S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

2 Samuel 21:15a

Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel.

O-bservation:

It’s not for me to give an actual count of just how many battles were fought between Israel and the Philistines. But I can tell you this … the more you read the Old Testament, the more you begin to think that there must have been hundreds and hundreds of battles through the years. And as David approached his last personal battle, the scripture says, “Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel.” I’m sure the people of Israel must have thought … “Philistines Don’t Go Away!”

A-pplication:

Every time Israel defeated the Philistines, there could have been a sense of relief as in, “That’s it; we finally defeated them!” But in time the Philistines always seemed to recoup and attack the Israelites again. The Philistines were to Israel what TEMPTATION is to “Followers Of Jesus.” Every time we defeat or resist temptation, BOOM, momentarily or in days or weeks it presents itself in another way. It just never quits coming at us. St. Peter was Jesus’ right-hand associate while on earth, and Peter said, “Beware of the devil. He’s like a lion wanting to devour everyone. Resist him and stand your ground, because every ‘Follow Of Jesus,’ experiences the same attacks” (1 Peter 5:8,9, paraphrase). Until we see Jesus face-to-face, we must remind ourselves that we as “Believers” are always VICTORIOUS, but “Philistines Don’t Go Away!”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

Today I am up early, ready for battle against the enemy. I know it’s going to be full on, all the time. But with Your help Oh Lord, I’m in it for the “Long Haul!” Amen