Today proved to be a busy day. I had a 7:30 a.m. meeting with the core group for men’s ministry at the church and then conducted two chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. Debbie and I went out to lunch and then I came home for short (for me) nap and then headed to Denver to see grandson Riley play a baseball game and attend the 60th birthday party for my friend Jim Brummett. I stayed for their Sunday evening service that featured my friend and long time pastor Bobby Wilson from Pueblo.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “There is no truth, no faithful love, and no knowledge of God in the land! Cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.” Hosea 4:1,2 HCSB

Hosea is an interesting old testament prophet. God used Hosea to become a living object lesson for God’s people in rebellion. It all started with the Lord telling him to marry a prostitute by the name of Gomer. It was a sign that revealed the Lord was “married” to a sinful people who had turned toward other “lovers” in the form of idols of surrounding nations.

As we come to chapter 4, Hosea presents “God’s case against Israel.” While the description is long and varied, perhaps no verses summarize the state of the nation as the first two. I believe they serve as an indictment for cultures that would exist throughout time, even to our day.

Consider what was missing. “No truth, no faithful love, no knowledge of God.” I find it interesting that we live in a day where “truth” is viewed as relative, subjective and open to change. It seems that the age-old question of Pilate reverberates to our day, “what is truth?” except it has been changed to the assertion, “there is no truth.”

I notice the prophet doesn’t say there is, “no love” but that there is no “faithful love.” Faithfulness in many arenas of our world today seems to be in short supply. The political adage is, “if you want loyalty, get a dog.” A lack of faithfulness breeds insecurity. Even in his day Solomon observed, “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6 NIV)

We certainly live in a day where knowledge of God and His ways is lacking. Even among those who claim to follow Christ we see rampant Biblical illiteracy. A core fundamental declaration of God’s Word is that, “it is our all-sufficient rule for faith and conduct.” Knowledge of God and His Word is to guide our beliefs and our behavior. That is why the founders of this nation, believed in the value of God’s Word as being indispensable for a “free people.”

What happens when these are missing? “Cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.” When Proverbs talks about “without a vision, people perish” (Prov. 29:18 KJV) – it is best understood as, “Where there is no [divine] revelation, people cast off restraint.” (Prov. 29:18 NIV)

Without the knowledge of God and the guidance of God’s Word, the actions of humanity sink to an all-time low. When we look at these negative expressions, we can see evidence of them in our world everyday. The impact can be seen in the nation as a whole and individual lives, “For this reason the land mourns, and everyone who lives in it languishes…” (Hosea 4:3 HCSB)

The solution is found in repentance and “returning to the Lord.” Hear the cry of the prophet, “Come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, and He will heal us; He has wounded us, and He will bind up our wounds. He will revive us after two days, and on the third day He will raise us up so we can live in His presence.” (Hosea 6:1,2 HCSB)

The consistent invitation even in the most desperate and trying of situations is to “return to the Lord.” When we do we find mercy and strength to help us in our need. That applies to individual lives and to a nation.

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This morning our Allies breakfast guest was Mark Johnson, sports director from KOA radio and voice of the Colorado Buffaloes. Mark did a great job and it was good to give him a copy of my book. This afternoon, I went to Greeley to connect with my niece, Kate and her boyfriend David for a strongman competition. It was fun to be there and see the action, even in the midst of some cold weather. (picture of me with Mark Johnson and Jim Szakmeister)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand. For we live before You as foreigners and temporary residents…Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.” 1 Chronicles 29:14-15 HCSB

In the building of the temple, we see some important concepts about giving to the Lord. There are many verses in the Bible about giving. We read, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) “Give and it shall be given…” (Luke 6:38) We find that there is a spiritual dynamic in “giving to the Lord” that goes beyond other acts of human generosity or philanthropy. We can observe the truths of the New Testament in the life of David.

1 – Giving is sacrifice, therefore it costs. “…the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.” (2 Samuel 24:24 NLT)

When the plague was stopped that resulted from David’s counting the fighting men of Israel, David was instructed to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. It was to be on the threshing floor of a man by the name of Araunah. Araunah, offered for David to “just take it.” But David realized the most important aspect of giving, “it isn’t true giving if there is no surrender or sacrifice on my part.”

It is always interesting to observe what people are eager to buy with their “hard earned money” but how reluctant they are to invest in the cause of the kingdom of God. When I give without any personal benefit it involves a sacrifice on my part. That is at the heart of godly giving.

2 – Everyone can give. Not everyone can give the same amount, but all can give something. In the New Testament we read of the widows mite. Her smalls gift was actually greater because it was all she had! In Chronicles, we see David asking the people to give, but leading in giving to inspire and encourage the people. Giving together connect us in partnership with other people for a common cause.

3 – We give what God has already given us.  “…we have given You only what comes from Your own hand.” How many times has a parent given a child an ice cream cone or a cookie and then asks the child, “can I have a bite?” The child says, “No! it is mine.” The parent thinks, “you have no idea where this came from, how can you be so ungrateful!?” I wonder if God views our lives and reactions in the same way?

David underscores this principle, “…all this wealth that we’ve provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand; everything belongs to You.” (1 Chronicles 29:16 HCSB) Moses reminded God’s people, “…remember that the Lord your God gives you the strength to make a living.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 CEV) David declared in his prayer, “…it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.” (1 Chronicles 29:12 HCSB)

4 – Giving provides perspective and direction for our lives. David prayed to the Lord, “You test the heart and that You are pleased with what is right. I have willingly given all these things with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You….keep this desire forever in the thoughts of the hearts of Your people, and confirm their hearts toward You.” (1 Chronicles 29:17,18 HCSB)

We see that the Lord wants our hearts to be true toward Him and for our actions align with the profession of our mouth. It is also important to give with the eternal in view, “Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.”

5 – The praise and the privilege of giving. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You…” (1 Chronicles 29:14 HCSB) David recognized generous giving was possible because of the Lord’s blessing.

Consider David’s words of praise, “May You be praised, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all…Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name.”  (1 Chronicles 29:10-11,13 HCSB) “Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God.” (1 Chronicles 29:20 HCSB)

Generous giving results in lavish praise. It is a recognition of the provision of the Lord, the hearts of God’s people and rejoicing over what has been accomplished. God’s plan of success and achievement still remains today as it is seen in the Bible.

Today was a good day to run some errands and work outside. I was able to get in an early morning workout at the fitness center and then do some work outside. I got some flowers planted and worked getting the garage ready for a shipment of my books that I was expecting this afternoon. If finished some of my projects just in time for a truck to pull up and unload a pallet of seventeen boxes of “The Longest Campaign.” This is really a day I have been looking forward to and am excited to share my story over the next several months where I have the opportunity. Check out the YouTube promo video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpn36dSasjE

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple and its buildings, treasuries, upper rooms, inner rooms, and a room for the mercy seat. The plans contained everything he had in mind for the courts of the Lord’s house, all the surrounding chambers, the treasuries of God’s house, and the treasuries for what is dedicated.” 1 Chronicles 28:11,12 HCSB

I have observed many church building projects over the years. Some pastor’s have to finish what another started.  Some have to pay for a previous leader’s vision that perhaps was overly ambitious. Not too many find themselves in the situation Solomon did as the anointed successor for his father David. David made sure Solomon had the plans, the finances and the help to get the job done. All that was left was the execution.

David’s vision for the Temple was not general or just a dream; he had put effort into the plans and the furnishings and all that the law required for the worship of the Lord. David realized that this was not the result of his own ability, but he was being directed by the Lord, “By the Lord’s hand on me, He enabled me to understand everything in writing, all the details of the plan.” (1 Chronicles 28:19 HCSB)                         

David knew that his successor could be counted on to take the project to completion. There have been too many times when available resources have been diverted for other purposes and suddenly the planned project is not able to be completed. David wanted Solomon to understand that he was chosen by God as King for this very purpose. If he accomplished nothing else, he needed to be successful in this endeavor. “Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:10 HCSB)

But David realized that Solomon needed help in accomplishing the task. At the end of 1 Chronicles we find detailed listings of those who served David. Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work… Here are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of God’s house. Every willing man of any skill will be at your disposal for the work, and the leaders and all the people are at your every command.”           (1 Chronicles 28:20,21 HCSB)

The task of building the Temple would be lead by Solomon, but it was a project that all the people needed to “own.” Then King David said to all the assembly, “My son Solomon—God has chosen him alone—is young and inexperienced. The task is great because the temple will not be for man but for the Lord God.” (1 Chronicles 29:1 HCSB)

As David called the people to give all of the money and items that would be needed for the Temple, we see that he “lead the way.” “Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the house of my God over and above all that I’ve provided for the holy house…Now who will volunteer to consecrate himself to the Lord today?” (1 Chronicles 29:3-5 HCSB)

We then see the people follow David’s lead: “Then the leaders of the households, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly…Then the people rejoiced because of their leaders’ willingness to give, for they had given to the Lord with a whole heart. King David also rejoiced greatly.“ (1 Chronicles 29:6,9 HCSB)

This is a great picture of being united for a cause and the result is rejoicing and the Lord being praised. I am reminded of Psalm 133, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!…For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1,3 NIV)

God-inspired visions characterize the kingdom of God. They are facilitated when leaders show the way and lead the way and people join with the commitment and dedication that brings glory to the Lord.

This morning before my weekly conference call and my Chiropractor appointment, I attended a session at Poudre Valley Hospital on dementia care. Our friend Cyndy Luzinski did a great job in discussing the issue and talking about her work to promote, “dementia friendly communities.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and follow all the commands of the Lord your God so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever. “As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.” 1 Chronicles 28:8-10 HCSB

It is referred to as “Solomon’s” Temple, but it could be viewed as “David’s” Temple. David had it in his heart to build a temple in honor of the Lord God. While the Lord told him he would not accomplish it, but his son after him, that did not dissuade David from pursuing the task. David would not “build” the temple, but he would do everything in his power to ensure the temple would be built including plans and resources and instructions to his son Solomon.

Much of Chronicles focuses on the Lord’s Temple. We see David’s vision for the temple in 1 Chronicles chapter 22 and we see the Lord answering Solomon’s prayer of dedication in 2 Chronicles 7. Underscoring the emphasis on the temple, 1 Chronicles ends with instructions to the people and Solomon about his primary task as King. Solomon was not to have a kingdom built to honor his name, but one to honor the Lord’s. As he made that commitment, we see the Lord honored Solomon with making his name great.

The plans and call to build the temple provides several illustrations of leadership, planning, vision and spiritual commitment.  We see David’s charge to Solomon is specific and straightforward,

“Now, my son, may the Lord be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as He said about you. Above all, may the Lord give you insight and understanding when He puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will succeed if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged.”               1 Chronicles 22:11-13 HCSB

Solomon was taking on a building project, but it was a spiritual endeavor as much as a practical one. He needed insight and wisdom, he needed to be strong and courageous. The admonition about “don’t be afraid or discouraged” is one any pastor can related to who has taken on a building project of any magnitude. It seemed from many observations that a pastor who was a builder of building was not able to remain to build the church. Or in some situations the adage applied, “the building program was a success, but the congregation died.” Such undertakings always provide much to fear and many opportunities for discouragement.

Chronicles through its genealogies, ties God’s people to their origins and divine call. The focus on the Temple ties God to the center of the lives of God’s people. The temple was a reminder that God is to be honored, obeyed and always found in the center of the lives of the people. The Lord is found by those who seek Him, and He is looking for those who will serve Him with a “whole heart and willing mind.”

Today was a contrast to the busyness of yesterday. I was able to get to the fitness early and had a workout with my trainer. I actually had a good “walk” without my crutches and made it farther than my previous best. Yesterday morning I attended the early morning Bible study for legislators at the capitol. There is a committed group of representatives and senators who meet weekly for prayer and Bible study. This group has been going on for more than ten years. It is lead by Dan File with Capitol Commission. It was good to see Rep. J Paul Brown from Durango. He has a herd of about 3,000 sheep on a ranch of 900 acres. He is a strong believer and a dedicated public servant.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, because in Yah, the Lord, is an everlasting rock!”  Isaiah 26:3,4 HCSB

Worry, fear and anxiety are the plagues against the mind and the robbers of peace. Isaiah spoke God’s word in a time when there was much to create fear, worry and anxiety. God’s people were experiencing the consequences of their rebellion. That impact was on the godly as well as the “sinner.” The lifestyle of the Kings and they way they ruled did not help the situation. The threat of the power Assyrians was real and oppressive.

It was during the reign of Hezekiah that Israel fell captive to the Assyrians and the “evil empire” turned its attention on Judah. As King Hezekiah sought the Lord, we see the Lord attacking the Assyrians at night without the armies of Judah swinging a sword or shooting an arrow. The verses above are from a chapter that focuses on rejoicing in what the Lord has done.

The key to peace when fears abound and all that is around is being shaken is to focus not on what is seen but on the Lord and to trust in Him. Isaiah declares, “the Lord is an everlasting rock.!” When there is shaking all around and your “knees are shaking” in fear, it is important to have a firm place to stand. The Lord shows Himself as a firm foundation and a strong refuge.

David declared, “I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2 NIV)

This last weekend we had some spring rain along with some thunder and lightening. Actually a tornado half a mile wide touched down in northeast Colorado on that evening. Our visitation pastor at  Timberline Church was sharing how his almost two-year old son was shaken by the storm and how he tried to comfort him with his presence and assurance that everything was okay.

When we look at the distress and the shaking of the world around us, we are like that two-year old in relationship with a heavenly father who understands all that is taking place and wants to assure us that He is near and all is going to be “okay.” The key is to keep our eyes fixed on the father and not on the storm.

There is a song we have been singing at our church that contains the words,

For we trust in our God
And through His unfailing love
We will not be shaken,
We will not be shaken,
We will not be shaken

one of the verses affirms,

For in the hour of our darkest day
We will not tremble, we won’t be afraid
Hope is rising like the light of dawn
Our God is for us He has overcome

(http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bethelmusic/wewillnotbeshaken.html)

Another song we have been singing, addresses freedom from fear through Christ’s love and peace:

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

From my mother’s womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again
Into your family
Your blood flows through my veins

You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I could stand and sing
I am a child of God…

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

(http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bethelmusic/nolongerslaves.html) 

Both of these songs from “Bethel Music” associated with Bethel Church in Redding, California, address the issues being faced by people today in the midst of the storms of life and the shaking of the world around. We are reminded that our minds are to fixed upon and dependent on the Lord. When they are we can experience His perfect peace.

Today, I made an early morning trip to the Capitol in Denver with former Representative Jim Welker. We attended the last legislative Bible study of the session and then visited the floor of the House and Senate. I presented a copy of my book to Senator Andy Kerr from Lakewood and Speaker of the House Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst. I received word today that my supply of books has been shipped and may arrive by the end of the week. Jim and I returned to Loveland in time for our noon Rotary meeting, so by early afternoon, I felt like I had put in a full day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build Me a house to dwell in….‘This is what the Lord of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel….I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land...I declare to you that the Lord Himself will build a house for you.” 1 Chronicles 17:4,8,10 HCSB

As David secured his kingdom in Jerusalem, the first thing he did after bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem was to build a house for himself. It didn’t take long before David realized, “I am living in a cedar house while the ark of the Lord’s covenant is under tent curtains.” (1 Chron. 17:1 HCSB) In modern day vernacular we would say, “what’s wrong with this picture!?” It would seem odd that the God of all the earth, who was worthy of the highest worship, was represented by a tent and the king was in a palace.

We see as the Lord reminded David later, “the universe itself is not enough to contain Him, let alone any structure made by man.” David’s intentions were good and they were fulfilled by his son Solomon, who was a “man of peace.” However, we see a powerful “turn around.” God tells David, “you will not build a house for me, but I will build a house for you!”

The truth that we see is, God is not concerned about what “we do for Him”  as much as He desires us to understand what He “wants to do for us.” 

I am not talking about obedience or doing the work of God’s kingdom, but that which would be done in a manner or with an attitude that would say, “look what I have done for  God!” or to feel the need to constantly be “doing for God” instead of being a peace with God. David’s heart and motives were pure, he knew that pagan gods had their temples and shrines that were to represent their “glory.” David viewed his role as “doing”- but God let him know that his privilege was receiving.

This is a stark contrast to the pagan concept of any deity. In Old Testament Canaan, you would seek the favor of a deity in hopes that crops would grow and you would have victory in battle. But a god who takes initiative and does for a king or a person not what he asks for but for what he never would consider to ask for was something else!

I think of Paul’s great benediction in Ephesians, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20,21 NKJV)

We serve a God who takes the initiative and works in our behalf in ways we would never think of. The Lord saw David’s heart. He allowed David’s vision for a great Temple in honor the “The Lord God” to be come to pass. But God promised David, He would make his name great in all the land and He would build David as “house.” Not just a building or a structure, but a legacy. God was promising David a dynasty that would lead to “The King” of Israel one day coming to His people.

This reminds me of the Lord’s promise to Abraham. Abraham believed the word of the Lord and became a father of nations. David sought to please the Lord and became the head of a lasting dynasty that was secured by the word and promise of the Lord.

As you live for the Lord, remember His desire to “do for you.” To bring peace and blessing into your life just because that is who He is, “the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6)

It was nice to have relaxing Monday after being fairly fatigued yesterday. I enjoyed a breakfast with  County Commissioner Lew Gaiter. I finally made a trip to Home Depot to begin my outdoor activities for this spring. I then made an afternoon trip to the County offices to get license plates for my new”er” car. I’m looking forward to being at the capitol in Denver tomorrow one last time as this year’s session comes to an end.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…the Lord our God burst out in anger against us because you Levites were not with us the first time, for we didn’t inquire of Him about the proper procedures.”  So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel.  Then the Levites carried the ark of God the way Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord: on their shoulders with the poles.” 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 HCSB

As David secured Israel under his rule, the first thing he did was to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. During the entire reign of Saul the ark had been in Kiriath-jearim. It was there because the Philistines captured it in battle, but because of the plagues the ark brought to the Philistines they sent it back to Israel.

David’s plan had the blessing of the leaders and they brought the ark carried on a cart back to Jerusalem. When the ox pulling the ark stumbled, Uzzah, reached out to steady the ark and was struck dead. We read that David was angry at God, for being angry at Uzzah.

The ark was shuffled to the house of Obed-Edom. It like what we read next, “The ark of God remained with Obed-edom’s family in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his family and all that he had.” (1 Chronicles 13:14 HCSB) Where  God dwells, where His presence is, there is blessing. Blessing on that family and that family’s household.

After that took place, David discovered that there was a “right way” and a “wrong way” to transport the Ark of the Covenant. It was to be carried by poles on the shoulders of consecrated priests. God’s instructions to Moses had been very specific. But in the course of time, God’s instructions had been forgotten. David did what the Philistines had done in transporting the ark. However, he soon found out that when God’s instructions are ignored, it creates crisis, but when they are followed it brings blessing and celebration.

We see David dancing before the ark and leading the procession and celebration as the ark came into the City of Jerusalem. “So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouts, the sound of the ram’s horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and the playing of harps and lyres.” (1 Chronicles 15:28 HCSB)

I believe there are a couple of points of application. First we do need to be aware that the Bible gives us instructions on the worship of the Lord. We certainly see the condition of our hearts is of utmost importance. We see that while David’s intentions were good, his understanding and methods were off. One of the first lessons David learned was the importance of learning God’s Word and obeying God’s instructions.

The priority of our worship must be that which is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord, before it is pleasing simply pleasing to people. Worship seems to continue to be one of the greatest challenges found in churches today. Perhaps that should not surprise us because, we see Satan’s desire was to rob God of the worship due His name. That can take place in all kinds of ways.

One a personal level I think of those who say, “I worship the Lord in my own way.” That is usually an excuse for “not worshiping.” When we insist on and feel comfortable in “our own way” that is usually a sign that we are not devoted to the Lord and His ways. There seems to be a willingness to obey the Lord as long as it is acceptable to me.

The bottom line in any context is, does our worship cultivate and invite the presence of the Lord. Does it focus on being more obedient to the Lord and trusting Him. Good music facilitates worship, and  that and is important. But it is not an end to itself. The primary focus of our worship is pleasing the Lord and cultivating His presence in our life and the midst of His church. When God is pleased and present there is life and blessing.

On this Mother’s Day, I enjoyed conducting the chapel service at Mackenzie Place. It was a delight to have Jerry Pippin as the piano player. These dear folks are always so appreciative and kind. We enjoyed a time of fellowship with the Pippins after the service. Jerry and Virginia were such a blessing to my family during the time of my health crisis. They are doing an excellent job as Directors of the Primetimers ministry at Timberline Church.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “David defeated the Philistines there. Then David said, “Like a bursting flood, God has used me to burst out against my enemies.”… David again inquired of God, and God answered him, “Do not pursue them directly. Circle around them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then march out to battle, for God will have marched out ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines.” 1 Chronicles 14:11,14-15 HCSB

As David is crowned King over a united Israel he is confronted in battle by the Philistines. The Philistines had been the archenemy of Israel and David. However, during his time of exile,  David found refuge in the cities of the Philistines. The Philistines were well aware of David’s leadership and exploits and quickly moved against him in battle.

In David’s day, battles were fought with opposing armies facing each other and confronting one another “head on.” Perhaps you have seen images of ancient battles in movies from even more recent eras. It seems that battle strategies remained the same for hundreds and hundreds of years.

As David trusted in the Lord, the Lord went before David and his armies and “burst out” against the Philistines. We don’t know how that took place but the enemy was overwhelmed before David and His men with the power of God on their side. So great and memorable was this victory “they named that place the Lord Bursts Out.”

Some time later the Philistines took aim at Israel once again. We see that instead of “charging off to battle” and doing the same thing in the same way; David sought guidance from the Lord. The Lord gave David unusual instructions for the day. Don’t attack directly but surround them in the midst of the trees of the forest. They were to wait not for David’s command, but for a signal from the Lord’s. We see a picture of the Lord “strong in battle” and the One directing King David and his generals. Once again a great victory was won.

What I notice in these two descriptions is the different strategies used to win a victory and to advance the cause of God’s people in the land. David was not stuck in “doing the same thing in the same way.” He sought the Lord for guidance and was willing to trust the Lord and obey, even if the directions were contrary to the “way things are done.”

We clearly see that the Lord is a God of “multiple strategies.” There is not “right way” there is just the “Lord’s way.” The Lord’s way may be reflected in a variety of approaches. I am thinking about the work of God’s people in the expansion of God’s spiritual kingdom, not a political kingdom. In God’s people going out to “conquer” our spiritual enemy who holds people captive, the methods may be many and varied. I believe this is found within a particular church tradition and can be seen in Christ’s church in a city or our world.

So often the focus is on “doing it right” or doing what we believe is “God’s way.” (Which can mean, “I am right, you are wrong.”) We believe that means the same way, for all situations, for all times. The creative God of the universe should be reflected in the creativity of the methods used to spread the gospel and accomplish the work of the Kingdom of God.

They key is not just human ideas and strategies, or just “being different to be different.” It is “God-inspired” “Spirit-directed” strategies. Some of the greatest conflicts that can occur in a church is doing “something different.” The resistance to change is often reflected in the statement, “we’ve never done it that way before!” One leader observed that we are so focused on uniformity and tradition that even in a church plant people can be founding saying, “we didn’t do it that way last week.”

David didn’t just follow the methods of generally accepted warfare. He was open to seeking the Lord and was flexible. When we embrace those values, we have more grace for appreciating different churches and their methods and changes in approaches within a congregation. The key is being directed by the Lord’s spirit and maintaining unity and keeping in mind the mission we have been given as God’s people. The bottom line is a focus on the mission not the methods. Advancing God’s kingdom is to be the aim behind our methods, regardless of what they  may be.