Chester ARP Devotional Podcast

God showed David how he should set about defeating the counsel of Ahithopel. David followed the plan, and it worked perfectly. We should recognize that God's plans always work.

God works in various ways to accomplish His purposes. In this story, He puts Hushai in Absalom's confidence and confuses the counsel of Ahithopel. God is not bound by the limits we may put on him.

King David turned his other cheek to Shimei as he cursed him on his journey from Jerusalem. We should learn to follow his example.

David made a hasty judgment when he rewarded Ziba with all the possessions of Mephibosheth. He did it because Ziba showed him kindness during the time he fled from Absalom. However, his decision was not warranted. Actually it was mistaken. We should always refrain from making rash decisions in the midst of crisis.

King David faced a great crisis when he had to leave Jerusalem after his son Absalom conspired against him. He acted wisely and trusted the providential grace of his God as he left. We should do the same when we face the crises of our lives.

Ittai the Gittite was closer to David than his own son Absalom was. Oftentimes the relationships we form with other believers are stringer than those we have with blood relatives.

Sin took over Absalom's heart and led him to conspire against his father David. If we aren't careful, sin will sear our consciences and harden our hearts. We must keep watch over ourselves.

David didn't take care of things at home the way that he was supposed to and it cost him greatly. Dysfunction abounded with this children and it began with the incestual desires of Amnon for his sister Tamar. Absalom avenged her rape by killing Amnon.

David and Bathsheba's first son died. While the child was alive David fasted and wept before the Lord hoping for God's mercy and grace for the healing the of the child's life. After the child died, David worshipped, ate, and returned to leading Israel as he trusted the Lord's will.

David committed grave sin when he had an adulterous affair with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed to cover it up. God forgave him, but that forgiveness did not take away the consequences of his sin.

David's sin of self-indulgence had tremendous consequences for him and all those who were touched by it. He committed adultery and murder, and the dysfunction it caused was great. God was gracious to forgive, but David still had to deal with the consequences.

King David allowed temptation to knock on his door when re decided to stay at home instead of going to the battle field with his troops. Don't be like him. Follow Uriah's example, not David's.

King David was a man after God's own heart who allowed the godly characteristics of that heart to show in his daily life. He was loyal to Jonathan and kind to Miphibosheth. We are called to live similarly.

David recognized that God had been good and gracious to him by entering into the covenant with him. David didn't deserve to have a descendent on the throne forever. He didn't earn that right. No one does. But God graciously made that promise to him, and he was thankful.

David wanted to build a temple to showcase the glory and the majesty of God, but God had other intentions. He wanted to establish His people and their king in order to reflect His glory to the nations. Why? Because God's people reflect His character to others.

David desired to build God a house for His ark of the covenant to dwell in on the top of Mount Zion. He had a great motivation and desire, but God wasn't ready for the Temple to be built yet. David had to wait.

David's wife Michal despised him because he devoted himself to the Lord. She was angry with God and David and took that anger out on David when he worshiped the Lord. Folks still do that to Chrsitians today.

David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, but he went about it the wrong way. God justifiably disciplined Uzzah for violating the holiness of God.

God prepared David for the tasks he would have to perform as the king of his people. He does the same with us.

King Saul's general Abner remained loyal to Saul's household until Saul's son questioned Abner's motives. Then, Abner joined forces with King David. We should learn to work through our differences with those who have been loyal to us in the past instead of accusing them of betraying us. Their past loyalty testifies to their heart.

David is publicly recognized as king over the tribe of Judah and he expects them to give him the same loyalty that they gave to Saul. Why? Because he is the Lord's anointed king.

David lamented the loss of Saul and Jonathan. it grieved his heart to lose them and to see the effects of thier loss on the people of Israel. We can learn from David here.

David grieved the death of Saul and Jonathan becasue he recognized their humna dignity and appointed roles of authority from the Lord. We can learn from him to treat those who are placed in authority over us with respect and affection.

God does all things in his time and for his purposes. He will be vctorios and we must trust him whille living in a world that is opposed to him and his will being done.

God gave David and his men the victory over the Amalekites who had raided thier homes. David recovered the spoil. He was also willing to share that spoil with every one of his men regardless of whether or not the soldier went into battle. We should do the same.