Bible Pathway - May 20, 2012

Highlights:

Solomon encouraged to build the Temple; David's gifts for the Temple; his thanksgiving and prayer; his death.

Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever (I Chr. 29:10).

David's last message to his kingdom was one of the greatests outbursts of praise found in the Old Testament. David adored the Lord and proclaimed His unspeakable grandeur: Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty (29:11).

Remember, too, that David had grown old. But the nearer he came to the world of everlasting praise, the more he spoke the language of that world. David was a man who had seen the workings of God over his entire life. He had been a firsthand witness to the power of God being displayed in totally unbelievable ways. He was in the midst as God's hand moved. He was the shepherd that God chose to be a king. He was the one that God used to slay the Philistine's greatest warrior, Goliath. He was the one that God's grace was with in battle after battle as he returned the victor. Truly, David knew of the awesome power of God. So, it is no wonder as David drew nearer to God's kingdom that David intensified the praise and glory he gave to God. Every godly person will echo David's words: My praise shall be continually of Thee. . . . I will . . . yet praise Thee more and more (Ps. 71:6,14).

We are told of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia: Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God (Rev. 19:1).

Praise is a natural expression of one who adores the Father for who He is and what He has done for him. The Word of God exhorts us to offer praise to God for He is worthy of that praise. Just as He did for David, God has done so many great things for you and me. He is the healer of our bodies. He is the deliverer of our spirits. He is truly our everything. How could we not praise the One and the Only True Living God? It is our duty to praise Him. He desires to receive praises from us. Through those praises, we will find victory for ourselves. Just as David did in so many times of trouble, we'll find God in the midst of it all when we praise Him. The Book of Psalms ends with the commandment to: Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. . . . Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (Ps. 150:2,6).

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name (Heb. 13:15).

Thought for Today:

I will greatly rejoice and be joyful in the Lord.

Christ Revealed:

Through the gold offered for the Temple by David from his personal wealth (I Chr. 29:3-5). Gold is the purest metal (Rev. 21:21) and represents the preciousness and great worth of Christ. He is pure (undefiled) (I John 3:3).

Word Studies:

27:2 course, division; 28:19 works, details; 29:1 tender, inexperienced; 29:3 proper good, personal treasure; 29:15 none abiding, soon gone; 29:19 palace, Temple.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Wally Herger (CA), Rep. John C. Carney, Jr. (DE), Sen. Mike Crapo (ID) and Rep. Nick J. Rahall II (WV) • Country: Egypt (66 million) in northeastern Africa • Major languages: Arabic and English • Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims • 87.5% Muslim; 12% Christian; .5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede for others (Ex. 32:31-32).

Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 6:1