Wednesday, April 2

Scripture: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalm 92

David knew that he was rescued from his enemies. David also knew that it was God who had rescued him. David realized his success was given by God and it was not of himself. God also used other people in his life to help him. There was a mother who helped David of whom David allowed the Gibeonites to kill. These were men that Israel had promised not to kill. This mother had honored the dead bodies of these men. This mother guarded the bodies night and day so that the birds and wild animals would not partake of them. She sat in sackcloth and ashes on a rock in mourning and would chase off the predators.

David heard of this and gave their bodies a proper burial and the bodies were buried with Saul and Jonathan.  After doing this God then permitted the land to become fertile again producing food for the people.  David had officials and warriors who protected him. These men put their lives at stake to protect David.

David loved God and showed his love for God by obeying God’s commands. David would use his authority to do what was right for his people, but not always. When David went against God the nation of Israel suffered due to the choices he made. When David had sinned, this led to a plague that killed many of his people. David repented, turned from his sin and trusted God to have mercy on him after he had sinned.  David built an altar to make sacrifices with animals for sins committed. God saw David’s actions and the plague stopped. After this the temple was built in this very place where David had built the altar. Do I, do you give God the honor for the successes and accomplishments? What promises have I made, have you made that weren’t fulfilled? Have I, have you, attempted to make restitution for? Actions speak louder than words. David repented and followed up with an action taken. God heard David’s words and saw David’s action that followed.  May the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing in your sight O, Lord. May my actions be carried out by you God.

~Pastor Ronnie Vandervort

 Daily Prayer Focus: All who work in businesses which provide services to others