my burg

Bible reading for September 18.  2 Samuel 14. "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart went out to Absalom." (2 Samuel 14:1)  CONFLICTED. Joab is imitating Nathan the prophet (12:1-7), but his counsel was not good. David's dilemma was the result of a long period of neglecting the counsel of God: as king he was not to take multiple wives (he did). He could not have known his children well. As king he should have vindicated his daughter Tamar and brought Amnon to justice (he did not). He is obviously conflicted about Absalom. Does he love his children more than God? Was he over-indulgent or absent as a father, neglecting the godly discipline they needed? Even with the return of Absalom, David is compromising and not dealing with things.  NICE HAIR. Absalom is a train wreck about to happen. He is winsome, charismatic, handsome. When his long locks were cut once a year, his hair weighed five pounds. He'll soon rank high in the polls and win the hearts...

Ann Voskamp to her son, as he prepares to leave home... The Bible’s true, son. Every infallible, sword-sharp, breathing word of it. Don’t let anyone ever rationalize one beautiful iota of it away. Love it because it’s your Life. The only life worth living is the one lost. Do it often: grab a lifeline by stepping offline. You’ll see your true self when you look for your reflection in the eyes of souls not the glare of screens. This is what you always need to know: You have nothing to prove to anyone – if you’re in Him, you are already approved. Be okay with not being liked: life’s about altars not applause. And be okay with not being seen or heard. It’ll let you hear and see better. And it’s the work of every child to fully forgive the parents. This is how it turns, the torch passing from one to the next. Read the complete post here .