Author: Pastor Doug

Our scripture today is 1 Kings 1:29-30 (ESV).

And the king swore, saying, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, as I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.”

According to 2 Samuel 12:24, God loved Solomon and had chosen him to succeed his father David as king (also 1 Chronicles 28:5). David makes God’s choice public in this verse. This is the beginning of the royal line that will culminate in King Jesus. There will be highs and lows along the way, rulers who followed God and those who followed their own ways. Through it all God was with us, willing to accept our repentance and forgive us.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the number of times we have chosen selfishly. Bless us to go in Your name as new people, to share Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is 2 Samuel 23:3-4 (ESV).

The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

As David’s life comes to an end, he has wisdom to pass to those who will follow. While his life has not been perfect, he has maintained a right relationship with God. This is probably the largest life lesson we can take from King David. Even when we have fallen, God is there for us, willing to accept our repentance and forgive us if we are willing to walk with Him. Don’t let evil confuse you, there is NOTHING that can separate you from God’s love!

Heavenly Father, we are amazed that You are willing to forgive us, wash us clean through the sacrifice of Your Son, and send us out refreshed and renewed to share Your love. Bless us to go in Your name. Amen.

Our scripture today is 2 Samuel 22:2-3 (ESV).

He said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.”

David’s family has descended into the kind of behavior we cringe at – brothers treating each other like enemies, plots against each other, court intrigue. Instead of being an example, Israel has become just like the nations around them. We will see a very sadly human cycle for Israel, as things are good while they are faithful, but deteriorate as they try to take control rather than submit to God’s love and law. However, for now David continues to praise and thank the Lord, even as things seem to be falling apart.

Gracious God, in Your wisdom You gave us free will. In Your mercy, You forgive us when we return from our failure in repentance. Bless us to share the joy of redemption with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture today is 2 Samuel 12:7 (ESV).

Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.’”

David has let his own desire and power separate him from God. When the prophet Nathan tells David “You are the man”, unlike others confronted with their sin, David confesses and asks forgiveness. God does forgive him, but David’s actions have serious consequences for his family and eventually, the entire nation. We need to consider how our words and actions affect our brothers and sisters, and the work of the kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we ask Your forgiveness for our selfishness and our disregard for others. Help us to show the world Your love through the way we live and care for each other. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 2 Samuel 6:15 (ESV).

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.

The ark of the Lord had been crafted during the Exodus. It served as the symbol of God’s presence with the people and was to be revered. The army brought the ark to battle without asking God and the ark was captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4). Now King David is bringing the ark to Jerusalem and plans a temple where it will be placed. For the moment Israel is returning to the worship of the Lord and honoring their responsibilities under the covenant. May we celebrate our call to connection with God as joyfully as they did.

Loving Lord, You are always there for us whether we recognize Your presence or not. Help us to seek You in all things and to share Your love with the world. Amen.

Home & resting, the procedure went well. 4-6 weeks of reduced activity for healing. Thanks for prayers! God is good!

Our scripture today is 2 Samuel 2:4 (ESV).

And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

David’s rise to the throne has taken a toll on him and the entire nation. Samuel the priest warned them of the dangers of wanting an earthly king. Whenever we think we are in charge instead of God, things don’t go well. The Lord had chosen David but he would still face many challenges as he attempted to bring the people back to the worship of the one true God. David was certainly not perfect but He loved the Lord and God was with him even when he fell.

Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we try to take the place that rightfully belongs to you. Forgive us and send us into the world with Your love and light. Amen.

Friends, I’d like your prayers today. I’m having my right sacroiliac joint fused and hoping it will prevent the need for the injections I’ve been having the last 2 ½ years. I’ll update you tomorrow. Thank you!

Our scripture today is Matthew 28:19 (ESV).

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

This instruction from Jesus is our Great Commission, a charge to carry His message and His love to all people everywhere. It is the action that will show we are His followers as He told us in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” We are now the face and hands of Jesus, bringing the world what He has taught us.

Loving Lord, You sent Your Son to save us and make us part of what You are doing in the world. Bless us to be the workers for the kingdom we are intended to be. Amen.

Our scripture today is Matthew 28:6 (ESV).

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

The angel tells us something we should already know: He has risen! Jesus taught on several different occasions that He must suffer, die and rise again. In Luke 9:22 He tells us “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Later in Luke He says “And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise” (Luke 18:33).The Gospel of Matthew 16:21 says “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” He told us time and again but we of little faith are still amazed. Bless us to accept and believe, Lord!

Gracious God, You came to be one of us and suffered a human death to save us from eternal death. Forgive us and strengthen us to go shout the news that He is risen to all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture today is John 3:16 (ESV).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Many theologians refer to Holy Saturday as Silent Saturday. Jesus is in the tomb, the disciples have mostly scattered and are in hiding. We can hardly blame them. This isn’t what any of them expected. If we are honest, it’s not what we expected either. Holy Saturday shows us what a world without Jesus is like. Even as I type this, it is cold and dreary in Omaha. So today, sit with your silence. Ask yourself what your life would be like without Jesus. While today may be sad and silent, we know that joy comes with the morning as Jesus rises again.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the way we have treated our Savior and the gift of salvation You offer us. Forgive us! Help us to rise to new life with Christ to go and share Your love. Amen.

Our scripture today is 1 Samuel‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ ‭(ESV‬‬).

“And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”‭‭

I considered pausing our daily study in favor of a Good Friday passage, but I believe there is a strong connection here to Christ’s sacrifice for us. The people have demanded a king, following the world and rejecting God as their king. This is mirrored in John 18:40 when the people reject Jesus, shouting “Not this man, but Barabbas!” When we choose our own way instead of choosing Jesus, we separate ourselves from God’s kingdom and His will for us.

Gracious God, you sent Your Son to be the sacrifice for our sin. Forgive us we pray, and may we go to serve others as our Savior has taught us. Amen.