May 26

2 Samuel 9:1-11:27, John 15:1-27, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 16:1-3



Pray: Praying the Psalms can be a powerful spiritual practice. Let's do it again today by praying a portion of Psalm 119. Our prayer: Dear God, open our eyes today through Your Holy Spirit to all that You want to communicate to us. As we now recite the words of the Psalmist let this prayer become our own,

“With all my heart I want your blessings.

    Be merciful as you promised.

59 I pondered the direction of my life,

    and I turned to follow your laws.

60 I will hurry, without delay,

    to obey your commands.” Amen.

Read: David cares for Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth in an act of honor and tribute to his dear friend. At the same time David does not go to war, doesn’t engage in the work he is called to do, and gives in to adultery, murder and a blatant abuse of power. Can these two almost polar opposite qualities exist in the same person? The short answer is yes. David allowed his appetites to control him instead of him controlling his appetites. When we don’t have healthy boundaries and are not doing what we are supposed to do with who we are supposed to be doing life with, then we drift into sin and unhealthy places. Healthy boundaries help produce healthy habits which lead to a healthier life and relationships.

Edify: Jesus doesn’t just invite us into ministry with Him but Jesus frankly says, “If you do not abide in me and in my love then you will perish.” The branch cannot survive apart from the vine no more than we can survive spiritually apart from the One who gives us life and life transforming grace. Jesus’ word for us is to “abide in him”. This is not only through scripture but through prayer and through the Holy Spirit living within us as Jesus taught us in John 14. So, ask the Holy Spirit now to fill you, ask the Holy Spirit now to abide in you and fill you with God’s unconditional love. The question is often asked, “How far can I go in life?” The answer is, “As far as you can grow.” Decide today to add value to yourself by abiding with Christ. Learning something new by reading an article or blog on Christian growth.

Practice:  Today’s practice actually comes from Proverbs for here is true wisdom in how to maximize not only our day but our life:

1 We can make our own plans,

    but the Lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,

    but the Lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,

    and your plans will succeed.

Question: What are you committing to the Lord today?

May 25

2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 15:33



Pray: Our prayer today comes from the Psalm:

“34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;

    I will put them into practice with all my heart.

35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,

    for that is where my happiness is found.” 

Lord, help us to understand so we might apply Your truth and impact the lives of others today. Amen.

Read: David’s victories are monumental and his fame is spreading among other nations. Many will read this passage and cringe for the bloodshed is continual. One wonders why are there so many battles? Such loss of life. However, the reality of this time in history reveals that there has to be a strong defense or others will conquer the people of Israel. Today we face a different enemy in the civilized world as terrorism abounds with its sole objective to destroy life and manufacture fear. So a national defense is a must and often soldiers must fight for our peace. We pray for peace in the world and in our communities and above all in our homes. What is encouraging is that David exemplifies the highest quality of a leader—selflessness. The scripture says, “So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.” How can you serve someone today?

Edify: Jesus gives us one of the most encouraging promises in the New Testament when He says, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” Through the Holy Spirit, God lives within us and makes His home among us. Christianity is the only religion in the world which God actually resides within our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We have access to the unfailing love of God at our disposal. Then Jesus tells us that He is leaving us the gift, “peace of mind and heart”. What God gives us is priceless. The world cannot compare with the presence of God and the truth which the Holy Spirit gives us. This is why we do not begin any worship service at Christ Church without asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with His presence and power. We are simply acknowledging that the Holy Spirit is a divine persona and we want to welcome His presence in our lives. Why not do this now?

Practice: The Psalmist gives us our marching orders today as we are to speak to kings (and yes our neighbors) about “your laws. And I will not be ashamed”. So how can I share with my coworker, my neighbor, my friends and family members how God can be trusted, how His love is really unfailing? Simply tell others your story. Pray for four unchurched persons today and ask God how you might begin to speak to them tomorrow.

May 24

2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32



Pray: Our prayer today comes directly from our reading of the Psalm:

“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” 

Read: David is anointed King of Israel. His first move, indeed his very passion, is to bring back the Ark of God. Leading 30,000 troops he is successful in bringing the Ark back. Whether David knew this intuitively or not, it is imperative for leaders to gain “wins” in order to create momentum for any organization. This win was not for himself, which is what made it so vital, but it was a win for the Kingdom of God and the people who worshiped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Lasting wins in an organization or in relationships are usually enduring when they are about doing what is right and living beyond one’s own self-interest.

Edify: Jesus is preparing the disciples for His pending departure. This is why chapters 13, 14 and 15 of John are called the “Farewell Passages”. Jesus is preparing to turn the keys over to a rag tag group of fishermen and a tax collector. Yet, revealed in today’s reading is the amazing truth from Jesus’ own lips that if we want to come to the Father we have to go through Him. He is "the way, the truth and the life.” He is the way—there is no other way to God and when we have aligned our will with God’s will there is a peace and contentment which comes from this surrender. Jesus is the truth, so when we apply His counter-cultural teaching it exposes the myths and lies of the enemy. Jesus is the “Life” giving force of the universe. We live in a culture of death. Most people are motivated to pursue and worship youth because we are afraid of our inevitable death. Suicide bombers strap destructive devices to themselves to blow up others in the name of religion but it is not God they worship it is death. Jesus has not only come to give us life, but life abundantly. This should make us shout out loud, and dance as David did shamelessly before the Lord.

Practice: There is probably no greater “practice” or application than today’s reading from Proverbs, “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Great words of advice and encouragement. So now the question, “Will you and I be open to God’s revelations today by asking for advice or input from others?” If you have already gone through your day, why not jot down one or two things you want to learn from your experiences and either do better tomorrow or not ever repeat again if it was a mistake or sin.  

May 23

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39, John 13:1-30, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 15:29-30



Pray: Praying for our children comes naturally for most parents. We pray for their safety, for their activities, for their school work, tests and sporting events. But how many of us pray intentionally for the shaping of their character? One of the most valuable portions of formation in the life of a child is her or his character. Talent and knowledge are often praised, but what is missing in our communities and in our world are people with a strong work ethic and strong character which isn’t for sale. Now that is worth spending some time on your knees before God.

Read:  No parent gets a pass on disappointing or embarrassing moments due to the behavior of our children. Kids make mistakes. But David’s mistake, as a parent, was not confronting the mistakes and the sin as quickly as he knew about them. When people think that their actions are inconsequential then they will begin to think you think they are inconsequential. David’s family history may have been much different if he had immediately confronted Abner and Absalom when they had committed their offenses. If your kids and grandchildren matter to you, then hold them accountable. Do it fairly, but do it quickly. David’s neglect today became tomorrow’s heartache.

Edify: Jesus chose 12 leaders to invest two thirds of His life in to train them to lead His beloved church. Jesus did not choose the most talented, nor did He choose the most qualified in the eyes of humankind. However, Jesus did take common fishermen, a tax collector and turn them into irresistible apostles. How did He do it? He took a towel and a wash basin and instructed them that power is in bending a knee, fame is in living for something bigger than you, and significance is when you serve others to help them get to God’s preferred future for their lives. Jesus took a towel before He took a cross.

Practice: Jesus commanded that if we want to follow Him that we are to wash feet. Jesus goes further to say that people will know His disciples by the love they have for one another. Water cleans and purifies and so does a heart fully yielded and surrendered to God for no greater love can a person have than when they are willing to lay down their life for another. Who will you serve today—unconditionally expecting nothing in return?

May 22

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11, John 12:20-50, Psalm 118:19-29, Proverbs 15:27-28



Pray: Lord, as we read the text today we ask your Holy Spirit to open our eyes and our understanding to these words which reveal more of You to us. Yes, we realize that these are stories of persons who are sinful, yet Your redemptive purpose comes through and Your will is ultimately accomplished. Help us today to discern Your will for our lives and to be faithful in living out what You reveal to us.

Read: Today’s Old Testament passage is a paradox for King Saul is mortally wounded. He asked the Amalekite to “put me out of my misery”. The young man does as the King asks and quickens his death. When King David heard the man tell the story he ordered that this man be killed because he has “killed God’s anointed”. Today there is much discussion over persons being able to end their lives prematurely, to avoid the pain and suffering which some illness brings to those who have them. Yet, here in the text David is clear that God’s anointed should have died a natural death, not one which is ended prematurely. 

Edify: I find it difficult to understand. I know why David weeps for Jonathan because Jonathan was a true friend to David. David however, weeps for King Saul and observes a time of mourning like everyone else. David never stopped giving respect to the King’s role as the anointed of God. Though Saul tried to kill David numerous times David didn’t retaliate. David proved by his actions that he yielded first to his honor of God instead of his own anger or personal agenda.

Practice: The New Testament passage is so revealing as there were many people who heard Jesus teach and wanted to follow Jesus. But, they feared what the religious leaders would think of them. John’s Gospel gives a powerful statement when it says in verse 42, “They loved human praise more than the praise of God.” Their codependency kept them from finding their worth and their value in the very One who created them in His image. We sell out far too often to the praise of men and women and do not honor God with the way we live our lives.  How would your day, your week, be different if you and I truly loved the praise of God? 

May 21

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13, John 11:55-12:19, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 15:24-26



Pray: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (Psalm 118:9). Don’t get seduced by “princes” to provide your safety, security, and comfort. Princes come and go, however the faithful love of the Lord endures forever! Take your refuge in the eternal one as you pray today.

Read: Observe and consider how “The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows (poor or vulnerable)” (Proverbs 15:25). 

Edify: Those who prosper are filled with gratitude for God and are emptied of selfishness. This is seen by David’s urging to his men “Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given” (1 Samuel 30:23) when they wanted to withhold the recovered plunder from those who stayed behind. Further, in the Gospel of John, there is a stark contrast from the gratitude and generosity of Mary compared to the selfishness and stinginess of Judas. This impacts their decisions and eventually their legacies as you read the end of the Gospels. Even the Psalm opens with an urging to “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!” (Psalm 118:1). There is a direct connection with our worship of the one true King revealed in Jesus and our choice to live generously instead of selfishly. 

Practice: Sacrifice something today (or decide today what you will choose to sacrifice) as your version of Mary’s perfume. Plan to take the money you would have spent and give it to Jesus by giving it to His Church. Then worship the Eternal One whose faithful love endures forever as you invest in the things of eternity!   

May 20

1 Samuel 26:1-28:25, John 11:1-54, Psalm 117:1-2, Proverbs 15:22-23 



Pray: Ask God to bring to mind a situation that seems “dead” in your life. Is it relationships in which two people haven’t talked in years? Is it someone you know and love that has cancer? Or is it the number of orphans in our county? Or is it the constant persecution of Middle Eastern and Coptic Christians? Whatever situation burdens you today, look up to heaven and say, “Father thank You for hearing me. You always hear me…Lord, show the world Your glory. Show me Your resurrection power in this situation.”

Read: There are people who believe they are in complete control while they are operating contrary to God’s plan. Notice today as you read that it is God who is in control and only in Him will you find true wisdom and ultimate victory.

Edify: It is some of the clearest divine revelation and the most powerful and authoritative words ever spoken with vocal chord vibrations: “I AM the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25). He’s been called Rabbi, Teacher, Lord, and Martha even calls Him Messiah and Son of God who comes from God. Now Jesus, at a funeral where hope is in the resurrection in the “last day,” breaks the news that HE is the hope that they hold. And He will act today in their presence. “The dead man came out,” because when life speaks, death has no choice but to listen and submit. And so it will be with us all, as Jesus has the last say. “O death where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

Practice: Jesus shows us how to face tragedy, hopelessness, and inevitable death. Ask God’s Spirit to make you keenly aware of someone’s pain, suffering, and hopelessness today. Like Jesus, weep with those who weep. Further, make it a priority to respond to this situation that comes to your attention by praying a resurrection kind of bold prayer with a confident hope today.