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Today is Monday April 13, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 1-2 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%201-2&version=9

Today's Message: Others Failures
When we rejoice in others for their failures, we are placing ourselves in the dangerous position of failing ourselves.

The book of II Samuel is the tenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-four chapters. The author of the book is Samuel and it was written to the Israelites. The purpose of the book was to record the history of how God dealt with His people. What we are to learn from the book is that God carries out His plan through those who are obedient to Him in spite of their human faults.

Most of Saul's reign, he had jealousy and hatred toward David, forcing David to live in exile from his family, wife (Michal, Saul's daughter), and his friends. However, no matter what Saul did David still had respect for him and never harmed him, even when he had the opportunity to do so. He had no reason to get even with his offender because he knew that by doing so he would alter his relationship with God as well as risk losing his God appointed rights. After the death of Saul, David was approached by an Amalekite carrying Saul's crown. "Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also." (II Samuel 1:1-4).

The Amalekite continued, boasting that he killed Saul, "So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword." (1:10-12). The Amalekite thought that David would be pleased that he had executed him, instead David mourned. Often when we see others hurting we are tempted to seek justice for them ourselves. While it is painful to see our loved ones hurting we can not allow ourselves to become vengeful and bitter as well.

We as Christians will face many adversaries in our lives due to the fact that we believe in Jesus and live our lives for Him. While we may want to get even with our offender or rejoice at the suffering of those who have fallen we must not stoop to their level. God knows what is going on and at the appointed time He will handle the situation. Jesus said, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45).

Today's Psalm: 119:165
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
In our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Our debt of sin He paid, and our death He died freeing us to break the chains of sin that had long held us bound. Father, You heal the brokenhearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day and enjoy your week.
God Bless,
Christina

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