"Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker continually."

As the war continued within the nation of Israel, it took it's toll upon the people. Leaders were given in to manipulation, posturing, threats of mayhem and even outright killing and murder. The need for a Savior, Jesus Christ is magnified as we look at man's rampant raging on in the flesh. Yet too few looked toward heaven crying out for the Lord to come rescue and bring relief. The heartbreak and pain of man's depravity is magnified as we see many continuing on in the flesh, bringing sorrowful results. Mankind today, suffer much the same consequences, until we cry out to Him. 

Pastor Russell

So Abner said to him, "Turn to your right or to your left, and take hold of one of the young men for yourself, and take for yourself his spoil." But Asahel was not willing to turn aside from following him.

As Asahel pursued Abner relentlessly, no amount of pleading would turn the young man away. Whether driven by the thrill of the chase, or a desire to take out his enemy, or perhaps pride in his physical prowess, he would not relent. We see as we read on that the outcome was not good. So we too may be advised that prudent thinking, wise counsel, God's wisdom is always best as we too may be prone to fixate upon things that are not the Lord's perfect will. 

Pastor Russell

"Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together."

In the heat of battle with the Philistines, Saul and his men were killed on the battle field. A sad ending for one whose life had started off with so much hope and potential in the Lord. Saul, from the early days of his anointing by God, had allowed personal ambition and pride lead him away from the simple precepts of the Lord, thus blinding him from God's purpose for his life. It's a fitting encouragement for us, that we finish strong the work the Lord has for us, not being misled by the circumstances that surround us. 

Pastor Russell

And David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this band?" And He said to him, "Pursue, you shall surely overtake them, and you shall surely rescue all."

Forged early on, was a relationship with the Lord that strongly suggested personal intimacy between God and man. For ourselves, we can look and pursue that same intimacy with God. Entering into His presence with wonder and awe, with thanksgiving and praise, we can draw near and share our very lives, our victories, our defeats, our fears and concerns, our doubts and even the things that make us question Him. Stay close to Him, take time as you would with a friend to share with the Creator of the heaven and earth. 

Pastor Russell

So Achish believed David, saying "He has surely made himsel His steps for us f odious among his people Israel; therefore he will become my servant forever."

David, while feigning allegiance to the Philistine king, enjoyed a period of respite from Saul's continual pursuit. Time though, had come for David to join in on an attack of Israel. All the while he continued to play the faithful to Achish, not knowing how things would work out, he continued to trust the Lord each and every step of the way. David, ultimately knew the calling on his life, but not knowing exactly when and how he would get there, had to let go and let God make that way for him. Much of the time, we may be uncertain about the daily struggles we have, not knowing, having to trust the Lord, as He may incrementally take us. A call for us to trust Him every step of the way.

Pastor Russell

"....please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time."

David, now in the midst of the camp of Saul, finds himself in a tempting place. Take out the one who has pursued him endlessly for such a long time, or trust the Lord to work things out. As easy as it would have been to strike Saul, David showed great respect for the king, but even more reverence for the Lord who had set Saul in place. David could not bring himself to move before God, and take the easy way out. Here we find one who showed great restraint, waiting on and trusting that He would work all things out to His glory. For us, a great example of God's grace going before His people.

Pastor Russell

"Then Samuel died......"

We commented at one of our studies, that even as many mourned the death of the man of God, the great works of the Lord would be ongoing. Death would never be the agent that would stop the great work of our Lord, nor suspend the gospel message from going forth. Like He, having no beginning or end, the work would proliferate until His return. As with the death of contemporary men like Billy Graham or Chuck Smith, the work has continued and multiplied, and is fruit bearing. Though saddened as with Samuel, the torch has been passed, God's work has continued on, and still goes on today as we now in turn raise the banner high with the good news of Jesus.

Pastor Russell

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest upon His shoulders; and His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

Today we celebrate one of the most pivotal events in history, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. With no accolades to Santa, no drinking and excessive gift giving as the pagans, but simple worship, and the giving of our all to the Christ. Today, as every day, go to Him, giving Him all honor, glory and praise as we celebrate Him.

Pastor Russell

During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord.

Avenging the Gibeonites in 2nd Samuel 21, God reminded David that Saul broke Israel's promise to the Gibeonites. Some may not have noticed Saul's actions, but Got did. Once David made things right with the Gibeonites, God's blessing returned upon the land. God doesn't take making promises lightly.

Never make a promise you can't keep; always keep a promise that you make. All you need to say is simply "Yes" or "No"; anything beyond this comes from the evil one (Matthew 5:37); Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "yes" or "no." Otherwise you will be condemned (James 5:12).

Your servant in Christ, Hank

We'll celebrate Jesus' birth in three weeks on Sunday, December 25. Christmas is portrayed as a happy, joyous season of peace, but for those experiencing trials or hardships that might cause anxiety, e.g. job loss, family problems, loneliness, or other stressful situations that could case sadness leading to depression. The Christmas season provides an opportunity for us to reach out to those looking for hope. In the true meaning of Christmas, we share with them the light and love of Jesus Christ.

Your servant in Christ, Hank

"Be gracious, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in thee; and in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by."

Hunted relentlessly by Saul, hearing of the deaths of the priests and families of Nob, even seeking shelter from his sworn enemies the Philistines, David continues to seek God's graciousness for his life. Not focused on the rigors he faced, but looking full into the face of his Lord, knowing where his shelter and refuge lay. Davids's confidence and trust may speak to us all this day, though our situations may not be exactly the
same, our hope and trust and shelter are in the Lord.

Pastor Russell

"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have out my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me."

David on the run from Saul, sought refuge in the city of Nob. Sheltered by the priests, he received nourishment and provision as well as spiritual encouragement and comfort. Ultimately, the priests would pay with their lives. (1 Samuel 21-22) We are reminded that our great high priest, Jesus Christ, would lay His life down on our behalf, as the enemies of our souls, sought us out too. David, would put his trust and praise towards the Lord, we ought to do the same.

Pastor Russell