– Scripture:

What is it with you? replied David. All I did was ask a question. Ignoring his brother, he turned to someone else, asked the same question, and got the same answer as before.

                     1 Samuel 17:29

– Reflection:

            David’s Character

I will start the conversation before the 29th verse of 1 Samuel 17. David asked the men standing around what the man who killed Goliath gets. David was going in here are his words from the MSG “1 Samuel 17:26
A young David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, “What’s in it for the man who kills that Philistine and gets rid of this ugly blot on Israel’s honor? Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?” His brothers thought he was way too small to be speaking so recklessly. I don’t think he was being reckless at all. He was on fire for believing in GOD and wanted to do his part.

Where do we go from here?

We all need to be on fire for GOD, just like David. Ask questions, understand who we are, and build that fire from there.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for David’s stories and the character he possessed. You have said in your word that David was a man after your own heart. It is with great care and respect that we all ask to follow some of the characteristics of your son David. In your great name, we pray, Amen.

 – Scripture:

 Jesus kept silence – not a word from his mouth. The governor was impressed, really impressed.

                     Matthew 27:11-14 MSG

 – Reflection:

            PILATE

Jesus was taken in front of Pilate, the governor of the area of Judea. I can only imagine the chaos outside, with all of the Jewish people wanting the Roman governor to handle their problem. I think of them like the world is today, telling others who you are to them without truly knowing who you are personally. Jesus was cool as a fan and didn’t waste any words on them because they had made their minds up for who he was. Pilate had every right just to let Jesus go and allow the Jewish people to have to deal with it; there would have been political problems for him, but to be known throughout history as the one who called for the execution of the Savior, that is a tough one.

Where do we go from here?

We can’t allow the world to tell us who anyone is; if we want to know who that person is, social media, tv, and other people must go away. You have to take the time to find out who that person is and decide for yourself. Listening to outside forces will only cause trauma later. I have always heard the real person is in front of you. Give them time; they will show you who they are. I have heard from people going through life trying to tell me who they were or who someone else was. I always observe the person’s character, work ethic, and desire. The heart piece can only be seen in battle, whether in-office or on-court. I decide to continue with them or move them to a box where they can’t be a problem. Pilate didn’t do that. He listened to the world because he wanted what the world had to offer more than what the GOD had for him.

          Don’t be Pilate!

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for giving us the strength to make the decisions we need to make. The world is chaos, and we understand that we are not a part of this world, but we must live here. It is our mindset and care, along with direction from you Father that will keep us safe while we walk the path that you have placed before each of us. Amen

– Scripture:

His friend said, “This has to be the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite! God has turned Midian—the whole camp!—over to him.

                     Judges 7:14 MSG

 – Reflection:

What’s in you

It’s significant that Gideon overheard what one of the enemy soldiers was saying about him in today’s Scripture. Gideon only had three hundred men in his army to fight several armies that had united against the Israelites. It seemed impossible, but when Gideon heard that, something came alive inside. That’s what convinced him to see himself as the valiant warrior that the angel had called him. He returned to camp and shouted to his men, “The Lord has given us the victory!” He knew he was well able. Even though they were greatly outnumbered, Gideon and the Israelites won the victory.

Where do we go from here?

Are you seeing yourself the right way? Sometimes the enemy knows who we are more than we know who we are. If you could hear the enemy talking about you, he’d be saying, “He or she serves the Most High God and is a valiant warrior. If they realize they are powerful, we’re no match for them.” You’re not weak or at a disadvantage. You are a mighty hero. Have you discovered what’s in you? 

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You that You see what’s in us and know what we are capable of. Thank You that You have equipped and empowered us to be strong where we feel weak and less than. We believe that we are well able to defeat the enemy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

– Scripture:

But Esau ran out to meet Jacob and embraced him, held him tight in his arms, and kissed him. And they both wept.

                            Genesis 33:4, MSG

– Reflection:

Be an Esau

As a boy, Joseph saw his uncle, Esau, forgive his father, Jacob, for stealing his birthright. After years of being estranged and angry, Esau’s very public forgiveness was an incredible act of kindness and mercy. Fast forward many years to the scene in Genesis 45 where Joseph, now Egypt’s prime minister, forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery and years in prison. He could have gotten revenge but noticed what got passed down to him from Esau—mercy, forgiveness, and kindness. What made the difference was that Esau started a blessing and modeled love and forgiveness for his family, children, and nephews.

Where do we go from here?

You may have a good reason to live offended, angry, and dysfunctional. It’s what you’ve seen done regularly in our lives people getting back at one another, or somebody did you wrong. You can be an Esau. You can set your family in a new direction. The decisions you make will affect all those who come after us. We need to be the person to start a blessing, start forgiveness, start freedom, and start excellence. Let that be you?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for all the times when You have loved and forgiven us when we didn’t deserve it. Allow us to be forgiving and kind to those who have done wrong to us. We want to be a blessing and a model of Your love for our families. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Credits –
Scripture pulled from the Bible App.
Prayer and Reflection by Olsteen
Where do we go from here by Arthur Poston Jr.