From Believers to Disciples
Friday, April 20, 2007
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“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Heavenly Father, As I come to the end of a week of focusing on Benaiah, the valiant man of God, I pray once again that you will guide me to seize every opportunity that You put before me. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit that my thoughts, words and actions may be guided by You. Glorify Yourself in my life today and always that I may be an instrument of Your Good News to all with whom I come into contact. Thank You for saving me by Your grace through faith in Jesus, and for giving me the opportunity to serve You valiantly. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Word Today—2 Samuel 23:20-23
Monday through Thursday we will look at 2 Samuel 23:20-23 on a verse at a time basis. Then on Friday we will review the entire passage:
20Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 22Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 23He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
Read 2 Samuel 23:20-23 once again. What insights do you gain from the Scripture that you haven’t seen to this point?
What principles of leadership do you see in this text?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
Taken as a whole, what does 2 Samuel 23:20-23 tell you about going deeper in your walk with Jesus?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
The Bible gives us many examples, both positive and negative of how to live our lives. Benaiah is a man whose life gives us a positive reminder to live valiantly and to seize the opportunities God puts in front of us, so that He may be glorified in our lives. Take some time right now to reflect on this past week. What opportunities has God put before you? Have you seized those opportunities? What is necessary for you to become a valiant man or woman of God? Are you prepare to take the necessary steps?
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
This Saturday, April 21, we have the opportunity to participate in a local missions outreach—the East Liberty Food Kitchen. Participation involves traveling to East Liberty, and preparing a lunch for folks who are either homeless, or who have financial need and live in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh. Participants typically meet at the Bridge (in Penn Township), travel to East Liberty to carry out the work, and then are home by about 2:00 p.m. If you want to know more about this mission, or if you want to go along, contact Elder Rich McCarthy for more details at 724-766-9047.
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Benaiah, God’s Man for Our Day!
It’s easy to read about an Old Testament wonder such as Benaiah and say, “There’s no place for guys like that in our world!” Actually, the world is in desperate need of men (and women) such as Benaiah. He was willing to seize the opportunities God put before Him—despite overwhelming odds—and because he was, God granted him fame. Many in our day seek fame in the world’s eyes, but forget that the only lasting fame comes from God. The most famous of men and women in history have all died and their legacy has ended – unless that legacy was Jesus. As we go about daily living, let’s remember that only what we do in the name of Jesus and for the advancement of His Kingdom will last!