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Spared
The word spared means to give something of which one has enough of, to someone else and to refrain from killing, injuring, or distressing; to have mercy on. Spared perfectly describes the story of David and Nabal. Nabal had plenty to spare with others but chose to live a greedy and unrepentant life. David was spared when he refrained from killing Nabal and he saw God’s hand in preventing him from taking revenge. David and Nabal can be seen as examples of the two responses we have to Christ. Nabal does not repent or acknowledge his sin, neither does he thank Abigail for her willingness to risk her life on…
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A Deadly Realization
After a whirlwind day of rapid preparation and courageous confrontation, Abigail was again faced with a situation that would require boldness and a gentle and quiet spirit. Now that Nabal had sobered up it was time to tell him all that had taken place the day before with David. Abigail knew that she had done the right thing and with a clear conscience she could relay the details of God’s leading and intervention. Upon hearing about Abigail’s meeting with David which saved his life, the scriptures tell us that his courage failed him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died.…
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A Timely Word
After David accepted the gifts and words of Abigail he blessed her and sent her home in peace. But upon arrival at her home, peace was not what she found. While she was away correcting the wrongs done by her husband and saving her household, her husband was holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk. She could have gotten angry and yelled at him in front of his friends and servants. She could have made a point right then to tell him what a terrible position he had put them all in. She could have railed against him for being so…
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A Divine Roadside Encounter
The bible is full of stories of the miraculous works of God and I believe they are still happening today. It’s easy to agree that God protecting and providing for Noah and his family in the flood or the parting of the Red Sea or raising people from the dead were all miracles. But it’s also a miracle when God protects and provides for each and every one of our needs. When He removes obstacles in our lives or provides a way through them and when He brings a sinner back to life in Him. God is always orchestrating Divine Encounters which are people and events placed in our path…
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Be Gentle
When Abigail gave David the food and wine she also gave him something much more valuable; gentle words of assurance. She reminded him of the calling that God had given him and that the Lord was in control of everything. The Lord promised to do many good things for you, and He will keep his promises. He will make you leader over Israel. So don’t do anything that would make you guilty of killing innocent people. Please don’t fall into that trap. (1 Samuel 25: 30-31) Abigail knew her words and actions were powerful and carefully thought through each and every one. She understood that the bigger picture of this story was much…
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Peacemaker
A peacemaker, like Abigail, is a person who helps others solve a conflict and reach a peaceful solution. She wanted David and his men to know she was grateful they had helped her husband and that she had become aware of the offence that they had received from him. She asked David to forgive Nabal’s arrogance and accept the gifts of food and wine that she had brought with her. Abigail not only reasoned with David, but she could empathize with him. She lived with her surly husband and was around his mean disposition every day. There must have been plenty of opportunities for her to be the peacemaker in her household.…
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An Encounter With His Word
Looking back over this week I was reviewing events to share about a Divine Encounter. Throughout the week I had seen almost all my family members at one time or another and several people in stores, but my Divine Encounter this week came through His Word. I had been praying for several friends that are dealing with extremely hard situations and was asking God how He would want me to pray for them. I know what I want to pray for them, but I also want to pray His will. One of them had been told that they only had a few more months to live. My heart broke for…
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Humility
Imagine riding a donkey into a scenic mountain ravine. Cliffs on both sides keep you moving forward and guide you towards what lies ahead. As you look up an army of 400 angry men are headed your direction intent on killing your entire household. What would you do? Abigail was in this exact situation and when she saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say.” David had just been cursing Nabal for his unkindness and…
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Severe Storm Warning
Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning? Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Abigail had just been issued a severe thunderstorm warning from her servant. He had reported the details that revealed the pending danger and she took action. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five…
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Valladolid
A few weeks ago I visited an old town in Mexico called Valladolid. It had a beautiful town square with rustic park benches, street vendors and old town appeal. Next to the square was a church that had been built in 1545. The tour guide pointed out the tree that was growing on the top of one of the bell towers. At some point a seed had been dropped in that exact location, presumably by a bird, and began to grow. (See the tree on the top corner of the left bell tower in the picture) It reminded me that we can flourish wherever God decides to plant us. That…