(text and notes from the Life Application Study Bible – New Living Translation, Tyndale 1996)
The following men joined David at Ziklag while he was hiding from Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who fought beside David in battle.
1 Chronicles 12:1
David surrounded himself with great warriors, the best of the Israelite army. Weak leaders are easily threatened by competent subordinates, but strong leaders surround themselves with the best. They are not intimidated by able and competent followers.
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David consulted with all his officials, including the generals and captains of his army.
1 Chronicles 13:1
David took time to confer with all his officers. As king he had ultimate authority and could have given orders on his own, but he chose to involve others in leadership. Effective leaders listen to others’ opinions and they encourage others to participate in making decisions. Always consult God first, though. We can run into big problems if we don’t talk to Him.
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And David realized that the LORD had made him king over Israel and had made his kingdom very great for the sake of his people Israel.
1 Chronicles 14:2
God gave David honor and success, but not simply for David’s personal gain. David realized that God has prospered him for a special reason – for the sake of God’s people! Often we are tempted to use our position or possessions only for our own good. Instead, we must remember that God has placed us where we are and given us all we have so that we may encourage others and give to those in need.
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The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David gave orders to burn them up.
1 Chronicles 14:12
Often the soldiers wanted to keep souvenirs from the battle, but David ordered them to burn the idols. The only proper response to sin is to get rid of it completely. You cannot be a follower of God while continuing to hold on to parts of your life where God is not the center of your thoughts and actions. Eliminate whatever takes God’s rightful place in your life, and follow him with complete devotion.
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Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, for they found no cause for the death sentence. But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could tell you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel – the Messiah – has already come.”
Acts 28:17-20
Paul wanted to preach the Good News in Rome, and he eventually got there – in chains, through shipwreck, and after many trials. Although he may have wished for an easier passage, he knew that God had blessed him greatly in allowing him to meet the believers in Rome and preach the message to both Jews and Gentiles in that great city. God worked for Paul’s good (Romans 8:28). You can trust him to do the same for you. God may not make you comfortable or secure, but he will provide the opportunity to do his work.
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I will thank you , LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
Psalm 9:1
Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of his worth. It is saying thank you for each aspect of his divine nature. Our inward attitude become outward expression. When we praise God, we help ourselves by expanding our awareness of who he is.
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For you have judged in my favor;
From your throne you have judged with fairness.
Psalm 9:4
God upholds our just cause; his is our vindicator. In this life we may face many injustices:
- We may be falsely accused and misunderstood by friends and enemies;
- We may not be truly appreciated by others for the love we show;
- The true value of our work and service may not duly rewarded;
- Our ideas may be ignored.
But God is to be praised, for he sees and remembers all the good we do, and it is up to him to decide the timing and the appropriateness of our rewards. If we do not trust him to vindicate us, then we will be susceptible to hated and self-pity. If we do trust him, we can experience God’s peace and be free from the worry of how others perceive us and treat us.
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Those who know your name trust in you,
For you, O LORD, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you.
Psalm 9:10
God will never abandon those who seek him. God’s promise does not mean that if we trust in him we will escape loss or suffering; it means that God himself will never leave us no matter what we face.
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LORD, have mercy on me.
See how I suffer at the hands of those who hate me.
Snatch me back from the jaws of death.
Save me, so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem’s gates,
So I can rejoice that you have rescued me.
Psalm 9:13,14
All of us want God to help us when we are in trouble, but often for different reasons. Some want God’s help so that they will be successful and other people will like them. Others want God’s help so that they will be comfortable and feel good about themselves. David, however, wanted help from God so that justice would be restored to Israel and so that he could show others God’s power. When you call to God for help, consider your motive. Is it to save yourself pain and embarrassment or to bring God glory and honor?
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Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.
Proverbs 19:2
We often move hastily through life, rushing headlong into the unknown. Don’t rush into the unknown. Be sure you understand what you’re getting into and where you want to go before you take the first step. And if it still seems unknown, be sure you are following God.
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People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
Proverbs 19:3
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