This poem was inspired from a sermon series called “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God” delivered by Pastor Ryan Barnett on 12-15-2019. Joseph was a righteous man and had a call to justice by saying yes to being the earthly father of Jesus. He learned about these qualities of integrity from God who lovingly said yes to each of us so that He dwells among us, accepts us as His Child, and gives blessings that we can only imagine.
This poem was inspired from a sermon series called “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God” delivered by Pastor Ryan Barnett on 12-08-2019. The encounter with extraordinary God gives faith to do the impossible and keep going when difficulties occur. To be an ordinary person doing extraordinary things because of saying “yes” to an extraordinary God.
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9
The post “Close Friends” brought out the importance of our friendships. Saul was jealous of David’s success. Instead, Saul should have realized that it was God who gave David success. With God, we can all gain wisdom and a heart that fosters love of neighbor.
There was no need for Saul to be jealous. Like the song Stand In The Light by Jordan Smith inspires, every person is priceless and can be made righteous. For Christ can make every wrong right so be who you are by standing in the light and gain confidence in knowing that with God you will go far.
Neighbors need to get to know each other, build each other up, and build memories together. This photo was taken before a July 4th parade in my neighborhood back in 2009. The kids on their bikes now have their own cars. Some have gone off to college. Some neighbors and their families have moved to different communities but we stay in touch through social media and continue to share lifetime events and memories.
Reading in 1 Samuel 18, Saul’s oldest son named Jonathan who was next in line as heir to the throne became David’s closest friend. They were so close that Jonathan was willing to let David have the robe he was wearing along with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt (v. 4). They remained close friends throughout life.
We all need close friends and we should constantly pray for God’s guidance in our friendships. Through the Holy Spirit, we can have strong relationships that are blessings for a lifetime.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Being a friend was a difficult challenge for Saul. After David killed Goliath, jealousy developed between Saul and David because Saul did not react very well to David’s success. He could see that the people regarded David as the greater leader and he became filled with anger.
Not only was Saul filled with jealousy and anger but he also feared David because the Lord was with David but departed from him (v. 12). Therefore, Saul sent David away to lead the troops in war hoping David would be killed but in everything he did, David had great success because the Lord was with him.
The people thought highly of David as he continued to lead them to success. They gave him praise and admiration but David remained humble. God was with David and this brought about a personality with a formidable combination of wisdom and a heart that had concern for others.
This day with You Lord, we have gained more knowledge in the importance of close friends that help change our character into who You want us to be. By living in Your power, we can be a good spouse, a good parent, a good friend, and a good neighbor. We reflect today on what you have given us in our friendships and are thankful. Amen.
Get connected to and internalize the guiding principles taught by Christ to gain spiritual assets. They are like treasure for our spiritual wealth as they provide for our needs and stay securely with us forever as a resource to step ahead.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 
