How I want to be known
(S) Scripture
2 Samuel 16:23 (NIV)
23 Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice.
(O) Observation
Even though Ahithophel's advice seems strange to us Absalom and David took it as Godly advice.
(A) Application
As I read this scripture my thought was, "That's how I want to be known." I want to be known as one whose advice came only after inquiring of God and His Word. If that is the basis of the counsel I give then I will constantly be connecting people with the Lord and He can handle any issue they might be facing. If I am just giving my own advice then I am just blowing so much smoke that may or may not be from God or helpful at all. Today I want to saturate any counsel I give in prayer and the Word.
(P) Prayer
Lord make me quick to listen and slow to speak. Let me offer advice only after I have sought you and your Word. Amen
1 comment:
Pastor, first congratulations on the new birth! You will love being a grandparent. Stand before the church and smile with pride!!! Now, to the application of this reading. While the text says that David looked upon the prophet as if he was one who had been with God, the rest of the story and the plot in the story reveals that obviously he was not meeting with or speaking for God. David in fact later prays that God will cause the plan to go off course. Thus, as much as I love your desire to counsel friends after hearing from God, this text may be a word of warning and caution to confirm that a person is speaking from/for God. Had another prophet not come into this picture later, the entire scenario could have been a disaster. While it's great to want to speak for God, it's vital that we be sure that individuals are speaking for God. Agree????? Bud
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