Blog Entries - November 2007

Personal ambition

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Absalom abused his leadership position for his own personal vendetta

2 Samuel 13.23-39

Reference: v.28 Absalom ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Have not I given you this order? Be strong and brave.”

Explore: I can totally understand Absalom’s rage towards Amnon. He had raped Absalom’ sister, Tamar, and then rejected her, condemning her to a life of an outcast and Absalom had taken her in to protect her from a life of tragedy. I’m not sure I would have been particularly pleasant towards Amnon. However, Absalom did not take things into his own hands. While he did order his men to kill Amnon, he pressured them into a murder situation leaving the blood on their hands.

Application: Absalom’s men were obedient to him. Although it does sound like they were a little hesitant as he had to reinforce his order to kill three times: ‘don’t be afraid’; ‘have not I given you this order?’; ‘Be strong and brave’. When we have influence on other people, we have extra responsibility to ensure that those people are themselves living lives of integrity. I once heard a leadership saying: Don’t ask anyone to do anything you wouldn’t be willing to do. Absalom certainly didn’t uphold this style of leadership. He brought his own personal agenda to his workers. Whatever leadership position we may be in, to be Godly leaders we must have respect for those we lead and not bring our own personal vendettas into a situation.

Prayer: Lord, so often I am selfish and want what’s best for me. Help me to take more responsibility in my leadership roles. Amen.

Wise advisors

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Amnon was easily led astray with horrendous advice
2 Samuel 13.1-22

Reference: ; v. 3 Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab son of Simeah, David’s brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man.

Explore: Even at a time when God’s anointed king was on the throne, there was still abuse and destruction in the world, and even in the king’s own family. Here we read of Amnon raping his father’s own daughter and stripping her of any place in society. And where did he get this horrendous idea? His friend and relative Jonadab. Now if Jonadab had not suggested this foul deed, maybe Amnon would never have thought such a cunning plan, however it was still Amnon who decided to carry off the horrendous act.

Application: There will always be people giving us advice. Whether it is through the TV and media or whether it is a close friend who shares their opinion, there will always be someone giving their suggestions towards a situation. However, when it comes down to it, the buck stops at you. You are the one making the decision and therefore will pay any consequences that come from the actions made. Therefore we all need to be wise with the advice we are given and seek it from the right channels. And as we are gathering all the advice we need to constantly be praying through the situation, asking the Wisest, All-knowing Creator to give us true wisdom from Him.

Prayer: Lord, you understand each situation and you already know the desire of our hearts. Give us wisdom and the courage of our convictions to follow you and worship you with our whole lives. Amen.

Wise investments

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:05:10 +0100

God gave David everything and yet he still wanted more

2 Samuel 12.1-31

Reference: v. 8 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.

Explore: Our God is a very generous god. He is saying here to David that He gave him everything and yet David still took what was not his, in the wife of Urriah the Hittite. God gave David everything he needed, and so much more. And in this verse we are reminded that God gives abundantly to his anointed king. And yet, in true human form, David does not feel he has enough and is driven for more.

Application: I have a friend who says that when he becomes a millionaire he will give money to a developing country in order for them to have clean water. I may be pessimistic, but when he gets that amount of money I doubt whether he will think of giving some away. Once he gets 1 million he will start working towards the 2nd million. If he doesn’t have a generous heart with a little, he will not be transformed just by having more money. We need to be good stewards of everything we have, whether it is a little or a lot. God has given us everything we have and he has given us the free will to use it wisely.

Prayer: Lord, I know that I always default back to being selfish. I’m sorry. I will strive to use my finances and assets more wisely to honour you. Amen.

Negative assumptions

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:08:33 +0100

Even though Nahash had shown kindness to David, his son decided for himself

2 Samuel 10.1-19

Reference: v. 2 David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Hahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father.

Explore: I don’t believe in generation gaps. I think that everyone should be addressed as an individual according to their personality, not their age. And so here we find David addressing Hanun in remembrance of the favour that his father showed David. And yet Hanun was clearly swayed by his nobles than his father and decided to reject David’s sympathy offering rather than receive it in peace.

Application: There are many churches that struggle with the old verses the young. There are constant battles over really “important” things like pews, music and clothing!! And yet it is an ‘ism’ that has emerged just like racism and sexism: through not knowing each other you can put the other group down as much as you like. In this passage we’ve read Hanun has not got to know David like his father did but made an assumption based on David’s race and position. We all make decisions about other people but as we can see from this story it’s important to be more like Nahash rather than Hanun and know people before you make judgment on them.

Prayer: Lord, while our world is becoming more multicultural we still see strong evidence of racism. If we start breaking down barriers we will see that everyone is a child of God and made in your image. Help us to make wise and honourable decisions so that we can share your love with everyone. Amen.

David�s grace

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:12:04 +0100

David provides for his enemy’s descendent

2 Samuel 9.1-13

Reference: v. 7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

Explore: David discovers an ancestor of Saul and wants to provide for all his needs. Now, let’s put this in perspective: David was seeking any ancestor of Saul, whether he was to be Jonathan’s so or not. I must say, David had an incredible love for Jonathan and an incredible capacity to forgive. It is beyond my comprehension that he would actually seek out an ancestor of Saul to show kindness to them to honour his friendship with Jonathan. He had been at war with Saul’s army for many years and while he had finally become king over all of Israel, it would have been understandable for David to still hold a grudge.

Application: No matter which way I look at it, I know that I would not be as gracious as David. To be honest, I can look in my own life at this very moment and see evidence that I have not been as gracious with some even simpler situations. David’s loyalty to God flowed through to his respect for Saul, as God’s anointed king, all the way to his provision for Mephibosheth, Saul’s disabled grandson. How should our loyalty to God flow through us to everyone we meet today?

Prayer: Lord, you were the perfect example of giving graciously, even to a world of people who do not deserve it. May I share that grace with people in my life today. Amen.

Kingly possessions

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 20:07:16 +0100

David demonstrates what to do with gold and silver

2 Samuel 8.1-18

Reference: v. 11 King David dedicated these articles to the Lord, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued

Explore: I’m so glad we don’t have to protect God’s nation like David. He had to fight many battles and subdue many other nations. But when it came to the reaping of the rewards, David always gave his best in worship to God.

Application: David was very generous in everything he gave to worship and honor God. In all the work I do, I’m not so sure that I am as generous in giving back to God. And yet, it is through God that I have everything I do have. He has given me 100% of all I have. What do I have to offer back to Him? So often we can get very possessive of our money and our worldly goods. We tend to forget that God gave us His most precious Son so that we can have life with Him. We need to consider that all we have is only a temporary gift, so we must be wise with how we use it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that all good things come from you. May I be diligent in giving back to you. Amen.

Long term plans

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:10:36 +0100

God promises to bless the house of David for many years

2 Samuel 7.18-29

Reference: v. 29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.

Explore: David had a long-term plan. David’s plan was so long-term that it went way beyond his own lifespan.
Here we have David praising God for His dedication to David’s ancestors. David is only just establishing his reign as King over Israel, and yet he is encouraged to hear that God’s vision is for his family to reign beyond David himself.

Application: How long is your ‘long-term plan’? I’m hopeless at thinking long term. I mean, I have my diary sorted out until the end of the year with things to do, however I’m always being pushed to set goals and devise a long-term plan. I can’t imagine what my life will be like next year let along in five years time! Yet, one thing in my future that I do know and have planned for, is that when I’ve run my race I will enter into Heaven where I can worship my King forever. That is the most important long term plan to have in place.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace, which allows me to enter into your presence. I long to see you face-to-face and to serve you for all eternity. Amen.

Losing sight

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:19:35 +0100

Even when everything turned out well at the end, David did not lose sight of God

2 Samuel 7.1-17

Reference: v. 2 he (David) said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”

Explore: David certainly didn’t always have it right. There were times when he really made a bad job of things. However, the thing I respect about David was that his heart was always turned towards God. So often in the Old Testament we find that once things get comfortable for the people of Israel, they turn to their old ways and lose focus on God. However, here is David, finally sitting on the throne of Israel which was promised to him decades ago, and yet his heart still turns towards God.

Application: Often we can be more like the Israelites than like King David. When life turns ugly we run to God and ask for help. However, when everything is on easy street we go back to relying on our own strength instead of staying focused on God. King David is a good reminder to us that no matter what situation we are in – whether we are feeling surrounded by enemies or whether our purpose has finally fallen into place – we should always turn to our Heavenly Father who desires us to live a life serving Him.

Prayer: Lord, so often I look to my own abilities and forget that with you I can do so much more. Forgive my disobedience. I thank you for your grace. Amen.

Dance like no one is watching

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David shows us how to truly worship God

2 Samuel 6.1-23

Reference: v. 21-22a David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel – I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.

Explore: I love this passage where David dances before the Ark of the Covenant, for the Lord, in his undies. He strips down to his linen ephod and dances like never before. Clearly his wife hates it because she thinks he looks the fool. But he tells her that he will do many foolish things in human eyes as long as he is celebrating the Lord.

Application: People like to feel dignified. I know that I’m always very conscious of what other people may think of me. Unfortunately this also transfers into my worship of God. David dancing in his undergarment is a big reminder that we mustn’t conform to what is necessarily socially acceptable when we worship God but worship Him like no one else is watching.

Prayer: Lord, you are the Almighty and worthy to be praised. May my whole life be an act of worship for you today. Amen.

Battles ahead

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David had a huge battle in fighting the Philistines, but God was there for him.

2 Samuel 5.1-25

Reference: v. 24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.

Explore: David had a huge task before him. The Philistines were attacking in full force and were not relenting in their attacks. David continued to ask of the Lord whether he really should have been fighting back at the Philistines. I’m sure David isn’t like me, who only goes to the Lord at the last minute when every other avenue has closed. Although he did have to ask the Lord twice and so He went before David and helped defeat the Philistines.

Application: In life we do come up against big challenges. Often our challenges seem insurmountable. If there is anyone we can depend on, it’s God. He has shown us in this passage that He not only sits with us when we feel overwhelmed but He can go before us and help us in every battle that we may face. Let us not forget to rely on God when the battles loom ahead and constantly look to Him for strength and guidance.

Prayer: Lord, so often we think we have the strength to confront things on our own. You are the all powerful God. If You are for us, who can be against us? Thank you for your partnership. Amen.

Expectations

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:28:54 +0100

Due to David’s position of King and head of the army, people expected him to revel in death and slaughter.

2 Samuel 4.1-12

Reference: v. 10 … when a man told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news!

Explore: David was a mighty king, however he did not hold the typical stereotype for a king. Two men have just brought him the head of Saul’s son, David’s opposition, thinking that they would be praised for their bravery and dedication to David. Their reward was the sword. David found it loathsome that they would kill a man while he slept unprotected in his own bed, and that this man was the son of Saul, whom David had respected until his dying days. These men had the wrong perception of David. Because he was an incredible king and defeated many people in battle, they expected this act of cruelty towards his enemy to be celebrated. But David’s heart was bigger than his sword. He was God’s anointed before he was a fighter.

Application: People can make a lot of assumptions about others, particularly those in roles of leadership. Two men assumed David would celebrate murder however we constantly read that David was a man of integrity. Unfortunately this was a rare characteristic of a king in that time, yet David stayed true to his character in God rather than the expectations of humans. It does not matter what realm we may work in, people will put certain expectations on us. However, if we align our lives with Christ we will have the right mould to make Godly decisions and hold the correct character to give us eternal reward.

Prayer: Lord, it’s often easier to go with the flow and set our character mould to those who have gone before us. Help us to be like David and set the mould of our lives around your character. Amen.

Feeling Appreciated

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:37:01 +0100

Abner totally changed sides when he was not appreciated for all the work he had given to the house of Saul.

2 Samuel 3.6-39

Reference: v. 8 Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said and he answered, “Am I a dog’s head – on Judah’s side? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends. I haven’t handed you over to David. Yet now you accuse me of an offense involving this woman!”

Explore: Abner had been loyal to Saul’s house and fought a great battle against David. Yet now Saul’s son had accused him of being unfaithful to Saul by sleeping with one of his concubines. Abner felt hurt, unjustly accused but most of all unappreciated. He had done so much in fighting for Saul’s house and this was the repayment he received. He was so hurt that he didn’t just leave Saul’s house but he intentionally worked hard to support David. When he got to David he had a feast prepared for him (the opposite to that which he found in Saul’s house) and this prompted him to continue working for David.

Application: It’s amazing how much trust and appreciation can contribute to team work. Because Abner was not appreciated for all the work he had done for Saul, he went to the opposite side and contributed in the down fall of the house he once served. I wonder if there are people around us who feel the same as Abner? Unappreciated for all the time and energy they have put into a task. What is our response to them? Do we treat them unfairly by forgetting them or accusing them of things we don’t know they have done? Or do we act like David and allow forgiveness to reign so that everyone can work together towards the good of our Creator? Today, are we going to set about accusing people, or preparing a feast of forgiveness? May our actions can have a positive impact on the people we interact with.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes we can be selfish and not think of the ramifications our accusations may have on others. Help me to be more like David and be willing to forgive rather than accuse. Amen.

Your timing is perfect

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

There was a long time between David being anointed king to when he finally took the crown.

2 Samuel 2.1-3.5

Reference: v. 2.11 The length of time David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

Explore: David had been made king of Judah but was still at war with the rest of Israel. Now, I’m not clever enough to go through scripture and count the years between rulers (I’m sure some brilliant mind has done that already) but let me put the time line this way: Samuel anointed David to be king in 1 Samuel chapter 16. There are 31 chapters in 1 Samuel and it’s not until chapter 5 in 2nd Samuel that David finally becomes king over all of Israel. In other words, there was a large time gap between when David was anointed to when he finally became king. David showed an incredible amount of patience. As soon as he was anointed king he didn’t rush in a take over. Even after Saul died he took things gradually and didn’t use his confidence in God in a rash and dangerous way.

Application: I wish that I could say that I was as patient as David. I see things that need to be done and just do them straight away. While this is good sometimes, often I tend to rush events that require more delicate timing. This does not mean that I need to doubt God’s purpose on my life. David didn’t question God’s anointing just because it took so long, but he also didn’t get cocky with confidence and just take over when it wasn’t the right time. Big decisions are a fine line between knowing you have God’s unwavering backing and being patient enough to allow God’s timing is always perfect.

Prayer: Lord, in our very ‘instant’ world where if we have enough money we can pay for anything quickly, it’s hard to be patient for that which is truly important. But your time is impeccable and I will strive to work on my patience. Amen.

More favourable after death

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David still spoke fondly of Saul after he died, even though he let him down during his life.

2 Samuel 1.17-27

Reference: v. 23 “Saul and Jonathan – in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.”

Explore: The Chasers are comedians who specialise in political satire. They are often thought to step over the line for laughter’s sake. Recently they got in a bit of strife for singing a song about people who had died and listing the misdemeanours of their life. Their point was that that once someone dies we only say nice things about them even though they may have lead a fairly deplorable life. Here, it seems that we find David writes a lament for Saul and Jonathan who had both died in a battle against the Philistines. He writes about both of them fondly. However, while Jonathan was a loyal best friend, Saul was very open about wanting to kill David on a number of occasions.

Application: So often in our own lives it seems so easy to notice the irritating and detestable attributes of people that we are quite slow to appreciate the strengths that each person possesses. In the recordings of David’s life, he continued to think positively about Saul. Why? Because he was God’s anointed king. If we believe that God is the creator of all things then he has created every single person. We all have God’s fingerprints on our lives. Yet often when we look at other people we don’t see them as God’s special creation, but we see the negative and the things that rub us up the wrong way. Today, we should try to see all other people with David’s perspective: we are all chosen by God. Let’s not wait until people pass away to see their positive side.

Prayer: Lord, I know that I can be very critical of people who are different to me. I’m sorry for being so damning of your children when I am no better than the next person. I’ll try to look for your touch in each person today. Amen.

Profit and loss

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Through Saul’s death David was to gain everything, but he had to lose so much to get it.

2 Samuel 1.1-16

Reference: v. 12 They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Explore: It was ritual for people to mourn for the dead that they knew and there were probably many people in the Israelite army that David and his men knew. On one hand I think this is a confirmation for David that he is now to be king, almost a time of celebration of what is now to come. However for that to happen David has had to endure hardship, the death of his king, who he honoured even though he tried to kill David and even more so, the death of his best friend, Jonathan.

Application: Doors will often open up to us, to maybe confirm a journey we knew we were heading to or maybe opening up a totally new adventure. However often that new opportunity comes with great sacrifice. David lost his king and his best friend. We may not need to endure such extreme loss for the next step in the journey, but we will need to let go of some things which feel familiar and comfortable to fully grasp hold of all that God has in store for our future.

Prayer: Lord, I know I get so comfortable with where I am currently, yet I know you have more in store for me. I give up that comfort to embrace your purpose. Amen.

A leader to the end

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:44:33 +0100

Saul still had people following him to his very end. What type of leader do we follow?

1 Samuel 31.1-13

Reference: v. 5 When the armour-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him.

Explore: Even in death, Saul was a leader. If he had have stayed true to his commitment to God, he would have been an even greater leader for God saw the potential in Saul. However misguided he was in the end, he carried a certain amount of hope for the Israelite army. So much so that when he gave up all hope and suicided, his armour-bearer did the same thing. What a devastating end to someone who could have been a mighty king.

Application: We all follow people throughout our lives. Some are honourable people who continue to give us hope. But all are fallible and let us down in some way at some time. That’s why as Christians we are so blessed to be able to follow Jesus, the ultimate leader and guide. When He died on the cross it seemed that all help was lost and maybe his disciples at the time felt like falling on their swords too. However our leader conquered death. He has victory over all of us and desires for us to follow him, every minute of every day.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the mighty leader. You have gone before us and shown us how to live and you walk beside us guiding and prompting us along the way. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Where do we turn to?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David had been a great leader but even his men turned on him. Where did David look to find his strength?

1 Samuel 30.1-31

Reference: v. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

Explore: This story sounds very familiar. It reminds me of when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, miraculously across the Red Sea, being guided by a cloud by day and fire by night, and yet in the harshness of the desert it all becomes too much for the Israelites and they start complaining against Moses. So too did David’s men turn on him. They had followed him, he had offered them excellent leadership when they were outcasts and when the going got tough, they started to turn on him. The ways of man are fickle. And so David turns to his constant aid, the Lord his God.

Application: We can never predict what is going to happen and God certainly never assured us that if we follow him we would have a perfect life. Trials and difficulties will come our way that is for sure. But something else that is certain is that God will always be there for us. “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you,” promises the Lord. In times of trial, we can rely on Him. When everyone else seems to be turning against us, God will be for us. He is our greatest support and our never-ending source of love.

Prayer: Lord, you were in the beginning, you are here now and you will forever be. Although I don’t deserve it I thank you for always being there for me, in the times of celebration and the times of mourning. Amen.

Who would vouch for you?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Achish stood up for David amongst his own people because, in over a year, he saw no fault in him

1 Samuel 29.1-11

Reference: v. 3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.”

Examine: Even when David was living in the camp of his enemy, he still lived a life of integrity and respect to those around him. The person he was closest to, Achish, was able to vouch for him and it was the people who knew nothing except his race that didn’t trust him.

Application: No matter where we are or what we are doing we should take a leave out of David’s book and be above reproach, no matter who we are with. If the people that are closest to us can see that we are people of integrity, then that is the best word we can be given. People will continue to have their prejudices, but as Christians we just need to continue being the best people we can be. “They will know that you are my disciples by your love.”

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it is easier to slip into our sinful nature and do things for our own selfish gain. Help us to always show your love, no matter what the situation. Amen.

Full Circle

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David finds himself fighting with the Philistines after all the years of fighting against them

1 Samuel 28.1-25

Reference: v. 1 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army.”

Explore: On the day that David stood against Goliath he would never have thought that years down the track he would be standing side-by-side with the Philistines. How the tables had turned.

Application: Whether David was fighting for Saul or for Achish, he was dedicated to the people who had protected him. Ultimately, he was dedicated to the God that had anointed him and called him to be king. When you look back on life, you are never sure where life may take you. The twists and turns along the journey can seem strange at the time, however if we allow God to be a part of each step along the way, we can see how He is able to make us better disciples with each twist and turn.

Prayer: Lord, often I don’t understand the meaning of certain events. However I trust that you have my life in your hands. You sent your son so that we could have life and have it abundantly. May I life according to your word today. Amen.

Giving your all for the journey

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:22:20 +0100

David’s followers had to move their whole families to follow him, what are we willing to give up to follow our Almighty leader?

1 Samuel 27.1-12

Reference: v. 3 David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.

Explore: David had six hundred men with him and they all moved with him to Gath. This was a huge move as they weren’t all single soldiers who could go anywhere, but they all had family and so they moved their whole homes to this new place to follow David.
David’s followers had to make a big move to keep serving him and following him. On one hand, he must have been a great leader for them to make such a big move. On the other hand, they must have been dedicated followers to transfer their whole families to stay serving him.

Application: David was a great leader but even he doesn’t come close to the leadership of our Almighty leader. God knows what is best for us, he leads us and guides us in our whole lives. So, what would our response be if we felt he was calling us to move to another place? Would we be as willing as David’s men or would we be able to find a justified reason to stay? God will be with us wherever we may go, but when we are obeying his path, that is the place where we fulfil our life’s calling. God is calling you to move, how will you respond?

Prayer: Lord, we can always find a reason to say ‘no’ or even ‘not now’ but we know that our life will be at it’s best when it is obeying your call. Speak clearly to us so that we hear your voice, prepare our hearts so that we are ready to obey. Amen.