2 Samuel 18, Pslam 56 & Matthew 27
I wanted to post my daily journaling today and for the next few weeks. You see, a program of "self-feeding" is essential for deep spiritual growth. What is "self-feeding?" It is a process by which you spend time with God in prayer, reading the bible (His word to us) and writing down what you believe He illuminates to you. I like to us the S.O.A.P acronym.
Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. You can read details on the process on our church website at http://www.lompocfoursquare.com/journaling.html and you can also link from there to the daily readings - and have them on your screen in a few minutes. Daily bible reading is an essential part of building depth into your soul.
As with today’s reading, I find that on occasion the daily reading has thematic connections, so I have taken a scripture portion from each reading and share the connection with you.
Let me share some SOAP with you from today’s readings.
SCRIPTURES:
2 Samuel 18: 6 - 9
The army marched into the field to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. There the army of Israel was defeated by David's men, and the casualties that day were great—twenty thousand men. The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword. 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 head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going. (NIV)
Psalm 56: 9 -11Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise- in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Matthew 27:5
So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
OBSERVATION:
2 Samuel: The account of the civil war in which the defeat and death of Absalom is conveyed. We are called to be alert and at the ready since our enemies are out to destroy the joy inside of us and our spiritual and emotional well being. As David led his army to win over Israel and the death of Absalom all of Abs alum’s followers that had not fallen in of after the battle ended up going their own ways and returning home - therefore the revolution was over. David was restored to His Kingdom. God wins! Psalm 56: Trusting in God's word is essential for living and all the more essential in battle. God wins!
Matthew 27: Betrayal and denial of God and his ways will bring ruin and "kill off" what could have been. Though Judas betrayed Jesus, Jesus was victorious and following His death, burial and resurrection He too is restored to His rightful place in His Kingdom. God wins!
APPLICATION:
If we place God first in our lives and trust Him above all then we don't need to be afraid of men.
God's ways always prevail - always and the decision that must be made is: "will I choose to be on the winning side?" His side always wins and even though man may prevail - God's ways ultimately prevail. God' word will be the last word. David saw it lived out in his midst. This is the same David who would declare in Psalm 56 "But this I will know, God is for me." Keep looking at God and for God for He is for me. As the enemy looks at "self" and is deceived in believing that it will triumph - it will be defeated and not always by our prayers or by the warring that we do, sometimes by the traps and the essence of the battlefield. 2 Samuel reports that "the forest claimed more lives than the battle." If we are not alert and in great condition the terrain and battleground of life can defeat us." Keep sharp and focused, not just on the enemy but what he might be able to use against us - people, the daily terrain of life, our own weakness and the human propensity to place self over God. Don't allow dullness and denial and distrust (in God) to kill off the things that God wants to build. In Absalom's case, the forest took his life. In Judas case, he could not live with himself after his incredible betrayal of the Lord. Lots of hanging going on in today’s reading!
Greater trust need to be placed in God's words and not the words of those who don't know God or even the thoughts and words we tell ourselves.
By the way, the battle is the Lord's. We pray, we contend, we war, we remain vigilant and alert but ultimately the battle belongs to Him. Victory can come to us in unusual ways - even forests when the battle is the Lord's. Watch out for the swords and keep your eyes on the trees and the forest as well.
PRAYER:
Lord, as I read today, there is so much I need to pray about. Some of the very challenges I face are opportunities for me to trust in you, allow you to lead me into battle and allow me to see how you use things - even like the forest to prove yourself victorious. In the end, you win God! In the end your kingdom prevails. Help me to trust in your word and never deny or betray you.
I believe that you are for me and since you are, what can man do to me.
Powerful God, I praise you and your word.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Keep reading His word and let's journal together.
What journal entries did you make in regards to today's reading? Why not leave it here for others to receive encouragement from?
Blessings as you trust in God. Pastor Bernie
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2 comments:
How interesting that the week after Mother’s Day, and not too long before Father’s Day, you should journal about a son (Absalom) who rebelled against his father (David). In your sermon last Sunday, (May 8, 2005) you mentioned how God has given parents a mandate to make a difference in the lives of their children by placing upon them a “handprint of love.” How true and what a wonderful way to explain it.
Similarly, as my NIV Life Application Study Bible points out, parent’s mistakes are often reflected in the lives of their children. David sinned against Bathsheba by having an affair with her. He then compounded that sin by having her husband Uriah killed in battle (2 Samuel 11). As a result of this sin, God foretold (through Nathan) that David’s family would suffer (2 Samuel 12:11-14). How terrible David must have felt, when his own son Absalom turned and fought against him. This is a great example of how the choices we make can be carried through the generations to our children in ways we cannot even imagine.
This also ties in nicely with the journaling I did today.
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV)
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.
OBSERVATION
Moses had asked God to show him His glory (Exodus 33:18). This is what he got. God emphasized His love, mercy, grace, compassion, faithfulness, and forgiveness, but that does not mean justice will not be done. The consequences of sin may be seen for generations yet to come.
APPLICATION
Our choices do not just affect us. They have lasting effects that we often cannot predict. We do our best, and show God how much we love him, when our choices reflect His character. When we sin and make bad choices, we had better pray for forgiveness and compassion. Not only should we pray for ourselves and the people we affected, but also for the consequences we cannot anticipate.
PRAYER
God please help me to reflect more of your character in the choices I make. I know of no better way to repay you for what you do, and to show others your true greatness, than to strive to be more like you. I know I can never achieve your true greatness, but I also know I must never stop trying. Please forgive me for my sin and the poor choices I have made. If my choices have hurt others, please shower your mercy and compassion on them, for I accept full responsibility for my choices. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Thanks again God for your Word, and thanks Pastor Bernie for your insight into His Word.
Win Smith
Thanks Win, Your journaling is great and your insights are excellent. Our choices can release untold blessings and power or cause God's touch to be diminished. Decisions and choices are powerful. Thanks for reading the blog and leaving a post. Excellent.Thanks to for all you do at LFC and in our community.
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