“When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23)

May 31, 2012

In many ways the story of David’s betrayal foreshadows that of Jesus. David wept at the Mount of Olives. He was betrayed by a trusted advisor. And his advisor later hung himself. The OT prepares us for the Jesus story.

“Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true” (John 18:37)

May 30, 2012

How Jesus answered Pilate’s questioning. Pilate’s response: “What is truth?” We live in a relativistic age that questions the idea of absolute truth too. But those who “love truth” will see the truth revealed in Jesus.

“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long” (Psalm 119:97)

May 29, 2012

The Psalmist describes both his head and heart’s response to God’s Word. He loves the Word and thinks about it all day. Is your heart stirred by the Word? Does it capture your thinking?

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message” (John 17:20)

May 28, 2012

The night before Jesus was crucified, He prayed not only for the Twelve, but also for all of us who would believe the gospel message.

“But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23)

May 27, 2012

David fasted and lay on the floor praying for 7 days that God would spare his son. But the child died as Nathan prophesied. Afterwards, David bathed, went to the Tabernacle to worship, returned to the palace and asked for food. Those who have lost loved ones can learn from how David’s faith affected his approach to death and grieving.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5)

May 26, 2012

Christians are not called to imitate Christ. They are called to abide in Him, so that His life is manifest in theirs. Our effort is not to do Christlike things, but to tenaciously cling to the Vine, so that His life flows through us to produce spiritual fruit.

“He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever” (2 Samuel 7:13)

May 25, 2012

What God told King David through the prophet Nathan. Biblical prophecy often has an immediate, ongoing and ultimate fulfillment. Solomon, son of David, is the immediate fulfillment, building the Temple of which David dreamed. But Jesus, Son of David, Son of God is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. His throne endures forever!

“If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding” (Proverbs 15:32)

May 24, 2012

Are you spiritually FAT (Faithful, Available, Teachable)? Great leaders are life-long learners. Can you show up on time and available for any task your God-given leader assigns? Do you take notes and read instructions? Do you ask questions and obey? Know-it-alls harm themselves, but FAT people prosper and grow!

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11)

May 23, 2012

How do you hide God’s Word in your heart? First believe it and receive it. Read, study and commit it to memory, so that it re-writes your thinking. When Jesus was tempted to sin (Matt. 4), He responded with Scripture. Memorize and repeat the Word to face today’s challenges.

“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark” (John 12:46)

May 22, 2012

Wake up sleeper. Come into the Light and walk no longer in darkness. Jesus is the Light of the world. Wake up!