SOAP 04/21/2012; 1 Samuel 24:5-7

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57,58; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8
     
S)"⁵ It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. ⁶ So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’S anointed.” ⁷ David persuaded his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. And Saul arose, left the cave, and went on his way."
     

1 Samuel 24:5-7 (NASB)

     
O) This is such a great example of how David was different than pretty much every other king of Israel - repentence. King David had such a humble heart and was so quick to return to God that he was called a man after God's own heart. In this passage, we see how quickly he acted on his convictions. He knew he had sinned in his offense toward his king, his lord. Even as small as it was (because he could've killed Saul and only cut his robe), he still knew it was wrong and he immediately did something about it. Even before Saul had left the cave, while he still had every opportunity to take that offense further (to defeat Saul there and then), instead, he repents. Not only that, he actually goes and confesses his sin to the men with him! Now, that is what it means to #MANUP116.

     
A) David has long been held as a good example and parralel to Christians. Sure, he made mistakes, but he repented! He worshiped God for who He is, even in the middle of uncertainty, peril, and chaos. He is an inspiring man. The biggest thing about this passage that stands out, is how quickly he repents and confesses to others. That's the part I need to work on the most - being quicker about both.

     
P) Father, Your holiness is perfect and it is a high standard. But, I know that Your call to righteousness is for my own good, because You love me through sheer grace. Please forgive me for my sins against You and against others. Holy Spirit, strengthen and encourage me, especially immediately after my sins, so that I will repent and confess to those who will also build me up and help restore my spirit through their encouragement and prayers. Remind me that sin is bad because it separates me from You, LORD, and let me value our relationship above all else, even my own embarassment/image/pride, so that I will immediately do everything I can to restore and protect our closeness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/20/2012; 1 Samuel 23:22

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
     
S)"²² Go now, make more sure, and investigate and see his place where his haunt is, and who has seen him there; for I am told that he is very cunning."
     

1 Samuel 23:22 (NASB)

     
O) So, Saul has a whole nation out seeking David's life and yet he keeps escaping. In this particular chapter (and in the related Psalms above), we see David's actions are repeatedly preceded by inquiries to the LORD. What Saul fails to see is that, David is not cunning, exactly, so much as he is wise for inquiring of the LORD. So, while Saul is continually frustrated by the acts of David and his men, he is still blind to the spiritual and the fact that the LORD is working to deliver David, and instead he sees things in the physical, surmising that David is simply cunning.

     
A) Being cunning in battle or business, by the world's standards, is quite the admirable quality. But here we see the contrast, the deeper and more valuable quality. First, I want to have the wisdom to seek the LORD during conflict and uncertainty. Second, and just as importantly, I want to have the discernment to realize when the LORD is directing me and those around me. I never want to be out of the loop. So, ultimately, inquiring of the LORD and awaiting His reply is of the utmost importance, both offensively and defensively, so to speak.

     
P) Father, You are wise and all-knowing. You have an eternal perspective and Your timing is perfect. All of this makes it abundantly clear that I need to be continually seeking out Your will for every situation. Whether I'm trying to accomplish something, or trying to protect something, I need to be sure that I am seeing through Your eyes. Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear Your voice clearly, to know Your will and direction. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/19/2012; Matthew 6:33

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
     
S)"³³ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
     

Matthew 6:33 (NASB)

     
O) This verse always reminds me of the old Psalty song - good job Maranatha :)
Anyway, this is a really great promise, truly. I think the key, though, is that this is not simply a "don't worry, be happy" message. God gives amazing promises, but often times there are keys to them. The key in this verse is that we must, as believers, be actively seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. I think often times, one or the other (or both =/ ) is neglected, and then people should have reason to worry.

     
A) I'm not much of a worrier, usually. Although, this verse is pretty timely, since I've been more worried lately, with our emminent move. While "worry" might be a little strong, I certainly have concerns and I do know is that I've been distracted lately. I haven't been seeking the Father in prayer as much as I should. The phrase, "seek first His Kingdom" seems like it can be pretty open-ended, but at the very least, seeking the King has to be a good place to start, right?

     
P) Father, You are worthy of my life and my trust. I know You are supremely capable and infallably good. So, Holy Spirit, help me to deliberately lay all of my concerns at the feet of the Father. Remind me to seek His presence, His audience, to spend time with Him. I know I have responsibilities and duties, but I want to fulfill them as a matter of course and obedience, not experiment and discovery. Remind me of this verse often. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/18/2012; Psalm 34:18

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 20,21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
     
S)"¹⁸ The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit."
     

Psalm 34:18 (NASB)

     
O) This is such a hope-giving, comforting promise that shows God's heart for hurt people. He is so perfect in His Fatherhood toward us that I can only be thankful.

     
A) The simplicity of this verse is actually quite beautiful. There isn't much else to say or glean. I just want to keep this verse in mind because I know I've felt crushed and heartbroken, and I know that I may feel it again one day. But, my Father will be near and He will save me again.

     
P) Father, Your love for me is almost surreal at times. I've felt great heartache in my life and times of defeat that seemed so final, and yet You were faithful to this promise, unchanging in Your character. I thank You that I am able to depend on You like this. It is a great comfort, even now before times of pain. Holy Spirit, call to me, remind me that You are near when I am at my most weak, broken, crushed, and defeated. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/17/2012; Psalm 59:16

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
     
S)" ¹⁶ But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress."
     

Psalm 59:16 (NASB)

     
O) There were a couple of things that seemed significant to me about this verse. The first is that, in all likelihood, he meant it literally when he said he'd sing in the morning. This was written at night as he learned of Saul's plot to seize him and put him to death, as told in today's reading in 1 Samuel 19. He was in the middle of this terrifying dramatic scene and he acknowledges that it's not looking good for him. But, essentially he's committing himself to praise the LORD in the morning when he escapes. He's basically offering his praise, in advance, in faith that God will deliver him. It's not an ultimatem, though, just a matter of fact. The second thing is the actual timing of that song, in the morning.

     
A) It's obviously good to worship Him anytime, but it always seems to me to be the most beneficial when I can actually set aside some time in the morning to worship the LORD. So, in a rare-instance, I'm going to try to implement something very, very specific. For the next 40 days, I will listen to only praise and worship prior to noon! (as far as it's within my control =] )

     
P) Father, I want to set my mind on Your holiness, Your strength, all of Your blessings in my life. You deserve to be praised daily, You deserve my consistent, constant worship. So I commit to this for You, LORD, that I will sanctify my ears each morning to set them apart in hearing only music that glorifies You and worships You. Holy Spirit, remind me of this committment daily and even give me grace to conveniently avoid other music during this period, according to Your will, God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/16/2012; 1 Samuel 18:10

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
     
S)"¹⁰ Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand."
     

1 Samuel 18:10 (NASB)

     
O) This is one of the scariest verses in the Bible, to think that an evil spirit would come from God upon some one. It's important to remember the literary context, though. In a lot of old Jewish writings, the words used are almost as a matter of literal semantics. To say that God hated Esau is to simply say that He wasn't actively loving him (as in the same contrast of blessings and curses). So, to say that God allowed an evil spirit to come mightily upon Saul, would be in less words, to say that God sent it. But, whether it was passive or active, it's also important to remember that Saul had relinquished the Spirit of God with his arrogant actions. But none of this is a new concept to me, and so it was something else stood out today. It says this happend while David was playing "as usual;" but this isn't the first time that Saul was grieved by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:23). It was, however, the first time that David's playing was not able to sooth Saul.

     
A) This is another example for me to remember, that my success is not dependent on my own skills or abilities. Also, the fight I have is not flesh and blood. There are spiritual implications, and spiritual complications, to every conflict. My ability to maintain relationships, find favor in the eyes of others, minister to others, and lead and raise my family - all of these are spiritualy founded. So, I need to be sure that I am not only addressing physical demands, but doing the spiritual work as well. It's not enough that I am supplying dinner for my family if I'm not also giving them spiritual food. If I want promotion at work, it's not enough to do a good job, I need to pray for favor with my bosses. It's not enough for me to do the physical things for my wife, I need to be praying for her, encouraging her spiritual growth, worshiping with her, etc.

     
P) Father, You've blessed me in more ways than I can count. Your grace is truly amazing and that's nowhere more apparent to me than in my marriage and I am so thankful for that, Father. I want to honor You for all of the favor I have in Your sight. So, Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the spiritual world around me so that I can see the things that really matter. Lead me to focus my efforts on the things unseen so that I am addressing the causes and not the symptoms. Increase my discernment. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/15/2012; 1 Samuel 17:46-47

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2
    
S)"⁴⁶ This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, ⁴⁷ and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands."
    

1 Samuel 17:46-47 (NASB)

    
O) First of all, graphic much? Wow, I don't remember the Sunday school version mentioning decapitation and wild animals eating dead Philistines... anyway, the main point is David's reasoning. He says specifically that the victory will be to show the world that the LORD is the God of Israel and that He is alive and mighty and unrestrained. Similar to the verse when Jonathan says God's deliverence is not limited by by numbers, here David points out that the weapons we carry don't matter; if God is for us, no one can be against us. Specifically, though, David wanted to glorify the name of the LORD to all of the earth.

     
A) It's interesting to me how quickly things become cliche and I wonder about the David and Goliath story. That phrase in today's world has so much become synonymous with overcoming great odds, being the little guy and prevailing, and it's so quickly used in sports especially, that I wonder how long it took for this story to be robbed of it's point. God said, through Samuel, that David was a man after God's own heart and I believe that had everything to do with his heart of worship and his desire to praise Him. So, even something so brave and heroic as fighting a man who was nearly twice as tall as him, David saw it as no kind of challenge. He knew that it was an opportunity to glorify the LORD and as such, it was simply inspiring him to do his part in that story. In my own life, I need to see every challenge, every set-back, every trial and scary moment, simply as an opportunity to glorify the LORD. I need to boldly declare that the battle belongs to the LORD, so that all the earth will know that there is a God in my life.

     
P) Father, I don't know what kind of Goliath-type foes I have to face in my future, but I stand firm right now, knowing that those battles before me belong to You. I declare now, that my victory will not depend on my own abilities, my own skills, my own tools or resources. I will be victorious for one reason and one reason only: because You are mighty to save! Holy Spirit, I always want to choose my battles wisely, but I never want to avoid conflict because of fear or intimidation. When I see a challenge, however that may look, speak to me and let me see it through Your eyes, so I will know the kind of spiritual implications may be at stake. Thank You for fighting on my behalf, LORD, and may Your name be known among the nations as the one true living God. Be glorified through my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/14/2012; 1 Samuel 15:11

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 15,16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1

S)"¹¹ 'I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.' And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all night."

1 Samuel 15:11 (NASB)

O) I get a little annoyed when people talk about living with "no regrets" - especially with Christians. I know that sometimes it's just semantics, but if it's appropriate for God, the Father and Creator to have regrets, wouldn't that still be the case with us? The difference is that we might regret our mistakes, whereas He makes no mistakes. So, regret doesn't necessarily mean that you think the thing that happened was a mistake, so much as you might wish it could've been a different way.

    
A) So, if I equate regret with the feeling of sorrow, and not necessarily with mistakes, then my goal to live a life without creating regret, has to be more than avoiding mistakes. The times in the Bible where the Father expresses His regret always have to do with His children living outside His will and perfect plan. So, more than simply avoiding sin, in order for me to avoid having regrets later, I need to pursue His will. I can't simply resist temptation, I need to give-in to His way.

    
P) Father, You will for my life is undeniably, undisputably good. Words simply fail to adequately describe the blessings You have in store for me. Knowing that Your plan is so good for me is motivation to pursue Your will and do things Your way. I know that sometimes I am easily distracted though, or things might feel, in the moment, like they're not a big deal, but I'm not really qualified to make that determination, and I know that. I do not have Your eternal and infinite perspective, so I know that I cannot rightly judge what will, or will not, be important in the end - let alone in 5 or 10 years. So, Holy Spirit, speak to me now, and daily, even moment by moment to point out the pivotal points in my life where I need to be sure I am choosing the will of the Father and not my own will or not choosing things haphazardly. Show me where the crossroads are and give me the strength, will, and wisdom to choose the right path so that when I am an old man, having lived my life on earth to the end of my written days, I have as few regrets as possible. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.