News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

JUST LIKE
KING DAVID --

Psalm 51:1-12
______
"I acknowledge my
transgressions."
--Psalm 51:3
~~~~
THE elderly woman didn't like the way her pastor prayed each Sunday morning, so she told him. It bothered her that before he preached he would confess to God that he had sinned the week before. "Pastor," she said, "I don't like to think my pastor sins."

We'd like to believe that our spiritual leaders don't sin, but we know that no Christian is exempt from the burdens of the sinful nature. Paul told the believers at Colosse to "put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Col. 3:5 NIV). The problem is that sometimes we don't do that. We yield to temptation, and we're left with a mess. But we aren't left helpless. We have a pattern to follow for restoration.

That pattern comes from King David, whose sin demonstrated the consequences of yielding to temptation. Look closely at Psalm 51 as David owned up to his sin. First, he flung himself at God's feet, pleading for mercy, acknowledging his sin, and trusting in God's judgment (vv.1-6). Next, he sought cleansing from the One who forgives and wipes the slate clean (vv.7-9). Finally, David asked for restoration with the Holy Spirit's help (vv.10-12).

Is sin blocking your fellowship with the Lord? Like David, turn it over to Him. --

Our sinful ways can sap our joy
And isolate us from the Lord;
Confession and repentace, though,
Provide the way to be restored. <><
___________________________________________
REPENTANCE CLEARS THE WAY FOR US TO WALK WITH GOD.

Our Daily Bread/DB
Blessings, Abishag / 'Even so, Come Lord Jesus!' AMEN ~

THE VALUE
OF FRIENDS ~~

1 Samuel 20:12-17
________
Jonathan...loved
[David] as he loved
his own soul.
--1 Samuel 20:17
-----------
THE story of Jonathan and David illustrates the value of friendship. Though David was hunted by the demented King Saul, he drew encouragement from his friendship with Saul's son. "Jonathan...loved [David] as he loved his own soul" (1 Sam. 20:17). Their relationship was characterized by trust, understanding, and encouragement. How difficult it would have been for David to endure this unjust persecution without the nourishment of friendship based in the Lord (v.42).

The witness of David and Jonathan are reminders of the need to nurture the freindships God has given us.

Since I have no gold to give,
And love alone must make amends,
My daily prayer is while I live----
"God, make me worthy of my friends."
____________________________________
A FRIEND IS THE FIRST PERSON WHO COMES IN WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD HAS GONE OUT.

Our Daily Bread/df

Blessings, Abishag

SECRETS
EXPOSED --

Psalm 32:1-7
~~~~
I acknowledged my
sin to You, and my
iniquity I have not
hidden...And You
forgave the iniquity
of my sin.
---Psalm 32:5

FOR many years, Lake Okeechobee hid its secrets in thick waters and layers of muck. But in 2007, drought shrank the Florida lake to its lowest level since officials began keeping records in 1932, unveiling hundreds of years of history. Raking through the bottom of the lake, archeologists found artifacts, pottery, human bone fragments, and even boats.

After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and planned the death of her husband, Uriah, he covered his sins by denying them and not confessing them. He probably went many months conducting business as usual, even performing religious duties. As long as David cloaked his sinful secrets, he experienced God's crushing finger of conviction and his strength evaporated like water in the heat of summer (Ps. 32:3-4).

When the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, God's conviction was so great that David confessed his sins to God and turned away from them. Immediately the Lord forgave David and he experienced His mercy and grace (2 Sam. 12:13; Ps. 32:5; Ps.51).

Let's be careful not to hide our sin. When we uncover our sins by confessing them to God, we are covered with His forgiveness. --

Lord, help me to expose my sin,
Those secret faults that lurk within;
I would confess them all to thee;
Transparent I would always be. <><
----------------------------------------
GIVE GOD WHAT HE DESIRES MOST---
A BROKEN AND REPENTANT HEART. -

Blessings, Abishag/ JESUS IS LORD!
Our Daily Bread/MW

PREVENTING
REGRET --

2 Samuel 18:31-19:4
~~~~
The King was deeply
moved, and went up
to the chamber over
the gate, and wept.
--2 Samuel 18:33 --
--------
KING David regretted his broken relationship with his son Absalom. Angered over David's refusal to punish Amnon for raping his sister Tamar, Absalom killed Amnon and fled (2 Sa. 13:21-34). David's servant Joab knew that he longed to go to his fugitive son, so he arranged for Absalom to be brought to him. But their relationship was never the same again. Absalom's bitterness sparked a conflict that ended with his death (18:14). It was a bitter victory for King David, causing him to lament his lost son and their failed relationship (18:33). No amount of grieving, however, could undo David's heartache.

The pain of trying to restore broken relationships can be hard. But it's much better to do what we can to make things right "in the living years." -
____________________________
A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP CAN BE REPAIRED--
BUT ONLY IF YOU'RE WILLING TO TRY.

Our Daily Bread / BC
JESUS IS LORD! --
Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day, in the Lord Jesus! Abishag +

~~~POUR OUT YOUR
HEART To GOD ~

Psalm 62
----------------
Trust in Him at all
times, you people;
pour out your heart
before Him; God
is a refuge for us.
---Psalm 62:8 --
~~~~~~~~
WE often needlessly rehearse our disappointments and problems to others instead of telling them to God. The Psalmist wrote" "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Ps. 62:8). Twice he spoke of waiting silently for God, his rock and salvation (vv.1-2,5-7).

While there is great comfort in sharing our difficulties with a friend, we miss the greatest help if we fail to bring them to the Lord. Joseph Scriven said it so well:

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
_____________
NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE, JESUS IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY.

Our Daily Bread/DM
Blessings! JESUS IS AS CLOSE AS THE MENTION OF HIS NAME!
Abishag

DAVID'S
QUESTIONS ~~

Psalm 8
~~~
What is man that You
are mindful of him,
and the son of man
that You visit him?
--Psalm 8:4 -- -
------
AN African proverb states, "The one who asks questions doesn't lose his way." That concept can be helpful as we consider David's questions in the Psalms. He was clearly seeking God's guidance for the way he should go.

Look, for example, at some of the questions he asked:

"O LORD--how long?" (6:3). A question of eagerness to see God's plan accomplished.

"What is man that You are mindful of him? (8:4). A question of awe that God even cares about sinful man.

"Why do You hide in times of trouble?" (10:1). A question that reveals a longing for God's presence.

"LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?" (15:1). The ultimate question of who may live with God.

David had some tough questions for God. He had discovered what it was like to lose his way when he excluded God and followed his own sinful path. But as he penned the Psalms, he was a man in search of godliness, which meant he probed God's mind about difficult subjects.

Questions. Like David, you have them. Keep asking. Then, through faith in God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, listen as He leads you in His way. ~~

My mind cries its questions,
My longing heart, joining:
O Father, please hear me!
O Spirit, keep teaching!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE QUESTIONS, BUT IT'S EVEN BETTER TO SEARCH FOR GOD'S ANSWERS.

ODB/DB
Blessings!

IN TIME OF TROUBLE ~

"For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." (Psalm 27:5)--

IN this Psalm of praise, King David expresses his confidence in the Lord, even though "the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh" (v.2). In spite of the danger, he looks to God for safety. "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (v.1). Why did God preserve David? The answer is at least twofold.

First, David had a heart for God. "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple" (v.4). "Thy face, LORD, will I seek". "Teach me thy way, O LORD".

The second reason is the nature of God Himself. God, by His very nature, hates evil and extends grace toward His own. He is pictured here as a warrior conquering the evil enemies of David. His law forbid their actions; His gospel robbed these evildoers of their grip; His final kingdom will be rid of them. Until God's justice, His gospel, and His purpose all fail, we can be sure that He will act.

In our text, David is hidden in the Lord's "pavilion." The word, which literally means a protective covering, was used for the tent of the commander-in-chief. Here, with the commander-in-chief, is the most fortified, guarded, and safe area of the battleground. If the pavilion falls, the battle is lost and God has failed. Hidden in His pavilion, we are as safe as He. He sees to it that we are not frightened (v.13) amid the din of battle, and we shall share in the ultimate victory.

In this world, we have tumultuous war; in the next, unbroken peace. Assured of the outcome, we can "wait on the LORD: and be of good courage" (v.14). ~~

Days of Praise
ICR/JDM
Blessings!

The Glory in the Ordinary ~~

By: Max Lucado

Consider a shepherd from Bethlehem. (1 Samuel- 17)-

~~There are certain things anyone knows not to do. You don't try to lasso a tornado. You don't fight a lion with a toothpick. You don't sneeze into the wind. You don't go bear hunting with a cork gun. And you don't send a shepherd boy to battle a giant.

You don't, that is, unless you are out of options. Saul was. And it is when we are out of options that we are most ready for God's surprises.

Was Saul ever surprised

The King tried to give David some equipment. "What do you want, boy? Shield? Sword? Grenades? Rifles? A helicopter? We'll make a Rambo out of you."

David had something else in mind. Five smooth stones and an ordinary leather sling.

The soldiers gasped! Saul sighed. Goliath jeered.

David swung. And God made his point. "Anyone who underestimates what God can do with the ordinary has rocks in his head."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Defeating
Our Goliaths

READ/1 Samuel 17:45-47 -
~~~~
LIFE'S Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like him, we can gain victory through God's power, though we may "suffer and bleed" on the battlefield.

Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1Sam. 17:46). The shepherd's confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.

Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God's servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God's quiet voice. Even a giant's discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.

David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord's great faithfulness in past troubles.
~~~~~
I often encourage you to practice David's faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths. <><

Pastor Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries

It Is Good for me that I was afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes. PSALM 119:71-76-

DAVID rejoiced in affliction because trials added to his knowledge of God. Lessons in the Lord's constancy, grace, and provision were more valuable to him than a sack of money. Moreover, David's heart and spirit were enriched as well.

Affliction acts as spiritual fertilizer on a believer's faith. David's radical pursuit of the Lord developed while he was running from a murderous king. The years between his victory over Goliath and his ascension to the throne were physically demanding and emotionally draining. Yet the challenges molded the future king into a wise leader, a cunning warrior, and a humble servant of God.

David's Psalms reveal that his struggles taught him dependence on God (Ps. 4), Perseverance (Ps.13), and many other valuable spiritual traits. The Lord also provided comfort even as He stretched the warrior-poet's faith (Ps. 86:17). As God intended, David's words offer solace to others who must walk through misery.

By means of affliction, God molds His children into comfort carriers (2 Cor. 1:4). The message we offer is the one we learned in our trials:
'God is enough. He is sufficient to meet needs when the pit is deep, the obstacle high, or the suffering prolonged.'

Moreover, our own life proves that hardshp makes Christians stronger and wiser. ~~
--
Second Corinthians 2:14 tells us that believers are a sweet aroma on the earth. Those whom God leads to triumph over affliction become the fragrance of His care to a hurting world. We carry cheer to the discouraged, relief to the hurting, and the message of Christ's love to all.
---
Charles Stanley
In Touch ~

OUT OF ORBIT ~

Psalm 63
---
O GOD, You are my
God; early will I seek
You; my soul thirsts
for You; my flesh
longs for You in a
dry and thirsty land
where there is no
water. --Psalm 63:1 --
---
I still find it amazing that we can launch probes into deep space. But think of how wasteful it would be if on the way to Mars our probe got caught in the gravitational pull of a lesser, insignificant object. Beware! That might be happening in our lives.

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He meant for them to passionately pursue Him. Followers of Christ have been launched into a trajectory that is defined by drawing closer and closer to Him. But in the process, we're often distracted and succumb to the gravitational pull of lesser, alluring things. When that happens, we cease our pursuit of Him and go into orbit around stuff that in the end is empty and unsatisfying.

Psalm 63 is the cure for lives stuck in orbit. David pursued God, knowing that He alone could satisfy his inner longings because His "lovingkindness is better than life" (v.3). The joy of God's presence consumed every moment: "When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches" (v.6). David understood that true joy and purpose come not in admiring God from a safe distance, but from chasing hard after Him.

Let's get back on track and pursue an increasingly closer walk with God! --
-----------------
The closer you walk with God,
the less room for anything to come between.
ODB/JS

--A King's Humble Prayer
2 Samuel 7:8-29

"King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said, 'Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?...You know your servant." (2 Sam 7:18,20)

"YOU know what I'm really like," David confided to the Lord. His family members were humble people, not wealthy, not royalty. David the youngest of eight sons, previously had the lowly job of caring for sheep. Even his father didn't consider him king material (see 1 Samuel 16:6-13). God knew all this yet chose David to be King of Israel. God said, "I have found David..a man after my own heart." (Acts 13:22).

God knew what he was like. He knew all about David's flaws. At times, his faith wavered just as ours does. He experienced depression, discouragement, fear, anger, envy. Many of the Psalms David wrote reveal these emotions. He made mistakes. He sometimes disobeyed God. He had an affair with another man's wife and attempted to cover it up through murder. Would God ever forgive him?

When confronted, David didn't make excuses. He humbly asked God to forgive him. God does not excuse our sin either, but because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are forgiven.
---
God knows what we are really like. As we seek to serve Him may we, like David, be people after His own heart.

Haven Today Ministries ~~

SHARE THE JOY/ King David

But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

Psalm 68:3

Situation in Psalms 68:1--69:36

David led a joyful procession when the ark of the Lord came to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:11-15). -


Observation
Praise God for the provision and protection He gives His people throughout all time.

Inspiration
If David could celebrate like this when the ark of the covenant comes to town, then imagine what he might do when his glorious descendant--Jesus, the "son of David," God in human flesh--came to earth. David's a guy you'd like to invite to your Christmas party!

On the day the ark arrived in Jerusalm, David-the-giant-killer became David-the-two-stepper. He's the mayor of Dublin on Saint Patrick's Day, hopping and bopping at the head of the parade.

And, if that's not enough, he strips down to the ephod, the linen prayer vest. It covers the same amount of territory as a long T-shirt. Right there in front of God and the altar and everyone else, David removes all but his holy skivvies. (Envision the president escaping the Oval Office and cartwheeling down Pennsylvania Avenue in his Fruit of the Looms.)

David dances and we duck. We hold our breath. We know what God does to the irreverent and cocky. But here David is, in the full presence of God and God's children, doing a jig in his undergarment.

But nothing happens. The sky is silent, and David keeps twirling, and we are left wondering. Doesn't the dance bother God? Why isn't the heavenly Father angered?

For the same reason I wasn't. They don't do it now, but when my daughters were toddlers, they would dance when I came home. My car in the driveway was their signal to strike up the band. "Daddy's here!" they'd declare, bursting through the door. Right there in the front lawn they would dance. Flamboyantly. With chocolate on their faces and diapers on their bottoms, they would promenade about for all the neighbors to see.

Did it bother me? Was I angered? Was I concerned what people would think? Did I tell them to straighten up and act mature? Absolutely not.

Did God tell David to behave? No. He let him dance.

Scripture doesn't portray David dancing at any other time. He did no death dance over Goliath. He never scooted the boot among the Philistines. He didn't inaugurate his term as king with a waltz or dedicate Jerusalem with a ballroom swirl. But when God came to town, he couldn't sit still.

Maybe God wonders how we do. Do we not enjoy what David wanted?

This Christmas, celebrate the presence of God. And if you don't know a Nativity jig, you might consider learning one.

(Adapted from Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado)

[We should celebrate the birth of our King Jesus everyday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YESHUA! KING JESUS!] -



Application

Who needs to see you celebrating the Emmanuel, God with Us, this Christmas? Who needs to see the joy that Jesus Christ can bring? Invite that person to a festivity--and kick up some godly heels.



Exploration

God's Power--Exodus 9:16; 15:6; Joshua 4:24; Psalm 111:6; 135:5; Luke 1:37; Romans 4:20, 21; Revelation 4:8.

David Wilkerson Today

IT WAS IN THE DEPTHS THAT DAVID’S PRAYING BECAME INTENSE

In desperation, David cried out, “Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications” (Psalm 130:2).-
--
This sounds to me like the plea of a dying man. David obviously wasn’t just uttering “thought prayers.” He was face down on the ground—broken, contrite, pleading with God
from the very depths of his heart, “O holy God Jehovah, you must hear my cry!I can’t go on any longer. My sin is ever before me, and I’m sinking with fear and dread. Please, God, have mercy on me.”

David knew his soul needed a release. And he turned to God alone to find that release. He concluded, “I’m in such a dire condition, only the Lord can help me now. I can’t rely on counselors, friends, even family. My only hope is in prayer. So I’m going to cry out night and day until God hears my
plea!”

Have you gotten as desperate as David was? Have you shut yourself in with the Lord, falling on your face and crying out to him? Dull, quiet, lazy praying
won’t accomplish anything. If you’re not unburdening your soul to God, you don’t really want healing—you want out!

David testified, “I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart…and my groaning is not hid from thee” (Psalm 38:8-9).

You have to cry out loudly, as David did, “Lord, hear my plea! I’m not letting go of you until you answer!”
--

GRACIAS!

1 Chronicles
16:7-10; 23-36
---
-Oh, give thanks to
the LORD!
--1 Chronicles 16:8 --
--
When I visited Mexico, I wished I knew how to speak Spanish. I could say 'gracias' (thank you), 'muy bien' (very good), and 'hola' (hello). But that was about it. I grew tired of just saying 'gracias' to everyone who did something for me.

But we should never grow tired of giving words of thanks to God.
David knew the importance of saying thanks. After he became king over Israel and had a tent constructed to house the ark of the covenant (where God's presence dwelt), he appointed some of the Levites "to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the LORD" (1 Chron. 16:4). Many people remained there to offer sacrifices and give thanks to God daily (vv.37-38).

David also committed to Asaph and his associates a song of thanks (1 Chron. 16:8-36). His psalm gave thanks for what the Lord had done: "His deed among the peoples" (v.8), "His wondrous works" (v.9), "His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth" (v.12), and His "salvation" (v.35). David's song also gave praise for who the Lord was: good, merciful, and holy (vv.34-35).

We should never grow tired of saying 'gracias' to God for who He is and for all He's done for us. Take time today to offer your sacrifice of praise to Him.

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To His feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing. ~
----
The heart filled with praise brings pleasure to God.

ODB/AC

The Moments that Sustain Us
Psalm 145:1-5
--
When life falls apart, how do you cope? All of us face circumstances that challenge our peace—and some of these situations are very painful and prolonged. Unless we have purposeful focus, joy fades and hope seems unattainable.

King David experienced extreme hardships, including the profound grief of losing a child and a best friend. And King Saul, for selfish reasons, pursued him in an attempt to take his life. Later, David’s own son led a rebellion against him. As drastic as these trials are, they were just four of the many difficulties he endured. Yet even in times of deep suffering, David found hope and peace in God.

How was his soul sustained when others in similar situations would have drowned in despair? David knew how to meditate. He focused his mind and spirit on God—His character, ways, and will—in order to know the Lord better and to obey Him.

We should be following David’s example. Our role during difficulty is to set our eyes on our heavenly Father and meditate on His Word. The Psalms document the depth and passion for which the shepherd and soon-to-be king delighted himself in God. By continually pondering the attributes and ways of the Lord, he found solace in the midst of turmoil.
---
What subjects consume your thoughts during the day? Do you have time set aside to dwell solely on the Lord? Perhaps you can remind yourself periodically to bring your attention back to your Creator—one way is to read several of the Psalms and notice how the author refocuses on the almighty God.

--In Touch

--I Lift My Eyes Up
-By: Brian Doerksen

"Just like King David 3,000 years ago..."
PSALM 121

I lift my eyes up

Where does my help come from..

I can't live without you, Lord!

Come and rescue me....



My help comes from You, Maker and Creator of heaven and earth!

-The Good Shepherd

John 10:1-18
--
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

THE LORD, David's own shepherd, restores his soul, we read in his 23rd Psalm. David knew from experience that a shepherd must protect the flock from predators, lead them through dangerous terrain and tend to their needs. The lessons he'd learned as a boy would be applied to his battles as a man.

David acknowledges that the LORD, his Shepherd, has provided for all his needs. He has been brought to a peaceful, green valley with a gentle stream running through it. He has been made to lie down and rest. However, it is more than a renewal of his physical strength that is given; it is restoration for his soul that he receives.

Not only does our Great Shepherd provide for our daily physical needs, He is passionately concerned about the state of our souls. It is only in looking to Him for protection from the enemy, allowing Him to lead us through hard times, that we will find our souls repaired and renewed once more. The glorious riches of Jesus will fill up even the most destitute and impoverished soul. -
---
Since our Good Shepherd has given everything to save us, even laying down His life, let's rest and be restored by that good news. ~

--Haven Today

-STOLEN
THOUGHTS

Psalm 13;
Colosians 3:1-4
---
How long, O LORD?
Will You forget
me forever?
--Psalm 13:1
--
When my wife and I were traveling in another state, someone broke into our car after we stopped for lunch. With one look at the shattered glass, we realized that we had forgotten to put our GPS (global positioning system) out of sight. With a quick check of the backseat, I concluded that the thief also got my laptop, passport, and checkbook.

Then came the surprise. Later that evening, after phone calls and hours of growing worries, the unexpected happened. When I opened my suitcase, tucked between my clothes was what I thought I had lost. I couldn't believe my eyes! Only then did I recall that I had not put the items in the backseat after all. I had stuck them in the suitcase, which had been safely stored in the car's trunk.

Sometimes, in the emotion of the moment, our minds play tricks on us. We think our loss is worse than it is. We may feel like the songwriter David, who, in the confusion of the moment, thought God had forgotten him.

When David later recalled what he knew rather than what he feared, his sense of loss turned into a song of priase (Ps.13:5-6). His renewed joy foreshadowed what is now ours to recall: Nothing can rob us of what is most important if our life is "hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). -
---
Rest your assurance on God's love in your heart--
not on the fear in your mind.

ODB/MDH

-When We Cry Out
to God ~~

READ/Psalm 57:1-3

When you face a crisis, what is your first line of defense? The natural response is to attempt to fix the problem in your own strength. God, however, gives us a different way to handle difficulty.

David was no stranger to pressure or sudden appearances of evil. When he wrote Psalm 57, he was facing many hardships--including pursuit by King Saul,who wanted to kill him (1 Sam. 24). The shepherd's response was to cry out to God and take refuge in Him until the calamity had passed.

Let's learn from David's example by exploring his words. Let's focus on the One to whom the psalmist cries.

First, David refers to God as El Elyon, or Supreme Ruler; He is the Most High with all power and wisdom, the only One who can help us in our need.-

Second, the Psalm says that God is our refuge. If He is a place of shelter for our soul, then we need not fear. He hovers over us and protects us when crises arise and leave us feeling helpless.

Third, the Psalm expresses complete confidence that the Almighty can and will accomplish all things. He will do whatever is necessary to intervene on our behalf, to hold accountable those who oppose us, and to surround us with His love and truth.
----
During His time on earth, Jesus displayed great passion, Therefore, we can approach Him when emotions run high. If your heart is troubled, cry out to the Lord. Know that you come before the throne of Him who is a powerful protector, capable and willing to do all you need.

--In Touch

-When the Foundations Are Destroyed

"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3)

The word here for "foundations" is not the usual word for, say, a building foundation. Used rarely, a better translation of this word would be "purpose," or "basis." The fear expressed is not that the foundations of our faith might be undermined, but that we might lose our sense of purpose.

In the context of the psalm, David was in danger of becoming demoralized by the pressures of wicked desires and evil ambitions all around him, and Christians surely have the same problem today. Why should we try to maintain high standards of doctrinal integrity and moral purity when the people around us--even most Christians--seem to be occupied mostly with materialistic ambition and pursuit of pleasure? If we allow the devil to undermine the very purposes God has for our lives, wandering away from His will in favor of some temporal interest, then why even continue with a pretense of Christian living?

David's solution was simply to remind himself that "the LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men" (v. 4). He may allow the righteous to be tried for a season, but we must not forget that "the righteous LORD loveth righteousness" (v. 7), and that "the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth" (v. 5).

When we are tempted to wonder whether it is really worth all the effort, and when our very foundation and purpose for living seems to be crumbling, we should remember that our God is Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of all--that He still is on His throne, and that we who belong to Him have been "predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11).
ICR/HMM

-The Patient Path
1 SAMUEL 24:3-7; 26:8-11

Do you desire God's best for your life? Unfortunately, many people miss out on blessings because they are unwilling to wait for His timing. Scripture encourages believers to be patient.

David was a good example of this virtue when he chose not to use violence to take the throne that he knew would eventually be his. King Saul had become envious of the shepherd's ability, anointing, and possible future royalty, so he planned to murder the young man. Twice, during this time of pursuit, David had been in arm's reach of Saul, easily able to kill his pursuer. But in both instances, he chose to wait for God's timing. He was unwilling to take matters into his own hands, even though ending Saul's life would have provided much relief.

Thankfully, David was patient. Notice the attributes that allowed him to wait for the Lord's timing. First, he had strong faith and believed that God would gain victory in the right time and with the right method. Second, he had the correct values; killing a king would violate his conscience. Third, discernment helped him realize that assassination would mean stepping out of God's will. Fourth, strength played a role in this decision. How difficult it must have been to resist taking the action that would result in freedom and possible royalty.

Patience is refined in trying times, when you're frustrated with the waiting and tempted to act outside of God's will. Always seek His wisdom, and follow the instruction you receive. Remember that "those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength" (Isa. 40:31).

--In Touch

-Heart of a King
2 Samuel 11 and 12:1-14

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

King David was a man after God's own heart. He was the anointed King of Israel. If anyone should have been really holy, you would think it would be this man. David was not young or inexperienced on the night he wandered onto his rooftop and gazed at a bathing woman. David knew God, had walked with Him for years, and had been delivered by Him from many enemies. Yet when God left David to his own sinful desires that night, we learn that even the most mature and godly believer is capable of horrendous sin.

God did not rescue David from himself that night. Desire gave birth to sin and death, to adultery and murder. How could this ever glorify God or bring good to David? Read Psalm 51 and think again.

"Have mercy on me, O God...create in me a pure heart, renew a right spirit..." This is the language of dependence, humility, and worship. It's a hard and prideful heart melted. Self-reliance was obliterated, and now David was ready once again to lead trangressors to a merciful and forgiving God. ~~
--
"My heart is like a highway,....nothing so false, frivolous, [or] horrid but it can obtain access, and that at any time, in any place."
--(John Newton)

--Haven Today

-The People Said, 'Amen'
-By: Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 106:48)

Many is the speaker who, after he has made some point which he considers especially good, will then say: "And all the people said, 'Amen'" (meaning "that's right!").

It is interesting to note the biblical examples of such a demonstration. There are sixteen times in which this or a similar statement occurs in the Bible--all in the Old Testament. Twelve of these are found in Deuteronomy 27:14-26 with the people so responding after the pronouncement of a "curse" on those who commit various sins. The last curse is as follows: "Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen" (v. 26) in agreement with the judgment.

King David described his thanksgiving for the return of the Ark of the Covenant with, "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD" (1 Chronicles 16:36).

When Jerusalem's wall restoration was being delayed and Nehemiah had to rebuke some of his people for their covetousness, threatening God's judgment on them if they did not repent, then "all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise" (Nehemiah 5:13). After the wall was finished, as Ezra read the Scriptures to the people, "Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen" (Nehemiah 8:6). The final such reference is in our text.

If we follow biblical precedent, therefore, whenever God's Word is read to a congregation, either in denunciation of sin or thanksgiving for blessing and revival, or simply in praising the Lord for His eternal goodness, it is appropriate for the people to respond with a heartfelt "Amen!"

-ICR/HMM / BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! AMEN and AMEN!

-The Name of David

"Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." (2 Samuel 23:1-2)

The name of David is uniquely important in Scripture. Except for the name of Jesus Christ Himself (of whom David is a remarkable type), no other name (not even Abraham or Moses or Paul) occurs nearly so often in the Bible. In the New Testament--again other than Jesus Christ--David's name is both the first mentioned (Matthew 1:1) and the last mentioned (Revelation 22:16).

As the "sweet psalmist of Israel," David was largely responsible for this longest book in the Bible. As we see in our text, his claim to divine inspiration in the writing of his psalms is perhaps the most meaningful and clear-cut statement on this subject by any of the biblical authors. It was both "God's Spirit" and "me" who spoke, giving "his word" through "my tongue," said David, in his last words, shortly before he died.

David was not a perfect man. We remember his grievous sin, not only against Uriah the Hittite, but even more against the Lord (2 Samuel 12:9-14), thus giving "great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme."

He had to suffer greatly because of this, but his repentance was genuine, and he was graciously restored by God to fellowship and service. The Lord's own testimony concerning him was this: "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will" (Acts 13:22).

It is little wonder that so many loving parents over the many centuries--both Jews and Gentiles--have named their own sons "David," for the very name means "beloved."

-ICR/HMM

-David: A Model of Servanthood
-2 Samuel 8:1-16 (recommended reading)

David served God in many capacities--from simple shepherd boy to heroic ruler. Looking at the various stages of his life, we can see clearly how his godly devotion allowed the Lord to use him mightily.

Shepherd: David was anointed king long before commanding anything other than sheep (1 Sam. 16:1-13). Protecting the sheep was a job he took seriously, even killing a lion and a bear to do so. During those days, he learned to be strong and brave, and to take care of creatures weaker than himself. An early life of obedience to his human father taught him the humility he would later need in order to depend on God.

Psalmist: David's writings reveal his hunger for God. He is open about issues like fear, down-cast, defeat, loneliness, and sorrow. By describing valley experiences and communing with the Father in the night watches, David provided us with intimate glimpses of the God he knew so well.

Commander: Starting with David's encounter with Bathsheba, the king's life was plagued by heartache, pain, suffering, and conflict. David had sinned greatly, but God forgave him and continued to use him. He ruled Israel for 40 years, and his people called Jerusalem the "City of David." His restoration teaches us about the consequences of sin and the limitlessness of God's grace.

King David served God's purpose when he lived, and continues to do so hundreds of years later--every follower of Christ has been blessed by David's obedience, service, and literary skill. He is a great example of what God can accomplish through us if we yield our life to Him.

--In Touch

-THERE'S JOY
IN CONFESSION --

[You Alone Can Rescue]
---Psalm 32:1-5

-Blessed is he whose
transgression is
forgiven, whose
sin is covered.
--Psalm 32:1
---
-King David tried to coverup his sins several times. After his adultery with Bathsheba, he attempted to use silence, deceit, and piety to mask his moral failures (2 Sam. 11-12). In Psalm 32 he talks about experiencing the intense convicting hand of God when he remained silent (vv.3-4). Unable to withstand the conviction any longer, David uncovered his sin by acknowledging, confessing, and repenting of it (v.5). He no longer needed to cover it because God forgave him.

It's futile to try to hide our sin. The stench of our disobedience will seep through whatever we use to try to cover it. Let's acknowledge to God the rubbish in our hearts and experience the fresh cleansing of His grace and forgiveness.

Father, I know that I cannot hide my sins from
You, for You know what's in my heart. I confess
them now to You. Cleanse me, forgive me, and
help me to make a brand-new start, in Jesus Name.
-----
-Own up to your sin and experience
the joy of confession.

--ODB/MW
-You Alone Can Rescue...
We lift up our eyes to the Giver of Life!
<http://youtu.be/eBzs7IuEjYA>

-GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL
-By: David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

When Samuel anointed David to be Israel's king, the young man was given a new heart: "Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13).
----
David became a man who was godly, wise, loved and full of the fear of God: "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him" (18:14).

David was a man of much prayer. He praised the Lord as few people ever have, blessing the heart of God with his songs and psalms. Nobody could have been more intimate with the Lord than David.

David was also a man of great faith. He went on to slay Goliath and become a mighty warrior for Saul. Women sang of his exploits on the battlefield. God's Spirit clearly was upon this man, and the Lord obviously had a plan for his life.

But then Saul came after David with wrath, and David had to flee. He took 400 of his men and fled to the hometown of the giant Goliath, whom he had slain.

Talk about an unfaithful act. David had not asked the Lord about this move. On the contrary, he had decided to put his life in the hands of the king of Gath, seeking refuge from him. But in Gath, hostile whispers rose up, "Isn't this the man people sing about? Hasn't he killed thousands of Philistines?" (See 1 Samuel21:11.)

David was taken to the king. He knew he was trapped, in trouble, so he pretended to be mad, raving incoherently, scratching the walls, spittle running down his beard. He hoped that somehow his "insanity" would deliver him from the
clutches of King Achish.

What a poor testimony this was before all his men. Achish looked at David and said, "This man has lost his mind. Get him out of here!"

David was unfaithful at that moment but God was still faithful. He didn't write David off. While David was acting foolishly, God's eternal purpose for him went onward. Saul's kingdom was growing weaker every day and God was moving
everything into place to ensure David's blessing. ~~~

--Making Choices
-2 Samuel 11: 12:13-25

"...you may be sure that your sin will find you out."
--(Numbers 32:23B)

We don't know what Bathsheba was thinking when King David summoned her. She may not have been thinking about her husband Uriah away at war, or her reputation, or resisting temptation any more than David was. Afterwards, when she discovered she was pregnant, she sent word to David, who, through desperate cover-up machinations, made certain Uriah was killed in battle, leaving Bathsheba free to marry. Enter Nathan the prophet saying God had seen their sin. They'd been found out after all that scheming!

We all encounter decisions daily which have holy or sinful outcomes depending on our choices. 1 Corinthians 10 says we face common temptations, but God will always provide an escape route. Most importantly, He has provided an escape through Jesus who paid the penalty for our every sin, from our earliest days on.
---
-"We frequently suffer [our] choices..., but when we do choose to obey Him, God helps us to become more like His Son."
--(Merlin Carothers)

--Haven Today

--The Battle Is the Lord's

"And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47)

These were the ringing words of faith uttered by young David as he faced the Philistine giant, Goliath. Without armor, or spear, or shield, and with only a sling and five smooth stones, David confronted the nine-foot champion of the pagan army in the name of the true God, and soon the giant lay dead with his face to the ground.

The battle must always be the Lord's. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). Spiritual battles are not won by bullets, nor by ballots, nor by any human means. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). "There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. . . . Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy" (Psalm 33:16, 18).

We even have a mandate to attack the enemy in His stronghold. Christ taught, "Upon this rock [of faith in Christ as divine Savior] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18)
It is easy, in trying to do a work for God, to rely on human abilities and devices, but these will fail, for the battle is the Lord's. When the battle is going well, we must not boast, for the battle is the Lord's. When the battle is going hard, we must not despair, for the battle is the Lord's.

He is our strength. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)" (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
--ICR/ HMM

--Come Clean With God

-No way around it! Confession is coming clean with God!

Check out the Old Testament example. As if David’s affair with Bathsheba wasn’t enough. As if the murder of her husband wasn’t enough! David danced around the truth. He denied his wrongdoing and it took a prophet to make David see what he didn’t want to see. And when he did, he didn’t like it one bit! At that point, David waved the white flag. No more combat with God. No more arguing with God—he confessed! He came clean with God! And what did God do? In David’s own words, “… and You forgave me! All my guilt is gone!” (Psalm 32:5).

-Want to get rid of guilt? Come clean with God!
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
--(I John 1:9)

From Max/ on Life

--GUARD
YOUR MOUTH~

-Psalm 12
---
-Let the words of
my mouth and the
meditation of my
heart be acceptable
in Your sight, O Lord.
--Psalm 19:14 -
---
THE difference between a compliment and flattery is often motive. A compliment offers genuine appreciation for a quality or action seen in another person. The goal of flattery is usually self-advanced through gaining the favor of someone else. Compliments seek to encourage; flattery attempts to manipulate.

In Psalm 12, David lamented his society in which godly, faithful people had disappeared and been replaced by those who speak deceitfully "with flattering lips and a double heart" (v.2). They had said, "With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?" (v.4).

The question "Who owns my lips/(mouth)?" is a good one to ask ourselves when we're tempted to use insincere praise to get what we want. If my lips are my own, I can say what I please. But if the Lord owns my lips, then my speech will mirror His words, which the Psalmist described as "pure words, like silver tried in a furnace" (v.6).

Perhaps a good way to show who owns our lips would be to begin each day with David's prayer from another Psalm, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer" (Ps. 19:14).
---
-HE WHO GUARDS HIS MOUTH PRESERVES HIS LIFE. (Proverbs 13:3)

--ODB/DM

--THE GOOD
-AND THE BAD~

-1 Kings 14:7-16
-----
'My servant David....
followed Me with all
his heart.'
--1 Kings 14:8-
----
-RECENTLY, I began studying the kings of the Old Testament with some friends. I noticed on the chart that we were using that a few of the leaders of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are labeled 'good', but most of them are labeled 'bad', 'mostly bad', 'extra bad' and 'the worst'.

King David is described as a good king who "followed [God] with all his heart" (1 Kings 14:8) and is an example to follow (3:14; 11:38). The bad kings are noted for their willful rejection of God and for leading their subjects into idolatry. King Jeroboam, the first king to rule Israel after the kingdom was divided, has the legacy of being remembered as one of the worst kings--"who sinned and who made Israel sin" (14:16). Because of his bad example, many kings who came after him are compared to him and are described as being as evil as he was (16:2,19,26,31; 22:52).

Each of us has a unique sphere of influence, and that influence can be used for evil or for good. An unfettered faithfulness to God is a light that will shine brightly and leave a legacy of good.

It's our privilege to bring glory to the Lord. May others see his light shining through us and be drawn to His goodness.
----------
--THE SMALLEST LIGHT STILL SHINES IN THE DARKEST NIGHT. ~~

--ODB/CHK

---The Throne of David

--“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” (2 Samuel 7:16)
------
No other ordinary human being, not even the greatest of men, was ever given a promise like this promise to David. It can be understood, however, when one realizes that David is a type of Christ and that, in terms of His human genealogy, Christ did indeed inherit the right to David’s throne. As the angel Gabriel told Mary: “The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever” (Luke 1:32-33). The coming Messiah is identified as this promised Son of David in the Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7).

Without attempting to discuss the eschatological implications of these great prophecies, it is remarkable just to note the striking typological relation of David to Christ (and, correspondingly, of Saul to Adam). Saul, like Adam, had a wonderful physique and every natural advantage; he was given dominion over a new order of things under God; he received God’s Spirit and his seed would have reigned forever had he not failed by intruding into a forbidden sphere; he was then rejected by God because of his disobedience, and finally the Spirit of God departed from him.

David, however, is a beautiful type of the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ. Though anointed, he was not accepted by his brethren; he was a shepherd and performed great services for his people before becoming king, but he was rejected and condemned to death. God delivered him, but even then he was only accepted by a few, until suddenly all Israel accepted him and he was promised an eternal kingdom. Christ now claims: “I am the root and the offspring of David”—that is, both Creator and heir of David—“and the bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16).

--ICR/ HMM

-----HOW LONG?
----Psalm 13
------
'How long, O LORD?
Will you forget
me forever?'
--Psalm 13:1
----
FOR 9 long years, Saul hounded David as "one hunts a partridge in the mountains" (1 Sam. 26:20). "How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?" David prayed. "How long will You hide Your face from me?...How long will my enemy be exalted over me?" (Psm. 13:1-2)

Prolonged affliction often vexes us as well. We want a sudden solution, a quick fix. But some things can't be fixed. They can only be borne. But we have a heavenly Father who wants us to engage with Him in our struggles. He understands His children as no one else can.

When we turn to him with our complaints, we come to our senses. In David's case, his thoughts went back to life's certainty: God's love. David reminded himself: "I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me" (vv. 5-6). David could sing in the midst of his trials, for he was God's beloved child. That's all he needed to know.

A.W. Thorold writes, "The highest pinnacle of the spiritual life is not happy joy in unbroken sunshine, but absolute and undoubting trust in the love of God."

--Even in trials, God's love can be trusted.
----------
--God's love stands when all else fails. ~~

--ODB/DR / YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS/ NEWSBOYS~~
<http://youtu.be/Zrc1xHEwtLY>
--------------

--King David ~~
---[1 Kings 1:1-53]
--Although David served well as a King, he often failed as a parent. We can be successful in our public life and a failure in private. Our families should be our first ministry priority.
~~~~~~~~~~
--David's Lifetime~~-
---Incest. Deceit. One daughter raped. One son dead. Another with blood on his hands. A palace in turmoil.

Again it was time for David to step up. Display his Goliath-killing courage, Saul-pardoning mercy, Brook-Besor leadership. David's family needed to see the best of David. But they saw none of David. He didn't intervene or respond. He wept. But wept in solitude.

Absolam interpreted the silence as anger and fled Jerusalem to hide in his grandfather's house. David made no attempt to see his son. For three years they lived in two separate cities. Absalom returned to Jerusalem, but David still refused to see him. Absalom married and had four children. "Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the King's face" (2 Samuel 14:28).

Such shunning could not have been easy. Jerusalem was a small town. Avoiding Absalom demanded daily plotting and spying. But David succeeded in neglecting his son.
--More accurately, he neglected all his children. A passage from later in his life exposes his parenting philosophy. One of his sons, Adonijah, staged a coup. He assembled chariots and horsemen and personal bodyguards to take the throne. Did David object? Are you kidding? "His father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, "Why have you done so?'" (1 Kings 1:6)

--When it came to his family, David blew it.--
--------
-THE POWER OF MUSIC~~
-Psalm 59:6-16
----
I will sing aloud of
Your mercy in the
morning; for You have
been my defense
and refuge in the
day of my trouble.
---Psalm 59:16
----
--The power of music to heal and help is a gift from God that comforts many. Perhaps that is why the Psalms speak so deeply to us. There we find lyrics that connect with our hearts, allowing us to speak to God from the depth of our spirits, "But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble" (Ps. 59:16). Amazingly, David wrote this song as he was being hunted down by men seeking to kill him! Despite his circumstances, David remembered God's power and mercy, and singing of them encouraged him to go on.

May our God give us a song today that will remind us of His goodness and greatness, no matter what we may face.
-----------
~~I WILL MAKE MUSIC TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL."
---Judges 5:3 (NLT)
---- / --
--ODB/BC = / GREAT LIGHT OF THE WORLD!
<http://youtu.be/fzsNmEt2nKo>
----------

--SHIELDED BY THE WORD~~

--"I hate vain thoughts; but thy law do I love. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."
---(Psalm 119:113-114)-

--THE Bible is replete with military imagery. We are told to "wrestle" against the "spiritual wickedness in high places" and to be sure that we put on "the whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:12-13). As the good soldiers of the King, we are told to "endure hardness" (2 Timothy 2:3) and expected, as His army, to be about the "pulling down of strong holds" (2 Corinthians 10:4).

David was a warrior King, and many of his Psalms contain battle terms used both literally and figuratively to show the way God protects and provides for us in spiritual warfare. The "hiding place" David often mentioned was a secret retreat that provided shelter from the enemy (Psalm 32:7). The "shield" can refer to the same sort of retreat, but is most often used to describe a soldier's defensive buckler. Faith is our shield in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:16).

Thus, in this stanza (Psalm 119:113-120), the Psalmist visualized God in the role of Protector and Captain. He looked to God for his life while being upheld "according unto thy word"' (v.116). Safety was no doubt prominent in his thoughts while affirming that he had continual respect for God's statutes (v.117).

The Psalmist was also fearfully aware of God's take-no-prisoners attitude toward those who are against Him (vv.118-119). While our gracious Lord and King is patient toward all sinners, His ultimate plan is to "put down all rule and all authority and power" (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Knowing this, the Psalmist concluded: "My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments" (Psalm 119:120). Only a fool refuses to fear the Creator's wrath.~~

--Firm Foundation/ HMM III - / JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL~ -By:Chris Eaton
<http://youtu.be/nYadCyVsXFo>
-----------

--THE DISCIPLINE
-OF WAITING ~~

-Psalm 40:1-3
-----
-IN PSALM 40, David says, "I waited patiently for the LORD." The original language here suggests that David "waited and waited and waited" for God to answer his prayer. Yet as he looks back at this time of delay, he praises God. As a result, David says, God "put a new song...a hymn of praise" in his heart (40:3 NIV).

"What a chapter can be written of God's delays!" said F. B. Meyer. "It is the mystery of educating human spirits to the finest temper of which they are capable." Through the discipline of waiting, we can develop the quieter virtue--submission, humility, patience, joyful endurance, persistence in well-doing--virtues that take the longest to learn.

What do we do when God seems to withhold our heart's desire? He is able to help us to love and trust Him enough to accept the delay with joy and to see it as an opportunity to develop these virtues---and to praise Him!
----------
--Waiting for God is never a waste of time. Never....Praise Him!

--ODB/DR - / PRAISE HIM! = Hillsong ~~
<http://youtu.be/028it4hT314>
---------

--Knowing the Source of all Strength: GOD!

--1 Samuel 17

--"'I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'"
--(I Samuel 17:45)~

-WHY would young David think he stood a chance against the towering Goliath? He was skilled with his sling, but he knew better than to depend on either his tiny weapon or his own limited strength against the sword and spear of Goliath. He was so linked to an unseen Power that he even refused the "benefit" of wearing the King's armor. His secret was in knowing the source of all strength: GOD!

A spring might be tiny at its origin, but it can turn into a mighty river. In God's master plan of all Creation it is not uncommon for Him to choose the small and foolish things of this world to confound the wise (see 1 Corinthians 1:27). Often we have testimony that the old adage about good things coming in small packages bears truth. Even Jesus came to us as a tiny baby one night in Bethlehem. But how magnificent that gift is!

Had David been big and strong, all present at the face-off would have seen the battle as a human one. Instead, every Philistine and Israelite--and each of us--knows that the battle is the Lord's.
The enemy has to flee at the sound of Your Great Name! = Your Great Name / By: Paul Wilbur
<http://youtu.be/Hd1DXeLErfI>
--Anchor Devotion/ NLS

---Whom Shall I Fear?

--“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

David had more than his share of opposition. His father and older brothers thought little of him. King Saul relentlessly pursued him. His generals oftentimes conspired against him. His own son tried to usurp his throne. If anyone had opportunity to trust God for deliverance, David did.

In this psalm—an anthem of trust—David reveals his special relationship with his God which buoyed him in times of trouble. As we read in our text, his Lord was his light, salvation, and strength, and so He is to us.

The Lord is my light: When we walk in His light, we do not stumble. Enemies are not able to hide in the dark and catch us by surprise. He vanquishes the darkness. “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8; see also 1 John 1:5-7).

The Lord is my salvation: God delivers His children from physical and spiritual danger, including deliverance from the penalty of sin. “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake” (Psalm 79:9).

The Lord is the strength of my life: God is our defense, a place of refuge. “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2).

Even in the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition, we have no need to fear. Our focus should be on the source of deliverance rather than on the problem.

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).
--ICR/JDM =/ WHOM SHALL I FEAR? [The God of Angel Armies] C Tomlin
<http://youtu.be/R0gu0nOaFsI>
---------

---Devoted to God
--Psalms 62:1-2

-Having been saved by faith in Christ, we express our love and gratitude through devotion to Him. Regular Bible study and prayer will be an integral part of our daily lives. In addition, our commitment to the Lord will be revealed through a passion to obey, a spirit of humility, and a servant's heart.

--Obedience. David sought to obey God all his life. As a shepherd boy, he faithfully tended the animals in his father's fields. While king, he set aside his desire to build the temple and let Solomon lead the effort, as God had commanded. Although David lived imperfectly, his desire was to do what the Lord asked. We see from Jesus' words in John 14:15 that obedience should be our high priority as well: He said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

--Humility. After David killed Goliath, the crowds shouted praise about the young man. However, he did not become prideful. Instead, he remained in King Saul's service and waited for God to make him the ruler of Israel. Even as king, he remained humble. He knew that what had been accomplished was because of the Lord's actions and not his own (2 Sam. 7:18).

-Service. Whether David was a lowly shepherd or a mighty king, his goal was to obey God and serve Him.

This man after God's own heart was devoted to his Lord. He sought to know Him and longed to carry out His will. David's actions reflected His humble attitude of servanthood and his longing to please his heavenly Father. Take steps each day to be sure your life expresses commitment to Jesus. Tell Him, "I love You, Jesus! Thank you for paying my sin-debt!--
--In Touch~~=/ I Could Sing of Your Love Forever/ By: Delirious
<http://youtu.be/ChsHo4KLUJ4>

--Just Like King David~~
--A Psalm of David ~
---Psalm 122 -

"I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."

Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.
"Jerusalem is built like a city that
is closely compacted together."

That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to
Israel.

"There the thrones of judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."

For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you,"
For the sake of the house of the LORD
our God,
I will seek your prosperity." ~~
~~~~~~~~~~
--Song: 'Blessed Are You'/ By Paul Wilbur ~~

<http://youtu.be/2-8mG6Kx0Xk>
~~~~~~

--King David / Psalm 123 ~~

"I lift up my eyes to You,
to You whose throne is in Heaven.

As the eyes of slaves look to the hand
of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the
hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
till He shows us His mercy.

'Have mercy on us, O LORD, have
mercy on us,
for we have endured much ridicule
from the proud, much contempt
from the arrogant."
[Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,
May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels." Psm. 122:6-7]

For the sake of my brothers and
friends, I will say,
"Peace be within you."

For the sake of the house of the Lord
our God,
I will seek your prosperity."
--'I Will Lift My Eyes' /-Bebo Norman
----
<http://youtu.be/Te0hy2YcLgg>
--------

--The Ark Is Brought to Jerusalem~~
--2 Samuel 6
--(Vs. 12-23~ NKJV)
----
-We read of the wonderful 'Hand of God'....bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the City of David. King David and all the people were so excited and celebrated. King David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, the people were shouting and playing music. It was time to CELEBRATE!/

Beginning in verse 16, 'Then it happened as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. So they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offering, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. Further, he distributed to all the people, to all the multitude of Israel, both to men and women, a cake of bread and one of dates and one of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed each to his house.

But when David returned to bless his household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, "How the King of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants' maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!"

So David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel; therefore I will celebrate before the Lord.
I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humble in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished."

Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death."~~
----
When we feel led by the Spirit to dance in His Presence, that is not a sin. "Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart." ~~
We need to use discernment as we glorify God with His chosen people. ~~"God's Great Dance Floor" / C.Tomlin~~
----
<http://youtu.be/FP73T3Pv6Wg>

--A HEART FOR GOD ~~
---(Please Read / ACTS 13:16-22)

--KING DAVID MADE SEVERAL BIG MISTAKES IN HIS LIFE. Yet he was called a man after God's own heart and was mightily used by the Lord to lead the Israelites. What set him apart was the priority he placed on his relationship with the heavenly Father.

David delighted in knowing God and sought Him earnestly. Writing, "My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land," he declared that God's love was better than life. He went on to pledge that he would praise the Lord all his days (Psalm 63:1, 3-4).

David viewed life from a God-centered perspective. In his writings, he marveled at the Lord's creative power in the world, relied on Him for protection and strength, and proclaimed allegiance.

Praying and meditating on God's character fueled David's trust in the Lord. His faith sustained him throughout life: when he was a shepherd boy protecting sheep from attacks by wild animals, a young man defeating the giant Goliath, and the nation's anointed leader escaping King Saul's murderous plans. Whatever his circumstances, he sought the Lord.

-The Psalms reveal David's desire to know the Lord and be known by Him. He sought God's guidance through prayer and had a heart for Him. Jesus invites us to draw near and spend time learning from Him (Matt. 11:28-29).
Have you made following Christ the priority of your life?

--IN TOUCH~~--'I Will Lift My Eyes'-Bebo Norman
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te0hy2YcLgg>

--When the Foundations Are Destroyed~~

--“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

The word here for “foundations” is not the usual word for, say, a building foundation. Used rarely, a better translation of this word would be “purpose,” or “basis.” The fear expressed is not that the foundations of our faith might be undermined but that we might lose our sense of purpose.

In the context of the psalm, David was in danger of becoming demoralized by the pressures of wicked desires and evil ambitions all around him, and Christians surely have the same problem today. Why should we try to maintain high standards of doctrinal integrity and moral purity when the people around us—even most Christians—seem to be occupied mostly with materialistic ambition and pursuit of pleasure? If we allow the devil to undermine the very purposes God has for our lives, wandering away from His will in favor of some temporal interest, then why even continue with a pretense of Christian living?

David’s solution was simply to remind himself that “the LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men” (v. 4). He may allow the righteous to be tried for a season, but we must not forget that “the righteous LORD loveth righteousness” (v. 7) and that “the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (v. 5).

When we are tempted to wonder whether it is really worth all the effort, and when our very foundation and purpose for living seems to be crumbling, we should remember that our God is Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of all—that He still is on His throne, and that we who belong to Him have been “predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11).
--ICR/ HMM~~/ Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Hillsong ~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoZE2RsthRg>
------

---DAVID: A PICTURE OF GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY~
----(Please Read/ Psalms 103:19-22)

Sometimes it’s hard to understand God’s purposes for adversity. In the midst of a personal tragedy, the Lord’s sovereignty may seem like impractical and unrealistic theology. But the truth is, God works all things together for the believer’s good (Rom. 8:28).

David’s writings illustrate the importance of trusting that the Lord is in control, no matter how difficult the situation. Sometimes it’s easy to think of the Biblical writers as perfect, almost Christlike figures. But David’s life was full of adversity, temptation, sin, and forgiveness.

When he was running for his life from King Saul, God spared him. When he yielded to temptation with Bathsheba, God spared him. When his son attempted to take David’s throne, God spared him and kept him as king.

Through all of these unfortunate circumstances, David discovered God was protecting and guiding him every step of the way—and using him for extraordinary purposes, despite his human failings. These experiences taught David to trust wholeheartedly in the Lord’s sovereignty.

For those of us in similar situations, the question is, Do we believe God is in control? If He’s not, then who is? In other words, if life events are random and without purpose, then to whom do we turn in trials?

In 1 Chronicles 29:12, David says that God rules over everything and His hand strengthens everyone. Have faith in the Lord’s ability to strengthen you with His sovereign hand. Though you may not always understand His reasons, you can surely trust His purposes.
--IN TOUCH~~--TRUST IN YOU~ / Lauren Daigle
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FICWR6ln8A0>
-----------

---DAVID A MODEL OF SERVANTHOOD~~
----(Please Read/ 2 Samuel 8:1-16)

David served God in many capacities--from simple shepherd boy to heroic ruler. Looking at the various stages of his life, we can see clearly how his godly devotion allowed the Lord to use him mightily.

**Shepherd: David was anointed king long before commanding anything other than sheep (1 Sam. 16:1-13). Protecting the sheep was a job he took seriously, even killing a lion and a bear to do so. During those days, he learned to be strong and brave, and to take care of creatures weaker than himself. An early life of obedience to his human father taught him the humility he would later need in order to depend on God.

**Psalmist: David's writings reveal his hunger for God. He is open about issues like fear, depression, defeat, loneliness, and sorrow. By describing valley experiences and communing with the Father in the night watches, David provided us with intimate glimpses of the God he knew so well.

**Commander: Starting with David's encounter with Bathsheba, the king's life was plagued by heartache, pain, suffering, and conflict. David had sinned greatly, but God forgave him and continued to use him. He ruled Israel for 40 years, and his people called Jerusalem the "City of David." His restoration teaches us about the consequences of sin and the limitlessness of God's grace.

-King David served God's purpose when he lived, and continues to do so hundreds of years later--every follower of Christ has been blessed by David's obedience, service, and literary skill. He is a great example of what God can accomplish through us if we yield our life to Him.~~
**--IN TOUCH~~**--/ 'The Lord's My Shepherd' / By: Stuart Townend~~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN4tPkX0MG0>
-------------

--STAYING PREPARED~~

-Please Read
1 Samuel 17:8; 32-37, 48-50
---------
'The LORD who rescued me
from the paw of the lion
and...the bear will rescue me.'
--(1 Samuel 17:37)

-YOUNG DAVID persevered through an experience we might well call unpleasant. When Israel was challenged to send someone to fight Goliath, no one was brave enough to step up to the task. No one but David. King Saul was reluctant to send him to fight, but David explained that as a shepherd he had fought and killed a lion and a bear for the sake of the sheep (1 SAM. 17:34-36). Confidently he stated, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and...the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (V.37).

Being a shepherd didn't earn David much respect, but it prepared him to fight Goliath and eventually become Israel's greatest King. We may be in difficult circumstances, but through them God might be preparing us for something greater!~~

-GOD USES PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES TO PREPARE US FOR THE FUTURE.~

--ODB/JS~--/ "I Lift My Eyes Up to the Mountains" / Brian Doerksen --(some say this song is by Nigel Briggs). It sounds fantastic whoever it is. Be Blessed! King David knew that the Lord Jehovah Yahweh / YHWH ~ Always helps His people. ~~<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb0Kvccn04w>
--------

--THE VICTORIOUS LIFE~~
----(Please Read/ 1 Samuel 17:12-51)

The Philistine army was ready to fight. Merely a boy, David traveled from his home to the battlefront in order to check on his brothers and supply them with food. There, on hearing the notorious Goliath threaten Israel, the young Israelite was outraged. Who was this giant to challenge the Lord’s army?

David sensed God’s direction and obeyed. A battle ensued between a giant and a boy, but the almighty God stood with David. Goliath, along with the entire Philistine army, was defeated.

This is truly an amazing story—we rarely hear of anything this miraculous in our world today. But we, like David, can live triumphantly, even in the midst of terrifying and seemingly impossible circumstances. First, we need to understand success from the Lord’s perspective: Goals should align with Scripture; then our Father directs us, and we follow with confidence.

Second, we—like David—ought to have a clear picture of what needs to be accomplished. Goals should be clear enough to write in a sentence or two. For example, David’s aim was to free God’s people from their enemies. Our goals may be huge and lifelong, like modeling dependence on Jesus for our children. Or others may be simpler to achieve, like creating a weekly family night.

--Whether facing a daunting challenge like David’s or an easier undertaking, you should live intentionally. Ask the Lord for direction and purpose as you contemplate your goals, both big and small. The same God who led David in victory desires to lead you today.~~
Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are Mine. I have your name engraved on the palm of my nail-pierced hand." +
--IN TOUCH~~--/-My Savior, My God/ Aaron Shust~<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt0WluTpFTg>
------------

--HOW TO REACH YOUR GOALS~~
--(Please Read/ Isaiah 41:10)

--Yesterday, we learned the importance of determining goals. We should also be sure to establish them with God’s guidance, rather than devising them on our own and expecting Him to bless our efforts. Our success will be determined by our dependence upon the Lord. If we set out to accomplish anything in our own strength—even a godly task—we are likely to fail.

Other factors can also help us achieve an objective. A consuming passion, for example, can provide us with motivation and prevent us from becoming discouraged. In addition, we should have confidence to reach the goal, knowing that the heavenly Father will equip us for every task He assigns. Think back to David, the shepherd boy: He seemed like no match for Goliath, but the Lord prepared him through his experience in protecting sheep from dangerous animals.

Planning a step-by-step course of action will also help us be successful—a calendar is useful in setting up deadlines for each part of the plan. And two more things we need are courage and consistency. Fear of failure and the opinion of others can be paralyzing. But courage comes from reading God’s Word, praying, and turning a deaf ear to negativity. Then, consistency will keep our eye on the goal so we will not deviate from it.

Is the heavenly Father leading you toward a specific goal? Remember, the Lord is all-powerful. If you depend on Him completely, you’ll experience His ability to do mighty things and accomplish His divine objectives through your willing spirit.
--**IN TOUCH**--/'All the Way My Savior Leads Me'/ The Haven Quartet / <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEOtFEs0Jos>
-------

--STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN THE LORD~~(Just As King David Did)
----(Please Read/ 1 Samuel 30:1-8)

--After an exhausting three-day journey, David and his men finally arrived home to find a scene of devastation. Their homes were burned to the ground, and their families were missing. Utter despair engulfed them. David’s distress soon increased when his men’s grief turned into bitter anger and they spoke of stoning him.

Most of us won’t experience this extreme a situation, but we can identify with David’s discouragement. Sometimes despair follows a personal tragedy or loss, but it can also result from the weariness of ongoing daily pressures. Family problems, financial difficulties, and health issues may make discouragement a constant companion. The same can happen with emotional struggles over feelings of unworthiness, failure to overcome an addictive habit, the pain of criticism, or fear of inadequacy.

Despair can afflict anyone unexpectedly, but the Lord doesn’t want us to linger in a fog of depression. We often can’t avoid the situations that lead us into discouragement, but we do have a choice whether to stay in that condition. Instead of caving in to misery, David chose to strengthen himself in the Lord. He recognized that God was the only one who could give him the proper perspective on the problem and provide the guidance he needed.

When you’re discouraged, where do you turn? Perhaps the last thing you want to do is read Scripture and pray—initially, the passages may seem like meaningless words, and your prayers might feel empty. But if you persist in crying out to God, you’ll eventually experience His comforting strength.
--IN TOUCH~~
[Jehovah Yahweh, YHWH, our Covenant Keeping God, always has His eyes on us. We may feel down, or discouraged, even things might appear to go against us, BUT please keep praying to our Lord Jesus. He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are Mine. I have your name engraved on the palm of my nail-pierced hands."~~]--/<'There is None Like You' ~ By: Lenny LeBlanc, Singer: Don Moen ~https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0A-zcVgeso>
---------

---EXPERIENCE REQUIRED ~~

( PLEASE READ/ 1 Samuel 17:37)
“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”--

Experience with God is a very powerful tool. David said, “I can take on Goliath because of the experiences I’ve had.” As a shepherd, he could have lost part of his flock to the predators that were about. Predators weren’t unique to the flock he was keeping; they were indigenous to the region and preyed on all the flocks. All of the shepherds faced those problems, but David recognized a God-opportunity in them and honed his fighting skills.

He said, “God delivered that predator into my hand, and God delivered that predator into my hand, and God will deliver this predator into my hand.” He had experience that separated him from a whole army of trained warriors. God-experiences in your life make a difference.

---**PRAYER**
'Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of David, who trusted You to deliver a giant into his hands. Give me courage, Lord, when I am faced with problems that seem to tower over me like giants. Remind me that Your faithfulness to me in the past will bring deliverance and victory over the problems of today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

**Blessings,
**Pastor Allen Jackson

----OUR GOOD ABBA FATHER~~

--"On my bed I
remember you;
I think of you
though the
watches of the
night." (Psalm 63:6)--

---DAVID proclaimed his deep yearning for God as he hid from his enemies in the desert (Psalm 63:1). Remembering his personal encounters with God's limitless power and satisfying love led him to praise. Through his most difficult nights, David could still rejoice in his dependable Father's loving care.

During our dark times, when we feel as if God's not there for us, we need reminders of who God is and how He's demonstrated His love. Reflecting on our personal experiences with Him, as well as His actions recorded in Scripture, can affirm the countless ways our good Abba Father loves us.~~

-"Lord, thank You for demonstrating Your endless love to Your people, in our lives and through the words You preserved in Scripture. Nobody loves us like You do. Thank you, our Abba Father." amen~

--Remembering God's works, which reveal His character, always reassures us of His unending love.
(Please be patient with the advertisement.)--'Nobody Loves Me Like You Do' / Chris Tomlin ~~<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyp_oL4m5k4&feature=youtu.be>
--------

--SHALOM JERUSALEM / Paul Wilbur~

--"For a child will be born to us,
a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

There will be no end to the increase of His government
or of peace,
On the throne of David and
over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it
with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts
will accomplish this." --[ISAIAH 9:6-7]--- --
~~~~

-"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
"May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces. For the
sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, "May peace be within you." [PSALM 122:6 thru 8]

--"In Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of
the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained
in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the Cross, by it having put to death the enmity."
---(Ephesians 2 verses 13 thru 16) ~~
"SHALOM JERUSALEM"/ Paul Wilbur // <https://youtu.be/mL9MJZ2RV_s>
~~~~~~

--JESUS CHRIST / THE KING ABOVE ALL KINGS ~~

--What Would You Do if He walked into this room?
--"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
--[Hebrews 13:8]

--Read the Psalms and you will find Jesus. He never changes. He is with you right now. Reach out to Him. "You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms."

--<https://youtu.be/kkIS3Ws2rzc>
~~~~~~~~~~~

---LED OR DRIVER ~~
[Please read/ Psalm 23 and 1 Samuel 18:6-21]

--"He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
---[Psalm 23:3] --

---Psalm 23 is a beautiful testimony of a man who let himself be led by God. As a result, David experiences the blessings of having his needs supplied, being at peace and rest, having his soul restored after sinning against God, being led in the path of truth, and being delivered from his enemies. He had the assurance that even though he would go through low times, as long as he followed and communed with his Shepherd, God's goodness and mercy would always be present to carry him through life.

King Saul illustrates a man who opened himself to being driven by an evil spirit. He had started out right, but through stubbornness and rebellion, he had made some every foolish choices. Now Saul was plagued with pride, fear, anger, jealousy, and suspicion. On two occasions Saul hurled a spear at David, and once he even tried to spear his own son Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:33])..

Are we at peace with God and with the circumstances that He allows in our life? Or do we sometimes feel a compelling urge to lash out at those around us and even at God, because of difficult issues we face? The difference has to do with being led or being driven. Dark times can lead us to seek comfort through trusting God or those times can drive us to fear and distrust God as our leader. Remember that God always wants to help us walk in the path that is best for us. There will be times when we feel alone, but even in those times, God is waiting to lead us safely on through life if we only trust Him. ~~

-"Thank You, Father, that even though I walk through valleys of darkness, You are always by my side. Thank for the peace that passes all understanding in you. In Christ's Name."

--BSW/MW~
~~~~~~~~

--"Seeing From God's Perspective"
---LWF/AR ~

PRAY OVER THIS

---"And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid."
(1 Samuel 17:10-11) --

PONDER THIS

The Bible tells us Goliath was dressed in bronze armor. We can imagine that polished brass as it glistened in the sunlight. He must have been an awesome sight. He was lifting his big fists like hams to the heavens and cursing God. He was blaspheming God and defying the armies of Israel. He said, in effect, “You cowards! You weaklings! You miserable people! Send somebody over here to fight me, just one man. Winner takes all. If he defeats me, we’ll lay down our arms and surrender. But if I take him, the battle is ours, winner takes all.” David heard this and wondered, “Why doesn’t somebody go over and put that guy to sleep?” But no one was going, not even big King Saul.

The Israelites were looking at the situation from a human perspective. They saw the size of Goliath and their smallness compared to him and decided the situation was impossible. Who could fight him? But David looked at him and thought, “Look how much smaller he is compared to God.” So, David decided he would go, armed in the power of Almighty God.

When do you have trouble seeing the world with God’s perspective instead of human perspective?
How might the story of David and Goliath remind you to look at the trials in your life from God’s view and not your own?
-
---'Today, instead of telling God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big GOD is'