Victory in Christ

We all want people in our lives who we can depend on when we have trouble. David had his share of people who turned against him, but he knew that no matter how many times he was betrayed by a man he always had the best source of help available. “Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. (Psalms 60:11 KJV) The ESV translates this verse a little differently, “Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!” Jesus also tells us about man’s saving power verses God’s saving power. “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Mat 19:25-26) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75

We read here of many victories David had over his enemies. After that, we see how he handled all the power that he had. “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered judgment and justice to all his people.” (2 Samuel 8:15) Even with all that power, he ruled the way God would have him to because he knew the source of that power was from above.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18

Psalm 25 is another psalm credited to David that we do not know the circumstances under which it was written. Many times when David shares what is on his mind, we see the humbleness and desire to please God. These words are ones we could rightly repeat for ourselves today. “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (Psalms 25:5) We can know that God will provide these answers if we are diligent in prayer and study of His word. 

Today’s reading: Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36, 39

Our Heavenly Father provides us with everything good that we have in this life. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17) David knew this fact. “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” (1 Chronicles 17:16) The humble attitude we see here from David shows that he knew that God gave him so much more good than he deserved. We can all say the same thing. Instead of giving us what we deserve, He shows His love for us. “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalms 103:10-13)

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 6-7; 1 Chronicles 17

The one hundredth Psalm calls itself a Psalm for giving thanks. If we count the many blessings and appreciate what God has done and continues to do for us, we will have the attitude that this psalm suggests.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalms 100:1-5)
The Psalm ends by reminding us that His love for us has no end. One of my favorite verses tells us what happens if we love Him in return. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132

“Blessed is the man…”. The book of Psalms begins with these words. Don’t we all want to be blessed? What does it take to be that man? The first verse tells us to not walk, stand or sit with those who are living a life contrary to God’s word. A gradual progression is seen here. It begins with just walking along with a bad influence. Then slowing down and stopping to stand with them to finally sitting down and settling in with the scornful. Most change doesn’t happen drastically, but by gradual movements in one direction. You have probably heard the analogy about the frog in a pan of water. If you drop him in boiling water he will jump right out. But put him in warm water and then gradually turn up the temperature and he will stay until he is boiled to death. What keeps us going in the right direction as we live our life? Verse 2 has the answer. Delight in God’s Word and keep it in your mind day and night.

Today’s reading: Psalms 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68

David was not perfect, but he knew who was in control and who he could go to for guidance. “And David inquired of God, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the LORD said to him, ‘Go up, and I will give them into your hand.’” (1 Chronicles 14:10) Before he fought Goliath he also knew the Lord was with him. “And David said, ‘The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the LORD be with you!’” (1 Samuel 17:37) We are also promised that if we live a life following God’s word, we can be assured of that great helper. “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6)

Today’s reading: 1 Chronicles 13-16

The 107th Psalm starts and ends talking about the Lord’s steadfast love. “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalms 107:1) “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.” (Psalms 107:43) In between these verses the Psalmist talks about times when God took care of His people. As His people today, Christians are promised that same steadfast love and care if we are following His word. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26) “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Today’s reading: Psalms 106-107

The Psalmist knew how much better it is to be unified rather than divided. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) Paul encouraged the Ephesians to keep unity by the way they acted. “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) He continued on giving them the 7 ‘ones’ that would unify them and that will unify us today. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Today’s reading: Psalm 133

When the Philistines found out that David was now king, they went looking to attack him. David heard of their plan and asked for advice from the most reliable source. “And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” (2 Samuel 5:19)  How great would it be to have a conversation with our Heavenly Father! Even though we are not able to hear His voice like David did, we still have the opportunity to speak to Him any time day or night and know that He will hear us and we can hear from Him by reading our Bibles. These are privileges that should not be taken for granted.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 11-12