in c-bus

away again. to be honest... i really want to go home, but today i'm in columbus at a youth worker conference for vineyard youth pastors. actually, this is the best group of youth workers that i have been able to spend extended time with. it seems as if everyone has put their ego away... and they really want to experience within the vineyard movement.

just in case you don't have the program, here are readings for this week:

Day 001, 1 Sam 18:1-5
Day 002, 1 Sam 18:6-30
Day 003, 1 Sam 19:1-18
Day 004, 1 Sam 20:1-23
Day 005, 1 Sam 20:24-42

SCRIPTURE: 1 Sam 18:1-5... WOW, i didn't realize that this reading is so short. here it is pasted in:

1 Samuel 18:1-5 (New International Version)
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully [a] that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul's officers as well.

OBSERVATIONS:
-he loved him as himself. this is a pretty powerful statement.
-knowing what i know about saul... there was a political reason that he kept david with him. i think saul wanted a "piece" of david's anointing, i think in many ways it was a selfish act.
-it's importance to see that the relationship was reciprocal. this means that they both felt the same way about each other. it feels kind of silly, but i know i've had friends that i thought were my best friend, but they could care less about me.
-covenant relationship is deeper than an understanding, or promise, or even belief... when hope and i got married... we didn't exchange vows... we exchanged a covenant.

APPLICATION:
sorry all: my application is a little too deep and personal for blogging.

PRAYER:
god, thank you for you presence and spirit. help me to not pimp out your presence but rather truly invite, convey and protect your presence. god, i love you.

milthaler