Day 5 140108 2 Samuel Chapter 23

Key Verses --> 23: 3-4, 23: 8-10, 2: 11-12, 23: 14-17

Im starting to realise now that the more i do my Quiet Time, the more i look forward to it everyday. its really something that i look forward to because of the amount that has been and is continuing to be spoken to me. in 2 Samuel Chapter 23, although it is part of the story of ki david and how he reigned as well as the mighty men he had under him, it still taught me alot. i remember a sermon by pastor clement given on this particular chapter, in fact i think i've heard it at least twice. but it struck me again about the faithfulness of these mighty men of david. as well as how well it ties into the lesson learnt today from the Quiet Time material im doing. in verses 8-10, it tells us how God can use ordinary men to do extra ordinary things, in these 3 verses, one cant help bt wonder and marvel at the feats.but i feel that above and beyond that, these feats were only made possible because these men had their hearts right with God. just like in psalms there is a verse that says i can do all things through christ who strengthens me. its little wonder that these men could accomplish these feats.

just like shammah in verse 11-12, but also another point to note is what i remember learning from pastor clement in the same sermon he gave. that shammah defended the field because he was called to do so by a higher authority. the faithfulness he displayed in accomplishinghis task is omething i want to have. im sure that even in the midst of going through his duty of defending the field,seeing all his comrades flee would have at least sent a little bit of fear into his heart. but i guess what helped him through that is his faith in the Lord God almighty. and that is what i feel applies to my life right now. even though i fear what is to come in the future in OCS, i know that i can put my faith, trust and hope in God. at the end of the day, i want to say that the bars on my shoulders are my God's and not mine.

also, in verses 14-17, ut tells us about how loyal david's men were to him. at just a passing mention, they broke into the enemy lines and got what he desired. but another lesson to be learnt is simply how david poured out and offered what his men got him to God. not only is this a great act of leadership but i for one feel that it was also symbolic of david pouring out what he craved and longed for at the feet of God, offering his heart's desirs to God. from this we can see how high a place God has in his heart. how david submitted the longings that he had to God and offeed them to God. that is something i want to do. just like david i want to offer my heart's desires to God, to let God take total and complete control of my life. right down to the deepest desires of my heart, the things i keep secret from many people, like my desie to be in a relationship. i surrender and lay before God as my offering. symbolic of me giving my heart, my life and my all to God. for if i surrender my desires to God, i become His to use and i willingly surrender.

it is little wonder that verse 3 is a key erse in this chapter. i totally agree with it! when one rules over men in righteousness, he rules in the fear of God. because the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom and when u rule in fear of God, its only natural you do that which God wants you to do. in the same way we should lead in the fear of God. and like the verses 2 and 3 i long to be one that the spirit of God speaks through. but to do so, i have to first offer my life fully to God. to let Him lead me as i lead my life in fear of Him. i knowHe as a plan for me and as such, i will submit my life to Him. all the things i have learnt from quiet time the past few days have been continuing to tell me to trust God and submit my life to Him. this i do with gladness and a willing heart

take my heart and mold it true
to be an offering to you
may it be pleasing in your sight
that i serve you with al my might
that ever more i shall be
a light for all the world to see

that you walk with me each that
that i may follow all the way
may i never fall or falter
my life i place at your altar
each day i shall be ever still
my life for you to do as you will

lesson of the day: submit the desires of your heart to God and trust Him to guide you as you lead your life n the fear of Him!