Tag Archives: Abigail

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Good Judgment

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Prudent, shrewd and discerning – choice words to describe Abigail found in I Samuel 25. Her husband Nabal was a wicked and harsh man. Soon-to-be-king David had fled to the wilderness to escape from jealous King Saul. He and his 600 followers helped Nabal’s shepherds care for 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats so that none were lost to predator or robber. The men asked only for some food in return, but Nabal insulted them and sent them away with nothing. David’s first instinct was to fight and kill the foolish man.

Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received…and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing.

I Samuel 25:39

But Abigail intervened. Her good judgment helped David avoid undermining his reputation. She understood a difficult situation and made an immediate and wise decision to help David reject revenge. Her discernment helped her speak to David intelligently and persuasively. Abigail was an expert peacemaker – and eventually won David’s favor and love (I Samuel 25:40-42).

Like Abigail, be wise in your dealings with others. Seek to be discerning in your responses to those who might oppose you. Then intercede for this nation’s leaders – that they would govern with prudence.

Recommended Reading: I Samuel 25:13, 23-35

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Jesus washing his disciples’ feet

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‘Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?’ John 13:6

Suggested Further Reading: Philemon 4–20

The Scottish Baptists were accustomed to wash the saints’ feet literally; I dare say it would not do some of the saints much hurt; but still it never was intended for us to carry out literally the example of the Saviour; there is a spiritual meaning here, and what he means is this. If there be any deed of kindness or love that we can do for the very meanest and most obscure of God’s people, we ought to be willing to do it—to be servants to God’s servants—to feel like Abigail did, when she said to David, ‘Let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.’ Abigail became David’s wife; but yet she felt she was not worthy even to wash his servants’ feet. That must be our spirit. Do you know a brother who is rather angry in temper, and he wants a kind word said to him, and some one says, ‘I will not speak to any such person as he is’? Do it—do it, my dear brother; go and wash his feet! Do you know one who has gone astray? Some one says, ‘I would not like to be seen in association with him.’ My dear friend, you are spiritual; go and restore such a one in the spirit of meekness. Wash his feet! There is another riding the high horse; he is very very proud. One says, ‘I am not going to humble myself to him.’ My dear brother, go to him, and wash his feet! Whenever there is a child of God who has any defilement upon him, and you are able to point it out and rid him of it, submit to any degradation, put yourself in any position, sooner than that child of God should be the subject of sin.

For meditation: The New Testament gives Christians many instructions about their mutual behaviour towards one another. Check yourself against these commands: 1. In general—love; have peace; be likeminded; care. 2. In attitude—be subject; esteem better; prefer; forbear; forgive; be kind; consider; receive. 3. In speech—exhort; comfort; edify; greet; teach; admonish; confess; pray. 4. In action—bear burdens; serve; minister; use hospitality. Whose ‘feet’ are you ‘washing’ (John 13:14)?

Sermon no. 612

29 January (1865)

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Practicing Discernment

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Corrie ten Boom once said, “Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to faultfinding.” A discerning person intercedes through prayer or action rather than laying blame.

Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved.

1 Samuel 25:3

A perfect example is Abigail. Abigail was a wise woman married to a foolish man. In the scriptures surrounding today’s verse, David was running from Saul. In need of supplies, he sent men to Nabal asking for provisions. Nabal rudely dismissed David’s request and insulted him as well. David responded by sending his army to wipe out Nabal’s household. Then Abigail entered the story. Learning what happened, she interceded for her husband and her household. Gathering food and gifts, she set out to meet David. Finding him, she bowed to the ground, asked for forgiveness, took the blame for the situation, and praised David’s character while reminding him of God’s promises. This act diffused the situation and saved Nabal’s household.

When other’s make poor decisions, do you find fault or fall to your knees in prayer on their behalf? Start showing discernment today by interceding for the nation’s leaders as they make decisions that affect the country.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-31