Highlights In Today's Reading:
David seeks the will of God first (14:10,14). See the results of asking God and letting Him lead (14:17)! In complete compliance with God, David and all Israel brought up the Ark to Jerusalem (15:25-28). Join David in singing his song of praise (16:7-36).
These are some of the prominent virtues to be seen in the lives of Christians who truly desire to grow spiritually: Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2). Perhaps the foremost characteristics are found in today's Bible reading. David wrote: Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His Name, make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him (I Chr. 16:8-9).
In Psalm 119, more than 150 attributes of the Word of God are proclaimed. Godly people are not concerned about being praised, but, in contrast, desire to praise the Lord. Silent praise is good, but simply not sufficient! The world needs to hear us praise the Lord. Nothing can honor Him more than open, vocal praise that comes from the heart of one who is truly devoted to Him. Talk ye of all His wondrous works. Glory ye in His Holy Name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord (I Chr. 16:9-10).
Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually (16:11). Godly people also stand out as people of prayer. David, whom God called a man after His own heart (I Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22) illustrates this virtue. David inquired of God. . . . shall I (I Chr. 14:10,14; I Sam. 23:2,4; 30:8; II Sam. 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1). Godly people will also desire to be obedient to the Word of God. Jesus said: If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:15).
Remember His marvellous works that He hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth. . . . Be ye mindful always of His Covenant; the Word which He commanded to a thousand generations (I Chron. 16:12,15). Godly people will publicly acknowledge their submission to the authority of the Supreme King and express adoration and praise to their Lord as the Almighty Creator of all things.
David delivered an inspiring psalm for Asaph and his choir to sing which lifts our spirits as we worship our wonderful Lord: Rejoice . . . Declare His glory among . . . all nations. . . . For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised . . . bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. . . . The Lord reigneth (I Chr. 16:10,24-31).
Thought for Today:
Are we openly displaying the characteristics of the One True God, our Heavenly Father? Or do people by our actions wonder who He is?
Christ Revealed:
Through David's fame and exaltation (I Chr. 14:17). God highly exalted Christ, our Redeemer, and gave Him a Name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9-11).
Word Studies:
14:13 spread themselves abroad =made a raid, invaded.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI) and Rep. James Moran (VA) • Country: Mali (10 million) in West Africa • Major languages: French and Bambara • Religious freedom despite Muslim majority • 81% Muslim; 17% animism and spirit worship; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with earnestness night and day (I Thess. 3:10).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:20