David Praises his Lord

2 Samuel Chapter 22

Chapter 22 is David's song of praise that you should read in its entirety. In it David talks about how the Lord is his rock and his salvation. He talks about how the Lord has rescued him over and over from his enemies and rewarded him for doing right. David was a skilled musician who played his harp and instituted music programs in the temple.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: That one way to understand David's success was to notice the kind of men who followed him. During the time he was hunted by Saul, David gradually built a fight force of several hundred men. Some were relatives, others were common outcasts of society and many were in trouble with the law. But they all had one thing in common- complete devotion to David. Their achievements made them famous, and we will talk about the "Three" and the "Thirty" in the next chapter. They were true heroes.

Scripture give the impression that these men were motivated to greatness by the personal qualities of their leader. David inspired them to achieve beyond their goals and meet their true potential. David's effectiveness was connected to his awareness of God's leading. He was a good leader when he was following his Leader.

Strength of his men: He had able soldiers and military leaders who shared many special skills. Though frequently outnumbered, they were consistently victorious and loyal to David.

Weaknesses: Often his men had little in common beyond their loyalty to David and their military expertise.

Lessons from these men: Greatness is often inspired by the quality and character of leadership. And even a small force of able and loyal men can accomplish great feats.

Vital stats.: David' men came from all over Israel. Primarily from Judah and Benjamin and some from surrounding nations. Their occupations were varied, but some were fugitives. This was pointed out in 1 Samuel 22, when David escaped to a cave in Adullam. Soon his brothers and other relatives joined him, then others began coming - men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented - until David was the leader of about four hundred men.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Let's talk about leaders today. Do you know whom the people you respect are following? Do the people in your church say one thing, but do the opposite? Does your boss speak inspirational words, but cheats on his taxes? Do your friends claim to respect you, but say derogatory things in your presence? Your answer should help you decide whether they deserve your loyalty. Can you recognize God's leading in your life? No one can lead you to excellence as your creator can. I hope and pray that you are noticing God pulling you in the right directions. Pay attention to what he is trying to tell you and follow him. Pray daily that you are on the right path.

Yours in Christ,
Mary


Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.