II SAMUEL

I'm in Colorado again, and I've had my two cups of coffee and have been reading in II Samuel.  The first twenty chapters are all about David.  From getting anointed King of Hebron to King of all Israel, to having to deal with Absalom's rebellion.  David sure had his own share of victories and defeats, highs and lows.  Don't we all have them?  God is good to help us through each and every phase of life.  Here is a thought or two: 1) WHO AM I?- In II Sam. 7:18, David says: "Who am I, O LORD God?  and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?"  David had a real dose of humility.  God likes humility and it always catches His attention.  We had best learn to "walk humbly" before God if we want to enjoy His blessings.  David never forgot from whence he came.  We were lost without Christ and without hope before we got saved.  Let us never forget we were nothing before Jesus found us and all that we now are is what Jesus has made us.  Give Him all of the glory! 2) JEDIDIAH- David called him Solomon, but God called the baby Jedidiah (beloved of the LORD).  The first child of David and Bath-sheba died and that was a results of God's punishment for their sin of adultry and then covering it up with murder.  But then they had another child and all is forgotton and God loves this child and calls him Jedidiah.  God can be tough when He deals with our sins, but His mercy ever extends to us and desires to bless us.  He loves us and cannot stay angry with us forever.  We should repent and draw nigh to God knowing that He loves us and does not delight in punishing us, but delights in blessing His children.  Thank you LORD for your love and mercy! Hope you have a blessed day today!  I'm going to preach in a school chapel and then teach some teachers tonight and then preach at Hopewell Baptist Church in Longmont, CO.  Hope you have a good day in the LORD.   Dr. Mike Mutchler