Higher Ground

David had defeated the giant and the people thought highly of him but Saul became jealous to the point that he wanted to kill David so David thought he had to escape. As we read today 1 Samuel 21, let us keep in mind about the enemies we face each day and what God wants us to do in times of trouble. God can take tough situations and turn them into something positive. Out of intense difficulties, God can make simplicities emerge.

Noted in today’s passage is that David went to Ahimelek the priest to escape Saul who wanted to kill David. He ask for food so the priest gave him the consecrated bread which is lawful only for priests to eat. David also needed a weapon so the priest gave him the sword used to kill Goliath.

The priest wondered why David was alone so David made up a story that he was sent by the king on a mission. David lied and we note that nowhere in the Bible is lying excused even when trying to relieve some situational pressure. One lie usually leads to other lies.

Then, David went to Achish king of Gath to continue his escape from the threat of Saul. Unfortunately, he was recognized by the servants and he knew that Saul would be notified of his whereabouts so he acted as though he was insane.

Like David, we face enemies in life. Our enemies may include things like financial struggles, bad health, or stressed relationships and we sometimes react in the wrong way to relieve our situational pressures. We stay in the valley instead of making the climb to a higher place.

But we can look to the future with optimism because with Christ in our heart, we are highly favored. God will show the way to face our situations and protect us in complex matters of life. We can be bold and expect direction from God to take care during times of worry or troubles. We can change from the inside out as we gain experience for the future and always know things will get better. With Christ in our heart, there is eternity to look forward to and it only gets better each day.

This day with You Lord, we can forget the past without a trace. By accepting Christ as Savior, we receive grace and You will bless. Sometimes we face impossible odds but we can hold on to Your promises. Your favor will change the direction of our future so we can overcome the enemies we face with confidence. Amen.

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Sorting Out Priorities and Planning

Connect the dots and internalize the guiding principles taught by Christ by getting the guidance needed and planning out each day.

Hope this poem has inspired you as we set up priorities and plan for the upcoming year. Have a Happy New Year!

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The Benefits of Kindness

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. – Proverbs 11:17

We are placed many times throughout life into difficult circumstances. The enemy is constantly plotting to get us off track but we can trust God to overrule our circumstances and there are friends to help along the way.

So take inspiration from songs like Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and knowledge from post like “Friendships”. As the song says, in striving to make a climb and making it to the top, stay humble and kind. Then help the next one in line.

Index of devotionals

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Friendships

Friendships are important and as we go through life, what we help make happen for others is a truly rewarding experience. If we are kind and encourage others in difficult circumstances, they will return this kindness and encouragement by helping us through our life challenges.

This thought is brought out in 1 Samuel 20 as Jonathan’s friendship with David was remarkable as he would do whatever David wanted him to do (v. 4). He showed kindness toward David and helped to protect David from his father who wanted to kill David.

We are placed many times throughout life into difficult circumstances. The enemy is constantly plotting against us but we can trust God to overrule our circumstances and there are friends that can help along the way. Just like Jonathan who helped David when Saul was going to kill him by being kind enough to work a plan with David so that a signal could be given to David if in fact Saul was going to kill David.

Jonathan and David worked together against the plot of Saul by setting him up. They found out Saul’s true attitude towards David after David did not attend the New Moon feast. Saul was furious that David did not attend and he didn’t accept the story from Jonathan that David had left to go to Bethlehem for a family gathering.

Caring about others gives life true significance and there’s no better example than when Jonathan was there as a friend for David. Jonathan couldn’t have peace and joy until there was peace and joy for David too!

This day with You God, we see that kindness is personal like You who are merciful. Sometimes we are helpless to our enemies but we have a friend in You that is thoughtful and helpful. You are caring and never overbearing. For You gave Your Son for us so we can have eternal peace and joy.

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Guided by Truth

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. –  Psalm 25:4-5

Noted in the post “The Way of Truth” was that David’s life was in danger but he prayed and followed the Truth of God. The Truth keeps us going in the right direction and is obtained by what we practice and not by what we profess; therefore live according to the true principles of God to receive protection and be blessed beyond what can be imagined.

As pointed out in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, be guided by the ONE True God and like He did for David, God will give you protection from your blindside.

Index of devotionals

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