DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- VOICES FROM THE PAST

 VOICES FROM THE PAST
II Samuel 21:1-2, 14b
 
"Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, 'It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.' So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; the children of Israel had sworn protection to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah......And after that God heeded the prayer for the land."
 
This chapter is an interesting story of how seriously God takes covenants. The background of this goes back to the days when Joshua was leading the Israelites into the land that God had promised them. They were to destroy the inhabitants of the land, and Jericho and Ai fell before them. Word spread of Israel's conquests, so the Gibeonites came to Joshua and through deception obtained a treaty with Israel (Joshua 9:1-15). Although there is no Scriptural record, apparently Saul decided to destroy the Gibeonites. Now, years later, the chickens have come home to roost, even though the old Saul is dead and a new king reigns. God had not forgotten the oath made to the Gibeonites, and He used a famine to get David's attention. David sought the Lord, and we read of the restitution made to the Gibeonites to "atone" for Saul's sin (verses 3-14). After this, God healed the land. When things are not going well and God does not answer prayer, the first thing that needs to happen, whether as a nation or as an individual, is to seek God to see if there is something from the past that needs to be made right. I know that my sins are covered by the shed blood of Jesus, but there still may be something I need to clear from my past in order for healing to take place. God will answer if I am obedient.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Even though the past is forgiven, restitution may still be needed in order to clear the record and bring healing.
 
[end]
 
Have a "clear" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MAJORITY VERSUS THE MINORITY

 THE MAJORITY VERSUS THE MINORITY
II Samuel 20:1-2
 
"And there happened to be there a rebel whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet and said: 'We have no share with David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel.' So every man of Israel deserted David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem, remained loyal to the king."
 
It seems there will always be these two factions – those who are deserters and those who remain loyal. The one – the tribe of Judah – remained loyal to the king. The other tribes of Israel had just claimed David as their king (II Samuel 19:43), but they were not really committed to him. Even in the beginning of David's reign, only the tribe of Judah accepted him as king, and it took seven years before the rest of Israel became a part of his kingdom. But then they were in and out, sometimes serving the king and other times following voices of rebellion (Absalom and Sheba). It has been this way throughout the history of the Church. There has always been one group who go to church but are not really committed, and they follow the voices of rebellion that lead them to desert the Lord Jesus. But there is a minority group who remain loyal to the King regardless of what the majority does. It takes commitment to remain loyal to the Lord Jesus and His kingdom when the crowd is going the other way.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The majority rebels against the Lordship of Jesus; but there is a remnant minority that remains committed.
 
[end]
 
Have a committed day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- KING OVER ALL

 KING OVER ALL
II Samuel 19:40-43
 
"Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel. Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king 'Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away ....' So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, 'Because the king is a close relative of ours ....' And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, 'We have ten share in the king; therefore we have the more right to David than you....' Yet the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel."
 
When David returned from exile, a quarrel in the kingdom erupted between the peoples of the tribe of Judah (which included the tribe of Benjamin) and the other ten tribes. Judah thought that because David was of the tribe of Judah, plus the fact that they had remained loyal to him, gave them special rights to the king. The other ten tribes who had rebelled thought that they had a greater share in the kingdom because they had the most people. The men of Judah fiercely rejected that idea. In reality, David was king over all the descendants of Abraham. It is easy to believe that I, as an American Christian, have a greater share in the kingdom than believers in the rest of the world. After all, hasn't America been a Christian nation, and haven't I been loyal to Christ all these years? So I begin to think that somehow I am a better Christian and therefore I should have special privilege in the Christ's kingdom, while in fact followers of Jesus in the rest of the world far outnumber those in the United States. When Jesus returns, it will not be just for us in North America. He is coming for His subject throughout the nations. The Lord Jesus is not provincial. He is King of all!!!
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The kingdom of the Lord Jesus is not just for Americans but for the whole world.
 
[end]
 
Have a kingdom day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

 DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
II Samuel 19:24, 31-32
 
"Now Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. And he had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he returned in peace ... And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan. Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man."
 
Mephibosheth and Barzillai were different. They lived in different places – one in Jerusalem and one east of the Jordan. They had different infirmities – one was lame and the other old. One was poor and the other was rich. But they had this one thing in common: they had remained loyal to King David in his exile. They had expressed their loyalty in different ways – one by signs of mourning and the other by helping support David in his exile. Our loyalty to our King is similar. There are no cookie-cutter Christians. We are different. We come from different backgrounds. We have different strengths and weaknesses. But regardless of our differences, we have this in common: we are loyal to our King. I can't expect everyone to be like me. We may express our loyalty in different ways, but God sees our hearts.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Christ's kingdom is made of many different people, but commitment to King Jesus is the common denominator.
 
[end]
 
Have a loyal day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- IMPUTATION

 IMPUTATION
II Samuel 19:16, 18b-20a, 23
 
"And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David .... Now Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king when he had crossed the Jordan. Then he said to the king, 'Do not let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember what wrong your servant did on the day that my lord the king left Jerusalem, that the king should take it to heart. For I, your servant, know that I have sinned.' .... Therefore the king said to Shimei, 'You shall not die.' And the king swore to him."
 
This is the same Shimei who cursed David and threw stones at him when he fled from Jerusalem (II Samuel 16:5-7). Now he came in contrite repentance and confession, seeking forgiveness and asking David to forget his sin and not impute (charge) iniquity to him. There were those who wanted to kill Shimei. But David extended mercy to Shimei. David gave mercy because he knew what it was to receive mercy from God for his own sin. He even wrote a song: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed in the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity" (Psalm 32:1-2). Paul quoted this Psalm (Romans 4:7-8), but he went a step further in declaring that not only does God not impute iniquity to the person who puts their faith in Jesus, but he then imputes righteousness. "Therefore it was accounted to [Abraham] for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification" (Romans 4:22-25). God's righteousness is imputed to us when we fall before Him in humble confession and faith. Oh, what a wonderful, merciful, and gracious God!
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God imputes His righteousness to the person who in contrition repents and believes in Jesus.
 
[end]
 
Have an "imputed" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GRUDGE MATCH

 GRUDGE MATCH
II Samuel 19:9a, 11a, 13-15a
 
"Now all the people were in dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel [about whether to return David as king after Absalom's death].... So King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying 'Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, "Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house?" .... And say to Amasa, "Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab." ' So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: 'Return, you and all your servants! Then the king returned and came to the Jordan."
 
This is another messy chapter in David's reign, but Scripture gives the whole story, warts and all. The people were slow to return David as king. Amasa had been the commander of Absalom's army in the rebellion (II Samuel 17:25). Now, David appointed Amasa as commander of his army in place of Joab. Perhaps David had had enough of Joab's shenanigans. Or perhaps it was a strategic move to reunite the nation. This is not the end of the story because Joab eventually assassinated Amasa (20:10), and was reappointed commander of David's army (20:23).   David was not one to hold a grudge, even against his enemies.  David's grace was evident.   Even from the time he fled from Saul, to the reuniting of the kingdom, to his mercy to Shimei, to his love for a rebellious son, we can see that he was not one to carry bitterness in his heart. Truly, David was a man after God's own heart. What a model for me.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A merciful person does not carry grudges.
 
[end]
 
Have a grudge-free day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SPEAKING BOLDLY

 SPEAKING BOLDLY
II Samuel 19:5a, 6a, 7a, 8a
 
"And Joab was told, 'Behold the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.' .... Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, 'Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life...in that you love your enemies and hate your friends .... Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night.' .... Then the king arose and sat in the gate."
 
Joab was the commanding general of David's army, but he was a loose gun, as shown by his murder of Abner (II Samuel 3:22-27), his attempt to deceive the king (14:18-19), and the murder of Absalom (18:14). I have a feeling that if David had not done as Joab advised in this case, Joab may have taken control of David's army and caused a coup d'etat. This I can say about Joab: he was not afraid to speak his mind to the king. He was not a "yes man." People in authority need to have people around them who will boldly speak the truth, even when it contradicts the boss. Perhaps Joab felt free to talk to the king as he did because of the familial connection as David's cousin. Or maybe he was just brash. Some people say what they think without thinking. I sometimes wish I was more bold to speak my mind. But often I am intimidated into silence or am afraid of offending someone. We need to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). There is a time to speak, and a time to keep silent. I need discernment and boldness to know when I should speak.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It takes discernment and boldness to know when to speak the truth.
 
[end]
 
Have a discerning day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOOD NEWS - BAD NEWS

 GOOD NEWS - BAD NEWS
II Samuel 18:31-33
 
"Just then the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, 'There is good news, my lord the king! For the LORD has avenged you this day of all those who arose against you.' And the king said to the Cushite, 'Is the young man Absalom safe?' So the Cushite answered, 'May the enemies of the lord my king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man!' Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: 'O my son Absalom – my son, my son Absalom, if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!' "
 
What should have been a day of rejoicing for the good news of the defeat of the rebels is overshadowed by the bad news of the death of Absalom. The Scripture vividly captures the pathos of a father who has lost a son. David loved Absalom deeply even when he rebelled and would have died for him. It is like the grief Jesus felt because of the rebellious Jews: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! ... How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37). How the Heavenly Father must grieve over His rebellious children. The enemy is defeated! That's the good news. The Gospel (good news) is that Jesus did die in our place and provided victory over sin. The bad news is that so many reject His love and die in their sins.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The good news of victory often has a dark side.
 
[end]
 
Have a "good news" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- RUNNING THE RACE

 RUNNING THE RACE
I Samuel 18:24-25a, 26a, 27
 
"Now David was sitting between the two gates. And the watchman went up to the roof over the gate, to the wall, lifted his eyes and looked, and there was a man, running alone. Then the watchman cried out and told the king....Then the watchman saw another man running .... So the watchman said, 'I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.' And the king said, 'He is a good man, and comes with good news.' "
 
Two runners racing to get to the king. But there was something different and distinctive about the way Ahimaaz ran that set him apart and identified him. We are all in a race to get to the King. Is there anything about the way I run the race that sets is distinctive and identifies me as a Christian? Can people tell who I am by my life? I sincerely want King Jesus to say, "He is a good man." "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1b).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The way we live identifies us – for good or bad.
 
[end]
 
Have a good day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A MESSENGER WITHOUT A MESSAGE

 A MESSENGER WITHOUT A MESSAGE
II Samuel 18:19-20, 22-23
 
"Now Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, 'Let me run now and take the news to the king, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.' And Joab said to him, 'You shall not take the news this day .... And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said to Joab, 'But whatever happens, please let me run after the Cushite.' So Joab said, 'Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?' 'But whatever happens,' [Ahimiaaz] said, 'let me run.' So [Joab] said to him, 'Run.' Then Ahimiaaz ran by the way of the plain and outran the Cushite."
 
Some people like to talk even when they don't know what they are talking about, because it makes them feel important. Ahimaaz had been used as a messenger to the king before (see II Samuel 15:36; 17:20-21). So he probably felt that he should be the one to take the news to the king regarding the defeat of the army of Absalom. Perhaps his pride was injured and he became jealous when Joab gave the responsibility to the Cushite instead. It is my belief that God uses whom He chooses to carry His message. He gives differing gifts and responsibilities to various people as He desires (I Corinthians 12). I should not feel jealous when God uses someone besides me. It is tempting to talk just because I want to feel important, even when I don't have all the information. If I do not have a message so share, it is better for me to keep quiet than to rattle on about that of which I know nothing. As the old saying goes. "People thought I was dumb until I opened my mouth and proved it."
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It is better to be silent and let people think I am stupid, than to talk and display my ignorance.
 
[end]
 
Have an intelligent day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A MEMORIAL -- To Whom?

There is some clarification needed in regard to today's Ramblings.  It is this:  Absalom made a memorial to himself because he thought he was God's gift to creation.  In my Ramblings, I may have left the impression that my children (and son-in-law and daughter-in-law and grandchildren) are a memorial to me.  However, they are not a monument to me, but to our great God who is loving,  faithful and merciful.  May they always be a reminder to people of how good God is.
 
Love,  Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A MEMORIAL

 A MEMORIAL
II Samuel 18:17-18
 
"And they took Absalom and cast him into a large pit in the words, and laid a large heap of stones over him. Then all Israel fled, every one to his tent. Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up a pillar for himself, which is in the Kings' Valley. For he said, 'I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.' He called the pillar after his own name. And to this day, it is called Absalom's Monument."
 
This is so sad. Absalom had such promise, but when his body lay cold under a heap of rocks, the only memorial left was a pillar named after him that he himself had erected in his pride. And even it would only be a reminder of his rebellion. I will never have a building, a street, or a college named after me. But I do have a son and a daughter who will be a living memorial to my life. And that is better than any statue or ship with my name on it. I am truly blessed.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The best memorial to a person's life is his children.
 
[end]
 
Have a blessed day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MOB MENTALITY

 THE MOB MENTALITY
II Samuel 18:14-15
 
"Then Joab said, 'I cannot linger with you any longer.' And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Abasalom's heart .... Then ten young men who bore Joab's armor surrounded Absalom, and struck and killed him."
 
Joab led the way in disobeying the command of King David, and the rest of the group pounced. These ten young men are like a pack of wolves. The lead wolf goes in for the kill and the rest of the pack joins in. I hear the coyotes at night. One coyote kills a rabbit and begins to howl, followed by a bunch of other coyotes who join in the celebration. I see it in street demonstrations. Al Sharpton begins the howl and the rest of the pack follows. It can even happen in church. One disgruntled person can get a group of people to join a rebellion who would not rebel as individuals. I need to beware of the mob mentality – following a leader just because the crowd does. It is easier to do wrong when I am a part of a group that is also doing it. It seems that a crowd justifies a sin, but the mob doesn't make it right. It is uncomfortable standing alone, but it is the right thing to do.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Just because the mob is doing it doesn't make it right.
 
[end]
 
Have a "stand alone" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- CAUGHT BY PRIDE

 CAUGHT BY PRIDE
II Samuel 18:6-7a, 9
 
"So the people [David's followers] went out into the field of battle against Israel [Absalom's followers] .... The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David .... Then Absalom met the servants of David. Absalom rode on a mule. The mule went under the thick boughs of a great terebinth tree, and his head caught in the terebinth; so he was left hanging between heaven and earth. And the mule which was under him went on."
 
The text does not specifically say that Absalom's hair caught in the tree branches, but that has been traditionally surmised. Absalom let his hair grow long (II Samuel 14:26), and it was a source of pride to him. It was his area of pride that finally caught him. It is often the thing that I am proud of that catches me and causes my downfall, rather than my weakness. When I recognize my weakness, I put up extra precautions and barriers of protection. But in areas of pride where I think I am strong, I don't place as many safeguards because I am confident I will not fall. So the Bible warns us, "Therefore he who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12). It pays to be extra attentive in areas where I am proud of my strengths, lest they catch me and become my downfall.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It is often my strengths rather than my weaknesses that cause catch me and cause me to fail.
 
[end]
 
Have an attentive day.  Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE PRICE OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

 THE PRICE OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
ii Samuel 18:1-2a, 5
 
"And David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai ... and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite .... Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom!' And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom."
 
Today we call it unconditional love. David is on the run from his son, yet he commands his army to "deal gently" with Absalom. It is hard to imagine what it cost David to love his rebellious son. David sacrificed the comfort of his home, his resources, and his position as king for his wayward child. This reminds me of what unconditional love cost the Lord Jesus. He gave up His position as King of Heaven, the comfort of His eternal home, all the heavenly resources, and endured great suffering in His humanity in order to save His wayward children. Truly, He has dealt gently with this rebellious child. Oh, what love!
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Unconditional love is very costly.
 
[end]
 
Have a loved day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DOUBLE AGENTS

 DOUBLE AGENTS
II Samuel 16:15-16
 
"Meanwhile Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and Ahithophel was with him. And so it was, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Abasalom, that Hushai said to Abaslom, 'Long live the king! Long live the king!' "
 
The king had left Jerusalem, but he sent Hushai back to Jerusalem to "defeat the counsel of Ahithophel" (II Samuel 15:14). In effect, Hushai became a double agent – submitting to Absalom, but in truth remaining loyal to his friend, King David. His commission was to obstruct the counsel of Ahithophel, and the story plays out in the succeeding chapters. In a sense, Christians are double agents. While our King Jesus is gone, we submit ourselves to the authorities of this world as God has commanded us (I Peter 2:13-15). We live in an ungodly environment. Yet as loyal friends of God we counteract the evil counsel of this world system. The Lord Jesus has commissioned us to be light and salt in a dark and corrupt world (Matthew 5:13-16). If it was not for godly people standing against sin, this world would be in even worse shape than it is.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: We are in the world, but not of the world because our loyalty is to the Lord Jesus.
 
[end]
 
Have a salt and light day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- R AND R

R AND R
II Samuel 16:14
 
"Now the king and all the people who were with him became weary; so they refreshed themselves there."
 
David recognized that the people with him were worn out by their travel and needed a time of R and R – rest and relaxation. God understands that need also. He worked seven days in creation and then He rested (Genesis 2:2), and He commanded his people to separate one day each week to rest (Exodus 20:9-11). Even Jesus and His disciples got so caught up in the press of ministry that they didn't take time to eat, so Jesus said, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31-32). As the preacher said, "Come apart or you'll come apart." We humans get so caught up in the rat race that we ignore the need to rest. Push, push, push! Go, go, go! Sometimes I get tired of the pressures of life and it is necessary to just get off the treadmill and rejuvenate.  Yes, it even happens in retirement.   Both our bodies and our spirits need times of refreshing.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God created us with the need of rest and refreshing.
 
[end]
 
Have a refreshing day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HEARING GOD'S VOICE

 HEARING GOD'S VOICE
II Samuel 16:9-11
 
"Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, 'Why should this dead dog curse the king? Please let me go over and take off his head.' But the king said, 'What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, "Curse David." Who then shall say, "Why have you done so?" .... Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has ordered him.' "
 
So how do I respond to people who attack me? Too often my flesh and my pride rise up, and I respond like Abishai – "Decapitate him!"  What right do they have to talk to me like that?!  David's response was totally different. He was humble enough to consider that maybe God was talking to him through Shimei's ranting. If I listen to other people's cursing and criticism with my spirit instead of my flesh, maybe, just maybe, I can hear God's voice identifying my own weaknesses.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God can speak to us through other people's cursing.
 
[end]
 
Have a listening day. Love you.

UNRESOLVED ANGER

 UNRESOLVED ANGER
II Samuel 16:5-7
 
Now when King David came to Behurim, there was a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei ... He came out cursing continually as he came. He threw stones at David and at all the servants of David ... Also Shimei said thus when he cursed: 'Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you rogue [margin: worthless man].' "
 
Shimei was carrying a grudge. Apparently he was a cousin to Saul (see II Chronicles 8:35-39). and he probably felt cheated because when David became king, Saul's family (except Mephibosheth) was excluded from the royal treatment and prestige he felt he deserved. So when he saw David fleeing from Absalom, he felt the glee of revenge. "Get out! Get out! You are worthless and don't deserve to be king." When people throw stones and curse me and call me names, I need to understand that they probably have unresolved personal issues from the past. They do not like the way life has treated them, so they take it out on other people. It is useless to fight back against them because they are acting out their emotions. God, help me see behind the anger that people express when they attack me, and not take it personally.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: When people vent their anger, it is often because of unresolved personal issues.
 
[end]
 
Have an understanding day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FICKLE

 FICKLE
II Samuel 16:1, 3-4a
 
"When David was a little past the top of the mountain, there was Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth, who met him with a couple of saddle donkeys...bread...raisins...summer fruit...and wine. Then the king said, 'And where is your master's son?' And Ziba said to the king, 'Indeed he is saying in Jerusalem, for he said, "Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me." ' So the king said to Ziba, 'Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.' "
 
Remember the story of Mephibosheth. When David was looking for a descendant of Jonathan to bless, Ziba, who was Saul's servant, brought Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan, to the king. David gave Mephibosheth a place of honor at the king's table (see II Samuel 9). Now that it seems that Absalom is in command and the king is defeated, Mephibosheth has switched loyalties and joined Absalom in his rebellion, in the hope that Absalom would restore the kingdom of Saul to Mephibosheth. It was a pipe dream. Ziba received David's blessing because he remained loyal to the king. Later, after Absalom was defeated and David returned to Jerusalem, he confronted Mephibosheth. At that point, Mephibosheth switched loyalty back to David, and blamed Ziba saying that Ziba had deceived him (see II Samuel 19:24-30). It happens. People, like Mephibosheth, are fickle – always looking out for their own interest and throwing their lot in with whatever seems the most advantageous. They are fickle in their loyalties. You treat them good and they end up abandoning you for someone else who seems to offer them a better deal. They are also fickle with God. One day they are serving the God who has blessed them, and the next thing you know, they are serving themselves or the devil. When things don't go well in their rebellion, they come back to God. But their lives – like Mephibosheth – are diminished by their fickleness. It pays to stay true to Jesus through both the good and the bad times. He is the rewarder of those who diligently – with intentional persistence – seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Fickleness – lack of loyal dedication or loyalty – shows lack of character.
 
[end]
 
Have an "unficle" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A TRUE FRIEND

 A TRUE FRIEND
II Samuel 15:32-34, 37
 
"Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God – there was Hushai the Archite coming to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. David said to him, 'If you go on with me, then you will become a burden to me. But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, "I will be your servant, O king...." then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me.' .... So Hushai, David's friend, went into the city."
 
There is no explanation why David considered Hushai a burden. But David had other plans for Hushai. Instead of being a burden, Hushai became a valuable part of David's plan to disrupt Absalom's rebellion. He would counter the advice of Ahithophel (David's former counselor who had deserted to Absalom – II Samuel 15:12), and save David from destruction. Hushai was a true friend who stood by David in his time of distress. That's what friends do. Thank God for friends who stick with me through thick and thin.  Jesus is a true friend who stick with me in times of trouble.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: True friends can be relied on during times of trouble.
 
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Be a true friend to someone today. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- NETWORKING

 NETWORKING
II Samuel 15:27-29
 
"The king also said to Zadok the priest, 'Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. See, I will wait in the plains of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.' Therefore Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem. And they remained there."
 
David left a core of loyal subject in Jerusalem to keep him informed of Absalom's actions. These loyal people included the priests Zadok and Abiathar, their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan, and also Hushai (vss. 32-37). They would keep David in the loop with news from Jerusalem. David had learned early the value of having loyal spies when Jonathan told David of Saul's plan to kill him, allowing David to escape (I Samuel 20). A network of loyal friends can be a valuable source of information when dealing with people who oppose me. If I know my enemies plans, I can make plans to respond appropriately.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It pays to develop a network of loyal friends.
 
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Have a networking day. Love you.