This is an example of how reading the BLOG of a brother in Christ inspires. To quote:
“…God is not interested in obedience for obedience’s sake, but for relationship’s sake”
So wonderful !
It brought, 1 Samuel 30:8, back to my mind.
I was reading through 1 Samuel, and it felt so good to be ‘home’ – it took me back to my bible college days. I read his word with youthful na·ive·té ! And my heart seems to have returned to that state of being. Only now its with the passion of 53 years of learning that God’s wisdom, and his ways are beyond this world’s.
I just looked up na·ive·té in a thesaurus:
Antonyms artfulness, cynicism, knowingness, sophistication, worldliness
As I read I just wholly believed what I was reading, and wasn’t worried about it’s application to my life or the lives of others. I was thrilled with things here and there not unlike a person walking through the woods and being in awe of the crocus poking up from the decaying debris of the forest floor, the height and breadth of the tree’s . . .
But once again, as I heed my own rule of thumb, “always look up a verse that’s come to mind” I re-learn the lesson of why we’d be wise to do so.
David and his men had returned to their town only to find that the Amalekites had
“taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great”
When I listened to this the other day, it was part of a ‘reading’ that included many chapters there in 1 & 2 Samuel. As I re-read the passage just now I saw something that I’d missed. The other day I’d thought only of David’s loss, his own wives and children. But these mentioned are those of his men as well. As you read further you’ll see I’ve highlighted in red (see above link)
6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters.
David screwed up? Was it David’s fault? The people’s reaction seem to think so! But where does David go for solace?
But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
I don’t know if David did something other than what follows in the next verses. But this is the place David went ! He strengthened himself in the Lord his God!
And the idea that had come to his mind was to pursue, and re-capture. Certainly this would have been the idea that those who were considering his early death (via stoning) might well be ‘recommending’ but nonetheless, David’s authority was God.
How many decisions do I make that are so obvious to me that I don’t pray about it, and seek to have God’s thoughts on the subject?
And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod” . . . and David inquired of the Lord
We are going through this right this very moment in our lives as we pursue possible new living space. We know that a move is inevitable, since we are renters. But when and where to? It’s always been in God’s hands.
Another set of verses comes to mind. 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
This is once again part of what it is to ‘walk in the spirit‘
We have been here in this place for over 9 years, and our landlord committed to us 5 years. He has been free to send us on our way for over 4 years. It’s the kindness of his heart that he has not done so, and his patience. Though I’ve been tempted to be afraid, I have found comfort in the Lord.
Like David I’ve been distressed !
in 1 Peter 3:14, the Apostle Peter quotes Isaiah 8:12. We go back to the word na·ive·té. I find peace in the thought that God will not let me down. I say ‘no’ to the temptation to complain. I could easily slip into the ranks of those who were thinking of stoning David. I could easily abandon trust in God and seek to look after things myself. I’ve often been tempted of late to go buy a lottery ticket . . . but my one thought that prevents me, is how could I then credit the Lord with anything? How could I say, ‘The Lord is my strength!’ if others can point and say, actually you won the lottery. The testimony of “I trusted God and he’s never let me down” leads others to Christ. The testimony of “I won the lottery and lived happily ever after” leads others to go pay the poor tax as a pastor of mine used to call it. Also, I feel like I’d bring upon my family the actions of greedy and/or desperate individuals, and Ashton and Cheryl have no cash value to me, they are priceless.
My mind quickly loses all hope. Why should God deal to me anything but what I deserve. All my sins rise up before me. My foolish decisions, my selfish acts, my outright dirty black sins! Wonderful encouragement comes as I once again think of John 15!
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
To those discouraging voices I can declare, it’s not about me, it’s about HIM!
As I read Ken’s blog today, and found myself being filled with God’s presence, and his encouragement . . . it’s not at all unlike the detached sort of thing that happens to me at blood tests! LOL! If I watch the blood gurgling into the little tube they’ve hooked up to my arm I get light headed and promptly faint! It isn’t a conscious connection! Yet the physiological response is undeniable. Neither can I talk or reason my way out of it. The only solution is to ‘not look’. Here, as I read God’s word, or this word from my friend Ken, I am filled with empowering peace. Cheryl stepped into the room, and I grabbed her hands and prayed that God would give us favour with this committee and board. That he would set us free financially to be ruled by his will and desire, and not the tyranny of debt. That our lives would be about bringing his love to the world around us, and proving that trusting in the Lord is so very wonderful!
But even as we went out with ‘our idea’ of applying to various housing co-ops the obvious thought has been that the opportunity to move into one will include some scrutiny on the part of the Co-op’s board of Directors. Our finances aren’t all that tidy, though through God’s help they are getting tidier 🙂
I have other fears, that also find their relief in God’s grace, and the knowledge I am on HIS mission, my journey is his call for me to continue here upon this earth, with all that he’s appointed for me to care for, and to reach with his love.
