Davidisms: AO1

NFL quarterback Carson Wentz created AO1 as a reminder of how to live out his faith in every area of his life - especially with the cruel critics in the NFL. It was his way of making sure he kept God at the center of his life, not the fickle opinions of others.

What does AO1 mean? Audience of One and that one is Jesus.

Wentz came to realize that he was playing to an audience of one: God. Seeking only God’s approval. Not man’s. Defining true success as doing his best with what God had given to him. Nothing more, nothing less.

This should be our perspective as well. To seek only God’s approval (1 Thessalonians 2:4). To live each day simply doing our best for him. Our one true desire? Hearing God’s applause.

We do this because we have come to a profound reality: People make lousy gods.

Live AO1 in your own life. Play to an audience of one - Jesus.

When you do so, the opinions of others will no longer matter.

Davidisms: Beware of the Leaven of Herod

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus cautions his disciples to beware of the leaven of Herod (8:15). In biblical times, leaven was a symbol of evil or corruption. And King Herod was the poster child of this leaven—an egotistical political figure widely known as a tyrannical ruler.

What exactly was Jesus warning his disciples about? He was warning people of the danger of cozying up to political powers and thinking that they can ultimately change a society.

It will never happen. Herod is a primary example of why, as Jesus knew.

Herod manipulated his politics and people for his own power, as many politicians today continue to do. Herod colluded with whatever or whomever he needed to in order to maintain power. Sound familiar?

Jesus was clearly warning his followers that politics cannot bring in his kingdom. And those with political power will often use anyone they can to grab and keep power.

Be careful about putting your hope in a donkey. Or an elephant. Or any political process or person. Only the Lord Jesus controls all. And his animal is the lion. The lion of Judah.

And Jesus’s kingdom is not of this world. But it will last forever.

Until his kingdom comes, Jesus warns us to be aware of the leaven of Herod!

Davidisms: "I've Got This!"

How would your life change if you heard God say to you, “I’ve got this!”?

He does. It’s true. God oversees every area of your life. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1, NIV).

God takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” (Isaiah 41:13).

Your name is engraved on the hands of the Creator of the universe. “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16).

Don’t you see? God’s got this! All your problems and concerns. Every area of your life. It’s all in his hands. And all means all.

Again, how would your life change if you really believed that God’s got it all?

You just might find yourself more peaceful. Less anxious. And more courageous in all you face.