Abigail

Day 1

Her name means “ my Father is Joy”

Her character: Generous, quick-witted, wise. She is one of the Bible’s great peacemaker’s.

Her Sorrow: To have been mismatched in marriage to her first husband.

Her Joy: That God used her to save lives, eventually making her the wife of David.

Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:2 - 42.
A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. 3 His name was Nabal and his wife's name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings.
4 While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, "Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!
7 " 'Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my young men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.' "
9 When David's men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David's name. Then they waited.
10 Nabal answered David's servants, "Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 11 Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?"
12 David's men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word. 13 David said to his men, "Put on your swords!" So they put on their swords, and David put on his. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.
14 One of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail: "David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. 15 Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. 16 Night and day they were a wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep near them. 17 Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him."
18 Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 Then she told her servants, "Go on ahead; I'll follow you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
20 As she came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, there were David and his men descending toward her, and she met them. 21 David had just said, "It's been useless—all my watching over this fellow's property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. 22 May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!"
23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said: "My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. 25 May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. But as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my master sent.
26 "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal. 27 And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. 28 Please forgive your servant's offense, for the LORD will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the LORD's battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. 29 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the LORD has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, 31 my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master success, remember your servant."
32 David said to Abigail, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. 33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. 34 Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak."
35 Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, "Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request."
36 When Abigail went to Nabal, he was in the house holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until daybreak. 37 Then in the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him all these things, and his heart failed him and he became like a stone. 38 About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal and he died.
39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Praise be to the LORD, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal's wrongdoing down on his own head." Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. 40 His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, "David has sent us to you to take you to become his wife."
41 She bowed down with her face to the ground and said, "Here is your maidservant, ready to serve you and wash the feet of my master's servants." 42 Abigail quickly got on a donkey and, attended by her five maids, went with David's messengers and became his wife. 43 David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel, and they both were his wives. 44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David's wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

Day 2

Dear Lord, this day I am struggling to present this devotional from my heart. There is so much that needs to be said here. Abigail’s life and example are something to strive for. I pray that I am able to present a clear picture of who she was and how we can look upon her example and learn from it. Please speak through me, help me to teach this today.

Little to laugh about. That is a picture of Abigail’s marriage to Nabal. Her father could not have know that this wealthy man had a domineering attitude and would endanger his daughters well- being. Abigail soon discovers that fools and ruin often keep close company. Abigail knew who David was, most everyone did. Nabal was too busy caring about himself and his own fortunes that he had no idea. Nabal nearly spit in their face when David’s men came for provisions. Not realizing it was because of David that Nabal’s flocks had prospered. Foolishly insulting the regions most powerful man, Abigail was forced to take immediate action. Thanks to a servant, also aware of the great danger Nabal had put them in, notifying Abigail of their situation. As Nabal’s wife, she must have suffered his arrogance daily. Not wasting any time going to her husband, who undoubtedly would have messed things up even more, she loaded up the best of provisions along with gifts for David’s men and took them to David’s camp. Immediately falling to the ground and pleading to David, Abigail made one of the longest speeches by a woman recorded in the Bible. Thanks to her speech, David erased his anger in remembrance of his success and replied graciously. Abigail’s wisdom had spared David from sinning, reminding him that vengeance belongs only to God. After this encounter, Abigail found her husband celebrating his fortune, having no idea what his actions could have done. She found him playing the fool once again, completely oblivious to danger and drunkenly presiding over a festival banquet. Waiting until morning, when he was sober, Abigail told her husband what had happened. His hear immediately failed him, within days, he died.

Arrogance, greed, and selfishness had conspired to rob Nabal of any good sense he might once have possessed. Abigail’s humility, faith, generosity, intelligence, and honesty made her wise. Rather than putting others at risk by an unguarded tongue, her gracious words saved lives. Abigail and David married shortly after the death of her ill-suited husband. Abigail rose above her circumstances to change the course of events. Scripture does not say it, but we can see that she was a good wife to Nabal. It was God, not Abigail or David, who paid Nabal back for his arrogance and greed.

Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with your husband. Where do you stand. In the gap? Does your wisdom spare others from sinning, or does it cause an uprising? Do you respond graciously and cautiously, or do you fly off the handle? I know what I do, and I know what I need to do. Lets contrast the characteristics.

Ungodly - arrogance, greed, selfishness, unguarded tongue, foolishness.
Godly- humility, faith, generosity, intelligence, honesty, wisdom.

Are we protecting our relationships and allowing God to do his job. God is the only one who should judge. We are, through our actions, to rise above the circumstances and be an example to all who see us. Had this story been about me, I can’t say as though it would have the same outcome and example. Instead I am thinking it would be a lesson of the unguarded tongue.

Lord, I thank you for your wisdom and guidance. Please speak through these words and change our hearts and actions. I thank you for this example. I am not sure that there could be a better time in my life to receive this lesson. I am open to your guiding, please guide us all into a loving, gracious relationship with those we love.

Day 3

Read 1 Samuel 25:1 - 13

How does this description of Nabal and Abigail set the stage for what is to come?
These verses reveal what a mismatched couple Nabal and Abigail were. How do women in Abigail’s position cope? (if you are or know someone, now would be a good time to reply to all and share your story of hope or desperation)
Compare David and Nabal’s words, what do they reveal about each man?
What do others words tell you about them? What do your words reveal about you? ( ahhhhhhh, watch my tongue)

What does Luke 6:27 - 31 have to say about how you should react when you’ve been wronged?

Read 1 Samuel 25:14 - 42

How was the relationship between Abigail and the servants in the household?
What did they think about their master, Nabal?
Are you more like Abigail or Nabal to those who are in your care? How about co-workers, children, husband and extended family and friends?
How do you react when someone in authority makes a bad choice? How about your husband? (geeesh, I am really getting something out of this)
How should you react when the decision affects you? Others in your care?
Do you respond like David or Nabal or both? In what circumstances?
Why do you think that David was so quick to ask Abigail to marry him? Was he attracted to her? Did he feel responsible for her? Did he admire her?
What David’s do you have in your life? What Nabals? What can you learn from this devotional to better prepare you for these relationships in the future?

Day 4

Her Legacy of Prayer

David said to Abigail, “ Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has send you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. “ - 1 Samuel 25:32 - 33

Reflect on 1 Samuel 25:2 - 42

Praise God for calling you to be a peacemaker in your family, neighborhood, and world.

Offer thanks that God knows every challenge facing your marriage or relationships.

Confess any bitterness you may have harbored about your marriage or relationships.

Ask God to use your relationship with your husband or friend to strengthen your character and increase your faith.

Day 5

Lift your heart

If you haven’t yet made a commitment to pray daily for your husband, do so today. Set aside a few minutes to surrender your marriage to God, specifically asking him to bless your spouse. Try to refrain from focusing on your laundry list of complaints and instead pray for the needs you know your husband has. Ask God to shape your marriage relationship and use it for his purposes. Relinquish any desire you may have to control your husband; instead, ask God to work in his life. For help in forming the habit, read The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian or When He Doesn’t Believe by Nancy Kennedy.

Note: For those not married, of the Male Gender, or not ever going to marry again, this is for you to. Make a commitment to praying for your future husband, pray for your wife, Stormie Omartian has a book The Power of a Praying Husband (my husband is currently enjoying this book and I am reaping the benefits) and if you’ve had some pretty bad experiences with some Nabal’s in your life and you never want to marry again, remember that God wants us to be happy, so make sure to pray for a companion in your life, such as a great friend.

Father, please help me to be courageous and loving. To watch my tongue and to help, not hinder, my husband, children, family and friends. Help me to use kind words and continually pray for God’s intervention in their lives. Amen

Ruth

Day 1

I am so excited to be back in the word, not that I haven't read the last two weeks, but I love to study and learn new things. This week I am particularily excited because I kind of attach myself to the story of Ruth, more about that later, here is her story.

Ruth

Her name means Friendship.

How cool is that? A name that describes the very core of a woman. Women long for friendship, they seek it and at times they challenge it. It is one word with a thousand emotions.

Her character is generous, loving and strong. She is serene, able to take unusual risks and deal actively with the consequences.

Her sorrow was losing her husband, homeland, and family.

Her joy was to discover firsthand the generous, loyal, and loving nature of God, as he provided her with a husband, a son, and a home to call her own.

Key Scriptures. Click here to read Ruth 2 - 4

Matthew 1:5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,

I am so excited I get to do this devotional on Ruth. She was one of the first women in the Bible that I ever learned about. As a new Christian, her story gave me hope and as a more experienced Christian, her story continues to show me that God is in every circumstance, He wants to orchestrate our lives so that we experience His love and mercy, so we have hope in the midst of any storm. Praise God.

Day 2

Kinsman - Redeemer-
Had Ruth and Naomi gone their own ways, Boaz would have never met nor married Ruth. She was a gem to him. He didn’t realize the rich blessing from God. Their son, Obed became the father of Jesse and grandfather of David. They became the great-grandparents of King David. They are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus of Nazereth, who is, after all, our own great Kinsman - Redeemer. We have been united to Him, healing our sorrows, giving us a future full of hope.

Gleaning -An act of gathering leftovers that harvesters leave behind. It provided enough food for Naomi and herself. It was law that the leftovers be left available to the poor and aliens. Ruth fit both categories as a Moabite and no one to support her. (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19 - 22)This was a “welfare system” set up by Moses. It wasn’t a handout, because the poor still had to work for it. They would have to compete with the other poor and alien that were gleaning behind the harvesters, which made it hard to survive at times. Boaz ordered that the harvesters leave behind grain as Ruth followed, going above and beyond the Law. Because of his character, he became a “friend” to Ruth. Together, they became ancestors of Christ.

Praise God that he is in the small stuff, preparing an abundance of blessings in our future.

Day 3

Ruth 2

1. What is Ruth known for? What reputation goes with her to the field?
2. Describe this what this day’s work must have been like for Ruth.

Ruth 3

1. When Boaz was sleeping at the threshing floor instead of at home, was Ruth’s behavior immoral? What was she asking Boaz by her behavior?

Ruth 4

1. Who do you think was happiest at this wedding? Ruth? Boaz? Naomi? Why? The Wedding takes place in verse 13.
2. What does the outcome of this story tell you about God’s Providence, his divine guidance?
3. How have you experienced God’s Providence and his divine direction in your life?
4. After all of Ruth’s sorrows, what is her situation now?
5. Naomi’s restored joy is described, but nothing is said of Ruth’s. In your own words, describe what sort of joy Ruth must have been experiencing.
6. Think about a time in your life when your joy was restored.

Day 4

Her legacy of Prayer
Ruth 4:14 - 15

14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.”

Reflect on Ruth 3 -4
Praise God for providing for those that have no one to provide for them.

Offer thanks for the way God has used other women, your mother or mother - in - law, your sisters or daughters, to provide for you.

Confess any tendency to compete with other women

Ask God to help you appriciate your own mother and mother - in - law and to give you a vision for the power of two women, linked by love and faith.

Day 5

Lift your Heart.

It is easy to assume the important women in our lives know how much we cherish them. But Mother’s Day cards and friendship cards, nice as they are to get and give, don’t always do the trick. We also need to verbalize our love sincerely and regularly. Don’t wait until Mother’s Day to treat those important women to tea or a leisurely lunch. Tell them how much they mean to you and how much you care about them. Be specific and make sure to make a mental note of all the good qualities that person possesses. You could make a book for that person decorate it with colorful stickers and stencils, record all the wonderful qualities and package it with scented soap, bath salts and candles, give it as a keepsake for her to treasure and use as a resource when she may need a self-esteem booster.

Father, I thank you for the women who have played such an important role in my life. Please bless each one in a special way today and help me find ways to express to them my love and gratitude.