II Samuel 3-5
Turbulent times are here, but finally David arrives in Jerusalem and takes over as king of all of Israel. “And David realized that God had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”(5:12)
David never stops recognizing that God’s hand is upon him and his promotion is from his Creator.
Others around him are full of deceit and unrighteousness, but not David. He does nothing without first asking God. “Should I go up against the Philistines?”(5:19). He asks this twice, and each time he obeys God’s direction. Thus victory comes each time.
It’s easy to see that David is not a perfect man. There are lots of things concerning his lifestyle which are not God’s plan. However, it’s also easy to see that he always honors God and His people.
David walks in the light of what he knows. He is humble and obedient – and has great respect for righteous behavior.
With all of his faults, he is God’s man of the hour, and it is obvious. David now is king over all of Israel.
Luke 14:25-45
Have you counted the cost of discipleship? It’s clear from these words of Jesus that we need to do just that.
Actually, it pays in the end to serve Him, but it costs also. To follow Jesus sometimes we have to give up comforts to which we are accustomed.
Think about the precious missionaries who give up the comforts of our society to take the gospel to unreached areas. Sometimes, like our friends who are missionaries to an island off the coast of Madagascar, they live without electricity and running water, in primitive conditions – just so that they can bring the gospel to these people.
Sometimes it means not being able to live in the same town with your loved ones. If God calls you to a different area, you must go.
Sometimes it means having to endure misunderstanding from people who don’t understand your call.
Yet I have found in my life that the only answers you give Him are “yes, sir,” or “no, sir.” When He calls you to do certain things for Him, you either do them or you don’t.
And I want to say, “Yes” to His call. I know that you do also.
The presence of God’s hand on your life, and the blessings He brings to you and your loved ones are incredible. There is such a terrific peace when you are in His perfect will. You know that He is taking care of things in a way that you never could on your own.
He is Almighty and He is a good Father.
