Living in the Spirit
June 8, 2021
Scripture Reading:
1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these.’ Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’ He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. –1Samuel 15:6-13
For what have we each been chosen? Our names may never be read in a history book. Indeed, only God may know what special gift we provide in God’s service, but we all have been chosen to love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls. The natural response to that relationship is to recognize that God has the wellbeing of all God’s children in God’s plan, and we are part of the team created to protect and encourage others. It is in our own best interest. When people live in harmony with one another, we are blessed with the synergy of love that shields us from forces that thrive on dividing us. When we become a source of that division, we shatter the very core of God’s Kingdom building.
This week I encourage you to open your heart to God to plant the seeds of what God has available for you to do that will enhance your wellbeing also.
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev’ry moment you live.
Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.*
Prayer:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today*. Amen
*Hymn Make Me a Blessing by Ira B. Wilson, see at https://hymnary.org/text/out_in_the_highways_and_byways_of_life
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.