“Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men, Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah”
Psalms 140:1-3 NKJV
Of being light in darkness
David was an official in the court of Saul, and his life, as a man of God, and said to be one after God’s own heart, made him stand out in stark contrast to those around him. Saul was not a man of God, and was given over to his flesh. He had disobeyed God too many times, and the Lord was taking his kingdom away, and unbeknownst, him it was being given to David.
As one after God’s own heart, David stood out from the others, and his righteousness created tension in those who did not desire the Lord as he did. There are many correlations for the follower of Jesus who chooses to walk in the Spirit, who is in amongst those who would rather seek the flesh.
I can relate to Psalm one hundred forty, for I have come to know the pressure of standing for Jesus, even when many around me are not. It can feel as if one is surrounded by violent men, and women, bent on bringing about evil plans.
They indeed sharpen their tongues, honing them to brutal sharpness, as they seek to assassinate the characters of others. They are gossips and backbiters, whose tongues are set on fire by hell.
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.”
James 3:6-12 NKJV
The followers of Jesus, one born of the Spirit must meet such errant ones with great gentleness, being reminded that the Lord desires repentance. I am praying for many I have found in opposition, and I have found that the Lord prompts me to pray all the more for those who seek to spitefully use me.
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-48 NKJV
Brothers and sisters, as this world becomes all the more dark, we will inevitably stand out as bright lights against that darkness. It is on us to represent the Lord Jesus as HIs ambassadors, even as we are hated and reviled. This is something that is not easy.
There will be times that we want to flee, but, at least for a time, we must stand and endure. We are nearing the end of all things, and the battle is about to begin in earnest. Like David, I am calling out to the Lord for His protection and I know He will answer. Even this morning, a sister saint has answered the call and sent me a message telling me of her prayers for me.
“Bernie, I’m praying that as zeal for his house consumes you that He will bless your body and spirit with a peace that passes all understanding. May he use your words to reach multitudes for His kingdom. ❤️Love you dear Bernie!”
Eventually, David had to flee from Saul, and found himself hiding in a cave at Adullam, but the Lord brought many to him, and what had been meant to be a place of escape, became a fortress against the enemy and the birthplace of David’s mighty men.
“David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.”
I Samuel 22:1-2 NKJV
My people, let us make our local churches that place of fortress, our own Adullams, where we form ourselves into mighty armies of men and women dedicated to taking the message of the Gospel to a sick and dying world.
Let all of us turn our eyes upon Jesus, and not upon each other, for He is one who deserves our attentions. We have been called to be light in the darkness, shining brightly.
““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
Have a fabulous Friday! Sunday is coming!
#prayfortheharvest
#prayforthepersecuted
#prayforthepeaceofIsrael
#prayforthegospeltospreadeverywhere
Musings from an idle mind 
I love you and I am praying for you too brother. Thanks so much for your hard work, in following the Lord‘s leading in this blog. Lori and I are beginning marriage counseling with a couple tomorrow night. Lord, willing, they could be married within months. would you please pray for God’s direction and strength for them, and would you please pray that Laurie and I would be quick to hear and slow to speak? Thanks again brother.
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