“Almost Home”…

SCRIPTURE: “But whatever happens… I WILL RUN.” (2 Samuel 18:23) 

OBSERVATION: Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, was a Frontlines Messenger commissioned to bring good news to the King. But this was not that day. The King’s son was dead. Absolam had been impaled by not one but three spears through the heart, while hanging from a tree.

How, you may ask? A turn of events sent this rebellious son and so-called leader into the thicket of the great oaks by his spooked mule that kept on running from fear of David’s soldiers in pursuit. The arms of the great oak trees violently ripped Absolam from the saddle hanging by his hair, helpless… You can’t make this stuff up?! It’s almost like Treebeard from Fangorn Forest leading the Last March of The Ents in the LOTR… Hehe, well maybe not 😉

Back in the General’s Tent, stood two young men. The Cushite received his marching orders to bring King David the bitter news. Victory was his, but at the cost of his son’s life.  As the Cushite ran out of the tent to complete his mission, there remained another standing at attention. Ahimaaz stood by as an unqualified messenger. You see, his job was to run with Good News. This was not his race to run. Yet his request broke the silence in an unconventional way:

Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and bring the king news that the Lord has freed him from the hand of his enemies.” ²⁰ But Joab said to him, “You are not the man to carry news this day, but you shall carry news another day; however, you shall carry no news today because the king’s son is dead.” ²¹ Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” So the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran. ²² Now Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said once more to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why would you run, my son, since you will have no reward for going?” ²³ “But whatever happens,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and passed up the Cushite.

APPLICATION: “But whatever happens… I will run.”

I’ve been thinking about this principle of being a Frontlines Messenger for decades.  I’ve journaled multiple times about Ahimaaz’ story. Recently, the movie 1917 was an epic adventure that put my imagination of Trench Warfare and these Runners on the screen.  If you haven’t seen it. Go watch it… Today!

Every Christian has a calling this side of heaven that will carry over throughout eternity. Hearts carry the life saving message of Jesus Christ into their spheres of influence. The Good News travels with us, even to the most remote corners of the world. Over the years and even recently, I’ve been inspired by meeting men and women who share their faithfulness following Jesus in their Family, Business, Studies, Marriage, Ministry, Missionary adventures and more…

So for me, this morning… I suppose I’m reminded of the “Why” behind the running.  Ahimaaz respected those in authority by asking for permission to run. When he was told no, that it wasn’t in his job description, Ahimaaz declared that he was going to run the race no matter what.

It was his heart’s cry and passion that fueled his desire to run with all his might to be beside his King when the Cushite brought the bitter news from the frontlines. I want to be that man. How about you? Does your heart beat a bit faster at the thought of giving it all you have for the ones you love? I’ve been there.

But what happens when you’ve been on the frontlines far too long? Some give up. Some are casualties of war. Some are prisoners of war. Others are the rare few that travel through all of those life chapters and more… and yet, Never Give Up.

They somehow got back up again and again and again… & are still running the race?! This is a glimpse into my story. I am Eric Richard Robison, a Bible Communicator & Bridge Builder.  A Gentle General in the Kingdom.

Scars and all… I’m still running my race. Doesn’t make sense. Unconventional at best. Misunderstood by most. Yet, now more than ever, I have a conviction and passion to run the race for an audience of one.  I run with and follow Jesus.

“Off the Map” was a phrase I titled this blog to journal my journeys with Jesus years ago. After nearly 7 years into this adventure, I’m more confident now than ever that I’m on the right path and pace.  It may not look nor feel like it at times. That’s ok. Good stories have protagonists, antagonists, conflict, betrayal, victory and a message that withstands time.

In order to have such a song and a story… I’ve chosen to never give up.  I’ve chosen to count the cost. I’ve chosen to give my life time and time and time again for legacy sake. My heart cry over the years on this platform to Jesus is simply “Make it Count”….

In other words, “But Whatever Happens… I Will Run.”

I have a Song & a Story… So Do You!

I cracked my Bible open the other night on my nightstand when I couldn’t sleep and read the words of King David that pretty much sums it up:

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
² He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
³ He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
  They will put their trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:1-3)

All of us are Wayfaring Strangers in this land. However, don’t for a moment believe the journey is for not! Our lives this side of heaven, if placed in the hands of Jesus, will have eternal impact. Lives depend on it.

Did you hear it too?… That kick to the side followed by a voice overhead waking me out of my slumber, “Robison… Pick a Man. Bring Your Kit.” Now we both stand at attention in the General’s Tent. I’ve been on the Frontlines… I know what awaits us… and yet my heart cry remains, “Whatever Happens… I Will Run.”

Are you with me?

PRAYER:  Jesus… Make it Count. WAYFARING STRANGER

“Song & Story”…

SCRIPTURE: “A new song for a new day rises up in me every time I think about how he breaks through for me! Ecstatic praise pours out of my mouth until everyone hears how God has set me free. Many will see his miracles; they’ll stand in awe of God and fall in love with him!” (Psalm 40:3)

 

OBSERVATION: This morning @ Churchome Pastor Judah reminded us of King David’s legacy of being known as, A Man after God’s Own Heart. Even the lyrics that David wrote in the Psalm above, clearly gives God credit. He understood throughout his life journey that God was always the One who brought the breakthrough.

David remembered how he waited patiently on the Lord and acknowledged how Heaven heard his heart cry and confirmed it by lifting David out of his circumstances and set him on solid ground.  His response?  A Song and a Story!

APPLICATION: I am a man who has a Song & a Story. Well, I have a story at least. I’m not much of a musician and you definitely don’t want to hear me sing 😉 So, maybe the song will come later!  But this is a saying that I’ve taken from a movie that came out a while back called, Australia. I’ve spoken this over my kids and a few whose paths have converged over time with mine.

The scene I remember is towards the end of the movie. A young boy had been summoned by his Grandpa to join him journeying throughout the Outback. This was a right of passage and part of aboriginal culture. His life led him to this defining moment. And by saying yes to the adventure ahead, he had to leave loved ones behind. And they had to redefine what letting go really meant. It wasn’t a moment to mourn, rather a moment to celebrate. This was a defining chapter in his story!

Letting go is never easy. Loving is even harder. And yet, letting go may be one of the highest forms of love that we can offer someone.

Do you have a Song & a Story?  Yes, you do.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

If you feel stuck right now and need a breakthrough, wait patiently on the Lord. Don’t give in to Fear, Shame or Confusion.  We can’t let them win. Look up past the propaganda falling around you and know that Heaven hears your heart cry. The same hand from Heaven will lift you out of your circumstances and set you on solid ground. Jesus can be trusted at His word. And if you are in doubt… remember, you have a Song & a Story because of God’s love for you. If you don’t believe me… ask Him. He’s faithful to answer.

PRAYER:

You’re giving us new memories…
To all the places shame wrote our story

You’re giving us Your memory
It’s not just perspective…
It’s innocence, restored

You’re giving us Your memories
You’re giving us a new memory

You’re rewriting our story
…Our story with your love

“Love on Fire!”…

SCRIPTURE: “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” (Psalm 30: 11-12)

OBSERVATION: King David wrote Psalms 30 in response to God blessing his life despite the deep darkness he had to follow God through in order to see the favor of God show up in his life and legacy.  A life misunderstood and lonely at times, became what songs were and are written about.  David’s love was the kind of love that wouldn’t burn up… that wouldn’t back down.

The passion deep within his heart for God never burned out. Deep called to deep and God was glorified!  Through it all, God answered David’s prayers and remained close to him… through every life chapter.  For David, it was always Presence over Position. To the end, he contended for God’s presence to go with him.  If not, it was all for nothing.  I like David!  He’s my kinda guy!

APPLICATION: David’s life is filled with chapters that make me want to be like him, while other chapters remind me of the man I never want to be. A warrior on the front lines and an absent father at home?  No thank you!  An Adulteress man and a murderer?  No thank you!  And yet, David always corrected back to pleasing God.  He led with passion, power and after years of testing and sifting… the position came to him. The Legacy came to him.

He was a man who followed hard after God’s own heart. After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ (Acts 13:22) Now that is the kind of man who I can follow and learn from!  So, I’ve chosen to learn from his life, the good… bad… and very ugly.

As a boy, David was called out from the fields when the Priest came to David’s Dad and had all the boys line up wondering who would be anointed the next King of Israel.  Samuel, the Priest, saw Jesse’s sons and called out the missing boy.  Jesse didn’t even think of bringing him up from the fields since David was no mighty man of valor… no mighty warrior.  David was just a boy… Or was he?

Samuel anointed David as God had led him to.  So, what did David do next?  NOTHING.  He went back to his job.  He was faithful to shepherd the flock that was entrusted to him.  And in those lonely nights, in the fields of obscurity and in the mundane, unnoticed and unappreciated days that led into months and years… David became the man of God worthy of the Position God had for him.  How?  By trusting in God’s Presence to guide him and give him wisdom and strength in the moments of testing and trial.

For years, after the oil dripped down from David’s brow and past his spotty “Vote for Pedro” beard… hehe 🙂 …sorry.  He chose to make a stand against enemies that came against his flock.  The Bible even states he fought off bears and lions… Yeah.  That.  Is.  Awesome!

So David’s heart was in step with God’s when he was given the task of taking carts of Lunchables and more to his brothers who were on the front lines against the Philistines.  When David arrived, he couldn’t believe what he saw.  A stalemate scene with a Giant taunting the nation of Israel and making fun of the Living God.  David got pissed!  When he heard the reward to kill the Giant was to marry King Saul’s daughter, become part of the royal family and have his life changed forever?…. He stepped forward and gladly stepped in the ring with the Giant.  Why?  He had a love on fire!  He knew who His God was and that victory was his.  This Giant would fall just like the bears and lions in the wilderness.  David wouldn’t back down!  Victory was his… and history was made!

Malcolm Gladwell spoke at the Willow Creek Summit a while ago and always has interesting viewpoints to share.  Take a few minutes and listen to his point of view on this historical account.  Meekness is not Weakness.  And sometimes, especially from Heaven’s vantage point, things are not always what they seem…

PRAYER: Lord, just like King David… I have had my seasons.  I have had my moments of victory and defeat.  Yet, I want to be a man who always corrects back to Presence instead of Position.  You always make a way where there seems to be none.  Thank you for making me an unconventional man, like David.  Thank you for the bears and the lions of my life story.  Thank you for the Giant Killer legacy I have and the fact that my kids are Giant Killers in their own right.

Thank you for the love within me beginning to flame once again.  You know my heart.  You know the depths we have been in and through together.  Now on this Ascent Velocity journey, may you set my life on fire once again!  My misunderstood life story and unconventional calling… Let it out… I gotta say I love you Lord!  I’ve got a love on fire… The kind of love that won’t burn out!  I’ve got a love on fire… The kind of love that won’t back down!  May the Slinger in me be faithful to follow You into the future You have prepared me for.  It’s time.  Make it count!

“Beautiful in Defeat”…

SCRIPTURE: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. ” (Psalm 139: 23-24)

OBSERVATION:  David acknowledged that God sees and knows everything about us, even the most hidden areas of our heart.  King David was a legendary warrior who’s name struck fear in his so-called enemies. The other side of David’s leadership was walking out the dark depths of defeat and betrayal from those closest to him.  And yet, throughout his life, he willingly chose to submit to the King of his heart… in victory and defeat, he trusted his God.

APPLICATION: David’s life was read like a mythic leadership movie like The Lord of the Rings or Gladiator.  And yet, at the same time, his life was riddled by the consequences of selfish life choices.  What gives me hope is that David’s life echoed the hope of Heaven.  Even in his mess, he kept his heart open to his God and self-corrected accordingly.  He learned in youth and even as a king, that true victory comes only by surrendering to the King of Kings.

Sounds like and oxymoron doesn’t it?

Throughout history, we read of men and women who led their lives in such a way that defied culture and at times, common sense.  King David, Joseph, Moses, Esther, Ruth, Mary and more… and yet, God was glorified through their simple obedience.  What these people modeled so well for us is the rare public display of a private surrendering of their heart to the God they loved.  God had won their heart years before life brought them to those fulcrum moments that defined their character by heaven’s standards.  Their lives were forever set apart proving it was possible to be beautiful in defeat.

For me, I want to be a man who lives out this life principle.  I surrendered my heart to Jesus years ago.  In my youth, life was at ease on all borders.  Now at 44, my heart bears the scars of betrayal and campaigns of very real spiritual warfare.  And yet, my heart remains yielded to Jesus.  I am a man who walks in sweet victory.

Because Jesus won my heart, He sustains me when life brings me to my knees. This side of heaven, each of us will have moments like this. It’s not the blows, but rather our response to them that mark us as King’s kids.

When my heart flatlined years ago, Jesus’ presence breathed life into me again.  I can’t really explain how Jesus did this.  I am living proof that Jesus is who He says He is.  Having nothing to offer Him, except a wounded heart, He made me Beautiful in Defeat.

Each of us will come to the end of ourselves.  In these moments, we can choose to become a casualty of war OR… to join the ranks of men and women in the bible who chose to live by faith.  They were free even in the midst of their battle.  God won their heart.  They were unstoppable.

I too want to be a man who is known in the Kingdom to be worthy of bearing these very real scars… I want to be more like Jesus.  And I am the first to admit, I have much to learn!

His heart bears the scars of giving His life on the cross for you and for me.  He chose to keep those scars in Heaven throughout eternity as a reminder of God’s love for His Daughters and Sons.  All of the heroes of faith point to Jesus arriving on earth with a mission to live a prefect life, choosing obedience to the Father by giving His life in order for us to have life after death.

The prerequisite?  Surrendering our heart to Jesus.

Jesus is my King.  Even in my mess, I am loved.  He gave His life for me.  As David did before me, I want to bring my heart to my King seeking His will in and through my life.  I want Legacy.  The prerequisite is to surrender my heart… all of it, day by day.

PRAYER:  My desire is to be a man marked by Your presence Jesus.  Completely surrendered… mess and all.  Because of You I am Beautiful in Defeat.  You have won my heart.  I trust You.  Make it count!

“Eyes Wide Open”…

SCRIPTURE: “In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.” (2 Samuel 11:14-15)

OBSERVATION:  King David is known for having a heart after God’s.  And yet, he was a murderer.  How is this possible?  Grace. Through the gift of grace from Jesus Christ.  David had very real consiquences from his affair with Uriah’s wife.  And when he tried to cover it up by murdering Uriah on the frontlines of battle, only his general Joab knew of the motives behind the scandal and cover up.  But what happened in the darkness was shouted in the streets when it all came back on David.  Did God forgive David?  Yes.  Did David pay a price for his actions?  Yes.  Both are true.  Both are true for us today.

APPLICATION:  What echoed in my heart this morning was Nathan’s words to King David as he skillfully cornered David into confessing what he had done; took another man’s wife.  She became pregnant.  So he made a plan to have her husband killed on the frontlines of battle.  (2 Samuel 12:7-13)

The words, “You are the man!” must have pierced David’s heart in an instant.

I have learned over the years that God is patient and kind.  Even in our mess, He wants to help us.  There are 3 ways we receive help from God in the face of sin.

1. Privately – we choose to bring our mess to Jesus in prayer asking for forgiveness
2. Peers – we choose to ignore our mess until our friends call us out
3. Publically – we choose to ignore any warnings until our mess blows up publically

 

All three are effective.  I choose to deal with my messes privately if at all possible.  I’ve walked through all three in my life.  Some were my fault.  Others were brought against me.  Regardless, I had the choice to respond in one of three ways; privately, with peers or publically.

What about you?  How are you doing on this one?  I encourage you to talk to Jesus about your mess.  Talk to a few select trusted friends who will lead you to God’s best.  Do not pretend that your mess will somehow just be swept under the carpet.  At some point, Life has a way of bringing light into dark areas.  Hiddenness isn’t worth it.  The cost of hiddenness is always greater than you think!

I know this isn’t a ‘feel good’ journal.  But I’m smiling while I write this.  Why? Because God is good and will always bring about His will in our life if we ask Him to.  I have experienced life on both sides of the line as David and Uriah.  I choose to be a man who responds with Legacy in mind… even in the face of betrayal.

• When I’m confronted with my mess, may I fall to God.
• When I’m confronted with betrayal, may I fall to God.

Both sides of the line are equally important how you respond.  Uriah was the better man.  But no one remembers his name. God does.

I want to be a man who faces life head on.  I want to live life with eyes wide open.  From this day forward, I know God will bring blessings into my life.  I have dreams and private prayers.  Some of these I have told no one but God.  When they do happen. When the timing is right.  God will be glorified.  My work today is to live with eyes wide open allowing no hiddenness.  My goal is not perfection.  My goal is authenticity and with it a deeper relationship with God.

I have faltlined on the battlefield from betrayal before…  From that point my life has taken a powerful turn.  God’s grace has given me a new heart that beats stonger.  My name is known in the Kingdom as a man who never gave up.  And when my heart did, God’s grace gave me victory.  I have legacy.  I have my integrity and character.  Because of this, God will honor me.  He will honor me for I have honored Him.

PRAYER:  Jesus, make it count.  Even if people don’t know my name.  You do.  Grateful for Your grace in my life.  And thank You for writing an amazing next chapter of my life.  The pages haven’t been written yet.  But I trust You.  Choosing to live life eyes wide open.  Even in the face of betrayal, I choose to follow You Jesus.  Make it count!

“You are Victorious”…

SCRIPTURE: “…The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.”  (2 Samuel 8:14b)

OBSERVATION:  King David spent decades at war.  He worked hard securing his legacy.  One truth was known on both sides of the battle line, The God of Israel was with David and He gave David victory wherever he went. Powerful.  How about you? What do people say about you and your God?  I want my legacy to be one like David’s!

APPLICATION:  I have much to do today.  And yet, I choose to spend my lunch reading God’s word and allowing God to read me.  I need and desire victory in my life.  God will honor those who honor Him.  Even in our mess at times, as King’s Kids, Jesus loves to bring us into His very best.

Just as David had to fight surrounding nations in order to secure his legacy, I have had life chapters of conquering and taking ground back.  Now after Jesus has given me victory over my enemies, I too give credit to God.  People on both sides of the battle lines have recognized God’s presence in my life.  So much so that hearts who hated me for no reason have declared they were wrong.

Some who have falsely accused me of horrible things have been proven false.  Lies, manipulation, strategies, betrayal and more are all broken against the presence of my God.  Even my kids have all declared boldy of their faith in the face of false accusatioins and lies that were attempted to blame them for actions taken against them.  I’m so proud of my kids.  They know who they are.  My kids know they are victorious!

Today, I am in awe of how Jesus continues to bring victory to those who follow Him.  Jesus gave His life first, and defeated death!  Jesus is victory.  I know some friends and family who struggle with feeling victorious.  My name is on top of this list sometimes.  If you are with me in this, may I encourage you?  Even your name is victorious!  You are a crown of victory in God’s hands…

• You are victorious!  Because you believe in Jesus and take Him at His word.
• You are victorious!  Even when you don’t feel like it, you are.
• You are victorious!  We are sons and daughters of the Living God.
• You are victorious!  When you are weak, Jesus is strong

PRAYER:  Jesus, my prayer is that I would recognize more of you in my life.  I am victorious because of You!  I pray for my friends, family and those who I don’t know yet who are struggling today.  I pray that You show up today and bless them with some sort of victory.  From feeling Your presence and approval, emotional & physical healing, financial breakthrough to facing themselves in the mirror and respecting their reflection.  Thank You for being our victory!

“Abigails” Still Exist…

SCRIPTURE: “David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me.  May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.” (1 Samuel 25: 32-33)

 

OBSERVATION:  David and his warriors kept watch of of a rich man’s servants in the field as they shepherded their master’s flock.  David’s men were passing through and chose to protect these servants from harm for days without demands for payment. David sent 10 of his men to ask for a little food that they may continue to be on their way through his property.  David could have demanded by force, but he respected this man and humbled himself by asking for simple provisions for his men who were in need.

Nabal scoffed at this request and mocked David and his 10 messengers.  Upon hearing this report, David was pissed!  He didn’t think about what he was going to do… he told his men to strap on their swords.  They were going to town to annihilate this man and all that was his.

This is when Nabal’s wife heard from one of the servants who was protected by David and his men of what her husband had decided and the storm that was on the way.  She and the servant knew there was no changing Nabal’s mind, so Abigail had her servants gather provisions for David and his men and went personally to deliver them to the formidable force that was on its way to crush them.

Abigail met him with more than what David asked for in the first place.  She was respectful.  She took responsibility for her husband’s foolish decision.  She also communicated God’s best for David as the future king of Israel.  She reminded him of his destiny and that he would not want innocent bloodshed on his hands.  All of this and more brought David, who was angry and on a warpath to destroy his enemy, to his senses and calmed his rage by reason.  This woman spoke the truth in respect.  She captivated David’s heart because she communicated the truth and was for what was right on both sides of the line.  This woman was a leader.  Leadership attracts leadership.

Nabal had the position of leadership.  Abigail had the influence of leadership.  Nabal in his pride nearly brought demise on himself and all his people.  Abigail’s wisdom brought peace and God’s best to the situation.  I love that about this woman!

If you keep reading, justice prevails.  David relented and received the rations gladly from Abigail.  And thanked her for her wisdom for bringing God’s best out of him.  She made him a better man…

When Abigail got back home, she wanted to give a report of what just happened… but Nabal was so drunk partying, she couldn’t talk reasonably with him.  She waited until the morning and shared what David was about to do and how she appealed to his authority and brought about saving many lives.  You’re going to love this!  You know what happened? …He had a heart attack on the spot and flatlined days later!  Ha! Serves him right!

After this, David was so moved by Abigail’s wisdom, respect, dedication to God’s best and beauty…that he asked her to marry him.  And she said Yes!  She made David a better man.  This is the power of a Godly woman.

APPLICATION:  I have received promises from God over my life.  Some of them have happened.  Some of them have not…yet. I am praying and preparing for my future by living my very best day by day.  My life is the sum of my choices.  I understand this. So as a single dad, leading my family into God’s very best I understand that at times I too will be like David…angry & impulsive. I have a few chosen friends and family to counsel me through life’s ups and downs.

But someday, I can see myself being surprised by a woman who isn’t afraid to meet me where I am and speak God’s best over my present problem while reminding me of my future.  The ability to capture a man’s attention by appealing to his mind and heart at the same time is rare indeed.

I believe “Abigails” still exist in the world today.  They do not draw attention to themselves.  They are soft spoken leaders. Their ability to love and lead simultaneously breaks the strongest heart once captivated by the authenticity and genuineness they offer without compromise.  These “Abigails” bring out the best in people.  She brought out the best in David.  She influenced his life so much, that he asked for her hand in marriage!  I love this.

PRAYER:  Lord, I have much to learn.  I believe “Abigails” still exist in the world today.  I pray when the timing is right, that you bring our paths together.  I don’t want the drama that goes with David’s account.  I’ve had enough drama for many lifetimes! But You know what I mean.  I pray that I would be a gentle general as David was.  Enough so, that when I’m wrong an Abigail could speak to my heart bringing the best out of the situation and making me a better man.  I’d like to know what life would be like with an Abigail in my life.  Until then, I pray and prepare.  You know what’s best for me.  I trust You.

“Life of Legacy”…

SCRIPTURE: “Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled.  He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder!” (2 Samuel 23:9-10)

OBSERVATION: King David had thousands of men serving in the ranks of his army, but he had a select few that led them.  “David’s Mightiest Warriors” were simple men with hearts that did not know the word, “Quit”.  They fought the longest and hardest until the battle was over.  They did not let fear get the best of them.  They knew what must be done and did it, no matter the personal cost.  They put their life on the line when it counted most.  These were the few men that toed the line of sacrifice and self-surrendering in such a way that broke the back of the enemy’s advancement.  I long to be such a man…

APPLICATION:  This morning, I’m sitting outside in the sunshine with birds singing as they fly above me in the coastal blue skies at our friend’s beach house.  Doesn’t seem like much of a frontline of a warrior does it?  No, it isn’t… and I’m so glad for it.  Even Easy Company needed to go for a swim under their leader’s orders to rest from the unthinkable battle and loss they endured.

I’m not a legendary warrior in King David’s army.  I’m not a member of Easy Company under Captain Richard’s command.  I’m a simple man from a small town who has given my heart fully to Jesus Christ.  I have dedicated my life to follow Jesus wherever He leads me, even if it’s off the map.  Over the years, I have seen the chapters of my life unfold with high points of celebration and the deepest pits of despair.  But on looking back at those life-chapters, I’m encouraged by one truth…that Jesus was with me every step of the way. He never left me.  He will never leave me.

As I sit here and write this journal, I am declaring the victory and peace that my kids & I…my family… are experiencing now is because of God’s faithfulness. But I’m also very aware of the difficult choices I have made that brought me to this place of rest. The bible says in Ecclesiastes that there is a season for everything.  This has been a season of warfare for me.  The most intense battle I’ve ever experienced and ever hope to experience.  What I have just come out of, I wish on no one.  I didn’t ask for this.  It was hurled upon my kids & I.  I had little control of the situation.  I felt out of control and in a blur with a myriad of attacks simultaneously hitting me from all directions.  But I had no time to retreat and gather my thoughts.  There was no time.  War was upon me!  All I could do was decide what I would do in the midst of it.

Eleazar, this mighty warrior, stood with King David and fought the enemy until his hand had to be peeled away from it.  He swung the sword against the enemy when everyone else had run for their lives.  He made up his mind that this was the moment that would define him as a man & warrior.  Eleazar took inventory of the enemy’s advances and the reality that he was alone and was probably going to die.  But he decided that he was going to die standing his ground for his freedom and for the people he loved.

With the ground shaking from boots on the ground advancing towards him, Eleazar must have felt something deep within his heart rise up… he knew this was probably going to be the death of him.  It wasn’t a matter of dying, it was a matter of how he was going to die. This is the one thing that he had control of.  And so this one decision to stand his ground rose from his heart until his sandals twisted the ground beneath him as he prepared to make his advance.  This unconventional choice to die with all the strength he had within him, rose up until he couldn’t help but break a sideways smile as he gripped his sword, knuckles white ready for battle until he drew breath in his lungs and let out a warrior’s cry that resounded in the hearts of heaven.  God saw a man willing to put it all on the line for the people he loved.  He was willing to stand his ground and die swinging the sword until he could no longer either by death or exhaustion.  So be it!  He would not retreat.  He would die a warrior’s death.  This was his choice alone to make.  And it is ours to make today…

I am a man that has made a similar decision as Eleazar.  Jesus told me at the beginning of all this, that this was a season.  I though that meant a different ending than this, but here I am none-the-less.  The season to go to war is over.  This is a season of peace.  I too made the decision to fight for the ones I love. There have been casualties and I bear the scars of these battles.  I too made a decision to stand my ground for the ones I love. I chose to fight with all I had within me.  I knew that I would die.  It was a matter of how I would die.  I chose to give all I am to Jesus and to swing the sword with all my might, strength until I had none.  And in the face of fear when I realize that I’m not enough…to fight by Spirit!  I am a Robison.  I don’t quit.

This post-war season of peace is healing. Although everyday I have frontline flashbacks and sometimes reach for my scars as the pain rises up again in the healing.  But as this morning, I am reminded in reading God’s word that I’m not alone.  I have many friends who mentor me in peacetime from the wisdom of the ages, The Bible.  Someday, I will walk with these Mighty Warriors and hear first hand about their adventures that have inspired me this side of heaven.

But what brings me to tears this morning is my hope that the way I have decided to die by swinging the sword and standing my ground for the ones I love will glorify God and inspire others to give their best to Jesus even in the midst of unspeakable fear.  My hands had to be peeled away from my sword by a select, trusted few.  My armor needed to be taken off and my wounds washed in the tent of healing.  It has taken months… I have emerged from this tent of healing a different, yet better man.

I am now on the shores of my promise land with my kids.  It is a new season for us.  It is my prayer in the years to come, that I may hear my kids share how their lives were forever changed for the better by watching me give my all during this past season of warfare.  It is my prayer that my kids, and someday grandkids, will walk with me and give God glory about how we followed Jesus through this season.

I don’t want to be known so much as a Mighty Warrior.  My heart’s desire has, is and always will be… to be a man of faith & legacy following Jesus.  Since I was a little boy I knew I wanted to be married and have a family.  This is my heart’s desire and legacy. This legacy has been violently attacked.  Even though there has been casualties and an end of one season… there is now a new hope.  Jesus has brought us to a new beginning and the edge of a bright future in this place of peace and blessing.  I am so grateful.

PRAYER:  Jesus, may You continue to write my story in such a way that glorifies You. May these scars I bear be held by your nail-scarred hands.  You understand.  And You are the only one that sees the end from the beginning.  So I entrust my life and legacy to You once again today.  I thank You Jesus for bringing me through such a season…with a new heart, a new hope and a future that will be written by You and You alone.  It cost me everything to follow You Jesus…but it is and will be worth it.  I trust You and choose to follow You off the map today.  So be it.  I choose a life of legacy.

“Mourning Well”…

SCRIPTURE: “Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.” (2 Samuel 19:5-7)

OBSERVATION:  David had received the message that Absalom was dead.  The war was over, but at the price of losing his son.  David was stricken with deep grief.  So much so, that he wasn’t able to perceive the damage it was doing to the men that put their lives on the line to fight for King David.  They were the men that stood up for David and put an end to this awful display of disrespect, betrayal and outright evil acts on David and his family.

Absalom was a self-obsessed person.  He burried offenses deep within his heart until hatred fostered within him to act out on the one that loved him, his father King David.  So much so that he made it his life purpose to destroy his father and take all that was his and make his own.  Absalom lied about David’s character, leadership and motives until he had enough people to rebel with him against his father.  

When Absalom revealed his plan to overthrow David’s kingship, he did the unthinkable… He gathered his father’s wives and concubines and publically slept with all of them.  With this evil act, making a public statement that what was his father’s…was now his!  This was sick and twisted.  This was evil, but it worked.  David spiralled out emotionally on all levels and quietly took with him his closest family, friends and trusted generals, advisors and their men.

This mess was David’s life for months.  When the Cushite messenger delivered the news that Absalom had been fleeing the battle within the forest when his notorious flowing hair, that signified his strength, left him caught in a tree hanging from his pridefulness… leaving him defenseless.  And when Joab heard about it, he struck him in the heart with 3 javelins and his men all struck at him with their swords, leaving no chance of life left in this son of the King. They cut Absalom down, threw his body into a large pit in the forest and threw rocks on top of his body.  The battle was done.  Victory was theirs.  King David was free from this evil!  

But when Joab and his men saw the reaction of King David…they lost heart.  They felt shame as if they had done something wrong.  They came back from battle through the gates of Mahanaim with their heads down and their hearts confused.  They were silently wondering what happened and why was their King mourning the loss of his son that wanted him dead and brought so much evil against him and his family? It didn’t make sense.  It was wrong.  Only Joab had the guts to confront King David and help snap him back to reality.  He was harming the ones that loved him by not affirming them, looking them in the eye and thanking the for standing with him in his most darkest hour. David needed to get beyond his emotions and put others first.  He needed help understanding how his mourning was harming those who loved him most…

APPLICATION:  I’m sitting outside on this beautiful day here at our friends beach house.  I chose to spend this weekend away with my kids making new and good memories for my family.  We have been through bitter betrayal.  I have been through war and have spiralled out emotionally, as King David had done, with news of the horrible acts done against me by the one I loved the most.  I’ve had help from family and friends and have purposed to walk through this season in such a way that complete healing would happen.  My deepest heart wounds are washed clean now.  Only scars remain.  Although still tender to the touch, they tell a chapter of my life-story that I wish were never part of me.  But they are…

So on this Mother’s Day, I choose to recognize the need for me to lead well.  I have the three most important people on the planet watching my every move and listening to every word I say.  How I mourn and process through the betrayal, divorce and first steps of freedom will make all the difference for my kids, their kids and for generations to come.  I must lead myself well, giving time and space for my processing and praying in new seasons of blessings to come.

I’ve learned to not only follow Jesus, but to sit in the arms of my heavenly father and simply allow Him to hold me and cry.  I do this for my daughter and we call this, “Daddy Pillow”. It’s our code for when she doesn’t want to talk, but she needs me to hold her and let her cry.  We cry together most of these times.  No words spoken, but our hearts connect and heal together.  It’s new to both of us, but needed.  During this time, I’ve allowed the Holy Spirit to wash my heart.  Sometimes in the deep caverns that I didn’t even know existed. I’m so grateful for a loving God.  We as sons and daughters need times like this…

I have finished well and started this new race ahead of me with my honor, character and integrity in check.  When doubts come, I choose to squelch them by reminding myself how faithful God was and is.  I’ve done nothing wrong to deserve this, but neither have my kids. So I trust Jesus to do what I cannot.  I trust Him at his word that He will work all this for good.  My kids and I love Jesus and still choose to follow Him. Therefore, we will have better days ahead of us.  Jesus calls us to follow Him through the valleys to the other side of them to better days.  He hasn’t and won’t ever leave us there.  If we end up stuck in a valley, it’s because we chose to stop moving forward, following Him in faith.  May we choose to face our fears and simply take one more step.  Jesus has our best in mind for us.  I choose to trust Him.  And becuase of who He is, the Robison family will be blessed in the days to come.  Period.

PRAYER: Jesus, betrayal and war wounds cut deep.  But I thank you for helping me process and heal well.  I thank You for helping me put my kids first by mourning properly, giving them freedom to have days where it’s simply “Ok to not be ok”.  And I also thank You for friends and family who are on this journey with us praying in Your best for us.  Even this morning a text came through from a mentor/friend who simply said, “Praying for you and your family on this Mother’s Day to restore well”… thank You Jesus.  I trust You at Your word.  You will bring good out of all this evil.  So for today, I choose to live future-present and walk in the goodness of the seasons to come.  I choose to lead my kids, my family into better days one step at a time following You.  I wish my story was different today… but I trust You to write a different ending to my story.  May You write a story through my life in such a way that many lives will be saved.  May this Joseph story end well in Jesus’ name! (Genesis 50:20)

“I Want to Run!”…

SCRIPTURE: “Now Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Let me run and take the news to the king that the Lord has vindicated him by delivering him from the hand of his enemies.” “You are not the one to take the news today,” Joab told him. “You may take the news another time, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” Then Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed down before Joab and ran off. Ahimaaz son of Zadok again said to Joab, “Come what may, please let me run behind the Cushite. But Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to go? You don’t have any news that will bring you a reward.” He said, “Come what may, I want to run.” So Joab said, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.” (2 Samuel 18:19-23)

OBSERVATION: King David’s son Absalom was dead.  Killed by David’s General and his armor bearers in the forest of brutal Civil War.  Fueled by betrayal and bitterness, Absalom’s now lifeless body was thrown into a pit with rocks piled on top of him, as the word spread of this bitter-sweet news of so-called victory…”The Traitor is dead”.  The question that quickly arose was, “Who’s going to tell the King?” Joab sent the Cushite to run from the forest battle to Mahanaim, where King David and his men waited to hear the news from the frontlines.  It wasn’t Ahimaaz’s turn to run.  Wasn’t his job.  As a frontlines messenger, he wasn’t going to get paid to run this time.  Ahimaaz didn’t care.  He wanted to run!  He wanted to be with his King when David heard the news that the battle was over, but at the brutal cost of losing his son’s life. 

APPLICATION:   Ahimaaz was a runner, a messenger who ran with good news. But he was more than this.  He was a good man, a messenger who was known for bringing good news. When people saw him running towards them, they recognized him by the way he was running.   I want to be such a man. 

“While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out to the king and reported it. The king said, “If he is alone, he must have good news.” And the runner came closer and closer. Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!” The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.” The watchman said, “It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “He’s a good man,” the king said. “He comes with good news.” (2 Samuel 18:24-27).  

I want to be a man like Ahimaaz.  A good man.  A messenger.  A man who is known by the way he runs.  A man who bring goods news.  But not only this.  I want to be a man that counts the cost to run the race with and for God.  I want my life to count.  I want purpose to be the fuel and motives of my passion in life that allows me to go the distance.  The bible says that, “Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain and outran the Cushite.” (2 Samule 18:23).

The Cushite ran the shortest distance through the mountains and valleys. We trail runners call this “Serious Vertical”.  It’s difficult but do-able.  Ahimaaz went the long way around choosing to drop down to the flat trails near the Jordan.  It was longer but easier to run.  The Cushite was motivated and no doubt was running with adrenalin.  But Ahimaaz was sprinting with all he had in him and more as this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand before his King when the bad news came.  Ahimaaz ran with all that was in him.  He dropped the hammer and let it fly.  With endorphins flowing through his veins, he went all out and ended up beating the Cushite!  We don’t know the exact mileage, but as a trail runner… I believe the distance Ahimaaz ran may have been close to double that what the Cushite ran…and Ahimaaz beat him!  Once Ahimaaz finally made it to his friend and King, he gave good news… but in a way that brought honor to everyone.

1. He respected his position & didn’t tell David everything. That was the Cushite’s job.
   • Man of Honor
2. He helped prepare David’s heart to receive the next message as good news…
   • Man of Character
3. He stood by his King not becuase it was his job, but because he ran heart first
   • Man of Integrity 

“Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” He bowed down before the king with his face to the ground and said, “Praise be to the Lord your God! He has delivered up those who lifted their hands against my lord the king.”The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” Ahimaaz answered, “I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was.” The king said, “Stand aside and wait here.” So he stepped aside and stood there. Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The Lord has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.” The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.” The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Unfortunately, sometimes life is filled with bitterness and betrayal.  But in the midst of the battles, I want to be a man that runs heart first.  I bear my fair share of scars from life-chapters that I wish were not part of my story.  But I realize that this side of heaven we will have suffering.  I surrender my expectations of living a life apart from hardships.  At the same time, I choose to raise a standard within my heart to be a man such as Ahimaaz.  A man of Honor, Character and Integrity. I choose to run in such a way as to bring good news.  Even in life’s most difficult seasons…may I be one that people recognize by the way I run.  By the way I live my life.  By the way I choose to count the cost to follow Jesus and stand by the ones I love…even in their darkest hour.  I choose to run!

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, thank you for making me a runner.  This trail runner isn’t the fastest nor the strongest.  But I am willing to go where few go… following hard after You.  May I be someone who is trained and ready to run twice the distance in half the time when I’m called upon to be there for my family and friends.  To be a messenger of good news.  To put it all on the line when no one is asking me to.  May I be willing to give my all for You.  I am a runner, a messenger… Eric Robison is a “Bible Communicator and a Bridge Builder”. May I be a man of honor, character and integrity.  “Come what may… I want to run!”  

…When I find myself so far from home.  And You lead me somewhere I don’t want to go. Even in my death I’ll follow You…When I come to end this race I’ve run and I receive the prize that Christ has won, yes I will be with You in paradise…I believe everythig that You say You are, I believe and I have seen Your unchanging heart, in the good things and in the hardest part, I believe and I will follow You…I believe and I will follow You!