The Bible says that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). This requires effort on our part. That’s the thing about relationships. Both parties must make an effort for it to work. In our relationship with God, surrender and obedience is necessary. This is what proper worship is … Continue reading Making the Effort
Tag: David
Sacrifice Requires Something
Sacrifice requires something. If there’s not a something, there’s not a sacrifice. David was adamant that he would make a purchase for an offering, that it would cost him something. In 2 Samuel 24:24, we read: “But the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will … Continue reading Sacrifice Requires Something
Thoughts and Motives
The Word of God exposes our thoughts and motives. This is a scary and awesome truth. I’ve heard many people make comments like “you don’t want to know my thoughts” or “it’s a scary place inside my head.” Yet at the same time, we live expecting people to know what we are thinking and oftentimes … Continue reading Thoughts and Motives
Living with Him
In Psalm 27, David demonstrates why he is known as the man after God’s own heart. The one thing, the ONE THING, that he sought from God above all else is the privilege of living with Him. We don’t read of a grocery list of wants and desires for material things. We don’t read of … Continue reading Living with Him
Dealing with Difficult People Outline
Dealing with Difficult People – 7/23/17 Romans 12:18– Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Never Retaliate / Pray for Them 2 Samuel 16– Shimei Curses David, David doesn’t retaliate 2 Samuel 19 (Request for Justice) & 1 Kings 2 (Justice Delivered) Matthew 5:38-48 Pray for Yourself Pray for … Continue reading Dealing with Difficult People Outline
Flowery Hand Soap
I am very particular about things. Some say I have OCD, but the doctor said it is only OCD tendencies. When it comes to scents, I like to stick with vanilla and honey or like ocean mists. Typically, the flowery scents attack my nose. Today I asked my daughter to pick out two hand soaps. … Continue reading Flowery Hand Soap
How the Mighty Have Fallen
In 2 Samuel 1 we read about the death of Saul and Jonathan at the hands of the Philistines. David is told this news and he lamented. He writes this long lamentation that says “how the mighty have fallen” three times (vs. 19-27). It is such a beautiful collection of words as a tribute for … Continue reading How the Mighty Have Fallen
As an Angel
In 1 Samuel 29, we read of Achish telling David that he is “blameless in (his) sight as an angel of God.” Those are some kind words for David. Even so, the Philistines were going off to battle, but they didn’t want David to go with them. They were concerned that he would become an … Continue reading As an Angel
I Have Sinned
Everyone sins; everyone falls short (Romans 3:23). That’s the bad news. But the good news is that Christ Jesus has built a bridge over the gap that was created by sin. God is holy and He can’t stand sin—sin is anything against God. So as we sin, we are moving ourselves away from God. The … Continue reading I Have Sinned
Fill Your Horn
King Saul was told to destroy the Amalekites; he was given a command from the Lord. He disobeyed that command and God said, “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD … Continue reading Fill Your Horn
Tania Gutekunst 