a word in due time

 So the verse whispered day before yesterday is clear; : "nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, BECAUSE thou has left thy first love" (Rev 2.4)

Then, this morning, while meditating, before daylight the following was pointed out from that gentle urging that is the Holy Ghost; "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after;...to behold the beauty of the Lord, AND to enquire in His temple." (Ps 27.4)

How do these two verses apply to my life?  Since the eyes of my soul were opened 43 years ago, I've known His love and tried to witness and practice the same.  His love, is the "first  love."  The only authentic way to live is thru His love, Name and ways.  All else, according to the Wise Preacher, is "vanity."

1. So, the charge is that I've "left...(the) first love." My reaction? Humbly repent and say "amen."  (I Jn 1.9) My action? get back to the simple, pure, satisfying spirit I once knew. (I Jn 2.29)  Many other verses may be given but these will do.
2. Then, direction is given to get back to "thy first love." It seems the Psalmist was troubled about enemies. Those dearest to him had "forsaken" him.  What would restore the peace he once knew?  As read in this passage he was to "seek after" the Lord and when doing so would "behold the beauty of the Lord."  

While reading this Psalm I was listening to a preacher from Wales, England.  He was preaching about John the Baptist in the wilderness from Matthew 3.  What could be learned in the wilderness? One thought struck true, "He was in isolation for preparation."  This is the man the Lord chose to present the Lord Jesus to the world.  In order for his soul, body, mind and heart to be prepared for such a lofty calling, God isolated him in the wilderness.  He was stripped of any outside distractions whilst he meditated, listened and pondered what God wanted from him. As you read this passage you see, it worked!

Tomorrow may be the answer I've waited on for nearly four months.  By God's marvelous grace I will continue to "seek" and wait that I may "see the beauty of the Lord."  Stay tuned...

Still struggling, still waiting...

 This is my online diary.  I will share thoughts but no revealing details.  

Currently, no devotionals seem to penetrate my heart.  The change that took place on June 2 has not resolved.  I feel peaceful, mostly, but disturbed the change has not resolved.  Almost four months of waiting on an answer from heaven and wondering if maybe, I missed the Lord's direction. I stepped out in faith on June 2 but thought I should choose the next direction.  So, far there has been no urging or leadership.

The last thing remembered from daily devotionals is Elijah "waiting by the brook Kidron."  In I Kings 17 the prophet was told to wait by the brook and the Lord sent ravens to feed him there.  So, he was fed and watered whilst he waited.  The brook dried up, the prophet moved on and came to a widow woman "gathering sticks" to make bread for a last meal before she and her son would starve and die. However, this is another lesson in the Lord providing for His child.  

The prophet instructed this widow woman to make  "make me a cake first."  Seems a little self-centered but the faithful, humble mother did as she was asked.

The result? the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail,

So, I am waiting, fed and watered (spiritually at GBC) until the Lord moves me from the change than began June 2.

Preserved or Pickled?

"the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went " (2 Sam 8.6, 14)

Sour as Vinegar

Sweet as Sugar

The boy shepherd chosen (I Sam 16) to replace Israel's first King.  A King who lost the Kingdom because of his stubborn, willful ways.  Began Humble, ended defeated because of his attitude.

David's background:

    Early Life as a Shepherd:

David's initial role is that of a shepherd, tending his father's flock in Bethlehem. This involved not only physical labor but also facing dangers like lions and bears, which he recounts to King Saul.
    Lessons Learned:
David's time as a shepherd is portrayed as formative. He learns bravery, integrity, and reliance on God's protection, which he later applies in his battles and leadership.
    From Shepherd to King:
God uses David's experience as a shepherd to prepare him for his future role as king of Israel. This transition is highlighted in 2 Sam 7:8, where God speaks of taking David from the sheep pen to be prince over Israel.

The truth of all one reads of King David, regardless of some bad decisions from which he repented, is sweetness and humility with the strength and integrity expected of a King. In 2 Samuel 9, after many battles, it seems the King is weary.  He has buried his friends and taken care of his family.  He begins to reminisce in 2 Sam 9 of how things use to be.  His heart longs for the happy, quiet, peaceful days just beyond his boyhood.  The King loved him.  The King's son was his best friend.  Where did it all go?

Instead of getting bitter about all the loss, he discovers the whereabouts of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth.  He invites him to the Kings house and feeds him.  These actions bring the King much joy.

Simply put (2 Sam 9.7) indicates a broken, kind heart.  King David did not allow himself to become jaded, bitter or "pickled."  He turned his time and attention to those things that brought the most joy, helping others.  So should you, dear reader.

God bless and keep you is my prayer,

Site Moderator, Ps 57.7

Wilderness of Ziph

 

I Samuel 26.2

Then Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph,...

Geography is as important in scripture as the characters in the accounts written.

Why was Saul in the "wilderness of Ziph, which means 'flowing, overflowing, overwhelming, becoming liquid, refining, purifying, cleansing (Hebrew 2203, 2128)?" 

Ziph is also a southern town in the city of Judah.

As a side note to this location - all conflicts seem to take place in barren, deserted places.  There may be much vegetation in surrounding areas but the conflict must have uncluttered, clear view of the enemy.

The "Ziphites" or peoples in this wilderness were loyal to Saul.  For a vengeful character it would've seemed advantageous to ally with those who appeared allegiant to the jealous King.

It is a given that King Saul knew of this allegiance. This is why he was in the "wilderness of Ziph."

Before the "why," let us discover the "where."

David remained in the hill country of this wilderness whilst escaping the vengeance of King Saul.  He would've been protected by many caves and hills which would've obscured the view of the vengeful King.  

The wilderness of Ziph was approximately 21 miles south of Jerusalem.  Jersualem, as bible students would note, would eventually be called "the city of David." David's birthplace was roughly 5 miles south of Jerusalem.  

David's conflicts with the King are all around the city from where he will eventually reign.  Sovereignty at work.  

God will sends these conflicts to give us  "the expected end." (Jer 29.11)

Now a little "why."

God also sends these difficulty's to conform us to His will - not our own. (Rom 12.2, I Thes 5.18, Eph 5.17, Jms 4.15)

In the life of every believer, challenge and conflict must come, yea will come.

Yet, even before there was a Romans 12:19-20, "Vengence is mine, saith the Lord," David understood, especially with his words regarding Goliath, that the "battle was the Lord's."  However, the "soft answer" (Pro 15.1) did not resolve the conflict with the current King.

So, why did they King and his esteemed young man end up in this particualar wilderness?

It appears the wilderness struggle was for David's good on his way to the throne.  The end of King Saul was destined to be failure.  He could not let go of the jealousy that drove him to seek the life of this gentle shepherd.

Again, the meaning of "the wilderness of Ziph." 

wilderness of Ziph, which means 'flowing, overflowing, overwhelming, becoming liquid, refining, purifying, cleansing 

This was clearly more of a testing and proving ground for Israel's greatest King.  David was indeed "going with the flow," though overwhelmed at times by the circumstances.  He was also in a time of refining, purifying and cleansing.  All of which would aid him in his future judgments as King.

Much analysis of the geographical location noted here.  Rugged, dry, barren.  Does your life seem this way sometimes?

However, as a believer do you understand the Lord's plan in your life?  Maybe not but you can rest assured He has one.  There is a purpose and plan in the life of every believer, no matter the conflicts, struggles, jealousy and vengeance of the enemy.  

The reward?  Peace (Jn 14.27) in knowing there is joy in the journey as well as the end of the journey.

David saw many victory's on his way to the throne.  Our "throne," of course is heaven and we know this hope (I Pet 1.3-4) and depend upon Him for it.

Believer, do not despair or quit in this "wilderness."  You will make it, "all the way home."

In His blessed Name,

Site Moderator

Jealousy - what will you do with it?