Is There Not a Cause?

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
---1Samuel 17:29

Someone once said, “Until a person has something he is willing to die for, then that person has not yet began to live.” David had a cause and this cause was greater than himself; a cause he was willing to die for. The thing young David cherished even more than his own life was the honor of the name of the Lord his God. When reproach was made against his God’s name David considered it his duty and responsibility to defend it even to the grave. It mattered not that David was a mere lad compared to this great warrior of the Philistines and a giant of a man who was mocking the God of Israel. His cause was much bigger than himself.
The army of Israel had no such cause. Instead, they placed their personal lives and well-being in higher regard than the name of the Lord God. Therefore, they shook in fear not willing to risk their lives even though the adversary was daily railing against their God. They lived for nothing larger than themselves and as a result could not see beyond their own selfish desires. This is not living, but only existing.
How small and shallow is life if it is no greater than ourselves? David lived with a cause and thus he lived. Let us do the same. There is simply no greater cause than to live our lives honoring the name of Jesus, our God and Creator and the Blessed Redeemer. Our Lord’s cause, the redemption of mankind, was bigger than himself and not even the cross and the grave could deter Him. He died for you and me, therefore, when we hear His name being mocked, see His morals being trampled upon, and His honor being ridiculed, should we not like David say, “Is there not a cause?” Stand up for Christ and begin to taste the blessing of living.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Matthew 19:13-14 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." ESV

Jesus loves the little children. They were precious to Him and He loved to be surrounded by them. Little children were not a nuisance, a burden or in the way to our Lord, but were like a spring of fresh water in a parched, arid land. In the actions and attitudes of the children, Jesus could see a glimpse of the kingdom of God. They were full of love, joy and peace. They were dependent upon their parents and full of trust. And it takes little to make a child happy. Little children simply enjoy life and love nothing more than being in the company of their parents. As Jesus observed little children in their innocent and carefree joy, He must to have thought to Himself, “There is a picture My Father’s kingdom. This is how He purposed for all His children, young and old, to live.” Yet, as adults we begin to take ourselves too seriously, become to independent upon ourselves, and become bound by the cares of this world and in so doing lose our joy and love for life. Therefore, we compromise and forfeit our witness for God’s kingdom. Lord, make us as little children.

Let Your Light Shine

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."


Man was created to reveal the glory of God and as a result to bring Him pleasure. Of all God's glorious creation men alone was created in His image. All creation in its beauty and majesty reflects the glory of God, but only man was created to reveal the glory and the person of God. God created man to be an image bearer. He fashioned man that all creation might witness God's love, compassion, kindness, mercy, longsuffering, goodness, meekness and righteousness. None of these are physical attributes, but attributes of His character. None of these are external in nature but internal. Each person must ask, "Does my character reflect the character and glory of God?" If not, then darkness occupies the recesses of my heart rather than the glorious light of Jesus Christ. This darkness is the result of sin and selfish living apart from Christ. Remember, light cannot shine without a source and Jesus is the source of light. He is the light of the world and His light alone reflects the glory of God as He is God. Before the light of Jesus Christ can shine through you, it must be in you. Be a light bearer for Jesus Christ today so that you can reveal the glory of God. Ask Him now to shine His light upon you and in you.