2 Samuel 9 - 1.7.25
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 9:1 “David asked, “Is there anyone left of the household of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathon’s sake?”
OBSERVATION: David and Jonathon had become very good friends, so much so that David had agreed to make a vow to Jonathon that he would show unfailing kindness, like the Lord’s kindness, as long as Jonathon lived. He also vowed that he would never cut off his kindness from his family.
Years later David fulfilled his promise by inviting Jonathon’s son, Mephibosheth who had become crippled in both feet into his palace to live.
UNDERSTANDING: David showed extreme kindness to Mephibosheth even though his grandfather had been King Saul, who had shown extreme jealousy towards David, and wanted him dead!
David was a man of integrity, and he demonstrated it by keeping his vow, and showing such kindness to a descendant of one of his past rivals. Mephibosheth feared for his life, and felt very unworthy to approach King David when he was summoned to appear before him.
Even though King Saul had gone against him, David had still pledged his loyalty to him as God’s anointed king while he was still alive.
David treated Mephibosheth with great kindness by giving him everything that had belonged to his grandfather and his family, and he was also given the great privilege of always being able to eat at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.
PRAYER: Lord, As I look at the integrity and the kindness that David showed to someone that didn’t deserve it, I am reminded of the way You lavished me with Your kindness when I didn’t deserve it!
I want the kind of love in my heart for the ones You love, who the world sees as less deserving. It’s Your unmerited love and grace that continually draws me close to You. I pray my heart will reflect that kind of love toward others as You work through me, and help me to show kindness and be gracious to even the ones who don’t deserve it!
- Robin Orefice
1 Timothy 2 - 1.6.25
Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
Observation
In this passage, Paul is writing Timothy to give him instructions about worship. In these particular verses that I chose, Paul highlights the importance of praying for ALL people.-(This includes especially people in authority over us). We need to intercede on the behalf of ALL people. God’s desire is that ALL will come to know Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
Application
Imagine a world where everyone knew and followed Jesus. 🤔
It would be a world who loved each other the way God loves us (unconditionally). It would be a world who fought for justice for one another. It would be a world without racism and prejudices towards one another. It would be a world who gave each other a helping hand whenever and wherever needed. But mostly it would be a world where people could live “peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”-(see verse 2).
That is why Paul stresses the importance for the Church to pray for ALL people. We need to pray not only for our family and friends, but even for our leaders and enemies. We need to pray and intercede on their behalf. Pray for them to know and love God, by putting their faith and trust in Jesus. Pray for our leaders to be surrounded by godly people, giving them godly counsel. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ to stand strong in their faith, so we can ALL do our part by sharing the Good News of Jesus to ALL. I believe by doing that we can begin to see real change in this world. A change that is good, and that would please God our Savior.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for a world where ALL can come to know You the way I know You. May You reveal Yourself to them in tangible and miraculous ways. I pray for wisdom for our leaders. May You surround them with godly people that can give them godly counsel. I even pray for my enemies. May they know that there is a God who loves them so much that He died for them. May they know they have a God who forgives them if they are willing to put their faith in His Son Jesus, and turn from their sins. Finally, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ. May we ALL be bold and courageous to share our faith and pray for others the way You have called us to. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi
Proverbs 3 - 1.3.25
Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-8
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Observation
King Solomon wrote Proverbs to offer instruction, wisdom and understanding. King Solomon is called the Wisest Man who ever lived.
Application
We are encouraged by the wisest man who ever lived to study our bible every day, memorize the scriptures, write them on the tablets of our heart and we will live a long life with peace and prosperity. He also tells us to live our lives loving others and being a faithful person, then we will be respected by God and man. The world is on a constant quest to find Well-Being, where they have peace in the chaos. But all the meditation, relaxation, yoga, and self-reflection won’t give you peace unless Jesus is in the center of it all. Proverbs 3 is very clear on what gives us peace, prosperity and a Blessed Life. Meditating on God’s word, Resting in God’s Will for our life, keeping our bodies or God’s Temple healthy and Trusting God in everything and Knowing that He loves us so much and He will guide us on our life journey. Jeremiah 29:11 (my favorite scripture) tells us “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I walked many, many years with my life in total dysfunction…verbal abuse, divorce, poverty, a homeless son, sickness and death of a spouse, not knowing how I was going to make my bills let alone feed my kids…BUT GOD! I took my instruction from the wisest man who ever lived, I woke up early to read my Bible, memorized scripture, loved boldly and courageously and Trusted God with ALL my heart, kept my eyes on Jesus and tried not to look at my circumstances. I walked through my trials with a Peace Cloud over me and God took care of all the details of my life. I anticipate that I will live a long life with peace and prosperity because I followed the direction of the wisest man who ever lived.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Help us to TRUST You in ALL things. Help us to not look at our circumstances with fear and defeat, but because we TRUST You and KNOW that You love us so much, you will make our path straight. Thank You for giving us basic instructions how to live a life of love, faithfulness, obedience, and in return, you give us well-being, and a peace cloud to live under. You are such a magnificent God! Amen.
- Michelle Craig