David was incited by the devil to number the men of Israel. It was David's pride that caused him to want to know how great "his" kingdom had become. Joab certainly did not think it was a good idea but he obeyed the King. God was greatly angered by David's actions and HE offers David three possibilities for judgement. David chooses that the Hand of the Lord be raised against the children of Israel for three days. God looks down on the suffering of His people and stays HIS original plan of punishment. HIS mercy triumphs! The prayers of David are heard and he begins to make preparation for his son, Solomon, to build the temple. David purchases property for the building site and he passes onto Solomon the promise of God that God will be in covenant with their lineage forever. David then begins to exhort the leaders of Israel to devote their heart and soul to seeking the Lord so that a place would be estblished for the ark of the covenant. I was greatly impacted by the revelation, God knows how many are with us and how many are against us. Being puffed up in our own pride brings suffering. God alone is the only righteous judge and HIS mercies never come to an end. My prayer for today is that I do not allow myself to be incited by the devil. To declare God's goodness even in the midst of judgement, that I exhort myself on a daily basis to make/build a place for the presence of God to dwell and that I pass onto my lineage the covenant promise of God. Provoke me to good works Oh Lord Most High!
Personal note: still in Arizona, going to a mining town today, celebrating an auntie's birthday, and promised sunshine and heat.YEAH!!!!!! Missing my grandchildren! I talked to the little dumplings yesterday, music to my ears. Love is so wonderfully expressed in the heart of a child.
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