2026 will again be through the Bible chronologically selecting verses which attract my attention or questions or encourage me on the day. I pray it blesses whoever reads . . . My theological background is Salvation Army College and now Church of England. I love all Christian denominations.
Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Forgive me and help me turn from everything I know is wrong. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay the price and set me free from my sin. Please come into my life, fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.”
“When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint. 16 Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” 18 Now it happened afterward that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the sons of the giant. 19 Again there was war at Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 20 Yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also was born to the giant. 21 So when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him. 22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.” 2 Samuel 21:15-22 NKJV
Now it happened afterward that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines, at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the sons of the giant. And they were subdued. 5 Again there was war with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 6 Yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, with twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand and six on each foot; and he also was born to the giant. 7 So when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son ofShimea, David’s brother, killed him. 8 These were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. 1 Chronicles 20:4–8 NKJV
Lord God Almighty,
Both the Levite of Priestly Chroniclers and the history recorders thought this victory, against the Goliath family, was worthy of recording in detail for history. David killed Goliath but Goliaths brothers and family were left to threaten another day . . .
They were enemies of size, power and immense weapons but they were still defeated. I am not keen on war films but I enjoy history documentaries which do not show the massacres in realistic details and dwell on the victories. I recognise the value of knowing about them and learning from them. That a victory can be won and how. This passage reassures me that I can trust in You God. No matter what, You God are here in the midst of our battles. In life’s challenges and spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). David was too old and weak to go out to war (2 Samuel 21:17) but You still enabled the victory.
The giants may try to intimidate, threaten and overwhelm us. But they are small in Your sight. Goliath’s are no match for You. You are our defender and shield (Psalm 84:9 Living Bible). Remind us not to go it alone.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Thursday 16th April 2026 Indulgence in the traditional, theological, comforting worship.
O worship the King all-glorious above, O gratefully sing his power and his love: our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of his might and sing of his grace, whose robe is the light, whose canopy space. His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
The earth, with its store of wonders untold, Almighty! Thy power hath founded of old; established it fast by a changeless decree, and round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail; Thy mercies how tender! How firm to the end! our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend!
“Now all the people were in a dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king saved us from the hand of our enemies, he delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, and now he has fled from the land because of Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now therefore, why do you say nothing about bringing back the king?” 11 So King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house, since the words of all Israel have come to the king, to his very house? 12 You are my brethren, you are my bone and my flesh. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.’ ” 14 So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants!” 2 Samuel 19:9-14 NKJV
King of Kings,
David was anointed for Kingship by You, Lord God, through Samuel (2 Samuel 16). He was sinfully usurped by Absalom who reigned but was eventually defeated and died. David could just have marched in an proclaimed himself king again. He had every right as anointed and victor in battle. But he did not. He tactfully sought to remind those running the kingdom who he was and what they could become under him. He led he did not manipulate. And he mourned the loss of his wayward son.
David had many faults as a man but he drew the best out of those who followed him. He used to be a shepherd and knew all about getting wandering sheep calmly to the best pasture and safety. And getting them to trust and obey him.
We too have a good Shepherd. And seek to grow to trust in Your care and protection as we follow and go in the direction You call us to. But we like the children of Israel have the choice to make You our Shepherd and our absolute King. To learn You are trustworthy. To help us defeat the enemy. To keep us pure and holy (Hebrews 10:10 NIV). To make us Your family,” I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV). Help us ensure You are our only Shepherd, God and King.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 15th April 2026 The man of God’s own choosing -verse 2 – and His name was Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd and King of Kings.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing. You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same; and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!
“When David was a little past the top of the mountain, there was Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth, who met him with a couple of saddled donkeys, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, “What do you mean to do with these?” So Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.” 3 Then the king said, “And where is your master’s son?” And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.’ ” ” 2 Samuel 16:1-3NKJV
“Now when King David came to Bahurim, there was a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera, coming from there. He came out, cursing continuously as he came. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David. And all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.” 2 Samuel 6:5-6 NKJV
King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
David is fleeing from Absalom, his son, and his son’s hunger for power and bloodthirsty army. All the opportunists want to find their own opportunities under Absalom. David’s had much history of victory over the Israelites enemies and they have known peace as a nation. David was not a trant. Bu that is all forgotten. And Absalom was a tactical two faced schemer against the Lord’s anointed. Fickle loyalty?
And how was David greeted on his way out and down from kingship? Was Ziba being genuine when he generously carried much needed food to them? But did he lie about Mephibosheth’s reason for not coming (2 Samuel 19:24-27) to look good? Then there was Shimei throwing stones and cursing David while everyone watched from the right and the left. A public humiliation!
Someone once said to me when I got a role in management. Be careful how you treat others as you are going up because you may meet them again coming down! Did David merit this behaviour? Some people just enjoy kicking those who are down. James in his New Testament letter says we should be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry (James 1:19 Amplified Bible). Going up or coming down!
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 14th April 2026 A timeless prayer.
Blest are the pure in heart, for they shall see our God; the secret of the Lord is theirs, their soul is Christ’s abode.
The Lord, who left the heavens our life and peace to bring, to dwell in lowliness with men, their pattern and their King;
Still to the lowly soul he doth himself impart, and for his dwelling and his throne chooseth the pure in heart.
Lord, we thy presence seek; may ours this blessing be; give us a pure and lowly heart, a temple meet for thee.
