Today we have examples of what unity is not. A house divided (the family of King David) and a House divided (the Jewish religious establishment). Though it makes the fodder for 'reality tv,' it leaves the home in tragic dysfunction and in the spiritual realm leads to death. Our Prayer Journal moves us into the challenge that Paul famously gives the Philippians (2:1-11). At the center of the challe...  Read More

We live in a day of such emotionally charged words like: equal, equity, equality; unity, uniformity, unanimity. As I read through Day 16 focusing on Galatians 3:28, where Paul challenges human hierarchies and divisions, my reflective listening paused at words like 'solidarity' and 'mutuality.' Sometimes it is easy to dismiss words (and thoughts) because of associations. The world we live in parade...  Read More

When God says "No" how do you and I respond? David's goal was lofty, noble and selfless. It was God-centered. God said, "No!" David worshiped and rejoiced. When God says "No" listen to His greater answer. David did. God asked, "Are you to build a house for me?" (2 Samuel 7:5). No! In short order, however, He said, "The LORD Himself will make a house for you, David." (2 Samuel 7:11). God's bigger "...  Read More

PRAYER & PRAISEPrayer is David's practice. How often do we read, "David inquired of the LORD" (e.g., 2 Samuel 5:19, 23)? In 2 Samuel 6 we have the famous recounting of the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. If you read this and the expanded parallel account in 1 Chronicles 13 & 15, you will see that the journey becomes one of prayer and offering and worship and praise. E.M. Bounds...  Read More

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. (Proverbs 29:18, AMP)Vision is what I see because my eyes are fixed on Jesus...Godward. I only truly see the vision because of God's revelation (that which can only be known because God shows it...His Word, Law, Torah). Vision is what I see because of w...  Read More

(They were thinking of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in Yahweh his Elohim.) (1 Samuel 30:6b, NoG).Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you. (Luke 17:20b-21, NLT).Today in our Prayer  Journal we were reminded of how easy it is to focus on what'...  Read More