King David’s “Aha Moment”
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, July 28
2 Samuel 7:18-22
An “aha moment” is when the lightbulb turns on and we realize something.
David has been anointed king, his enemies have been defeated, and he has captured the city of Jerusalem. At the peak of his success, David wonders if he could do something for God. But the prophet Nathan sets David straight. God is the one who took David from shepherd to king, removing obstacles and helping David succeed.
Our aha moment is when we recognize that everything we have achieved and everything we ever will accomplish comes from God. Our success is such a small thing compared to his greatness! How do you see God orchestrating your life and accomplishments?
David asks, “Who am I and what can I say to you?” God knows us intimately, and his promises and desires will be accomplished. God reveals his greatness in both our turmoil and our success. There is no god like our God!
Lord God, reveal to us your wisdom and gentle hand. Show us the way that we should go. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: AWARENESS OF THE WORLD’S NEEDS
Mischief in the Neighborhood
Monday, July 29
Psalm 14
Some people drive as recklessly as they want on the highway as if they believe there is no highway patrol or that “They will never catch me.” Psalm 14 declares an even darker picture. There is no one who does good, all are corrupt, and all have gone astray. Many live as if there is
no God.
In our broken society, it may be easy to get discouraged about injustice. However, we know the Lord God sees all and searches for those who seek him. God notices our efforts to follow him. He is involved in our world! This psalm assures us that God is with us. Do we sincerely believe the Lord is the safe place for the poor, the oppressed, and the ignored?
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NRSV). Where can we acknowledge that only God is our deliverance? Where can we rejoice and be glad?
Lord God, help us see you and take you seriously as our only Savior. Amen.
God Is After Our Heart
Tuesday, July 30
Isaiah 29:13-16
Something strange happens to teenagers. After their parents have nurtured them and provided for them their entire life, many teens decide they want nothing to do with their parents. “Drop me off on the corner, so my friends will not see you.” Ouch.
Many of us do the same thing with the Lord our God! After he has given us everything, we honor him only with our lips. Our hearts are far from God.
God is fighting for our heart. We are called to “seek the things that are above” (Colossians 3:1) for Jesus said, “It is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come” (Mark 7:21). God will not be mocked. Unlike the teenager who ignores reality and attempts to be in charge, we can take a serious step toward maturity by understanding our complete dependence on God.
Lord God, forgive my wayward heart, deliver me from pride, and help me depend on you. Amen.
Discipline’s Great Reward
Wednesday, July 31
Hebrews 12:1-13
When I was young, my father often took me sailing on Lake Michigan. But I was a lazy teenager. Backing the trailer into the water, adjusting sails, tying lines, fighting the wind—it all seemed like a lot of hard work. Yet being a mile offshore and clipping across the lake with just the sound of sails and waves was a glorious feeling. Sailors know to just “point the bow where we are headed.” What good advice and great reward.
The Christian walk requires discipline. Taking God seriously as our parent means we lay aside everything that holds us back from Jesus. Following Jesus is the only goal. We endure hard times as God’s discipline that “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it” (v. 11).
Do you see God present in your difficulties? God never promises us an easy life. But he hears our prayers. He is our constant companion and source of peace. Peace is not the goal—peace is the journey.
Lord God, grant us peace even in hard times. Amen.
Christian Faith Is a Group Experience
Thursday, August 1
Hebrews 12:14-15
As we read Scripture, we cannot miss the commands to love one another. A single verse can convict our hearts. “Since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
One mistake we make is to only read the Bible alone. Virtually the entire Scripture was written to a collection of people: a nation, the church, families. So we read Scripture in community. Faith is a group experience.
Today’s text calls us to pursue peace with everyone and holiness for all. “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God” (v. 15). This demonstrates that everyone matters, and that bitterness is the opposite of grace. Are you hanging on to any hard feelings that cause trouble and defile your community?
Lord God, help us forgive others as you have forgiven us. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: WORLDWIDE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER
The View Will Blow Us Away
Friday, August 2
Hebrews 12:18-29
My son and I hiked seven hours into the mountains of northern Alberta. It was a vast wilderness of scenic views, wildlife, and very few people. We woke the next morning to fresh snow and a breathtaking view of a mountain shrouded in sunlight and clouds. We thanked the Lord fervently.
At the end of this life on earth, believers in Jesus will enter into his glorious presence of festive trumpets, angelic choirs, and brilliant light. The new earth will be like the most majestic places on this earth but without the issues.
God’s thunderous voice will echo through the canyons. “I am the Lord.” We will bow down in awe of his beauty and immense power, and with reverence we will sing his praise. Are you living for that day?
Jesus has offered to resolve all our problems with our relationship with the Father, granting us forgiveness. We will not be shaken. Glory to our God!
Lord God, give us a glimpse of your glory! Amen.
Living for God’s Glory
Saturday, August 3
Ephesians 3:14-21
In the middle of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul prays for his readers. He prays that “according to the riches of his glory” (v. 16), they would give God even more glory. The best application of theology is to live in a way that gives God glory.
My suburban neighborhood is lined with Bradberry pear trees. Builders like Bradford trees because they grow fast, flower in the spring, and have a beautiful shape. The only problem is they only last 15 to 25 years. Their soft wood eventually splits in half and crashes down on your house or your neighbor’s car. Not the greatest witness.
Paul prays that we will be strengthened in our inner being through his Spirit. Firmly rooted and grounded with Christ in our hearts, he prays that we will comprehend the enormous love of God. There is no limit to what he can accomplish in us.
Do you take God at his word?
Lord God, help us give you glory, have your way with us. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: THAT OTHERS SEE GOD’S LOVE THROUGH US
