Who is this guy? (David)
- David and Goliath (1 Samual 17:12-50)
- Saul's Jealously of David (1 Samual 18:1-30)
- David Spares Saul's Life (1 Samual 24:1-22)
...MADE SOME CHOICES...
- David and Bathsheba (2 Samual 11:1-27)
- LEGACY... David's Mighty Men (2 Samual 23:8-23)
- Famous Last Words (2 Samual 23:2-7)
SONG = In Christ Alone
What a relief! He hears me...see bottom of the post = Andy Davenport / YL / Fayette County
READ PSALM 86 = Each one read one...
Psalm 86 . This is an individual lament, geared (as many of these laments are) to a situation in which “a band of insolent men seek my life” (v. 14 ). The psalm confesses that the Lord is “good and forgiving” (v. 5 ), acknowledging that the singer's own sins may have contributed to his enemies' plans. The psalmist explicitly grounds his request in Ex. 34:6 , a fundamental confessional statement of the OT (Ps. 86:15 ; cf. vv. 5 , 13 ); he also prays for a “united” heart to live faithfully to God (v. 11 ). The middle of the psalm strikingly professes faith in one God, to whom all nations shall come (vv. 8–10 )—another vital OT theme. This is the only psalm of David in Book 3 of the Psalms; the last one encountered was Psalm 70 , and the next one will be Psalm 101 .
Why can you count on God?
1) First is the genuineness of his faith (v. 2 , I am godly . . . who trusts in you)
2) Second is the earnestness with which he prays, relying on the Lord, not other gods (vv. 3–4 , to you do I cry all the day . . . to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul)
3) Third is the crucial confession of God's benevolent character, as revealed in the Pentateuch (v. 5 , you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you).
*Everyone who sings this prayer from the heart may be assured of God's attention.*
SONG = You Never Let Go
When teachable moments come along, are you ready?
86:11 Teach me your way. Cf. 25:8 , 12 ; 27:11 ; 32:8 (and note on 25:4–5 ). The Bible regularly pictures the moral course of one's life as a “way” or path, and one's conduct as a “walk” or journey. A faithful person seeks instruction in the ways that please God in order to learn how better to walk in God's truth. Unite my heart, i.e., make it “one” (cf. Jer. 32:39 ), undivided in its loyalty (so that all of it can give thanks, Ps. 86:12 ).
- How much of your time do you fill with God's Word?
- How much of your time to you fill with other hobbies and interests?
- Is your heart united or divided in the loyality it claims?
Part of worshiping God through prayer involves asking Him to intercede in our lives. Our world doesn’t look favorably on needy people—a mindset that has trickled into our relationship with God. We ask Him to intercede for others but (often subconsciously) retain the burden of our struggles, thinking we can handle them. This is pride. (Big, small, good bad...did you feel good that you do this? Prideful that you already submit to God? Are you interceding for others?)
Connect with God
One of the takeaways from this week’s study is our desperate need for diligent prayer lives. God desires us to continually call out to Him. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:17.) While it’s easy to protest that we’re too busy to pray, the truth is we’re too busy not to. We need God desperately, and He has graciously made Himself available to us. Here are a few ways to make prayer a more important part of your life. Get in the habit of prayer, then continue to add opportunities to this list.
• Pray every time you’re reminded of prayer throughout the day.
• Designate set times for prayer. When you wake up and before you go to bed are two key opportunities. You can also pray before your lunch break or during your morning and afternoon commutes. If prayer is planned, we’re more apt to follow through.
• Journal your prayers. Take time to sit down and write them out.
• Enlist a prayer partner to increase your prayer life. You don’t have to always meet for prayer, but together you can be accountable for following through on designated prayer times.
• Come up with a brief phrase to pray throughout the day. For example, if you know you’re going to face challenging times today, pray, “God, be my strength.” Stay connected to God throughout your entire day.
Connect as a Couple
“Couples who pray together, stay together.” When we involve our spouse in our relationship with God, it has a profound impact on our marriage. This week, try the following:
• Commit to a time of prayer together for seven consecutive days.
• In this time together, be diligent to pray for each other and the needs you each have this week.
• Take turns praying to God for help and guidance in your marriage.
• Ask God for forgiveness in the areas where you’ve been selfish and self-serving, and ask Him to give you the grace you need to show your spouse.
• Ask God to help you be models of Christlike service this week.
EXERTS FROM A FRIENDS LETTER AS HE AND HIS FAMILY EXPERIENCE THE SUDDEN LOSS OF A RELATIVE (SNAP-SHOTS OF CHANGED LIVES):
SUICIDE...ALSO CHASE BURNETT (16 YEARS / MHS / LAST SUNDAY)
As you rise today will you beg of God to give you Jesus?
Thank you Jesus for allowing us to have access to the Holy One who hears our cries.
Your prayers have not gone unheard before the throne of our Father.
Transforming marriages.
Calling the broken and hurting to a restored relationship that can only come through Jesus. We are watching people, our family, being set free from the lies of the evil one.
Truth is being spoken into each other's lives.
It's a beautiful place today.
...your partnership in prayer has amplified the cries for help before our King. We are longing to see restoration.
I am so proud of my wife.
...she has fallen at the feet of Jesus and surrendered to Him and it is so attractive.
Not only did it prepare our hearts for this, but it's drawn us closer in our relationship and it's drawn me to be with Jesus.
And now I am watching a community see Jesus in her countenance, her words and her heart. She has been strong for everyone else, yet her tender heart needs time to mourn.
Pray for her today.
We are unsure what seeds of salvation have been planted, but we trust God is doing a mighty work because of your cries for mercy on our behalf.
May this death bring life!
Give me Jesus!
