"So, Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree from Dan to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon."

While the picture painted for us is one of peace and prosperity, we may struggle with the thought that we are so far from that today in this world. Our world today has gotten so far from the precepts and personal relationship with the Lord, we can only describe our situation as chaotic and hopeless. Crime, drugs, homelessness, open boarders are only a few we have inherited with our new world view. As things progress rapidly, we can only stay the course, seeking and following after the Lord,  or surely, we fall prey to their agenda. Stay the course Christian, above all pray and seek to do the very best in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Russell

".....yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in."

Solomon, in all his honesty before the Lord, candidly admitted his lack of knowledge and leadership experience before the Lord. Thrust into the forefront of leading a nation, there was no time for an internship or a course in leadership 101. He did the wisest thing, he threw himself at the feet of God, seeking His counsel and wisdom. For us, we may be a family of one, or be the leader of a company or organization. A great place to be is always at the foot of the Lord, seeking His wisdom for our lives and situation. 

Pastor Russell

"And keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn."

The charge to Solomon by his father David, may be appropriate for any child of God. To walk in His ways is a great thing, to keep it according to His word is even a greater exhortation. The results being, success in the way we go. Not so much rocket science, but simple words of wisdom that our life and times here on earth, may go as smoothly as possible, without our own interjection. Keep it according to Him, is the best thing we can do.

Pastor Russell

surely as I vowed to you, "As the Lord the God of Israel, saying, your son Solomon shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place; I will indeed do so this day."

Again, we find the throne of Israel in jeopardy. David, first challenged by his son Absolom who staged a coup, now facing another challenge by Adonijah, who self-appointed himself king, and then staged a coronation celebration, all without the knowledge of David. David, though hindered by age and health issues, makes swift decisive moves to circumvent his son's attempt to steal the throne. Promises to David, as far as the coming King, would not be thwarted. The Lord would have His way, not without challenge though, as we will see in coming chapters of Kings.

Pastor Russell

So Gad came to David that day and said to him, "Go up, erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."

Amidst the tragedy that took place this week in Lahaina, and the ongoing rescue, relief and recovery efforts, many may question how come Lord? It may be a good time to reflect on how transient life is, and remember that the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our Lord stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8) In Him we can come, within the altars of our hearts, bringing sacrifices of praise and thanks giving for His faithfulness through all and in all. Love Him, love one another and hang on.

Pastor Russell

Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord for His mercies are great, but do not me fall into the hand of man."

David was grieved as he realized his folly in numbering the people. The consequences of his pride would cause ramifications that would have far reaching effect. David was quick to remember, that the Lord was gracious and merciful, and it would far better to trust in Him. Sometimes, it's hard to remember, unless we are in a similar situation that God is gracious and merciful, and it's better to trust in Him.

Pastor Russell

"For day by day more men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God."

As the Lord assembled a great army, the various men from differing families and tribes came together. As willing as these warriors were, there must have been some tense moments where interpersonal differences came into play. Close quarters, work over load, differing personalities caused stress and focus shifted from the work at hand to nit picking and quibbling, I'm sure the enemy jumped in and had at times a field day seeing disharmony and loss of vision for the work at hand. For us, whether it be on the job, or in the neighborhood, or even within the family unit, know the enemy seeks to conquer and divide. Recognize the spiritual warfare, that often hits close to home.

Pastor Russell

"These are the names of the mighty men David had........"

The following list of names found in 2nd Samuel, are a short list of those who had surrounded David with support, camaraderie and battle readiness. You may say they served with distinction. Looking back however, these that first came to him, were described as in distress, in dept and discontented. (1 Samuel 22:2) From very humble beginnings, the band of malcontents, became a formidable force to be reckoned with. We can only say the Lord did a work in each heart, in each life, building day by day, one step at a time, as they came seeking all He had for them. Could we venture to say, the Lord is working in us, as we, day by day stay in step with Him. 

Pastor Russell

"Now therefore, may it please Thee to bless the house of Thy servant, that it may continue forever before Thee. For Thou, O Lord God, has spoken; and with Thy blessing may the house of Thy servant be blessed forever."

The Lord had made a wondrous promise to David, in regards to the longevity and the fruit that would be born from his lineage, namely the coming Messiah. These promises, would not come in David's lifetime, but he in acknowledging that He was true to His word, rested in God's word. The question we asked ourselves, was what we were trusting in the Lord to do and accomplish? Even if we were not around to see it, but are we believing in God's faithfulness. The Lord moves in ways we cannot think or imagine, in His perfect time and consequence. Don't give up and give in to disbelief in regards to God's perfect will.

Pastor Russell

"The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God, the rock of my salvation."

The words of David make for a joyous song of thanksgiving and praise. So over joyed was David, that the words of adoration just seemed to flow from his heart and mouth. Very familiar with hardship and strife, David continued to seek and worship the Lord, an example for us all to follow after.

Pastor Russell

"For Thou art my lamp, O Lord; and the Lord illumines my darkness."

You have heard it said by many, that the world is a pretty dark place. And no arguments there, for we have seen a continual darkness stretching forth over the land. But much to our blessing and delight, we, His kids, have a continual source of light in Him. His word is as a torch piercing the darkness, fellowship with Him and other believers lights our path and brings encouragement, prayer and communion hope and blessing. All things can be found in Him in all the disparity of the darkness of this world.

Pastor Russell

"He also brought me forth on a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me."

Out all of David's troubles, from within and from outside, the Lord showed Himself so faithful in helping David deal with all the turmoil he faced. Even as we face adversity and trial, the same Lord is by our side in helping us deal with our unique situations. He always desires for us those broad places, free from pitfalls and hiding places for the enemy to hem us in. Imagine also, His delight in you and I. Thats right, He delights in us, as we have attained a special place in His heart in Christ Jesus. No longer loser or chump, just simply, He delights in us, His kids.

Pastor Russell