Thurs.’s Devo - Expanding the Kingdom of God

Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18: John 14:15-31; Psalm 119>33-048; Proverbs 15:33 David wanted to build God a house to honor him and where he could live on earth with them. God sent Nathan to tell him that he had never lived in a cedar house but had traveled with them living wherever his people lived. As for David, God had taken him from tending sheep to the palace and would make his name famous for what he had done for the Lord. Instead of him making a house for the Lord, God would make a house for him which would be a dynasty of kings. *** God would take one of David’s offsprings and make his kingdom strong. He would be the one to build a house for his name. David went into the Tabernacle and praised the Lord for his answer. *** David went on to take Gath, the Philistines largest royal town. He also conquered the land of Moab and had the captives lie down in a row. He told his men to measure them with a rope and every two thirds were killed. The other third was spared to pay him tribute. He also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer the king of Zobah who had been hired to fight against David by the Ammonites. The Armenians came to help the army of Hadadezer and he killed most of them and put the rest in Damascus and made them pay tribute to him also. *** King Toi of Hamath had been a long time enemy of Hadadezer so when he heard how David had conquered them he sent David gifts of silver, gold and bronze. *** David reigned over Israel with justice and righteousness. He appointed a new cabinet of men he trusted and had his sons serve as priestly leaders. *** In John, Jesus told his disciples that if they loved him they would follow his commandments and God would send them another Advocate who will never leave them. He had told them over and over that he was leaving, but the Holy Spirit wouldn’t leave them. The Holy Spirit would lead them into all truth. He was living with them now in Jesus but he would one day be in them like he was in Jesus. *** The Holy Spirit would be their teacher and remind them of all the things Jesus had taught them. He was also leaving them the gift of peace of mind and heart. He was going away, but he would come back to them. At this time, Jesus had to complete what his Father wanted him to do. His obedience to his Father would prove his love for his Father just as our obedience proves our love for God. *** Lord, may our obedience to you prove our love for our Father. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. May we hear and obey.