The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Samuel 24:21-22,
"'Now swear to me [Saul] by the Lord that you [David] will not kill off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father's family.' So David gave his oath to Saul."
David had strength of character. Here he gives his word to Saul, who was pursuing him to kill him. David had an opportunity to kill Saul but didn't. After an exchange between the two, David made the above promise to Saul.
We see David following through on his promise in passages like 2 Samuel 9:3 following Saul's death, "The king [David] asked, "Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?" David was a man with strength of character, following through on promises made, etc. Something not often seen in our day.
Where does strength of character for believers in Jesus Christ come from? Some prefer to imagine the Holy Spirit sprinkles pixie dust on our lives and Presto! Chango! That is not how God works and that is not what the Scriptures tell us.
What we find are passages like, "And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:2-4. Paul tells us that believers have strength of character developed in their lives through suffering. We certainly read of suffering in David's life... we can expect some suffering ourselves as God intends to build within us character.
How is strength of character developing in your life? As we face difficulties and suffering in our lives, remember the Lord is growing and stretching us... for our good! Keep in mind what the writer of Hebrews tells us, "If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all." Hebrews 12:8.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
"'Now swear to me [Saul] by the Lord that you [David] will not kill off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father's family.' So David gave his oath to Saul."
David had strength of character. Here he gives his word to Saul, who was pursuing him to kill him. David had an opportunity to kill Saul but didn't. After an exchange between the two, David made the above promise to Saul.
We see David following through on his promise in passages like 2 Samuel 9:3 following Saul's death, "The king [David] asked, "Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?" David was a man with strength of character, following through on promises made, etc. Something not often seen in our day.
Where does strength of character for believers in Jesus Christ come from? Some prefer to imagine the Holy Spirit sprinkles pixie dust on our lives and Presto! Chango! That is not how God works and that is not what the Scriptures tell us.
What we find are passages like, "And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:2-4. Paul tells us that believers have strength of character developed in their lives through suffering. We certainly read of suffering in David's life... we can expect some suffering ourselves as God intends to build within us character.
How is strength of character developing in your life? As we face difficulties and suffering in our lives, remember the Lord is growing and stretching us... for our good! Keep in mind what the writer of Hebrews tells us, "If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all." Hebrews 12:8.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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