Reading for today: 2 Samuel 15:13-37 and 1 Timothy 2:15

“David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went… So David prayed…” 
2 Samuel 15:30-31

Many times in life we find ourselves overwhelmed with anguish while going through many types of trials and tribulations.  It’s when we are at our weakest that God is at His strongest, “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 15:1-12 and 1 Timothy 2:14

“…As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’” 2 Samuel 15:10b

Absalom’s true colors comes out after he receives the King’s grace and full pardon. Without a repentant heart, sin continues to grow and the consequences are sure to follow.

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 14:25-33 and 1 Timothy 2:13

“…Come here so I can send you to the king to ask, ‘Why have I come from Geshur?  It would be better for me if I were still there!’  Now then, I want to see the king’s face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death.”
2 Samuel 14:32

It isn’t enough that Absalom is allowed back into Jerusalem after being banished.  Absalom yearns for a full pardon from the King.  How blessed we are that our KING Jesus offers us a full pardon every day.  All we need to do is to confess our sins to God and through Jesus we are forgiven.

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 14:1-24 and 1 Timothy 2:12

Focus on: 2 Samuel 14:13

King David’s agony over the death of his son Amnon by the hand of his son Absalom leads the King to develop a vengeful heart toward Absalom.  As time goes on, the King stops pursuing Absalom but allows him to live in exile.  Sometimes it takes a similar situation for us to be able to examine without being directly involved in a situation, in order for us to clearly discern what God’s heart would have us do rather than what we would do our own.  Our heart is not to be trusted.

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 13:34-39 and 1 Timothy 2:11

“Let women learn in silence with all subjection.” 1 Timothy 2:11

Perhaps not a popular subject among some, however, at this time Paul makes clear to the domineering women of Ephesus that they should learn the truths of the Bible with a quiet and receptive spirit.  A technique men and women alike should exercise when studying God’s Holy Word.  Have you gotten your heart right in order to receive what God wants you to hear?

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 13:23-33 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel… not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10

How comforting it is to know that, unlike a society that promotes “bling” as a measuring stick for beauty, God is blessed by the beauty of good works and fruits of the spirit which undeniably shines from the inside out in godly women.

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 13:1-22 and 1 Timothy 2:8

“I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting.” 1 Timothy 2:8

Paul instructs Christian men to raise their hands in prayer boldly, wholeheartedly, and without shame.  How often do we find it easier to raise them in wrath?  Next time your flesh secretly desires to raise a hand in anger or dispute – let it be a reminder, a signal, an alarm to take that moment and focus on prayer with just as much passion!

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 12:24-31 and 1 Timothy 2:7

“And for this I was appointed a herald and an apostle – I am telling the truth,
I am not lying – and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.” 1 Timothy 2:7

Paul was given his authority from Jesus directly on the road to Damascus.  He was given a special appointment to be the apostle to the Gentiles.  This was an awesome responsibility for Paul, being a Jew.  We have this same responsibility as Christians to seize any opportunity that the Lord places before us.  Let us pray that we use our authority wisely!

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 12:16-23 and 1 Timothy 2:6

“But now that he is dead; why should I fast?  Can I bring him back again?  I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12:23

This verse in the Bible is one of comfort regarding death and life after death.  David makes it very plain that he was unable to raise his child from the dead.  There is only one who can raise the dead, God.  David also acknowledged that he would one day go to be with his son.  If we are believers in Jesus, we too will go to be with God when it is our time.

Reading for today: 2 Samuel 12:1-15 and 1 Timothy 2:5

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus…”
1 Timothy 2:5

Some believe that there are many paths that lead to God and salvation.  There are also many modern day teachers that teach us about self-help and how to be happy.  These theories only create a large gap between us and God.  The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one path to salvation and His name is Jesus.  Our daily prayer should be to ask for a stronger relationship with Jesus, who is our Mediator.