Morning Shot

In today’s reading of Tyndale’s OYCSB (with featured content written by the CBT team), 

David's heart is for the flourishing of God's covenant people. As king of Israel, David assumes a role. Not only is his position a picture defining the role of the promised Messiah but also, David's primary purpose is to administer the justice of God's covenant. 

The foundation of God's character of justice is the pursuit of peace. David demonstrates the integrity of a peacemaker. Seeking peace with all people, David justifies the administration of wrath upon those who reject the blessings of God's covenant people. 

Let’s dive into today’s reading!

©2023joelstrahan

In today's reading of Tyndale's One-Year Chronological Study Bible with featured content written by the CBT team,

• David sets his heart to build a permanent house for the Lord's dwelling among Israel. God answers David's desire by telling him "no"... but immediately follows it up by grafting David into the most incredible promise in all of Scripture: the Seed of Promise!
• David's powerful song of praise shows us his deep understanding of God's promise – that the Messiah, a King who will rule an everlasting kingdom, will come through David's lineage.
• Also, David does what no leader has done before him since the dark days of the Judges' era: he sincerely asks God to deliver Israel from their enemies and then takes action, and God gives them rest on every side.
• Finally, Psalm 60 records David's heartfelt plea that God bring an end to the sin cycle Israel has been caught in and restore them to victory.

Let's dive into today's reading!

In today's reading of Tyndale's One-Year Chronological Study Bible with featured content written by the CBT team,

• David sets his heart to bring the Ark of the Lord from Obed-Edom's house to Jerusalem, doing it God's way this time!
• The Ark is carried into Jerusalem with much fanfare and joy, a moment when all of Israel comes together to celebrate. David establishes worship through music, singing, and dancing, and his powerful song of thanksgiving reminds Israel never to forget God's works, because what God does shows us who He is!   
• AND... Michal, Saul's daughter and David's first wife, has a rather... unimpressed reaction and receives a strong rebuke from David and, implicitly, from the Lord.

Let's dive into today's reading!

In today's reading of Tyndale's One-Year Chronological Study Bible with featured content written by the CBT team,

• all of Israel comes to David and asks him to rule over them as king, making a covenant with him before the Lord.
• The Philistines haven't yet gotten the message that God fights for Israel, and His favor on David ensures Israel's victory over them.
• Also, David takes Jerusalem and sets up his stronghold there, and receives support from the King of Tyre, solidifying his understanding that the Lord is with him.
• BUT... David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and his Bible literacy is not quite what it needs to be, leading to tragic results.

Let's dive into today's reading!

​In today’s reading of Tyndale’s OYCSB (with featured content written by the CBT team), 

Worldly kingdoms are marked by leadership rivalries and jealousy. David establishes his rule by committing to stewarding the justice of God's covenant law. 

There is a difference between unjust violence committed through the rage of man's heart and the stewarding of God's wrath against the wickedness of man. 

Let’s dive into today’s reading!

©2023joelstrahan

In today’s reading of Tyndale’s OYCSB (with featured content written by the CBT team), 

The story of Scripture contrasts David's and Saul's leadership. The biblical leader is always the best follower. Because David orders his life to follow God and His word, those David leads flourish. In contrast, Saul orders his life in an attempt to be followed. As a result, those under his leadership and influence suffer. 

Scripture does not sanitize David's story. Although he is a man of great faith, he must grow in his faith and Bible literacy. The messiness of David's sin teaches us that even great faith walkers are not exempt from sin's consequences.

Let’s dive into today’s reading!

©2023joelstrahan

In today's reading of Tyndale's One-Year Chronological Study Bible, with featured content written by the CBT team,

• David's men are considering stoning him. The Amalekites have burned their city of residence and taken their wives and children, but David strengthens himself in the Lord, a powerful example for us all when facing overwhelming adversity.
• God initiates the transfer of power from Saul to David through the armies of the Philistines.
• And a young man from Saul's camp, in a misguided attempt to gain personal glory, loses his life because he falsely claims to have killed the defeated king, misjudging David's character entirely. Let's dive deeper into today's reading.

In today's reading of Tyndale's OYCSB with featured content written by the CBT team:

• Even though God demonstrates again His desire and ability to protect David from Saul, David is afraid. At this point in David's faith journey, God uses even his fear to bless Israel. David gives the Philistines fits.
• Saul calls Samuel from the dead...uh...really weird...but true. We'll break that down.
• AND...David once again marvels that God is protecting him.

Let's dive into today's reading!

In today's reading of Tyndale's OYCSB with featured content written by the CBT team:

• Saul is seeking to destroy David every day, but God does not deliver David into his hand. Jonathan knows David will be king. Saul knows David will be king, and even Saul's son--who would normally be in line to take the throne--supports David.
• David's men encourage David to kill Saul when the right opportunity arises. However, David is committed to allowing the Lord to orchestrate the transfer of power apart from his own efforts. 
• AND...Abigail rescues David from becoming the kind of leader Saul had become.   

In today's reading of Tyndale's OYCSB with featured content written by the CBT team:

• David grows in strength as a result of Saul's poor leadership.
• Speaking of horrible leadership, Saul orders the death of more than eighty-five priests. David writes Psalm 52 so we know what was on his heart.
• BUT...God continues to deliver David. God has made a promise, and He is always faithful to keep His word.

Let's dive into today's reading!