MANNA IN THE MORNING

I’m learning the highest place in the Lords kingdom is often the most surrendered one, AKA, a very humble one.

God isn’t against counting or organizing; He’s against trusting the numbers more than Him. (Think of how in Exodus, He even commanded a census at times—but with a ransom payment to remind Israel that every life belonged to Him.) Today's census was not about control—it’s stewardship. Solomon is stepping into his God-given assignment to build the temple, and good stewardship requires structure, vision, and leadership.

I’m realizing more and more that being in any role of influence—whether as a parent, mentor, coach, or friend—isn’t about getting it all right. It’s about humility. It’s about owning it when I get it wrong and interceding for the ones who may feel the effects of my choices.

After the tragic failure of the first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (when Uzzah died for touching it), it’s shocking—to see David try again. This time, he does it God’s way. He consults the Law, appoints the Levites to carry the Ark properly, and organizes a full procession with singers, musicians, and worship leaders. David dances with all his might before the Lord, undignified but fully surrendered. May I be undignified for the Lord always.

God’s holiness is not casual and not always something I’ll fully understand. Uzza’s death shows the incredible gift we've been given that we can approach the Lord on our own terms, We are invited to come near with confidence. Even when I can’t make sense of His ways, I can trust that He is holy, good, and working all things for my good.

I kept wondering—would anyone else have caught the detail that David gave to both men and women? Why would that call out even be needed? Maybe because God doesn’t want anyone to miss the truth that His heart includes us all.

David didn’t assume yesterday’s victory meant today’s strategy. Twice in one chapter, he paused to inquire of the Lord. It challenges me to stop leaning on what worked last time and instead depend on God for fresh direction in every season.

Ever felt like a fugitive in your own life—running, cast out, or stuck in a season that feels nothing like God’s promises? While David was called a fugitive, God had already called him king. In the tension between current realities or labels and future promises hold onto the hope of what the Lord has promised.