Key Verse: 2 Samuel 23:3b, 4
He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.

In today’s reading, King David relates the results of his reign. He has had an education in the school of very hard knocks, and there is one more lesson to learn, as we’ll find out in tomorrow’s reading. However, for now, he knows for sure that when the ungodly rule, the people tremble in fear. On the other hand, when the righteous rule, the nation flourishes and the people rejoice. Having read over the past few days about tragic events during David’s 40-year reign, we might think that it was always that way. Not so! The majority of the years of David’s reign were peaceful and prosperous. One of the reasons for this measure of success was the great loyalty of the team known as “David’s mighty men.” Today, our leaders need loyal people around them. Jesus had loyal people around Him most of the time. Our Pastors and church leaders need our loyalty, our efforts, and our prayers. They cannot stand alone. Most of all, the ultimate loyalty is to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our King!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for my pastors, those who have the primary responsibility for spiritual oversight in my life. I pray for those who have civil authority as well. Please grant Your strength so that I will be loyal, not in a blind way, but in praying for these leaders, in paying my tithe and my taxes, and grant me opportunity for input into the lives of those who lead. In Jesus’ Name I ask these mercies, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When my sons were on football scholarships at an American University, I was given the opportunity to address the team and the coaches. My message was from today’s reading, 2 Samuel 23. I highlighted the stories of David’s mighty men. Some fought an offensive battle, and some were on defence. Most of all, they were loyal to their leaders. The result was victory! My sons, over 30 years later, remind me from time to time of that message. I don’t remember the results of the game following my talk, but I do remember that they were fired up to win.

“The first three” of David’s mighty men are singled out for honourable mention. Peter, James, and John were singled out by Jesus. I’ve often wondered why. I’ve come to believe that they were the most fervent, the most loyal, and had developed character traits that Jesus knew would be effective in leadership. Jesus responded directly to their level of commitment. His choices were not based on favouritism.

Yours for loyalty, integrity, wisdom and all those qualities that we want in our leaders and in ourselves,

David

P.S. Have you watched the video version of my blog lately? It’s a short, two-minute summary of each day’s key verse, commentary and prayer, and it airs daily on YES-TV during commercial breaks. My son Ron and I have recorded them together lately. You can find these “vlogs”

http://www.100huntley.com/100words/