Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday April 20, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 19-20 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Samuel%2019-20&version=9

Today's Message: Healing Heart
The tragedy of broken homes, hearts, hopes, and dreams is all too common. The healing touch for hearts that are breaking comes from the heart of Jesus who said "I will not leave thee nor forsake thee".

Absalom was a traitor, who was determined to destroy his own father so that he could be king. However, this battle for the throne ceased when Joab killed Absalom. David's soldiers returned from battle expecting a celebration. Instead, they heard the old king weeping over the death of his son. "And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (II Samuel 19:1-4).

David had faced many sorrows throughout his life with his children. When his first child with Bathsheba became sick, David had prayed and fasted. Then, when he received word the child had died, David confidently declared I shall go to him. "Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." (II Samuel 12:21-23). David knew heaven would be all the more precious because his child was with the Lord. However, David never expressed any hope that he would see Absalom in heaven. David may have felt that if Joab had only given Absalom one more chance perhaps he would have turned from his wicked ways. But, had he lived, Absalom surely would have been in fierce competition with Solomon, God's choice to take David's place as king.

All of us at times are responsible for the adversities and sorrows which we experience. It is also natural to condemn ourselves for our faults and failures, or even to blame others for the things that disappoint us. Like David, we can grieve too long over what might have been, but we can not do anything about the past. All we can do is press forward knowing that we are forgiven and all things will come to pass. The Apostle Paul said: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:13-15).

In our darkest moments, we all need friends to remind us to put their faith in God. In turn, we need to be a friend who will share comforting words to those who are suffering. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5).

Today's Psalm: 71:20-21
"Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We’re thankful for the rope-holders who bear our burdens and encourage us in times of weakness and difficulty. You work through such human vessels to convey Your strength, comfort, protection, and challenge as we walk together in faith. Help us to be faithful in doing our part to encourage, pray, and offer support to those You lay on our hearts that we may be united and strengthened in our Christian journey. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

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

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P.S. Forgive me for being late with the message, I have been ill for a couple of days. Thank you for your faithfulness..........God Bless