2 Samuel 20:22 - A wise woman stops a war

2 Samuel 20:22  Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.

One woman was able to stop a war. David had returned to Jerusalem and was again on the throne. Another threat arises and his men go out to destroy this man. They lay siege to a city to get to this man and a wise woman goes to talk to the leader of David's army. She is able to solve the problem with only the loss of one life.

Lord, thank you for this example of a wise, strong, peace loving woman. Please help us to give and listen to wise, Godly advice. Amen

2 Samuel 10:12 - The Lord's will

Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

In this chapter, David sent a group of men to express condolences to the son of an enemy who has died. The gesture is not well received and the group of men are humiliated. This started a battle. Before going into battle, the leader of the David's army makes the above statement. I think these men realized they were God's tools. They were not assured victory. They wanted the Lord's will to be done. We are expected to be strong and brave, but the outcome is up to the Lord.

Lord, thank you for giving us strength and bravery. Please help us to seek your will in every situation. Amen.

Amos 2:6b - Treatment of the poor

They sell the innocent for silver,
     and the needy for a pair of sandals.

Among the list of atrocities attributed to the Israelites is their treatment of the poor. I believe God gives us the weak (or allows us to be the weak) so that the strong will realize everyone is made stronger when the stronger support the weak.

Lord, thank you for giving us the poor. Please help us to treat the poor with respect and assistance. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:27 - Weak and foolish

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God wants us to rely on him. Good uses the weak and the foolish because the glory belongs to him, it is his power and wisdom. Our righteousness, holiness and redemption is not to our credit, We have nothing to boast about except the Lord.

Lord, thank you for choosing us. Please help us to remember all the glory is due to you for our salvation. Amen.