100 troops, while the strongest could take on 1,000.
• These men crossed the Jordan River during flood stage. This was serious support for David.
• Others from Judah and Benjamin tribes came to David at his stronghold.

When we get down, look around, we have a support group larger than we can imagine. With God on our side, we are not outnumbered.
Do we support those who are down?

LET IT GROW

David went out to meet these men of Benjamin and Judah. He asked if they came in peace to help him, and if so they would be friends. If they came to betray him as enemies, while David was innocent, they may God see it and punish them.
Amasai had the Spirit come upon him and he answered David:

• We are on your side.
• Peace and prosperity be with you.
• Success to all who help you.
• God is the one who helps you. (NLT)

David let them join him and he made them officers over his troops.

Do we help our friends find the peace and success with God that we have?

LET IT GO

Turn from me to thee.

Help encourage others when they are down, lifting them up (to the throne of Grace).

I will, He Will

O. T. #634  "I Will, He Will"
November 12, 2015
1 Samuel 22
I will cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me.
My God will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness.  (verses in Psalm 57)

LET IT GLOW

David escaped his enemies at Nob and Gath. Can we see the Lord's hand in getting him out of these messes which David got himself into? Aren't we thankful that God delivers us when we don't deserve it?

David's move took him to the cave of Adullam. Do we sometimes enter into our own cave that is secluded, cold, dark, and lonely? While there, David wrote Psalm 57 and Psalm 142. Let's quietly tiptoe closer to his cave, listening as he sings with his harp unto the Lord his God. I'm using NLT.

First, we read David's "I wills" found in Psalm 57:

• I will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings until the danger passes by. (v. 1)
• I will wake the dawn with my song. (v. 8)
• I will thank You, Lord, among the nations. (v. 9)

Then we read of  God's "I wills" of which David reminds us:

• He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. (v. 3)
• He will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness. (v. 3)

Do you need heaven to rescue you today, right now? Are you in need of assurance of God's unfailing love and faithfulness toward you? Here's the secret, troubled friend. Let us sing our God's praises, even during the storm in our life. Thank Him for what He has done in our past and will do in our present and future. Then, hide beneath the shadow of God's wings until the trouble passes by.

My God has always been faithful and loving me with His unfailing love. He will you also. Reach out you hand to Him and He will rescue you. Look at some other verses found here:

I cry out to God Most High (Elohim-Ellyon), to God who will fulfill His purpose for me. (v. 2)
My heart is content in You, O God: my heart is confident. (v. 7)



LET IT GROW

In Psalm 142, it sounds like David is getting very low. In verse 4, David is looking for someone to come and help him, but no one gives him a passing thought, so he thinks. No one will help him; no one cares a bit what happens to him, is his attitude.
Then, finally, David gets it and confesses: You are all I really want in life. (verse 5)
Recon that is what God was waiting to hear before he sends men to help David? Have we told our God that He is all we really want in life?

A cave-that was were his volunteer army of 400 came to help David. Look what men made up this special army found in 1 Samuel 22:2:

• David's brothers,
• his father's relatives,
• men who were in trouble,
• men who were in debt,
• men who were just discontented.

Great looking army you have there David. Uh, you better get to training them with your expertise.
There is another group of warriors coming, David, so  just hang in there, son.

Troubled on, look around you. Who is in your army? I am sure you have some brethren, some siblings, some folks who have been down your road, the ones indebted to Jesus and not living for rewards in this life, ready for heaven. Hang on, dear one, God is sending you some warriors to fight the good fight of faith with you, as he did David.

Will you share with us your experiences?

LET IT GO

Release my "I wills" focusing on my self and change them into "I wills" for God.

Cling to God's "I wills".

Change my shelter to be under God's wings.

Sing His praises.

Trust His unfailing love and faithfulness.

A Crazy Plan for a Crazy Man?

O. T. #633 "A Crazy Plan for a Crazy Man?"
November 11, 2015
1 Samuel 21-Part 3
So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard. 
1 Samuel 21:13 NIV

Shall we say a prayer for those who are sacrificing as they serve in our military? We can also be thankful for those who gave their life to keep America free.

LET IT GLOW

We left David eating showbread and getting a sword from the priest at Nob's Tabernacle. Doeg, a servant of Saul's who took care of his mules, was there, too.

Verse 11 tells us, And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.

Problem for David was that the officers of Kin Achish were unhappy with his being there. The Philistines recognized the man who killed Goliath, the hometown giant. Could the song and dance featuring David's heroism have spread to the Philistines? The pagans always seemed to know what was happening with the Israelites. Since David's identity was discovered, he was in  a pickle of a situation.

Did it make any sense that that the man who wad sustained by sacred bread of God found refuge among pagans, that the man after God's own heart changed his address to Gath, or that he who carried Goliath's sword goes to Goliath's hometown?

When we are out of fellowship with God, do we do crazy things?

What encouragement can we find here? David wrote Psalm 34 at this time in his life. In it, David says he will praise the Lord at all times.
According to this Psalm NLT, what does God do for us?

• He answers when we pray. (v. 4)
• He frees us from all our fears.(v. 4)
• He gives radiant joy to those who look to Him. (v. 5)
• The LORD listens to our prayers. (v. 6)
• He saves us from our troubles. (v. 6)
• He gives us an angel to guard us. (v. 7)
• He surrounds and defends all who fear Him. (v. 7)
• He provides all we need and lack no good thing. (v. 9)
• He gives a long and prosperous life to those who keep their tongue from speaking evil and telling lies. (v. 12,13)
• The LORD's eyes watch over those who do right. (v. 15)
• His ears are open to their cries for help. (v. 15)
• He rescues His people from all their troubles. (v. 17)
• He is close to the brokenhearted and rescues crushed spirits. (v. 18)
• God redeems those who serve Him. (v. 22)
• He does not condemn those who take refuge in Him. (v. 22)

What a list. Can we go wrong when we trust in the Lord Jesus?

LET IT GROW

David realized there would be no escaping for him. He was afraid what the king might do with him. Off with his head, probably, as David did with Goliath. So David devised a plan. He pretended to be insane. It was a custom back then for the mentally unstable to not be harmed. David scratched on doors making marks and drooled in his beard.
Falwell says that no man in his right mind would violate his beard in that day.

I found verse 14 to be comical: Finally King Achish said to his men, "Must you bring me a madman? We already have enough of them around here! Why should I let someone like this be my guest?" 

Why was David on the run in the first place when the Lion of Judah watched over him? Yet, how could he learn to depend upon God while sitting in the palace, singing to the king?
Does David's crazy plan work? We will find out in the next chapter.

LET IT GO

Run to the Lion of Judah in times of need.

Be crazy for Jesus and crazy about Jesus.

Trust God for everything.

Law or Love

O. T. #632  "Law or Love"
November 10, 2015
1 Samuel 21-Part 2
So the priest gave him hallowed bread... 1 Samuel 21:6

LET IT GLOW

David deceived the priest Ahimelech by telling a lie about doing the king's business, being on a mission, and his men were waiting for him in a designated place. David proceeds to ask the priest for 5 loaves of bread or whatever was available.
The priest answered that they did not have regular, common bread, which anyone could eat, since it was of no special significance. There was only holy bread, the showbread, available, only to those young men which had not slept with any women recently (ceremonially unclean), and eaten in the holy place. This bread was restricted to only priests being allowed to eat it. It was considered holy bread because it had been dedicated to the Lord. So David assures the priest his men qualified.

Jesus refers to this occasion to show that it is the moral spirit of biblical laws that is most important, not the legalistic letter of the law(Mark 2:25-26). (Falwell)

Life Application Study Bible explains it this way:

Ahimelech put David's need and the life ahead of religious ceremony and fed him the consecrated bread. This upheld a higher law of love (Lev. 19:18. Centuries later, Jesus would refer to this incident to show that God's laws should be applied with compassion. To do good and to save life is God's greater law (Matt. 12:1-8).

So David took the Bread of the Presence, the hallowed bread, placed in the Tabernacle. Also, David asked for a sword or spear, since the king's business was urgent and he didn't have time to grab a weapon. Another lie spoken. The only sword available was the sword of Goliath, which  David used to cut off his head. That would have been a huge and heavy sword to carry with him on the run.

David's lies were not condoned. They cost 85 priests their life later. Didn't David's lie seem harmless at the time? Lies and other sins have serious consequences. The Israelites, in Leviticus 19:11, were instructed to not lie or deceive.

Are we teaching our children and grandchildren that lying is a sin and has consequences? Do we our self take it seriously?
Will we fulfill the law of love today by meeting another's needs? Some other verses on this topic include: Rom. 12:10, Heb. 13:1, 1 Peter 3:8, Eph. 5:2, Matthew 6.

Jesus is the Bread of Life, the bread for our soul. do we come to Him for spiritual food?

LET IT GROW

David and Ahimelech were not alone during. A man named Doeg was there that day. (verse 7)
What do we know about this man?

• He was a servant of Saul.
• He was detained before the LORD that day.
• He was an Edomite.
• He was the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.

Doeg was the head shepherd of Saul's herd of mules. He witnessed this encounter above. He told Saul what transpired. Perhaps he was detained because it was the Sabbath and he embraced the Hebrew religion, so he was in the Tabernacle to study the law and worship. I tend to doubt this since he was such a violent man later. I think it was a way for God to get David to move on.

Psalm 52 was written by David after this. David had not given up on his God.
Verse 9 NIV says, I will praise Your forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints.

Is God our hope? Do we praise Him for what He has done for us? Do we declare His goodness and praise Him to His saints?

LET IT GO

Tell the truth always, no matter the consequences.

Praise God for what He has done for me.

Place my hope in God only.

Praise Him in the presence of His saints.

A Deceiving David

O. T. #631  "A Deceiving David"
November 9, 2015
1 Samuel 21
Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?  1 Samuel 21:1 NIV


LET IT GLOW

Do you go places alone or with others? Do you go to church services alone? Today, David is alone when he ended up at the house of God.

Now David begins his wanderings in the wilderness. After saying his good byes and reaffirming his covenant made with Jonathan, David went to Nob, alone.

It is a city located between Jerusalem and Gibeah. It had become the center for Israelite worship after the destruction of Shiloh. (MacArthur)

So David goes into the Tabernacle and meets with Ahimelech, the priest. This is the first time he is mentioned in scripture. Who is this new person? He was the great grandson of the priest Eli, under whose training the prophet Samuel trained.

Life Application Study Bible suggests, either Abimelech was the Ahijah mentioned in 14:3, 18, or, more likely, he was Ahijah's successor.

MacArthur brings up a good point here. Not only is there a rejected king on the throne, but also a disqualified priest. You will recall that Eli's family was forever removed from the priesthood because Eli's sons blasphemed God back in chapter 2.

It sounds like Ahimelech knew who David previously was, a commander in Saul's army. I conclude this because the priest asks David why he was alone and why no one was with him.

Other translations say this in this way:
Holman and NAS-commissioned, a matter, the matter;
The Message-on a mission, strict orders, top secret, not a word of this to a soul.

Liberty Bible Commentary says, Ahiah is evidently the same person as Ahimelech (a synonymous name in Hebrew) who was later killed by Saul for helping David (22:16-18).

Where do we run when trouble has knocked at our life's door? Do we knock at the door to the heart of our King Jesus? Do we stop going to the house of God?

LET IT GROW

Continuing this conversation, we hear David's deceitful reply to Ahimelech's questions. Because David feared someone informing Saul of his location, he lies to the priest by saying he was on official business for the king. This lie led to the tragic death of 85 priests later.

NLT put it this way, The king has sent me on a private matter. He told me not to tell anyone why I am here. I have told my men where to meet me later.

You mean to tell me that this shepherd boy, who was chosen to be Israel's next king, the one who faced and brought down a 9 foot giant Philistine, a man after God's own heart, is afraid of Saul? David had experienced the power of his God who gave him victory in what seemed to be an impossible situation. David was the one who wanted the world to know that there was a God in Israel. Where is his faith and trust in this God to protect him? I'm disappoint, David. (Okay, I admit that I have told a lie in my lifetime.) We can't be too hard on David can we. As we point one finger at him, three are pointing back at us.

Does our faith falter at times like David's did? Do we keep trusting God no matter what comes into our life?
 Do we show the world that there is a God who reigns in our life? God desires to strongly support those whose hearts are completely His. Do others know our heart belongs fully to God? (Desiring God's Own Heart by Kay and David Arthur)

LET IT GO

Run to the throne of my God and slide in on my knees asking for His help when my situation becomes too much for me to handle.

Don't run away when the winds and waves are overwhelming to me. Talk to the On who created them and walked on water, spoke and they ceased.

Tell the truth no matter the cost.

Three Arrows Signified His Future

O. T. #630  "Three Arrows Signified His Future"
November 6, 2015
1 Samuel 20-Part 5
And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.  1 Samuel 20:20

LET IT GLOW

What are we counting on to determine our future? Is it money, social media, family, or the Lord? David depended upon the Lord. Three arrows signified how his future was going to go. David's life was hanging by a thin thread.

Here's the plan which David and Jonathan devised in order to inform David whether it was safe for him to stay near the king or if his life was in danger with the king intending to kill him:

• Finally, the realization of the situation dawned upon Jonathan.
• David was to stay by the stone Ezel, which means "stone of departure" at the field where they met. (verse 19)
• Jonathan would tell his father, when asked about David's absence, that he went to visit his family to share their sacrifice time. Saul's reaction would determine the fate of David's life. (verse 28-29)
• On the third day after the feast, Jonathan would go to the specified field with his servant lad. He would shoot 3 arrows to the side of the stone as if he were shooting at a target. (verse 20)
• The words Jonathan said at that point would indicate what David was to do.
• If Jonathan told the boy, "They're on this side," then David would know all was well and there was no trouble. (verse 21)
• But, if Jon told the boy, "Go farther-the arrows are still ahead of you," then David must leave immediately for the LORD was sending him away. (verse 22)
•  Jonathan added, "May the LORD make us keep our promises to each other, for He witnessed them." 

What a friend! His allegiance was to David instead of his own father, who was in the wrong trying to kill David, who was innocent of any wrong toward the king.
We will find out how the actions of one person can change the course of a person's life, such as David. (Through it all, Jonathan had the opportunity to kill David himself, but chose not to do so.)


LET IT GROW

What happened?

• David's chair was empty at the king's table during the New Moon Festival for two days.
• Saul inquired of Jon for the reason of Dav's absence. Jon told him Dav went home to celebrate the festival.
• King Saul did not believe the story, boiled with rage at his son, swearing at him, saying he knew Jon wanted Dav to be king in Jon's place. Also, Saul told Jon to bring David to him so he could kill him.
• When Jon asked his father why he wanted to put Dav to death and what he had done, Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him.
• That was when it became evident to Jonathan that David's life was in danger. 
• Jonathan left his father's table in fierce anger and refused to eat the second day of the festival because he was crushed by his father's shameful behavior toward David.
• Well, all went as planned between Jon and Dav.  
• When Jon and his young servant went into the field where David was hiding. As though he was target practicing, Jon shot 3 arrows for the lad to fetch. He told the boy the arrow was ahead of him and to hurry, not wait.
• David understood the signal-his life was in danger because Saul sought to kill him and he must leave.
• Jon sent the boy back to town with his bow and arrows.

Then Jonathan and David said their good byes. David bowed 3 times to Jonathan, with his face to the ground, showing respect. As they embraced each other, they were in tears.(verse 41)
Finally, Jonathan told David to "Go in peace for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the LORD's name. The LORD is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever."
The David left and Jonathan returned to town. The two friends only met one more time shortly before Jonathan's death.
And so, David's life as a fugitive begins. This season of David's life ended. Until Saul's death, David was an outcast in the royal court.

Do young people realize how small moments can change the course of their life-one night with the wrong boy, doing the wrong thing; a boy runs with the wrong crowd one night and gets arrested?
Do we see how our life can change within a moment, a day? Are we depending upon God to take care of our life?


LET IT GO

Keep my word when I tell someone I will do something.

Remain loyal a friend in spite of circumstances.

Attempt to help others mend relationships when possible.

Empty Chairs and Rocks

O. T. #629  "Empty Chairs and Rocks"
November 5, 2015
1 Samuel 20-Part 4
To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.  1 Samuel 20:18

LET IT GLOW

Have you had an empty chair in your house when a loved one has died or left for a while? I recall how I felt after Dad passed away and our family would eat at the same table with his chair was empty. Also, Dad had his own chair in our living room. It was empty, too. Oh, how I missed him. At first it was difficult to see anyone sitting in his two chairs. Then as time went by, it was easier to cope with these two empty chairs. What a day of rejoicing when I get to sit with both Dad and Mom at Jesus' table in heaven! In today's Bible story, Jonathan had to deal with an empty chair. Can you guess whose it was?

Evidently Jonathan knew in his heart that David was eventually going to become king of Israel. Since the families of the previous king were often destroyed, Jonathan asked David for mercy for his family. They made a covenant (verse 16). Jon transfers his allegiance from his father to his friend. We will read where David kept his promise to Jonathan as he provided for Jon's son Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9.

In verse 18, Jonathan tells David that he will be missed because his seat will be empty. This is in reference to the plan of these two best friends. David would not show up for the New Moon festival dinner at Saul's house. As it turned out, it would always be an empty chair because Saul was so jealous of David that he hated him and wanted to kill David.

Many years later,  King Saul's chair on the throne of Israel would be empty(due to his death) and David would sit in it, ruling his nation as the king God had intended to rule Israel.

Whose chair are we meant to sit in after all is said and done?
Are we fulfilling our purpose in life, bowing before the God Who sits on His throne ?
Is Jesus on the throne of our heart?

LET IT GROW

The New Living Translation (NLT) says in verse 19: The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid before, and wait there by the stone pile.

King James Version calls it the stone of Ezel.

Jonathan and David made plans so David would know whether he should stay or run for his life concerning Saul. This stone pile was called the stone of Ezel.

The word Ezel in Hebrew means departure.

The stone was perhaps named "stone of departure" later as a memorial of the event and place where the two separated. (Falwell)

Do you have any stones of departure in your life? Usually, a  headstone on the grave of our loved one reminds us when they both arrived and departed this world.  There are other kinds of memorial stones which remind us of important events which occurred at a specific location. I have seen the huge stones marking the place where of the Battle of Gettysburg, Mount Rushmore, the place where the first shot was fired beginning the Revolutionary War, and Plymouth Rock. I know our nation has erected memorials for those who lost their life for our nation during wars and stones indicating the important men to our nation, such as Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson.
Our fireplace, built of native stones and by my parents around 1975, is a type of remembrance of them and their love for our family. Our daughter recalled its significance. We still enjoy its warmth each winter.

Are we standing on the Rock of our Salvation-Jesus Christ?

LET IT GO

Make sure that when my chair is empty at my house because I am residing in heaven, it causes happy memories for my loved ones.

Let my life be built upon the Rock of Jesus.

Tell Me the Truth

O. T. #628  "Tell Me the Truth"
November 4, 2015
1 Samuel 20-Part 3
But if my father is inclined to harm you, may the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely.
1 Samuel 20:13

LET IT GLOW

I think I have seen everything now. This week I shopped at a nice store, was putting my purchases in the car, when the passenger of the car beside me came out and got into her car. I noticed she was very neatly dressed, including heels and jewelry. Then something caught my eye. I probably stared at her. She had on a burlap blouse with fringe. Probably, she paid dearly for it, too. I wanted to ask her where she got that feed sack like my dad used to get the hog feed and cattle feed in, but I resisted. I laughed most of the way home in disbelief. I said all of that to say, I hope my friends will tell me the truth about me. Not just my attire, but when I am in the wrong or need correcting. David and Jonathan had that kind of relationship.

When King Saul went to the city where David escaped to after escaping the king's sword, David ran to his best friend, Jonathan. It took some doings, but he finally convinced Jonathan that his father was pursuing him in order to kill David.

Jonathan made a pack and a plan with his friend David:

• David would not attend the dinner celebrating the New Moon festival at the king's house.
• David would go hide in a certain field for three nights.
• If the king missed David's presence, then Jonathan would tell him David went home to Bethlehem to celebrate with his family. (verse 6)
• Saul's response was what David was wanting to know.
• If Saul answered, "Very well," then David would know he was safe and Saul was not intending to kill him any longer. (verse 7)
• If Saul lost his temper, then that would prove the king was determined to harm David. (verse 7)
• David asked Jonathan to show kindness to him, his servant, for they had a covenant before the Lord.
• David went so far to tell Jonathan that if he was guilty, let Jonathan kill David himself, but not had him over to Saul.

Jonathan reaction was "NEVER!" If Jonathan had the least inkling that his father was determined to harm David, Jonathan would tell David.

Do you ever discuss with someone future things? Perhaps you want things managed a certain way if anything ever happens to you. You make the effort to let it be known to certain people, just in case you have an accident while out of town. We do that every time both of us fly, leaving specific instructions for our son.
Do you think David felt secure while he waited for Jonathan's answer? He had to trust Jonathan to keep his word and not reveal their secret.
Are you a friend that can be trusted with someone's secret?

LET IT GROW

This is quite a drama, isn't it? What goes on next?

• David asks Jonathan who will tell him Saul's reaction.  David wants to know if he is safe or needs to leave the area, run for his life, so to speak.
• Then Jonathan said unto David, "Come, and let us go out into the field." (verse 11)
• So both of then went into the field.
•  Jonathan told David he would send word the next day with all was favorable with his father and his friend.
• Jonathan made a pack with David. If he did not inform David of Saul's intent to harm David, then may worse be done to him Jonathan.
• Jonathan told David, "May the LORD be with you as He has been with my father."
• Also, he asked David to show unfailing kindness like that of the LORD as long as he lived, so he would not be killed, nor his family. (Jonathan was next in line for kingship if Saul died, and his son if Jonathan died.) After Saul and Jonathan died, in 2 Samuel, we read where David invited Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, to dine at his table when David was king. He kept his promise.

Well, let's leave the results of this conversation until the next post. These guys have their pack and plan worked out, don't they?

Are you heading out into your mission field today? Has Jesus bid you to come go with Him to do His purpose? Are we prepared to show unfailing kindness of the Lord toward someone in need? Don't we all need that kindness from the Lord which is unfailing?

LET IT GO

Be truthful when my fiends ask my opinion.

Show unfailing kindness to someone today.

Get ready to go with Jesus into His field of service.

Whatever You Say

O. T. #627  "Whatever You Say"
November 3, 2015
1 Samuel 20-Part 2
Then said Jonathan to David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.  1 Samuel 20:4

LET IT GLOW

Are you like me in that I tend to be bent to doing things my way and wanting my way? It is a difficult thing to give up my desires to do what another wants. I admit it. My self-center flesh wants it's own way. But there is hope for me. Jonathan was willing to do whatever his friend David desired of him.

It took some doin's. David worked hard to convince his best friend, Jonathan, Saul's son, that Saul was intending to kill David. He did it, though. Reading our key verse, Jonathan is convinced, offering David to do whatever he wanted Jon to do for him.

The word desireth, in Hebrew, means to say, command, declare, demand. (Strong Concordance)

Jon was saying, "Whatever. Just say the word, Dav, and I'll do it for you. Consider it done, my friend."

How do we respond to the desires and commands of our Lord?

Psalm 37:4 NLT instructs us to Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desire.

Did you catch it, dear one? God is going to place His desire in your heart when we delight in Him. Often this verse is turned around for our benefit. We want it to say that God will give us whatever WE want. No, that is not how it goes.
Are we willing to tell the Lord, "Whatever You say, whatever You command, whatever You want, Lord, I will do. Yes, whatever, Lord."
His way is the only way to go.

LET IT GROW

What did David want Jonathan to do for him?

• The next day the celebration of the new moon festival was planned. David had always eaten with the king on this occasion, but not this time. He was going to hide in the field and stay until the third evening.
• If Saul asked where David was, tell him that he had permission to go home to Bethlehem for his family's annual sacrifice.
• If Saul answered, "Fine" then Jonathan would know all is well.
• However, if Saul gets angry and loses his temper, Jonathan would know he is determined to kill David.
• David asked Jonathan to be his loyal friend. Don't betray him now.

How did Jonathan answer David? He would never betray David. If he had the slightest notion of his father planning to kill his friend, Jonathan would tell David at once.

the two friends had to devise a plan so David would know if Saul was angry with him or not. Either way, Jonathan would let David know the outcome.
Look at verse 14. And may you treat me with the faithful love of the LORD as long as I live. But if I die, treat my family with this faithful love, even when the LORD destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.

The two young men reaffirmed their vows of friendship.
We will discuss their plan in the next post.

Do we treat God's family with faithful love for one another?
Do we keep our vows we make?

LET IT GO

Commit to whatever the Lord desires.

Whatever His Word and His Spirit tell me to do, do it.

Be a faithful follower of Jesus.

Be a faithful friend to others.

One Step Away From Death

O. T. #626  "One Step Away From Death"
November 2, 2015
1 Samuel 20
...there is but a step between me and death.  1 Samuel 20:3c

LET IT GLOW

I have shared previously the time when I almost died after surgery back in 2001. Since then I have been hesitant in being put under for only tests. Last January, I again had surgery. Fear of a repeat kept my stomach in knots and my mind in captivity. Finally, I had to release my life to my Lord. His will to be my will. I trusted Him to bring me through my gall bladder surgery and He did just that! If He had taken me home to be with Him in heaven, that was okay, too. It is a sobering thing when one comes face to face with death-only one step away from death. David experienced the same thing many times and recognized it.

You will recall that while David was at Naioth, Saul sent messengers to capture David, three times. It was their failure do so that caused Saul to go. The Lord's Spirit came upon them all and they prophesied instead of killing David. So David flees and goes to Jonathan, his closest friend and now brother in law for help and advice. David is seeking his support system. Yet, what did Jon think of David, with his father's influence and all? Did Jonathan, the next in line to the throne, agree with Saul, that David was a threat to the king's throne and kingdom?

Looking at their encounter, we read where David is proclaiming his innocence for any justified reason that would cause Saul to want to kill him by asking:

• What have I done?
• What is my crime?
• How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to take my life?

Although David was innocent, we are not innocent before our God. We have sinned, disobeying His commands. We deserve death and hell, but our Heavenly Father shows us mercy through His Son Jesus' sacrifice.

How does Jonathan react?

• Jonathan denied that his father was intending to kill David, since Saul took such an oath before Jonathan (1 Sam. 19:6).  
• After all, Jon's father doesn't do anything, great or small, without confiding in Jon.
• Why would Saul hide this from Jon now?
• Jon denies Dav's accusation of Saul was seeking to kill him.

It sounds like Jonathan did not know what Saul had been doing (sending messengers and going himself to Naioth to find David). That Saul did not tell Jonathan everything he planned must have surprised and convinced Jon that what David said was true.

Saul was bent on killing David. I read somewhere that David was on the run for his life 12 years. Aren't we blessed with the songs David wrote during this time in his life? Of course, we know what happens to Saul-he has his man kill him so the enemy does not get the glory for such a feat. David has opportunities to kill Saul, but does not because the king was God's anointed.

So we have discernment from the Lord to see the truth of our circumstances?

LET IT GROW

David reasons with Jonathan that Saul knows David has found favor in Jonathan's eyes. Saul wants to protect Jon from being hurt since Dav is his friend. David says that there is a step between him and death. Several sidesteps was all that kept David from being killed by Saul's javelin thrown.

Do we stop to consider that there is just one step between us and death? The grave is awaiting us? Death is one breath away from all of us. Do we thank God when He protects us from accidents which could have taken our life-car wreck, fall down on rocks, wrong medication strength, walking in front of traffic, disease, illness? Many times God has protected me from that step of death. Thank You Father!!

Are we ready to take that step of death when it finally comes time for us to take it? Jesus is the only way for us to be prepared. He is THE WAY to God. He is THE SAVIOR who offers salvation.

Are we letting Jesus guide our steps in the meantime?

In Job 14:16, we read where Job asks God, For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?

The Psalmist asked God to Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. (Ps. 119:113)
Order means to make firm, to walk without halting. If no iniquity is to have dominion over us, our steps must be established by the Word of God. (Falwell)

In chapter 4 of the book of Proverbs instructs his son that if he wants his steps unhampered and to not stumble while running, then he should guard his instructions and not let it go, as well as to not set his foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.

Proverbs 16:9 informs us In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Paul encourages us in Romans 4:12 to walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham.

1 Peter 2:21 states, For whereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.




LET IT GO

Recognize my sins and confess them to God.

Keep trusting Jesus to guide my steps. (Ps. 23)

Walk with Jesus throughout each day.

If today I take that step into death, I am ready to walk with Jesus all the way.

Thank Him for the steps I have taken all my years.