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Monday, May 18th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Samuel 22:1-23:29
John 10:1-21
Psalm 115:1-18
Proverbs 15:18-19
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1jV6P0R
Commentary from Pastor Mike White:
Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.” – 1 Sam 23:2
Before making any major decisions, David inquired of the Lord.
First, David’s men came to him and encouraged him to save the city of Keilah from the Philistine invasion. The Philistines had been oppressing Israel for generations: recall that Gideon had threshed his wheat in the winepress so the Philistines would not steal it from his threshing floor (Judges 6:11).
Yet David was too patient to rise up and attack out of anger. He took his time and sought God before launching into battle. He even inquired of the Lord again (i.e. a second time; 1 Sam 23:4). God wasn’t angry with David for taking his time and listening for His voice. He wasn’t angry when David asked for confirmation once he had heard God’s heart. God is willing to give us confirmation so we can transition from concern to confidence.
After saving the city of Keilah, David heard that Saul was approaching with his army. Before deciding what to do, he inquired of the Lord again (vv 9-12). God does nothing without revealing His secrets to His servants (Amos 3:7). David knew that if he stayed in the city, the men of that city would turn him over to Saul. He used the information he received from God to make a good decision.
Are you facing a tough choice? Inquire of the Lord. When you ask, He will answer.
Prayer:
Father, I know that You are faithful to communicate Your will to Your servants. Give me the patience to listen for Your voice, and the wisdom to act on what You say!