GOD’S WORD TAKES PRECEDENCE
2 Samuel 7: 1-4,17-22
Therefore I esteem all the precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way Psalm 119:128
Good intentions and plans, even with the blessings of the clergy, do not always culminate in God’s will. King David had a great plan to build for the Lord, and Prophet Nathan consented to it. In the Old Covenant, a prophet’s word was considered authentic and from God since they were God’s mouthpiece. However, when God spoke to Nathan, giving a contrary instruction, he did not hesitate to give David the word of God. He did not stand in the way of God’s word. He did not consider his feelings or prestige. He did not let self interfere with his obedience to God’s instructions. Also, David submitted to God’s will without argument.
This is very instructive in our society today, where some believers/ministers, in a bid to be revered and seen as an authority on issues affecting the church or society, may not be willing to go back on their words even after hearing from the Lord. We should be ready to overrule our decisions, no matter how noble, once we realise that God does not approve of them. Whether it relates to the church, business, career, or the choice of a spouse, always remember to allow God’s will to take priority. Have you gone ahead with a decision because of your ego or a seemingly good reason? Let go and let God’s will prevail.
Prayer
Lord, please work on me to the point that my good intentions bow to Your word always in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 175 1Kings 12:25-33, -1Kings 14:1-20; Acts 16:1-15; Psalm 78:1-8
GOD’S WORD CONCERNING YOU
2 Samuel 7:24-29
Now, O Lord God, the word which you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, establish it forever and do as you have said 2 Samuel 7:25
God honours His word. Psalms 138:2 says that God has magnified his word just as His name. God places a premium value on His word. God’s word is infallible, and the integrity of His word cannot be questioned. Hebrew 1:3 says God upholds “All things by the word of His power,” implying that the Universe which was brought into existence by the word of God is also being sustained by the integrity of God’s word. God has a system in place that ensures the infallibility of His word, hence, Matthew 24:35 affirms that God’s word is so dependable that heaven and earth will pass away but His word shall not pass away.
One way to demonstrate honour for God’s word is by believing His word and looking forward to its fulfilment in your life. This was what David did after he received the gracious message from God through Prophet Nathan. In honour of the word, David went before the Lord in prayers, appealing to God that these promises be fulfilled. Go to God in prayer today and remind Him of His word over your life. Also, believe that His word will be fulfilled in your life. Do you believe God’s word?
Prayer
Lord, through Jesus Christ, I receive an “Amen” to every word of Yours spoken concerning me.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 176 1Kings 14:21-31, -1Kings 16:1-7; Acts 16:16-40; Proverbs 15:21-30
GOD’S PRESERVATION
2 Samuel 8:1-6,14
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. Proverbs 21:31
It is in God’s nature to protect whatever belongs to Him just like humans are naturally inclined to protect loved ones and property. We would not let anyone destroy what we have taken years to build. When we know this about God, we are assured that He has us perfectly covered. David smote the Philistines, Hadadezer, Syria, and the enemies around him and made them serve him. He conquered more territories. He had a testimony that “God preserved him whithersoever he went.” This was another secret of David’s success- God’s preservation. It did not matter where he went or the strength of his opponents; God’s covenant of preservation was sure! This gave David boldness.
Most times, we quake in the face of challenges and consider the size of the enemy facing us because we are uncertain of God’s preservation. We ponder in fear if we would make it out alive or unscathed. Be reassured that God is able to keep and preserve you wherever you go, even in your journeys. You should not be uncertain about God’s preservation concerning anything. Trust God for your preservation.
Prayer
Father, I thank you because I know I am preserved by You, no matter what comes my way
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY177 1Kings 16:8-34,-1King 18:1:15; Acts 17:1-21; Psalm 78:9-16
A PICTURE OF KINDNESS
2 Samuel 9:1-7; 1 Samuel 18:1
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for the day of adversity. Proverbs 17:17
God, by His infinite wisdom, has made provision for situations that wield the capacity to hinder one’s progress in life; He has established a system that supplies sufficient force that conveys you far above the reach of such experiences through his kindness. Mephibosheth was the ideal beneficiary of the kindness which King David decided to show to the house of Saul because of his relationship with Jonathan. David was a true friend who was honour-bound to be a blessing to the house of Saul for the sake of friendship. He is an example of a friend who loves at all times. David was a king who typified the nature of God’s kindness.
Mephibosheth had a condition –he was crippled in both legs. Consequently, if David had merely restored the estate of Saul to Mephibosheth, the king would have already demonstrated great kindness. He did not just restore the properties; he granted him a spot at the royal table, as one of the sons of the king, for the rest of his life. He did not let the disability of Mephibosheth repulse him or stand in the way of love. It is the kindness of God that brings men out of obscurity and launches them into royalty. By heritage, we are legitimate beneficiaries of God’s kindness, since we “are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26). When it is our time of remembrance, God will make a way that defies our limitations. He can use anyone to lift you. What is that condition that has made you disadvantaged? God can secure your future forever, no matter your condition.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for your kindness in my life. Help me to be a true friend who shows genuine kindness to others in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY178 1Kings 18:16-46-1king19; Acts17:22-34,-Acts18:1-8; Psalm 78:17-31
DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF
2 Samuel 9:6-12
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he … Proverbs 23:7
The picture a man has of himself is of utmost importance. This picture can be formed in the heart by a series of past events, failures/successes, perception of others, disability, or a deep sense of inadequacy. This mental picture affects how a man views himself and handles situations. Most times, it doesn’t matter if the world shows them a beautiful or ugly picture of themselves, it is in their power to believe that new picture or reject the same.
Following the kindness of David, Mephibosheth bowed before David and asked why he chose to consider a ‘dead dog’ like him. This goes to show that he had given up on himself and had lost all hope of making any difference in life. Yet David elevated him and made him enjoy the privileges of his sons. Mercy spoke on his behalf. A lot of us have limited ourselves in life by the way we see ourselves. We have been trapped by the words of our mouth (Proverbs 6:2). We mustn’t let our predicament or past define who we are or regulate the blessings we should receive. Remember, life and death are in the power of your tongue (Proverbs 18:21). It is time to see yourself through the eyes of the King who created you in His image.
Prayer
Lord, may my thoughts about myself align with the picture You have of me. Continually renew my heart by the power of Your word in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 179 1Kings 20,-1King 21; Acts18:9-28-Acts19:1-13; Psalm 78:32-39
WRONG COUNSEL
2 Samuel 10:1-7, 18-19
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
People have encountered difficulties and made unnecessary enemies because of wrong counsel or no counsel. Certain misunderstandings and divisions in families and organisations would have been averted with the presence of godly counsel. In this lesson, we see how David’s act of kindness was met with backlash, leading to a needless war. The princes of Ammon gave King Hanun wrong counsel because they doubted the sincerity of David’s condolences. This prompted him to dehumanise the messengers of David. Rather than apologise when they realised their offence, they hired the Syrians to fight with them against Israel.
It is dangerous to fight the Lord’s anointed, especially when they are innocent. The Ammonites and Syrians were beaten before Israel to the extent that they fled, and the Syrians became afraid to help the children of Ammon again. Always take time to think over the counsel given to you. Be careful also not to give wrong counsel or instigate strife against others. Are you acting on wrong counsel? Are you giving others wrong counsel?
Prayer
Lord, may I never be the one who stirs up strife, especially by wrong counsel. Help me to discern wrong counsel in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 180 1Kings 22:1-53; Acts19:14-41; Proverbs15:31-33, Proverbs 16:1-7
TIMES AND PURPOSES
2 Samuel 11:1-5
Woe to them that are at ease in Zion… Amos 6:1
The Universe is designed to support and ensure the right results when necessary investment is made at the right time. For “to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). At a time when it was appointed for kings to go to battle either to protect the integrity of their territory, reclaim lost territory, or extend their domain, David decided to send his soldiers to war, while he stayed back at his palace. This decision gave room to some events that brought pain to his life and family.
As Christians, we are constantly faced with battles. This is the reason we are enjoined not to be unaware of the devices of the enemy, lest Satan should take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11). The devil constantly prowls around us waiting for our vulnerable moment to strike. We must always be alert and stay sober. King David was at ease at a time when he should have been at war. This is a warning for us never to take anything for granted. It doesn’t take much to pull a believer down in his unguarded hour. God’s program and agenda are time-bound. Our Lord Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work” (John 9:4). Sensitivity to the timing of the Spirit of God is vital otherwise, we may give room for certain occurrences which God has not designed.
Prayer
Lord, cause me to understand the times and seasons and act accordingly.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 181 2Kings 1, -2King 2:1-25; Acts 20:1-38; Psalm 78:40-55
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