2 Sam. 16, 17

Last night I received a message challenging me to pray for our nation … the election in specific. I will accept the result of a fair election (where the accurate will of the people is expressed) but I am asking God to root out corruption and deception by the press and/or either political party. I am positive, based upon my own experience in running for ward committeeman c.1990 that both parties have faults. Nevertheless, I believe it is my responsibility to pray for God’s will in this election because my family will be directly affected by the direction the U.S. takes at this point. I may be gone, but those I LOVE will have to live with the civilization I leave behind.

Firstly, I want to pray with the right heart. I am not asking God for harsh judgement upon evildoers. I pray that those who are doing wrong when it affects our government will respond to God’s mercy and change their ways. Also, I pray with faith. I BELIEVE that my prayers will have an impact. I don’t want to talk about it. I want to DO IT. Just pray through Pr. 6:16-19. Pray that those guilty of these sins will repent and turn to Christ Jesus.

Please join me.

2 Sam. 13-15

Absalom was a good-looking young man who used his favor to devise an overthrow plan to unseat his father, King David. He placed himself at a prominent place at the city gate to draw the favor of the people away from his father, the king. At the ripe time, he had himself anointed the new king at Hebron, having stolen even some priests who likewise defected.

The arrogance and self-serving cunning of Absalom crops up in young leaders even today. They always think they can do a better job of leading than the present leader, and scheme ways to steal their boss’s authority and position. Many innocent followers are usually wounded during such coups.

Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. [Ps. 131:1]

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. [Ps. 101:2]

2 Sam. 10-12

God was displeased with the way David was deceitful about Uriah, the Hittite. David slept with his wife and had Uriah murdered to cover his sin. God sent the prophet Nathan to disclose the sin to David. God sees all and will expose sin when it is covered, especially by a leader.

If there is wholesale fraud in a nation’s election, a Christian can only keep praying that God’s wisdom and mercy will be revealed to that nation to remove corruption and establish godliness and integrity.

Sam. 7-9

David asked for any descendants of Saul that were still living. Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan, was identified. David called for him and lavished great kindness upon him. He was given all of Saul’s inheritance and invited to eat at David’s table thereafter. He deserved this show of kindness only because he was related to the former king and his son.

Showing kindness to the descendants of your close friends is a way to honor their memory.

“… I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” [Ex. 33:19]

2 Sam. 5, 6

The Lord gave David favor and skill. He had proven his ability to obtain victory on the battlefield, and displayed wisdom beyond his years in leadership situations. Judah claimed him as their king, and eventually all Israel recognized his royalty. It was confirmed by the elders of Israel, and was not the result of David’s ambition or cunning. All could see God’s Hand upon him. They saw what God had revealed to Samuel when he anointed David as a young shepherd boy.

To young people who sense God’s call upon their lives … don’t rush it. God will confirm you through the endorsement of elders and eventually all will see what God put in you and the ministry He has for you. You don’t have make anything happen yourself. Just be obedient to what He tells you.

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. [Ps. 65:4 KJV]

2 Sam. 2-4

David had been anointed king of Judah and Saul’s son Ishbosheth was king of the rest of Israel. Two men thought they would please David by taking Ishbosheth’s life and bringing his head to David. On the contrary, David had them executed because they had murdered an innocent man.

When power struggles happen, innocent people are affected. Christians should commit to peaceful coexistence with those whose political persuasion differs. Otherwise, innocent people will suffer.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” [1 Peter 3:8-11]

1 Sam. 31; 2 Sam. 1

David composed a stirring tribute to Saul and Jonathan when he found out they had fallen in battle. His respect for the Lord’s anointed was honorable. Regardless of how Saul treated David, the new king showed proper respect for the fallen leader of their nation.

Although our nation’s leaders may or may not display qualities worth respecting, still they have held the office and should receive the proper esteem. Also, prayer should be offered for them, their health, and their families because they have paid a price for their sacrifice of service.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and for all that are in authority; [1 Tim. 2:1,2]

I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed. [1 Sam. 24:10]

1 Sam. 27-30

When David and his men returned from assisting Achish in battle, the Amalekites had stolen all their women, children and possessions. David found his strength to go on in the Lord. He was desperate. His men wanted to kill him.

Life can be exhausting, especially when you get older. I have personally found my strength from the Lord as I lift my hands in praise and declare, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus.” Instantly, I find the strength and frame of mind to proceed with the task at hand.

It works.

1 Sam. 25, 26

Abigail was the wife of a rich but obstinate man named Nabal. He was consumed with himself and lived riotously. David, while running from Saul, protected Nabal’s shepherds and sheep in hopes of receiving some food and supplies in return. No such thing, because Nabal selfishly refused David. In anger, David set out to destroy the man and his estate. His wife Abigail wisely intercepted David with a pacifying gesture of kindness, thereby preserving her household.

In general, women approach issues with more sensibility than testosterone-driven men. They need such women to stabilize their often self-destructive behavior.

Her value is far above rubies. [Pr. 31:10b]

1 Sam. 21-23

Because of his jealousy, King Saul was determined to eliminate David. He chased him all over the country, wherever he heard that David might be. Although there were some close calls, God never allowed David to be harmed.

You may feel that the devil is after you. He can only be at one place at a time, so there are probably more critical targets than you. His fellow demons may be who are to blame. Through this experience, you will learn about spiritual warfare. David could look back on his escapes and sing praises with testimonies of God’s faithfulness. God used the trials for His glory.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [James 4:7]