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In Order. It's Complicated.

May 1, 2017. II Samuel 5:1-10, I Chronicles 11 – 12.

 

You have heard this phrase and most likely have used it as well; “it’s complicated”. Truth is, not much in this life is truly complicated, not in the light of the Scriptures and the truths they reveal about God’s plan, your life, and other people.

It really is simple. There are 2 sides of the coin, always. God/Devil. Good/Evil. Light/Dark. Truth/Lies. Winners/Losers. God’s model and His Kingdom are presented to us in the Old Testament through stories of physical kings and historical kingdoms. These stories help us to understand the struggle, and the reality of the spiritual world, and of God establishing His Kingdom.

Saul/David. Reflect for a moment on Saul and his army. They were easily discouraged, frightened, ran home, grumbled, complained, hid, and in the end – were losers.

David and his army? Well, notice these 3 characteristics in today’s reading that made them winners. 

1)  God was with him.

 

 2 Sam. 5:10 So David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of heaven was with him.

1 Chron. 11:9 And David became more and more famous and powerful, for the Lord of the heavens was with him.

 

2)  David’s army, their actions, and sacrifice were recognized and respected.

 

1 Chron. 11:17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!

18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the Lord.

19 And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives, they brought it. Therefore, he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

 

3)  There was no double heart, they marched in unison, as one with a perfect heart.

 

1 Chron. 12:33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.

1 Chron. 12:38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel:

 

It really is that simple. If you want to be on the winning team, look for these three qualities. But not only look for those qualities in others, you must maintain that position and posture in your own life so that God will be with you.

The evidence that God is with you?

* You recognize and respect others around you that are there to help you win.

* You inspire unity rather than division.

Create a winning team today. It begins with you and your walk with God, then others will be there with you. Not sure what team to join? Join God's team. Build His Kingdom. You win.