He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14.

I love reading God’s word because through it I am learning about God’s faith and love. I’m learning how much He loves us and the good He wants for us. This grace – His love – has been given to us before the beginning of time. Knowing that helps me realize the people and events I read about that happened thousands of years ago are but a continuation of time that I am living today.

In 2 Samuel 5 so much happens. David is made king over Israel and now Judah and Israel are united. He takes Jerusalem, a fortress city, and makes it the capital of Israel. Because of its impregnable walls the Jebusites thought it safe. I love in the commentary: Only in God are we truly safe and secure. Anything else is false security. Whether you are surrounded by mighty walls of stone, a comfortable home, or a secure job, no one can predict what tomorrow may bring. Our relationship with God is the only security that cannot be taken away.

And now the Philistines want to defeat David. And what does David do? He inquires of the Lord. Always. I love these instructions of God to David…“Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean that the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. v. 23-25.

Can you imagine the sound of the Lord going in front of you with the sound of marching in the tops of poplar trees? David could. David did. His listened to God and for God and knew that God was his life and his protector.

In this day and age I want and need that close relationship with my Lord. I want and need His Spirit talking with my spirit and in that know His love for me. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12. Paul’s words to us of the power of God’s love in his life. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. God’s love IS your life. A beautiful love that can never be taken away. And the best part about living in God’s love for you is that He will open your heart to love Him and to love others with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. A good love, indeed!