David had been hiding out in the Philistine camp for several months. He had a Philistine king totally convinced that he was on his side. Reading the passage, we see that David was bluffing the whole time. But circumstances "call his bluff" when he is compelled to fight against his own people. But God, in His sovereignty, turns even David's sinful bluffing into blessing.

If people refuse to embrace God's message of forgiveness in the Gospel, they are accepting God’s judgment upon themselves – paying the eternal price for their own sins. That is meaningless mutiny!!!! But God is still speaking, in His grace, on a global level, gathering people and calling them to trust in His Son; there is still a call to see His love and provision and respond with submission and devotion to this King. How will you respond to this King of kings, this Lord of lords?

As we read through chapter 28, we will see that Saul’s desperation has a relevant application; even though he leveraged his power and authority to remove the sin of witchcraft from the land in his sight, tragically he did not remove the same dark spot from his inside own heart. Anyone can make a great show of denouncing and rejecting sin - that’s easy. But if our hearts are not changed, those very same sins are very likely to return. Knowing what’s wrong and saying what's wrong doesn’t take the place of doing what’s right.

Where are we looking to find happiness today? If we’re looking in the same place as the lost, why would they ever look to us to have - Answers to life’s questions? Solutions to life’s problems? Summations to life’s equations? If we embrace the thought patterns of the Godless world, we can't expect to be blessed. The good news is, God gives us this Psalm for a time of reflection. Today may be the day to change the route you’re on.

You're invited to an "Interactive Introduction" at this Thursday night’s Selah. After an introduction to the book of Psalms, Pastor Matt will be asking for anyone who would like to share, to read their favorite verse or two from this wonderful book of ancient songs. Come worship with us Thursday night and turn psalms into prayers!

The book of Proverbs is unique in that each separate proverb can stand alone in exemplifying the sovereignty of God; and yet, the context and flow of the book suggests a comparison between the "human element" - i.e., our own human desires - and God's will as the final outcome. We are called as believers to live in light of the fact that God is in control of all things.

David escapes King Saul only to land in the lap of his enemy, King Achish of the Philistines. The result is over a year of spiritual stagnation! When has a "fire escape plan" of yours turned into a similar fiasco? What good, if any, came of that fiery situation?

Nothing compensates for the volume of a life lived for the glory of God! It speaks louder than any words that could reach the ears, hearts, or minds of men. Paul’s prison was not a setting of silence, it was not a place of self-pity, it was a mountain from which Paul would shout the Word of God, and proclaim the hope of nations! Paul was a man who knew what it meant to maximize the moment!