Devotionals for April 17, 2024
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READ
2 SAMUEL 12:1-7
So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. 2 The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. 3 The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. 4 One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.”
5 David was furious. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! 6 He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.”
7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! The Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul.
So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. 2 The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. 3 The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. 4 One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.”
5 David was furious. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! 6 He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.”
7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! The Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul.
REFLECT
Sin often blinds us from seeing the truth. When we operate our lives in a continual sin pattern we slowly become desensitized and lose sight of the things of the Lord. David had found ways to cover up his tracks, but he couldn’t hide from his sin. God knew what He had done. And like a loving father does, He showed up to open David’s eyes and set things straight. Often, when the scales remain on our eyes we are quick to judge others and be critical of them. Defending ourselves by the distraction of judging others in their sinful tendencies.
Often we need to look in the mirror and take a quick inventory of our own lives. Where are we at with God? How are we responding to His call on our lives? Have we let sin wreak havoc and cloud our ability to see the truth? As we get things right with the Lord our vision is restored and our heart comes alive again in our true purpose. God doesn’t waste a thing. He sees the yuck of your life and He will use it when you get it settled with Him and chase after the things of His heart for you.
Often we need to look in the mirror and take a quick inventory of our own lives. Where are we at with God? How are we responding to His call on our lives? Have we let sin wreak havoc and cloud our ability to see the truth? As we get things right with the Lord our vision is restored and our heart comes alive again in our true purpose. God doesn’t waste a thing. He sees the yuck of your life and He will use it when you get it settled with Him and chase after the things of His heart for you.
APPLY
Q: Are you hiding something? What do you need to confess?
Q: Who is holding you accountable for living out God’s Word? Challenge yourself to find someone you trust to hold you accountable to God’s standard for your life!
Q: Who can you help see the truth in God’s Word as you walk out His Truth for your life?
Q: Who is holding you accountable for living out God’s Word? Challenge yourself to find someone you trust to hold you accountable to God’s standard for your life!
Q: Who can you help see the truth in God’s Word as you walk out His Truth for your life?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Dear God, You have supplied exactly what I need. May I choose You and Your path for my life. Living for Your Truth and focused on Your will for my life.
Dear God, You have supplied exactly what I need. May I choose You and Your path for my life. Living for Your Truth and focused on Your will for my life.