Read 1 Chronicles 14
Highlights:
King Hiram's kindness to David; David's victories over Philistines; Ark brought to Jerusalem; David's sacrifices and Psalm of Thanksgiving.
And the fame of David went out into all the lands; and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations (I Chr. 14:17).
After David conquered the formidable Jebusites, who had never been conquered, even in the days of Joshua, he established his capital in Jerusalem. David's kingdom was now fully established. The world now saw this former shepherd boy, as a king whose army and power were feared and respected.
The Philistines were fearful of David's growing power, so they spread themselves in the valley (14:9) near Bethlehem and prepared to attack Jerusalem. David immediately inquired of God (14:10). He would not take his men into battle until he knew the will of God. David continually sought God's will in his decision-making. There is a valuable lesson to be learned in following God in all we do whether it is work, play, family, or anything else we face in life. God gave a great victory, but the defeated Philistines renewed their forces with a second attack. But notice! Although the first battle was very successful, David did not assume to know the will of God concerning the second attack. He inquired again of God (14:14). This time God directed in an altogether different way, and David gained another great victory.
We should never presume to know what God is thinking or how He is going to move. Just as David knew, we must seek God through sincere, heartfelt prayer. This is how we touch God's throne to get the answers we need (Matt. 7:7).
The often-recorded phrase, David inquired of the Lord was the key to his greatness (I Sam. 23:2,4; 30:8; II Sam. 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1; I Chr. 14:10,14).
Once we are awakened to the importance of knowing the Word of God and prayer, Satan will seek to disrupt our time with the Lord by such seemingly innocent things as an unexpected visitor, or by calling to remembrance something important we forgot to do. We must remember we are in a spiritual battle with our enemy, the devil. To be effective against the enemy, we must continually pray, seek the Lord, and search the Scriptures; and like David, make them a pattern of our every day lives (Eph. 6:12; II Cor. 10:4). The devil will do whatever he can to disrupt our communication with God. Through the Word and prayer we can keep this from happening (I Thess. 5:17).
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance (Eph. 6:18).
Thought for Today:
The united prayers of Christians will put the enemy to flight.
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 Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Officials: Sen. Daniel R. Coats (IN) and Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI) • Country: Djibouti (447,000) in eastern Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 91% Muslim; 7% Roman Catholic; .75% Eastern Orthodox; about 300 Protestants • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith that God will bless your family (Gen. 17:18-20).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 8:9