Read: Ps. 32, 51, 86, 122
I may have never committed adultery, or killed someone to cover my sin but I do know the bitter taste of guilt and regret. It will eat you alive if you don’t give it to God. What David did was terrible, but God’s loving kindness and forgiveness knows no bounds. He forgives a lie the same as a murder. We still have to pay the consequences but even those can be sweet when we have a clean conscience before God. David knows this all too well and is repentant. You feel his pain when he talks about his bones actually hurting when his sin was still hidden. It sounds like he had some sleepless sweaty nights of wrestling with his conscience. It followed him all day; his sin was ever before him. He couldn’t escape the sin but he confesses that his sin was against the Lord because it was against His laws and His daughter, Bathsheba and God’s son, Uriah. Only God could cleanse his conscience. David asked God to create a clean heart in him and renew his spirit to God’s. Losing the presence of the Holy Spirit is excruciating to David and should be to us when we know we have grieved him with our actions. David prays for the joy of the Lord to return and give him strength. All God wants from us is a broken and pliable heart.
Lord, help us to be quick to repent and come to You for strength to turn from our weaknesses. Thank you for your lovingkindness and mercy. We desire to walk righteous before You.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Wed.’s Devo - David’s Weak Moment
Read: 2 Sam. 11-12, 1 Chr. 20
Uriah needs a trophy! He was listed in David’s mighty men in 2 Sam 23:39. He refused to go home as long as the ark was not home in Israel. Even when he got drunk, he didn’t forget his mission. He was sold out for the cause. He even carried his own death orders to Joab and never peaked or questioned Joab’s orders.
David was another story. As much as I love David, I hate how he handled this. He didn’t even address Bathsheba to her face or comfort her which shows that he only wanted her for a one-night-stand and he was done with her. Only, he wasn’t. We can think that we get away with things but everything is open and naked before heaven. God might wait a while to confront us or punish us but we will reap what we sow. That is a promise in the Word. The payment is always worse than the offense. One night of pleasure lead to a lifetime with Bathsheba and the guilt of what he had done.
David was a warrior who had decided to rest instead of going to war. If he had gone to war he could have missed this whole scene. We never stop warring against sin. If we do, then we fall just like David did.
Lord help us to weigh our decisions based on Your Word and Your heart.
Uriah needs a trophy! He was listed in David’s mighty men in 2 Sam 23:39. He refused to go home as long as the ark was not home in Israel. Even when he got drunk, he didn’t forget his mission. He was sold out for the cause. He even carried his own death orders to Joab and never peaked or questioned Joab’s orders.
David was another story. As much as I love David, I hate how he handled this. He didn’t even address Bathsheba to her face or comfort her which shows that he only wanted her for a one-night-stand and he was done with her. Only, he wasn’t. We can think that we get away with things but everything is open and naked before heaven. God might wait a while to confront us or punish us but we will reap what we sow. That is a promise in the Word. The payment is always worse than the offense. One night of pleasure lead to a lifetime with Bathsheba and the guilt of what he had done.
David was a warrior who had decided to rest instead of going to war. If he had gone to war he could have missed this whole scene. We never stop warring against sin. If we do, then we fall just like David did.
Lord help us to weigh our decisions based on Your Word and Your heart.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Tue.’s Devo - The Sufferings of Jesus
Read: Ps. 65-67, Ps. 69-70
Psalm 65-67 are songs of praise and prayers of blessings on God’s people. I want to concentrate on Psalm 69 because it is such a Messianic Psalm. We can feel what Jesus went through for us as he felt overwhelmed in pain and sorrow. I sometimes forget that Jesus felt the sting of rejection and felt overwhelmed. Verse four is quoted in John 15:25. Jesus knows that his time is running out on earth and he has one last meal with his disciples. He is giving the the plan for the next few days and trying to prepare them for the rest of their lives. Jesus explains to his disciples that he did wonderful signs and wonders and they still hated him. He tries to get them to see that they will be hated to because they are his disciples. Jesus did bear reproach and shame like verse seven says. He became a stranger to his brethren, the Jew and his own family. Mark 3:21 says that his family tried to take him from the crowd saying that Jesus was out of his mind. John 7:15 says that his family didn’t believe him. How painful!
It was the zeal of the house of God that consumed him (John 2:17). Jesus cried and fasted and chose to become poor. Everyone joked about him and judged him in their heart.
Jesus turned to God for comfort for he was the only one who truly knew who he was. Everyone else abandoned him. Mark 14:50 says that all his disciples abandoned him when he challenged the authorities.
When Jesus knew his mission was finished on the cross, they offered him gall and vinegar and he took it to fulfill this Psalm. As soon as he tasted it he cried, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.
The eyes of his murderers were darkened as the sky and they could not see. The earth shook and they refused to understand. So their names were blotted out of the book of the living and were not written with the righteous. Those who humble themselves will be exalted. They will see Jesus again and say, Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Matt. 23:39
Lord, we thank you for enduring the cross for us. We are so grateful. Help us to proclaim Your praises and Your name today.
Psalm 65-67 are songs of praise and prayers of blessings on God’s people. I want to concentrate on Psalm 69 because it is such a Messianic Psalm. We can feel what Jesus went through for us as he felt overwhelmed in pain and sorrow. I sometimes forget that Jesus felt the sting of rejection and felt overwhelmed. Verse four is quoted in John 15:25. Jesus knows that his time is running out on earth and he has one last meal with his disciples. He is giving the the plan for the next few days and trying to prepare them for the rest of their lives. Jesus explains to his disciples that he did wonderful signs and wonders and they still hated him. He tries to get them to see that they will be hated to because they are his disciples. Jesus did bear reproach and shame like verse seven says. He became a stranger to his brethren, the Jew and his own family. Mark 3:21 says that his family tried to take him from the crowd saying that Jesus was out of his mind. John 7:15 says that his family didn’t believe him. How painful!
It was the zeal of the house of God that consumed him (John 2:17). Jesus cried and fasted and chose to become poor. Everyone joked about him and judged him in their heart.
Jesus turned to God for comfort for he was the only one who truly knew who he was. Everyone else abandoned him. Mark 14:50 says that all his disciples abandoned him when he challenged the authorities.
When Jesus knew his mission was finished on the cross, they offered him gall and vinegar and he took it to fulfill this Psalm. As soon as he tasted it he cried, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.
The eyes of his murderers were darkened as the sky and they could not see. The earth shook and they refused to understand. So their names were blotted out of the book of the living and were not written with the righteous. Those who humble themselves will be exalted. They will see Jesus again and say, Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Matt. 23:39
Lord, we thank you for enduring the cross for us. We are so grateful. Help us to proclaim Your praises and Your name today.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Mon.’s Devo - Being Offended
Read: 2 Sam. 10, 1 Chr. 19, Ps. 20
Psalm 20 must have been David’s prayer before they went into battle against Hanun. The odds were definitely stacked against them but as David says, “some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” It doesn’t matter how the odds stack up when God is on your side; He tips the scales every time!
Hanun’s father was Nahash which means “serpent”. He had hated Saul and Israel so he liked David since David was an exile and enemy of Saul. David probably should have just minded his own business and not tried to honor the enemy, but in his humaness it seemed like the right thing to do. It brought a great battle but it did bring a great defeat also. He not only won but won the allegiance and servanthood of the Syrians who promised never to help the Ammonites again.
Reaching out to people who are hurting doesn’t always pan out the way we mean it to but if we allow God to fight the battle, it will come out to God’s advantage. I can’t help feeling a little sorry for Hanun since he had just lost his father but his father’s death hadn’t made him soft. He was hard and suspicious and listened to the wrong advice. It is always best to give people the benefit of the doubt instead of listening to the lies in our minds and other people. The devil is always trying to stir up strife and discord but Jesus wants us all to be one and love each other. This is only possible when we choose to not be offended.
Lord, help us to guard our hearts from being offended and to seek the good of others over ourselves.
Psalm 20 must have been David’s prayer before they went into battle against Hanun. The odds were definitely stacked against them but as David says, “some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” It doesn’t matter how the odds stack up when God is on your side; He tips the scales every time!
Hanun’s father was Nahash which means “serpent”. He had hated Saul and Israel so he liked David since David was an exile and enemy of Saul. David probably should have just minded his own business and not tried to honor the enemy, but in his humaness it seemed like the right thing to do. It brought a great battle but it did bring a great defeat also. He not only won but won the allegiance and servanthood of the Syrians who promised never to help the Ammonites again.
Reaching out to people who are hurting doesn’t always pan out the way we mean it to but if we allow God to fight the battle, it will come out to God’s advantage. I can’t help feeling a little sorry for Hanun since he had just lost his father but his father’s death hadn’t made him soft. He was hard and suspicious and listened to the wrong advice. It is always best to give people the benefit of the doubt instead of listening to the lies in our minds and other people. The devil is always trying to stir up strife and discord but Jesus wants us all to be one and love each other. This is only possible when we choose to not be offended.
Lord, help us to guard our hearts from being offended and to seek the good of others over ourselves.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Sun’s Devo - Stand Against the Enemy
Read: Ps. 50, 53, 60, 75
Many of David’s Psalms are prophesies from God to the people to repent and Psalms 50 is one of them. He told them that they thought God was like them but he is setting them straight. Just because God doesn’t immediately punish us for our sins doesn’t mean he doesn’t see them. What comes out of our mouth reveals our heart. When we sincerely praise the Lord it shows that we have things in order in our hearts.
David was a warrior who was always aware of his enemies and he was also aware that his enemies were God’s enemies. His heart was for his nation to acknowledge God and not be enticed by the snares of God’s enemies. He understood the power and excellency of God who was supreme over the world.
If the people worship God, then He protects them but if they go their own way, they are unprotected.
I see Christians in America standing up and setting things right. We have been afraid of the “system” far too long and are taking our authority in Christ and standing against the enemy. Our enemies aren’t people but spirits and unseen powers in the heavenly places that war against God.
I pray discernment and great conviction and unshakable power to rise up in us to stand against the devil and his plans. It is not the end of America! It can be our finest hour.
Many of David’s Psalms are prophesies from God to the people to repent and Psalms 50 is one of them. He told them that they thought God was like them but he is setting them straight. Just because God doesn’t immediately punish us for our sins doesn’t mean he doesn’t see them. What comes out of our mouth reveals our heart. When we sincerely praise the Lord it shows that we have things in order in our hearts.
David was a warrior who was always aware of his enemies and he was also aware that his enemies were God’s enemies. His heart was for his nation to acknowledge God and not be enticed by the snares of God’s enemies. He understood the power and excellency of God who was supreme over the world.
If the people worship God, then He protects them but if they go their own way, they are unprotected.
I see Christians in America standing up and setting things right. We have been afraid of the “system” far too long and are taking our authority in Christ and standing against the enemy. Our enemies aren’t people but spirits and unseen powers in the heavenly places that war against God.
I pray discernment and great conviction and unshakable power to rise up in us to stand against the devil and his plans. It is not the end of America! It can be our finest hour.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Sat.’s Devo - Securing the Kingdom
Read: 2 Sam. 8-9. 1 Chron. 18
David secured his kingdom by fighting and defeating the Philistines and one of their five royal cities of Gath. Goliath was from Gath and it was Gath that housed the ark when they stole it from the Israelites. Judgment fell on that city till they put it on an ark and let it find its way home.
Next, David smote Hadarezer which means “honor of the helper”. I wonder if that represents a person who tries to take the honor of what the Holy Spirit does since he is the Helper. The Syrians came to fight with Hadarezer. Syria means “exalted” so they stand for the mighty of the land. David killed so many of them that they became David’s servants and gave him gifts. That is what the enemy is suppose to do for us. Demons should be afraid of us and work for us - subject to us. This world can work for us and bless us. The rest of verse six of 1 Chronicles says that God preserved David wherever he went. The word “preserved” means to be open wide or free, avenge, defend, help, preserve, rescue, be safe, and get victory! We should have no limits when it comes to doing what God has released us to do. God will fund what he plans. David walked away with shields of gold, enough brass to make his laver for the temple and silver and gold from all the other nations.
David wanted to bless Saul’s family and found one lame man named Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. David had him brought before him. I love that it was Jonathan’s son he got to bless since David loved Jonathan so much. He brought him into his house and told him he would always eat at his table. What a picture of the redemption of God. Mephibosheth had a son named Micha which means “who is like our God”.
Lord, truly there is no one like You. You take the lowly and set them at your table and feed them. You bless your people with blessings more than we can comprehend. How can we not love such a great and wonderful God!
David secured his kingdom by fighting and defeating the Philistines and one of their five royal cities of Gath. Goliath was from Gath and it was Gath that housed the ark when they stole it from the Israelites. Judgment fell on that city till they put it on an ark and let it find its way home.
Next, David smote Hadarezer which means “honor of the helper”. I wonder if that represents a person who tries to take the honor of what the Holy Spirit does since he is the Helper. The Syrians came to fight with Hadarezer. Syria means “exalted” so they stand for the mighty of the land. David killed so many of them that they became David’s servants and gave him gifts. That is what the enemy is suppose to do for us. Demons should be afraid of us and work for us - subject to us. This world can work for us and bless us. The rest of verse six of 1 Chronicles says that God preserved David wherever he went. The word “preserved” means to be open wide or free, avenge, defend, help, preserve, rescue, be safe, and get victory! We should have no limits when it comes to doing what God has released us to do. God will fund what he plans. David walked away with shields of gold, enough brass to make his laver for the temple and silver and gold from all the other nations.
David wanted to bless Saul’s family and found one lame man named Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. David had him brought before him. I love that it was Jonathan’s son he got to bless since David loved Jonathan so much. He brought him into his house and told him he would always eat at his table. What a picture of the redemption of God. Mephibosheth had a son named Micha which means “who is like our God”.
Lord, truly there is no one like You. You take the lowly and set them at your table and feed them. You bless your people with blessings more than we can comprehend. How can we not love such a great and wonderful God!
Friday, May 8, 2015
Fri.’s Devo - Encouragement
Read: Ps. 25, 29, 33, 36, 39
The Psalms are full of promises. God is the answer to everything: wisdom, council, healing, distress, rejection, help, deliverance. There is a verse for anything you face. Some of my favorites in chapter 25 are 25:14, “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he will show them his covenant.” 25:17, “ The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring me out of my distresses.”
Psalm 29 talks much about God’s voice. In the Hebrew the word “voice” means a bleating as in a sheep, crackling as in a fire, lightness as in lightning, lowing as in a cow, proclamation, singing, thunder, a yell. God speaks in so many different voices. His voice can be quiet or loud but one thing is sure - it will accomplish what it says.
Psalm 33 talks of the earth and all God made. It says that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord! That is an encouragement when we think there is nothing good about what is going on in it. God’s creation is a reminder to us of how glorious God is; what man had done with the world is a reminder of how sinful man is and in need of a Savior. The end of that Psalm and 36 tells us that it is vain to rely on man’s strength to save us in time of war or famine. Our hope is in the Lord - he will deliver and save us.
Lord we join with David in praying: make us to know our end, and the measure of our days, that we may realize how frail we are and how big You are.
The Psalms are full of promises. God is the answer to everything: wisdom, council, healing, distress, rejection, help, deliverance. There is a verse for anything you face. Some of my favorites in chapter 25 are 25:14, “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he will show them his covenant.” 25:17, “ The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring me out of my distresses.”
Psalm 29 talks much about God’s voice. In the Hebrew the word “voice” means a bleating as in a sheep, crackling as in a fire, lightness as in lightning, lowing as in a cow, proclamation, singing, thunder, a yell. God speaks in so many different voices. His voice can be quiet or loud but one thing is sure - it will accomplish what it says.
Psalm 33 talks of the earth and all God made. It says that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord! That is an encouragement when we think there is nothing good about what is going on in it. God’s creation is a reminder to us of how glorious God is; what man had done with the world is a reminder of how sinful man is and in need of a Savior. The end of that Psalm and 36 tells us that it is vain to rely on man’s strength to save us in time of war or famine. Our hope is in the Lord - he will deliver and save us.
Lord we join with David in praying: make us to know our end, and the measure of our days, that we may realize how frail we are and how big You are.
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