The Marvelous Message

It was too late for the Israelites to retreat. The Philistines had quickly amassed a massive army that wanted only one thing: revenge over Saul's son destroying one of their garrisons in Geba. (1 Samuel 13). At the time, Saul's plan seemed to go off without a hitch. Because of the Philistines defeat in Geba, many Israelites were thrilled and appeared eager to join the cause. Saul rallied troops in Gilgal, reminding them that they had no other choice but to fight for their lives. Emotions were high. It was an exiting time indeed, until word spread over how strong, swift, and merciless the retribution of the Philistines would be. Fear cut through the Israelites passionate hearts like butter and instead of fighting with dignity, many hid in cowardice among caves and thick brush. Some even weaseled their ways into tombs and wells! King Saul remained in Gilgal with a terrified and dwindling army. He remembered that the prophet Samuel told him to wait for him for seven days and

It most certainly seemed surreal to Saul, when he was anointed to be king of Israel. He was just a young, common man who only stuck out because of his height. Yet, one day he's sent to look for his father's stubborn donkeys and the next he's commissioned to become Israel's first king. Just a month after he was crowned, he found himself leading an army against the Ammonites to rescue a nearly defenseless city called Jabesh-Gilead. Hardly anyone expected Saul to come to their aid, but that is just what he did. In heroic boldness, he stood up for the little guys and made their bullies flee in terror (1 Samuel 11)! After the victory, Saul humbly declared,  “...today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel!”  (Vs. 13) He knew that their triumph truly came from the mighty hand of God. Before this battle, there were many who were reluctant to claim Saul as their king, but afterwards, they proudly and publicly acknowledged him as the ruler of Israel. In time, Saul attempte

Presents have been opened, returns have been made, lights and trees will soon be taken down, and the radio/music playlists for many has changed back to regular tunes. A new year is at hand and soon a new POTUS. Between terrorist attacks, political scandals, societal tensions, embittered parties filled with hateful rhetoric, whether Republican or Democrat, 2016 has been a year full of conflict and corruption. For many, the idea of a New Year dawning somehow brings thoughts of hopeful change. Who knows what awaits us this year, so we make our attempts to “better” ourselves. We look back at what hasn’t been done and say to ourselves, “ This year, this year I will get busy. I will not waste my time, but I will be more practical, more purposeful, and more active.” For a short while, we will lift our heads high with grand aspirations, and yet in time, plans will be scrapped and promises will be broken. Hearts will be hardened, homes will be shattered, marriages will fail, churches will

When He chose David to be king over His people, God said of him , “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will (Acts 13:22).”   We often use such terms in day to day life. For example, if a man finds out that another man has similar traits, likes, & dislikes he will often say, “Well there is a guy after my own heart!”   However,   what does it really mean to be one “ after God’s own heart ?” To answer this, I want to focus on two factors found in the life of David. You see, David wrote in Psalms 62:5-6 , 8, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved….   Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah . ”   Many of His Psalms reveal his spiritual longing and passion for God. Psalm 62 was written by David during a time of great distress. It is not clear whether he wrote this wh