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1 LORD, remember David and all his self-denial. 2 He swore an oath to the LORD, he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: 3 “I will not enter my house or go to my bed, 4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, 5 till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 6 We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar: 7 “Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool, saying, 8 ‘Arise, LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. 9 May your priests be clothed with your righteousness; may your faithful people sing for joy.’ ” 10 For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one. 11 The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.” 13 For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, 14 “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. 15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. 16 I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy. 17 “Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. 18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.” (Psalm 132:1-18 NIV)
Dear Friend, as we pray together this day, please remember Mr. Ricardo Gonzalez of Mission, TX, who returns to San Antonio for his seventh (7th) injection as he continues to battle MS. Let us pray the shot do the work it is supposed to and may God's hand be that which brings healing to our brother. Prayers for his wife, Maridol, as they journey together to San Antonio; may God bless them with traveling mercies and peace. Also, prayers for The Rev. Joel Salas, a former seminary classmate of mine at SMU, who is battling his final battle in Austin. I wish I had more information to share with you, but please pray these moments be fought valiently and in comfort. Prayers for his wife, Esther, and their children, as one can only imagine their sorrow and pain during these days. Rev. Salas served in Austin most of his career and we thank God for his faithfulness and service. And may God bless you and your needs today and all days!
The often faded bumpersticker made me smile the first time I saw it, about a thousand years ago: Keep Christ in Christmas. Comes year 1001 and I think, that's a good message but the more powerful and truer message is Keep Christ in your heart. It also makes me remember and chuckle at the old (being old those are the only jokes I know!) about the woman pulled over by the policman for driving erractically, for showing her displeasure at other drivers with the "California Howdy" finger, the consant honking and a list of other non-Christian displays. The woman was flabbergasted and asked why she was pulled over? The officer replied, "I read the bumpersticker that read 'Follow me to Sunday School,' and from the way you were driving I thought the car was stolen!"
This psalm is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the significance of Christ as King. The psalm recounts King David’s fervent desire to create a dwelling place for God among His people, showcasing David’s dedication and selflessness. His commitment to not rest until God had a rightful home mirrors our calling to prioritize God in our lives. We must make room for Jesus daily in our hearts, minds, and spirits.
As we reflect on verses 11 and 12, we are reminded of God’s covenant with David, promising that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever. This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who reigns as King, both in heaven and in our hearts. Christ the King invites us into a relationship with Him, where His presence transforms our lives and communities.
In verses 13 to 16, God declares Zion as His chosen dwelling place. Today, as believers, we are called the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We must recognize our role in making our hearts and lives a welcoming dwelling for Christ, allowing His love and righteousness to overflow into the world around us.
The concluding verses proclaim victory over enemies and the promise of eternal blessing for His faithful ones. As we submit to Christ the King, we can trust in His sovereignty over our lives and the world. This psalm calls us not only to acknowledge Christ’s reign but also to actively participate in His kingdom work.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for Your faithfulness and the promise of Christ as our King. We praise You for choosing us to be part of Your kingdom. Help us to make our hearts a dwelling place for You and to seek Your presence above all else. Give us the courage to act as Your faithful servants, blessing others and proclaiming Your love in our communities. May we always honor You as the King of our lives, trusting in Your sovereign plan. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Just as David sought to prepare a dwelling for the Lord, examine your life. Are there areas where you need to make room for Christ? Consider how you can prioritize your relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and service. Reflect on how you can be a source of blessing to those around you. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being present, let your actions reflect the love of Christ. Share the message of Christ the King with others. Look for opportunities to testify to His faithfulness and invite others into a relationship with Him.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
