2 Samuel 1:1-27
David said to [the Amalekite], 'Your blood be upon your own head, for with your mouth you have spoken against yourself, saying, "I have slain the LORD'S anointed."' (v.16).
Saul actually killed himself, so the young Amalekite lied when he said he had killed Saul. Trying to create a good impression by telling lies can be counterproductive. The Amalekite did not realise how important God's anointing was to David. By claiming that he killed Saul, God's anointed, he signed his own death warrant. God will never bless anything that has its foundation in lies.
2 Samuel 2:1-11
David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, saying, "The Lord bless you for the kindness you showed in burying Saul" (v.5).
David exhibited good leadership qualities by seeking guidance from the Lord, and by showing appreciation to the men of Jabesh Gilead. At great risk, they had removed the bodies of Saul and his sons from off the walls of Bethshan and buried them in Jabesh. No doubt David also had in mind the respect with which they treated the body of one of God's anointed people.
We should never be too busy to show appreciation to those whom we have seen rendering a good service, whether to us or to others. Seek guidance from God and He will not only teach us how to show appreciation: He will also create opportunities for us to do so.
John 12:20-50
"Sir, we would see Jesus" (v.21). "I tell you the truth: Unless a corn of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it survives alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit" (v.24).
How do they see Jesus now? In us!
How do we bear fruit? By dying to self!
What is 'fruit'? Generally speaking: for evangelists it is the response of those seeking salvation; for pastors it is the numerical and spiritual growth evident in his congregation; for all believers, it is to grow closer to the Lord in their walk with Him.
Psalm 118:19-29
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (v.24).
What have you done with today? Well, you have either made the most of it and sought His presence, worshipped Him, drawn closer to Him, and rejoiced; or you have not. Believe it or not, the day has turned out the way you planned it! When you woke up this morning you were either going to 'seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness' or your thoughts were on how to handle the problems that the day would bring. If you were focused on the problems then you would have had little time and thought for God, and missed out on some great fellowship. But if you sought Him out as soon as you woke up you would not only have had great fellowship with Him, but He would also have put your problems into perspective and helped you to sort them out!
Take your pick!
Proverbs 15:27-28
v.27 He that is greedy for corrupt gain brings problems to his family; but those who reject bribes shall live (v.27). (My paraphrase).
Accepting bribes is not a good idea. If discovered the results can be disastrous for the family and cause stress and resultant health problems for all concerned. Rather choose to be honest, then health will not be affected.
God's word says, "Don't steal" if you would live well,
and not tread a roadway that leads down to Hell!
v. 28 The righteous give careful, thoughtful answers, but the wicked choose to speak evil. (My paraphrase).
Have you noticed that people who use profanity (vituperation) are so used to conversational filth that they think it is normal and mature? Sadly, both men and women are guilty. Believers should always "be holy in all manner of conversation" (1Peter 1:15) and think carefully before speaking, choosing words that build their hearers up.
The thoughts of the wicked are loathed by the Lord,
for they do not honour His Word;
but words that are spoken by those who are pure
are words that forever endure.
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