Resourses

As believers, we should be more concerned about the lost coming to Christ than we are about our own comfort. Despite the fact that God has commanded us to reach out to everyone, we only desire to do so with individuals who are similar to us. So we just don’t even bother to reach out to people. We disobey our God and disregard our calling. The book of Jonah reminds us of the God’s love and grace. Jonah was a prophet, and despite the fact that he disobeyed God in many ways, God nonetheless gave him unending love and compassion, leading to his forgiveness. Jonah was also shown mercy and forgiveness by God by how God interacted with others. Jonah was a rebellious prophet who hated God for loving his enemies. Even though Nineveh, his enemy, merited God’s wrath, God nevertheless wanted to demonstrate mercy to them. This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” Jonah 4:1-3 NLT What if God treated Jonah the way he wanted God to treat Nineveh? Jonah himself pleaded for God’s mercy, and when it was shown to him, he relished it. He now finds it offensive when it is given to other people. Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:4 NKJV God often asks us questions to reveal our hearts. Additionally, it places us on solid ground in God’s eyes because He has every right to question us and expects us to provide responses. 5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:5-8 NKJV Jonah was pleased because at last, God was finally doing something for Jonah. Jonah’s happiness was just as fleshly as his anger. Both were about self. 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” 10 But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?” Jonah 4:9-11 NKJV Even though the plant was just a plant Jonah had no personal interest or investment in the plant except for what it provided for him at that moment. God’s response to Jonah showed the prophet that he didn’t really know God as well as he thought he did. What further reason is there for God to be concerned about the annihilation of humanity, especially those who bear His image? In this chapter, there are three mistakes that angry people frequently make which were committed by Jonah. Instead of making Jonah’s situation better, each of these things made it worse. 3 incorrect responses when angry with God Jonah’s first mistake: He quit serving God and others. Let’s remember to stay committed to our faith and continue serving others, even when life gets tough. Jonah separated himself from others. Community and support are essential during difficult times. Let’s not isolate ourselves but lean on our faith family for strength. Jonah became a spectator. Instead of engaging with God, he watched from the sidelines. Let’s actively seek God, pray, and stay connected with Him, even when we’re struggling. Let’s strive to respond differently when we face anger or challenges in our faith journey.

As we continue with the Gospel story we are reminded that that no matter how great a man or woman of God is they are still human. 1 Kings 19 shows us that Elijah is tired, he’s dejected, he feels all alone, and he is ready to give up and ultimately it is in this place that God visits him.  Though we are sometimes tempted to give up in difficult circumstances, God has not left us alone. There may have been times where we’ve been disheartened due to unforeseen circumstances, temporarily losing our confidence. Our expectations haven’t been met, leading us to a low point. We experience a sense of gloom overshadowing our mood, and we find ourselves in the throes of this discouraging outlook. This is typically the direct, outward trigger for feelings of despondency, letdowns, and unforeseen outcomes. Sometimes God works through huge miracles, and other times He comes in a small whisper. Despite God’s immense power, His presence frequently manifests in a tender, affectionate manner. Just as He did with Elijah, He desires to connect with you in your individual sphere. The profound meaning lies in God choosing to meet with Elijah privately, symbolized by His appearance in a gentle whisper. Elijah’s story also displays God’s consistent mercy and grace, even in the midst of rebellion. Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and how he had slain all the prophets [of Baal] with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow. 3 Then he was afraid and arose and went for his life and came to Beersheba of Judah [over eighty miles, and out of Jezebel’s realm] and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a lone broom or juniper tree and asked that he might die. He said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am no better than my fathers. 5 As he lay asleep under the broom or juniper tree, behold, an angel touched him and said to him, Arise and eat. 6 He looked, and behold, there was a cake baked on the coals, and a bottle of water at his head. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came the second time and touched him and said, Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you. 8 So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and nights to Horeb, the mount of God. 1 King 19:1-8 AMPC Sometimes the most spiritual thing a person can do is get enough rest and replenishment. A significant portion of Elijah’s struggle stemmed from his sheer physical exhaustion. He required a restful night’s sleep and a hearty meal. Often, when we grapple with feelings of despondency and gloom, the initial remedy is precisely this – ensuring we get a proper night’s rest. 9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah? 10 He replied, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I, I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 1 Kings 19:9-10 AMPC Discouraging times make God’s servants feel more isolated and alone than they actually are. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 King 19:13 NLT We often look for God in the spectacular, but most often He is in the simple. God’s message to Elijah is His message to you. He is in the quiet moments of change, the waiting, and yes, even the disappointment. Our breakthroughs are not always spectacular, but they are always supernatural. Elijah’s experience encourages us to be attentive to the subtle signs and quiet promptings that may lead us towards our own breakthroughs. It reminds us that God’s hand is constantly at work in our lives, orchestrating events and providing guidance, even when we may not immediately recognise it. 14 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 15 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 1 Kings 19:14-15 NLT 3 Principles to overcoming difficulty Pause, rest, eat – Elijah, weary and disheartened, paused under a broom tree. In our battles, it’s essential to recognize the power of self-care. Take a moment to rest, refuel, and nourish your soul. Draw close to God and list for His voice – Elijah found solace in a gentle whisper of God’s voice. Draw near to Him through prayer, meditation, and reflection. Listen for His guidance, for in His whispers, you’ll find wisdom and direction. Get up and do what He tells you to do – Elijah’s obedience to God’s instructions led to miracles. When you hear His call, have faith, and take action. God equips us for every challenge; it’s up to us to step out in faith and make a difference.

Stewardship means to manage something on someone’s behalf. When they give it to you, it does not mean that you own it, you just manage it on their behalf. As a result of exercising our God-given dominion over His creation, reflecting the image of our creator God in His care, responsibility, maintenance, protection, and beautification of His creation.  6 principles of stewardship Everything was created by God  This is the founding principle of our walk with God. Everything is a result of Him. God created everything and by grace gives it to us. Colossians 1:16 – 17 AMPC | 16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. 17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). Everything belongs to God Everything that we do must be in conjunction with Him and give glory to Him. Psalm 24:1 AMPC | THE EARTH is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it, the world and they who dwell in it. [I Cor. 10:26.] Psalm 89:11 AMPC | The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; the world and all that is in it, You have founded them. God calls us to be faithful stewards God gives multidimensional grace to each part of our lives. 1 Peter 4:10 AMPC | As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. Stewardship results in growth  If you steward something well, more will be given to you. [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:6 AMPC We will be held accountable for our stewardship  God will hold us accountable for what he gives us, both in the natural and the spiritual. His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys. Matthew 25:23 AMPC Good stewardship will be rewarded Our reward and source is God. Once we understand that, the proper response should be to give back to Him. 23 Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). Colossians 3:23-24 AMPC Reflection: How good of a steward are you with what God has given you?

Continuing on the journey of putting God first and handling our finances, God’s way, we need to remember that will provide us with resources to carry out His vision and mission. In order to grow His kingdom, he will provide the resources to His chosen ones. Remember, to be a resource, you need to be on a mission. We don’t have to give to God, we get to give to Him. Giving is our response of worship to Him for what He has and is doing in our lives.  The system of the kingdom If you learn the system and how it functions and utilise it, you will prosper. Living generously is an integral part of our worship to God. You cannot serve both God and mammon because both kingdoms have a system. If you learn the system and how it functions and utilise it, you will prosper. When you decrease your giving and serving, it shows the misalignment of your relationship with God.  5 systems of generosity of the kingdom Returning – tithe Remember that our tithe is not ours, it is the Lord’s. The tithe is Holy set apart, sacred. Holy things are not to be touched – they are to be revered. The purpose of the tithe is for us to keep God at the center of our lives. Understanding the system of God’s economy we can overcome the limitations of lack. Tithing alone will not cause us to prosper. Tithing creates an environment for growth.  And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30 AMPC Sowing – offering Sowing should be regular, purposeful, and proportional. You should be sowing what you want a harvest of. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:12 NLT On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 1 Corinthians 16: 2 NLT Giving – to the needy Giving with no desire to receive in turn. We should not want to give because of what we might get from it—like others thinking more highly of us or paying us compliments, or to receive some special treatment because of our giving. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV Lending If you loan your fellow Israelites money or food or anything else, don’t make them pay back more than you loaned them. Deuteronomy 23:19 NCV When you are extending a helping hand when needed, set the terms of the agreement – do not be an enabler of poor stewardship. Working Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. Proverbs 10:4 NLT We need to understand the value of our labor for God’s purpose. It’s all about Him. He is our source.  Some food for thought: ask yourself, ‘Is everything you have all yours to do with it as you please?’ or, ‘Is it all God’s to do with what He pleases?’

For many, this may be hard to believe, but God actually expects us to prosper. He needs us to be prosperous because the kingdom needs provision. The kingdom depends on it and we can trust that God will give us the resources to do so. Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. Psalm 35: 27 AMPC The power of the seed God wants us to be in a place where we have more than enough because when we do, we will be able to contribute to the kingdom. Picture a cedar tree – God is calling us to be cedar trees because they have longevity and resistance to being withered away. Just like a seed was planted for a cedar tree to be grown, it is important for us to also sow seeds in the beginning of our prosperity. Remember, your finances are seeds. God’s plan for everything is multiplication.The reality is that the world functions on a system of receiving and consuming. The good news is that God’s kingdom functions on a system of receiving and sowing. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22 AMPC It’s clear here that the concept of sowing will be around for a long time! We cannot run away from the concept of reaping and sowing. Scarcity Mindset Lack is rooted in a scarcity mindset. It leads us to believe that if we let go of what we have, then there won’t be enough. The scarcity mindset says; “there is only so much to go around for everyone,” and “the more I give the more it costs me”. Looking at the bigger picture, the abundance mindset says “the more I give, the more I receive.” Breaking the scarcity cycle We need to give generously. Generosity is a picture of our heart and love. God multiplies 6 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving] 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 AMPC 10 And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. 11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 AMPC The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. Giving should not be done out of duty or in the shadow of legalism, according to God. Instead, it ought to be motivated and inspired by a willing heart. Giving gives Christians the chance to work alongside God to satisfy the needs of the underprivileged. When Christians contribute abundantly, God enables them to give even more. This causes thanksgiving to gush towards Him and increases His righteousness on earth. Those who receive the gift and pray for the giver will bring glory to God. 16 And he brought back all the goods and also brought back his kinsman Lot and his possessions, the women also and the people. 17 After his [Abram’s] return from the defeat and slaying of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh, that is, the King’s Valley. 18 Melchizedek king of Salem [later called Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine [for their nourishment]; he was the priest of God Most High, 19 And he blessed him and said, Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth, 20 And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all [he had taken]. Genesis 14:16-20 AMPC For reference, know that tithing breaks the cycle of scarcity and starts a cycle of supply. Scarcity is bondage. Remember that you can get to a place of having more than enough. Trust God to show you what He wants you to give.

Psalm 23 is such a powerful chapter that speaks to God’s character in just six verses. The Lord is our shepherd. God guides us spiritually, offering us grace, forgiveness, and hope; He sustains us and offers us peace in difficulties; and cares for our needs. The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalm 23:1 NLT Regardless of your circumstance, God remains the same and His Word is still true. He doesn’t change just because your circumstance has. God will still provide. He is a Shepherd to us; he cares for us, watches over us, preserves us and cares for our needs. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2 NKJV We, like sheep, don’t always know what we need and what is best for ourselves, and so we need help from the shepherd.  flies, and famine.The shepherd knows when the sheep needs green pastures, and knows when the sheep needs the still waters. These images are rich with the sense of comfort, care, and rest. The shepherd also knew the good places to make his sheep rest. He faithfully guides the sheep to green pastures. Rest comes because our shepherd deals with our fear, friction, flies, and famine. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness, For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 NLT In the midst of following the shepherd, our strength is renewed, why? Because we get nourished in the process. God’s motives of goodness towards us come from the perfections and goodness of His own nature.  Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NLT A valley suggests being hedged in and surrounded. Despite every dark association with the idea of the valley of the shadow of death, David could resolutely say this because he was under the care of the LORD his shepherd. The shepherd’s presence does not eliminate the presence of evil, but does eliminate the fear of evil. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5 NLT Though we might be surrounded by enemies, we sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that we shall feast in perfect security. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of our enemies.  -The table suggest provision -’Prepare’ suggests foresight and care -’Before me’ suggests a personal connection Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever Psalm 23:6 NKJV To be in God’s house is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. It is to be with Him forever. This is a calm assurance that we would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever – both in our days on this earth and beyond.

When you look at the story of King Solomon, he is considered the wisest man. Why, you ask? Because he asked God for one thing – wisdom. He did this because he knew he could not lead God’s people on his own strength. Solomon was seeking God’s kingdom first, so God helped him build his own. We can spend our lives building the church and God’s kingdom, but if we don’t surrender our desires to God, we’ll end up turning from Him. When Solomon finished the building of the Lord’s house and the king’s house, and all he desired and was pleased to do, 2 The Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 The Lord told him, I have heard your prayer and supplication which you have made before Me; I have hallowed this house which you have built, and I have put My Name [and My Presence] there forever. My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually. 4 And if you will walk before Me, as David your father walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, keeping My statutes and My precepts, 5 Then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, There shall not fail you [to have] a man upon the throne of Israel. 6 But if you turn away from following Me, you or your children, and will not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 Then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them, and this house I have hallowed for My Name (renown) I will cast from My sight. And Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all the peoples. 8 This house shall become a heap of ruins; every passerby shall be astonished and shall hiss [with surprise] and say, Why has the Lord done this to this land and to this house? 9 Then they will answer, Because they forsook the Lord their God, Who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have laid hold of other gods and have worshiped and served them; therefore the Lord has brought on them all this evil. 1 Kings 9:1-9 AMPC King Solomon was obsessed with women. Pharaoh’s daughter was only the first of the many foreign women he loved—Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite. He took them from the surrounding pagan nations of which God had clearly warned Israel, “You must not marry them; they’ll seduce you into infatuations with their gods.” Solomon fell in love with them anyway, refusing to give them up. He had seven hundred royal wives and three hundred concubines—a thousand women in all! And they did seduce him away from God. As Solomon grew older, his wives beguiled him with their alien gods and he became unfaithful—he didn’t stay true to his God as his father David had done. Solomon took up with Ashtoreth, the whore goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the horrible god of the Ammonites. 1 Kings 11:1-5 MSG These excerpts show us that as human beings we are not immune to sin and temptation. The whole purpose of sin and temptation is to take us away from what God has called us to. Solomon’s love for God crumbled because his lust for power and pleasure caused him to place other things above his creator. Once under the power of this attraction, he clung to these in love instead of giving them up to the Lord. 4 As Solomon grew older, his wives beguiled him with their alien gods and he became unfaithful – he didn’t stay true to his God as his father David had done. 5 Solomon took up with Ashtoreth, the whore goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the horrible god of the Ammonites. 6 Solomon openly defied God; he did not follow in his father David’s footsteps. 7 He went on to build a sacred shrine to Chemosh, the horrible god of Moab, and to Molech, the horrible god of the Ammonites, on a hill just east of Jerusalem. 8 He built similar shrines for all his foreign wives, who then polluted the countryside with the smoke and stench of their sacrifices. 1 Kings 11:4-8 MSG This is a tragic example of the power of the lust of the flesh. Because of lust, Solomon found himself in a place where he never thought he would find himself. He found himself burning incense at the altars of depraved pagan gods. This is the power of lust – it can capture us in a spell, in a fog of spiritual confusion until we do things we never thought we would do. 9 God was furious with Solomon for abandoning the God of Israel, the God who had twice appeared to him 10 and had so clearly commanded him not to fool around with other gods. Solomon faithlessly disobeyed God’s orders. 1 Kings 11:9-10 MSG Remember that encounters are starting and check points on our faith journey’s. It’s not meant to be the thing that sustains you. We sometimes think that great spiritual experiences will keep us from sin and will keep us faithful to God. This was not the case with the wisest man who ever lived, and it will not be the case with us also. Only surrendering our will and desires to Jesus will suffice. Solomon, as we often do, forgot his security rested in the blessing of God and in his obedience and faithfulness. Solomon’s kingdom was an outstanding example of wealth, military power, and prestige. Yet the true security of Israel did not rest in any of those things. It rested in the blessing of God and in the obedience and faithfulness of their king. Then I took a good look at everything I’d done, looked at all

As we unpack the book of second Samuel let us be reminded that despite our sin, God continues to work moving forward His redemptive purposes. Essentially, when walking in obedience and the light, David represents a rich type of Jesus, the King. For context we begin with one of the most effusive displays of worship recorded in the Bible, when King David danced “before the Lord with all his might”. The occasion was the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This showed David’s true nature as a worshiper and one where God’s glory is more important than His own. 2 Samuel 7 This chapter connects God’s initial intent with us, with the story of Jesus – the promise that will ultimately be fulfilled. Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.” 3 Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Samuel 7: 1-3 NKJV Nathan said this to David because it seemed good and reasonable. What could be wrong with David building a temple. “What can I do for God?” – David was so filled with gratitude and concern for God’s glory that he wanted to do something special for God. David’s intention was always after God’s own heart. He always wanted to do something he wasn’t asked to do. But that night, the word of God came to Nathan saying, “Go and tell my servant David: This is God’s word on the matter: You’re going to build a ‘house’ for me to live in? Why, I haven’t lived in a ‘house’ from the time I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt till now. All that time I’ve moved about with nothing but a tent. And in all my travels with Israel, did I ever say to any of the leaders I commanded to shepherd Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built me a house of cedar?’ 2 Samuel 7:4-7 MSG David wanted to do more than what God commanded. Again, this points to David’s intention. He was a man after God’s own heart. Being at this position in our connection with God is fantastic because most of us are so stuck in the thinking, “how little can I do and still please the Lord?” That we never really want to do more than God commands. 10 Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, 11 since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the Lord tells you that He will make you a house. 12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” 17 According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David. 2 Samuel 7:10-17 NKJV The family of Saul became totally extinct; the family of David remained till the incarnation.  David vs Saul: -David repented from his sin whereas Saul tried to justify his sin. -God opposed Saul and David’s arrogance but he exalted David when he humbled himself. God still works in our lives even in our sin. David is an example for us to be quick to repent and ask God’s forgiveness.  God was faithful to His covenant promise and the hope of a future king. God looked far beyond David’s life and his kingdom that will bring God’s blessing to all nations. Jesus Christ fully satisfies God’s promise to David of a home. Jesus does rule and will continue to rule forever on David’s throne. Even though Jesus was made sin for us, the Father’s mercies did not cease for Him. Jesus is constructing a wonderful home for the Father.