Devotional - May 24, 2004

Ever heard the Lord say to you, "Go?" In 2 Samuel chapter 5, David asks the Lord on more than more occasion, "Should I do this?" In every case, God answered him and gave him specific instructions. Verse 10 tells us that David became more and more powerful because the Lord God Almighty was with him. I don't know about you, but that sounds like the kind of life I want and the kind of prayer life I want as well.

David enjoyed the presence of the Lord and knew the source of his blessing was God "with" him. His prayer life led him to bring the ark of God home to Jerusalem for he concluded that the ark needed a permanent home near him and near the people. So David began to prepare for the arrival of the ark before it was on the way. In John 14, we have a similar account that shows Jesus preparing a home for us in heaven (Vs 1-4).

Preparation is important. David prepared for God's presence coming home and Jesus is now preparing for the homecoming of the Saints into God's presence. Preparation is the joyful anticipation of something that puts everything in its proper place so you can spend time enjoying it when it gets here. After all, you don't want to be dusting and hanging pictures on the wall when you could be relaxing and enjoying a time of extended fellowship with your guest.

For Christians, prayer is fundamental to preparation. We anticipate the day by spending time with Jesus and leave the picture hanging for later. At Prayertower, we spend time preparing for ministry by getting our personal life in order first, then setting out Scripture and asking God for opportunity to use it. I don't ever recall ever being disappointed as I've found God faithful to use me when I'm prayed up and prepared.

Are you ready for today? Are you asking God to direct people with needs to you? Are fully trusting that God can supply those needs through his word? If not prepared, then you're not expecting anything to happen and you probably won't be disappointed.

David prayed hundreds of years ago, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." (Ps 119:18) It seems David is still getting a reward for his preparation as we are inspired by what God showed him.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 2Sa. 4:1-6:23 Jn. 13:31-14:14 Ps. 119:17-35 Pr. 15:31-32 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society