Tag Archives: David

April 24
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“‘Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine [Goliath] will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the Lord be with you.'” (1 Samuel 17:36-37, NIV)

Today’s scripture encourages us to use our memory of God’s faithfulness to provoke us to trust and faith in our heavenly Father — at all times, and in every circumstance.

David’s faith, confidence, and courage at the great, public, moment of his confrontation with Goliath had as its foundation the lesser, private, moments in his life when God had been equally faithful. God’s power and faithfulness are no less when we’re facing a giant before an audience of thousands, than it is when we were confronting ordinary foes in the wilderness.

When facing a giant (whatever or whomever it might be), recall to mind our heavenly Father’s faithfulness and power in the less public periods of your life. It will give you the faith, the confidence, and the courage you need!  – Luther

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February 18
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Ash Wednesday

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, NIV)

We frequently refer to David, who wrote Psalm 51, as “a man after God’s own heart.”  That he was, and David was also a world-class sinner: Lying, adultery, and murder were a few of his notorious offenses.

David was focused like a laser beam on pleasing God — when he wasn’t distracted. When David found himself in the wrong, he always repented of his sin and ran the path of righteousness as one runs to make up for lost time.

By way of illustration (not by imitation), it is said that we can sin like David — if we are willing to repent like David. David’s prayer of repentance was a plea for a clean heart; a pure heart; a heart that is unalloyed in its devotion to God.

David also prayed for a steadfast spirit. Proverbs tells us: “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32) A steadfast spirit will keep us free of many of the heartaches of life.

Today, as we remember the fact that from dust we came and to dust we shall return; redeem every day for good — and give God the glory!  – Luther

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August 12
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“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); or as a king (although he was a great king); or as a father and 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

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