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Christian Devotional – October 17, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 24 VERSE: 2 Samuel 24:24–But the king replied to Araunah, “No I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them. TRUTH: What so we bring to God? Are we giving Him our leftovers, our second-hands, and our borrowed things? Or, do we present to God our very best? God is worthy of our best and David knew that part of offering a sacrifice, was the sacrifice part. Are we willing to sacrifice something to be able…
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Christian Devotional – October 16, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 23 VERSE: 2 Samuel 23:2–The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me, his word was on my tongue. TRUTH: Does this describe every word that we speak? If not, why not? God works in and through us every day and as we surrender to Him, He will work and speak through us even more. If we are not surrendered to Him, then our words and actions will be our own, not His. Are we surrendered to Him today and allowing Him to fill us so that His words become our words? RESPONSE: Father, I surrender to You today. Take me and use me as You will.…
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Christian Devotional – October 15, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 22 VERSE: 2 Samuel 22:3–my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior–from violent people you save me. TRUTH: When we face difficulty, and we will face difficulty, where do we turn for refuge, strength, and salvation? God is all of these things for us. Interestingly, God is described as a stronghold and a rock, both strong and mighty, but both require that we come to them to take part of the protection they provide. God is our protection, but are we coming to Him and allowing Him to…
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Christian Devotional – October 14, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 21 VERSE: 2 Samuel 21:3–David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?” TRUTH: Are we willing to step up when we’ve done wrong and attempt to make things right? Are we willing to even ask the question? So often, we want to shy away from people or situations where a wrong has been committed instead of boldly taking the step to restore. What relationship do we need to seek to restore today? Will we be willing to face the situation? RESPONSE: Father, I praise You and I know that through You…
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Christian Devotional – October 13, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 20 VERSE: 2 Samuel 20:16–a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.” TRUTH: In the midst of a siege against her city, a wise woman was willing to risk her life to see if she could bring an end to the strife. Do we have the courage to bring wisdom to others even in situations that are dangerous or when people may not want it? This woman was able to save her whole town because she was bold enough to speak the words of wisdom that God gave her. RESPONSE: Father, You are the…
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Christian Devotional – October 12, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 19 VERSE: 2 Samuel 19:6–You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today tat the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. TRUTH: David’s army had just won a huge victory over a rebelling army. However, because the leader of the rebellion, David’s son Absalom, was killed, David was active as if he had lost. Joab comes to him and reminds him to show gratitude and loyalty to the people who had served him and fought for him. Do…
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Christian Devotional – October 11, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 18 VERSE: 2 Samuel 18:9–Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in mid-air, while the mule he was riding kept on going. TRUTH: Absalom was very proud of his hair. In previous chapters we read how his hair was very valued and was a source of pride to him. Yet, that was exactly what God used to bring about his death. If we value something above God, He will often allow that very thing to be what…
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Christian Devotional – October 10, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 17 VERSE: 2 Samuel 17:14b–For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. TRUTH: When we are out of God’s will, it can feel like everything is working against us. There’s a reason for that: God is working against us, or against our selfish desires and plans. God desires to frustrate our workings so that we will turn back to Him and seek only Him. If we are living in rebellion to Him, then we can expect God to be doing things to get our attention. Are we paying attention and seeking to follow Him? RESPONSE:…
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Christian Devotional – October 9, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 16 VERSE: 2 Samuel 16:12–It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today. TRUTH: David was fleeing from his son who was trying to kill him. Now, David was encountering a man who was cursing him. Instead of getting angry, David simply indicates that he will trust in the Lord. When we are going through hard times and when it feels like the whole world is against us, will we rest in God knowing that the Lord will restore his covenant blessing instead of the curses and difficulties? RESPONSE: Father, Your blessing…
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Christian Devotional – October 8, 2014
Read 2 Samuel chapter 15 VERSE: 2 Samuel 15:31–Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” TRUTH: King David’s son Absalom was attempting to take over the throne and David was fleeing into the countryside. Then David hears that his trusted advisor has turned and gone over to Absalom’s camp. How does he respond? David offers a prayer that God will intervene. In many situations, if not all of them, we find ourselves completely at the mercy of God. We cannot act or intervene. David could do nothing about his advisor switching sides. God knows we can…