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So he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel - 2 Samuel 15:6

David forgave and reinstated Absalom after murdering his brother

In his desire to have what he wanted right now, he lost everything

After David welcomed him back, Absalom began to plotting to kill his father so he could take the throne of Israel

He beagan his treason by first winning the people's hearts and minds

Absalom temporarly succeeded but in the end David's troops defeated him and he died a painful death

Despite of Absalom's talents, leadership skills, and potential, his impatience messed up his chance at greatness

• No sons
• No legacy of godly leadership
• A stone memorial he built for himself - 2 Samuel 18:18

Give him all of it, I am content just to have you safely back again - 2 Samuel 19:30

Mephibosheth and David had a great relationship until Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, lied about Mephibosheth helping Absalom to take this throne

Mephibosheth found out about Ziba's deception and traveled to Jeresalum to reconcile with his old friend

When David heard Mephibosheth's account, he offered half of what he offered Ziba

Mephibosheth cared little about the offering and was satisfied with know David had returned to his rightful place

Has a relationship you onced enjoyed soured? Take a risk by taking the first step

David was afraid of what King Achish of Gath might do to him. He pretented to be insane - 1 Samuel 21:12-13

Nothing reveals what's inside you quie like a stressfull situation

David fled to Gath become incognito from the murderous King Saul

King Achish's officers were aware of his true identity and David feared for his life and acted insane

Hardly the kind of behavior you would expect from Israel's next king

David allowed his stress rather than his God-inspired courage to rule the day

You may not be able to avoid stressful situations but you can decide for yourself how you'll respond to them

Jonathon's father had shown flashes of faith but his overall lack of spiritual focus led to his ouster as king and a strained relationship with his son

He took a different approach with his relationship with the Lord:

• Left his father and 600 men at the encampment at Gibeah to launch an overwhelmingly successful attack on the Philistines
• His dependence on God won the confidence of the armor bearer - 1 Samuel 14:7
• Left a legacy of faith and commitment to the Lord

You may not have spiriutal roots as a Christian but you can begin a legacy of faith and obedience

He noticed a woman of unusual beauty - 2 Samuel 11:2

Our enemy knows our weakness and it often comes to us through what we see

David fell because he allowed himself to stare lustfully and sinful thought quickly turned into a sinful action

He apparently learned from his blunder, he later wrote: "I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar - Psalms 101:3

Have you learned to safeguard your heart by safeguarding your eyes?

Can a man walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? - Proverbs 6:28

As long as that son of Jesse is alive, you'll never be king. Now fo and get him so I can kill him! - 1 Samuel 20:31

Few emotions can harm our hearts and relationships like uncontrolled anger

Anger led to:

• Cain slaying Abel
• Samson's downfall
• King Saul's attempts to young and faithful servant David

Saul's anger erupted out of jealousy of David's popularity and treat of becoming king

His anger was so fierce and overwhelming that he attempted to kill David at least three times

Saul's anger made it to his son Jonathan because he was tried to protect David

Saul showed his true colors when he allowed anger to control his every motivation, decision, and action

Now Samuel died and all Israel gathered for his funeral - 1 Samuel 25:1

Samuel made a nig impression on everyone who knew him - the entire nation mourned his passing

Samuel left behind a legacy of faith, obedience, and courage:

1. Faithfully and consistantly took God at his word
2. Acted on what he knew God wanted
3. Refused to worry about personal consequences

Our primary goal in life should always be to make a positive mark for the Kingdom of God

Jonathon made a solemn pact with David because he loved him as he loved himself - 1 Samuel 18:3

Sometimes God wants you to step back and allow someone else to take the lead and credit

Jonathan was content to play the role of sidekick in David's rise to power

His dad was King Saul but he wasn't called be suceed his father as king

A different man might have become angry and indignant for being overlooked but not Jonathan

In Jonathan, David had everything he could possibly want in a comrade, Jonathan was:

1. Selfless - 1 Samuel 9:1-2
2. Couragous warrior - 1 Samuel 14
3. A man of unshakable faith - 1 Samuel 14:6

Jonathan humbly stood back and rejoiced as his friend as David rose to the place God had call him

How willing are you to stand back and let others shine where they have been called by God?

Absalom never spoke to Amnon about this - 2 Samuel 13:22

Absalom showed what happens when the lines of communication between two people break down

He had every right to feel angry  about Amnon rapping his sister

What went wrong is his refusing to talk about it and making no effort to try to resolve the situation - Amnon felt sorry for what he had done

Absalom's anger grew deep inside until it became implacable hatred

He waited for the right opportunity to order his servants to kill Amnon - 2 Samuel 13:28

Absalom paid a heavy price for his failure to resolve his conflict openly and peacefully