Sudden reactions vs. wise counsel

In the 21st chapter of 1 Chronicles, David takes a census of Israel.  This comes about by Satan rising up against his people.  Even after Joab questions his motives for doing so, David still orders the census.  Joab does as he is told, but not completely.  He knows it is wrong and purposefully leaves out the tribes of Benjamin and Levi.

God is displeased by this.  So much so that He gives David a choice: three years of famine, three months of losing war against his enemies, or three days of a severe plague.  David pleads for mercy.  God sends a plague.

Then, as an angel is about to destroy Jerusalem, He stops the angel.  David builds an altar as God orders and offers a burnt offering to the Lord.

Whenever you are faced with a sudden obstacle or have a reaction to something dramatic in your life, it is always wise to pause, seek wise counsel, and don't bow to the whims of the devil.  Don't fly off the handle like King David did when Satan came into his life.  Even though others knew it was wrong and told him so, he still didn't listen.

Have you faced any obstacles lately?  How did you handle it?  Seek wisdom in the Holy Bible.  I have done so many times and am amazed every single time when I come across a Scripture that seemed to be written, just for me, at just that time.

Shout praises of joy to the Lord

Psalm 47 may be short with 9 verses, but it is filled with joyous praises to the Lord.

This Psalm is full of action.  We clap our hands, shout with joy, trumpets are blaring, and all to honor the glorious power of God.

God has done so much for his people.  He has destroyed our enemies, given us the Promised Land, has immense pride toward His people.

God is truly the King of all Kings!

The downside of assumptions

In the book of 1 Chronicles, chapters 19 and 20, we see what is the epitome of why one does not assume a truth without facts as well as the wisdom in seeking counsel.

In the beginning of chapter 19, the Ammonite king died and his son became king.  King David sent messengers to express his deepest sympathy as the former king was very loyal to him.

The ambassadors were then confronted by the new king's soldiers as King Hanun received bad advice from his commanders.  They told him that the ambassadors from Israel were spies and David wanted to conquer their land.  The ambassadors were shaved, had their robes cut, and then sent back to Israel in shame.

King David was furious and gathered up his armies.  The Ammonites heard of this and also prepared.  In the end, King David's armies, led by Joab and under the supreme guidance of God, were victorious as the others ran away.

King Hanun's downfall was listening only to his military commanders, who were under the assumption that the Israelites were only there to conquer their lands.  Hanun should have also consulted with his wise advisors.

At times of uncertainty, remain calm and seek God's wisdom.

David's great victories

In chapter 18, from the book of 1 Chronicles, King David and his army attacked and defeated many of their enemies.  Even allies of their enemies were defeated.

And all of his victories were made possible by the Lord.

King Toi of Hamath tried repeatedly to defeat one of Israel's enemies, and when he heard of King David's victory, he sent many gifts of gold, silver, and bronze.  David dedicated the gifts for use in worship to the Lord God.

King David ruled all over Israel, and he was fair and just.  He appointed many who were loyal to him and the Lord to high positions.

Don't ask what the church can do for you

John F. Kennedy famously said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

I urge you to have the same mindset toward the church and the Lord.

Ask not what the Lord and the church can do for you, ask what you can do for the Lord and the church.

Although God loves when we ask for His beloved guidance, we do need to have a servant attitude and ask what He wants us to do.

Many people define Christianity based on a certain church leader or church.  Churches are made up of people.  Church leaders are people.  And people have flaws.  We should never worship them.  We should only worship God and His Son Jesus.  If you find a certain leader or church to be a "bit off" before casting a wide net and tossing it all away in pursuit of a less than noble cause, ask God if there is something you can do.  It could be that God is pushing you to do something.

Take time for Scriptures, even in times of crisis

On July 16th, my wife was taken by ambulance to the ER.  This was the second time in less than two months that she rode in an ambulance to the ER.

In 2011, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.  She remains cancer-free to this day, but the remnants of graft vs. host from her stem cell transplant has caused great havoc on her.  This year has been no exception, but has been the most she's undertaken since 2011.

Long story short, she got sepsis and was in the hospital then rehab for almost three weeks.  She is currently at home, but needs a walker to assist with walking.  Oh, and she's been legally blind since late 2011.  Another unfortunately effect of GVH.

A few weeks ago, a lady in our church came up to me and discussed my wife.  This lady also went through leukemia the same time as my wife, but didn't experience many of the complications with GVH.  As she put it, "She has gone through more than anyone else should be allowed to."

Throughout all this, it's easy to get distracted and ignore Scriptures.  Don't.  Now is when they are needed, during times of crisis.  In fact, reading Scriptures are needed all the time, no matter what is happening.  You can't believe (okay, maybe you can) the amount of times I've been feeling down or facing some crisis, whether at home or at work, and have read just the right Scripture at the right time.  That is how God, His Beloved Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit work.  It's amazing how it all works out.

Even a small prayer can bring big results

I've noticed lately that praying is a lot like exercising.  Certainly, you can have big workouts, spending hours and hours in the gym.  But the best results are small improvements, a little here and a little there.

Okay, maybe exercising isn't the best analogy.  But getting in the habit of praying is vitally important.

My wife has spent the past two weeks in the hospital, recovering from sepsis.  Act Fast, all of the medical websites say.  Needless to say, I've been praying for her recovery as well as the care of the nurses, doctors, aides, and other hospital personnel.

Also, before walking into a meeting a work, I find myself praying for strength.  For myself.  Also, when I see someone in need, whether large or small, I say a little prayer for them.

Make praying a habit.  Even a small prayer, from deep in your heart, can make all the difference.