Samuel 21-22
H - "And David answered the priest, 'Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?'" - 1 Samuel 21:5
E - David flees from Saul and comes to Ahimelech the priest at Nob. David asks for bread, but the only bread available is the holy bread that has been sitting before the Lord, the bread of the Presence. Ordinarily, no layman is allowed to eat this bread. But because David and his men are ceremonial clean through self-discipline, Ahimelech allows them to eat the bread.
A - Father, we as men need to control ourselves when it comes to our natural appetites. This self-control readies us for expeditions and sharpens our focus on our mission. In my life, is there any area I need to exercise greater self-control in order to be clean and mission-focused? In what areas of my life do I lack self-control? I want to be able to eat the bread of the Presence, in a figurative sense.
R - "There are some areas of your life where I would like you to exercise more self-control. The first area is food. Observe Averil's discipline regarding food and imitate her. It will give you longer life and more mission focus. Also beware of too many books and audiobooks in addition to my word. Internet news is also be a danger. By my Spirit, hold in check your appetites in order to focus on what really counts. You will have greater fellowship with me if you hold your appetites in check. You will also be more useful to me as my servant."
P - Thank you for this reminder, Lord. Just as David and his men disciplined themselves when they were on expedition, so may I discipline myself when on expeditions for you. Guide my steps, Lord, and help me to fully carry out your mission to your glory and for Jesus' kingdom.
- Jeff Coleman