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Today is Wednesday April 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 19-21 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=I%20Samuel%2019-21&version=9

Today's Message: Jealousy
Jealousy is like a disease, it slowly spreads until it consumes and controls the person that it captures and stops at nothing to destroy what gets in its way.

Jealousy is described as a feeling of resentment or hostility against someone because of that person's success or advantages. Saul was so consumed with jealousy over David's popularity that he wanted to kill him. "And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee." (I Samuel 19:1-3). Often, when people are so wrapped up in
themselves they do anything to become the center of attention. When the spotlight is taken off of them it causes jealousy and rage over anyone or thing that gets in the way.

Saul became increasingly violent with an uncontrolled temper, he considered any opposition as treason. When his own son Jonathan defended David he denounced him and even attempted to kill him at one time. "Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David." (20:30-33). Jonathan became a victim when he defended David. He could have avoided any risk to himself if he had decided not to get involved. However, he knew that he was defending an innocent man, whatever the cost to him, and that displayed biblical principles by doing what he knew was morally right.


We too may find ourselves in situations where people are being threatened, accused, maligned, intimidated, or taken advantage of. We are then faced with the decision of whether or not to get involved. We should not be an accomplice to evil by remaining silent, but we should respond as Jonathan did. "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).

Whether we are letting our own jealousy take control or are a victim from someone else's, as Christian's, it is very important to walk with God daily, He is the only one who will keep us upright and things under control. Jesus said, "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish." (Luke 21:15-18).

Today's Psalm: 9:13-14
"Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We need the prompting of Your Holy Spirit to keep us in check regarding our conduct toward others. May we not dismiss our improper behavior by blaming it on our upbringing or make up other excuses. Instead we take responsibility for our behavior as we want to glorify you and be a blessing to others. Would You help us to love people as we want to be loved. Help us to give the benefit of the doubt as we want others to give us. Help us to be quick to forgive and slow to anger. May we treat others in the same way that we ourselves want to be treated. In Jesus' Name......Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day.
God Bless,
Christina

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