Sin often repeated, but never repented of, invites disaster. (2 Chronicles 36:16)

2 Chronicles 36:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁶ But the people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words. They scoffed at the prophets until the Lord’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.

God warned Judah about its sin and continually restored the people to His favor, only to have them turn away. Eventually the situation was beyond remedy. Beware of harboring sin in your heart. The day will come when remedy is no longer possible and God's judgment replaces His mercy. Sin often repeated, but never repented of, invites disaster.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

No one is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness. (2 Chronicles 33:12-13)

2 Chronicles 33:12-13

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹² But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. ¹³ And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!

In a list of corrupt kings, Manasseh would rank near the top. His life was a catalog of evil deeds including idol worship, sacrificing his own children, and temple desecration. Eventually, however, he realized his sins and cried out to God for forgiveness. And God listened. If God can forgive Manasseh, surely He can forgive anyone. Are you burdened by overpowering guilt? Do you doubt that anyone could forgive what you have done? Take heart - until death, no one is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God hears us. (2 Chronicles 7:12)

2 Chronicles 7:12

New International Version (NIV)

¹² the Lord appeared to him at night and said:

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.


Months, maybe years, had passed since Solomon's prayer of dedication. Several other building projects had been completed after the temple. Then after all this time, God told Solomon that He had heard Solomon's prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and, when nothing happens, wonder if God had heard us? God does hear, and He will provide for us. We must trust that God will answer at the proper time.



Joe

 

 

Praise God first. (2 Chronicles 5:13)

2 Chronicles 5:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:

“He is good;
    his love endures forever.”



The first service at the temple began with honoring God and acknowledging His presence and goodness. In the same way, our worship should begin by acknowledging God's love. Praise God first; then you will be prepared to present your needs to Him. Recalling God's love and mercy will inspire you to worship Him daily.



Joe





 

Follow God's specifications carefully. (2 Chronicles 4:7)

2 Chronicles 4:7

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ He made ten gold lampstands according to the specifications for them and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north.

The craftsmen followed God's specifications carefully - with spectacular results. When God gives specific instructions, they must be followed to the letter. There is a time to be creative and to put forth our own ideas, but not when the ideas add to, alter, or contradict any specific directions God has already given to us in the Bible. For best results in your spiritual life, carefully seek and follow God's instructions.

Joe

Put God first. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

2 Chronicles 1:11-12

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— ¹² I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”

Solomon could of had anything, but he asked for wisdom to rule the nation. Because God approved of the way Solomon ordered his priorities, He gave Solomon wealth, riches, and honor as well. Jesus also spoke about priorities. He said that when we put God first, everything we really need will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33). This does not guarantee that we will be wealthy and famous like Solomon, but it means that when we put God first, the wisdom He gives will enable us to have richly rewarding lives. When we have a purpose for living and learn to be content with what we have, we will have greater wealth than we could ever accumulate.

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you leaving to your children? (1 Chronicles 29:25)

1 Chronicles 29:25

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁵ And the Lord exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.

Solomon surpassed his father's wealth and splendor. David's legacy resulted from his vital relationship with the Lord, and he passed his spiritual values on to Solomon. Any money or power we leave to our children are far less valuable than the spiritual legacy we pass on. What spiritual inheritance will your children receive?

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

Get to Work ! (1 Chronicles 28:20)

1 Chronicles 28:20

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁰ Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.

 

David advised Solomon not to be frightened about the size of his task as king and builder of the temple. Fear can immobilize us. The size of a job, its risks, or the pressure of the situation can cause us to freeze and do nothing. One remedy for fear is found here - don't focus on the fear; instead, GET TO WORK ! Getting started is often the most difficult and frightening part of a job.

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

Confession and repentance must come before receiving forgiveness. (1 Chronicles 21:8)

1 Chronicles 21:8

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁸ Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”

When David realized his sin, he took full responsibility, admitted he was wrong, and asked God to forgive him. Many people want to add God and the benefits of Christianity to their lives without acknowledging their personal sin and guilt. But confession and repentance must come before receiving forgiveness. Like David, we must take full responsibility for our actions and confess them to God before we can expect Him to forgive us and continue His work in us.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

Go to God first. (1 Chronicles 14:10)

1 Chronicles 14:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ So David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”

The Lord replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.”

Before David went to battle, he inquired of God first. Too often, we wait until we are in trouble before turning to God. By then, the consequences of our actions are already unfolding. Do you ask for God's help only as a last resort? Instead, go to Him first! Like David, you may receive incredible help and avoid serious trouble.

Joe

Build your life around the worship of God (1 Chronicles 9:33-34)

1 Chronicles 9:33-34

New Living Translation (NLT)

³³ The musicians, all prominent Levites, lived at the Temple. They were exempt from other responsibilities since they were on duty at all hours. ³⁴ All these men lived in Jerusalem. They were the heads of Levite families and were listed as prominent leaders in their genealogical records.

Worship was the primary focus of many Israelites, whose vocation centered on the house of the Lord. Worship should occupy the core of our lives and not just a few minutes once a week. We too can worship at all hours if we stay aware of God's presence and guidance in all situations and if we maintain an attitude of serving Him. Build your life around the worship of God rather than making worship just another activity in a busy schedule.

Joe

Do not be unfaithful to God. (1 Chronicles 5:24-25)

1 Chronicles 5:24-25

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

²⁴ These were the leaders of their clans: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. These men had a great reputation as mighty warriors and leaders of their clans.

²⁵ But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors. They worshiped the gods of the nations that God had destroyed.

As warriors and leaders, these men had established excellent reputations for their great skill and leadership qualities. But in God's eyes they failed in the most important quality - being faithful to God. If you try to measure up to society's standards for fame and success, you may neglect your true purpose - to please and obey God. In the end, God alone examines our hearts and determines our final standing.

Joe

Bless me and enlarge my territory. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God to 1.) bless him, 2.) help him in his work (enlarge his territory), 3.) be with him in all he did, and 4.) keep him from evil and harm. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God's blessing, we should also pray that He will take His rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. Obeying Him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.

Joe

2 Kings 17:9 Sins done in private are not secret to God.

2 Kings 17:9

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

⁹ The Israelites did things in secret against the Lord their God. What they did wasn’t right. They built high places for worship in all their towns. They built them at lookout towers. They also built them at cities that had high walls around them.

Ruin came upon Israel for both their public sins and their secret sins. Not only did they condone wickedness and idolatry in public, but they committed even worse sins in private. Secret sins are the ones we don't want others to know about because they are embarrassing or incriminating. Sins done in private are not secret to God, and secret defiance of Him is just as damaging as open rebellion.

Joe

Don't give God lip service. (2 Kings 10:30-31)

2 Kings 10:30-31

New Living Translation (NLT)

³⁰ Nonetheless the Lord said to Jehu, “You have done well in following my instructions to destroy the family of Ahab. Therefore, your descendants will be kings of Israel down to the fourth generation.” ³¹ But Jehu did not obey the Law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.

Jehu did much of what the Lord told him to, but he did not obey Him with all his heart. He had become God's instrument for carrying out justice, but he had not become God's servant. As a result, he gave only lip service to God. Check the condition of your heart toward God. We can be very active in our work for God and still not give the heartfelt obedience He desires.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Eyesight (2 Kings 6:16-17)

2 Kings 6:16-17

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁶ “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” ¹⁷ Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Elisha's servant was no longer afraid when he saw God's mighty heavenly army. Faith reveals that God is doing more for His people than we can ever realize through sight alone. When you face difficulties that seem insurmountable, remember that spiritual resources are there even if you can't see them. Look through the eyes of faith and let God show you His resources. If you don't see God working in your life, the problem may be your spiritual eyesight, not God's power.

Joe

God's care and provision. (2 Kings 6:1-7)

2 Kings 6:1-7

The Message (MSG)

6 ^1-2 One day the guild of prophets came to Elisha and said, “You can see that this place where we’re living under your leadership is getting cramped—we have no elbow room. Give us permission to go down to the Jordan where each of us will get a log. We’ll build a roomier place.”
Elisha said, “Go ahead.”
³ One of them then said, “Please! Come along with us!”
He said, “Certainly.”
^4-5 He went with them. They came to the Jordan and started chopping down trees. As one of them was felling a timber, his axhead flew off and sank in the river.
“Oh no, master!” he cried out. “And it was borrowed!”
⁶ The Holy Man said, “Where did it sink?”
The man showed him the place.
He cut off a branch and tossed it at the spot. The axhead floated up.

⁷ “Grab it,” he said. The man reached out and took it.

The incident of the floating ax head is recorded to show God's care and provision for those who trust Him, even in the insignificant events of everyday life. Placed in the Bible between the healing of a Aramean general and the deliverance of Israel's army, this miracle also shows Elisha's personal contact with the students in the companies of the prophets. Although he had the respect of kings, Elisha never forgot to care for the faithful. Don't let the importance of your work drive out your concern for human need.

Joe

The Message (MSG)

6 ^1-2 One day the guild of prophets came to Elisha and said, “You can see that this place where we’re living under your leadership is getting cramped—we have no elbow room. Give us permission to go down to the Jordan where each of us will get a log. We’ll build a roomier place.”
Elisha said, “Go ahead.”
³ One of them then said, “Please! Come along with us!”
He said, “Certainly.”
^4-5 He went with them. They came to the Jordan and started chopping down trees. As one of them was felling a timber, his axhead flew off and sank in the river.
“Oh no, master!” he cried out. “And it was borrowed!”
⁶ The Holy Man said, “Where did it sink?”
The man showed him the place.
He cut off a branch and tossed it at the spot. The axhead floated up.

⁷ “Grab it,” he said. The man reached out and took it.

 

 

The incident of the floating ax head is recorded to show God's care and provision for those who trust Him, even in the insignificant events of everyday life. Placed in the Bible between the healing of a Aramean general and the deliverance of Israel's army, this miracle also shows Elisha's personal contact with the students in the companies of the prophets. Although he had the respect of kings, Elisha never forgot to care for the faithful. Don't let the importance of your work drive out your concern for human need.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

God's favor cannot be purchased. (2 Kings 5:15-16)

2 Kings 5:15-16

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

¹⁵ Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

¹⁶ But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.

 

 

Elisha refused money to show that God's favor cannot be purchased. Our money, like Naaman's is useless when we face death. No matter how much wealth we accumulate in this life, it will evaporate when we stand before God, our creator. It will be our faith in Jesus Christ that saves us, not our bank accounts.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humbly accept God's mercy. (2 Kings 5:10-12)

2 Kings 5:10-12

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”

¹¹ But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! ¹² Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.

Naaman left in a rage because the cure for his disease seemed too simple. He was a hero, and he expected a heroic cure. Full of pride and self-will, he could not accept the simple cure of faith. Sometimes people react to God's offer of forgiveness in the same way. Just to believe in Jesus Christ somehow doesn't seem significant enough to bring eternal life. To obey God's commands doesn't seem heroic. What Naaman had to do to have his leprosy washed away is similar to what we must do to have our sins washed away - humbly accept God's mercy. Don't let your reaction to the way of faith keep you from the cure you need the most.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

God's provision is as large as your faith. (2 Kings 4:1-7)

2 Kings 4:1-7

The Message (MSG)

4 One day the wife of a man from the guild of prophets called out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead. You well know what a good man he was, devoted to God. And now the man to whom he was in debt is on his way to collect by taking my two children as slaves.”
² Elisha said, “I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?”
“Nothing,” she said. “Well, I do have a little oil.”
^3-4 “Here’s what you do,” said Elisha. “Go up and down the street and borrow jugs and bowls from all your neighbors. And not just a few—all you can get. Then come home and lock the door behind you, you and your sons. Pour oil into each container; when each is full, set it aside.”
^5-6 She did what he said. She locked the door behind her and her sons; as they brought the containers to her, she filled them. When all the jugs and bowls were full, she said to one of her sons, “Another jug, please.”
He said, “That’s it. There are no more jugs.”
Then the oil stopped.
⁷ She went and told the story to the man of God. He said, “Go sell the oil and make good on your debts. Live, both you and your sons, on what’s left.”




The woman and her sons collected jars from their neighbors pouring oil into them from their one pot. The oil was probably olive oil and was used for cooking, for lamps, and for fuel. The oil stopped pouring only when they ran out of containers. The number of jars they gathered was an indication of their faith. God's provision was as large as their faith and willingness to obey. Beware of limiting God's blessings by a lack of faith and obedience. God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.




Joe


 

Respect your spiritual leaders. (2 Kings 2:23-24)

2 Kings 2:23-24

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

²³ Elisha left Jericho and went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, a group of boys from the town began mocking and making fun of him. “Go away, baldy!” they chanted. “Go away, baldy!” ²⁴ Elisha turned around and looked at them, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them.

These young men jeered at God's messenger and paid for it with their lives. Making fun of religious leaders has been a popular sport through the ages. To take stand for God is to be different from the world and vulnerable to verbal abuse. When we are cynical and sarcastic toward religious leaders, we are in danger of mocking not just the person, but also the spiritual message. While we are not to condone the sin that some leaders commit, we need to pray for them, not laugh at them. True leaders, those who follow God, need to be heard with respect and encouraged in their ministry.

Joe

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit” 2 Kings 2:9

2 Kings 2:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

 

 

 

God granted Elisha's request because Elisha's motives were pure. his main goal was not to be better or more powerful than Elijah, but to accomplish more for God. If our motives are pure, we don't have to be afraid to ask great things from God. When we ask God for great power or ability, we need to examine our desires and get rid of any selfishness we find. To have the Holy Spirit's help, we must be willing to ask.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little sin can be the first step in turning away from God. (1 Kings 11:9-10)

1 Kings 11:9-10

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁹ The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. ¹⁰ He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the Lord’s command.

Solomon didn't turn away from God all at once or in a brief moment. His spiritual coldness started with a minor departure from God's laws. Over the years, that little sin grew until it resulted in Solomon's downfall. A little sin can be the first step in turning away from God. It is not the sins we don't know about, but the sins we excuse, that cause us the greatest trouble. We must never let any sin go unchallenged. In your life, is an unchallenged sin spreading like a deadly cancer? Don't excuse it. Confess this sin to God and ask Him for strength to resist temptation.

Joe

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. (1 Kings 11:3)

1 Kings 11:3

New Living Translation (NLT)

³ He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord.

For all his wisdom, Solomon had some weak spots. He could not say no to compromise or to lustful desires. Whether he married to strengthen political alliances or to gain personal pleasure, these foreign wives led him into idolatry. You may have strong faith, but you also have weak spots - and that is where temptation usually strikes. Strengthen and protect your weaker areas because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If Solomon, the wisest man, could fall, so can you.

 

Joe

Honoring God (1 Kings 6:7)

1 Kings 6:7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷ The stones used in the construction of the Temple were finished at the quarry, so there was no sound of hammer, ax, or any other iron tool at the building site.

 

In honor of God, the temple in Jerusalem was built without the sound of a hammer or any other tool at the building site. This meant that the stone had to be cut and shaped miles away at the quarry. The people's honor and respect for God extended to every aspect of constructing this house of worship. This detail is recorded not to teach us how to build a church, but to show us the importance of demonstrating care, concern, honor, and respect for God and His sanctuary.

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family should always be the top priority. (1 Kings 5:13-14)

1 Kings 5:13-14

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹³ Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel. ¹⁴ He sent them to Lebanon in shifts, 10,000 every month, so that each man would be one month in Lebanon and two months at home...

Solomon drafted three times the number of workers needed for the temple project and then arranged their schedules so they didn't have to be away from home for long periods of time. This showed his concern for the welfare of his workers and the importance he placed on family life. The strength of a nation is in direct proportion to the strength of its families. Solomon wisely recognized that family should always be a top priority. As you structure your own work or arrange the schedules of others, watch for the impact of your plans on families.

Joe

God's wisdom is available to us. (1 Kings 3:16-28)

1 Kings 3:16-28

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁶ Some time later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled. ¹⁷ “Please, my lord,” one of them began, “this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby while she was with me in the house. ¹⁸ Three days later this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there were only two of us in the house.
¹⁹ “But her baby died during the night when she rolled over on it. ²⁰ Then she got up in the night and took my son from beside me while I was asleep. She laid her dead child in my arms and took mine to sleep beside her. ²¹ And in the morning when I tried to nurse my son, he was dead! But when I looked more closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t my son at all.”
²² Then the other woman interrupted, “It certainly was your son, and the living child is mine.”
“No,” the first woman said, “the living child is mine, and the dead one is yours.” And so they argued back and forth before the king.
²³ Then the king said, “Let’s get the facts straight. Both of you claim the living child is yours, and each says that the dead one belongs to the other. ²⁴ All right, bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought to the king.
²⁵ Then he said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other!”
²⁶ Then the woman who was the real mother of the living child, and who loved him very much, cried out, “Oh no, my lord! Give her the child—please do not kill him!”
But the other woman said, “All right, he will be neither yours nor mine; divide him between us!”
²⁷ Then the king said, “Do not kill the child, but give him to the woman who wants him to live, for she is his mother!”

²⁸ When all Israel heard the king’s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.

Solomon's settlement of this dispute was a classic example of his wisdom. The wise ruling was verification that God had answered Solomon's prayer and given him a discerning heart. We have God's wisdom available to us as we pray and request it. But, like Solomon, we must put it into action. Applying wisdom to life demonstrates our discernment.

Joe

 

 

 

Return to God and be forgiven. (2 Samuel 12:20-24)

2 Samuel 12:20-24

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

²⁰ Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the Lord. After that, he returned to the palace and was served food and ate.
²¹ His advisers were amazed. “We don’t understand you,” they told him. “While the child was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the child is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again.”
²² David replied, “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ ²³ But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.”

²⁴ Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and David named him Solomon. The Lord loved the child.

David did not continue to dwell on his sin. He returned to God, and God forgave him, opening the way to begin life anew. When we return to God, accept his forgiveness, and change our ways, he gives us a fresh start. To feel forgiven as David did, admit your sins to God and turn to Him. Then move ahead with a new and fresh approach to life.

 

Joe

Balance your actions with your faith. (2 Samuel 10:12)

2 Samuel 10:12

New International Version (NIV)

¹² Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

^{There must be a balance in life between our actions and our faith in God. David said, "Let us fight bravely," In other words, they should do what they could, using their resources. But he also said, "The Lord will do good in His sight." He knew that the outcome was in God's hands. We should use our minds and our resources to obey God, while at the same time trusting God for the outcome.}

^Joe

 

 

 

Are you able to forgive those who have wronged you. (2 Samuel 9:7)

2 Samuel 9:7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷ “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

His treatment of Mephibosheth shows David's integrity as a leader who accepted his obligation to show love and mercy. His generous provision for Jonathan's son goes beyond any political benefit he might of received. Are you able to forgive those who have wronged you. Can you be generous with those less deserving? Each time we show compassion, our character is strengthened.

Joe

 

(Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife Patricia)

 

 

 

 

 

Be patient. (2 Samuel 5:4-5)

2 Samuel 5:4-5

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. ⁵ He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years and six months, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.

David did not become king over all Israel until he was 37 years old, although he had been promised the kingdom many years earlier. During those years, David had to wait patiently for the fulfillment of God's promise. If you feel pressured to achieve instant results and success, remember David's patience. Just as his time of waiting prepared him for his important task, a waiting period may help prepare you by strengthening your character.

Joe