Today's Treasure:
"David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. Then, the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah"
2 Samuel 2: 3 - 4
Fifteen years have passed since David was anointed by Samuel to be king. It has been a long fifteen years. David has been through many valley, but his faith has been matured as God provided for him every step of the way. As we begin 2 Samuel, David mourns the loss of Saul and his dear Jonathan. Now, he turns to God asking where to go next. Read 2 Samuel 2:1
"In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. 'Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?' he asked. The Lord said, 'Go up.' David asked, 'Where shall I go?' 'To Hebron,' the Lord answered.
Isn't this a fabulous conversation with God. Don't you wish we could have direct answers like this when we are seeking his will? "God, should I buy this house?" Then God replies, "no, I have a better deal coming for you in just six weeks and three days." Wouldn't life just be so much easier!!! Then, if we did have this direct conversation, no faith would be involved. I think it is such a wonderful example of how David wanted to please God. He not only needed to know if he should go up to Juday, he wanted to know exactly where God wanted him.
2 Samuel 2: 1-7
Why did David go to Hebron?
Because that is where God instructed him to go
Why did David send messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead?
To tell them of David's appreciation for their kindness to Saul, to encourage them to be strong and brave and to tell them David had been anointed king over the house of Juday. David felt it was important to show his deep gratitude to the men of Jabesh Gilead for protecting Saul and his sons in death. He let them know that he would protect them as king.
How is God's presence specifically prioritized in the following verses?
Exodus 33: 15-17
Moses does not want to proceed in travel without the presence of God. Moses asks God how they will know who his people are without the presence of God with them. God agrees to go with him because he is pleased with him
Luke 24: 48 -53
Christ promises to send the people what God the father has promised. He asks them to remain in the city until they receive the power on high. Then Christ ascends.
It is important to realize that God is probably never going to speak to us through the clouds or us the Urim to give us a divine answer. He must depend on scripture and our relationship with the Holy Spirit to direct us in His will. Beth uses a four step method when seeking God's will in any decision.
1. Acknowledge the specific need for direction - she suggests writing the question in a journal so you can watch God move over time
2. Pray daily and study His word
3. Ask Him to help you recognize the answer - That is so important. You need the Holy Spirit in you to recognize when God is speaking to you. Have you ever been in limbo with a situation, and you have two options? It is so important to ask God to make the answer clear enough for you to move in the right direction.
4. If you have ANY doubt, ask for confirmation
These steps may take more time than you intended; however, having to go back and do it all over again would cost you more time in the long run. So be patient, and seek God's face in your decisions.
What if the deadline comes and the Holy Spirit still has not given you an answer? It is often safe to assume the answer is no. How do you most often receive specific direction from God?
If I have a huge decision to make, I ask my husband to bathe me in prayer over the decision. Usually, we come to the same answer. This is really cool...I have to share!!
We have been so torn about our house. I realize that it is just walls and rooms, but it has been our home for the last six years. When I walk through it, I remember all the wonderful times we have shared in our home. It is really difficult to think about selling our house. So, we started considering keeping the house. Brian and I both committed to fervently praying over the situation. We agreed that Brian would pray over making the decision about the house, and I would pray over Brian. Well, yesterday, a peace came over me about selling our house. I just began to feel sure it was what God wanted us to do. Last night when Brian came to bed, he asked me if I was feeling any confirmation about the house. I told him I did, but I didn't want to share first because I felt it was his decision as head of our home. He begins sharing, and I honestly thought he was going to say that we needed to keep the house. But, to my surprise, he said that God told him that we need to sell our house and trust that He is going to always provide for us if we are faithful. What more confirmation could we need? Do you know how comforting it is knowing that we are both confirmed in this decision? I just love our Lord!!!
Read the following verses to look at the important biblical history that Hebron has
Genesis 13:18
"Abraham settled in Hebron and built an altar to God"
Genesis 18: 1-15 (Mamre is in Hebron)
"God spoke to Abram through three visitors and told him Sarah would have a son"
Joshua 14: 13-14
"Joshua gave Caleb Hebron as an inheritance in the promised land because he followed the Lord God wholeheartedly"
Have you ever felt unsettled? Can you remember a time when you longed for a place to belong and grow a few roots?
Yes!!! I remember never feeling "at home" at Appalachian. I couldn't settle there for some reason.
In what way could Psalm 119: 19,54 be an encouragement to you whenever you feel unsettled?
To me, these verses in Psalm 119 say that this is not where any of us truly belongs. We long to be with our Father in Heaven. No matter where we are, His word is the constant throughout the song of our lives.
Reread 2 Samuel 2:4
"The men of Judah came...and they anointed David king over the house of Judah"
What do you think David felt as he was chosen to be king? Write three words that describe what you think he was feeling.
Restoration, confirmation and relief
Write Psalm 145:13
"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all He has made."
This Psalm rejoices the fact the God has proven his faithfulness to David. David acknowledges that God is an everlasting God, and He wil remain with us to the end. I love the fact that David points out the fact that God love every creature that He has made. That makes me believe that I am important to God...no matter how small I may think I am. My needs are important to Him. Sometimes it is easy to think God is way too big to be bothered with my problems. He IS NOT!!! He created us out of love, and He wants to nurture us!!!
Settle in the fact that you are a child of the kingdom of God. You will find peace and security in this!!! Are you willing to abandon your life to God before assuming the position that He has called you to?
I love you all,
In Him FOREVER,
Tiffany
No comments:
Post a Comment