May 01, 2020: SOAP #3802:  1Chronicles 14, 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

Scripture:  1Chronicles (NIV) 14:13 Once more the Philistines raided the valley; 14 so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go straight up, but circle round them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the LORD made all the nations fear him.

Observation:  The LORD protected David by interacting with the thoughts of the nations around Israel.  With their eyes they saw David’s victory and with their ears they heard of David’s victory.  Then God directed their thoughts that they should respect and fear David.

Why would God do this?  A look at verse 16 shows that David respected God.  He listened to what God had to say and he obeyed God.  He did as God commanded him.

Application:   Obedience to God and respect from people; these two thoughts go together.  If I want people to respect me, I need to respect God.   Having God make people respect me starts with me respecting God!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, moment by moment throughout each day show me how I can respect you. Honoring your word by reading it, obeying the inclinations in my heart placed there by the Holy Spirit, doing what I believe will bring you joy.  I want you to be glad that I am your child.  I want you to know, and others around me to know, that I am honored to be your child.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!