When life is turned on its head and disorientation sets in, today’s chapter shows the importance of properly processing transition…
READ 2 SAMUEL 5 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
No-one likes to stand out in the middle of the road in thick traffic. But what if I told you that transition is the moment when you find yourself standing on the centre line. You’re vulnerable, unsure of which direction to head in, and every fibre of your being wants to make a mad dash for the other side. When processing transition, there are plenty of quotes out there like: “processes are as important as outcomes” or, “the journey’s the thing”, but because transition is a form of crisis that is often charged with adrenalin-fed emotion, we need to remember the “guidebook rules of engagement” when experiencing life-altering change – especially when our transition is taking longer than what we had expected.
Today’s chapter is the moment when David “reached the other side”, he was declared second king of Israel, and he was allowed to go on his way. His transition, however, was a fourteen-year process between yesterday’s breadcrumb and today’s. That time was spent as a vulnerable target, zigzagging up and down in the middle of the road. Because transition is a season rather than an event, processing his transition season in the right way, equipped David for his life role as King David of Israel.
So, instead of rushing to the other side, or taking matters into my own hands, I want David’s level of patience and belief in our Author of Hope. Even if I don’t know what my Maker’s plan is, I want to be His work of art, allowing the Creator God to write HISstory in me…
Read More? …CLICK on “28 May – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Finding it hard to speak directly to your Maker? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
As for me, I’ll declare this forever; I’ll sing praise to You, God of Jacob. For You, O Lord, cut off the strength of all the wicked, but the strength of the righteous will be lifted up. [Psalm 75:9-10]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
- The World: Pray for the people of The Gambia[b]
- Your Country: Gospel Literature Ministry
- Yourself: Compassion on those in need
- Your concerns for today
Surely the Arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor Your ear, Lord, too dull to hear. [Isaiah 59:1]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
If I’m strong, Father God, help me to bear with the failings of the weak – and not to live today to please myself. May my choices and actions today please those around me – for their good, to build them up. [Romans 15:1-2]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
As for You, Your way is perfect, Lord God. Your Word is flawless. You shield all who take refuge in You. The Lord lives! Praise be to You, my Rock! Exalted be You, God my Saviour! [Psalm 18:30&46]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[c] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Using our Gifting
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” [1 Corinthians 12:27]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/gamb/owtext.html
[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31