Blog Entries - December 2007

Theology vs Practice

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:37:19 +0100

How difficult is it to hold in balance self-development and giving ourselves for others?

James 2.14-26

Reference: v. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder.

Explore: This is James' most famous passage, where the writer says that faith without deeds is dead. We may believe in God but if we put no action behind it then our faith stands for nothing.

Application: I have been thinking about Theological education lately. It's not that I want to go back and do more (somehow I passed my degree and I'm surprised everytime I see my graduating certificate!) It's obvious to me that I am not a deep theological thinker, and I'm ok with that. I see myself as having more practical and simple theology for the everyday person to be able to understand. However I've been trying to think of a purpose for deeper theological knowledge. I know the more I studied the more questions I had and the harder my faith seemed to be! But there are certainly people who just love deeper theological understanding and exploration.
I guess if there were no deeper theological exploration I may not be in my current position, maybe women would never have been allowed into ministry. And if there were not the deep theologians we would be stuck in the dark ages of theology and maybe the Reformation would never have happened!?
I guess it all comes down to balance, doesn't it? If I was to purely focus on the practical then my faith would not be sustained. If someone was to purely focus on the theological then their faith would not be complete. As my husband once told me, "When we get to Heaven, we'll all get a 7/10 for theology." We'll all have some bits right and some bits wrong but it all comes down to how we use that theology to build God's Kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, I'm a simple person. I will never fully understand you or this world you have created but I thank you for that and live in the knowledge that all things are in Your mighty hands. Amen.

Law Breaker

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:32:47 +0100

It's always easier to point the finger at a 'wrong-doer' than acknowledge the wrong things in our own lives.

James 2.1-13

Reference: v.10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Explore: Chapter two begins by telling us not to favour rich people over poor people, because the only reason we would do so is to gain something from them. I wonder whether we tend to favour some sins over others also. Even in our overly sex-crazed world, religious people tend to see sexual sin as a greater offense than other sins. However this verse reminds us that all sin is equal for we trip on one part and we are guilty of breaking it all.

Application: If we are to look at the two commandments that Jesus gave as His Top 2 then we can see that we all fall short of keeping all the commandments. While 'Love God and Love Others' seems so basic, I think Jesus pinpointed the most challenging of commandments as well. As soon as I say something nasty about another person, I am guilty of breaking all laws. As soon as I prioritise myself over building God's kingdom, again I am guilty of breaking all laws.
When we acknowledge how easily we break all laws, we should have more mercy on others who have broken them more publicly.

Prayer: Lord, I'm often so quick to judge others for their wrong doing and yet forget to see how much wrong I have done myself. I'm sorry for the pain I have caused you and others. Forgive me Lord, I pray. Amen.

Vanity vs Wisdom

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:12:47 +0100

While we are not to forget how we look in the mirror, it does help to be appropriate for the day ahead.

James 1.19-27

Reference: v. 25 But the person who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.

Explore: I am not completely vain but I do want to present as respectable, so a mirror is a part of my regular morning ritual. It's not that I have forgotten what I looked like the previous morning, it's just that after the night's sleep there is often work to be done! The writer of James, while warning us against forgetfulness, does use the words 'continues to do this'.

Application: When we apply this repetition to the Word of God we find that we can learn so much more about how to live and our purpose in life. Just like I look at myself in the mirror on a daily basis, I act according to how I currently look and what my actions that day will be - make up or not, hair up or down etc. Likewise, if we read God's word daily we are able to apply it to our actions throughout the day. Not just a one off event but a daily part of our daily preparation.

Prayer: Lord, Your Word is a lamp to our feet, needed daily to guide our steps. Thank you for your constant wisdom. Amen.

Rock bottom

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:02:01 +0100

Even during trials we can make gains with God James 1.1-18 Reference: v.2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Explore: In this one passage there are so many things that stick out to me, but this familiar verse always seems to strike a cord. The writer of James has clearly endured trials before - maybe severe trials, maybe everyday trials. Yet he is relective enough to see that if we have faith as we go through these trials then we gain perseverance, maturity and wholeness. Application: I would love to be those kind of people who see the positive side of trials. Unfortunately I do tend to become a bit of a God-whinger when difficulty arises. God probably pulls me through the trial just to stop me whinging to Him! This past year seems to have been particularly difficult. It got to the point when the only positive thing I could see was that I had hit such rock bottom that I didn't think it could possibly get any worse!However, putting my foolishness aside, I do know that while sorrow, darkness and despair was terribly difficult to endure, it was in these moments that I found myself clinging to the only One who can restore me: my loving Heavenly Father. Prayer: Lord, it is in the darkness that I truly witness Your Light. Thank you for being there in the good times and the bad, the celebrations and the times of despair. You are eternally generous. Amen.

Christmas Day

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100

This verse reminds me that just like the Saviour can come from one of the lesser cities, God can also make something beautiful come out of my life.

Matthew 2.1-12

Reference: v.6
"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." (NIV Bible)

Explore: After finishing 2 Samuel yesterday, I thought that on this very special day I would focus on the birth of Christ - strange I know! This verse was taken from Micah and told to the wise men to help them continue their journey to worship the king of the Jews. Bethlehem was not the biggest or the best city, and yet the Saviour of the world was born there.

Application: As I already begin to look back on the year that has been I notice many joys but this year I particularly notice many sorrows, personal sorrows. It seems like it's been quite a rollercoaster ride at times. And yet this verse reminds me that just like the Saviour can come from one of the lesser cities, God can also make something beautiful come out of my life. No matter how steep the rollercoaster ride has been I know that Jesus was born, He has changed my life forever and that I am ever thankful.

Prayer: Lord, how can I ever thank you for your amazing gift to all people. You are truly the Saviour of all. Amen.

The grace of our Father

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:42:35 +0100

David had gone against God's will and had to pay a severe consequence.

2 Samuel 24.1-25

Reference: v. 14 David said to Gad, "I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."

Explore: David had done the wrong thing by counting his troops, and because our God is a just god He punished David for his wrong doing. Due to his mercy however He gave David a choice of three punishments and he decided to take window number 3 which was three days of plague on the land. None of the options held a $1 million ticket! David's decision may have seemed foolish as God is stronger than famine and men, however David knew that His mercy was also greater.

Application: It's hard to imagine the mighty King David being treated like a rebellious teenager by God. I know with our teenager we will often give her the option of choicing the consequence to her bad behaviour, but the annointed king?!! However, when you consider the wisdom of God compared to that of the wisest person ever, then I'm not sure us mere humans would even reach teenage levels!! And yet our God is, and always has been a just god. While He is gracious beyond our understanding by forgiving all our sins, ew also pay the consequences for the wrong we do; that is true justice. It's hard to understand but He wouldn't be our Heavenly 'Father' if He didn't.

Prayer: Lord, I'm constantly amazed at your wisdom and grace. Thank you for continually pouring it out on all of us. Amen.

Blast from the past

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:12:38 +0100

We are given a snapshot of some of the mighty men who fought for David

2 Samuel 23.1-39

Reference: v. 10a ...but he (Eleazar) stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword.

Explore: Here the writer is going back through the mighty men that fought for David and giving certain acknowledgements for those who showed bravery, courage and great success.

Application: This passage reminds me of all my uncles sitting around telling yarns of times gone by. Sure enough there are few stories about battles and killing in our family history (!!) but it brings the feel of someone reminiscing. While it is very easy for the past to be looked upon with rose-coloured glasses, it is an important method of reflection and learning to be able to gain renewed courage and learning from the things that have happened before us.
The Bible was written thousands of years ago and it is through pouring over it's pages and exploring more of God's history, that we are able to get a deeper understanding of God.

Prayer: Lord, you are eternal. You were in the beginning and will be forever. May I learn from the past and forever hold you in my future. Amen.

When the going gets tough

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:32:01 +0100

David looks back at his kingship and notices God's presence and power throughout

2 Samuel 22.25-51

Reference: v.30 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

Explore: David has written a song of praise to the Lord. In all of his journey as king he can look back and see that God was present with him. It's a bit like the poem 'Footprints': during the hard times, that was when God carried you.

Application: When we are actually in the midst of difficult times it's often hard to see through the haze of turmoil and emotion, however God promised that He would always be there, and He never breaks His promises. If we endure those hard times, knowing that God is with us each step of the way, then our faith will certainly be strengthened and our perspective through the storm clearer.

Prayer: Lord, You know that often during difficult times we turn away from You. But You are our strength and our deliverer. May we always rely on Your presence. Amen.

Glory gifts

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:40:34 +0100

David may have been a warrior but he never stopped being a songwriter

2 Samuel 22.1-25

Reference: v.1 David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

Explore: When I think of King David my mind tends to go straight to the battles he fought and his complicated family life. I forget that at the very beginning of his life he was a shepherd and a musician. It's great to see that nearing the end of his life as he reflects back on all his battles he goes back to the strength he had as a boy - writing songs.

Application: No matter how young or old, no matter how mature or inexperienced, we can use any gift that God has given us to bring him glory. David used a song which is such a beautiful way to express love and appreciation to our Redeemer however it is only one of the many various ways we can express glory to God. God created us, so surely when we use the gifts he has given us we are bringing glory to our Creator.

Prayer: Lord, I am so quick to see my negative points that I forget that you have made each person with gifts and abilities to glorify You. May I bring praise to you in everything I do today. Amen.

Flying Solo

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100

When David started to struggle during a battle he realised that he could no longer fight on his own.

2 Samuel 21.1-22

Reference: v.15 Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.

Explore: From all the great fighting scenes of King David, right from the beginning when he defeated Goliath, it's refreshing to still see David's mortality. He had fought many battles and endured many hardships and here we see that David 'became exhausted'. And it's at this point that Abishai came to David's rescue and fought his fight for him.

Application: Sometimes I become so stubborn and strong-willed that I feel I need to fight every battle on my own. I step out on my own and don't allow anyone to assist me in case they think I'm incompetent and stupid. However there are times where we become exhausted and we literally can't do it on our own. When someone comes to our defense we finally realise that we don't actually have to fight every battle on our own. There are people around us willing to pitch in and help. But it's only when we feel out of our depth that we let someone else come in and assist. Unfortunately, a lot of the time we do this in our relationship with God. We venture out on our own and believe we can do everything by ourselves, however we hit a challenge and it all becomes too much and we feel overwhelmed. It's often in these times when we cry out for God that He comes near. It's when we rely fully on God that He can step in and allow miracles to happen. Sometimes we just need to be quicker at handing over the reigns to God instead of thinking we can do it all on our own.

Prayer: Lord, forgive my arrogance when I try to do everything in my own power. You are the Almighty and I can accomplish so much more through you. Amen.

The Power of One

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:20:34 +0100

Sheba had gone against David and lead the men of Israel astray. Hundreds had desserted David because of this one man.

2 Samuel 20.1-26

Reference: v. 21 "A man named Sheba son of Bicri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I'll withdraw from the city."

Explore: David was finally getting his troops together and heading back to Jerusalem but then Sheba came along and divided his troops yet again. One person can have a huge impact on many people. In this passage it only took one person to divide an entire army. Sure enough there were divisions and arguments already starting to happen. But generally there is one strong leader needed to really make the division complete.

Application: Imagine if Sheba was able to use his leadership and influence for unity instead of division. He probably wouldn't have ended up without his head! So often, as leaders, we try to do things all on our own and create our own empire. However, we can still be a leader and work alongside others to build a better world, instead of just building a better world-about-me. It takes more time and a lot more communication but if we are willing to work with other leaders we will find that together we can have a much greater impact.

Prayer: Lord, so often I just want to go it alone. Help me to keep others in mind and look towards the greater good. Amen.

Big Heart

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:53:14 +0100

David was noted to open his home to the disabled and the elderly.

2 Samuel 19.30-43

Reference: v.33 The king said to Barzillai, "Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you."

Explore: I believe that David has a very big, compassionate heart - I wonder whether that's part of the reason he has so many family troubles! However here we see him opening up his home once again. Barzillai may be very rich but he explains the his limitations of his age. David would have known that full well and yet he still invites him to Jerusalem so that David can take care of him. It made me think straight back to when David opened his home to Mephibosheth. David had a big heart and was willing to invite people into his home in a generous spirit.

Application: There are lots of generous people in our world. Particularly when a crisis hits we see people digging really deep to support and show concern for others. However, there's something special about someone opening their home to another. I don't know whether it's a generational change or just the fact that I grew up in the country, but people don't seem to open up their homes as much any more. We had a new minister arrive at our church and I constantly heard people say, "I'll let you settle in and then you must come over for tea." However, the invitation was never followed through. My husband and I were looked on quite strangely from our friends as we had a boarder living with us for three years of our marriage.
People tend to be generous, to a point, but then all their barriers come up. Our God is the greatest example of generosity. He was so generous that He gave his own son. Surely if we are to follow in his leading we need to up the ante on our generosity.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your endless generosity. May I see everything that I have as a gift from you, that is meant to be shared with everyone I meet. Amen.

Head-in-the-sand leadership

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:48:30 +0100

The people of Israel were talking about reappointing David but the leaders were doing nothing about it

2 Samuel 19.9-30

Reference: v. 11 King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: "Ask the elders of Judah, 'Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters?'

Explore: Absalom had been defeated, there was no one on the throne of Israel and so all the people were starting to ask why David had not been invited back as king. It seems that all the common folk were asking the good questions and yet the leadership of the country were taking their time in confronting the issues before them.

Application: It's sad to say that we often find this in some church leadership too. If there is an issue that is common knowledge to everyone sometimes it can be the leadership that are the last ones willing to confront it. If we are in any position of leadership it is our responsibility to know what is important to the people we are leading. We don't always have to bow down to everything the people want, but it's certainly important for us to understand what they're thinking. Even David in his exiled state was aware of what the people were saying. God always hears what we are saying. He doesn't always jump at our every whime but we can be assured that He has heard.

Prayer: Lord, there are often big issues that come up in life that make me want to just bury my head in the sand. However I know that with your strength I can do anything. Help me to be wise and understanding today. Amen.

Wake up and smell the coffee

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:56:43 +0100

Joab had to stand up to David as his mourning for Absalom affected the whole army

2 Samuel 18.1-19.8

Reference: v. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.

Explore: David's men had gone into a difficult battle against Absalom and when they had defeated the army and returned home, David was more sorrowful for his dead mutinous son than for his whole army that had fought in honor of his name. Joab must have been furious with David as his emotions impacted the whole army. He could have rebelled against David and taken the whole army with him, but instead he told David to wake up and smell the coffee. He was brave enough to stand up to David, to help him notice the negative impact he was having on all his supporters and to tell him what he needed to do to change the situation.

Application: Sometimes we all need a big kick up the backside. We may be wallowing in our own self pity or on a destructive path. It takes a very brave friend to tell us to pull our finger out and start thinking of other people our self-destructive path may be affecting.
If we notice someone in that position then it is a responsibility to put a mirror up to them and help them see what is happening. It's easier to talk to their other friends about them and even start whinging ourselves however we need to be like Joab in this situation: firm, confronting with assistance of a solution.

Prayer: Lord, so often it's easier just to complain about someone else than to confront and assist them. Help me to have thicker skin by standing up for what I see as right and just. Amen.

I will go

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:53:47 +0100

David was willing to step out into battle with all his troops

2 Samuel 18.1-18

Reference: v.2b The king told the troops, "I myself will surely march out with you."

Explore: The king had been fleeing Absalom and his army for a while now but it was now time for them to stand and fight. As David gathered all his troops he declared that he was willing to go out and fight with all his men. In contrast to yesterday's reading, we see here a man willing to do what he commands his followers to do.

Application: David began as a servant leader and continued to be until late in his reign when he fought against his own Son and the army of Israel. It shows the integrity of a leader if they are willing to put themselves on the line for what they believe is right. It shows some of the really important characteristics of a leader: passion, purpose, dedication.
Often we sit under leadership which is apathetic and complacent. Yet when we have the opportunity to work with people who are passionate and purposeful we are able to feel like we're really having an impact. No matter what you do, you are a leader to someone. Be an inspiring leader by being willing to put your own life on the line for the cause.

Prayer: Lord, even when we are in the leadership position often the task feels daunting and overwhelming. Give me courage to work for what I truly believe in. Amen.

Life on the edge

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:24:10 +0100

Two men hide in a well for safety until they are able to tell King David of Absalom's plan

2 Samuel 17.17-29

Reference: v.18 But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.

Explore: There is so much that happens in this short passage. Men hide, a woman conceals, someone suicides, a plot is foiled and an army is provided for. But I think the whole adventure of hiding in a well and being concealed from assassins struck with my vivid imagination. These men had a mission to inform King David of Absalom's attack. They were mere men waiting for a message but it nearly cost them their life.

Application: Imagine having a job where you could die at any moment. I certainly haven't taken up that kind of profession... yet! I think the closest I've come to thinking I was going to die was when I was 10 and went on a rollercoaster for the first time. My family still delights in reminding me of the scene I caused! There are workcover ads at the moment that show a manager asking one of their workers to do a dangerous, life-debilitating job and the question is asked: Would you do what you tell your workers to do?
Now, as Christians we are all given a task: to Love God and Love Others. While I live in Australia in 2007 that is not a life-threatening task. But if it was, would I still pursue it? How much are we committed to following God? Would you continue on the journey even after having to hide in the well to save your life? Our faith journey may not be life threatening but we are often confronted with challenges. It's at those times when our faith is stretched that we come into the true fulfillment of our life in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, no one enjoys difficult times. But if we stay focused on you, we know that you can bring something beautiful out of disaster and dispair. Amen.

Exerting Authority

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:51:31 +0100

Absalom had a perverted way of showing he had power in Jerusalem

2 Samuel 16.15-17.16

Reference: v. 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

Explore: OK, so I agree with you, this is a very random and unusual verse for me to select! But I was so disturbed by this verse that I had to admit that it was the one verse that stuck out to me the most.
Here we have Absalom who has forced himself upon the throne of David and in an act to show his power he sleeps with the ten concubines that David had left behind.
There are so many issues wrapped up in this one verse. But the one that stood out for me was his abuse of power. To begin with we see that he is a complete hypocrite. Three chapters earlier Absalom kills Amnon for raping his sister. Now we see him laying with all of David's concubines. And he did all this in such a public way to show off his power and authority. He certainly was not acting like someone who deserved to sit on the God-anointed throne.

Application: Power can be a dangerous thing. When we are in lowly positions we ofetn look on people with power and authority with rose coloured glasses; they get the good car park, they get to choose the best shifts at work, they get the better office... And yet when you are in a position of power you know that it comes with a great deal more responsibility, stress and pressure. Not often do the perks of a higher position outweigh the heftier burden placed on your shoulders.
In this passage we see Absalom take a total disregard for people he has power over. And yet are we always power-perfect? Do we expect others to do the jobs we'd hate to do? Do we have higher expectations on others than we have on ourselves? Do we take for granted the perks that come with the authority and not show understanding to those without? While Absalom showed his disrespect in a horrendously public way, sometimes our little, subtle boast of power can be just as offensive to someone working under you. Jesus had power over the disciples and yet He washed their feet. How will you use your power today?

Prayer: Lord, we all have power in some way, whether over one person or many. Help me to disvoer more ways of washing those people's feet. Amen.

Fleeing, rejected and abused

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 08:49:04 +0100

David was coming up against hardship at every turn but he still endured all to serve God faithfully

2 Samuel 16.1-14

Reference: v. 5b-6a His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king's officials with stones...

Explore: David was not having a good time. In fact we read of three terrible things happening all at once.
1. His son had taken over Jerusalem and if David had not have fled Absalom would have killed him.
2. Jonathan's son, whom David had sought and cared for, had rejected him in the hope that Israel would return to Saul's house.
3. On top of all of this, Sheimei comes out and throws curses and stones at all of David's army.
This stage of David's life is certainly supporting the saying 'Bad things come in threes'. And yet, David seems to take it all on the chin. Even right to the final point when Abishai offers to cut off Sheimei's head for cursing them and David holds back his sword.

Application: I may not have been fleeing for my life but a few weeks ago I certainly had a terribly hard week. It seemed like I was banging my head against brick walls which ever way I turned. To top it all off an at-risk family which I had worked closely with for two years got some misleading advice and cut off all connections with me. I must say, I was not as humble and calm as David was in this passage. I was hurt and furious and once I had calmed down I decided to throw my own personal pity-party. There were lots of questions thrown at God and in the end I finished with: "What's the point? I do everything I can to help someone and it all just gets thrown back in my face." It was one of the few times I really felt that God spoke to me. He said: You didn't do it for them, you did it for Me. Well, that certainly changed my perspective. I was still hurt and fragile but at least I didn't feel all my work was meaningless and lost.
So often we seek our rewards here on earth and yet when we serve our Lord, the only applause we should be seeking is that from nail-scarred hands.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being so gracious that you would use this broken vessel to do your work. Amen.

Somebody to lean on

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David was fleeing from Absalom but he was willing to accept the support from an unlikely subject

2 Samuel 15.1-37

Reference: v.22 David said to Ittai, "Go ahead, march on." So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him.

Explore: David had to flee from Jerusalem for Absalom was coming to overthrow him. As he was leaving Ittai the Gittite followed the king to show allegiance to him. David gave him the chance to turn back and stay in Jerusalem but Ittai expressed undying support to David. So David allowed him to continue on.

Application: So often my independence gets the better of me and I try to do everything myself. It's a character flaw from a very young age. Apparently even as a child I use to say "I do it I self!" However there are some things in life that are very difficult. There are times when we feel that we are pushing against brick walls wherever we turn. And it's in those times that we need to reach out and grab the hand that is offered in support. Instead of trying to do everything ourselves and endure all the challenges, we need to remember that there are often people who love us and want to be there for us. And above everything that a friend or family member can do, we have the Creator of the Universe who loves us and is there for us every single step of the way. Reach out to Him. Don't try to do it on your own.

Prayer: Lord, I'm sorry that my independent nature often gets the better of me. I know I need to rely on you more. When I am in your hands all things are possible. Thank you for your undying support. Amen.

Love is Blindness

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:22:13 +0100

David does not see the mutiny from his own son

2 Samuel 15.1-12

Reference: v. 9 The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he went to Hebron.

Explore: Absalom has arrived back in Jerusalem and has now spent four years deceiving the king and stealing the hearts of David’s people. And when Absalom goes to David to ask permission to go to Hebron, David does nothing and lets Absalom go. Now, I’m not sure whether David knows about Absalom’s conspiracy but when it comes to his family, David certainly fulfils the saying ‘Love is Blindness’. While David brings the whole of Israel under his rule, he struggles to lead his own sons.

Application: Now, I’m a big believer that everyone makes their own decisions. Let’s face it, even God’s children make foolish decisions, so a human’s child is bound to go down the same track! However, it is still a father’s responsibility to hold his son accountable. David was able to chastise his army commander and yet not his own son.
No one likes discipline. And as a parent, I don’t even like dishing out discipline. However if we don’t hold one person accountable then they may have a negative effect on many people. If we see sin in someone’s life then we need to act with boldness and love to help them to be accountable to God’s ways.

Prayer: Lord, your ways are perfect and just. Help me to see the folly in my own decisions and continually redirect my path back to you. Amen.