King David decided on his own to build God a "house". However, he decided to do so without first seeking permission from God Himself. The gods surrounding the Hebrews were local deities and could not travel. Yahweh could travel in a tent symbolizing He was always present. Finally in Jerusalem, God gave David the promise his son would build a Temple and people all over the world wold travel to experience the presence and power of God.

The tent in which Yahweh traveled is a picture of the human heart. God now lives in us and is always present with His children. How should that make you feel when we are alone or going through a troubling time?

Warfare is brutal. This is especially true for the the battles Israel was forced to fight with their neighbors. The Moabites wanted to destroy Israel militarily. They also tempted them to worship Chemosh, a local deity that demanded human sacrifice. Today, Christians are surrounded by people who demand we sacrifice children on the alter of convenience. Abortion kills by the millions. We are called to do battle with the culture over abortion, but our weapon of choice is prayer and the love shown to us by the gospel. Abortion isn't the unforgivable sin and we can minister greatly to people impacted by abortion. It would do us all well to remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:21,“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. ²² But I tell you, everyone who is angry (without just cause) with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment."

Pray today for the moms and dads that are thinking of taking the life of their unborn child. Pray for those ministering to these parents and for the doctors and nurses performing the gruesome acts to repent. Also, pray those with guilt will truly embrace the forgiveness Jesus offers.

As believers in Jesus we are never alone. Even in our failures, challenges and doubt, God is with us. As David was in battle he had no guarantee of success. However, what is stated in v. 6 reigns true for him and for us, "And the LORD helped David wherever he went." No one knows what another person is going through, but we can know Jesus is working all things out for His glory and our/their benefit.

Recall three times in your life where God was certainly with you. Spend a few minutes praises Him for His presence with you and those experiences. Always remember God uses past experiences to remind us of His faithfulness for our future.

Verse 11 reads, "King David also dedicated these to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he had subdued... Giving our belongings to God shows God we believe "there is more where that came from." Giving shows God we believe we do not "Live by bread alone." Giving to God shows we believe this life is not all there is to the future. As David dedicated what he had to God's use, God placed His hand on David in a special way. No one knows what tomorrow holds, and giving to God's work is no insurance policy that life and finances will always be abundant, but giving assures us our earthly belongings will live on into eternity. Giving 10% is commanded in the New Testament for a reason, it does more for us spiritually than we could ever imagine.

How does giving to God's work build your faith?

Do you believe if you faithfully give to God's work that God will not reward you in some way greater than what you have given?

Once again, God records this statement about King David, "And the LORD helped David wherever he went." Because David dedicated his life, his belongings and his family to God, God was with him. Today, we don't seek God's "hand" on our lives in order to be "blessed" but in order to bless God. God is blessed when we thank Him through the good times and the bad.

Take a moment to thank God for the challenge you are facing today. Ask Him to show you what He is trying to teach you in the midst of your current challenge.