Beware of "thump-slump" times - Don't Worry Now

Bishop Arthur Moore has said that in
every man's heart there are a cross and a throne.
"If he puts himself on the throne he puts Christ on the cross.
If he puts himself on the cross he puts Christ on the throne."

Beware of "thump-slump" times

Max Lucado

READ 1 Samuel 27:1-12

SITUATION David knew that his life was in jeopardy as long as Saul was alive. David's problems drove him so far from his homeland and heritage that he restored to an alliance with the Philistine king who allowed him to survive as an outlaw.

OBSERVATION Troubles and conflicts sometimes cause us to make accommodations we normally would find unacceptable.

INSPIRATION Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks. There's nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living.

Begin by thanking God for thumps. I don't mean a half hearted thank you. I mean a "rejoicing, jumping for joy" thank you from the bottom of your heart. Chances are that God is doing it for your own good. So every thump is a reminder that is molding you . . . .

Beware of "thump-slump" times. Know your pressure periods. For me, Mondays are infamous for causing thump-slumps. Friday's can be just as bad. For all of us there are times during the week that we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. The best way to handle thump-slump times? Bolster yourself with extra prayer and don't give up.

Remember, no thump is disastrous. All thumps work for good if we are living for and obeying God. (For On the Anvil by Max Lucado)

APPLICATION The problems and obstacles we encounter in life are meant to cultivate faith, wisdom, patience, and confidence. We can profit from facing such obstacles as we allow God to shape our character through them. What events today could bring obstacles into your path? Ask God to increase your faith through those difficulties.

EXPLORATION Trails - Job 23:10, Psalm 94:12, Proverbs 3:11, Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 1:7

The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus; Max Lucado General Editor, New Century Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers

DON'T WORRY NOW

Britt Nicole

This song means so much to me because my parents divorced at a young age and my dad passed away March 2008. This song just reminds me how faithful God is no matter the pain that we have God is always with us. No matter what trials we go through, even if we can't see the full picture of God's plan, don't worry because he will take care of you. -Kool Christian Girl