WEDNESDAY, August 8
Reflect
One character trait that keeps arising throughout this story is loyalty. David repeatedly demonstrated it to Saul, as he respectfully acknowledged the LORD’s anointing. Absalom’s conspiracy revealed no loyalty and no respect for the LORD’s anointing. Jerilyn said to me the other day, “If you want to see a person’s character, give them power. If you really want to see a person’s character, take the power away from them.” Those are insightful words. Though devastated, David trusted the LORD and fled; the loyalty expressed in verse 21 must have been powerful and timely for him! David had been given tremendous power and often used it very well. We’ve also seen him fail woefully. The crucial matter is that when he failed, he was restored (sometimes with the help of a friend) through authentic confession and reconciliation with the LORD.
Apply
How have you seen loyalty embraced as well as dismissed in today’s culture? What relationship are you involved in that requires you to increase your level of loyalty? What thoughts or actions do you need to confess to be reconciled with the LORD and with the person in mind? Read verse 21 again and allow it to inspire you to encourage someone today.
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for the Prime Minister, Premier Notley, Mayor Iveson, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to mind.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth Ministry Pastor.
- Pray for our Daycare in its service to children and their families this week. Pray for the director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Intern.