Tag: David

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Wisdom Prayer

The Earth Be Filled with God’s Glory!

The Earth Be Filled with God’s Glory!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who pray like David, the psalmist: “May the whole earth be filled with your glory!” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 72 is David’s prayer to God.

He concludes his prayer in the last verses of Psalm 72:17-20 (ESV).

“May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen!

The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.”

Can this last part of David’s prayer be an example for us today? David humbles himself. His prayer points others to God. God is the focus. Praise him. Now.

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Wisdom Prayer

Guilt!

Guilt!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask God to take away their guilt. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Some people have guilt feelings about their past. David had committed adultery, murder, and cover-up. It was not until Nathan confronted David that David became guilt ridden.

Psalm 51:14-15 (ESV) is evidence of his confidence that God would deliver him.

“Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.”

God will be faithful to forgive sin when it is confessed. God can remove the guilt associated with sin.

The forgiveness in David’s life led to praise. If it is appropriate, allow the freedom from guilt to give you an opportunity to sing God’s praise.

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Wisdom Prayer

Create a Clean Heart!

Create a Clean Heart!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask God to create in them a clean heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

David had an affair with Bathsheba, ordered the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, and found himself confronted by Nathan the prophet.

David cries out to God, and in Psalm 51:10-13 (ESV) David first asks for his heart and spirit to be made right before God. He goes on to share he will teach others (i.e. transgressors) God’s ways.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.”

This passage is a lesson in confession and hope. Dave turns his egregious sin into an opportunity to testify to God’s willingness to forgive.

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Wisdom Prayer

Abundant Mercy!

Abundant Mercy!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who need abundant mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 51 was written by David after he had an affair with Bathsheba, ordered her husband, Uriah the Hittite, murdered, and was confronted by Nathan the prophet. David was convicted by his sin.

Psalm 51:1-3 (ESV) gives us a glimpse into the mind of a man pleading for mercy from Holy God;

“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.”

Ever feel the need for mercy? Draw near to God, confess the sin, and experience his abundant mercy.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Witch At En-dor

The Witch At En-dor

 

In 1 Samuel 27, we learn David fled Saul, and David and his men went to live with the Philistines.

It is during this time that the Philistines decide to amass an army against Israel.

Because the Lord had cut off communication with Saul, Saul was unable to get advice about how to fight this opposing army. That is when Saul decided it best to consult a medium.

God forbade communicating the dead and other practices.

Even though Saul, himself, had banned mediums and the necromancers. Those are people who use witchcraft and sorcery. Saul goes to a witch and she brings to life the dead prophet, Samuel.

It is here that Saul learns his fate. 1 Samuel 28:18-19 (ESV) has part of the message Saul through the medium gives Saul.

“Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”

There are lessons here.

Do not be tempted to consult a fortune teller.

Leave the area if others ask you to play with a Ouija board.

If you have used a fortune teller or a Ouija board, ask God’s forgiveness and turn away from these practices. Trust God!

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Wisdom Prayer

How Should You Act Toward Others?

How Should We Act Toward Others?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are in a position to do harm, yet do not. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In 1 Samuel 26 we learn that David is once again pursued by King Saul and three thousand of his chosen men.

David goes on a mission to infiltrate Saul’s camp at night. Everyone in Saul’s camp was asleep, and the Lord had made sure they would not wake up.

David got close enough to kill the King, but David would not kill God’s anointed.

Instead, he takes the king’s spear and a jar of water that had been near Saul’s head.

Once safe on the side of his own camp, David calls out and had a conversation with Abner, the head of Saul’s army, and King Saul.

In 1 Samuel 26:22-25 we join in toward the end of the conversation with King Saul.

“And David answered and said, ‘Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.’ Then Saul said to David, Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.’ So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.”

King Saul and David appear to reconcile, at least for now.

David had the opportunity to kill Saul this second time, yet he refrained.

If given an opportunity to retaliate against an opponent, would you be willing to forgo returning evil for evil?

Take time to reflect on how David’s actions offer a model for how we can act toward others.

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