2 Samuel Chapter 8:1-11

When we put God in his kingdom first thing God blesses you know what some of you thinking as you read this you think well I know people that will bless and God's first in their how much more blast they would be if God was first on their line because the things of this world, money and fame and in fortunately empty without a relationship with the Lord God is not for in your life understand he desires to be for in your in your will, your your tying the hands of God and his and so David over and over will see in his life puts God first open to cross the bridge with David McGee Senior Pastor of the bridge in Kernersville, North Carolina today in the program.

We have Neil one of these assisting pastors to help share with us.

Also, Bob thank you as always great to be here listening in and you know were learning through second Samuel, when we put God in his kingdom first, then God blesses us. Jesus talks about this in the New Testament were seen in the example of it here in the Old Testament, which is just shows how God's wonderful word works together and it's wonderful to see God working in David's life jumped right in shares his teaching. Second Samuel chapter 8, so were looking at the life of David we see David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and make Jerusalem the capital of Israel, and in her last week we looked at the chapter were David is wanting and desiring a good thing and that is to to build the temple for God first. Nathan says hey you go for, and then they can have some time with the Lord and he comes back because you know what you're not the God. You're not the guy we learn from the book of Chronicles that one of the reasons are probably the main reason was.

David was a man of war and God said, I don't want to build the temple but were missing some neat stuff in the chapter tonight so let's jump in second Samuel chapter 8 verse one is and after this it came to pass that they would attack the Philistines and subdue them and David took messaging, from the hand of the Philistines and defeated Moab, forcing them down to the ground. He measured them off of the line with two lines. He measured those to be put to death, and with one full line those to be kept alive to the Moabites, became David's servant, and brought tribute now scam interesting versus it's kind of, to be honest is a difficult verse to interpret the me give you the two interpretations number one is that David simply lined up the soldiers in three lines in every third line he preserved and said were going to spare you guys understand an act of war that shows extreme mercy.

There's another one that cannot lean more towards this end, that the younger people in the nation of Moab are actually the ones that he spared in this and the ones that were certain height over who were warriors. He put to death, but you see something it's kinda interesting and you're going to notice big switching of gears because in second Samuel, first, we have the transfer of the kingship to David. He's at first, see if you remember he is only leaving about half of the nation. There is a big Civil War seven near offering us all, then the whole nation comes up under David. Then David noticed the first thing he dives as he thinks about God and he wants to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and then when he gets the ark of the Covenanters.

He continues to put God first and says okay we got a bill with ample for anything else and I want you and that it's no accident that this is the sequence of events are this is the timeline why because over and over what you see is David is primarily concerned about the kingdom of God, and more specifically, his relationship with God and glorify the Lord. He always puts the first over and over again is going to see something that you see in his life, and I think we need to understand that about David because in and have to ask you to kind of forget what many of you know, for the moment because most of us grew up in and heard something about David or something about him being a shepherd boy in he was chosen.

You know, Goliath and but here's the reality. David was not born as a keen he was born as a shepherd boy in a family that his brothers really kind of disregarded and we have to surmise we have to guess that even his father to certain degree, look down upon it as you remember Sam looking at the house and said hey you know how one annoying one your kids for very special task. Not sure exactly what he revealed the David's, but he knew it was a special occasion. Guess what, David's father didn't even invite him to this event and send the looks of the sons and says do you have any other children in and it's only at that point all I got that got that one musician. That's out there. He's out watching the sheep God knows what he's doing but really, we can pull him interview will later own. Let's remember when David goes to the battle lines to bring supplies to his brothers. His brothers once again to all what you doing you not doing what you tell dad here the disdain. This is who God chooses to be king of Israel. We talked about last week and the week before that God knew the troubles that David was going to happen you know about David.

You probably heard about that she God knew that, and yet he chose to come back listening okay what God choose amount, there is a mystery in God's choosing, and who God chooses to do what. There is a mystery that none of us will ever understand. And so you know some of you may be that of looked up it may appear anything Like you choose and let me help it semester in God choosing David. There is a mystery, but there is also an insight and that David always sought to honor the Lord. He always made God a priority once keep your finger on second Samuel chapter 8 don't you go to Matthew first book of the New Testament were going to go to Matthew six if you think about it last couple of chapters.

What is David been doing. David has been concerned with the ark. David has been concerned with building attempt to think through this for couple is there other things that David could've been doing, maybe even should have been doing and get in the Army ready training soldiers trained in military leaders build the national infrastructure tax system or whatever. Yes, obviously he could have been doing those things.

As a matter fact there were prep probably people standing by the David before we run off getting this art we need to get Army get David would've said no going to get our when they got dark but now they've got Dr. Lesko doing things like no you know I'm praying about the temple. Let's read Matthew chapter 6 verse 25 will actually go to the end of the chapter before we read this. This is Jesus speaking to you. These are the words of Jesus. If you got red letter Bible is in red letters because is Jesus talking but I want you to hear Jesus speaking to you tonight. These words verse 25 therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing. Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather in the barn, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they. Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature. 20 worry about clothes.

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they neither told or spent and I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these got so close grass of the field, which today is in the Mars threatened the will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith therefore do not worry sent what shall we eat or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear for after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly father knows that you need all these things but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

David lived this out. He saw the kingdom of God. First, encouraging unity maybe want to jot that passage down and next time you feel anxious about stuff about whatever unit freaks you out. The power bill.

The phone bill. Unaware what your cans are going to wear it and all these things.

Remember, this passage Jesus and you know what don't get freaked out about these things because when we get freaked out, you can't. You can't walk in with McAuliffe reachability house that you can't walk and freak ability and faith.

At the same time either your freaked out your brand faithful, you can't do both at the same time when you're freaked out about your circumstances and God's provision. Do not walk in faith you're not walking in faith. I love the story. Pastor Chuck tells Pastor Chuck was a bi-vocational pastor, meaning he was a pastor and he also did something else for living happen to be like a grocery store manager and they were kind of inattention and owed good bit, and bills.

Pastor Chuck was really bummed out and then a man called and it was interesting.

I think he said he said something like it is bills like four and 12.this man called to check up and praying for you and I'm bored like trouble Mark Elaine for all my heart for me to send you a check for $412. Pastor Chuck was praise God's awesome yeah I hung up the boys. I all praise the Lord, Lord good to me. The Lord, and that still small voice of pain is send Pastor Jack available Lord, don't do that I know is going to send it because it's got he's a faithful guy and he told me he was going. Lord said okay. When I told you that I was gonna look after you. You walking around the house all doom and gloom. But when a man calls and says he's going to take care of you also in your dance.

Pastor Chuck said he was very convicted that I think you probably like me you had experiences like that life and what it is is were not trusting God and I think sometimes maybe it's because our priorities are God first began in the 10 commands. He said that there is. There should be no other gods before me. I am a jealous God doesn't mean jealousy in the way that we think of jealousy. It's jealousy.

That's actually for our benefit.

God wants to be first in her life because he understands when he's first in her life. It's it's a way that were blast Sears verse life lesson we put God's kingdom first, then God blesses us when we put God in his kingdom first thing God blesses you know what some of you thinking as you read this you think well I know people that look last and God's first in their life. How much more blast they would be in God was first in their life because the things of this world, money and fame, and in fortunately stuff at the empty without a relationship with the Lord CV if you put God first and friend you going to be blessed. I don't know what degree here. What measure, but of God's not for in your life understand he desires to be first in your in your will, your your tying the hands of God and is blessed and so David over and over will see in his life puts God first. You're listening to Pastor David McGee on cross the bridge will be back with more than just a moment but first, if you haven't been to our website@crossthebridge.com yet you waiting for go to cross the bridge.com to learn more about how listeners like you are helping get the life-changing truth of God's word to more people to the radio, Internet and mobile technologies across the bridge.com you can also check out our broadcast schedule.

Listen to more teaching from Pastor David and sign up for Pastor David's free daily devotional and there's more thereto, so visit cross the bridge.com today. Now here's Pastor David as he continues showing verse by verse, verse three. David also defeated had an easier lesson every hog king of somebody went to recover his territory at the river Euphrates. Now understand it started about the king went to recover his territory at the river Euphrates. I think the majority of these military movements were probably defense of an action and not necessarily all sense of inaction. What happens is the end with more territory in the new living translation brings out this offensive defense of thing will be stronger second Samuel chapter 8 verse three says David also destroyed the forces of had either Santeria kingdoms about what had either marched out to strengthen his control around the Euphrates along the Euphrates River.

So David was coming against these offensive actions. Verse four David took his took from him 1000 chariots 700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers. Also, David hamstrung all insured horses except that he spared enough of them for 100. Sounds like a cruel thing on explain a little bit. He didn't. He didn't kill the horses he was trying to make them where they were militarily not effective. Why would David do such a thing will you go back to the book of Deuteronomy and God had said the Kings should not trust in the horses nor chariots. They should have a bunch of horses.

He also said that they king should have about your wife's now. David seemed to have a strength against the horses but evidently the whole lives thing was kind of a weakness for a bit but that's what he was doing. It wasn't just an active cruelty and an also understand he wanted to military strategy when we can. His enemies, he wanted to weaken his enemies understand that's a real basic military strategy. When you talk about cutting off supply lines limiting food limiting water stuff like that and and so in the in the landscape of this battlefield of life if you will.

You need understand because as a believer there are certain things that we can you and are certain things that strengthen you and you need to be aware of that interview. Feed your flash all the time and in other words, you do what you want to do and and cater to your selfish desires than yourself. Nature will grow. But if you cater to her given to godly desire, then you will become more strong spiritual announce a couple things that we can do to make ourselves strong spiritual congratulations.

You're doing one of the key ones tonight and asked to attend church to attend the Bible study and to be in fellowship with other people to probably the other thing that I would include in their would be prayer, these things really help you because they encourage you in your walk with the Lord. So, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Verse five and the Syrians of the massive cane to help. He did as her kingdom so best of sorts in kingdoms over. David killed 22,000 of the Syrians now if you haven't figured this out. David's award, he is a warrior. This is something that he does well and it's something that he does with a passion, here's what's interesting to the lands that David is now winning go back to when Joshua came into the land and they didn't conquer all the way. And now, generations later, God is using David to conquer the rest of Israel. We need to remember that because in the interim. I'm sure there were some people that said you gave us this land from this river to that river and understand God gave them to the Euphrates. Not just the Jordan. So next time somebody will talk about the West Bank asking what's river because we think of the Jordan everything on this side as minister. Some of the Bible says all the way to the river Euphrates or Clement or something so people could assemble God thought you were given us this land, but it several generations to do this. David's warrior, David's been the one choosing to do it and he is he is finishing a battle that if you will start about Joshua was life lesson. Not all battles are won over nine. Not all battles are won overnight. Some victories are instantaneous. It's not something as a pastor and I get to see some people that Thursday night or Sunday morning they come forward they could have been alcoholics or crack addicts or whatever they come for God is an awesome thing that's done there delivered never drink, never doing more drug, dresser, life, and then I've seen people who struggle for years before their set free and have that victory. What's the difference that I don't know really hesitate and I'm not comfortable saying will this person obviously they had more faith in the person is still struggling. They don't have enough right now I don't I don't think it's that simple.

But you understand some of the battles which are in are going to take a while and I think we need to recognize that we live in a culture. You know that it's here now quickfix.

You know it's like that old comical prayer. God give me patience you God doesn't work like that and instantly remember praying for patients. That's an interesting prayer because you know we we give you praise everything will God just getting you know that you just got got your flick.

Some patients on your something you but that's not way works you pray for patients God sends you opportunities that will develop patience and some of the battles take a while and and we think of quick easy fixes. But you know if it's quick usually is not easy and it's easy. It's usually not quick and it was quick and easy to fix, it's a mess. Some of these things take time and and understand that you know I wish that it was just as easy as somebody come in forward. And every time they came forward. I just touch them and all the problems went away or sprinkle holy ghost pixie dust or something on them and boom you it doesn't work like that.

Sometimes God, God will do some miraculous things instantaneous. Some of the battles will go all and so David is fighting battles early that have gone on for a while. Verse six then David put garrisons in Syria Damascus, Syria, became David's service and brought tribute to the Lord preserve David wherever he went. This word preserve addressing this a couple times were to deal with this later on in the chapter, but I just want you to notice the Lord preserve David wherever he went over some David took the shields of gold that had belonged to the servants paid out as her and brought them to Jerusalem. Also from the time from Baruch Thai cities of how today's are King David took a large amount of bronze you start to see David collecting these verse nine when toy King of payment heard that David had defeated all the Army vanities are then twice in your arm as Jerome's son. The King David to greet them and bless them, because he had fought against had it easier and defeated him from vanities or had been at war with toy and durum brought with them articles of silver articles of gold, and articles of bronze. This is pretty cool.

David is putting God first in what is God doing God is bringing from David's. Some of his enemies.

Bringing these material blessings into his life. David's not sitdown gun got on some gold on some silver on some broad they just put God first and when he does that God is blessing him with all these things give them encourage you put God first in your life. Verse 11.

King David also dedicated these to the Lord along with the silver and the gold that he had dedicated from all the nations, which he had subdued. Here's the thing. God knew that he could trust David with these things. He knew he could trust David with this goal in the silver and the bronze and that David would seek to honor God with these things.

He knew he could trust. Ask question. Can God trust you with the blessings that he's bringing to you now. Every now and again I hear some I make a statement that is just really so bogus. It goes something like that. You know it if I won the lottery.start time. You understand what is really saying it, saying got you know I'm not going to give you your due from my 15, 20, 30,000 whatever whatever figure I'm not going to give that you can trust me with a little you gave me a lot. I would hook you up doesn't work like does the Bible say he has been unfaithful in the small things all all all giving bigger things. So what assesses says if your faithfulness small thing, then God will bring more things in flesh. David Evans faithful in the small things. Now God is bringing all this and it's no surprise that David is seeking the blessed God with the Watkins. That's what David David wasn't like oh you know I have blessed you know all you God to bring me all the silver and bronze a gold I guess I'll start time and I guess I'll start again. I guess I'll start on your new with these think that's not the way it went. David Artie had a track record of blessing God and honor. Here's a life lesson be dedicated and give honor to God with your resources not notice be dedicated give honor to God with your resources. I did not just say money is. Here's the thing.

A lot of people think okay I give 10%. That's all I need to do. That's all I need to do a church. I don't need to do anything else. I don't need to serve. I don't need to pray for the people there only to pray for pastor only doing as long as I give in some churches may be okay with it but God wants you, God's blessed you in so many ways friend.

He's given you a unique combination of talents and gifts things and blessings. And if you think that unique combination is just for your enjoyment, you're missing the heart and spirit of Jesus really he wants you to honor him with those things so that he in turn blesses you as here's a reality. If you're just enjoying your talents and your gifting's and your resources and your energies in your passions. And yes, your finances, and you're not honoring God you're going to be miserable know what there is a lot of gifted people in New York and LA and natural is a lot of gifted actresses and actors. They are enjoying their gifts in their abilities and their talents but because they think it's all about them there in misery see. So here's what we as the key. I think the wife of David that God wants. Don't get me wrong, God wants you to enjoy your gifting in your talents, but he also wants to use them to bless other people bring to you know for sure that your sins have been forgiven.

You can know right now own Legion. A short simple prayer simply telling God you're sorry and asking him to help you to live for him.

Please pray this prayer with me out loud right now. Dear Jesus, I believe you died for me that I could be forgiven and I believe you were raised from the dead that I could have a new life not done wrong things I have sent and I'm sorry.

Please forgive me of all those things. Please give me the power to live for you. All of my days in Jesus name, amen friend of you prayed that prayer according to the Bible. You've been forgiven you've been born again, so congratulations for you just made the greatest decision that you will ever make.

God bless you, if you prayed that prayer with David for the first time we'd love to hear from you. You can visit crossed the bridge.com to receive our first steps package with helpful resources to help you begin your walk with Christ.

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