Hello FBC Friends!
And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. (1 Samuel 23:16)
Something I read in a comment on the above verse this morning intrigued me, especially in light of the fact that I will be speaking about seeking counsel this Sunday:
“A true friend does not minimize or make light of the sorrow or difficulty another may be experiencing but, rather, helps the other find strength in God. Jonathan’s encouragement of David in the present circumstances, ‘strengthening his hand in God,’ helps prepare him for a later dire situation, where David will again find strength in God (1 Sam. 30:6). ‘The sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel‘ (Prov. 27:9).”
The writer of this commentary continues, talking about both verses 16-17 of 1 Sam. 23: “In the present episode, Jonathan encourages David by reminding him of God’s purpose to make David king. How much grander is the Christian hope: ‘We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf’ (Heb. 6:19-20). The calling of all Christians is to ‘encourage one another and build one another up’ (1 Thes. 5:11). Yet we do this ultimately because we ourselves have been befriended by God Himself in the person of Jesus. In Jesus we have a Friend, the Great Friend, the Friend of Sinners (Luke 7:34). ‘No longer do I call you servants… but I have called you friends’ (John 15:15).” (Gospel Transformation Bible)
The sermon this week is called, “Be a Wise Guy (or Girl)”. We will be looking at the importance of seeking counsel, especially when it comes to finances. Our memory verse is short this week!
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15) Let’s be ready to recite that together this Sunday!
Here are a number of other important things I wanted to share with you today:
- Saturday at 7am is our Men’s Breakfast in the fellowship hall. Let’s come together and strengthen one another’s hand in God! Following the breakfast there is a work day scheduled up at our FBC cemetery.
- Please pray for Judy C and Rosemary as they conclude their time in Senegal this week. They are scheduled to return home this weekend.
- Thank you for praying for Lisa Goracke as she had hip surgery this week. She is now home and recovering, and the doctor says the surgery went well.
- Please pray for Jared and Myriah Lemerande and their baby (Eva) who is only 25 weeks along. Myriah is in Riverbend hospital with pre-term labor right now.
- Fred & Loraine Anderson are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday from 2-5pm. Contact the Anderson’s if you’d like to attend and don’t know where it is. An invitation is on the bulletin board in the church foyer.
- The youth are doing their progressive dinner activity this Saturday. Those youth who have signed up need to meet at FBC at 3:30pm Saturday. Thank you to everyone hosting them!
- The Awana Awards Night and Barbecue is this Sunday night at the church beginning at 5pm! Join us for a great celebration of all that’s been accomplished this year.
- Caleb is turning 16 on Sunday! (Yikes!)
- There is a Vacation Bible School helpers meeting next Tuesday at 7pm at FBC. Make sure to be there if you’d like to help with VBS this summer! Contact Lynsey Hostetter for more info.
- Next Wednesday, May 24, is WorldVenture’s (the world missions of Conservative Baptists) Global Prayer Day. https://www.worldventure.com/prayerday/
Looking forward to an event-filled weekend together as we strengthen one another in our walk with Christ!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael