Avoiding Life’s Pitfalls:

New King, New Throne: Same Lord

April 2, 2017

Please turn in your Bibles to 2Samuel 2:1-5 (NIV)

2Samuel 2:1a: In the course of time…

App: Where are you in the course of time? (ref. Ecclesiastes 3:11)

2Samuel 2:1b: David inquired of the LORD.

App: When have you inquired of the Lord in an important matter? (ref. Proverbs 3:5-6)

2Samuel 2:1c: David asked, “Where shall I go?”

App: Have you learned to pray specifics?

Praying Specifics

• Helps clarify what God wants and what we really need

• Demonstrates faith that God will answer prayer the best way possible

• Makes us alert to answers

• Increases our faith

• Highlights how God loves to exceed expectation

Chapters 1-5 highlight success in fallibility

1: While David could rule a kingdom, he could lose his family

2: The same drive that led to victory could lead to indulgence in lust

3: Success could entrap in self-sufficiency and pride (ref. Psalm 78:70-72)

How might Psalm 78 read about you?

God chose ___________ His servant and took him from ________________ and brought him to be a shepherd to ______________________. And _______________ was faithful to shepherd them with integrity of heart and the skillfulness in which God endowed him/her.

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?