- Tuesday, 4/16/19 1
Samuel 24:5, And it came to pass
afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
The heart of this Bible giant was smitten for cutting off the hem of him who
was trying to kill him. Surely our criticism and slander against others is
offensive to God!! Lord forgive us.
1 Samuel 22:3, And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. Just a reminder to you younger people: plan on taking care of Mom and Dad when they’re older. Financially prepare for it; mentally prepare for it; communicate to them your willingness and commitment to do it.
- Wednesday, 4/17/19 Romans 10:1, Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For whom are you praying that they’d get saved? Oh, we know they’re not, and we’d like them to be...but whose name is REGULARLY crossing your lips? Methinks we TALK a good game... 2 Timothy 3:1, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. If these times are perilous, shouldn’t we be MORE watchful about getting ourselves “shot”? Yet, many believers act like they’re a million miles from spiritual danger. And too, shouldn’t we be MORE willing and ready to help a fallen brother? And expectant of many casualties? (Even amongst leadership? And yet, they’re still an ally.)
- Thursday, 4/18/19 We’re to be like God, right? Psalm 86:5, For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. How ready to forgive are you? To the one who CUT your heart out? We did worse to God...and He was quick to forgive us and ready to do so. 2 Timothy 3:13-14a, But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou... The evil doers will do what they do: yours and my #1 priority is to keep ourselves right. If YOU don’t care for YOU, who will? So, red reset button time: are there things you need to get cared for between you and Christ?
- Friday, 4/19/19 The Great Commission to win and disciple the world was given 5x: in each Gospel and Acts, and 5 promises were given with the command: God promised His presence; protection, program, peace, power to those winning souls. Simple question: are you going, winning, baptizing, and teaching? Much of 1 Corinthians is given to Paul correcting the church for their many problems, errors, and sin. However, notice Paul’s underlying attitude in Chapter 1, v3-4, Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ. Maybe we should copy that?
- Saturday, 4/20/19 Psalm 95:1, O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. At work, around the house, out on a walk, are you musical? We ought to be. Challenge: get into the habit of humming or whistling for God...and as a testimony to others. 2 Samuel 7:3-4, And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying [you’re not to build the temple]... It seems that Nathan assumed David was being spiritual in his decision. However, God vetoed it. Lesson: when advising a spiritual leader or veteran Christian, don’t assume that at that moment they’re in touch with God. Go by yourself and pray and give GOD’S counsel.
- Sunday, 4/21/19 2 Samuel 16:6, And he cast stones at David [as he fled from Absalom]... It takes a pretty small, insecure, weak, wicked person to kick at someone when they’re down. Remember: the BEST we deserved was Hellfire...anything better than that was more than we deserved. Go relieve a burden...don’t add to one. Titus 1:15, Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is NOTHING pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Ever done something from the goodness of your heart and had your motives and intents questioned? The assumption that you had a ulterior or wicked or selfish motive is an indicator of the other person’s heart. (BTW, do you tend to assume good or bad; sincerity or duplicity...?) (Sorry to spoil a good thought by meddling...)
- Monday, 4/22/19 2 Samuel 16:11, And David said...Behold, my son...seeketh my life...let [Shimei] alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him. David felt abandoned by God. We can never tell the depth of another’s hurt feelings. Be VERY slow to judge how deeply someone “should” be grieving or what is “normal” based on how you grieve or feel you would handle their situation. 2 Samuel 14:13, And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished. Gut check time: who is it that you’ve broken fellowship with? Could it TRULY be said that you’re acting like your Heavenly Father would have you? He made the first (million) steps toward the guilty...can’t you make a dozen or two? David needed some motivation to try to make up to Absalom. He didn’t do enough...but he did take a step. FIX the relationship...100 years from now it SURE will seem silly not to have done so.
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