2 Samuel 6:5 - Pray, then plan

David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.

David has a great plan. He wants to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem and make it a huge celebration for all the people. Everything starts out well, then Uzziah touched the ark and is instantly killed. David was doing all this for the Lord. Why did God bring this celebration to a halt? Why didn't God overlook this mistake?

A few weeks ago I heard a sermon by Paul Cartwright about Uzziah.. (This is the sermon where we were challenged to read 2 Samuel.) In this lesson, Paul talked about how there were several things wrong here, mostly, David did not make sure the Ark was being moved as God specifically required it to be moved. It should not have been on an cart, but carried by poles. David was usually so good at praying to God before doing things like going to battle, but in this case, maybe he planned this big celebration to move the Ark without going to God first.

Lord, than you for being clear with us about what you want from our lives. Please help us to always go to you before making plans. Amen.

Psalm 67:1-2 - Gifts with a purpose

May God be gracious to us and bless us
     and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
     your salvation among all nations.

We all want good things from God, but his purpose in giving us good things is greater than just a blessing towards one who loves him. When God is gracious to us, blesses us and shines his face on us, we become a reflection of God's goodness. We shine a light on God's paths and plans. We expose the world to the salvation God offers to everyone.

Lord, thank you for giving us your blessings. Please help us to allow you to use those blessings to reveal your ways and salvation to the world. Amen.

Psalm 58:7 - Wicked Rulers

Let them vanish like water that flows away;
     when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short.

This Psalm focuses on wicked rulers. David acknowledges wicked rulers, but he knows they will vanish and be swept away. He asks God to foil their plans. They have no real power, so we have nothing to fear. Ultimately God is the only ruler who maters.

Lord, thank you for being our one true ruler. Please help us to trust in you, Amen.

Exodus 40:33 - Finished work

Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work.

It is so fulfilling to see the end of a project. It may be a banquet, a renovation, a presentation, etc. Whatever the project, it is great to come to the end. Moses and the Israelites gets the opportunity here to see the end of this project. The tabernacle is completed.

Lord, thank you for allowing us to see the completion of projects. Help us to be patient and work hard until projects are done. Amen.

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