"David and his men tore their clothes in sorrow when they heard the news. They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his Jonathan, and for the LORD's army and the nation of Israel, because they had dies by the sword that day."
2 Samuel 17: 11-12
2 Samuel 17: 11-12
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Could I mourn the death of someone who persecuted me? Would I care?
Something New:
Jonathan's son was crippled because his nurse dropped him while she was fleeing Israel.
Something to Do:
Pray, asking God about enemies:
Do I have any?
Am I one?
Help me to love those who persecute me.
29 Comments:
Happy Monday everyone!
I wasn't able to post over the weekend, but I did read all of your comments last night and I agree with Wendy; you truly bless me!
Welcome Jill! Lori, your mission to love everyone is shining forth in everything you write! I want to be like you when I grow up! Your story about your Mema and the Jesus novels made me smile. Morgen, I love the time and the activity you and your daughter did together! What a beautiful bonding experience! I hope you got some much needed rest! G&P, I sent praises up for your hubby! Brandee, hang in there with Will!
Jacque, it was great to see your posts again! I too underlined Psalm 56:8 and 13;
8 You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.
13 For you have rescued me from death;
you have kept my feet from slipping.
So now I can walk in your presence, O God,
in your life-giving light.
There is something about these verses that pours peace into my soul!
Loice, Paola, Jennifer Rennee, and all you friends, blogging or not, I close each day lifting you up in prayer, whether the prayers are known (you requested them) or unknown to me.
Okay, on to today's reading. Wendy, I also meditated on loving your enemy. In the previous readings, when David spared Saul, he said "The Lord forbid that I should... attack the Lord's anointed one, for the Lord has chosen him." (1 Sam 24:10), and "who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord's anointed one?...The Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed!" (1Sam 26:9,11). Today, when faced with the Amalekite who did kill Saul, David says "Why were you not afraid to kill the Lord's anointed one?" and then orders him killed.
In all this, even though Saul sought to kill David and went to extreme measures to find him, David never forgot the Saul was anointed by God to be king of God's people. He never went against what God ordained. Amy, great verses yesterday on this topic!
Jonathan and David's love was palpable. 2 Sam 1:26
26 How I weep for you, my brother Jonathan!
Oh, how much I loved you!
And your love for me was deep,
deeper than the love of women!
I still marvel at where God places people who are important in our lives. Jonathan is the son of David's arch enemy. Yet, their love is the kind of love the Jesus speaks of in John 15:12-13
12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
My to do: Love my neighbor no matter who they are or how many are "sandpaper people" (thank you Mary Southerland). Remember that every neighbor is created by God and is appointed by Him for a purpose, just as I am. Respect God's control of the situation.
Have a good week all! Sorry for the rambling today.
Karen, Basel
Oh, Wendy, you would have to point that out! ;-) Yes, this type of love is very hard for me to imagine, and I definitely don't have it. There are several people last year in our crazy church situation who I feel persectued me for my faith, and we lost our church home, my job, our children lost friendships, etc., over the whole mess, and it's been very hard. I still regularly see one of those people, and while I'm working hard to forgive them, I have absolutely no desire to be anywhere around them, and if I can politely avoid that, I do. I need lots of help with this one!
Moving on ...
Who are the Amalekits descended from? I can't remember.
I didn't know that David was the one who coined the phrase "share and share alike." I like that he based this not only on being fair, but "Don't be selfish with what the Lord gives us." It reminds me that we should 'hold what the Lord gives us with an open hand - because it's not really ours at all.' Hmmm, maybe I need to apply that to my first part up above ....
Off to think some more about that. Off to babysit my little daredevil firemuff today. Chaos always shows up somehow!
Have a great day!
Wendy, Thank you sweet teacher for opening up verses in a much bigger way! (Today, by the way you just look radiant!) Before I share what hit me so strongly, I will write about someone close to me that bugged me. Bugged I guess makes it sound better! smile. This was awhile back, and I felt guilty because I knew God wanted me to "love" this person. But, frankly, I did not. To make a long story short, I began asking God every morning, to help me love this person. I told Him that I did not, but, that I knew I was suppose to. I said, "I need a desire in my heart to want to be with this person." Outwardly, you'd think that we got along fine, but in my thoughts were lots of ill-feelings. The Spirit, I know was leading me to feel guilty. Well, God arranged, that I would have to serve this particular person straight for about a month(!!) And, thankfully, the Spirit in me, kept leading me to pray solid. To cling to Him, to ask Him to give me a heart that wanted to do this. Sister's, I can not begin to tell you what an experience it played out to be. But, only with God, will I say, that I found myself loving this person! Being able to show her compassion, and feel her worries, doubts, and insecurities. My lesson in this experience was to know that God, truly does want us to love. Love with passion. When we can't, we can seek Him to do it. He will give us a desire. We have his supernatural power within us to accomplish this. I know, because He did it with me.
Now, on to my nuggets!
Many points about God’s perfect timing jumped out at me today. Imagine “along the way they found an Egyptian man in a field…” (1 Sam. 30:11)….who just happened to “lead [David] to this band of raiders” (15). God is always busy working things out.
In the end, David does not rejoice over the death of Saul, but “shows that he was in mourning” (2 Sam. 1:2). Once again, David waits on the Lord – making no effort to seize the kingdom, even after Saul’s death.
While watching this faithful follower, we learn that God knows the best time to fulfill His promises. Throughout his life David made known his confidence in God. “My times are in your hands (Psalms 31:15).
How do we follow God along His straight and narrow path?
*Seek Him through reading His Word.
*Praying to Him for guidance.
My To Do: Do I patiently surrender to the will of God, while trusting that God remains sovereign? Wholeheartedly, I want to place my own interests second to the Lord’s plan for my day. God’s timing is always perfect. Like waiting for a seed to swell, we must wait patiently for the growing season!
Today, let’s capitalize on every opportunity to share God’s love!
Blessings, Lori
PS G & P – I get it! There was a side-keyboard, (another one) - finally it all came together, and I’m typing away on it! Smile!
Would love to write more, but I'm afraid even this may be too long!
Love each of you, and dearly love your posts! Thank you for blessing me-each of you!!!
Good morning, GIG's,
Ugg, tough topic today! Several years ago, a number of semi-estrangements occurred in my family of origin. It's all been extremely painful, but has deepened my faith, and that has been a blessing.
Perhaps David never gave up hope of reconciling with Saul. I can imagine David's feelings were very complex after the death of Saul and Jonathan -- deep grief over losing Jonathan and over the fact that now he would never be reconciled with Saul.
Amy, like you, I struggle with forgiveness. And, I have pretty nearly given up hope that there will ever be reconciliations in my family of origin. I have to trust that this is part of the Lord's plan, as strange as that may seem, because, again, there have been many blessings that would not have occurred otherwise. I am definitely a better person for having gone through this trial, but I have to work hard not to dwell on the losses.
An angel of the Lord, in the form of a friend I had not seen in years, showed up at the beginning of this trial, and presented me with a silver bracelet inscribed with this poem that helped a lot. Perhaps some of you have heard it--
"Count your blessings, instead of your crosses.
Count your gains, instead of your losses.
Count your smiles, instead of your tears.
Count your courage, instead of your fears.
Count your health, instead of your wealth.
Love your neighbor as much as yourself."
Now enemies, well...that's another matter.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Good Monday morning...(Mondays really aren't my favorite day...but once Tuesday hits then I'm usually good to go!)
I was puzzled by first reading that Saul fell on his sword himself; then later an Amalekite man shows up and says he killed Saul. Did he assist him in the suicide?
I truly admire David and Jonathan's love for each other. You don't see this very often in life. And I also admire David's respect for Saul...whom I would call his enemy! There is a definite lesson here for all of us. Let God guide us and help us with all of the "sandpaper people" (good word Karen) in our lives. In His strength we can do all things...including loving the unloveable.
Good day all!
Praising Him!
Morgen
Hey Ladies. I haven't read yet but need your prayers for my sis inlaw's little 4 year old cousin Beau. He lives near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and was airflighted to the hospital there when it was discovered that he has a brain tumor. Long story short, he was supposed to have surgery last week but it was postponed until today. He is now in a 4-7 hour surgery to remove the tumor. His Dad, Justin, over the weekend recommitted his life to Jesus. (through the witness and love of my brother Doug & sis-inlaw Shelly) Beau's mom Kerri is a wreck as you can imagine. He also has an older sister. Please pray if you can for Beau and his family.
Definitely a topic, an area that the Lord has been dealing with me on since last year about this time. You know, it is easier to love my enemies from afar than it is up close, but close is where God has me and wants me to obey Him. Wendy, you did so well opening up these verses.
Morgen, one of my bibles (I use several with this study) said that perhaps the Amalekite lied in hopes of being rewarded by David thinking that David would be glad by the news.
Karen, I love you opening our day and look forward to your posts, as I look forward to reading everyone's. You are all so special to me, I feel like I know you.
Have a great Monday! More papers to write (this class ends this week, then two weeks off before the next one!!).
His,
Gaylene
JillJae, prayers for the 4 year old--Dear heavenly Father, please be with Beau and the surgeons who are being led by you today to take out this tumor. Lord, the faithful believe that Healing comes from You and your Healing Hands, and I pray that this little boy will be healed by YOU and your wisdom and peace will be given to him and his family. Lord, thank you for sending your Healing Son to save us forever, and please guide Beau and his family to learn to trust you and be a healed child of yours. Amen.
Wendy, I read this morning while getting ready for work today and the same thoughts hit me--could I cry for an "enemy" if they met misfortune or death? I should not rejoice in sorrows for others, but weep for those who weep. Our pastor preached a similar sermon a couple of weeks ago about how we are to love our enemies, and not be happy about bad things that happen to anyone.
I didn't know Jonathons son was crippled because he was dropped, either.
I have to pray for myself, that I not establish any enemies, and pray for those who I don't get along with. I hope and pray that I am not someone's enemy, and I am repentant if I am.
Blessings and prayers from WV,
Karla
Wendy, rich teaching today and more things to think about. How do I treat those people who annoy me? Well, not very Christ-like, I tell you. But you know what's good about God? He brings these to mind and there's no condemnation. (Fresh from my pastor's Sunday night preaching on Romans 8:1)There is conviction, yes so that we pray that He changes our attitude and turn around but God does not condemn us. Jesus paid for our sins way before we were all born. My problem is I know He paid for my sins - I just keep forgetting He also paid for the sins of the sandpaper people (thanks, K) around me.
Lori, you go, girl - for sharing what God did to your heart in serving your particular challenging person. I could learn a lot from you. And yay! for discovering the slide out keyboard on your phone. :)
Amy, the Amalekites came from Esau. (Gen 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.)
Jill, praying for little Beau. May God be with him and may He also guide the hands of the surgeons as they work in this delicate brain. Praising God though for using this situation to turn his father's heart to God. May Justin's faith be strengthened through this trial. Praying for peace for Beau's mom, too.
There are so many good things in today's reading, I don't know where to start.
The first one that came to my attention was when they set out to go after the Amalekites to rescue their wives and children. They came upon the Egyptian who was sick. They fed him and gave him water to drink. Their kindness to him stood out to me. They were on a mission yet when they saw someone in need they stopped to help. In turn, the Egyptian led them to where the Amalekites where and they were able to recover ALL that was taken from them. What this showed me is that when I am on a mission for God, I need to pay attention to those whom I meet along the road who are in need. In helping them, they may be able to lead me to where I am supposed to go.
I also like how David treated the 200 who were left behind, as my pastor put it "to watch the stuff" while the rest go to battle. The 200 also shared in the plunder. My pastor said that this is like the mission field. Some are called to go, some are called to watch the stuff and work behind the scenes, but the rewards are the same. Our missions team just came back from a remote part of Sudan. Oh, the report they brought back was amazing. They were able to reach a tribe that has never heard of Jesus! And after they talked to them and shared with them, half of them gave their lives to the Lord. So, in Revelation 5 when every tribe and nation is gathered around the throne, there would be the representatives from that tribe because of what our 5-man team did. There is a great harvest coming, GIGs.
Have a blessed day.
Hi Everyone,
Praying God's peace over all of you today! below is a devotional I read that fits in perfectly with our reading today. It's long so I'm post in four parts. I hope it blesses you today.
Debbie- North Carolina
Tender Words to the Tired Heart
by Max Lucado Part 1
Brook Besor. Don't feel bad if you've never heard of the place. Most haven't, but more need to. The Brook Besor narrative deserves shelf space in the library of the worn-out. It speaks tender words to the tired heart.
The story emerges from the ruins of Ziklag. David and his six hundred soldiers return from the Philistine war front to find utter devastation. A raiding band of Amalekites had swept down on the village, looted it, and taken the women and children hostage. The sorrow of the men mutates into anger, not against the Amalekites, but against David. After all, hadn't he led them into battle? Hadn't he left the women and children unprotected? Isn't he to blame? Then he needs to die. So they start grabbing stones.
This could be his worst hour.
But he makes it one of his best.
David redirects the men's anger toward the enemy. They set out in pursuit of the Amalekites. Keep the men's weariness in mind. They still bear the trail dust of a long campaign and haven't entirely extinguished their anger at David. They don't know the Amalekites' hideout, and, if not for the sake of their loved ones, they might give up.
Part 2
Indeed, two hundred do. The army reaches a brook called Besor, and they dismount. Soldiers wade in the creek and splash water on their faces, sink tired toes in cool mud, and stretch out on the grass. Hearing the command to move on, two hundred choose to rest. "You go on without us," they say.
How tired does a person have to be to abandon the hunt for his own family?
The church has its quorum of such folks. Good people. Godly people. Only hours or years ago they marched with deep resolve. But now fatigue consumes them. They're exhausted. So beat-up and worn down that they can't summon the strength to save their own flesh and blood. Old age has sucked their oxygen. Or maybe it was a deflating string of defeats. Divorce can leave you at the brook. Addiction can as well. Whatever the reason, the church has its share of people who just sit and rest.
And the church must decide. What do we do with the Brook Besor people? Berate them? Shame them? Give them a rest but measure the minutes? Or do we do what David did? David let them stay.
He and the remaining four hundred fighters resume the chase.
Part 3
David and his men swoop down upon the enemy like hawks on rats. Every Israelite woman and child is rescued. Every Amalekite either bites the dust or hits the trail, leaving precious plunder behind. David goes from scapegoat to hero, and the whooping and hollering begin.
And what about the two hundred men who had rested?
You might feel the way some of David's men felt: "Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man's wife and children" (1 Sam. 30:22).
A Molotov cocktail of emotions is stirred, lit, and handed to David. Here's how he defuses it: "Don't do that after what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and given us the enemy who attacked us. Who will listen to what you say? The share will be the same for the one who stayed with the supplies as for the one who went into battle. All will share alike." (30:23-24 NCV)
Note David's words: they "stayed with the supplies," as if this had been their job. They hadn't asked to guard supplies; they wanted to rest. But David dignifies their decision to stay.
Part 4
David did many mighty deeds in his life. He did many foolish deeds in his life. But perhaps the noblest was this rarely discussed deed: he honored the tired soldiers at Brook Besor.
Someday somebody will read what David did and name their church the Congregation at Brook Besor. Isn't that what the church is intended to be? A place for soldiers to recover their strength?
If you are listed among them, here is what you need to know: it's okay to rest. Jesus is your David. He fights when you cannot. He goes where you cannot. He's not angry if you sit. Did he not invite, "Come off by yourselves; let's take a break and get a little rest" (Mark 6:31 MSG)?
Brook Besor blesses rest.
Brook Besor also cautions against arrogance. David knew the victory was a gift. Let's remember the same. Salvation comes like the Egyptian in the desert, a delightful surprise on the path. Unearned. Undeserved. Who are the strong to criticize the tired?
Are you weary? Catch your breath. We need your strength.
Are you strong? Reserve passing judgment on the tired. Odds are, you'll need to plop down yourself. And when you do, Brook Besor is a good story to know.
ok I finally got time to view the video and I stand convicted! It has been very easy for me to say that I don't hate anyone and I don't believe that anyone hates me. But to understand the meaning as "annoying" "strong aversion to" I have to backtrack my way of thinking. I don't like conflict so when I have a "strong aversion" to someone I typically avoid them. To agape love them and be inviting to them hasn't quite been happening.
I think I need some cobwebs cleaned from my heart today.
Morgen
Debbie, thank you! That devotional was lovely, and put some things in a different perspective for me. You have given me my To Do for today----PRAISE GOD for giving me strength that others do not have.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Debbie fr NC, thanks for the Max Lucado devo. I finally went over to his site and registered for the email. Oh and I also found the 3 stones I was missing from last week. Here they are:
"Invite God’s help. Pick up the stone of prayer. And don’t neglect …
3. THE STONE OF PRIORITY
Let your tallest finger remind you of your highest priority: God’s reputation. David jealously guarded it. No one was going to defame his Lord. David fought so that “all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam. 17:46–47).
David saw Goliath as a chance for God to show off! Did David know he would exit the battle alive? No. But he was willing to give his life for the reputation of God.
What if you saw your giant in the same manner? Rather than begrudge him, welcome him. Your cancer is God’s chance to flex his healing muscles. Your sin is God’s opportunity to showcase grace. Your struggling marriage can billboard God’s power. See your struggle as God’s canvas. On it he will paint his multicolored supremacy. Announce God’s name and then reach for …
4. THE STONE OF PASSION
David ran, not away from, but toward his giant. On one side of the battlefield, Saul and his cowardly army gulped. On the other, Goliath and his skull-splitters scoffed. In the middle, the shepherd boy ran on his spindly legs. Who bet on David? Who put money on the kid from Bethlehem? Not the Philistines. Not the Hebrews. Not David’s siblings or David’s king. But God did.
And since God did, and since David knew God did, the skinny runt became a blur of pumping knees and a swirling sling. He ran toward his giant.
Do the same!
Let your ring finger remind you to take up the stone of passion.
One more stone, and finger, remains:
5. THE STONE OF PERSISTENCE
David didn’t think one rock would do. He knew Goliath had four behemoth relatives. For all David knew, they’d come running over the hill to defend their kin. David was ready to empty the chamber if that’s what it took.
Imitate him. Never give up. One prayer might not be enough. One apology might not do it. One day or month of resolve might not suffice. You may get knocked down a time or two … but don’t quit. Keep loading the rocks. Keep swinging the sling.
David took five stones. He made five decisions. Do likewise. Past. Prayer. Priority. Passion. And persistence.
Next time Goliath wakes you up, reach for a stone. Odds are, he’ll be out of the room before you can load your sling."
Thanks, Debbie for bringing it to our attention.
Hi Grace & Peace,
Sorry for the delay, I was out of town on Friday and was having computer issues using my wireless card. I didn't think my post went through until I was catch up on the comments a few minutes ago.
Linda from Ark and Jacque the full article on the stones can be found at:
http://www.maxlucado.com/static/email_archive/2010/04.16.html
As someone mentioned over the weekend, Max lucado is an excellent writer and I'm sure all of you will enjoy his devotionals each day.
Blessings!
Debbie - North Carolina
Oh, mercy! Does anyone have a kleenex? The reading today just stirred my heart, and I was crying! Eating lunch and crying do not go together! Y'all...what love and compassion David had toward Saul even though Saul tried so many times to kill him. And the love--the agape-that David had for Jonathan! Just beautiful.
GIGS, I did read your wonderful comments last night...just didn't have time to respond. Loved them! And, it is such a blessing to pray for y'all. I appreciate the prayers as well. My photo shoot on Friday was amazing. And, the race on Saturday was all about HIM. He wanted my attention...not the ipod that DIED as I crossed the START line! I thought, "OK, God, I will talk to you the entire race" and I did. But He wasn't through. As I ran down the end to the finish shoot, I was focused on my time and tried to stop my watch. I hit the correct button, but numbers and letters flashed all over the place. Obviously, He wanted me to focus on Him and not my time. Just loved how He worked on my heart Sat. morning! I went back and ran in a newbie runner and encouraged her..what a blessing to me! And...I won a rat!!! The prizes were hand-made little gray rats that the race director had sewn last week!! They were adorable!! The love and time that went into that was just so sweet! (Remember, the name of the race was the RATZ race--ratz in Hebrew means run.)So thank you for your prayers there too.
My nugget today is similar to Wendy's...try to find the good in those who are not good and love them with a godly love. That can only be done through the Holy Spirit.
Wendy, I will listen to the vlog in a while...I just love these! Thank you so much for taking the time each day to teach us through this. We just love you!
Hugs!
Susan
I really enjoyed 1 Samuel 30:21-25.
Even though David had 200 men who had been left behind because they were too exhausted to go with him and even though the evil troublemakers among David’s men wanted to be selfish David believed in sharing with everyone what they had recovered from the battle. Everyone did a job even those who watched the equipment.
I enjoyed reading what David said in these following verses from 1 Samuel 30.
23 But David said, No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the Lord has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.
24 Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.
25 From then on David made this a decree and regulation for Israel and it is still followed today.
It's amazing to me that this decree and regulation that David made for Israel continued to be followed. It makes me wonder if they still follow it in our day and time. What a great way to be. Are we willing to share our things with others even though they may not have done anything to help us get what we have.
This reminds me of a time when I was a child. I had a teacher, perhaps mobility instructor, working with me on different things like reading. Every time I got an answer right she gave me a prize. One prize was a cupcake. My mother made me share it with my sister even though she didn't do anything to earn any of my cupcake. I guess I felt like those evil troublemakers. Because I did the work I deserved the reward and all of it.
Ok, I have to share this because it has me laughing to myself.
You all know I'm blind and my computer has a screen reader. For anyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about, my computer talks to me. I decided to go ahead and do my laundry which includes washing my curtains. Since my computer talks to me I decided to wash the windows at the same time as listening to the comments. Since I have a laptop I can carry it into the bedroom when I go to wash that window. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. Hay, an advantage of being blind!!
Jennifer Renee...the multi-tasker! Way to go! hahaha!
Morgen
My hat is off to you, Jen Ren. I've tried putting on my make-up in the morning while listening to Wendy's vlog, and I can't concentrate on both!!
Michelle in New England
Lord we lift up little Beau to you this morning. Your word says if 2 of you agree on anything here on earth, it shall be done in heaven. Father we agree for this child's healing in the name of Jesus. By the blood shed on the cross, may his little body be restored to life. your word is powerful to heal His Body and so we send it forth to his hospital bed, to revive him, to encourage him and to comfort his parents. Thanks for this divine intervention. Amen
Todays reading-struggling to be good to those who have not been good to me. Lord you alone knows the situation each one of us is in.may you strengthen us to not only Know, BUT be willing to be transformed into the likeness and image of Jesus Christ, like David.
In Jesus name.AMEN
good day every one
loice
Thank you Lord for a gorgeous day after a rainy weekend.
I played with my granddaughter (age 2) outside running, blowing dandelion seeds, planting flowers, etc.
Thank you Debbie and Grace & Peace for the 5 stones. Giants are always popping up, and at inconvenient times.
Amy-Forgiveness has been the hardest lesson for me to learn and practice. But when I turn around and ask the Lord for His forgiveness because of my sins that I committed, then it is easier to forgive others for what they did to me. Focusing on Him, not my hurt, is what it's about. We carry scars of deep hurt, but they are not as deep as our Savior's. You're not alone, sister:) We become more like Jesus when we forgive. Lighten the load by giving it to Jesus. (Easier said than done.)Leave the revenge to Jesus-it's usually harsher and makes you pity them.Love is the key. Wasn't it David that returned good for evil to Saul by sparing his life?
Karen-I like the expression "sandpaper people." It's rough when they rub you the wrong way:)Maybe they are rough to get along with.
In verse 6, David found strength in his God. That's the key.The rug was yanked out from under him-lost family and everything, but so did the other men.
Jealousy has an ugly head that is always raising itself up. David said to not be selfish with what the Lord has given us. Also, he greeted joyfully the men who stayed behind.
Mephibosheth-I'm glad that Jesus picks us up when we are crippled because of our sins and carries us to our Father God.
There's a lot of to do's for me to do.
Have a great evening all!
Linda from Ark.
Thank you everyone for the encouragement. Especially the 5 stones. I'll look for Lucado's book.
Amy-Forgiveness has been the hardest lesson for me to apply. So you're not alone sister. I'm glad Jesus forgives me.
David found strength in his God. He and his men lost everything, but they got it back, and more.
Jealousy is always around to raise its ugly head up. The fighters didn't want to share with the exhausted ones. However, David was a good example, again.
Today presented a lot of to do's for me to apply.
Have a good evening all.
Linda from Ark.
Several of you have mentioned having trouble with 'sandpaper people,' too. I read about this little trick or exercise in one of Kathy Herman's 'Seaport Suspense' books - I can't remember which one just now. The character in the book suggested that when facing one of those sandpaper people, you picture their body with Jesus' face. Who could NOT help Jesus when He's standing there in front of you - and isn't that what He said, that whatever you do to the least of these, you do to Him? When I'm in one of those tough situations and I remember that, it helps me a lot ... I just don't always remember.
Any word about baby Beau? I've been praying for him today ....
Couldn't go to bed without posting this. It was a lightbulb moment for me. Quoting from Jon Courson - "Maybe there's someone chasing you down, hurling spears in your direction, trying to wipe you out, treating you unfairly or cruelly. Here's what you need to remember; THAT PERSON IS ANOINTED BY THE LORD TO WORK HIS PURPOSES IN YOUR LIFE, to make you into the man or woman He desires you to be in order that you might rule with Him much more effectively. If I retaliate and throw spears back, I'm missing the point, missing what God is doing in my life. The Lord knows. He'll remove Saul in due season. But in the meantime, ANY GIVEN PERSON OR SITUATION IN YOUR LIFE COULD BE THE VERY INSTRUMENT GOD IS USING TO MAKE YOU INTO A BETTER PERSON THAN YOU OTHERWISE WOULD BE. And David understood this." (Emphasis mine)
I never, ever thought of my "enemies" that way before! Now I am going back to realize how these people and situations have made me into a better person.....And just getting started on it, I see the light...and the darkness, tears and misery I felt I went thru then have made me into a better person - just so difficult at the time!
Light bulbs to you GIGs
Dixie
WOW and WOW!!! Wendy,you have to be anointed by God to be able to "see" these lessons in His Word. I just thought of how we should be respectful of our leaders...whether we like them or not. I felt as if David could continue to be loyal to a man trying to kill him, that I surely could be concerned and have a heart of prayer for leadership in gov/t., communities, church, etc.
My nugget WAS 1 Sam. 30:23: I don't want to be selfish in sharing God's direction and guidance in my life, His protection for my family and me; I want my loved ones to know how awesome He is.
NOW, my nuggets are: We share and share alike....is that not what we do on this blog??? If I had not read the posts for today, I would have missed such a blessing from the Lord. I just have to sacrifice my sleep. :) This time is too precious, and it is tooooooo goooood!!!
Yes, Loice, we are gathered in 2-??, and how pleasing that must be to our Father. I cried when I read your prayer for Beau, and Karla...how precious that God is using us to pray for these precious children...we lost Benjamin, but I believe we prayed for God's Will, not ours. What power there has to be as we lift up Gabriel, Beau, even Will and the other children, young and old, with each particular need, together in the name of Jesus. What an honor it is to be associated with such Prayer Warriors as many of you GIG are.
Debbie in NC...I am the one who thinks that M.L. is the bomb as a writer!!!! Cast of Characters tells the life story of about 25 Biblical characters...that's how I learned about Abigail, Mephibosheth,, the paralyzed man, the two criminals, David and other important chars. are also presented. I wonder if it would be cheaper to mail each other our
books than buy them? ;)
Michelle, loved your Count...
JenRenee, God loves a sense of humor in His Children, I believe.
Mrs. Light Bulb, Dixie, thanks for sharing J.Courson and what he said. If you don't mind, I want to do what you are going to do...go back and realize how those people have made me a better person out of me. Only, I think I'll have to write it all down...I'll need a separate notebook!!! ;)
Wendy, I too feel under conviction about this subject...with my husband...I had to lift up my feet for that one.
Amy, I do can identify with the church people situation for we went through a time when about 150 people left our church (over a pastor) and so many were dear to my heart. Some of them have since been to 2-3 other churches. Your feelings were mine exactly!! I felt as if they had left me too;therefore, not wanting my friendship. That event happened about 4-5 years ago, and even when I see them, and I try to be very cordial, there is a wall. So sad!! I forgave my dearest friend, but we just cannot be friends as we once were...something is missing. I am the better person for this. WHOA...DIXIE, it just hit me------this is what J.Courson was saying. WOW! This is a definite God Moment for me, and I would have missed it if I had gone to bed so that I could wake up easier at 6 am. Thank you, Lord, for late nights with you and my GIG,
You ARE our LIGHT BULB, (right, Dixie?)
Love you each one, Jeanne,NC
Phil. 1:3
Hello,
I am back more thirsty than ever. Determined to faithfully recommit to this study. Thank you so much for what you have shared. Not sure the online reader I used today is aligned exactly, will have to check more into it.
Something old: Must the sword devour forever? We've been told yes until He comes again but this still grieves me deeply.
Something new: How the mighty have fallen! No matter how powerful or blessed our days here will end. God alone is our shelter and salvation.
Something to do: I need to pray more for those in authority and stay focused on God not what others think.
So thankful for the way God provides so faithfully with daily bread. Praying that we will all be salt and reflect HIS light & love.
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