David

August 2nd – 2 Samuel 9:3

2 Samuel 9:3

After waiting over 15 years to become king, David finally had it all. The power, the riches, and the kingdom. And you’d think he’d spend his time basking in his own glory. Yet instead, one of his first concerns was showing kindness to the heirs of his enemy. In reality, David owed Saul nothing. And who would blame him for wanting revenge after all Saul put David through? Besides, no one would know any different. Because the only living heir was a cripple boy named Mephibosheth. He was the son of David’s best friend Jonathan, whose existence had  been hidden from the world. But even if no one else ever knew of David’s actions, God would. And so out of the kindness shown to him by the Lord and his love for Jonathon, David restored to Mephibosheth Saul’s riches and a gave him a place of honor at David’s table. Nothing is hidden from the Lord. And being kind for the benefit of His eyes alone is the sweetest kindness of all.

August 2nd – 2 Samuel 9:3 Read More »

To Him Goes The Glory – 2 Samuel 20:1-24:25

2 Samuel 20:1-24:25

In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, David’s reign as the King of Israel is nearing its end. David was a shepherd, warrior, hero, king, psalmist, and a sinner. And through it all he never lost his faith or his desire to live for the Lord. Now in his final years, he reflects on all that God has done for him and writes a song of thankfulness and love for the Lord. “I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised.” (v. 22:4) …

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July 7th – 1 Chronicles 12:40

1 Chronicles 12:40

God knows the plans He has for us. Wonderful, glorious plans. And just like He did with David, God He will send us helpers to see those plans done. People to strengthen, support, challenge, guide, protect, encourage, and love us. From Jonathon, the son of David’s greatest enemy, to men who would eagerly give their lives for their king, God provided mighty friends to help David fulfill what the Lord intended. And we can rejoice because He’ll do the same for us. Life can be hard, and at times lonely. But God never intends our spiritual walk to be one of solitude. We were created for fellowship with both Him and others. As such, we all need the love and support of godly friends. And if we let Him, God promises to place in our lives the people we need to accomplish the marvelous purpose He has for each of us.

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June 13th – Psalm 4:8

Psalm 4:8

Experts recommend getting 7-9 hours of sleep a day. Yet for many a good nights sleep is an elusive goal. So no wonder a reported 9 million Americans take prescription drugs to help them fall asleep. And 50 to 70 million people in America suffer from one or several sleep disorders. David had many reasons to lay awake at night in worry. Yet because of his faith in God to protect and see him through his troubles, Israel’s king slept like a baby. And look at Peter. Facing certain death in the morning, you’d think he would have spent the night pacing his cell. But instead he slept so soundly, the angel sent by God to rescue Peter had to strike him in his side to awaken him. We all can experience that kind of peace and deep, restorative sleep. If we do like David and Peter, and turn over all our cares to God. For He promises peace. A peace “which surpasses all understanding,” and one which “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

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June 4th – Psalm 55:22

Psalm 55:22

There’s nothing more painful than being betrayed by someone you hold dear. King David knew this well. Betrayed by one of his dearest friends, his heart was broken and his soul weary. David faced threats from all sides, enemies constantly wanting his destruction, and not knowing who would turn on him next. Too much for any one man to deal with on his own. No wonder he cried out in deep despair. But because the One he cried out to was the Lord, David found the strength to overcome every painful circumstance. To cast our cares on God means laying at His feet every problem, hurt, and disappointment. To trust in His promises and provisions, and letting Him fight our fight. No matter what this world throws at us we needn’t worry nor fear. Because God promises to never let the righteous be shaken!

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May 7th – Deuteronomy 33:26

Deuteronomy 33:26

David was beloved by God. Yet Israel’s king went through many hardships. But in each one he called out to God crying, “From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint...” (Psalm 61:2) Many times my heart too has felt faint and been consumed by discouragement and fear. It’s during those times when when I need to pray more and draw nearer to God. Because the Lord is our “higher Rock”; our unshakable foundation that will never fail. No matter what’s going on in this fallen world, God goes before us, making our paths straight. For as Moses reminds us, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty.” Today cast your cares on God, and watch Him ride across the heavens to help you!

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March 24th – Proverbs 15:8-9

Proverbs 15:8-9

In reading reading these verse in Proverbs, we find that the prayer of a child of God is a pleasing offering. Our Father delights and loves those who fear Him and want to live in His ways. That’s why we are so privileged to not only have God’s word, but be able to pray His word back to Him! Just like David did. Throughout the Psalms we see David’s passion for God. And although he wasn’t a perfect man, He continually prayed to the Lord, and offered his heart with praise and worship. Let us do the same! Let us rejoice in God! For He listens, cares, and delights in us seeking Him. So the next time you approach the Lord in prayer, pray from your heart. A heart that is humble and repentant. And release the beautiful fragrance of a child praying to His heavenly Father!

Blessings, Mari

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March 19th – Psalm 141:1-2

Psalm 141:1-2

The alter of incense inside God’s holy temple was where Aaron was commanded to offer sweet fragrances to the Lord. Every morning and evening, he burned the sacrifice according to God’s specific instructions. And the pleasing aromas were a powerful reminder to the people; a reminder to pray. For the sweet smoke that rose to the heavens was seen as carrying the prayers of God’s people to His ever listening ears. To our loving Father all prayers of His children are precious, and He always responds to their cries. David knew this well. And so continuously he lifted up his arms and offered God prayers for deliverance and of praise. And we should do the same. Each day we need to be offering the sweet smell of our prayers to God. Laying our petitions on His alter, and letting them be carried to the One who longs to hear them.

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March 9th – Psalm 18:6

Psalm 18:6

David had been in hiding and afraid for his very life because King Saul wanted to find and destroy him. Saul saw David as a threat and had many resources to use against David. But David  in his distress never took matters into his own hands. Instead he went to God, believing that God would hear his prayers and intervene on his behalf. When David felt weak, helpless and vulnerable, he prayed. Prayer was David’s lifeline. He knew he was limited, but God was not. And in this Psalm David calls God his strength, rock, fortress. deliverer, shield, horn of salvation, and shield. 

David looked at his enemies and declared them, “too mighty for me”. So he looked to God to have victory even against the odds. David knew that he didn’t have to face his circumstances alone and he credited God for helping him.

This is one of the key benefits of prayer. And it’s humbling to realize that we are limited, not in control of our circumstances, and need help. Yet it gives us hope to know that we can ask for help from the One who is all knowing, all powerful and able to strengthen and equip us. Every day brings its challenges and every day we need to meet with the Lord in prayer. Has the Lord heard your voice today? 

Blessings, Becky

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February 20th – Psalm 145:18

Psalm 145:18

Psalm 145 known as David’s Psalm of praise, celebrates the greatness, goodness, and grace of God. Our God who satisfies “the desires of every living thing”. Who is “faithful in all He does” and “near to all who call on Him in truth.” But what does it mean to to call on God in truth? It means coming before the Lord in complete and open honesty. Pouring out all of our hopes, fears, troubles, and sins. Holding nothing back from the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. To lay all we are and have, the good and the bad at His feet. And trusting in His guidance, healing, forgiveness, and great love. For when we hold nothing back in complete vulnerability, it is then we experience the fullness of God and a closer walk with our Heavenly Father.

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