"Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

It was during David’s time as a fugitive that he and his warriors returned to Ziklag.  In desperation David had sought protection from the Philistines. (I Samuel 27:1-7)  Achish, the Philistine ruler, gave David Ziklag for a place to dwell.  Ultimately, David’s alliance with the Philistines disintegrated because of growing suspicion.  Being discharged from the Philistine army, David and his men returned to Ziklag.

Instead of being welcomed by their wives and children they found the city destroyed.  A raiding band of Amalekites had retaliated against David, invaded the city and taken the women and children hostage.  The sorrow of David’s six-hundred soldiers soon turned to anger against their captain.

Is it not often the case with those in distress to seek relief by venting their anger upon the innocent?  Had not David led them into battle and left the women and children unprotected?  Is he to blame?  By now David is surely accustomed to such rejection – rejected by family, by Saul, and now by his army.

Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience.  Those who we thought we could trust fail us, discourage us, or abandon us.  Life can be full of disappointments – loss of family or property or threat of danger.  When we become aware of our helpless state two possible choices are before us.

But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)  True faith is best expressed in moments when it seems like life is reduced to ashes.  David encouraged himself by directing his thoughts toward God, inquiring of the Lord, and obeying His will.  

Through the Lord our strength is renewed and confidence inspired.  The reason is obvious: only God is all-sufficient – a God of consolation and comfort.

By George Slover

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. (Psalms 100:4-5)

This simple praise Psalm has been a favorite of mine for a long time.  It has been used to help me prepare my mind for worship.  Consider some of its important features.

There are two parts to this Psalm.  The first section is (vs. 1-4) an exhortation to praise.  Section two supplies (vs. 3-5) the reason for this exhortation.  Then, intertwined in the context are some important details about praising God.

The first section (vs.1-4) calls for “all ye lands” to offer their thanksgiving to God.  Such praise is to be done heartily, with a joyful shout. (vs.11)  This is to be a cheerful activity.  It is accepted when the worshiper is aware of God’s presence (vs.2).  The psalmist calls upon those involved to intelligently acknowledge who God is (vs.3) and to come before Him with gratitude (vs.4).  This praise is to be offered frequently and in His “gates” and “court”.

In section two (vs. 3-5) the reason for such devotion is grounded in the nature of God, for Jehovah is God (Elohim) – thus, he is the only one worthy of worship.  He is our Creator (vs.3).  He has graciously called upon us to be His people (vs.3).  That we might be drawn to worship him, the Psalmist reminds us of God’s “goodness” (vs.5) from which flows his “mercy” (vs.5) and “truth” (faithfulness).  And that we might have greater confidence in him, God’s mercy and truth are constant in every change of life and extended to all generations.

God is so good.  He will save any who will come to Him through Christ. Therefore, be thankful and speak well of God’s name.

By George Slover


 

"So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words which the LORD has said we will do." (Exodus 24:3)

The giving of the Book of the Covenant now completed, Moses descends from the mountain and declares it to the people.  (vs.1-3)  When the people heard they expressed a willingness to obey: "All the words which the LORD has said we will do."  Moses takes the blood and sprinkles half of it on the altar and half of it on the people and their acceptance of the covenant is complete.

Upon this occasion God accepted the accolades of Israel.  With the altar and sprinkling of blood, God provided a means by which Israel could be reminded to make good on their promise.  Unfortunately, Israel would prove to be a fickle people and soon forget their commitment to Jehovah.

The fickleness of Israel has been often repeated by others.  One has good intentions, but often fails to follow through.  He is torn by emotions that draw him in one direction and his reason which draws him in another.  Thus, one will make promises, as Israel did at Sinai, but when the emotion of the moment is gone and life gets ordinary and dull, he finds his pledge hard to keep.

The gospel of Christ demands commitment.  We are not just saved to be saved (Romans 12:1,2), but we are saved to serve.  God demands implicit faith committed to righteousness rather than sin.  (Romans 6:18)  All too often the new convert on the day of baptism start with lofty goals, but will soon drop out of the race.  

Like Israel God has implemented ways to remind the Christian of his initial commitment.  The Lord’s Supper is our memorial of Christ, should rekindle our spirits. (I Corinthians 11:23-29)  The word is designed to stir us up. (II Peter 3:1,2) God’s people should provoke us to love and good works.  (Hebrews 10:24,25)  

So when our life ends will we be among those who followed through or among those who failed?  Take up the tools God gave you, keep the heart burning for Christ, and one day you will reap the rewards.

George Slover 



 

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over." (Psalms 23:5)

God has promised to meet our every need.  The Psalmist acknowledges that because “the Lord is his shepherd” that “he will not want”, i.e. he will lack in nothing.  Even though the poet has enemies (vs. 5), they are powerless to remove the joyful peace of fellowship with God.

When we are lacking in such areas it is not due to failure on God’s part, but a lack of diligence on our part.  Jesus said,   “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”  (Matthew 5:6)  We become so satisfied with the mundane offerings of this world, we fail to pursue the greater spiritual joys.  

How often have we been too busy to pray or too distracted to engage in daily Bible reading, or too lazy to assemble with God’s people, or too timid to share God’s word with a friend?  All of these are simple avenues authorized by God through which one can be richly blessed.  Our failure to receive such joy is due to our spiritual apathy.

It is time to let go and trust God fully. So many doors of opportunity are given to us each day.  Turn off the television, put aside that fiction novel, and let the yard wait until tomorrow.  Do not worry about the possible inconveniences and discomforts.  When you are finished God will bless you more than you thought possible!

George Slover
 

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, "who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46) The kingdom of heaven is like a business man seeking rare gems.  One day he stumbles upon a stone of incomparable value.  Although this gem is costly, this merchant, without regret sells out to purchase it.  This new jewel is the most significant thing in his life.  It is a source of great joy! This precious gem represents the rule of God in the hearts of people.  It is a stone unrivaled in beauty and value. Christ, the king possesses qualities of excellence like none other.  He not only offers the advantage of future promises, but of present attractions.  There is no joy on earth so pure and strong as that which springs from fellowship with God.  This is the pearl of great price! Jesus plainly stated that his kingdom was not like earthly kingdoms. (John 18:36)  This kingdom does not come with observation, but rather lives and grows inside of human beings. (Luke 17:21)  Among its citizens is a tax collector (Luke 5:27), a half-breed that had five husbands (John 4:1-29), and a thief (Luke 23:32-43) who graciously accepted God’s grace and forgiveness.  Allegiance to the king would embolden some of his followers to die a martyr’s death just like the Savior.  Self-denial is a pre-requisite to citizenship in this kingdom.  The merchant had to sell all he had acquired on this journey to buy this one pearl.  The gospel is God’s free gift; however it is not cheap and does not exclude the necessity of sacrifice on our part.  To obtain this precious pearl one must “sell out” and devote their life to this cause. Sadly, many look upon this wonderful pearl with suspicion.  They hesitate to part with anything earthly to obtain it.  They may view it as only desirable for fanatics and emotional weaklings.  However, the sacrifice to obtain it is man’s greatest investment and its end is inexpressible joy! By George Slover