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.