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Sunday, October 4, 2015

Communication Required (and other devotionals)

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 14:21-15:12

The fallout from Amnon's and then Absalom's sin continues to unfold. Absalom is allowed to move back to Jerusalem but when he returns his life is anything but normal. He's living in his hometown but for all intents and purposes, he is ostracized by David and those surrounding him. Absalom wants a restored relationship with his father but it doesn't happen. And even when he forces a meeting with David, the tension between them is not put to rest. Sadly, even though these two men love each other deeply, there is no real effort at reconciliation from either of them. When they finally come face to face there is no recognition of wrongdoing, no seeking of forgiveness, no words of affection exchanged. Absalom returns home still feeling hurt, rejected and unloved, and likely harboring anger toward David for his lack of action with Amnon. In this state, Absalom then allows his feelings to fester into resentment and bitterness and the next thing we see is him turning against David in the worst possible way.

God designed us to be in relationship with others--and especially our family. So when bonds and friendships are damaged or broken we hurt and grieve. And whether we voice it or not, we long for reconciliation. But in order for restoration to take place there has to be communication.

So what hinders us from seeking reconciliation with someone who has hurt us, or with someone we have hurt? What do you see going on in this account with David and Absalom? What are the dangers of not dealing with our anger and hurt feelings? 

~Tami~

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When You Have Great Expectations 
Guest Writer: Meet my friend Shana Schutte. We are blessed to have her as our guest writer.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

One of my good friends often says, “Never put a period where God puts a comma.” It’s her way of reminding herself to stay flexible to God’s rule and to submit to His sovereignty over her life. This can be especially difficult when we’ve got big plans or hopes that have led to great expectations.

Expectations can be awesome. They have the potential to bring us great joy when fulfilled and focused energy when we need to complete a particular task. They also have the potential to usher in great disappointment when they are dashed. It’s then that we must remember to “never put a period where God puts a comma.” We must submit to His will if we want to live with joy. To continue to demand our way only leads to internal death.

“For the wages of sin is death. . .” (Romans 6:23)

There have been times in my life when my expectations haven’t lined up with God’s will: when I wanted to marry a particular young man, when I wanted to move to a particular state, when I wanted to receive a particular job offer. I have to admit there have been times when I have wanted to shut down hope, silence expectations, and never dream again when the pain of unfulfilled expectations pierced my heart. But a better way is to surrender to Christ in faith.

Surrender doesn’t mean giving up; it means giving in. It means giving Him control. We put our plans in His hands as we work. We give Him our children as we raise them. We surrender the outcome of our job search as we look. And, when things don’t go as we planned, we do not live as those who have no hope and become cynical and tell themselves, “Don’t dream because you’ll just be disappointed.” No, we remember that God has a plan—and it’s always a good plan—even if it’s not our plan.

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns.”’ (1 Chronicles 16:31)

Prayer:  “Lord, I trust you. Please help me to always live with hope. Your ways are higher than mine and I submit to your Lordship in hope because you are good and you love me. Amen”

~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~


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Micah 2:13
The breaker is come up before them.
Inasmuch as Jesus has gone before us, things remain not as they would have been had He never passed that way. He has conquered every foe that obstructed the way. Cheer up now thou faint-hearted warrior. Not only has Christ travelled the road, but He has slain thine enemies. Dost thou dread sin? He has nailed it to His cross. Dost thou fear death? He has been the death of Death. Art thou afraid of hell? He has barred it against the advent of any of His children; they shall never see the gulf of perdition. Whatever foes may be before the Christian, they are all overcome. There are lions, but their teeth are broken; there are serpents, but their fangs are extracted; there are rivers, but they are bridged or fordable; there are flames, but we wear that matchless garment which renders us invulnerable to fire. The sword that has been forged against us is already blunted; the instruments of war which the enemy is preparing have already lost their point. God has taken away in the person of Christ all the power that anything can have to hurt us. Well then, the army may safely march on, and you may go joyously along your journey, for all your enemies are conquered beforehand. What shall you do but march on to take the prey? They are beaten, they are vanquished; all you have to do is to divide the spoil. You shall, it is true, often engage in combat; but your fight shall be with a vanquished foe. His head is broken; he may attempt to injure you, but his strength shall not be sufficient for his malicious design. Your victory shall be easy, and your treasure shall be beyond all count.
"Proclaim aloud the Saviour's fame,
Who bears the Breaker's wond'rous name;
Sweet name; and it becomes him well,
Who breaks down earth, sin, death, and hell."

~Charles Spurgeon~

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Today's reading: 2 Samuel 16:1-14

Have you ever noticed how when we're down and out there always seem to be a few people who will gladly add to our misery or try to take advantage of the situation? That's exactly what we see with Shimei (piling on the insults) and Ziba (deceptively helping David and his men to get favorable treatment). But David handles himself well. He's gone through plenty of lows in his life and he's learned and grown from those experiences. So rather than being reactive and responding based on his feelings, David humbly gives the entire situation over to God and continues to push forward through this painful situation.

What helps you put aside distractions and keep your eyes on God when you're going through a difficult time? Is there a particular Scripture (verse, passage, Book) that God has used to comfort you when you're in a low time? 

~Tami~


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