“Ask and It Shall Be Given to You”

Ask and it Shall Be Given to you!

Matthew 7: ⁷ “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ⁹ Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? ¹⁰ Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

This Sunday, I will be preaching a sermon entitled, “God of the Increase.”  The main point of the message is that the God we serve wants us to improve ourselves on every level- to improve ourselves mentally, physically,spiritually, relationaly, financially, and the list goes on.  From my opinion, this is notohing to be ashamed of.

The start point for my sermon Sunday is the prayer of Jabez which is found in 1 Chronicles 4: 1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁰ Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!” And God granted what he asked.

Jabez asks God for the following things:

1. I need your blessings
2. Enlarge my border
3. Stick with me (“That your hand might be with me”)
4. Keep me from hurt and harm

And, the conclusion of the story is that “God granted what he asked.”  I stress – Jabez asked!  Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that we should be unashamed and unafraid to “Ask” of God.  Jesus  teaches us to make our ask of God- “Ask and it shall be given to you”  The lesson to me from this teaching is:

1. We should clarify what we want
2. We should be unashamed to ask for what we want
3. God responds to the requests we make

I am enjoying my preparation for this sermon.  All week long, I have enjoyed thinking and pondering on the concept of what does it mean to serve a God who desires that you and I and all who believe in the power of the almighty, are welcome and entitled to increase the quality of our lives on every level.  I am preaching on this theme tomorrow, Sunday, May 15,2022 at 8:30 AM EST on Facebook, YouTube, and the church website- www.puccdetroit.org

Questions for Reflection

1. What are your thoughts about, “The God of Increase”?
2. What do you think about this writing on “Ask and it shall be given to you”?
3. Other thoughts?

Prayer – God, grant me the clarity to know what I want, ask for what I want, and to tend to what you give to me.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                                   

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3           

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

Magnify the Lord! sermon outline

Pastor Nick Hood preaching at the Plymouth United Church of Christ Detroit, Michigan

Magnify the Lord sermon

Psalm 34: ¹      I will bless the Lord at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

²   My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

let the humble hear and be glad.

³   O magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exalt his name together.

1. Today, I want to talk about what it means to “Magnify the Lord”
2. Psalm 34 is said to have been written after David was set free from City of Gath (Tell the story)
3. The details of this story are found in 2 Samuel
4. David was in such bad shape, he thought his best option was to seek refuge in the city of an enemy of Israel and to pretend to be mentally disturbed
5. Mental Illness is nothing to play with
6. One of the best things to happen to my family was having a mentally incapacitated sister, Sarah Cyprian

1. Today, I want to focus on the 3^rd verse, “O magnify the Lord with me”
2. Let me break down  what I think is going on when David says, “O magnify the Lord with me”
3. To magnify the Lord is to Honor the Lord
4. Illuminate the Lord
5. Glorify the Lord

1. If I magnify the Lord, I must put God above everything else
2. Some of us cannot magnify God, because we are too busy magnifying ourselves
3. Or, feeling sorry for ourselves
4. God is in competition with our ego
5. Most of the difficulties we have in life are because of our ego
6. Russia would not be bogged down in Ukraine if it were not for the ego of President Putin
7. In other cases it is not ourselves in competition with God, but other people and other things
8. We are too busy trying to” keep up with the Jones”
9. Example:

1. David had a life time of reasons to “Magnify the Lord”
2. David knew his power and success came from something greater than himself
3. David knew it was God who made it all possible

• I leave you with this thought – “Magnify the Lord”
• Magnify God with everything you have:
• Your Mind
• Body
• And soul
• Magnify God at home, work, and at play
• Magnify God in how you talk, walk, and think
• I am not much of a man,
• But, I try to Magnify God in all I do
• When I think of all the Lord has done for me,
• All I can do is praise him
• Because the Lord is blessing me every day
• Because he is with me day and
• I find myself saying “The Lord is blessing me, right now”

Questions for Reflection

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                   

Video by Atty. Rita White                     

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

Spirituality of Eating Together

Lunch with Denise and her friends from college in New York: Vickie and Eunice

Acts 2:  ⁴¹ So those who welcomed his message were baptized that day about three thousand persons were added. ⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ^[1]

1 Corinthians 10: ³¹ So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. ³² Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, ³³ just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved. 11 ¹ Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. ^[2]

Revelation 3: ²⁰ Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. ²¹ To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. ²² Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What are your though about what the Bible says about eating together, and eating with Jesus?
2. Why do you think Jesus offered to eat with those who believed in him?
3. What are your thoughts about the spirituality of eating with others?
4. Other thoughts?

Prayer – Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to eat with people whose company I enjoy.  I enjoy the food, but I also enjoy the fellowship.  I thank you for my time on earth, every minute, every moment and every morsel.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                   

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3                      

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

 ^[3]

---

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Ac 2:40–42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (1 Co 10:31–11:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[3] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Re 3:20–22). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Goliath and David – Respect or the Lack Therof

Pastor Nick Hood

Respect, or the lack thereof – Goliath and David

1 Samuel 17: ⁴¹ The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. ⁴² When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. ⁴³ The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ⁴⁴ The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” ⁴⁵ But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, ⁴⁷ and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hand.”

⁴⁸ When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. ⁴⁹ David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

⁵⁰ So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing him; there was no sword in David’s hand. ⁵¹ Then David ran and stood over the Philistine; he grasped his sword, drew it out of its sheath, and killed him; then he cut off his head with it.

When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

From my youth, I always liked the story of the battle between David and Goliath, or maybe, the battle between Goliath and David.  The contrast is stark:  Goliath is older, David is young;  Goliath is a Philestine, David is Hebrew: Goliath has a sword, spear and  shield; David has a slingshot and smooth stones…  Today I want to focus on the lack of respect both Goliath and  David had for each other.  At the beginning of their conflict, Goliath and David hurl insults of disrespect towards each other.

Goliath yells, “Who am I, a dog that you send a youth to battle me?”  David yells back, “I will teac your body apart and leave it for the birds of the air.”  Neither has much regard for the other.  So, today, I want to talk about respect, or the lack, therof.

What are the roots of disrespect?  Sometimes a person will disrespect another person because they do not like them.  Other times, disrespect is born from envy – someone else wants what another person has: their girlfriend, wife,  husband or lover.  They want what you have so much, they will do anything to attempt to take love away from you.  Other times, it is not so much a girlfiend, wife, or husband, wants an outside affair, but they get caught up in an inappropriate relationship   in what seems to be innocent, but is degrading in disrespect.

David and Goliath are disrespectful of each other for religious and reasons of age difference.  David kills Goliath, then decapitates him and hangs the head of Goliath in his tent.  What a lack of respect!

Disrespect is not confined to the Old Testament.  Jesus suffered a great deal of disrespect.  At one point, Jesus says, “A prophet is not without honor eccept in his own land.”

To disrespect others is human, but is certainlyq not when we are at our best.  Jesus calls us to love one another as we love ourselves, to forgive, and to turn the other cheek.  As I live each day, I try to rise above the temptation to be mean and vindictive to those who sneak around doing and saying disrespectful things.  I have found that the greatest way to handle disrespect is for me to stand my ground in love.  What I mean by this is to remain loving in character and disposition, even as  hold others accountable and attempt[NHI1]  not to allow myself to sink to the gutter in response.

Goliath and David started in disrespect, and never got much better.  However, when David fled from Saul, he was given the sword of Goliath by the priest at Nob, and then traveled to the home city of Goliath, Gath, as he sought refuge.

Questions for Reflection

Prayer – Lord, grant me respect for others, even those who try to undercut me, and those who are deliberate in their disrespect.  Bless me with the strength to demand respect and the love to forgive.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                                   

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3           

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

---

 [NHI1]

The Blessings of Friendship

The Blessings of Friendship

Denise and her friend. Vickie

Ecclesiastes 4⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? ¹² And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Friendship is a wonderful thing. In Ecclesiastes chapter 4, there is a great statement on the importance of friendship.  This is not to say that there is something wrong or inferior about being alone, but the wisdom writer makes the point that friendship has its benefits, especially when we are at our weakest moments.  We do not have to be particularly weak or in bad shape to enjoy friendship.  Friendship is also wonderful to be able to enjoy the company of another person who knows you, has shared history with you, likes you, you like them and you just “Click.” 

I have been thinking about friendship most recently this “Mother’s Day.”  Denise and I traveled to New York to visit her friend, Vickie.  They were friends in college, and have continued to be friends  ever.  I applaude their friendship.  Both friends have made an attempt to keep in touch, both by phone and in person.  We visited Vickie when she lived in west Africa and Trinidad, and Vickie has visited us in Detroit.

The older I get, the more I value friendship, because not every friendly and pleasant person may actually be your friend.  The true friend cares about you, is supportive of you and desires the best for you.  They may not always agree with you, but they are interested in in the best for you.

Denise and I spent Mother’s Day afternoon in New York with her friend Vickie and Vickie’s husband, Wendell.  We have eaten well, talked on several subjects, and last night, went to hear the music of Charles Mingus at a place called, The Roxy.  I think it is great that Vickie and Denise have been friends since they were 18.  My list of friends since my youth is getting shorter and smaller.  A true friend does not have to go back to your youth, but it should be people who genuinely care about you, and you care about them.

I am pleased to share a word about friendship, and I encourage you to count your friends. cherish your friends, and keep in touch with those friends.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate friend, who has given his life that you and I might enjoy eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.  Jesus will listen.  Jesus will support you.  Jesus will stick with you when no one else will.  Hold on to this friend, and the Lord will hold on to you.  Blessings.

Nick

Questions for Reflection

1. How do you define friendship?
2. How many close friends do you have?
3. What are your thoughts about the statement on friendship in Ecclesiastes chapter 4?
4. Other thoughts?

Prayer – Lord, I thank you today for my friends.  I thank you for the people who care about me, and I care about them.  I thank you for the people who are supportive, who are willing to listen, share constructive feedback, with the freedom to reflect  in meaningful ways.  I thank you for friends who are fun                                                                                 to be with, but also able to share in sorrow. I thank you for the people who can tell me when I am wrong, build me up when I am weak, give me direction when I am lost, laugh when I am funny ,and enjoy quiet time together.  Lord, help me to be a better friend.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                   

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3                      

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

Lessons from the Prayer of Jabez

Pastor Nick Hood at the Plympouth United Church of Christ Detroit, Michigan

Lessons from the Prayer of Jabez

1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁰ Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!” And God granted what he asked.

I have been thinking about the Prayer of Jabez lately.  Last week, I was talking with a guy who intimated that the winter had  been tough but good.  I told him about the late B. B. King, and his song, “I want more.”  I went on to share with him that our God is a God of the increase.What I mean by this is that our God is in the business of blessing each of us, and it is totally appropriate for us to be unashamed to ask God for what we want.  Then, I told the fellow about the Prayer of Jabez.

In 1 Conicrels chapter 4, we read about a man named Jabex who had a simple prayer:  1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁰ Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!” And God granted what he asked.

This Prayer is simple and straightforward with three parts:

1. A request that God will enlarge or increase his territory.
2. That the hand oif God would be with him
3. That God would keep him from hurt and harm

I encourage you to familiarize yourself with this prayer.  When you want something, do not be ashamed to ask the Lord for what you want, because God is in the business of bestowing blessings, and our God is a God of the Increase.  What I mean by this is that God wants you to improve yourself and expand and build upon where you started from.  I am  thinking about preaching on this theme this Sunday mornimg, and I am interested in in knowing what you think about it.  Thank you and blessings,

Nick

Questions for Reflection

1. What are your thoughts on the Prayer of Jabez?
2. Other thoughts?

Prayer

Lord, I pray now for the increase.  I thank you in advance for the increase.  Expand my territory.  Expand my borders.  Expand the blessings you gave me to start with.  Make me unashamed to envision more, desire more, and to be more than I am now.  Lord, until the day I die, I want to grow.  Help me to grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and professionally. Lord, only you know what lies ahead, so I put my trust in you and promise never to turn from you.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                   

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3                      

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

“O Magnify the Lord”! – Thoughts on Psalm 34

Psalm 34

Praise for Deliverance from Trouble

Of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.

¹   I will bless the Lord at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

²   My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

let the humble hear and be glad.

³   O magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exalt his name together.

⁴   I sought the Lord, and he answered me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

⁵   Look to him, and be radiant;

so your faces shall never be ashamed.

⁶   This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,

and was saved from every trouble.

⁷   The angel of the Lord encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.

⁸   O taste and see that the Lord is good;

happy are those who take refuge in him.

⁹   O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,

for those who fear him have no want.

¹⁰  The young lions suffer want and hunger,

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

¹¹  Come, O children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

¹²  Which of you desires life,

and covets many days to enjoy good?

¹³  Keep your tongue from evil,

and your lips from speaking deceit.

¹⁴  Depart from evil, and do good;

seek peace, and pursue it.

¹⁵  The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to their cry.

¹⁶  The face of the Lord is against evildoers,

to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

¹⁷  When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears,

and rescues them from all their troubles.

¹⁸  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,

and saves the crushed in spirit.

¹⁹  Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

but the Lord rescues them from them all.

²⁰  He keeps all their bones;

not one of them will be broken.

²¹  Evil brings death to the wicked,

and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

²²  The Lord redeems the life of his servants;

none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. ^[1]

I am planning to preach this Sunday, a sermon that focuses on the words of David, before he became king, in Psalm 34 when after seeking refuge in the City of Gath, which ironicly was the home of the giant, Goliath, whom he killed in his youth.  David pretends to have become mentally deranged, and the king takes pity upon him and offers him protection from King Saul.

The entire story of David fleeing from Saul and finding temporary safety in Gath is found in 1 Samuel 21, which I share below:

¹⁰ David rose and fled that day from Saul; he went to King Achish of Gath. ¹¹ The servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances,

‘Saul has killed his thousands,

and David his ten thousands’?”

¹² David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of King Achish of Gath. ¹³ So he changed his behavior before them; he pretended to be mad when in their presence. He scratched marks on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle run down his beard. ¹⁴ Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is mad; why then have you brought him to me? ¹⁵ Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?”

David and His Followers at Adullam

• 22 David left there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; when his brothers and all his father’s house heard of it, they went down there to him.

Now, to my point.  What does David mean in Psalm 34: when he encourages worshipers to “Magnify the Lord”?

1. I think David means that we should put God first.  Sometimes we do not magnify God because we are too busy magnifying ourselves, other people, or other ideas.
2. To magnify God is to acknowledge that we would not be where we are without the help of God.  David understands clearly that it is God who led him to safety away from Saul.  He understands it is God who allowed to pretend he was mentally unstable and find refuge in Gath, and it was God who made it possible for him to be liberated from Gath without harm.
3. For those of us who believe in the power of God and Jesus Christ, we believe that all power comes from God and there is nothing we can accomplish without the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
4. So, David could sing without hesitation, “O magnify the God.”

These are some of my thoughts on this passage of scripture.  I am still developing the sermon, and plan to preach on this text, Sunday morning;.  I hope, if you are available, that you will worship with me at 8:30 am, at www.puccdetroit,org EST.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are your thoughts on my reflections on why David says, “O magnify the Lord”?
2. Why do you think David does not strike back at king Saul?
3. Why do you think David does not bring his soldiers to Gath?
4. Why do you think David chose to flee to Gath and not somewhere else?
5. In 1 Kings 20, the priest at Nob gives David the sword of Goliathm whom David had slain.  Goliath is from Gath and presumbably, David may have carried the sword of Goliath into the city her was from.  What are your thoughts about this?
6. Other thoughts?

Prayer

Lord, I choose to magnify you!  I magnify you because there is none like thee.  In a moment of weakness, I looked the other way, but I acknowlegem I accept, I proclaim there is none like you!  You have been better to me than I have been to myself.  In my blindness, you forced me to see.  When I could not hear, you opened my ears.  When my heart was hard, you made me to feel.  It is you who has created the earth, and you who has given each ofr us freedom and power, and a chance to live life to the fullest.  I thank you for the ability to think, and the opportunity to live life with independence, excitement and creativity.  And in addition to this life, you have promised us because of your death on the cross, life everlasting in that kingdom that has no end.  In Jesus Chjrist we pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                   

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3                      

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

---

^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Ps 34). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Check Out Karen Routt!

Karen Routt

Karen Routt joins the PUCC Conversations with Women during the Pandemic, this Thursday, May 5, 7-8:15 pm via Zoom. Karen was “On the Road” traveling across country from California to Detroit, Boston, Florida, Mississippi back to California and spots in between. Karen will share with us her thoughts about her trip and what it was like traveling during the pandemic. Join us and tell a friend. Zoom 82329769596 passcode 365011

Patience and Resilience – Return to Worship

Pastor Nick Hood preaching and teaching on “Patience and Resilience”

Questions for Reflection

Prayer

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                   

Video by Atty. Rita White                     

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3  – Welcome to the new and updated website at

www.nicholashoodiiiministries.com and www.puccdetroit.org

  where you can now view in one place the devotions, prayers, podcasts and videows of Pastor Nick Hood

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick