Friendships

Friendships are important and as we go through life, what we help make happen for others is a truly rewarding experience. If we are kind and encourage others in difficult circumstances, they will return this kindness and encouragement by helping us through our life challenges.

This thought is brought out in 1 Samuel 20 as Jonathan’s friendship with David was remarkable as he would do whatever David wanted him to do (v. 4). He showed kindness toward David and helped to protect David from his father who wanted to kill David.

We are placed many times throughout life into difficult circumstances. The enemy is constantly plotting against us but we can trust God to overrule our circumstances and there are friends that can help along the way. Just like Jonathan who helped David when Saul was going to kill him by being kind enough to work a plan with David so that a signal could be given to David if in fact Saul was going to kill David.

Jonathan and David worked together against the plot of Saul by setting him up. They found out Saul’s true attitude towards David after David did not attend the New Moon feast. Saul was furious that David did not attend and he didn’t accept the story from Jonathan that David had left to go to Bethlehem for a family gathering.

Caring about others gives life true significance and there’s no better example than when Jonathan was there as a friend for David. Jonathan couldn’t have peace and joy until there was peace and joy for David too!

This day with You God, we see that kindness is personal like You who are merciful. Sometimes we are helpless to our enemies but we have a friend in You that is thoughtful and helpful. You are caring and never overbearing. For You gave Your Son for us so we can have eternal peace and joy.

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Guided by Truth

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. –  Psalm 25:4-5

Noted in the post “The Way of Truth” was that David’s life was in danger but he prayed and followed the Truth of God. The Truth keeps us going in the right direction and is obtained by what we practice and not by what we profess; therefore live according to the true principles of God to receive protection and be blessed beyond what can be imagined.

As pointed out in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, be guided by the ONE True God and like He did for David, God will give you protection from your blindside.

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The Way of Truth

Photo Source – Bing Images

We have observed in our journey through 1 Samuel that Saul tried to kill David several times because he was jealous of David.  Saul lived according to his mood at the moment whereas David lived according to God’s Way.

We can be thankful that God’s plan for us is the way of Truth.  Today as we read 1 Samuel 19,  Jonathan convinces Saul that he should not kill David because David had benefited him in killing Goliath to win a great victory for Israel so Saul took an oath to not put David to death (v. 6).

This oath stood for a while but after David continued to have success, Saul’s jealousy caused him to want to kill David again so he threw a spear at him while he played the harp. When this failed, Saul set up a plot to have him killed by his men at David’s house but David’s wife named Michal warned him and covered for him by tricking Saul’s men. This allowed David to escape before they could carry out their plot.

David was a man who prayed and a man with integrity who wanted direction from God. These qualities of David were obtained by what he practiced in life. They were not obtained by what he professed but by living according to the true principles of God who accepts us as His child, protects us, and blesses beyond what we can imagine.

This day with You Lord we pray that our spiritual life will not be determined by erratic and unstable emotions but that that our life plan lines up with Your plan. Give us a desire to fit into what You want in our life so we can be useful to Your purpose. You give us the Holy Spirit, grace, and power to grow each day toward the way of Truth. Today, we study Your Word, pray, and live for the purpose You have for us.

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All Belong

Click Arrow for Audio of Poem
In our brokenness,
There is righteousness;
Something incredible,
Making us credible.

Overcoming strife
With a brand new life
And healing our heart
To give a new start.

With each breath of life,
We continue to thrive
And exhale praise
For His wonderful ways.

With eyes to peer
Ears to hear,
Patient in waiting,
Always observing.
 
Difficulties faced
Without haste
Within the stable
Where power was able.

As the impossible
Was made possible,
The supernatural
Made natural.

This amazing birth
From heaven to earth,
We can applaud
The power of God.

Birth of eternity
For all posterity;
Removing what’s wrong
So all belong.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-24-2021
Inspired by Sermon Series “The Birth of Eternity”
Photo Source - "Bing." Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >
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Ordinary Shepherds

This poem was inspired from a sermon series called “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God” delivered by Pastor Ryan Barnett on 12-22-2019. The shepherds were ranked lowly in society but were chosen by God to come just as they were. Smelly shepherds to witness the birth of the Savor and tell others. They then returned to their sheep to do what they had done before but in a different way. Doing their job in an extraordinary way to bless the world in extraordinary ways. So keep your head held high, experience His grace, and enthusiastically honor an extraordinary God in the same way.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Shepherds keeping The flocks by night And an angel appears From the sky so bright. Saying now is the time To bring restoration And Good news for all In exultation. Without hesitation, They went to the manger To find the Savior; A real game changer. Wrapped in swaddling cloth In a humble place Where all could enter Like the throne of grace. All were welcome, There was plenty of room To greet the ONE Who could take away gloom! For they came into The smelly stable Just as they were But ready and able. To share the Good News And fill all with joy Of God’s new plan He would deploy. So take courage this day To share what you know; Life experiences And the light you glow. Keeping your head held high, Accepting His grace, Giving glory to the ONE That helps run the race. Continuing to do All…

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