SUMMARY: Headless
OVERVIEW: Israel is still in turmoil. Sheba tries to gain control of the kingdom but loses his head. Joab regains control of the army. And a wise woman from the city of Abel protects her city.
BIG IDEA: Pursue peace in chaos.
KEY VERSE: 2 Samuel 20:19 (A wise woman to Joab)
I am one who is peace loving and faithful in Israel. But you are destroying an important town in Israel. Why do you want to devour what belongs to the Lord?
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Pursue peace in all situations. Seek to build bridges and mend broken relationships. Be a voice of hope to those who need encouragement. You will be surrounded by chaos from time to time. Don’t be surprised by it, but remember to seek me. Allow me to lead you. Be filled with my Spirit. Bear the fruit of the Spirit instead of following the desires of your flesh.
There is a way to bring calm and stillness in tense situations. It will not always produce peace but pray, listen, and choose your words slowly and carefully. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Prov. 15:1). Do not be afraid to be bold. Acknowledge the tension in the group or room; don’t ignore it. But you cannot make people do what they should do. Lead in love and allow me to move through others.
NEXT STEP
Is there a difficult situation you are avoiding? Ask the person with whom you have the problem to meet and lay everything on the table. Be prayerful before you meet, while you meet, and afterward. Seek resolution and peace. Own any of your shortcomings, even if most of the problem is because of the other person.
MUSIC VIDEO