October 30, 2024
"David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him." (1 Chronicles 11:9)
David became the greatest leader of his day and the greatest king in Israel’s history. The list of his exploits, beginning with the defeat of the 9-foot Goliath as a young shepherd boy to the conquering of the land and the establishment of an enduring kingdom, is unbelievable. But there is a simple but profound explanation.
“For the Lord of hosts was with him.” (Vs. 9)
That’s it. God + 1 = a Majority.
The most beautiful aspect of this successful life and the reason David endured and prospered for so long was that David understood this. There was no pride or hubris on David’s part. He knew where his strength lay. The Psalms, penned under Divine inspiration but through a humble David, give us David’s heart. Listen to just one song, Psalm 16, that springs from David’s humble dependence.
Scholars say the admonition “Fear not!” is mentioned over 300 times in the Bible, and there is a reason. Another phrase is equally prominent in God’s Word to us: “With us.” God’s greatest promise is that He will be with those who follow Him.
And His presence makes all the difference, for everything flows from the presence of the Lord. Everything.
January 15, 2025
Imagine a child created by God and for whom He had sent His only begotten Son to redeem and His Spirit to indwell. And then imagine that child ignoring Him, never communing, never praying, never listening, never obeying. And then realize how an attentive, unceasing life of prayer would delight the heart of the Father who made you.
January 14, 2025
Spending hours in solitude with God alone is foreign to us. We are not familiar with God. He is, for most, a distant entity, not an every day Father.
January 13, 2025
What is more important to you than anything else? Check your values, for they will drive you this year. And what value is it if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?
