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“May you trust the Lord’s plan.” <>< Dona (05/06/20)
Please read II Samuel 16 through 18. If you don’t have a Bible handy just click here -> Biblegateway.com. The Biblegateway website should open for you to use. Type in the chapters you want to read and select the translation you want to read them from. Click search and the chapters should appear. Once you read the suggested chapters close the screen and you should return here.
In II Samuel 16:1-4 Ziba, the steward of Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth lied to King David about Mephibosheth.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, someone who should have been trustworthy was deceptive instead.
Something to think about
King David believed what Ziba said. David didn’t check out the allegations or question the steward. David shouldn’t have been so quick to accept Ziba’s condemnation of Mephibosheth, especially when Ziba would profit from Mephibosheth’s downfall.
Something to experience
We too should be careful what we believe about someone else who is not present to defend themselves. We should check out the story. Gossip can be a dangerous pastime.
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In II Samuel 16:5-14 Shimei, one of Saul’s relatives, cursed King David. David and his followers tolerated the man’s abuse.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, King David trusted You had a plan even though he and those traveling with him were being mistreated physically and verbally (verse 12).
Something to think about
King David believed it was best to just ignore Shimei’s behavior.
Something to experience
When we maintain our composure in the face of unjustified criticism we just might discourage the person or people who are acting this way. Sometimes it’s best just to ignore them. God knows what we are enduring and He will vindicate us if we are in the right.
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In II Samuel 18 one of David’s men saw David’s son, Absalom hanging in a tree but still alive. He reported the incident to Joab, the leader of David’s army. Joab asked why he didn’t kill Absalom. The man reminded Joab that King David had asked them to protect Absalom.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, where was Joab’s loyalty to David.
Something to think about
The man probably thought Joab would have turned on him for killing Absalom if the king had found out about Absalom’s death.
Something to experience
Joab was about to do evil but didn’t take the time to consider what he was about to do. He probably didn’t care whether or not it was right or lawful. We though should consider whether what we are about to do is right or wrong.
Prayer