Perceive: As soon as possible Hushai seeks access to the new king’s office, and there pledges a fake fealty. Being in Absalom’s court was Hushai’s time to be God’s man with the sole purpose to frustrate the wise counsel of Ahithophel. Being satisfied with Hushai’s pledge of loyalty, he lets him enter the court. Absalom then seeks the advice of his key advisor, Ahithophel. When a new king took over, it was normal and somewhat expected to receive the previous king’s wives and harem, so Absalom took Ahithophel’s advice and slept with David’s ten concubines. Through this act, he was letting his followers know there was no turning back with this revolution. He also fulfilled Nathan’s prophecy given during his rebuke for David’s sins (2 Samuel12:11-12).
 
Practice: Anyone who slept with a king’s wife or concubine was, in essence, making their claim to the throne. It was considered an act of treason. Absalom in his quest for power, did not hesitate to sleep with his father’s concubines. Sleeping with his father's concubines was his first act of power in letting the people know he was the new king. Again David who sowed the wind is now reaping a whirlwind. David was on a roof when he eyed Bathsheba and committed adultery in the palace. Now Absalom is on the palace roof having unlawful sex with David’s concubines. Oh, how God is not mocked, a man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7).
 
Pray: Father, show me where I need to stop my sin before I reap the consequences.​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: This is the first time we see the word psalm in the content of a psalm. Psalms are poems set to musical accompaniment originally on the harp an instrument that David was talented in playing (1 Samuel 16:23). Scripture credits David as the author for all but three of the psalms in book 1 (1-44). Exceptions include 1, 10 and 33. As the title reveals, David wrote this when he fled from Absalom, his son. He may have written while he was refreshed and worshiped, or the next morning when he awoke after a long tiring evening. It is in three sections. The first section describes his feelings about this rebellion and betrayal (1-2). The second section affirms his trust and faith in God’s sovereignty and answers to his prayers (3-4). The third section describes the time he may have written this psalm and his anticipated salvation and victory (5-8).
 
Practice: David wrote this psalm while he was running for his life and the life of his subjects. His son was out for blood, along with a host of other traitors. These were dire circumstances. When our situation goes from safety to danger, right to wrong, or lifting us up to putting us down, it is tempting to think God is also against us. In this psalm, David reminds the reader that when everything seems to go against you, God is still for you. If your fortune and favor have turned out for the worst, seek God don’t blame Him. He is always available in your day of trouble.
 
Pray: O great and mighty God, thank You for who You are in all my circumstances and situations in life. 

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Continuing with his escape plans, David and his entourage encounter Shimei. Shimei, a member of the house of Saul, displays severe hatred and abhorrence for David by cursing his life and pelting his body. It is interesting to note that Ziba told lies, and Shimei threw stones, both made the situation worse. The ever so brash warrior Abishai was ready and willing to kill Shimei, but David restrained him. David believed God was speaking through Shimei as he was reaping the consequences of the sins he had sown in the past. Although in a difficult spot at this point in his life, David was trusting that God would deliver justice to the likes of his rebellious son Absalom, and the loudmouth Shimei.
 
Practice: David’s attitude was one of submission when he allowed Shimei to call him names and throw things at him. Surrounded by his mighty men, he lives out what he previously shared that he would accept anything the Lord sent to him (15:26). His behavior is a wonderful testimony of a man who trusts in the Lord. In a Christ-like manner, he restrains from retaliation, and entrusts his situation into the hands of God. In the New Testament, Peter writes, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23). So should all of us.
 
Pray: Great and Mighty God, enable me to be a man who rightly sees when to act and when not to react to insults from my enemies. 

​This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Here is another psalm where David has some sort of physical and emotional pain, something that almost all of us can understand and relate to. Although he is no longer gravely ill, he feels silenced from some affliction (9-11). The psalm contains three main sections. The first section describes him keeping his tongue restrained while his heart burns with emotion (1-3). The second part describes how he realizes the brevity of his life and the hope he has in the Lord (4-7). The third section describes his confession of sin and request for relief (8-13). This psalm is an appeal for God’s great mercy.  The life He has given us on this earth is brief. Apart from God, all of life is short-lived and hollow.
 
Practice: Whenever we find ourselves attempting to bury our feelings, self-medicating to mask our pain, or being unhealthy in isolation, we need to talk with God and seek His divine help. The great author CS Lewis provides a fabulous comment in his book The Problem of Pain. He states, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to arouse a deaf world.”[i] What is he shouting at in your life? All of life is vanity unless we put our faith and hope in the Lord.
 
Pray: Thank You, Lord, for Your Word and the power of Your Holy Spirit. Hear my cry and prayer today. Speak into my heart and mind.

[i] CS Lewis. The Problem of Pain (London, Geoffrey Bles, 1950) pg 81
​
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Revolutions become times of revelation where men display their true colors. Some men will stay loyal to friends and allies, others turn in hopes of gaining power, prestige, and possessions. In this section of Scripture, we find Ziba distorting the truth about Mephibosheth, and under extreme stress, David is quick to pass judgment. Ziba helps meet David’s immediate need for supplies which may have influenced the king. He accepts Ziba’s story and gives all of Mephibosheth’s land and wealth to a liar. It is made to look like the only member of Mephibosheth’s household to show up during this crisis is Ziba.
 
Practice: Mephibosheth was Saul’s grandson and Jonathan’s only surviving son. Most likely Ziba was looking to pad his existence and get a reward from King David. David believed all what Ziba told him, without checking into it first. He should have been a bit more skeptical. When someone gives you a story that disparages someone else, take a bit of time to evaluate its truth, especially if they profit from that person’s downfall. David should have done his homework before he made his judgment. So should all of us.
 
Pray: Heavenly Father, help me to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger when it comes to hearing reports or dealing with others. ​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: The description in this psalm of David’s physical condition is like other psalms where he recognizes God’s discipline for his deep sins. David feels his suffering is severe. This psalm contains three main sections. Section one describes his hurt and difficult health issues as he is disciplined by God (1-10). Section two describes his relationships where he has lost friends and gained enemies (11-14). Section three describes his requests which include being heard, healed, and helped as he is forgiven (15-22). It is easy to feel forgotten by God when you are going through tough times. Not too many people like a walk in the desert or a rod of godly correction.  
 
Practice: David viewed his situation as part of God’s discipline in punishing him for his past sins. His anguish was part of God’s judgment. God can and does whatever He thinks is in our best interest, which may or may not include physical problems as part of our suffering. Sin can and does often result in mental and physical side effects. Although God does forgive and delivers us from the penalty of our sins, He does not promise to undo all the consequences.
 
Pray: Great and Mighty God, forgive me once again for all the times I have failed to put You first in my life. Heal me, help me, and build in me a desire to always walk in obedience. 

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: In this psalm, David complains of his enemies and his false friends. Several verses indicate he is ill and grieving over his sins (4, 8, 10). He is in a situation where all these are true. The psalm is divided up into three main parts with a closing verse. The first section describes the blessings of someone who is mindful of the helpless or less fortunate (1-3). The second section describes his confession of sin and the ways he is mistreated by others (4-9). The third section describes his crying out to God for relief and restoration (10-12). This psalm ends what is known as book 1 of the psalms. With that in mind, it fits that the last verse of the last psalm reminds the reader that the main thing in our lives is the eternal praise and glory of the Lord.[i]
 
Practice: While there are a lot of parallels between king David and King Jesus, this psalm is quoted by Jesus about His betrayal by Judas (John 13:18). Judas was the treasurer and one of the twelve apostles. He spent three years being part of the ongoing work of Christ’s ministry. He knew Christ well and, in the end, betrays Him with a kiss and for thirty pieces of silver. Have you ever felt ill during a time of betrayal? God remains faithful no matter who deserts or betrays us.
 
Pray: Lord, help me to walk worthy of You no matter what circumstances I face, nor how many people turn their backs on me.

[i] The 150 Psalms are grouped into five collections or books: Book 1 (1-41), Book 2 (42-72), Book 3 (74-89), Book 4 (90-106), Book 5 (107-150). 

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Grasping the reality of his situation, David openly shows his grief by weeping heavy tears. Like Jesus, David was man enough to weep in front of others. While continuing east, a messenger and another godly friend arrive on the scene. The messenger informs David of Ahithophel’s betrayal. Knowing his counselor so well, David immediately asks God to turn Ahithophel’s advice from wise to foolish. Reaching the summit, they spend a moment in worship. At this time God answers David’s prayer in the form of his friend Hushai, another Gentile who honored the Lord and his Jewish king. David’s assets and spies are now aligned to work together to provide critical intelligence, and whenever Ahithophel would give counsel, Hushai could do his best to thwart the advice.
 
Practice:  Heartache, turmoil, and tragedy often define friendship. During this period of Absalom’s revolt, we see the reaction of five men who were the king’s friends: Ahithophel, Ittai, Zadok, Abiathar, and Hushai. One is a traitor, and four are loyal. These four friends considered it an honor to serve David and help restore him to the throne. Each of these four men could tell others that “I am a dedicated servant ready to do whatever my king commands.” As godly men, we should say the same thing to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
 
Pray:  O mighty God, what is Your divine will for my life today? Help me to serve You in any way You desire. Thank You for being my King and my Lord. ​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Once again some loyal friends rallied to King David. This time it is Zadok, his band of Levites, the ark of the covenant, and Abiathar the priest who arrive on the scene after the people just left the city. These loyal friends felt the possession of the ark would visibly demonstrate that David was the divinely appointed ruler of all Israel. His response to these men gives another glance at his heart. He is a man after God’s own heart as he models submission to God’s will, be it good things or bad things. He is placing this situation into the hands of His Almighty God!  As priests, it would be normal for them to be with or stay with the ark. Absalom would not suspect them if they went back and served as spies. After agreeing to the plan, they return with the ark of God to Jerusalem.
 
Practice: Sometimes we make plans because they look and feel right but along the way, they are changed by God directly or indirectly. These men joined David’s camp because they thought it was the right and best thing to do. David, however, sees things from a different perspective and orders them back to be part of his ability to gather intelligence. Additionally, it may have crossed his mind, that some might think he was trusting in the presence of the ark as though it were a good luck charm, as did Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 4:5-11). Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). How do you see your faith?
 
Pray: God Almighty, into Your hands I place my life and ministry. Please help me trust in You no matter what the circumstances. 
​
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Absalom knew his previous actions, although forgiven would prevent him from ascending to the throne as his father’s successor. So, the first step in Absalom’s strategy to gain the throne was to win the hearts and minds of the people. Like modern day politicians, he rose early, found a public forum, and sowed seeds of discord. He was a master at telling people what they wanted to hear and promised to give them what they wanted to have. David won the hearts of God’s people through sacrifice and service. He was a hero. Absalom won the hearts through lies and deceit. He was a celebrity. 
 
Practice: Unfortunately, Absalom’s strategy worked back then, and it works that way today. He stole the hearts of the people by his good looks, lavish appearances, deceptive concern for social justice, and false welcoming hugs. Politicians fooled people in the past, and they will fool them in the future. Evil rulers abound and eventually the world will be deceived by a leader with greater powers than Absalom (Revelation 13:3). It is critical to stay close to God and in His word, so we recognize ungodly influences and unholy leaders.
 
Pray: Great and Mighty God, You know the inside of our leaders and their ability to govern. Enable Your people to see the truth and to know who honors You and who has selfish ambition and evil intentions. 
​
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com