May 11-17

Understanding context:
As we read through these passages of Scripture this week, it is important that we come before the Lord with a mindset other than our present realities; albeit with an open heart, and an open mind; in short, a prayerful comprehension of what King David may have been going through some ten centuries before the birth of the Christ….


This Week’s Study:

• Sunday, May 11th –  2 Sam 10, 1 Chr 19, Ps 20
• Monday, May 12th – Ps 65-67, 69-70
• Tuesday, May 13th – 2 Sam 11-12, 1 Chr 20
• Wednesday, May 14th – Ps 32, 51, 86, 122
• Thursday, May 15th – 2 Sam 13-15
• Friday, May 16th – Ps 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55
• Saturday, May 17th – 2 Sam 16-18

What to Expect:

• Trials and Temptations: Jesus spoke of trials and temptations, 14 generations after his earthly great grandfather’s reign; and no less, those “trials and temptations” that his grandfather faced – and indeed, that he (David) struggled with.
• Personification: David’s struggles with his own family; primarily his sons, even amidst their rebellious nature(s). 
• Conviction: The darkness in the heart of man cannot be hidden from the light of the Creator.  “All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV)
• Repentance: Throughout the Psalms, David cries out to Father God in story, in song, and occasionally, in frustration.
• Arbitration: Many of David’s followers and advisors kept him on the “up and up” as he dealt with challenges; and yet those who would attempt to be obsequious to him as king, and of course even prior to his reign...
• Surrender: Even as the (second) anointed king, David recognized that God was in control (see Shimei, son of Gera). 

Some Things to Look For:

• David having been “caught in the act” – and how he deals with it forthright.
• The heart of the psalmist, of the warrior, of the king: how he continually seeks the heart of his Creator, recognizing that it is Father God Who has put him where he is, and for “such a time as this.” (You will later later read about this precept in the Book of Esther)!!
• David’s desire for vengeance. And yet, in the end? His recognition that it is his (our) Maker, the Lord, our Redeemer Who is over all.

My Personal Insight:
Man, I can so identify with David!!! (Did I say that out loud)? 
Personally, I believe that Satan knew – without a facet of a doubt – who David would be. And indeed, who he was. Let’s face it, folks: am I a man after God’s own heart, as Pastor Curt shared in last week’s devotional? 
So… what does my worship look like to our heavenly Father? Do I look like a “cardboard cutout?” (Most of the time, I’d say “yes.”)   So…....why?? 
It is written in Scripture that David was willing to dance before His Savior in his undergarments, even to the chagrin of his wife!! And indeed, it is not about the “act,” but rather this begs the question: where is my heart at ??
Stu: Is yours the heart of a WARRIOR? And even in the midst of your failures, is your heart that of a warrior for Christ? And so henceforth, dare I ask the reader – and in all the midst of past or present failures: is yours??
If you don’t already know, David’s lineage – with exception to a few (Josiah, Asa) was an utter failure, nearly all the way up to Jesus! Nevertheless, God used a (still relatively barbaric and unadulterated people) to keep His Word – and His precepts -  alive!! C’mon, Christians: it is no accident that the prophet Isaiah accurately predicted the birthplace, life, manner of death, resurrection, and to some degree, ascension of the Messiah some 700 years before these events were to take place! 
This week, your PRAYER is between you and Jesus. 
I will, however, share these insights:

• “Many, Lord, are asking, who will bring us prosperity? Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy.’ (Ps 4:6-7a)
• Our world – especially in the United States – seems to be looking for a revenue that is not provided by God.  
• “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Ps 51:10)

Does this not attest to the following…??
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  (Romans 12:2)


Just saying….


And among many others, the following:
“I rejoiced with those who said to me,
Let us go to the house of the Lord.”(Ps 122:1) 


Yo!! Are you in church today, or are you in your jammies with a cup of coffee…?  
Hmm… Doesn’t sound like a “warrior” to me, church… yes?? Ya’ll enjoy that breakfast blend. And hey, it has been too many times that I have done this same thing myself.
Satan is already on the move, brothers and sisters….


This weeks devotion was prepared by Stu Schell.