Tag Archives: David

July 29
1 Comment
Uncategorized

“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.” (Psalm 36:5-6, NIV)

When we take the time to look around us, it is easy to be impressed by God’s virtuosity.  The twinkling stars and other heavenly bodies mystify and fascinate us as much today as they did when David wrote today’s reading from the Psalms.  On earth, the plants of the earth purify the air we breath, delight our eyes with their buds and flowers, and nourish our bodies as food.  We also have a common Creator with all of the animals, whether wild or domesticated — and He preserves all.

Beware of becoming a “practical atheist” through inattention to all that is around us. Look up; look around — and believe.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
July 15
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

We are reminded daily of the perils of our time: Disease, injury, war, pestilence, mayhem, shortages. . .  It is enough to keep you up at night!

Times were just as tough and uncertain in David’s time (and his time was probably a good bit tougher that we have it today). Yet, David — the author of today’s psalm — declares that “in peace I will lie down and sleep.”

David did not derive his peace from his wealth, his military might, his physicians, or his own intelligence.  His confidence was based entirely on God. We do well to do likewise.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
July 9
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.” (Psalm 69:6, NIV)

As children of God, we represent the “family name.”

All that some people know of God — particularly those who do not know God — is what they see of God in us; and what they hear of God from us. For this reason, it should be our ambition to grow to maturity in the grace and knowledge of God.

Today’s psalm is attributed to David, of whom it was written that he was “a man after God’s own heart.”  (1 Samuel 13:14)

David didn’t always live up to his potential as a warrior (although he was a peerless warrior); as a king (although he was a great king); as a father, or as a husband. However, when David failed he didn’t make excuses for his failures.  He fought to regain sight of God’s standard, turned his heart toward the Lord, and owned-up to whatever personal sacrifices and behavior changes he needed to return to fellowship with his Creator.

David knew, as we should know, that we are always under observation. When our children watch us, as they do, what do they see?  When our co-workers watch us, as they will, what do they see? When our casual acquaintances think of us, as they shall, does integrity, self-control, fairness, gentleness, patience, peace, faithfulness, and love come to mind?

The world watches the children of God.  Does what they see of us; and what they hear from us speak well of our family name?  – Luther

Tagged , , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →