Pressure

Word
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabas to them. He had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified. —Mark 15:15

Observation
What a weak man this Pilate was being influenced by a small band of Jews to kill someone!? I mean, he's supposed to be some kind of Roman hard case that does the bidding of Rome, not this little group of people with no ability to hurt him.

Gosh, that seems like the right view, but turn the tables on myself and it's scary how much I've been like Pilate.

Revelation
That phrase, "Wanting to satisfy the crowd" just stings me deep. Even now, in my Christian walk, I've been guilty of this same thing. It seems so easy to criticize Pilate for his actions that day, but the truth of the matter is that I and other Christians alike, wanting to "satisfy the crowd" have denied Christ before men. For whatever reason, whether it was embarrassment, fear of being ostracized, or whatever the case, we've succumbed to peer pressure; so worried about our own self that we don't stop to think that we're flogging Jesus all over again. We're handing him over to be crucified so that we can maintain a certain disposition before our friends, family...our crowd. So many times I've been given the opportunity to release Jesus in me, but instead released the criminal. My loyalty is to God in Heaven, not to a small group of people on this earth. I don't want to be influenced by my surroundings, but instead by the Holy Spirit.

Devotion
I want Jesus to be released in my life, free to do His Will. Lord, help me keep the criminal in shackles, bound up, while Christ goes free to heal the sick through me, mend broken hearts through me, and spread the miraculous Word of His testimony through me. Amen.

Jell-O Faith

Word
He put garrisons throughout Edom and all the Edomites became subject to him. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. —II Samuel 8:14

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed; for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. —Psalm 21:11-12

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. —Mark 13:13

Observation
My observation is simple I think; if you're on God's side then you'll be victorious, but oppose Him and death isn't far away. David was a mighty king, but he knew where he got his victory. He loved the Lord and kept his commandments, and so it says the Lord gave David victory wherever he went. And just as the Psalm says, the men of this world are plotting evil schemes against Jesus and His followers. We will be and already are hated because of Him, but if I remain faithful until the end I will be victorious like David.

Revelation
The key to victory with the Lord is the faith I have in Him. The perseverance to suffer in His name until death is what will set me apart and keep me safe from the enemy and eternal death. This doesn't make sense to the world by in large because the world views suffering as failure. It can't see past this life. How awesome it is that I've been chosen of the Lord to be one of His sons, and to spread the Word of Truth. My goal after reading these scriptures is to be one of those that perseveres to the end, even to death. Not by my strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit; not by my ability to believe but by the gift of faith given to me by the Lord Himself. Faith is like Jell-O, there's always room for more!

Devotion
O God of David, O sovereign Lord of the ages, I pray that you would increase my faith a hundred fold so that I would be one of your elect, persevering to the end for you. I desire to be saved and dwelling with you in your holy place. Give me strength in my spirit to overcome this world's temptations, and more faith to suffer for your namesake. Amen.

In the Middle

Word
When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."
"There is one in Endor." they said.
So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up the one I name." — I Samuel 28:5-8

Observation
Saul gets scared, tries to talk to God, and hears nothing. Then, the same man that expelled all the spiritists and mediums from the land, results to searching for one so he can find out about what's going to happen to him. In order to do it though he has to put on different clothes and do this all at night so as not to be seen. Later in this chapter it still doesn't work out for him because Samuel, who is dead, tells him that he and his sons would be with Samuel the next day.

Revelation
It would be so easy for me to sit here in judgment of Saul right now. I mean he goes against his own commands and asks a medium to conjure up a spirit because he so desperately needs to know what was going to happen. But the fact of the matter is that I have been guilty in this way many times. I've never consulted mediums or spiritists, but I've definitely tried handling things my way in my own flesh rather than the right way with the Lord. This much I'll give Saul; he at least first consulted the Lord before doing the other. I don't even do that. I think lots of Christians try handling a problem in our own strength, and when that doesn't work we make prayer to the Lord our last resort. I can't count how many times I've been sick and gone to the doctor for meds and help, and when nothing worked I'd say, well I just need to pray. What! That should've been the first thing on the list!

It is telling, however, that when Saul went to meet the medium he had to take of his kingly attire and put on commoner clothing. He had to operate in the darkness so that no one would see. Too many times in my past I used this same method. By day a Christian [or maybe just on Sundays] and by night I shed my Christ-like clothing and put on the clothing of the world; operating in the darkness thinking no one could see what I was doing. But someone could see; Jesus saw every move I made.

The moral of this for me is that just because God doesn't answer me immediately doesn't give me license to try dark methods of the world to get my answer. Saul wasn't looking for the answer though; he was looking to be told what he wanted to hear. And even when he tried an evil method, he still was given the grim news of his death the next day.

Devotion
Lord, I want to be a David not a Saul. I pray that I never take off the priestly garments you've adorned me with as your son and minister so that I can "play" in the world. Give me faith and tenacity to push through when at first I don't hear your voice. I know you're there and will answer me in your good timing. Amen

My Oath

Word
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? —Psalm 15:1

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...[he] who keeps his oath even when it hurts — Psalm 15:4

Observation
The question is basically, "Who gets to live with God?" There are several answer/statements within this scripture, but verse four I found particularly interesting. You get to dwell with the Lord if you're the kind of person that keeps to your word even if it causes pain. Saying it is apparently not enough; it's the doing, the sticking to it that matters.

Revelation
The obvious is that if I say I'm going to do something, be somewhere, etc., then I should not break my commitment even to the extent that it will hurt me. I am SO guilty of this personally. I've made appointments and then I either wanted to do something else, or just got distracted and forgot. I suppose not getting to do what I want is *sort of* painful, but what about things that really hurt? Say I'm supposed to speak to the youth group. I've given my word that I'll do it, but at the last moment my head starts to hurt and I feel achy. Should I be excused from my obligation? According to this scripture the answer is a clear 'no'.

I also, however, believe in grace, and that certain situations arise and that sometimes it's impossible to make an appointment or keep to a word. Maybe I said I'd head up the men's breakfast, but my wife goes into labor that morning. I'm going to go to the hospital and be with my wife, and hope and pray my brothers will have grace and mercy on me.

But, in Matthew 5:37 Jesus said "...let your 'yes' be your 'yes' and your 'no', 'no'." I believe it's two fold what happens when we adhere to this: 1) we get to dwell with the Lord, and 2) we reinforce our testimony before men and strengthen our integrity. I don't think I just get respect, but I earn it. How can this be accomplished if I'm constantly making oaths and breaking them? Can't happen

This also makes me think of Christ and how he made a promise to save us from our sins. He kept His oath, as painful and agonizing at it was, even up to death. He never wavered, but followed through. I hope that when the day comes and my oath I've made to the Lord is on the table I will keep it even in the midst of my pain.

Devotion
Lord, make me a man of honor and integrity. I want to dwell with you on your holy hill. May I be like you and keep my word even when it hurts. Amen.

Down for the Count

Word
When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors." he inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?"
The Lord answered him, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah." – I Samuel 23:1-2

Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, "God has handed him over to me, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars. – I Samuel 23:7

"Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant."
And the Lord said, "He will."
Again David asked, "Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?"
And the Lord said, "They will." – I Samuel 23:11-12

Observation
So here David, running from Saul hears of an attack on a city by Philistines and rides out to save them. In doing so, word gets to Saul where he is located and he rides out to capture David. When David hears of this, he asks God if this is true and if the people of the town will hand them over to Saul. The Lord tells him "Yes." so David and his men bolt.

Two observations from this passage of scripture; the first is the difference in David and Saul, both anointed by the Lord. Even in the midst of being chased by a vengeful king, David still goes to the aid of another. But he DID NOT do so without first inquiring of the Lord. This is in stark contrast to Saul, who when he is told of David's whereabouts in Keilah just assumes God's on his side and takes off without inquiring of Him to kill David and his men.

My second and more disturbing observation is that, after saving Keilah, David receives word that Saul is headed his way. Once again David inquires of the Lord and is informed by God that the very people he just risked his life to save will hand him over to Saul for capture.

Revelation
Whew! I'll start from the top, because it's the easier of the two observations.

I need to be ready to fight for others and to help where I can. However, just because I see some noble cause to fight for or to aid in doesn't excuse me from first praying to the Lord and seeking His counsel. For instance, say a church member approaches me and says they are strapped for cash and really needs some help. Well, without any arrogance or pride in this statement, I'd be the first to offer up assistance. The Lord's blessed my wife and I financially so we never hesitate to help someone in need. But what if later I find out they used that money to buy alcohol, drugs, or to go to some football game instead of using it to feed their family in need? If I'd prayed first and asked God to direct me in the situation, it's highly probable I would've gotten a check in my spirit and maybe asked this person what they planned to do with it. See now I'm not only guilty of not seeking first the Kingdom, but also of not being a good steward of the money God has given me. David is called "A man after God's own heart." I believe that's because in almost every situation David sought the counsel of the Lord before he sought the advice of men.

In this same passage David had the chance to kill Saul, and was encouraged to do so by his men. But David had a connection to God. He talked to Him, and in doing so ended up having Saul more or less surrender himself to David. Prayer is our weapon against the enemy, and must be used as such!

Now, for the second observation's revelation:

Basically it seems like a real bummer. The very people David just saved would hand him right over to his enemy if given the chance. I guess that's just the way it happens in ministry and in life in general. I recently experienced this very scenario. A friend I've had for many years was moved by the Lord. I've been praying for him for a long time now and was finally getting to see the fruition of it come to pass. However, within days he turned his back on me and is no longer speaking to me. He won't return emails or calls and wants nothing to do with me. The Word says to pray for your enemies so that's exactly what I need to do for him. But darn it, it just seems like I got dumped on. I can assure you I was very disturbed and confused by the whole situation.

But like David, I simply must inquire of the Lord, seek His wisdom and then move in the direction I'm given.

I've seen this happen many times in my church to my uncle the pastor. I know my uncle. He's a man after God's heart who only seeks to help people and come to the aid of those oppressed by the enemy. And I've seen the people he's help turn and metaphorically spit in his face. I've seen this happen with my father-in-law, the pastor. He laid down his life for the flock only to have them trample him beneath their feet. Ministry sure doesn't sound fun.

It's interesting though, because this seems to parallel exactly what happened to Jesus. The very people He came to save, spit on Him, beat Him, made fun of Him, and eventually killed Him. Jesus told us not to be afraid of this. The servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Him, then they will persecute us–but it's for His namesake!

This is backwards logic to the world, but when we're stepped on and oppressed, all for Jesus, we should celebrate. What an honor to suffer for the one true King of kings!

In ministry, it's just going to happen. The very people we're trying to save will sell us out to save themselves quite often. But instead of being disturbed and upset by this, we should count it joy that we would suffer for our King.

Devotion
O Lord, I want to be like David. In any even, good or bad, I pray I would seek you first. In all things I would pray to my God and inquire of your heart before making any decision.

I also pray for my oppressors. You died for us while we were "yet in our sins", and as you hung and bled on the cross you forgave all those gathered around you. May I take up my cross and follow after you, and model my life after yours. I want to lay down my life for my fellow man, even with the knowledge that they may hand me over to die. You did, and I want to be just like you. Amen.