1 Samuel 30:8
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
1 Samuel 27:12
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
1 Samuel 26:8
"....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
1 Samuel 25:1
"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
Isaiah 9:6
"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
2 Samuel 21:1
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
Happy Birthday Jesus!
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
Psalm 57:1
"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
Psalm 56:3-4
"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
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday later this week, it's good for us to remember that thanksgiving is not just about one day where we may have a day off and get together with people and have turkey and pumpkin pie. But we see much more in the verse above, which seems to imply an ongoing giving of thanks to the Lord. We all are in varying places in life, yet God has His hand upon us. We've seen David in 1 Samuel, walk the razors edge of faith, life and death, hardship and trouble all while trusting and giving thanks to the Lord. No matter where you are at today, take a moment to thank the Lord for all He has done, all the blessing and provision He has made. Some that, we may take for granted or attribute to hard work and a bit of good luck.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 18:30
"Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to do battle, and it happened as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed."
As the people of Israel loved David, we see so too their enemies had a high regard and respect for David. His conduct on and off the battle field, spoke more so than just military prowess, but a high level of character and Godly qualities that spoke volumes to all who saw him. If we could just have a portion of the same for our lives, we would be way more effective in reaching the world. Lord, pour out into our lives, that we may be more effective for you. Amen
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 17:4
"Then a champion came from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span."
The army of Israel stood facing the invading hoard of the Philistines, when a giant by the name of Goliath came forward taunting and striking fear into the hearts of Israel. This nine foot tall behemoth whose massive size and impressive armament and demeanor brought a cloak of fear into the hearts of Saul and his legion. Cowering, they were paralyzed with fear. Today, for us , we too may be in the same state as the giants in our lives take our eyes off of Jesus as we become fixated with that which is in front of us. As the old song goes, turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth grow strangely dim, in the light and glory of His grace.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 16:7
"for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
For most of mankind, we are always first attuned to the outward appearance of others. Oh, he looks cool, or she is well dressed, or they look kind of weird, or oh yeah, they look like they would be a good leader. Much like the people then, we too have the thought of the first impressions, appearances and dress and carriage form our views but really tell us nothing of the real person. Take a lesson from the Lord, try and look pass the first impressions, and seek to look inward and find the heart of man. Soft , tender, loves the Lord, or hard and self-centered, pride filled? Throughout the word, we find all sorts and everything in between. For us, it may be well to look beyond the veneer and look for the good in Christ.
Pastor Russell