Thanking God for Life By Andrew McChesney Fifteen-year-old Giselle didn’t feel well when she woke up one morning. She prayed before getting out of bed as she always did. “Dear God, thank You for everything You have done for me, especially that I am still alive,” she prayed. She thanks God for life every day. … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “David’s repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments threatened, inspired his prayer. … He saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. … In the … Continue reading –>
Probably the most natural thing for us to do after working through an embarrassing failure and experiencing forgiveness is to try to forget that the event ever happened. Memories of failure can be painful. What does David want to do with his painful experience? Read Psalm 51:13-19. When a bowl or a precious vase falls and breaks … Continue reading –>
After David has confessed his sin without trying to excuse it or gloss over it, he goes on to petition God. What does he ask God for? Read Psalm 51:7-12. David’s reference to cleansing with hyssop utilizes terminology known to every Israelite who had ever visited the sanctuary. As he refers to the ritual acts of cleansing … Continue reading –>
After David has unwittingly pronounced judgment on himself ( 2 Samuel 12.5-6), Nathan confronts him with the enormity of his sin. David’s heart is broken, and he confesses his sin. Immediately Nathan assures him that “The LORD also has put away your sin” (2 Samuel 12:13) and that he is forgiven. There is no waiting period on God’s … Continue reading –>
In the midst of one of the darkest times of David’s life there is good news: God sends His prophet. Nathan and David knew each other well. Earlier, Nathan had counseled David on his plans to build a temple (2 Samuel 7). Now, though, the prophet comes with a different task to perform for his king. … Continue reading –>
On a balmy spring evening, restless King David paced the roof of his palace. He should have been with his army on the other side of the Jordan. He should have been leading God’s people to defeat the Ammonites and finally bring peace to the kingdom. Not being where he should have been opened the door … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Samuel 11:1-27, 2 Samuel 12:1-23, Genesis 3:1-8, 1 John 1:9. Memory Text: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Many people seem desperate to find a little peace and quiet. They are willing to pay for it, too. In many big cities there … Continue reading –>
Mystery Bible By Andrew McChesney A Covid-19 lockdown left Sandile Khumalo on his knees in South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg. The national lockdown, among the most stringent in the world, shuttered the three churches where Sandile serves as pastor in the city of 5.5 million people. Tough regulations closed parks and banned jogging, dog-walking, and … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden … Continue reading –>
