Day 111

2 Samuel 3:6-4:12.  “Vindicate Vindictiveness”

Instead of David being able to rely on Joab to pave the way to a unified kingdom he has to prevent a civil war due to Joab’s actions.
King David had found himself in a unique position.  Multiple times now he has had men—in the name of loyalty—murder the innocent.  Had loyalty merely become an excuse for revenge and murder?
David was dealing with some strong-willed people.  David had to remain true and rule with discipline.  These men illustrated well the human tendency to justify our actions.  
I have to confess, I am guilty of the same response often.  I find myself doing something out-of-line, questionable, or not-by-the-book, and then later I will find myself justifying why I did it.  How pathetic!
Does the end justify the means or are the means as judged as the end?  Truly the bottom line engages the entire process.  Your character is defined by your consistent actions.  “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it.  Autograph your work with excellence.”

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?