Reflect
The brokenness of the last number of chapters comes to a peak today. You can feel the painful tension between David’s love for his son, and Joab’s plea for the kingdom. Joab may seem callous, but it took a tremendous amount of love for him to come forward and call David on this. Doing the right thing is rarely easy, especially in today’s culture which values feigned civility over authentic truth. Have you ever been in a ‘rebuke situation’? Were you the giver or receiver? I’ve been on both ends of a rebuke, and neither one is pleasant. There are times that you may need to rebuke someone. Here are a few actions to consider before you advance. Check to see how the log in your own eye is doing. It’s possible that you still must go, but do it with empathy; feel the emotion of the other person. Have restoration as your motivation, not venting. Be swift in your discussion; don’t hide in the bushes. In all that you say, be kind! There is no value in spewing venom; keep your cool. While doing this, try to have real clarity. Practice often what and how you will say that which needs saying. Then lastly, follow up often. Don’t leave the person hanging. Help them to be re-established in love. Above all else, love!
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.