For me, forgiveness does not come easily. I have to constantly pleadwith the Lord to help me forgive. Thankfully, God has never failedme on that. - P83
It is always a joy to see once strained relationships start toflourish again. It is also a great testimony when other people witnessgenuine reconciliation. - P83
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said thatthe peacemakers will be called children of God (Matt. 5:9). So, when-ever people are reconciled, it is a testament to the presence of the HolySpirit in our midst. - P83
Conflicts are inevitable and often painful, but theycan also be opportunities for us to grow in our relationships. They canhelp us understand the other party better and become aware of ourown blind spots. - P83
But it takes humility and submission to the leadingof the Holy Spirit to navigate them well. - P83
[NIV] 1 The war between the house of Saul and thehouse of David lasted a long time. David grew strongerand stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker andweaker. - P84
6 During the war between the house of Saul and thehouse of David, Abner had been strengthening his ownposition in the house of Saul. - P84
7 Now Saul had had a concubine named Rizpah daugh-ter of Aiah. And Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, "Why didyou sleep with my father‘s concubine?" - P85
11 Ish-Boshethdid not dare to say
another word toAbner, because he was afraid of him.
- P85
Many sons are born to David. As David‘s house grows stronger, Saul‘s housegrows weaker. - P85
During this time, Ish-Bosheth accuses
Abner of sleeping withhis father‘s concubine. Abner, who had been gaining a lot of power, becomesangry and makes an oath saying he will help David gain the whole kingdom.
- P85
Ish-Bosheth is afraid of Abner
and does not mention this again. - P85
God blesses David and continues to strengthen him. - P86
In the ongoingbattles between the camp of David and that of Abner and Ish-Bosheth, David only grows more powerful. - P86
David‘s family also grows, and heis blessed with many sons. It is interesting to note, however, that eachof his sons listed has a different mother. This gives us a clue about oneof David‘s core character flaws-one that will bring disastrous conse-quences later on in his life. - P86
When God showers His favor upon us, wemust be careful not to become complacent and blinded toward ourflaws and sins. - P86
Let us keep our hearts in check-especially in the goodtimes and always strive to live according to God‘s will. - P86
Abner has worked hard to increase his influence in the house of Saul,
and this has understandably become a concern for Ish-Bosheth. - P86
When Ish-Bosheth accuses Abner
of having sexual relations with one of Saul‘sconcubines, Abner becomes so enraged that he switches his allegianceto David. - P86
This shocking turn of events further strengthens David‘sposition as king, as Ish-Bosheth‘s kingship depended largely on Abner‘ssupport. - P86
God often works out His plans in unique and unexpectedways. - P86
Sometimes, God may even use our greatest fear or worst enemyto turn things around in our favor. - P86
Therefore, regardless of our currentcircumstances, let us put our complete trust in Him and rest assuredthat He will see us through. - P86
Lord, I want to honor You in every area of my life. - P87
Holy Spirit, reveal to methe blind spots in my character and help me overcome them. In Jesus‘ name,amen. - P87
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