Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 7:1–8:18, 1 Pet 4:12–19, Ps 137:1–9

Today’s Theme: God of Covenants

Today’s theme is about the covenants God makes with His people. This is one of the most important covenants alongside the Abrahamic one, it is called the Davidic covenant which finds it’s fulfilment in Jesus Christ. We also explore important themes like the theology of place and the activity of God.

2 Samuel 7:1–8:18

A place to dwell

And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 2 Samuel 7:10 (ESV)

We pick up another theme here which is the importance of a dwelling place. It is part of God’s plan that people have a place to live, a safe place, a place called home (including his covenant people Israel).*

This is evident throughout God’s word. In creation God made a habitation for man called the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8). Jesus told his disciples that He would go and prepare a place for them (John 14:2-3) and in the final revelation we see the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-2).

There is a difference between spaces which are empty of meaning or definition and places which are endowed with meaning and value. We live in a day where the theology and importance of place has been forgotten. Many people are displaced physically and spiritually. It is important that we recognise the importance of place in fulfilling the great commission and reaching all peoples.

The places God plants us are not random, God has a great purpose in places. He has set the boundaries (Acts 17:26). Ask God to give you a clear understanding of the importance of place and dwelling in your own life and mission today.

*While giving Nathan the prophetic decree of covenant for David, God reminds him of the existing covenant He made with Abraham. Part of the covenant with Abraham was that God would secure a land for the people of Israel.

The land that God assigned for Israel includes modern day Israel and more of the land in modern day Jordan. God’s promise to keep a land that the children of Israel can call their own is still true today. God has not cast off the children of Israel.

We must consider the irrational behaviour and beliefs of the nations surrounding modern day Israel, who in a racist rage demand that Israel not live in the land or exist as a nation. This is driven by a demonic agenda to fight against God’s covenants, promises and purposes.

The House of David

from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. 2 Samuel 7:11 (ESV)

David had a heart to worship and honour God and it was not contrived he genuinely loved the Lord. In his desire to build a house for God, God turns and commits to build David a house.

This is the foundation to the Davidic covenant which saw David’s family rule from Jerusalem for almost 400 years and finds it’s ultimate fulfilment in David’s greatest son, Jesus the Christ (Mark 10:47).

As we commit or ways to the Lord and seek to build a house for him, we are actually building a house and legacy for ourselves, so we must as Paul said be careful how we build (1 Corinthians 3:10).

The Active God

Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 2 Samuel 7:21–22 (ESV)

David recognised God as the great active God, God is not passive. Many false philosophies have crept into our thinking in the West, disarming God of the power to act.

For example; those who reject the Biblical revelation of God as creator and embrace the false story of evolution have in recent years acknowledged the shaky ground of their proposition that nothing gave rise to everything and so have embraced or at least entertained the idea of Deism. The idea that God like a great watchmaker got the universe started and now leaves it to run itself without the need or ability to intervene.

We reject this view of God for two major reasons, 1) this is not the Biblical revelation of God, the Bible tells us God is active and intervenes in the affairs of man and has plans which He actively engages with and brings to pass. 2) Our own experience with God is in accord with the God of the Bible.

God actively brings His purpose to pass today, He actively keeps His covenants. This should fill us with awe, praise and faith.

Be active

These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, 2 Samuel 8:11 (ESV)

We have established that God is active in fulfilling the covenants He has made. We too have a part to play, we need to have faith and invest in God’s purpose, plans and kingdom.

David played his part by giving all the treasure to God to be used for God’s purposes.

We can be active in bringing God’s word to pass by giving our money, time, abilities and energy to God’s mission.

How can you be active today?

1 Peter 4:12–19

Conflict and Glory

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:14 (ESV)

There is no glory without conflict and suffering. This is true for the glory of winning a battle or winning a race, to reach the desired end the fighter or runner needs to go through suffering to achieve the glorious result.

It is the same for us as Christians we must not be shocked when we go through difficulty and suffering for being a Christian. This is almost guaranteed, because we live lives contrary to the world around us which will inevitably lead to conflict.

We should encourage ourselves by looking forward to the glory we will one day receive, knowing that our covenant keeping God will not fail us.

We entrust our souls to our faithful Creator, just like Jesus did on the cross.

Thank God that the Holy Spirit rests upon you as you endure trials and suffering for the name of Christ. It is through suffering and trials that the promises of the covenant will be ours in Christ.

Psalm 137:1–9

Sing, even when you don’t feel like it

How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? Psalm 137:4 (ESV)

We should continue to sing to the Lord even in the middle of difficulty and trials, because God will bring His word to pass we should continue to praise Him in faith.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Peter 4

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 5:1–6:23, 1 Pet 4:1–11, Ps 136:1–26

Today’s Theme: The King in His Kingdom

Today’s theme is about our great King Jesus and His kingdom. We see a shadow of King Jesus in king David. We are called to live as good stewards in God’s kingdom.

2 Samuel 5:1–6:23

Jesus, The Anointed King

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. 2 Samuel 5:3 (ESV)

David is anointed as king for the third time. The first time was by Samuel when he was still a boy, the second by the Elders of Judah and now all of Israel has anointed him as king.

David is an Old Testament picture of Jesus. Jesus is King, He came and was proclaimed as the king yet He has not fully consummated His kingdom which is why many Jews say He is not the Messiah. Isaiah 9:7.

The truth is that even though Jesus is king now, He will be enthroned as king fully at the second coming, much like David’s staggered assent to rule over all Israel. John 1:49, John 6:15, John 18:37 and Acts 17:7.

Jesus is a descendant of David and is therefore a king physically and spiritually as the promised Messiah. Jeremiah 23:5.

Like David, Jesus is not only king He is the shepherd over us guiding and protecting us as well as ruling over us. 1 Peter 2:25

Tear down the walls

And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 2 Samuel 5:20 (ESV).

God gave David the victory over his enemies. David recognises this and proclaims praise to God as the Lord of Breakthrough.

Like David we must realise we are in a spiritual war and that it is God who comes in like a mighty flood to defeat the enemy.

God’s kingdom is not a stagnant, passive kingdom, it is an advancing and growing kingdom. We need to rely on God in the daily spiritual battles to give us the breakthrough.

Consider what Paul calls strongholds. He describes them as thoughts, opinions, philosophies and teachings that build arguments up like a wall of defence against the truth of the Gospel in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

We can ask for God to breakthrough these stronghold walls, which are themselves little kingdoms rising up in rebellion to His kingdom and rule.

Let’s stand up and fight the King’s battles in the spirit knowing God will be with us like a flood tearing down the enemies walls and overthrowing every foe.

The commands of the king

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:7 (ESV)

We must follow Gods ways. He has made both decrees (things which will happen regardless of us) and commands (commands He desires that we obey) as the King of all creation.

David and the people were trying to do what would seem a good thing but not following the instructions God had laid out. This resulted in the death of Uzzah for steadying the ark in his own way.

God, our king is to be feared. He did not give commands just for the sake of it, we should seek to please Him by obeying Him in joy.

In a way we do want God to breakthrough on us, by the Holy Spirit so that the ways of our flesh would die

The presence of the king

And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 2 Samuel 6:11 (ESV)

God’s presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit brings with it blessings of righteousness, peace and joy as we read in Romans 14:17.

We should seek the presence of the king today and see the blessings of his presence fill our lives as we see God’s presence through the ark blessed the house of Obed-Edom.

Seek God’s presence as you pray, read, mediate and worship today.

Celebrate the king

And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6:14 (ESV)

We should praise God with all our might just like David. God is our king so we should praise Him with everything.

Our allegiance is first to Him, not our own self image or the sensibilities of those around us.

The heart of the king

And David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. 2 Samuel 6:21–23 (ESV)

We need to celebrate the king with the heart of the king which is kind and understanding.

David showed no understanding with Michal. Her problem was the young women watching David, she begun her life with David as his only wife and after years of being used as a political pawn by her father and David, is now in a place of real hurt (now sharing David with many wives and concubines, abused by her dad, abandoned by David, taken by force from her husband) and so speaks out of turn from her broken and bitter heart.

We give no excuse to Michal but David made no attempt to show her understanding, love or mercy. Instead he responds with harsh pride and his own contempt as it seems clear all intimacy between them came to an end as the scripture ends by saying she bore no children.

As we celebrate and praise the Lord, we must be careful that our hearts are not filled with pride, arrogance or indifference. We must remain sensitive to the needs of those around us.

1 Peter 4:1–11

Think like the king

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 1 Peter 4:1 (ESV)

Peter tells us to arm ourselves with a way of thinking, an insight, a perspective, in a sense a good stronghold. The thought we should arm ourselves with in our fight against sin is to be willing to suffer in the flesh.

If we wanted to lose weight in our fight against fat we would be willing to suffer the strain of exercise and abstaining from the tasty fatty foods we love.

Peter tells us to think like Jesus who suffered in the flesh to ultimately destroy sin on the cross.

Suffering in the flesh through discipline and sanctification will help to keep us from sin and will ultimately lead to sins’ complete removal in the new age.

Arm your mind today with the thought that “I will willingly suffer to put sin to death”. Think like the king today.

Live for the king

so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:2 (ESV)

We should not live for ourselves, our lives should not be all about us and our own pleasures. We should live to see God’s will done.

As believers we should have a new agenda, that of our kings kingdom. We proclaim the message of the king and establish His kingdom on the earth. We should live to see the king glorified and ensure our lives bring Him pleasure.

We must not just take the path of least resistance and so go along with our natural desires. We should instead focus on fulfilling God’s will even if it means we will go though suffering.

Our lives should come full circle, our pleasure should be to do God’s will. In this sense we should be Christian Hedonists, finding pleasure in bringing pleasure to God.

The king will judge

but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5 (ESV)

Every person that has ever lived will be judged, this should encourage us to suffer being maligned for not indulging in the debauchery of the world around us.

God judges in this life and on the day of judgement. He judges both the living and the dead, we must appeal to His grace and mercy and obey His commanded will.

Remind unbelievers that a day of judgement is coming.

Think clearly

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)

We need to have clarity of thought as believers, we should be self controlled and sober. A clear understanding of God’s word will give us clarity of thought which will help us pray.

The way of the king

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)

Our king showed us and continues to show us His great love. We should love one another in the church community. We are God’s kingdom on the earth and so should walk in the way of the king which is to walk in self sacrificing love.

Love covers all sorts of offence and if we all walk in love, most of the problems we face in church community are dealt with immediately because forgiveness and understanding will flow freely.

We are encouraged to keep loving. That means we don’t just try love on and when we don’t get the result we want to try something else on. No, we should keep on persevering with love.

Cover one anothers’ shortcomings today by walking in love.

Serve the kingdom

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Use the gifts God has given you to serve in God’s kingdom. None of your gifts were given to you to just build yourself up. You have been blessed to be a blessing to others.

God wants us to be good stewards of the particular grace He has given to us. Be a good steward by investing in others with the gifts God has given you.

If we all give, we will all have.

Psalm 136:1–26

Praise our faithful King

to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:5 (ESV)

This song is filled with praise to God whose love remains faithful to His people forever. Our God is faithful and loyal to His covenants and deserves our praise.

In this particular verse we see that God intelligently designed the entire universe. Hallelujah.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Peter 4

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 3:1–4:12, 1 Pet 3:8–22, Ps 135:1–21

Today’s Theme: Broken Families

Today’s theme is about broken families and communities and how God has a plan to protect and restore our families in Christ.

2 Samuel 3:1–4:12

Seeds of discord

and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 2 Samuel 3:5 (ESV)

Israel was in the middle of a civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. In the middle of this distressing time which saw the families of Israel torn, we observe David blatantly breaking the law God had set out in Deuteronomy 17:17 to warn against kings taking multiple wives (polygamy) and having children with each one.

God’s design is that one man marries one woman for life and that they have children who they raise in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

David had six sons by six wives at Hebron. Six is a number that always reminds us of the flesh because man was created on the sixth day of creation. David sowed seeds of discord by breaking God’s pattern for the family.

We must not allow our lives to be governed by the flesh as in the end it always leads to distress and death (Absalom killed Amnon). Galatians 5:16.

On a practical level as a church, we need to support broken families where there are many step children, families like David’s family. We must teach our young men and wider society God’s principles for human flourishing through healthy marriages and godly parenting.

Used, discarded and bitter

But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned. 2 Samuel 3:16 (ESV)

Michal is a character I feel sorry for in the biblical narrative. She represents so many women that are used, discarded and left feeling bitter and empty.

When we first meet Michal (her name means who is like God) Saul her father sees an opportunity to use David’s love for Michal to get David killed. He did not expect David to survive the retrieval of 100 Philistine foreskins.

So her own father Saul, used her as a political instrument with no regard for her well being. If David had died she would have been devastated. Her uncaring father then gives her in marriage to another man possibly with the intention of spiting David. She is married to Palti for at least 10 years.

David also treated Michal with contempt. She had proven her love to him by siding with him against her father Saul and helping David escape. However David never attempted to get her back and now does so out of political expediency without regard for her.

We later see that Michal becomes bitter after being used and discarded by the most important men in her life and now having to share David with many other wives.

We must pray for women who can identify with the abuse Michal suffered that they will not allow bitterness to consume them but will turn in their hurt to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 and Hebrews 12:15.

Vengeance and severity

And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!” 2 Samuel 3:39 (ESV)

Joab was driven by vengeance and unforgiveness which led him to commit murder and throw away an opportunity for peace in Israel. This is one of the darkest moments in Joab’s life and it would come back to haunt him in Solomon’s reign.

David is sure to distinguish himself against Joab and his brother who have acted so wickedly with their severe act of violence.

Severity, unforgiveness, bitterness and vengefulness destroy families and communities. Let us seek peace and pursue it 1 Peter 3:11.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies and do good for them in Matthew 5:43–44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Jesus also taught us against personal retaliation and vengefulness in Matthew 5:39 “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

1 Peter 3:8–22

Restoring families and community

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8–9 (ESV)

The unity in our Bible reading plan is remarkable. We have just read our Old Testament reading which is full of examples of broken families and communities and now our new testament reading opens with the remedy.

If we all, in a desire to be unified, are sympathetic to each other, show brotherly love in the way we behave with each other and keep our hearts sensitive to the needs of those around us and the call of the Spirit with a humble mind; we will both guard against the breakdown of the family and the wider community and see it restored.

We are encouraged again to abandon desires for vengeance and to be proved right but to bless one another and repay evil with good. These two verses are the remedy for our families, church and society.

Humble orthodoxy

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

We should all be able to give an answer for the hope we have. It is important that we do not share or defend the faith in pride as this too can drive people away and have a bad affect on families. Peter warns us to share, reason and defend the faith with gentleness, humility and respect.

We are called to study and to be theologically correct but to be so in humility, in a spirit of worship as we honour Christ in our heart.

Subject to him

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. 1 Peter 3:22 (ESV)

All angels, fallen and elect, are subject to Jesus. They are subject to him right now TODAY! We can have confidence as we pray that the devil cannot do anything that God will not allow and the devil and all his demons are subject to the sovereign rule of Christ.

We need this assurance because to see families restored we need to wage war against the agenda of the fallen angels. Jesus is over all these powers and gives us the victory as we pray.

Psalm 135:1–21

The freedom of God

Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. Psalm 135:6 (ESV)

God has the sovereign freedom to do whatever pleases Him. He is good, all He does is good. We should praise our wonderful Father in heaven who is king over all.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Peter 3

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 1:1–2:32, 1 Pet 3:1–7, Ps 133:1–134:3

Today’s Theme: True Friendship

Today’s theme is all about true friendship and right relationships before God. Human flourishing is one of God’s great purposes in creation and redemptive history; having healthy, good and biblical relationships serve that end and bring God glory.

2 Samuel 1:1–2:32

True brothers

I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. 2 Samuel 1:26 (ESV)

David and Jonathan were true friends, they had a deep love and respect for one another and showed fruits of genuine friendship. For example, Jonathan proved himself to be David’s most loyal supporter, recognising God’s calling on David’s life and risking his life to save him.

We are called to this kind of friendship, to be loyal and selfless. This kind of friendship leads to human flourishing which is one of God’s great purposes in the world.

Liberals and activists who are trying to push the homosexual agenda onto the church, have attempted to reinterpret this verse to imply a sexual relationship existed between these friends, but the evidence and the text do not suggest that. These people do violence to the text by forcing their warped perspective onto it.

God intends husbands and wives to be the best of friends, as we will read later. However in ancient Israel, marriage was quite a formal affair, focused more on family expansion and status, than true companionship. This is why David is able to make the comparison between his best friend and his wives, and say that his friendship was dearer to him.

Our friendship with Jesus should surpass all relationships in this world. He should be dearer to us and bring us the greatest pleasure. John 15:15

Be a loyal friend

David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. 2 Samuel 2:5 (ESV)

The men of Jabesh-gilead were commended, rewarded and blessed by David, for the loyalty they showed to Saul and his sons.

We are called to be loyal friends too, sticking by those we call friends, through thick and thin.

‘Loyalty’ is known by other words in scripture such as; love, devotion, kindness, steadfast love, good deeds, faithfulness and loving kindness.

God is loyal to His covenant and His people and He calls us to be like Him. We should be loyal friends to God before anything else.

We are called to loyalty throughout the new testament, here are just a few examples:

1. We should question our loyalty, as did Peter, John 21:15–17
2. Jesus encourages the church to be loyal, Revelation 2:10
3. We are to love God above everyone else, including family, Matthew 10:37–39
4. We cannot be loyal to God and money, or some other idol, at the same time, Luke 16:13
5. We are to be loyal to Christ’s commands, John 14:21–24
6. True loyalty brings daily death of the flesh, 1 Corinthians 15:30–31

Pride destroys relationships

And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still. 2 Samuel 2:22–23 (ESV)

If Asahel had listened to the Nobel Abner, he would not have been struck down. Abner wanted to preserve relationship between himself and Joab, as commanders of Israel’s armies.

Asahel’s pride led to his own pointless death and to the breaking of covenant, relationship, friendship and potential, among the elite families of Judah.

Do not let pride destroy your life or your relationships or those of people connected to you.

Jesus warns us of the destructive power of pride, in Mark 7:22–23, “coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

And John reminds us that pride is not from God, in 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”

1 Peter 3:1–7

Clothed in gentleness

but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

God, speaking through Peter makes it clear in His word, that women are to submit to their own husbands. Notice this is not just to the loving Christian husband, but unsaved husbands too.

The argument made here is that the respectful and pure conduct of the Christian wife can have a part to play in the unsaved husband coming to know the Lord.

God does not intend women to be bullish, argumentative, confrontational or superficial; that is not the biblical model of womanhood. God wants women to be clothed with a gentle and quiet spirit.

Notice the metaphor of clothing is used because a woman’s nature may not be gentle or quiet, so this behaviour needs to be put on like a jacket.

The wife’s call to gentleness, submission and purity, all serve to help the relationship between the husband and wife to flourish. The opposite to all these virtues will lead to the natural breaking of the friendship, which should be cultivated in marriage.

Best friends

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

Husbands and wives should be best friends.

Husbands are called to be understanding and loving with their wives. Peter speaks very plainly by saying that men are physically stronger than women and so the man needs to treat his wife with due care in light of this.

The Bible is making a very clear case against all forms of physical and verbal abuse. Men have authority in the home according to God’s plan, that power must not be abused, it must be used to serve and protect.

Husbands are called to respect their wives as fellow heirs of God’s abundant grace (this went against the Roman world where women were considered as less than men, this is still the case in many religions and cultures today).

So let all husbands and wives commit to be best friends again today, honouring one another in line with the guidelines of God’s word.

The relationship to our spouse must be carefully cherished if we want our relationship with God to be good and unhindered.

Psalm 133:1–134:3

The blessing of unity

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

God blesses His people when they unify around His truth. We are not called to unity just for the sake of unity, as a group could be unified to do evil.

Let us seek unity with those we work and live with, in the body of Christ, our families and friends, as much as that unity is not against God’s word.

Unity is a blessing, seek it today.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Peter 3

Today’s Reading:  1 Sam 30:1–31:13, 1 Pet 2:18–25, Ps 132:1–18

Today’s Theme: Be Courageous

Today’s theme is about us taking courage in God and His word. Be courageous because we can trust God to back up His word.

1 Samuel 30:1–31:13

Take courage in the Lord

And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)

The people were so greatly distressed that they were talking about stoning David. We can learn so much from David’s response in this trying time, David strengthened himself in the Lord.

When we are going through distressing times we should turn our eyes to God, not the people around us who may be a part of the same trial we are going through, we can’t help each other, so we should turn our eyes to the Lord and encourage ourselves in Him.

Paul encourages us in Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

Ask God about it

And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” 1 Samuel 30:8 (ESV)

David does not display foolhardy courage, his response is measured. He does not just run into battle, he takes time to seek God and boldly acts on God’s word.

We must not have confidence in the flesh, we are totally dependent on God and should ask God about the things we do. It is important that we press forward in courage, but only with God’s guidance and covering.

Paul goes on to encourage us in Ephesians 6:18, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”.

Exhaustion

But David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor. 1 Samuel 30:10 (ESV)

The trials of life can leave us feeling exhausted, worn out and burnt out. However, if the Lord is our source of strength then we will always have strength, because the Lord gives an endless supply.

Jesus encourages us that in Him, we will never thirst, in John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Jesus encourages us in Matthew 11:28–29 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Do not allow exhaustion to engulf you today, trust the Lord to strengthen and sustain you.

Recover all

Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. 1 Samuel 30:19 (ESV)

God had answered David’s prayer in verse 8, David acts in faith on this word and recovers all that the enemy stole.

God intends for us to recover all that the enemy has taken from us, but to do this we need to act in faith on His word.

This was the theme of the year, 8 years ago (2007).

Take courage for all of us

Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24 (ESV)

We are called to take courage by taking the Lord at His word and acting in faith according to that word. This will bring success, but we must guard against taking the glory for ourselves, leading to pride, arrogance, selfishness, unkindness and will ultimately lead to bondage and death.

As we press forward in the confidence and courage the Lord provides, we do not do so in our own strength or pride, we must do so in the Spirit and so maintain a humble and kind spirit.

Your breakthrough is not just for you. As the body of Christ we are gifted for each other, not for ourselves, we are blessed to be a blessing.

If God has given you victory in an area share the spoils with your brothers and sisters, in the body of Christ. For example, Paul teaches in Galatians 6:6 “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.”

Fight and win the battle for the whole team.

Risk it all for the Lord

all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. 1 Samuel 31:12 (ESV)

The men of Jabesh-gilead were valiant men, they laid their lives on the line and rode all night to see the royal family honoured.

We should have a zeal for God too, a fire that burns in our belly to go all night for the Lord if we need to. Be prepared to stay up late or get up early, be prepared to risk it all for the honour of the King.

Paul commends those who risked their own lives for the sake of the mission, in Romans 16:4, “who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.”

1 Peter 2:18–25

Take courage at work

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 1 Peter 2:18 (ESV)

Both our places of employment and the work that we do in ministry, should be done with submission to those over us, which will sometimes take courage, especially if those over us are unjust.

Ask God for the courage to be a good, submissive worker today. We should do all our work as unto God.

Our courageous King

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:22–23 (ESV)

Jesus courageously suffered for us, when He was reviled He did not retaliate and that takes a lot of courage. Jesus bore our sin in His body, on the cross, which was a horrific way to die and again took a lot of courage.

Jesus’ courage was in His Father, the just Judge. We must follow in the footsteps of our courageous King, knowing that our suffering is not in vain. We entrust ourselves to Him, this will give us the courage we need to endure.

Courageously die

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV)

Jesus did not die for our sins so that we would live like spineless cowards, capitulating to the ways of the world and bowing to the slave master of sin’s lying promises.

We are called to come and courageously die to sin and live a righteous life. Read the verse again, that is what it says. Jesus bore our sin so that we could actually die to sin and live in righteousness.

Do not be a coward today, be courageous by not giving in to sin.

Psalm 132:1–18

God’s land

“This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. Psalm 132:14 (ESV)

The Land of Israel is very special to God, we must take courage as we support Israel in advocacy and pray for and challenge them to embrace Jesus as the Messiah.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Peter 2