Bible Pathways - May 16, 2006

May 16, 2006

In Today's Reading:

King Hiram's kindness to David; Philistines defeated; Ark brought to Jerusalem; David's psalm of thanksgiving

Soon after establishing his capital in Jerusalem, David united the nation for a glorious time of praising the Lord while bringing the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem. To demonstrate his reverence for God, and in recognition that God was the Supreme Ruler, David humbly laid aside his kingly garments and dressed in a plain linen ephod, a garment the priests wore when ministering before the Lord. In doing this, David was publicly acknowledging his submission to the authority of the supreme King and expressing adoration and praise to his Lord as Almighty God and the true King of Israel.

On that day, David provided an inspiring psalm for his choir to sing. It still lifts our spirits as we worship our wonderful Lord. David proclaimed to the world: Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His Name; make known His deeds among the people. . . . sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works. . . . rejoice. . . . Be ye mindful always of His Covenant (Agreement); the Word which He commanded to a thousand generations. . . . Declare His glory among the heathen. . . . For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. . . . bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. . . . The LORD reigneth (16:8-31). Is it any surprise that David was a man after God's own heart (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22)? Yes, the Lord reigns. He is still Sovereign and the world needs to hear us praise the Lord and to talk of all His wondrous works.

David also stands out as a man of prayer; thus, we see the often-repeated phrase: David inquired of God (I Chronicles 14:10,14; note: I Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; II Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1). As a result of these basic, God-honoring characteristics, the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear (respect) of him upon all nations (I Chronicles 14:17).

When we complain and are despondent it is truly a victory for Satan and an insult to God for we are demonstrating lack of faith in God's Word (Romans 8:28), as well as dissatisfaction with God and His will for our lives. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy Name, O Most High: to shew forth (declare) Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night (Psalm 92:1-2).

Christ Revealed:

Through David's fame and exaltation (I Chronicles 14:17). God highly exalted Christ, our Redeemer, and gave Him a Name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).

Word Studies:

14:13 spread themselves abroad =ade a hostile invasion.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Bett Brown · Staff: Ilene Wallace · Government Officials: Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI), Rep. James Moran (VA), and Rep. Jon Porter (NE) · Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Thai and English · Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion · 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: If the words of God abide in you, whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive (John 15:7).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Job 1:1