Highlights:
King David and the Ark of the Covenant. David learns that God does not overlook ignorance of His Word. The Covenant with David. David's kingdom is fully established. A misunderstood kindness leads to a battle and the Ammonites and Syrians are defeated.
It is of utmost importance that we recognize the often-recorded phrase, David inquired of the Lord (I Sam. 23:2,4; 30:8; II Sam. 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1; I Chr. 14:10,14). All of us need to follow his example. Although he is a powerful king who never lost one battle, he opens his prayer with a deep sense of humility and dependency: Who am I, O Lord God? (17:16). Then he magnifies the Lord: O Lord, there is none like Thee (17:20).
His love for the Word of God and his prayer life were keys to his greatness. In fact, knowing the Word of God is the foundation to anyone's true wisdom, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (I Cor. 2:12).
That is why the Apostle Paul was led to write to the Ephesians what is necessary to be prepared for prayer: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: (THEN) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Eph. 6:11-18).
It may be that numerous things will interfere with our intent topray. It may be an unexpected knock at the door, the ring of a telephone, or children causing a disturbance — unexpected situations, etc. These are not coincidences. These interruptions may be Satan's strategy to keep Christians so busy doing "good" things that they fail to allow Christ to be Lord of their lives. Or they may be sent by God to test our devotion to give ourselves to prayer and reading His Word. We need the discernment of the Holy Spirit to know when to do both.
Thought for Today:
Today, we should ask the Lord as the disciples did: Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1). Then follow His basic guide (11:2-4 and Matt. 6:6-15). .
Christ Portrayed:
By David, the shepherd-king (I Chr. 17:7; comp. Matt. 1:1-2; Rom. 1:3), symbolic of Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and King of saints (all believers) (Rev. 15:3).
Word Studies:
17:7 sheepcote =b> pasturelands; 18:4 houghed =b> crippled by cutting leg tendons; 19:4 hard by =b> close to; 19:6 odious =b> detestable, offensive.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Helen A. Porter • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. George Miller (CA) and Sen. Ben Nelson (NE) • Country: Kazakhstan (15.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Kazakh and Russian • Religious tolerance • 47% Muslim (largely Sunni); 25% Russian Orthodox; 2% Lutheran; 2% Catholic; 2.3% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who are in adverse circumstances (Heb. 13:3).
Optional Reading:1 Corinthians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:5
