Absolute Trust.

Acts 27, 2 Samuel 16:1 – 19:8

2 Samuel 15:25-26 – Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city.  If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place.  But if he says, “I have no pleasure in you,” behold, here I am, let him do whatever seems good to him.

Father, I see why you love David’s heart so much.  I see why you call him a man after your own heart.  When he could have rallied the troops and priests to keep his hold on Jerusalem, David simply and clearly trusted you.  He knew that your will was best and since he didn’t know what that will was, he was going to wait it out to see what you would do.  What trust to simply say that your will is best!  Grant me such a faith as this.  I confess, Lord, that my heart is not like David’s though I would like it to be.  I worry.  I stress.  I grow anxious. I don’t just ride the waves of life with a confident trust in you.  Instead, I try to take things into my control.  Instead, I try to bend the wind and the waves to my will.  Lord, forgive me and grant me a trust like David’s to simply calm my heart while the wind howls and the waves crash, to simply trust your will and your power.  You know what you’re doing and you can carry out your will.  You do it every time.  Help me to trust you.  Amen.

Outcasts No More

Acts 25:23-27, Acts 26, 2 Samuel 14-15

2 Samuel 14:14 – But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast.

Lord God, this is such a comforting word.  This promise and the full realization of what it means brings me great hope.  I was banished from your sight as Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden.  I was separated from you and was lost for eternity, but you devised ways to bring the banished one home.  You sent your own Son and gave him up for me, yes for all people, so that we would not be banished forever. You gave him up so that I might come home, so that I would be an outcast no more.  What an amazing comfort things brings my soul!  This is also a great reminder for me as I think about caring for people.  You want me to do what I can, to do what is in my power, so that people are not outcasts not from me, not from the circles I run in – like my church family.  You want me to do what I can so that people do not remain outcasts from you.  Help me to be creative, energetic, aggressive, and loving to bring back the outcasts, to do what is in my power to reconcile and to bring peace where once there was hostility.  That is what you wanted David to do.  That is also what you want me to do.  Help me to work with all the strength you provide so that they will be outcasts no more.  Amen.

Bold Prayer and Worship-filled Acceptance

Acts 25:1-22, 2 Samuel 12-13

2 Samuel 12:16 and 20 – David therefore sought God on behalf of the child.  And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground … Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes.  And he went into the house of the LORD and worshipped.

Oh God, I long for a faith like David’s.  I long for a heart like his.  I can see his struggles and his sins.  They are as plain as daylight. But when he is confronted with his sin, he doesn’t hem and haw about it nor does he push back.  David simply and clearly confesses his sin; and you, God, do what you always do – and what I can always expect you to do – you forgave the guilt of his sin. And when David is confronted with the consequences of his sin, he first prays with all seriousness and boldness – even though you had already declared that this would happen – that you would change your mind.  And then, when you did it, when your decision was final, David rose up and with humble acceptance he worshipped you.  Lord God, you are 100% merciful, gracious, powerful and wise.  And you tell me that my prayers are effective, that they make a difference!  Teach me to pray with boldness, confidence, even faith-filled beligerance.  Teach me to pray without giving up. Teach me to beg and cry out to you because you want me to, because you invite me to, because my prayers matter to you and they are powerful.  Teach me to pray with 100% boldness. And then, when it becomes clear what your decision and your action is, teach me to rise up from my prayers with humble acceptance and joyful worship.  Teach me to accept your action knowing that you are working all things for the eternal good of all people everywhere. You know what you’re doing!  And what you’re doing is good.  So teach me to end my prayers and live my life in humble worship, adoration and praise for all that you do.  Amen.    

Clear conscience.

Acts 24, 2 Samuel 8-11

Acts 24:16 – So, I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward God and man.

Lord God, the standard that Paul sets by his confession and example is high and the expectation is clear.  You want me to keep my conscience clear of offense before God and man.  I often think, O God, of how my action, my works, or even my thoughts would be a stench to you.  But many times I don’t even think about how a particular action or decision might offend another human being.  But Paul understood that and worked toward keeping his conscience clear before God and man.  Paul entered the temple to honor you and he was going to do his best not to offend the Jews who were also there.  My life is a tightrope lived between love for you and my neighbor.  Love for you is always first, but that does not mean that love for my neighbor his absent or neglected.  Forgive me for living in a way that offends you or my neighbor.  And help me, more and more every day, to take them into account when I live my life. I don’t live in a vacuum where my actions only affect me and you.  Teach me and help me to live in love for you and for them.  Amen.

Listen.

Proverbs 12:1-18, Psalm 79-80

Proverbs 18:15 – The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Lord God, you alone are the source of true wisdom.  Your Word is more than sufficient for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training for righteousness so that I might be wise and able for every good work that you place in front of me.  Fill me with your Word so that I might be wise.  Through that word, guide the thoughts of my mind by the wisdom of your Word.  Guide the steps of my feet by the opportunities you give and the roadblocks you construct. Send wise counselors who not only know me and my situation, but more importantly who know you and your Word.  Send wise advisors who have insight into my life and into your kingdom.  And then, Lord, open my ears to hear them, so listen and to learn.  Keep me from shutting out the wisdom of those who know me and know my life.  It’s good to listen and learn.  Amen.

Who am I?

Acts 22:30 – 23:35, 2 Samuel 5-7

2 Samuel 7:18 – Then King David went in and said, “Who am I LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me this far?”

Lord God, as I ponder who I am, I see more clearly than ever that I am but dust and ashes in your sight.  I am but a spec.  More than that, I am sinful through and through.  You should just cast me to the side, and yet you don’t.  You don’t consider me a spec.  You don’t treat me as my sins deserve.  Instead, Lord God, you reveal your word and your will to me.  Instead, Lord God, you cleanse me of all my sins and call me yours!  And even more than that, you have made astounding promises about my future.  You are working in my life to provide for me an astounding future.  You have plans for me, even if I don’t know exactly what those plans are.  Just to know that you care enough about me to have plans for my future is so gracious! This is amazing Lord God!  That would you speak to me in your Word.  That you would save me by your Son.  That would you plan out my days, each one of them!  Thank you for your amazing grace!  Amen.

God owes us nothing, but gives us everything.

Who Am I by Casting Crowns The bible verse at the end is incorrect! Wow...I feel bad. It's actually Psalm 143:5.

God's Anointed.

Acts 21:37 – 22:29, 2 Samuel 1-4

2 Samuel 1:14 – David said to him, “How is that you were not afraid to put our hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”

Lord God, David sets such a good example for me. He could have done a happy dance and celebrated at the news of Saul’s demise.  He could have rewarded the messenger. Instead he rebukes him for the message and for his part in the king’s death.  This was not a time for joy, but for lament.  Lord give me such a heart for my leaders in my city, in my state, and in my government.  Even when I disagree with them, even when some of their decisions are immoral and ungodly – as some of Saul’s actions were – you have put these men and women over me as authorities and, truthfully, as gifts from you for the preservation of my life and the good order of our country.  Without a stable government we wouldn’t be able to live the way that we do.  And yet, we have a fairly stable government. We are able to transact business and buy the food and goods that we need to live a thriving life.  We are able to live in relative peace and security. I don’t wake up in terror or sleep with one eye open just in case.  Such are some of the many gifts I have because of the government and the leaders that you have placed over me.  I pray, Lord God, also give my leaders wisdom.  Protect them.  And guide them so their decisions reflect your will in this world.  And when their actions are godless, turn all their actions for good and the salvation of souls. They are your leaders.  Help me to honor them in all that I do, say, and even pray, dear Lord.  Amen.

Strength in and from the LORD.

Acts 21:1-36, 1 Samuel 30-31

1 Samuel 30:6 – And David was greatly disturbed for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters.  But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Lord God, I’m pretty sure I know what I do in a situation like this.  I think I’d fall apart!  If the people I lead were talking about stoning me and my family along with all I own had been taken from me, I think I’d get real bitter and upset real fast.  Either that or I’d get angry.  I’d get angry at my followers for treating me so unjustly.  I’d get angry at you for letting this happen.  But that’s not what David did.  David turned to you and found strength in you. David almost constantly seems to have his eyes on you, whether it is for vengeance, for wisdom, or for strength – David leans on you.  It’s no wonder that he is a man after your own heart.  Lord, when things are falling apart around me, help me to hold it together with the simple and clear truth that you are my God and my Savior.  You are working and you are ruling and you are great and you are gracious and you are merciful.  I don’t have to hold it all together because you are and you will.  And even if it does fall apart, you’re working in that too.  Teach me to pray first and act second.  Help me remember to take a moment before reaction and then action in prayer and meditation to take in a deep breath of your grace and a reminder of your power so that in all my actions I am trusting you for strength.  Amen.

I am trusting you, Lord Jesus, 
Trusting only you,
Trusting you for full salvation, 
Free and true.

I am trusting you for pardon; 
At your feet I bow,
For your grace and tender mercy
Trusting now.

I am trusting you for cleansing
In the crimson flood,
Trusting you who made me holy
By your blood.

I am trusting you to guide me; 
You alone shall lead,
Ev'ry day and hour supplying
All my need.

I am trusting you for power; 
You can never fail.
Words which you yourself shall give me
Must prevail.

I am trusting you, Lord Jesus; 
Never let me fall.
I am trusting you forever
And for all

Blessed Way of Life

Acts 20:13-38, 1 Samuel 26-29

Acts 20:35 – In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the works of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Lord God, heavenly father, change the whole focus of my life and existence to you and to other people.  It is a much more blessed, contented and joyful way to live.  When I live for me and what pleases me, I find myself always a little empty and unsatisfied.  But when reorient myself and realign myself, when I reorient myself to you and others, I am full and ready to be poured out. I find myself contented with what you have given me because I want to give it away.  I find great joy in being poured out.  Lord, keep me from seeking to satisfy myself and my wants.  Forgive me from doing it.  Help me, O Spirit, to reorient my life toward you and my neighbor.  Grant me what I need so that I may pour myself out especially for those who are weak and ailing.  Make me weak with the weak; make me sad with the mourning.  Make me poor with the poor, and broken with the broken-hearted.  Fill my heart with compassion and my life with what they need so that I may help the weak with it.  Amen.

Justice is His

Acts 20:1-12, 1 Samuel 24-25

1 Samuel 24:12 – May the LORD judge between me and you, may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you.

Lord God, when people are against me it is really easy to forget that justice is yours.  David could have very easily forgotten that. Saul was actively pursuing him and trying to kill him as if he were his enemy.  And David had him in his grasp and could have ended it and ended Saul right then and there.  But David refused because Saul was his King and because God was his god.  David knew that justice was in God’s hand even though he had the means of so-called justice in his grasp.  That’s so hard to wrap my head around.  When someone throws a spear at me, it’s really easy for me to pick it up and throw it back.  But David just dodged the spear and kept on playing his spear.  But Lord, David had a bigger picture in mind. He wasn’t so concerned about Saul who was hunting him down. David had his eyes on a bigger king, a king who truly treasured him; David had his eyes on you.  Lord, give me eyes only for you.  Give me a heart only for you.  When people throw spears at me, help me to remember that you treasure me and love me.   Help me to remember that you will get justice in some way.  It is not my place to throw spears and to get justice.  You will handle it.  Give me eyes and heart only for you so that I trust you to bring justice where justice is needed.  Keep my hand from throwing spears and trying to get even.  Give me a forgiving heart to all who would hurt me.  Give me a trusting heart to rest in you even when others are throwing spears.  Turn my mind from the hurt they have caused me to the joy that you have given me through your enduring love.  Give me eyes and heart only for you.  Amen.

God's patience

Proverbs 11:24-31, Psalm 78

Psalm 78:38-39 – Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger after and did not stir up all his wrath.  He remembered that they were but flesh, and a wind that passes and comes not again.

Lord God, there is a terrible cycle in human history, in the church, and even in me.  You do amazing and gracious things.  You do miracles.  You send manna.  You send quail.  You send speedy rescue.  And then… then I turn aside.  I see it nearly every day.  I keep doing the things I shouldn’t.  Will I ever learn?  Oh, but God you are merciful.  You should wipe me out with swift justice.  But you don’t.  You don’t unleash your justice on me. Instead, o God, you are patient with me.  Instead, o Father, you gave your only Son to bear my punishment.  Instead, o Spirit, you keep coming to convict, convince and restore.  You know my weakness and my frailty, o God, and you deal with me accordingly.  How great is your mercy!  Amen.

Mighty Power

Acts 19, 1 Samuel 21-23

Acts 19:20 – So the word of God continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Lord God, I see your Word do some mighty things.  It spread like a wildfire through your church and wherever your church went.  We see people changed.  Magic and sorcery abandoned.  Demons cast out. Gentiles and Jews.  Your Word accomplished all this and grew in force because more and more people were hearing it and were then sharing it.  Your Word, O God, has not changed in its character or its power.  It is the same as it has always been.  It always has the same reaction.  It is either loved or hated, believed or rejected.  People are hardened by it or hardened to it.  Lord, keep from hardening myself to it and resisting the work of your Holy Spirit.  There are times when I don’t really want to receive in repentance and faith what your Word says.  Keep me from hardening myself to it.  Soften me by your Word to your Word that I might grow in your grace and power.  Then, Lord, also keep your Word right on the tip of my tongue.  Make it like a fire in my bones so that I simply do not want to hold it back.  Set me on fire to share your Word.  In this way, Lord, by changing me and by changing others through your mighty word, grow your church.  Send out your Word like a wildfire that more may hear and believe.  Amen.

Reasonable Conversation

Acts 18, 1 Samuel 18-20

Acts 18:4 – And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Lord God, I want to share your Word in a reasonable and logical way.  I want to be able to converse with whomever I meet and share the Gospel with them in a way that they can understand.  You, Lord Jesus, desire all to be served and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  This includes all people that I meet.  O Holy Spirit, help me to learn more about the people around me so that I understand where they are coming from.  Give me a loving heart so that I get to know them even before I help them get to know you.  Give me wisdom to speak your Word to them in a way that they will understand.  Give me words, illustrations, and Bible passages – all at the right time which you will use to convict, convince and convert their hearts.  Lord Jesus, O God, my Father in heaven, dear Holy Spirit, Comforter and Guide – I am with you on your worldwide mission to save souls.  Equip me with wisdom, love and reasonable conversation so that people might hear the gospel clearly from me and so believe.  Use me to serve people.  I am a clay vessel in your hand. Use me this day.  Amen. 

Hill to Die On.

Acts 17, 1 Samuel 16-17

1 Samuel 17:26 – Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?

Lord God, this account of David and Goliath is such a familiar story.  It’s a story of how you gave a little shephard boy victory over a great giant.  What astounds me is the reason that David stepped forward.  He came forward not for fame, not for riches, not because he was personally offended, but because you, God, had been defied.  When I think about the hills on which I am willing to take my stand and the causes for which I am most willing to fight, my heart isn’t like his.  Even worse, my heart isn’t like yours.  I get angry and upset because I have been defied.  I push back because my name is being slandered.  I am bothered because I am not respected or heard.  I find myself fighting for me.  Forgive me, Lord.  A fight for my cause or name is sinful.  There is a name and a cause so much greater and larger for which to fight.  There is a hill so much higher to stand on.  That name and that Kingdom, O Jesus, is yours.  That cause, O God, is yours.  My work and my life – as I seek first your kingdom – is fighting against the gates of hell.  The real enemy isn’t the so-called “Goliath’s” in my life, but the forces of Satan.  The real offense is an offense against your name and your cause.  The real offense is when people are mocking your great name and when they attack your Kingdom, the kingdom of the living God.  Lord God, help me to direct all of my energies for your name, your kingdom, and your glory.  And, if there is a cuase to die for, let it be for your holy and saving name.  Amen.

Sadness. Deep sadness.

Acts 16, 1 Samuel 15

1 Samuel 15:35 – And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul.

Lord God, Father in heaven, this emotion out of Samuel is a little surprising. It’s surprising because Saul had taken his place as leader over the people.  Samuel was pushed to the background.  It’s surprising because Saul had also turned his back on everything that Samuel tried to teach him.  And yet here is Samuel grieving and weeping tears of sorrow over the fall from faith of his king, Saul.  It shouldn’t surprise me though.  Hell is that bad.  A loss of faith is that bad.  There no part of me that should rejoice, even quietly at a fall from grace. Instead, every part of me should weep about the pagan I met today who knew about Jesus, but completely denies him.  Every part of me should weep about the Muslim who acknowledges Jesus as a prophet, but refused to confess him as God. Every part of me should weep with deep, deep sorrow over all who do not believe in Jesus.  Father, forgive my cold heartedness toward them.  I’ve almost become calloused to their eternal destiny. I’ve almost become cold to their unbelief.  Lead me to weep tears of sorrow for them.  Teach me to pray prayers that your kingdom might come to them, that faith might live in them.  And help me to act on it.  Keep me from sitting back while people pass by in front of me uncaring when I know that many of them are lost.  Keep me from sitting silently and uncaringly about their eternity.  I can’t save them, Lord, but I can tell them about you who did save them.  Give me a heart like Samuel’s that grieves for souls lost and then like Paul’s who did whatever it took to save some.  Amen.

Numbers not Needed.

1 Samuel 11-14

1 Samuel 14:6 – It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.

Lord God, this is such a great reminder when I’m afraid because I don’t have numbers on my side.  This is such a confidence that Jonathan has as he steps into a battle in which he is vastly outnumbered.  But here is a great promise and a great trust. O God, you promise that you alone are more than strong enough and more than wise enough for any and every situation no matter how terrible the odds may be.  You don’t need a lot of numbers to get it done.  You just need me to go and do the work you’ve called me to do.  And you use me.  And if you want to use more people than just me, that’s great.  But that doesn’t make the victory more mine or more ours if we have more people.  You teach us that lesson through Gideon and his dwindling troops.  So, Lord, also teach me to trust you fully and to boast in you alone. Victory isn’t found in the wit of my wisdom or the strength of our numbers.  It’s only found in you.  Teach me, Lord, to trust you fully and then to go out with great confidence and boldness because of your great power and love.  Amen. 

Unseen Footprints.

Proverbs 11:10-23, Psalm 74-77

Psalm 77:19-20 – Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters, yet your footprints were unseen.  You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Lord God, there are so many dangers all around me.  There are so many things that cause my heart to tremble and shake, things both great and small.  At times, I feel overwhelmed by the tasks in front of me like Moses was.  At times I feel frustrated in my calling as Moses became with the people of Israel.  At times I feel angry at you and at others because things aren’t going the way I want them too.  At other times I feel absolutely confident.  It’s like a roller coaster!  But God, you are constant in my life even I can’t see you.  You are constantly by my side even I don’t see you walking by me. You are constantly guarding and guiding me even if I don’t sense your presence.  You are the reason I can stand up and live with confidence.  Help me put this verse in my heart and my mind when I grow frustrated, overwhelmed, scared and scared.  Help me to remember it’s truth: You are always on my side even when I can’t see it.  And by this truth, then, set my heart at rest remembering your powerful words: “Be still.  Don’t be afraid.  The LORD will fight for you.”  Amen. 

Encourage the brothers.

Acts 15, 1 Samuel 8-10

Acts 15:32 – And Judas and Silas… encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.

Lord God, this was a potentially explosive and divisive issue.  They were discussing what to do about a tradition thata you had commanded and was millennia old.  Yet, we see a church make a decision in love and handed down that decision out of love. They dealt with each other brothers and not as opponents.  When people disagree with me, it’s easy to see them as opponents and enemies rather than as brothers who disagree and who are struggling to keep the unity.  Forgive me, LORD, for seeing people who disagree with me as opponents and for treating them as such.  Forgive me and help me view them as brothers and as fellow disciples of yours.  Help me love them even though our disagreement may be sharp.  Help me look for ways to encourage and strengthen them in their faith.  Lord, as much as it depends on me, help me to live at peace with everyone.  I cannot control how they treat me or what they do, but I can control how I see them, how I treat them, and what I do.  Help me to see them as brothers, help me to bear with them in love, and so preserve the unity of your body, the church.  This is your church, dear Lord, keep it together.  Amen.

Put it away.

Acts 14, 1 Samuel 4-7

1 Samuel 7:3 – And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

Lord God, as I read through the history of your people I see a pattern.  For a while your people follow you and then they turn away.  For a while they repent and then they go back to their old gods and old habits.  This was another one of those times when the people were called to give up and put away things that they held near and dear.  Idols don’t go away quietly. Our attention to the false gods that fill our lives don’t go away without a fight.  Idolatry needs to be obliterated and put out of my life.  Lord God, first, I pray help me to identify where the idols and the false gods exist.  It isn’t quite as easy for me as an idol on my mantle.  Help me identify. Then, Lord God, fill my heart so fully that there is no room for it in my life, so that I can’t stand to have that thing in my life.  Instead of giving me pleasure, it becomes so distasteful for me that I don’t want it to be anywhere around me.  Then, Lord, help me to put it away so that my heart is only directed to you.  Keep working in my life in these ways, dear Lord, so that this pattern is repeated daily until I reach my home in heaven.  Amen.

All but Absent.

Acts 13, 1 Samuel 1-3

1 Samuel 3:1 – And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent visions.

Lord God, keep me from this.  Keep this from us.  Keep me from following you by mouth and body, but not with heart, with my hearts far from you while I worship you with my mouth.  Keep me from settling for a form of obedience or a laxity that lets sin run rampant with no rebuke.  Keep us from neglecting your Word and setting it on a shelf while we have no regard for it and pay little attention to it.  Lord, the worst thing that could ever happen to us would be to lose your Word and the faith which finds in your Word our everything.  Do not, I pray, take your Holy Spirit from us, but restore to us the joy of our salvation. Grant us a yearning for the Word which begs to hear it and is glad to meditate on it.  The people in Acts begged for Paul to come back.  The people in Samuel hardly wanted to listen.  Give us such a yearning for your Word which begs for the Word to be spoken and taught.  Amen.