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Today is Friday April 17, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 15-16 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Samuel%2015-16&version=9

Today's Message: Deceptive Christian's
There are Christian's deceiving others to get what they want, but those who gained deceitfully eventually bring shame into their lives and blessings to those being deceived.

After arranging for the murder of his older brother, Absalom could assume that he was one step closer to inheriting the throne of David. However, to avoid prosecution for his crime, he escaped into his mother's country to live with his grandfather. Then, Joab, commander-in-chief of David's army, engineered a deceitful plan to bring about Absalom's return. "And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me. So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom." (II Samuel 14:32-33).

David forgave Absalom, but Absalom only pretended to make things right with his father, in reality he was conspiring against him. Each day he would listen to the complaints of the people at the gate and would deceptively tell them how he would improve the administration if only he were king. "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!" (II Samuel 15:1-4). Absalom is an example of a conspirator who deceitfully creates opposition within a church, business, or political campaign in order to obtain control. He got the disgruntled people to side with him so he could take control of the kingdom, only to deceive them once they got him there.

The Apostle Paul said, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." (Romans 16:17-19). We as Christian's need to be constantly on guard by those who create opposition simply for their own agenda. The only person they are trying to help is only themseves and do not care who they deceive to obtain what they want.

The treachery of Absalom was exposed after he asked permission of his father to worship in Hebron, his purpose was to organize a revolution to take control of Jerusalem. "And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron. For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD. And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron." (15:7-10). Eventually all deception is exposed, but sadly it is always too late before we realize we have been deceived. Jesus said, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:23-24).

While it is sad to think that we have to constantly be on guard to even Christian's who try to deceive us, we can rest assure that we will be taken care of. Jesus was deceived by one of His own disciples, Judas. Even though He endured much pain, He prevailed and eventually Judas ended up hanging himself after realizing his deceit. Those who deceive, in the end are the ones who will suffer, no true follower of Christ will suffer for long and will always be victorious.

Today's Psalm: 41:11
"By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
I want to fix my eyes, my thoughts, and my affections on You, my blessed Redeemer. Though You faced enormous opposition that would provide understandable excuse for altering Your redemption plan, nevertheless You endured Calvary’s cross. When I consider the depth of Your commitment I am determined to be faithful even in the night seasons of my Christian walk. Jesus, help me to endure by keeping my eyes, not on that which is seen, but on the future rewards that You promise to those who are faithful. In Your Name, Jesus..........Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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