Speaker: Heath McCoy

In today’s story, we read of David in his later years as king of Israel. He takes a census of his armies – counting Israel’s soldiers and military might – so he may know how strong and well-prepared he is for future battles. However, as soon as the count is completed, David realizes he has sinned against God; counting on man’s might to protect him, rather than the God who saved him time and time again. We do something similar in our lives – trusting and counting on different things to sustain us, becoming comfortable in what we have or what we do. We must remember: we never outgrow our reliance on God. We must trust God to help us, pray first, and practice humility.

As we continue reading in the Old Testament, we see… read more

The Israelites did a lot of walking in the Old Testament. They walked through the Red Sea, walked around the wilderness for 30 years, and when they finally walked into the Promised Land, God promised them victory over Jericho – they just had to walk around the city seven days. We like to believe that our faith is an exciting race or battle, but we often find ourselves walking in circles around unchanging parts of our lives. We must continue to walk in obedience, because even if God’s ways don’t make sense, his process and victory is guaranteed in the end.

Before Jesus returned to heaven, he gave his disciples a command: “Stay.” Only after they had stayed, prayed, worshiped, and waited in Jerusalem did the Holy Spirit come to them. We, too, must learn to stay. God has great things in store, and growth to be had, in our current situation. We must learn to be consistent, to remain, to be planted, and to have staying power for God. Our community, our why, and our reliance on God will grow our ability to stay.

This week’s message from Luke 24 reminds us that Jesus walks with us even when we don’t recognize Him. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we can be so focused on our destination—whether it’s marriage, career, healing, or purpose—that we miss the miracle of His presence on the way. Scripture reminds us that our identity is formed, and our joy discovered, not just there but here. Jacob encountered God multiple times while fleeing, not arriving. Most of Jesus’ miracles happened during the journey, not at the destination. The miracle you’re longing for may not be waiting for you at the finish line. It may be unfolding as you walk.

David – a man after God’s own heart – had a dysfunctional family. When David’s son, Absalom, killed his brother, and later tried to overthrow the kingdom, we see how David’s passivity led to worse and worse situations. It’s a tragic story that we don’t have to repeat. If you feel dysfunction in your family or relationships, do the things David didn’t do: tackle issues head on, fight for unity and vision, and trust God with the things beyond your control.

David’s story reminds us that even those who walk closely with God can fall. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David didn’t justify or hide his sin—he confessed, repented, and returned to God with a broken and humble heart (Psalm 51). Though his sin brought consequences, it also led to restoration and legacy, proving that failure is never final with God. We are not defined by our messes, but by how we respond to them. The gospel is a story of redemption—of a God who makes all things new when we turn back to Him.

The world often tells us what’s “reasonable” and we start to believe we can’t expect more. In 1 Samuel, Saul tells David he’s too young to fight Goliath. Similarly, in Acts, a lame man sits outside the temple gate daily, hoping for spare change. Sometimes we settle for what feels safe, familiar, or “good enough.”
But giants don’t fall at the feet of the reasonable. God invites us to believe for the ridiculous—the miraculous, the immeasurable, the Ephesians 3:20 kind of life.  Don’t let comfort or feelings of unworthiness keep you outside the gate. Jesus has already declared your worth. Step into more than you can ask or imagine!

At the height of his leadership, David seeks out anyone left from Saul’s house. He finds Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, and instead of casting him aside, restores his inheritance and gives him a permanent seat at the king’s table—treating him like royalty despite his brokenness and inability to offer anything in return. This act of grace foreshadows the grace of God, which is not earned by merit but given freely. As we reflect on Pentecost and consider how to pray and fast for our community, we are reminded that grace transforms lives. God’s grace saves, sustains, and calls us to approach Him boldly. In response, we can embrace grace for ourselves and extend it, just as God did for us.