Sun.’s Devo - David Establishes his Kingdom

Read: 1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17; Romans 1:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 19:4-5 When David was running from Saul, he deserted to the Philistines and helped them fight in their battles. When they were going to fight Saul and Israel, the Philistines wouldn’t let David and his men fight in case David deserted to his master and fought against the Philistines. *** Many of the warriors from Manasseh had come to help David fight against Saul at that time. When they weren’t allowed to fight with the Philistines, they stayed with David and David’s army became like an army of God. *** When Saul died and all Israel met at Hebron to make David their king. The warriors from Judah, Simeon, Levi, Benjamin, Ephraim, Manasseh, Zebulun, Naphtali, Dan, Asher, Reuben and Gad came to join in the celebration. They brought food and celebrated with joy that David was now their king. *** David consulted with his commanders to bring the ark of the Lord out since it had been neglected in Saul’s days. They all agreed to bring the ark from Kieriath-jearim into the city of David which was Jerusalem. *** They carried the ark on a cart with much praise and music. When the oxen carrying the ark stumbled, Uzzah put his hand on the ark to steady it so it wouldn’t fall off the cart. When he did this, the Lord struck him and he died right there. David was so angry and afraid of the Lord, he stopped the ceremony and the ark was taken to the closest house, which was the home of Obed-edom. It stayed there for three months and while it was there, the Lord blessed Obed-deom in everything he did. *** Hiram the king of Tyre sent cedar trees and masons and carpenters to David so he could build his house. David saw that his kingdom was established and fathered more sons and daughters in Jerusalem. *** The Philistines heard that David had become king and went to raid Israel in the Valley of Rephaim. David asked the Lord if he should go against them and was told that God would give them into his hand. He was successful and named the place Baal-perazim. The Philistines had brought their gods with them so David burned them. *** The Philistines came again to raid them in the same valley and the Lord told David to do an ambush from the other side. He obeyed and struck down the army of the Philistines. David became famous and all the nations were afraid of him. *** Today we begin the book of Romans. Paul begins his letter to the church in Rome by explaining his mission for God. He stated what Jesus’ mission was and how he accomplished it through his death which was predicted by the prophets. *** Paul commends them for their reputation of being faithful and longs to meet with them. He wants to impart to them a spiritual gift that he promises will strengthen them. Paul has a burden to share the gospel of Christ with the Gentiles which he knows is salvation for everyone who believes. Those that are righteous will live by faith. *** Lord, may we be known as people who live by our faith in you. May we encourage others who are walking along side us to keep believing in your goodness and truth.