We read here of many victories David had over his enemies. After that, we see how he handled all the power that he had. “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered judgment and justice to all his people.” (2 Samuel 8:15 NKJV) Even with all that power, he ruled the way God would have him to because he knew where that power was from. Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18
Psalm 25 is another psalm credited to David that we do not know the circumstances under which it was written. Many times when David shares what is on his mind, we see the humbleness and desire to please God. These words are ones we could rightly repeat for ourselves today. “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I…
Our Heavenly Father provides us with everything good that we have in this life. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17) David knew this fact. “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” (1 Chronicles 17:16) The…
The one hundredth Psalm calls itself a Psalm for giving thanks. If we count the many blessings and appreciate what God has done and continues to do for us, we will have the attitude that this psalm suggests. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep…
“Blessed is the man…”. The book of Psalms begins with these words. Don’t we all want to be blessed? What does it take to be that man? The first verse tell us to not walk, stand or sit with those who are living a life contrary to God’s word. A gradual progression is seen here. It begins with just walking along with a bad influence. Then slowing down and stopping to stand with them to finally sitting down and settling…
David was not perfect, but he knew who was in control and who he could go to for guidance. “And David inquired of God, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the LORD said to him, ‘Go up, and I will give them into your hand.’” (1 Chronicles 14:10) Before he fought Goliath he also knew the Lord was with him. “And David said, ‘The LORD who delivered me from the paw of…
The 107th Psalm starts and ends talking about the Lord’s steadfast love. “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalms 107:1) “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.” (Psalms 107:43) In between these verses the Psalmist talks about times when God took care of His people. As His people today, we are promised that same steadfast love and care if we are following…
The Psalmist knew how much better it is to be unified rather than divided. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) Paul encouraged the Ephesians to keep unity by the way they acted. “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit…
When the Philistines found out that David was now king, they went looking to attack him. David heard of their plan and asked for advice from the most reliable source. “And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” (2 Samuel 5:19) How great would it be to have a conversation with…
We have all seen a child stretch out their arms as far as they can and say “I love you this much”. The Psalmist describes the range of God’s love. “But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,” (Psalms 103:17) His love for us has no end or beginning, it has and will always be there for us. He shows His love for us in many…