Refuge in an Unlikely Place

1Samuel 27:1

 

1And David said in his heart, "Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines, and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand."

 

David was not yet king but because his destiny was already determined by God, King Saul was furious. David was faithful in his service to King Saul, not wavering nor faltering in his loyalty. Yet, because God determined and established David's destiny, Saul was jealous and to the point of rage that he would lose his place to the young warrior, musician David. Saul thought that if he killed David, he could keep his throne. But throne was not his, it belonged to God who had the final say on who would lead His people. David's destiny was not what he planned but what God planned. And for it David had to flee continuously to keep from being killed. David was tired of running, especially knowing he did nothing wrong. But to seek refuge in the camp of a known enemy of Israel?! Do you remember David defeating Goliath? Did you know Goliath was a Philistine? David not only sought refuge in an unlikely place but he was there for one year and four months as the Word says. That is a long time. David figured that Saul would grow tired of looking for him in Israel. Saul knew where David was but he dared not to enter his enemy's camp just retrieve David to kill him. That would've been a suicide mission. God had already turned His hand from Saul. David was able to live in this unlikely place to the point that he went to war with other lands on behalf of the Philistine king. It was not until the princes of the land were overcome with jealousy that the king of Philistine had to send David on his way to keep the peace in his own land.

 

What can you learn from this? You may find yourself in an unlikely place seeking refuge. And God's hand can still be with you. God has already determined your destiny but like Saul, there may be people around you not happy about it. Their intent may be to harm you but God is your refuge, no matter where you are, even in an unlikely place. You may even find that God has extended favor upon you through one who by the world's standards should be against you. But God!

Even in Laughter

Proverbs 14:13

 

13Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief.

 

It is very naïve to think that one who laughs and smiles has no grief. Laughter may even be how someone handles the most uncomfortable or hurtful situations because they dare not cry or simply may be tired of shedding tears. Mirth is defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as gladness accompanied with laughter.  We are in the holiday season where many gather in celebration. They put on a smile and laugh. But do you know their sorrow? Do you know their grief? Do you know their pain? Many have lost loved one and the holiday season is a reminder of the ones they lost. For some, their homes are not as happy as they used to be. And for others, it could be yet another grief. Do you really know the people with whom you gather? Do you really know the pains they have endured? Have you been there during their grief or do you only their laughter? Can you be trusted to share in their sorrow as well as their laughter? Jesus is one with whom you can trust both your sorrow and your laughter. He was born in the most unpleasant of circumstances during this season. And He died in the most unpleasant of circumstances, yet He lives. And He, as our Heavenly Father, has a great sense of humor. Laughter in spite of sorrow and grief shows signs of strength, resilience and perseverance not in oneself but in Christ to carry them through.

P.S. You can purchase books for the holiday season at www.getyourjoyinthemorning.com or wherever books are sold.

Partnering in Your Own Downfall

Proverbs 29:24

 

Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life, he swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

 

What's the problem with a thief? They can't be trusted. No matter how many promises are made, no matter how many guarantees they provide, the thief will ALWAYS look out for their own best interest. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines a thief as someone who steals, especially secretly. Thieves take what doesn't belong to them. Anyone who knows me knows I love mystery films and shows. One of my favorite mystery sleuths growing up was the fictional character, Charlie Chan. God brought to my remembrance an episode of Charlie Chan I saw a few months ago. There was a thief who was angry with Charlie Chan because he had been caught stealing a lot of money. He escaped during his trial and became a fugitive. He made his way to a man who owned a wax museum as a cover but really specialized in remaking/surgically changing faces of criminals so they could hide in broad daylight. This particular infamous fugitive made all kinds of promises to the doctor/wax museum owner. The doctor/wax museum owner conspired with the thief to murder Charlie Chan. Essentially the thief "turned" on the doctor at an opportune time.

 

What's the point? Just as King Solomon said, anyone who partners with a thief hates his own life. The thief doesn't care about you and the fact that you partner with the thief says you don't care about you either. The thief will never give you their motives, their strategies and their ultimate goal.  You are simply a pawn in their game and whatever happens to you is of no consequence to them. The thief will sell you down the river to the highest bidder. So again, why partner with a thief? You are not just a partner in crime but in your own downfall often left to take the fall. Have you heard the saying, "there is no honor among thieves?" It's true, there isn't.

Let it Be

Proverbs 20:3

 

It is honorable for a man to stop striving since any fool can start a quarrel.

 

As many family and friends are gathering this day to give thanks, celebrate and be filled with great food and even the tradition of football for those in the U.S., many personalities will mingle. In doing so, not all have the same ideas and views. Please remember that your desire to "be right" or have the "most correct view" at the dinner table ought not be so excessive and self-seeking. Your age, your lifestyle and experience need not be presented in an offensive way but rather be conscious of your words. Please remember that you must be respectful of everyone's opinion and feelings when expressed. Please remember that the word says that pride goes before the fall. You may prove to be correct in an idea but at the point that it causes strife and/or leaves a bad taste in the mouths of many in the room means being wrong in how you have stirred confusion and discord. The word says that God is not the author of confusion. Thanksgiving is to be a peaceful, happy and joyous time. Let it be so.

 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Working it Out

1Timothy 5:24-25

 

The apostle Paul cautioned the young minister Timothy, who was his son in the ministry to be careful about receiving accusations of any kind against the elders or leaders. With that being said, Paul also made it known that the "sins of some are clearly evident...but those of some men follow later." We have learned a lot in the public eye about those considered to be icons both in the church and in Hollywood over the last years. I am not saying it is not true nor am I saying it is true. The word says that what is done in the dark shall be brought to light. So just because no one sees doesn't mean God can't see. Just because no one else hears doesn't mean God doesn't hear. I saw a segment about a documentary this week of some of the young men of Hollywood who had been sexually abused throughout their early careers. The self-destruction that I speak of in my book, "Shh Don't Tell" followed some of these young men who are now no longer. Living with the intolerable pain without help bears an unyielding weight.  It was like a secret society of "that's what we do." One thing is clear, the young man who was responsible for the documentary said like many childhood survivors, he felt like he had no voice. It is a horrible thing for something of that nature to be committed and to feel, believe and know that no one will believe or hear you because of another's "status."  One of the Hollywood abusers served time for his offenses as a case was launched against him. Other men from Hollywood who had survived gave their interviews as well.

 

The word also says in Matthew 5 that if you are making an offering to Christ and know someone has something against you, then you ought to address it with that person. Going before God as with clean hands without a clean heart is not right. And to the other, keeping silent about offenses without it being addressed can harbor a spirit of bitterness. And bitterness is not of God. Bitterness can become as a wrath against others when not addressed. It may not even be done consciously but sub-consciously. Whether it was committed against you or you are the offender, address the issue, apologize, forgive and work on not continuing in the offenses so that you may live in peace. Forgiveness is a difficult thing to do as my dear pastor has preached on but is necessary. So is admitting that you have committed the offense. There is humility in admitting as my dear sister has spoken of in class in church.

The Greatest Miracle

Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1-2:7, 1Peter 2:21-24, 1John 4:7-11

 

 

One of the sure signs of Christmas is the Christmas tree. Many get excited about Christmas with song, food, and gifts under the tree. But some gifts are too big for the Christmas tree and require a miracle. One of my favorite Christmas films of all time is Miracle on 34th Street. The film stars the late Natalie Wood as Suzie. Suzie is a lovely child who unfortunately doesn't take much pleasure in being a child because her mother, Ms. Walker, is doused with the wall of bitterness over love and a marriage gone wrong. Teaching Suzie to see things from the "adult" point of view is Ms. Walker's way of protecting Suzie from ever being hurt. Meanwhile a man, Mr. Galey, who is smitten over Ms. Walker spends the movie trying to find the key to unlock Ms. Walker's heart. He figures Suzie is the key. He enlists help from Kris Kringle (Santa Claus) to do it. Suzie spends more time with Kris Kringle as well. To make a long story short, Suzie wants to believe that Kris Kringle is Santa Claus but the only way she will believe is if a big gift is under the tree. It's a gift that not even Ms. Walker knows about. Just when Suzie gives up hope, she finds out that hope is not lost. And her gift was delivered. It was just too big to fit under the tree. By this time, Mr. Galey had unlocked the door to Ms. Walker's heart by being there for her when she needed him. She needed to believe in love again and Suzie needed to be able to be free from the constraints of her mother's anguish in order to be a child.

 

What's the point of this story and what does it have to do with the scripture references? Santa Claus is not real but Jesus is. The miracle of His birth set us on a path. Jesus died on the tree and rose again so you and I can experience many big miracles. The greatest miracle is that of love. Truthfully, it's the real point of Miracle on 34th Street. Love and good will. People give gifts during this holiday season but the greatest gift ever is love, good will and your time. Jesus suffered so you and I can experience God's everlasting love, healing and power all under the tree also known as the cross. The greatest miracle you're in need of really isn't under the Christmas tree. The greatest gift is a miracle that can't be bought in a store because there is no price tag that would ever be enough. The greatest gift and miracle is Christ and through Him is love. The word says that love never fails. It doesn't. What are you giving this Christmas? What will you receive? Is it the miracle of love?

At the Table

Proverbs 15:17

 

17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.

 

The custom of "breaking bread" or eating with someone was indeed a big deal. Once you broke bread with someone it was seen as a sign of friendship. Often, when followers of Christ pray over food in the company of others they "thank God" for "the time of fellowship." Fellowship as defined in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary is 1) the condition of friendly relationship existing among persons 2) a community of interest or feeling 3) a group with similar interests. But to King Solomon's point, everyone does not share your similar interests, feelings or friendliness. Do you know why the disciples were so appalled when Jesus said the one who would betray Him dipped their bread from the same bowl? Because dining with someone and then doing evil against them was indeed seen as an ultimate betrayal. With whom are you dining with at the table? Someone eating from the same table with you may not mean you well. Just because the meal is big and looks to be done with graciousness may not be so. The NKJV Study Bible states, "Lavish hospitality is not necessarily an indication of goodwill. Behind the stimulating conversation of a good hostess may lie ulterior motives. A simple meal with love, honesty, and true fellowship is far better..."

 

"Let's go eat,"  "let's do lunch" or "let's do dinner" are common phrases used in our times now. However, have you considered with whom you are dining? Do you know whether the person with whom you dine cares about your well-being? Do you know whether with whom you dine supports you? Do you know whether with whom you dine sees you as a friend or simply an opportunity? Hospitality is to be a gift. Providing a meal is to be a way of making someone feel loved, welcomed and cared for. Ask God to show you if someone is perverting the gift of hospitality in order to plot against you or simply does not truly care about you. We are unfortunately living in a time period as the word says where men are lovers of themselves and are self-seeking. True hospitality is always done with the spirit of love. And we know the word says that God is love. And to know love is to know God.
 

P.S. You can purchase books for the holiday season at www.getyourjoyinthemorning.com or wherever books are sold.