Friday, April 5, 2013

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LOVING ENEMIES

Suggested Reading: 2 Samuel 3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The theatre of Philippi - No doubt the enemies of the Apostle Paul had been in this very theatre. It was in Philippi where Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown into prison. They loved their tormentors, and because of their love, they led many to Christ (Acts 16:16-34).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 2 Samuel 3:1, 36

Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker… Now all the people took note of it, and it pleased them, since whatever the king did pleased all the people.

Today’s reading documents the continuing struggle between those loyal to Saul’s legacy versus David’s. Saul’s General Abner and David’s General Joab lead the continuing conflict with good reason. Abner, as Saul’s right-hand man, had tried again and again with his soldiers to kill David. Abner had personally killed Joab’s brother, Asahel. It might be good for us to read Jesus’ Words in Matthew 5:43-48. By having a welcome feast for Abner, David was not only making a wise political move, he was showing that he could rise above the past and love his enemy. No wonder the northern tribes were willing to transfer their loyalty from the house of Saul to David. Once again David mourns over the death of an enemy. It has been said the very best way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend. Jesus is known as the Friend of sinners. Romans 5:8 declares that “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:10 tells us, “When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, in the Name of Your Son, my Saviour and Lord Jesus, I pray for grace to love people more and more, and not just those who love me but everyone I meet. I want to be more and more like You Jesus. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As I read of the banquet David put on for Abner, I kept thinking of David’s words in Psalm 23, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” David’s experience was that God did this for him. Now, David does this for others.

In over 50 years of seeking to communicate God’s love to mass media audiences, I have had a number of critics who, while I wouldn’t call them enemies, were not very friendly. I had learned that I should make no defence or offence of myself when attacked verbally in the press. I really tried to be friendly to these people in practical ways. When the negative publicity hit the fan concerning certain TV evangelists, these people who had attacked me in the past rallied immediately to my defence, saying very positive things about 100 Huntley Street and about me as an evangelist. Proverbs 11:30b says that, “He who wins souls is wise.” I pray for wisdom fervently every morning, because I know that if I do not have wisdom from God, I’ll turn more people away from God than I bring to Him. I’ve just accessed on Youtube the old hymn, “Jesus, What A Friend of Sinners” by the Gaither Vocal Band. Here’s a link to the audio of them singing it a capella. I’m blessed!

Yours for loving all people, even those who may have acted like enemies,

David

 

18 thoughts on “Friday, April 5, 2013”

  1. I’ve heard it stated that it’s easy to love the those who are lovable, but it’s not so easy to love those are seemingly unlovable and even those who might hate us. I know this goes against the grain of our human nature but isn’t this exactly what Jesus asks us to do, to love the unlovable? I think of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who found her great purpose in loving those who nobody loved, in doing the deeds in taking care of the poor and afflicted that nobody seemingly cared about. Perhaps we need to think on one deed or task that we could incorporate into our lives or into our daily routine which may reflect the love of Christ to others. The cost may be little, or the cost may be great, we must pray and seek what Christ may place on our hearts and then act upon it. This I do know … we can never never out-give God, for He alone reached down to us in our desperate place, saved us from our sin and gave us new life that we might use this life for His glory, giving ourselves to His service and reflecting the love of Christ to all.

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  2. An incredibly uplifting song by the Gaither Vocal Band!! Again, we are set on course in dealing with opposition and dealing with those whom oppress us. It is a healthy attitude over all the tension and illness caused by bitterness and anger. Again, King David held respect for Abner, though his position was against him. The conversation they had before Abner was killed seemed to be one of mutual respect and reconciliation. Even so, Abner could not avoid the fact he had killed Asahal, which led to his demise. Have a great day fellow bloggers!

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  3. Thanks for such a great message, David, that reflects on the nature of the reading, and demonstrates the wisdom we all need possess as saints of Christ, granting others respect and validation as brothers and sisters of the human race, of which we are all one big family. Wish I had more time to write. Asking for everyone’s prayers, today. Blessings to all.

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    • I am sure we will all grant your request for prayer today,
      Beverlee! I look forward to your comments every morning, and am always blessed by them, as well as the other bloggers who are so faithful.!
      David, you have started such a chain of faithful bloggers, may it never end. We learn so much each day
      Healing to you, David.

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  4. Sending prayers and blessings to all fellow bloggers today, especially for you Beverlee
    have a great day in The Lord.
    It is always difficult to love our enemies but as we have The Spirit of the Living God we can do no less. I always pray for those who hurt me and forgive because it is’nt always about them it is for us too. Great reading today and much to ponder on.

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  7. Beverlee…i will join in the prayers of the others…God knows what you need and we pray His Will Be Done…. as we continue to enjoy the 100 Words…and learn more each day
    God Bless You Beverlee….Joshua 1.8,9 …
    Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has made…its a little cool and a light snow overnight….^_^ … here in Ottawa….

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  8. I so enjoy and say AMEN to all the comments today!!! Have a great day fellow bloggers!!! Beverlee, you are covered in prayer today by all your fellow bloggers.

    Hallelujah, Praise His Name!!

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  10. This days reading and blog spoke to my heart the same thiings that the Lord is speaking into my life through other means… I am amazed how the Lord Leads you, David ,
    as you minister to us through your writing.

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  11. Praise God for His attitude towards me, loving me while I was still His enemy. One of my favourite verses is Romans 8:32
    ” He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all?how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
    God’s heart of Love for us – may all of know how long, how wide, how deep is that Love, knowing that Love that surpasses knowledge, so that we are filled to the measure of all the fullness of God! That is my prayer for the body of Christ, because that kind of Love changes how we see others around us, even our ‘enemies’.
    David truly was a man ‘after God’s own heart’.

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  12. Dear David and all the bloggers My prayers are with you Beverly It’s so good
    to pray for that are in need the Lord knows all our needs before we even ask ,
    so my prayers go out to God for you David.M and all who are in need
    May God heal and strengten youall God Bless you ,,,,love R….

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  14. As I am going to bed my prayers will be particularly for you Beverly.
    God Bless you all David and dear fellow bloggers

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