ARE YOU GROWING (11).

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*ARE YOU GROWING (11)*

*Scripture Treasure.*

2 Sam 12:12-13 *For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.*

*And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Christian growth and discipline.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

David was a man with combined contradictory features and qualities but he remains a perfect example of a true definition of how Christian discipline should be accepted. In other words, how any child of God should respond to discipline.

When it came to discipline, David showed an exemplary quality of humility.

One of David's greatest attributes was his ability to accept his wrongs and the discipline that follows as consequences of his sin.

He was a sensitive disciple and though he was laden with an ability to not consider the consequences of his sin before committing them, he was most, the first to admit he was wrong.

In 2 Samuel 12:13, King David confessed to the prophet Nathan *"....I have sinned against the Lord..."* after being confronted with the adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah.

Though he suffered grave consequences of his serious crime against humanity and God, David penned down a penitent prayer of remorse and surrender to God asking for immediate restoration.

Today and forever, Psalm 51 will remain, not only a biblical reference for those who need restoration but a lesson to people to think twice before sinning as the consequences can be as worse as living without the Holy Spirit and losing the hope of making heaven.

David wrote in Psalm 51:11-12 *Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.*

*Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.*

In 2 Sam 16:5-13, when he was running away from his son, Absalom a man called Shimei cursed him.

His sevant wanted to kill Shimei. He regrettably told them to let him curse peradventure God will look upon the curse to forgive his sins.

David said *Let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David".* 2 Sam 16:10-11.

While people like Saul the king justified their sins, David was quick to admit them.

God spoke ever before David was revealed in the scriptures that he had found a man after his heart.

No wonder despite his sins (some other than adultery mentioned in the scriptures, ref in 1 Chron 22:8 and 28:3) he never bowed to any idol all the days of his life.

He became a standard by which other kings were measured.

Are you as quick to accept the discipline for your actions just as you were quick to sin?

Have you grown to accept Church order knowing there is discipline when you defy them?

Are you too big to discipline?

One of the greatest qualities of a Christian is his ability to humbly accept he is wrong.

Heb 12:7-8 *lf ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?*

*But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.*

Are you growing?

*Remorse corner.*

David's repentance, humility, and unwavering faith in God were exceptional.

*Call to Word action.*

He was truly a man after God's heart.

He did not bow to any idol all the days of his life and he faithfully accepted God's discipline.

*The Christian clarion duty.*

David never sought an alternative to God in His moment of anger. He was not like Saul whom God turned against and eventually turned against God. He stood by God believed He would come through for Him and God did!

*Prayer.*

Lord help me never to see myself above Your correction and chastisement, in Jesus name.

Happy New Month of March.

It is our month of *DIVINE WISDOM*

Good morning all and be blessed as you come into His presence today.

God bless you.

Shalom.