David is a leader who understands the sovereignty of God and makes room for God to work in his life. - P64
He acknowledges that even the strug-gles he faces are not outside of God‘s control. His spirit is bowed downbefore the Lord and he humbly accepts God‘s judgment against hissin-even if that means he must tolerate the violent cursing of Shimeithe Benjamite. - P64
When we face opposition, our instinct might be to reactlike Abishai and try to cut down those who curse us. - P64
But let us insteadfollow David‘s example and try to discern how God might be workingthrough our circumstances. - P64
The Lord disciplines those He loves, so letus open our hearts to the lessons He has to teach us. - P64
I could not imagine how Davidfelt being cursed and pelted with rocks by a fellow Israelite. And yet David did not respond in anger because he trusted that God was incontrol of the situation.
- P65
Trusting that God is in control of all things is one of the hardestthings we are called to do as believers. - P65
The world tells us that we havecontrol over our own destiny, and when things get out of control, weneed to take control by whatever means possible. - P65
But this is a losinggame. Scripture teaches us that it is God alone who is in control andalways has been. - P65
It is difficult to give up our false sense of control, but one way we cansurrender it to God is through prayer. - P65
When we pray, we take on aposture of helplessness. We admit that God is greater and knows morethan we do. - P65
Through prayer, may our hearts be encouraged that Godis always in control. - P65
Father thank you for Your grace. Help me to receive Your grace with humilityand gratitude. - P65
Let me be motivated by Your grace to bow my heart and spiritin submission before Your sovereign will. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P65
21 Ahithophel answered, "Sleep with your father‘s con-cubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then allIsrael will hear that you have made yourself obnoxiousto your father, and the hands of everyone withbe more resolute."
22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, andhe slept with his father‘s concubines in the sight of allIsrael. - P67
23 Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave waslike that of one who inquires of God. That was howboth David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel‘sadvice.
23 Absalom followed Ahithophel‘s advice, just as David had done. For every wordAhithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouthof God. - P67
Absalom and his men arrive at Jerusalem. Hushai meets him and pretendsto be loyal to Absalom with flattering words. - P67
Ahithophel advises Absalomto sleep with his father‘s concubines, so Absalom does this for all of Israel to 130 dansee. Absalom holds Ahithophel‘s advice in high regard because he considersit to be from God. - P67
AsHushai, David‘s friend and confidant, returns to Jerusalem and goesundercover for David, pretending to pledge his loyalty to Absalom. - P68
Bybecoming a double agent in the service of a man who is known to beruthless and violent, Hushai risks his life for his friend and king. - P68
Beinga good friend means putting the interests of others above our own.
- P68
Jesus taught in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to laydown one‘s life for one‘s friends." - P68
In this world where people are lessand less willing to put their own comfort and happiness at risk for thesake of another, let us follow the example of Christ and lay down ourlives for our friends. - P68
Nathan‘s horrifying prophecy from chapter 12 is fulfilled through Absa-lom‘s blind ambition and Ahithophel‘s wicked counsel. - P68
Absalom secureshis power over Jerusalem by doing something absolutely despicable notonly in the eyes of his father but in the eyes of God. - P68
Scripture notes thatAhithophel‘s advice was considered to be as trustworthy as the word ofGod, but it is clear that he has no regard for God at all. - P68
This shows howdangerous it is to follow the counsel of someone who claims to speakon behalf of God without testing that advice against the true Word ofGod. - P68
If we uphold the teachings of Scripture as the highest authorityon matters of life and faith, we can be confident that we are walking inthe will of God. - P68
Father God, help me to make the most of the opportunities You have givento serve others sacrificially. - P69
Thank you for Your holy Word. Please help me tolive by it every day of my life. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P69
While there is great value in receiving goodadvice from trusted and wise people, no advice is perfect because noone knows what the future holds-only God does.
- P69
The Word of God is better than the advice of man because it answershumanity‘s deepest questions and solves our deepest problem. - P69
It is therevelation of God‘s great plan of salvation to rescue His people fromtheir sins through His Son, Jesus Christ. - P69
The Word of God uncoversour hearts and our sinful condition, and the Holy Spirit speaks to usand transforms us through this Word. - P69
The Word carries with it a cer-tainty and trustworthiness that even the best advice can never attain.
- P69
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