365 Reflections

David's flight from Saul is one of incredible detail. We see where he goes, who he meets, what he wants and where he ends up. Why? Because we are looking at a moment in David's life where his faith waned and his strength was sapped. Like all of us, he found himself making questionable decisions along the way. First, we see David lie to the Priest for the purpose of self-preservation: 1 Samuel 21:2 (ESV) And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, ‘Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.’ I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. He hasn't been sent by the King, he's running from him. Then we see David want and secure a sword. And what an ironic choice he's given: 1 Samuel 21:9 (ESV) And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a c...

Exodus 7 is a bit of a turning point in the story. It moves from the story of the man God would use to the story of redemption God will perform. Here's God's commission to Moses and Aaron: Exodus 7:2–4 (ESV)   You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, 4 Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. What a job. God first says, "Say all I command to Pharaoh." Then God says, "And I want you to know he will not listen to you." If that were my assignment I'd wonder what was the point! But herein lies the secret to works for God for those He has called. You are not in charge of results, you are simply assigned the task to speak. No one can m...

Dips happen. They are inevitable in whatever you put your hand to do. If you're ever going to step out for God, whether it be starting a business, church or class, entering marriage, beginning parenting or the adoption process ... whatever it may be, get ready for some dips. But please note in the dip: You MUST NOT quit. Moses steps up to the plate against this own desires to do what God wants. He approaches Pharaoh ONCE and all hell breaks loose. Pharaoh turns on the Israelites and the Israelites turn on him. Dips are inevitable. And they can prove incredible. The people who give in to the dip often don't realize what is about to happen in their lives! A dip is by definition and temporary event. It comes and goes. Those who press through the dips get to new heights. This is especially true for God's chosen! Moses does what we need to do in the dip. He goes to God and he gets a firm reminder from God about what He is going to do. God starts to talk about Himself an...

Psalm 140 was written by David when he was a member of Saul's staff. Under Saul's management, David was hated and reviled by his own King. Saul knew the Spirit had left him and God had plans to make David king in his place. In his vitriol he attacked David emotionally and physically. The attacks also played out on a national stage. I cannot imagine what David went through during those years. But I do know that our spiritual enemy attacks us just the same way. What do we do when we face such animosity? We pray! Psalm 140:4–5 (ESV)   Guard me, O Lord , from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. 5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah David survived such hardship because David was a man of prayer. He depended upon God for protection and deliverance. He pleased God by turning to Him. That's the kind of faith God is looking ...