Text from l Samuel 21:1-9-
David was fleeing from Saul and went to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. David lied to him and told him he was about the king's business. The priest decided to go by the spirit of the law instead of the letter of the law, and he gave David the old bread that he had just exchanged for new bread, even though it was not lawful to do so. He determined that it was more important to help the desperate man than to follow a doctrinal position. He chose relationship over rules.
David asked for a weapon and the priest gave him the sword of Goliath, which David had used to cut off Goliath's head. It reminded David of God's presence in His life and helped him face his present fear because of his past victories with that same sword.
We come to church to be given bread for the day and a sword for tomorrow.
The bread we receive helps us through a present crisis of abject hunger and the sword helps us face our crucible and move on.
What is the fear that you face that keeps you from moving on?
What is keeping your life and calling on hold?
Your children are waiting for you to get beyond this.
Heaven is cheering you on and saying, "You can do it."
It's time to grow up and move on.
We cannot be coddled forever.
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There is a time to confront a sinner and make them face the lie that is attached to their sin.
There is a time to shake the dust off of our feet when someone refuses to hear the truth.
How long do we allow someone to eat from a pig's trough?
How long do we wait for them to come to themselves?
When do we comfort and help and encourage?
When do we rebuke and expect a change?
These are difficult questions for those who are responsible for the thriving of our souls.
God help them and give them wisdom.
Jesus poured His life into twelve men, and one man absolutely betrayed Him and another denied Him. We are bound to be hurt and betrayed by those we have poured our lives into. We cannot allow the fear and the pain of betrayal keep us from pouring our lives into others.
(I read one time that we will not truly know how to minister to others unless we have felt the sting of betrayal.)
When people come to church, they do not have to clean themselves up first.
The purpose of the church is to help people in their desperation.
The purpose of the church is to feed people with the Bread of Life and give them a sword to face their fears.
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