March 1: 1 Samuel 30 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life. The intensity of this story is as strong as any in David’s life. Faced with the tragedy of losing their families, David’s soldiers begin to turn against him. One more situation where all David has is God and God alone. His own friends turn their back on him. “David found strength in the Lord his God.” (verse 6) When facing problems, remember that it is useless to look for someone to blame or criticize. God knows your heart and he is the one who will sustain you in the most difficult situations. What does it mean to find strength in the Lord? How do you think David did that? How do you need God’s strength in your life?

It is time to make a transition from Saul and his discouraging story to a man named David who will finally be crowned king over the tribe of Judah. Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, would remain the king of the rest of Israel. During our readings this week Ish-Bosheth is assassinated and the remaining tribes are brought into the kingship of David. David’s journey has been anything but easy. This week’s readings is no exception. Even though it is encouraging that he becomes king, the fulfillment of God’s promise is yet to be realized. It would take another 7 1/2 years for God’s Word through Samuel to come true for David.

March 2: 1 Samuel 31 – This is the last chapter in 1 Samuel. It ends on a sad note with Saul taking his own life. What do you take from this chapter? What impresses you most? “‘Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.’ But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.” (verse 4) Saul faced death the same way he faced life. He took matters into his own hands without thinking of God or asking for his guidance. It’s the end of a downward spiral that leaves me with an empty feeling. I am in the second half of my life, and I am asking myself how I should finish well. Saul is the opposite of what I am hoping for in my life. How do you want to live your life if you are like me, in the second half? What does it mean to finish well?

March 3: 2 Samuel 1 – What catches your eye in this chapter? What impresses you? Why? “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” (verse 26) Don’t think that David was implying that he had a sexual relationship with Jonathan. Homosexual acts were absolutely forbidden in Israel. It would not have been tolerated. David was simply restating the deep brotherhood and faithful friendship he had with Jonathan. With his friend’s death David would grieve. The loss of friends is challenging. Mourning and grief is normal. What does the verse mean, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”? How does God comfort you? How do you think God comforted David?

March 4: 2 Samuel 2 – This was supposed to be a happy day. What do you get out of this chapter? What impresses you the most? “Ish-Bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he reigned two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. The length of time David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.” (vv 10 & 11) It doesn’t seem like that long of time takes place, but actually I think it was a long duration for David because very little is written during this chapter in David’s life. How do you see God upholding David even thought the situation is not totally changed? How would you describe the tension? Is there any place in your life where relationships are at odds like with David and Abner? How so? What do you think you are called to do?

March 5: 2 Samuel 3 – This is a longer chapter and there are several confusing and intriguing storylines that are worth contemplating. What is the message of this chapter to you? How would you apply it? “Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, ‘Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner.’ King David himself walked behind the bier (casket).” (verse 31) Abner seems to change his mind about David, yet Joab took things into his own hands. David ordered Joab and the people to mourn, even though what Joab had done was a crime. David was thinking about how important the kingdom was and God’s desire to bring back harmony in the land of Israel. David would be the key in uniting the people. How could David overlook such an offense? Why do you think that took place? When do you think you are challenged to look at the greater good when something even wrong takes place? That’s what I believe is happening here. How do you apply this to your life?

March 6: 2 Samuel 4 – What takes place in this chapter that gets your attention? How might you apply it to your life? “How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!” (verse 11) There is nothing pretty about this story. David avenges the death of Ish-Bosheth as a member of Saul’s family. You remember David has made a pledge to Saul and even Jonathan to protect Saul’s family from extermination. Two men killed an innocent man while he slept in his own home and this was unacceptable to David. How would you understand the events of this story for your life today? Are there times in the Bible when the questions raised seem almost unanswerable? What does that mean to you? How do you reconcile that for yourself?

March 7: 2 Samuel 5 – These are the events we have been waiting for. What stands out to you? What do you want to apply to your life? “So David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.’” (vv. 23 & 24) David fought his battles the way God instructed him. We see time and again that David inquires of the Lord. He may have prayed, sought God’s Word or pursued the counsel of others, but one thing is sure, he did not want to move ahead without God’s guidance. He then followed God’s instructions carefully and gave God credit for the victory. What do you learn from David in this story? Why is he the right king for Israel? How do you need to seek God for guidance?

March 8: 2 Samuel 6 – What impresses you about this chapter? How important is God’s presence in your life? “David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” (verses 14 & 15) We know that David was the writer of many Psalms. He was a man of worship. Being a man after God’s own heart often connects with a genuine response of worship. David’s enthusiasm is seen very clearly here. How does his exuberant expression of worship challenge you? Why is it hard for us to be totally free in worshipping God even though we love him more than anyone else? What does this teach you about celebration and worship?

David launches his leadership and authority over all of Israel in these chapters. We will read about some incredible victories, as well as the tender heart of a man named David. But he wouldn’t be without his struggles. We will also read about Bathsheba and a husband named Uriah. Nathan the prophet will come to David and speak the Word of the Lord, and before we finish reading this week, we will see some turmoil in David’s family that is almost beyond our imagination. How could these things happen with a man after God’s own heart? Life is hardly predictable. We will learn both the upsides and downsides in one short week about a man named David.

March 9: 2 Samuel 7 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you want to apply from David’s life to your own? “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” (verse 2) Pastor Steve mentioned this statement in his sermon a week ago Sunday. You see something about David’s sensitivity to God’s honor, but the temple would not be David’s task. God had different plans. But the promises are fantastic because God would be with David’s descendants, leading right up to the one we would call the Son of David, Jesus. Why do you think God didn’t want David to build him a temple? What do you learn from David’s prayer? How does David put God first?

March 10: 2 Samuel 8 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.” (verse 14)Â It sounds like the statement that “the Lord will be with you Joshua wherever you go.” The same promise was given to Moses and Jeremiah, as well as to you and me. The Lord will be with us wherever we go. Up to this point David’s reign in Israel was characterized by doing what was just and right. Is it any wonder that everyone trusted and followed David? Why is it good to pursue justice? What does David teach us in this chapter?

March 11: 2 Samuel 9 – This is the heartwarming story of a man named Mephibosheth. What is the main point of this story? What do you learn from David? “‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’” (verse 7) David’s treatment of Mephibosheth shows his integrity as a leader, when he honors his sense of covenant with Jonathan, even when Jonathan has passed away. His generosity and kindness to Mephibosheth goes way beyond any kind of political favor. It is very important to see David’s compassion because it was one of his character strengths. Compassion wasn’t just a feeling for David – he actually showed kindness to one of Jonathan’s sons. What does this teach you about compassion? How was David generous to someone less fortunate? How might you show compassion to others today?

March 12: 2 Samuel 10 – What catches your attention in this chapter? I bet I might know. How would you apply the truth of God’s Word to your life today? “Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight.” (verse 12) I have asked the Lord in prayer to do what is best. When I pray I ask the Lord to intervene in a way that will ultimately lead to his purpose for that situation. Jesus prayed, “Not my will be done but your will be done.” Trusting in the Lord to do what is best, to me, means walking humbly with the Lord. We do everything we can by fighting bravely, and yet always put the situation in God’s hands. Where do you need to do that in your life? How do you understand this spiritual truth?

March 13: 2 Samuel 11 – If you’re like me you’d probably like to skip this chapter. Maybe it shows a sense of vulnerability, especially in a man’s life. What do you think of this chapter? What is God saying to you through it? “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her.” (vv. 2 & 3) First of all, David did not go to war with the rest of the Israelite leaders. Secondly, his power allowed him to investigate something as off-limits as another man’s wife. His successes began to affect his heart. He was more about David and what was accomplished, than submissive to God and being humble. It is a sad story in the life of David. He gave into temptation. How are you tempted? In what ways are you vulnerable? Is your life close to the Lord now or are you susceptible to the pull of the enemy?

March 14: 2 Samuel 12 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Do you have a prophet in your life that speaks God’s truth? Why or why not? “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’” (verse 13) David was unaware of the significance of his sin. It had been a whole year since David had been an adulterer and a murderer. This reminds us that sin has its consequences. God wants to forgive us, but there is also an important part of confession and repentance that needs to be implemented. David wrote Psalm 51 in connection with his sin. What are the consequences of David’s sin? Do you think it had any ramifications on his family? What does this story teach you?

March 15: 2 Samuel 13 – What do you learn from this chapter? What does it teach you about life? “When King David heard all this, he was furious. Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar. Two years later . . .” (vv. 21-23) This chapter reveals the turmoil in David’s family. He was aloof to the problems and divisions that were taking place under his own roof. When he heard about them he was frustrated and angry, but ultimately David didn’t do anything. Why didn’t David intervene with discipline and punishment for Amnon? Why was David successful as a king and military leader, but lacked the sensitivity and foresight as a husband and father? What does that say to you?

The readings from 2 Samuel this week will be hard for you and me. The focus is on a young man named Absalom. Absalom is a handsome and talented person who can sway the crowd, but we will also see his lack of integrity and blatant rebellion. Absalom would reject his father’s love, who is David, and ultimately God’s love. This story will end with a premature death and the incredible grief of a father. However, the lessons are clear. Action against God’s plan will always fail sooner or later.

March 16: 2 Samuel 14 – What stands out to you in this story? What stands out to you about David? What is God trying to teach you through this event? “Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king’s face.” (verse 28) David is convinced that it is the right thing to bring his son Absalom back after he runs away after killing Amnon. But David doesn’t pay any attention to Absalom for two years. It is almost unthinkable. David seems to have a major character flaw regarding being a father. He has such indecisiveness when it comes to his children. There is no question that David loved God. But his love for God did not save his family from the heartache that he would cause as being a weak father. Why doesn’t devotion to God always solve the relational problems of your life? If David would have been a father like God, how might it have changed him? If you are a parent, how active are you in your role as a mother or father?

March 17: 2 Samuel 15 – What impresses you about this story? What is a positive thing that David does and what is a not so positive thing? Why? “Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, “Absalom is king in Hebron.”‘” (verse 10) Absalom is insensitive to God and continues to live for himself. Absalom is the kind of political leader who tried to win people through persuasive means. He looked like a leader, he acted like a leader, and he even showed a concern for justice, which was just a front. What do you need to look for in leaders? How could we be susceptible to following leaders that are like Absalom? Why did David escape from Jerusalem?

March 18: 2 Samuel 16 – What impresses you about this chapter? Which verse stands out to you? Why? “As he cursed, Shimei said, ‘Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!’ (vv 7 &8) I am amazed how David responds to this heckler. He kept his composure in the face of unjustified criticism. Sometimes it is just best to ignore the onslaught of someone that you know doesn’t like you anyway. Remember that God knows. What do you learn from David here? How did he handle the abuse of Shimei? What does that teach you?

March 19: 2 Samuel 17 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? “So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba—as numerous as the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle.” (verse 11) Absalom was susceptible to flattery. His own vanity would cause him to glory in the affirmation of a friend and leader like Hushai. Proverbs 16:18 reads, “Pride goes before destruction.” By tomorrow we will see how true that statement is. Are there any seeds of Absalom in your life? How? How difficult do you think it was for David to see his son reject him and God’s ways so completely?

March 20: 2 Samuel 18 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: ‘O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!’” (verse 33) There is no question about David’s remorse as you read that verse. Added to his remorse was that he was Absalom’s father and whatever he could have done to be a better father he didn’t do. He also realized that his leader, Joab, and his officers didn’t listen to his instruction and they killed Absalom anyway. Why do these bad things happen to David? Why do bad things happen in your life? What do you take away from this sad story?

March 21: 2 Samuel 19 – What stands out to you in this story? Why? “Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, ‘Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD’s anointed.’ David replied, ‘What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?’” (vv 21 & 22) David’s leaders wanted Shimei to be killed for his disrespect to David. David shows tremendous mercy and generosity as he returns to Jerusalem. He wants to end the senseless killing and bring unity back to God’s people. How do you make sense of this story? Why does David continue to be merciful? In what other ways was he merciful?

March 22: 2 Samuel 20 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What might the Lord be saying to you through these verses? “. . .a wise woman called from the city, ‘Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.’ He went toward her, and she asked, ‘Are you Joab?’ ‘I am,’ he answered. She said, ‘Listen to what your servant has to say.’” (vv 16 & 17) This courageous woman spoke out sensible words to prevent a great disaster and the destruction of the whole city. One man would be sacrificed for the safety of the whole city. This is a morbid story, but it illustrates the point that sacrifice leads to salvation. It isn’t necessarily pointing to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross by any means, but the truth is still evident in this story. Many are saved through the death of one. I want you to appreciate Jesus today. Why is his sacrificial death so important? How have you benefited?

We will read four chapters from 2 Samuel this week as we close the door on David’s leadership as King of Israel and prepare ourselves to read about Solomon next week. The remainder of the week I will have us reading three Psalms from the pen of David. David was a man of worship and he wrote many songs. I want us to have three days of reading some of those Psalms.

March 23: 2 Samuel 21 – What stands out to you in this chapter and why? “David asked the Gibeonites, ‘What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the LORD’s inheritance?’” (verse 3) Although the Bible does not record Saul’s act of vengeance against the Gibeonites, it is apparently a serious crime making him guilty of their blood. The NIV text uses the word “amends” which is an understandable word for us. We oftentimes have to make amends in our lives for the things that we have done. This is a sign of genuine repentance when we want to make things right. It does not make sense to us that they would amend the crime through the killing of Saul’s descendants. But it seems that David was following the custom of the law and that Saul’s sons and descendants were guilty for helping kill the Gibeonites. What makes sense to you from this story? What doesn’t make sense? How might you apply it to your life?

March 24: 2 Samuel 22 – What part of David’s song got your attention? What impresses you about this song of praise from David? “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me.” (vv. 2-3) This song of thanksgiving is also recorded in Psalm 18. In Psalm 18 David begins with “I love you Lord.” You get a glimpse of David’s heart for God. He is grateful and he attributes to God greatness. Of the names that David uses for Yahweh, which characteristic blesses you the most? Why does it encourage you?

March 25: 2 Samuel 23 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? This chapter is more of a record for the men that David honored and supported him through thick and thin. It would be an incredible privilege to be included in the mighty men of David. In the Life Application Bible they actually have a whole article on the importance of David’s Mighty Men. “These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.” (verse 8 ) One way to understand David’s success is to notice the kind of men who followed him. During the time he was hunted by Saul, David gradually built a fighting force of several hundred men. This was a “hodgepodge” of relatives, outcasts and men who cared for David. They were true heroes. What do you notice about these men? What does this say about David? What are the characteristics of being a mighty man or woman for God as mentioned here?

March 26: 2 Samuel 24 – What catches your attention in this last chapter of 2 Samuel? Why is it impressive to you? “Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” (verse 1) I like want the Life Application Bible says: “Did God cause David to sin? God does not cause people to sin, but he does allow sinners to reveal the sinfulness of their hearts by their actions.” In 1 Chronicles 21:1 it says Satan incited David to do it. Hebrew writers do not always distinguish between primary and secondary causes, so if God allowed Satan to tempt David, to them it’s as if God did it. This may help you in interpreting the Scriptures. What is wrong with taking a census? How might we fall into that temptation in our own lives today?

March 27: Psalm 23&24 – Which verse and truth blesses you? What statement of David do you need most right now in your life? Why? These two Psalms are not similar. One is about the shepherding closeness of God and the other is about God’s reign and his ownership over everything, but I wanted you to be able to read a little bit more than six verses. ” Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (darkness), I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (23:4) This is my favorite verse in these two chapters. The Lord will be with me during the most difficult times. If we have God with us through the darkest valley, the Lord will bring us through. Even the darkness of death will not get in God’s way because of being our Savior through his Son Jesus Christ. Are you on the mountaintop or in the valley right now? Chapter 24 speaks on the mountaintop and Chapter 23 speaks of the valley. What truth do you need today?

March 28: Psalm 25 – Which verse helps you? How does it encourage you? “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (verse 4 & 5) This is my favorite verse in Psalm 25. David wants the guidance of the Lord. He wants the Lord to help him know what he should do. In Psalm 119 David talks about God’s Word being so important to him and how it gives him direction. When you pray these verses, you are asking God to help you understand His Word so that you may know how to live and what to do. In what area of your life do you need guidance? Why not ask the Lord to direct you just like David did?

March 29: Psalm 27 – This is one of my favorite Psalms so I wanted us to read it today. It is also a Psalm of David. What stands out to you? Which verse is your favorite? “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (verse 4) One of the reasons I was called to be a pastor is that I love what God can do when his people gather in one place, worshiping him and asking for his guidance. The house of the Lord is a precious title throughout the Scriptures – a designated place where the people of God seek his face. I pray that the Lord will make our church a house of God more and more – that we will be known for an anticipation of God coming among us and showing his beauty to us as we seek his face. How might you prepare for church today, knowing that the Lord wants to reveal himself to you in some new ways? Why is it so important to gather as his people in one setting called the house of God?

This week we will read Old Testament prophesies about the mission of the Messiah, who we know as Jesus Christ. We are just two weeks away from Easter and I wanted you to experience the prediction of Jesus and what he came to do. We will read Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, which are the most significant chapters in the Bible about the role of Jesus being our substitute and him being pierced through death by crucifixion. These are amazing chapters of why Jesus would die and how he would die written over 700 years before Jesus would fulfill the truth that was predicted about him. The Gospel of Matthew uses the word “fulfill” over 50 times because Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah.

March 30: Genesis 3 – What catches you eye in this chapter? Do you notice any reference to Jesus Christ? When and how? “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (verse 15) I give you the answer to my question that really is the first promise of Satan being defeated by the offspring of the woman. Satan would be defeated when Christ rose from the dead. Already God was revealing his plan to defeat Satan and offer salvation of the world through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Why is that significant? How does that encourage you? In what ways was Jesus hurt? In what ways was Satan crushed?

March 31: Genesis 22 – What impresses you about this story? How does it apply to Jesus coming as the sacrificial lamb? “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.’” (vv. 13 & 14) I hope you noticed the parallel between the ram offered on the altar as a substitute for Isaac and Christ offered on the cross as a substitute for us. This is a foreshadowing of what God would offer through Jesus . . . forgiveness of sins and eternal life. How does the story bless you? What does it teach you about God’s love for you and me, and our call to obedience?