Bible Pathway - May 15, 2012

Highlights:

David made king over all Israel; his reign in Jerusalem; mighty men of David; Ark of God taken to the house of Obed-edom.

So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him (I Chr. 11:9).

After Saul's death, David appealed to the northern tribes to unite the nation, but they ignored him (II Sam. 2:7). For seven years he reigned only over Judah. David was patient as he waited on God to take action. He believed that God's will would be fulfilled.

While Ish-bosheth reigned, the northern tribes were under Philistine control. It was not until after Ish-bosheth's death that the northern tribes acknowledged David as their king. So all the elders of Israel came to . . . King David . . . and they anointed David king over Israel (5:3).

Earlier in life, as David face Goliath, he boldy shouted: The battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands (I Sam. 17:47). Although anointed king of Israel as a young lad (16:1-13), David waited for over 20 years on the Lord's timing for him to become king. He had opportunities to and had been encouraged seize control and kill Saul. But, he stayed true to the Lord's principles instead. The Lord forbid that I should . . . stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord (24:1-13; 26:10-12). David placed his trust in the proper place and was rewarded. God always rewards those who trust in Him (Heb. 11:6). It is no mystery that God desires us to read and follow His Word. When we do, good things happen.

When you are faced with trials, recognize the futility of becoming impatient. Trust in God, whose purpose is that you become more like Him. God promised Abraham that He would make him a father of many nations (Gen. 17:5), yet years went by and Sarah was barren. Their son Isaac was born when Abraham was an hundred years old (21:5). Patience is developed through years of testings and is a wonderful godly quality to possess (I Tim. 6:11; Titus 2:2).

We all are served so much better in life by learning to wait upon God. However, life in these times seems to be in high speed mode. Many of us want everything to be our way and right away. Where does that leave God's way? We need to learn to wait upon the Lord for our answers. It is a great truth in life to know that God gives His best to those that leave the choosing up to Him.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. . . . that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4).

Thought for Today:

Once we accept the authority of God over our own lives as revealed by His Word, we will never be happy going our own way.

Christ Portrayed:

By David, the anointed king (I Chr. 11:3). Christ is the Anointed One who will soon reign forever as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16).

Word Studies:

11:16 hold, stronghold; 12:1 close, restricted in his movements; in hiding; 12:17 knit, joined, united; 12:19 fell . . . to David, shifted allegiance to David.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bible Pathway Media Producer Rick Hash • Government Official: Sec. Kathleen Sebelius (US Dept. of Health & Human Services) • Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe • Major languages: Danish and Faroese • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Have faith that God always keeps His promises (Gen. 17:16 & 21:2-3).

Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 8:9