2 Samuel 24:1-25

Everyone of us has a subtle desire for numbers and a tendency to judge success by statistics. There is a measure of reproach connected with small groups whereas large crowds command attention and respect. What should our attitude be in this area?

Large numbers should not be despised if they are the fruit of the Holy Spirit's work. This was the case at Pentecost when about 3,000 souls were swept into the kingdom of God.

We should rejoice in large numbers when they mean glory for...

When David was instructed to offer burnt offerings where the Lord had stopped the pestilence, Araunah offered as an outright gift a threshing floor, oxen, and wood for the fire. But David insisted on buying these things. He would not offer to the Lord something that cost him nothing.

We know that it costs nothing to become a Christian, but we should also know that a life of genuine discipleship costs plenty. "A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing."

Too often the extent...

Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great. § “I am with you,” says the Lord, “to save you. I will correct you in justice, and will not let you go altogether unpunished.” § He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities … For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. § I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.God is...

With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?We are all like an unclean...

I endure all things for the elect's sake" (2 Tim. 2:10).

Our Father's mercy is all-encompassing. It includes our salvation - " . . . according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5); and our service - " . . . by the mercies of God, present your bodies a living...