A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by a sermon a long time ago. This day with God, look for stars among you. The star may be a friend to thank, a post to share, or a Bible verse. There are many stars to be thankful for today and especially the Christmas star that led the wise men to Jesus.
Overcome evil with good by being kind. If wronged, be slow to anger but immediately remember that Jesus died for all. – Ephesians 4:32
David was kind to the handicapped son of Saul as brought out in “Kindness Replicated”. Like a single wild flower in a field, over the years the seeds produce many flowers just like one act of kindness replicates in God’s people to produce a community of faith that grows year by year into a thing of beauty.
Encourage each other to spread the word one person at a time and before long, a community and world is impacted in a positive way. Take inspiration from the song Someone Who Cares by David Phelps. Care enough about others to offer the Good News of God’s Son.
Like a single wild flower in a field, over the years the seeds produce many flowers just like one act of kindness replicates in God’s people to produce a community of faith. What you make happen for others will be given back to you so give a smile and a smile will be given back. Act kind and receive kindness from others.
In reading 2 Samuel 9, we are given an example. David is motivated to show God’s kindness to Mephibosheth who was the son of Jonathan. Remembering from our past reading, Jonathan was the son of Saul who was a very good friend of David.
David gave Mephibosheth who was lame in both feet, everything that belonged to his grandfather Saul and his family (v. 9). David then told Saul’s steward to farm the land for Mephibosheth and bring in the crops so he would be provided for. Also, David said Mephibosheth would always eat at his table (v. 10).
Let us take this lesson of kindness and apply it in our world today. Like the advice of an old cowboy, “Words that soak into your years are whispered, not yelled”. Before long, these whispers become louder because they are passed from one person to the other.
Think of ways to pass on kindness to others. It may be supporting a friend that is down, helping a neighbor in need, or sharing with others about God’s Son. This will encourage one person to share with another and before long, a community and world is impacted in a positive way.
This day with You Lord, we can make an impact by one act of kindness. There will be those who receive and more will begin to believe because of the kind-hearted nature of Your followers. Multiply our acts of kindness so that over the years, the weeds of evil are overcome with the beauty of Your mercy and the kindness of Your people. Amen.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In “Pathway to Our Purpose”, noted was that God gave David victory wherever he went. This day with God, you are given a victory too by seeing yourself as God sees you; someone worth so much that He sent His son to die on the cross for you.
God has a purpose for His servants to contribute in various ways for victory in the lives of many. Think about what role you play on His team. Take inspiration from the song My Place In This World by Michael W. Smith as you think about ways to recruit more team members.
As we read God’s Word, thoughts are given, ideas are brought out, and a pathway to our purpose removes any doubt about victory. In the previous passage, David prayed after he found out God gave him a purpose. That purpose was to build the temple and it drove David to carry out what God wanted.
Reading today in 2 Samuel 8, God gave David victories wherever he went as many nations with great influence in the Mediterranean world succumbed to David. He steamrolled his enemies like an NFL running back. He struck down his enemies like a great baseball pitcher striking out each batter. With the spoils of war, David dedicated silver, gold, and bronze to the Lord.
God gives a purpose to his servants in various ways as they work together for victory. What role will you play on His team? See yourself as God sees you; someone worth so much to the team that He sent His son to die on the cross for you.
Prayer gives us a chance to have an open exchange with God who believes in us and is interested in our future. He gives us a plan but it is up to us to fulfill our obligations towards the attainment of that plan.
This day with You Lord, help us to focus on Your plan for us. Help us to be organized towards reading Your Word, collecting ideas, and being affirmed by prayer like David was in building the temple. We each have a great purpose so help us follow Your way to fulfill that great destiny which overflows with blessings. We are not alone and we have available the power of the Holy Spirit to help carry out our purpose in our daily walk along the path. In Jesus name we pray … amen!
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 