Category: Prayers

“The ark of the Lord was brought in and set in its place within the tent David had pitched for it. Then David offered holocausts and peace offerings before the Lord. When he finished making these offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts.” —2 Samuel 6:17-18 When David brought the ark of God into Jerusalem, the people were blessed, and they continued to live in this best of blessings, for the Lord was in their midst in the most special way. In the new covenant, we have the fulfillment of the ark of God...

David “reigned for forty years: seven years and six months in Hebron over Judah, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah.” —2 Samuel 5:4-5 David took his kingship to a higher level when he moved from Hebron to Jerusalem. He was told that it was impossible to reach that level, but he did the impossible (2 Sm 5:6-7). Then he “grew steadily more powerful, for the Lord of hosts was with him” (2 Sm 5:10). The Lord wants to take your good marriage and turn it into a great one. You don’t know how that’s possible. Just...

“Reform your lives! The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” —Matthew 4:17 Jesus was walking along a part of the shore of the Sea of Galilee used by commercial fishing businesses. He commanded two brothers to follow Him and leave behind their business, livelihood, families, and the only way of life they had ever known. They obeyed Jesus’ command immediately (Mt 4:20). That this was not a fluke is attested by the fact that Jesus did the same thing at another commercial fishing business and two other brothers also left everything to follow Jesus (Mt 4:22). There is something special...

“Saul saw in a vision a man named Ananias coming to him and placing his hands on him so that he might recover his sight.” —Acts 9:12 The Lord still converts Sauls into Pauls whenever He can find Ananiases who will obey Him. He turns persecutors into missionaries when He can find people who will risk their lives for the Gospel. If the Lord can get an Ananias to go to Straight Street, He’ll back up this Ananias with signs and wonders. Those who profess their faith will “expel demons,” “speak entirely new languages,” “handle serpents,” “drink deadly poison without...

David said: “I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ ” —1 Samuel 24:11 David spared Saul’s life when he had a perfect chance to kill his tormentor. David was a seasoned warrior who had killed many opponents (e.g. see 1 Sm 23:5; 30:17ff). The only reason David held back his hand was because Saul carried the anointing of leadership from God. Saul had been chosen by God (1 Sm 10:1). Jesus “summoned the men He Himself had decided on” (Mk 3:13). It wasn’t that the twelve apostles were especially qualified...