As David neared his death, his son Adonijah assumed the throne of Israel under ambition. There was a scramble to anoint Solomon who had been designated by David to succeed him. Upon Solomon’s anointing and coronation, there was a process enacted to eliminate those who would conspire against his kingdom. Eventually those who had or would conspire against him lost their lives. This they deserved as they had lived lives that crossed the lines of absolute obedience to the Lord’s purposes. God protected Solomon’s throne because he was God’s choice to not only rule Israel but we to write most of the proverbs.

When God anoints you for a ministry, He will protect you and often identify the threats to your well-being. Trust hHm and watch Him work.

READ/HEAR: 1Kings 1,2

Early in his life, David learned to live by the principles and precepts that came to him through God’s Word and his leadership. When he sinned by numbering Israel, he said “Only let me fall into the hands of God for discipline.” By principle, he knew he could rather trust God above men. In principle, he refused to accept the free threshing floor to make sacrifice declaring, “I will not offer that which costs me nothing.”

His principles were character qualities taught to him by God, and this endeared him to the people of Israel.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 22,23

God made David victorious over his enemies for his entire lifetime. With the Lord’s help, David’s men eliminated the four brothers of Goliath of Gath. David was inspired to sing songs that attributed his success completely to the Lord. Prophetically, he even looked ahead to his seed, Jesus, who would become the ultimate Victor over every giant and form of opposition to what God wanted to do in his people. Christ has become the ultimate conqueror as prophesied by David, his fore-father. As we sing the Psalms of David, we likewise enter into the victory that is ours through praise and the acknowledgement of Christ our Savior.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 22,22

After Absalom was defeated, there were other insurrections against David. Each time there was a skirmish between tribes of the children of Israel, there were casualties of war. This broke the heart of the king and must have grieved the Lord.

How sorrowful it is today in the US. When opposing political parties create such division and strife because of power struggles. It must grieve the hearts of veterans who watched their comrades lay down their lives for freedom in our nation.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 18-20

David’s son Absalom attempted to overthrow David’s kingdom. He won the hearts of Israel and set himself up as king at Hebron. After amassing a strong army, he went after David at Jerusalem. David fled upon this news.

Although David feared for his life, God defended his kingdom and provided escape from The Young Challenger.

If God places you in leadership, He will defend you and protect your authority as long as He want you to be the leader.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam 15-17

Joab engineered a plot to have Absalom restored after murdering Amnon. After David allowed him to return, the restoration process began to see the son fully accepted. It was only a matter of time, though, that he began to exhibit concerning practices. He inclined toward taking the law into his own hands. He eventually set himself up above his father, the king. The issues of his heart became manifest.

A true heart change is the key. Only Jesus can fully change a heart.

The Apostle Paul called himself, the chief of sinners. He confessed being guilty of everything. Wow, he was a changed man and the world has benefited from his writings.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 14

After Amnon incestuously raped his sister, Tamar, Absalom sought revenge. He planned it just as Amnon had planned to violate Tamar. Neither were justified. Their father, David, was the one who suffered mostly.

Parents are wise to train their children and firmly correct them when they are young if they stray from healthy obedience. They may be preventing overwhelming heartache and tragedy when they become adults who operate outside the walls of morality and appropriateness.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 13

Sadly, David messed up big time when he succumbed to the visual temptation of observing Bathsheba as she bathed on her rooftop. His lingering look led to his request to have her brought to him for his pleasure. After indulging himself, he committed a string of sins to “cover up” his moral fall. This great king and worship leader tattooed his legacy with this big blemish, all because of one big corrupted decision … “Bring the woman to me.”

Staying full of God’s Holy Spirit and His Word arms us with spiritual power needed to resist making profoundly unwise decisions. The call of lust is thereby dwarfed by the voice of God’s Spirit within us.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 11,12

Can you imagine eating with President Trump at his dinner table in the White House? Talk about interesting conversations! I’m sure the food is the finest.

This is the privilege David extended to King Saul’s descendant, Mephibosheth. His respect and tribute to the former king was to honor this man for life. Although he was lame in both feet, King David was his provider for the rest of his life.

We come to the Lord lame, confused, broke, and without honor. He cleans us up and gives us a place at His Table … forever. Regardless of how we’re living now, we will have an eternity to enjoy the good life and blessing He provides. We don’t deserve it, but He loves us so much.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 8-10

God’s House is NOT A BUILDING. He lives within us. We are His building.

Patty and I traveled with a Bible College singing group called “Living Praise.” We took the group all over the U.S. and Europe. We held services in countless different venues, even an 11th century Anglican church in England. We brought, along with the other believers, the Lord’s presence with us. He wasn’t in the building waiting for us. John, the Revelator, heard the Lord say, “The tabernacle of God is with man.”

Regardless of the building, or tent, or cathedral, or street corner, God lives IN us. We have this precious treasure IN US, God’s Holy Spirit.

READ/HEAR: 2 Sam. 6,7