HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
“When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!” But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” Jesse then called up Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. Samuel said, “This man isn’t God’s choice either.” Next Jesse presented Shammah. Samuel said, “No, this man isn’t either.” Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel. Samuel was blunt with Jesse, “God hasn’t chosen any of these.” Then he asked Jesse, “Is this it? Are there no more sons?” “Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep. Samuel ordered Jesse, “Go get him. We’re not moving from this spot until he’s here.” Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health—bright-eyed, good-looking. God said, “Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.” Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.” (I Samuel 16:6-13)
Bro. Jerry Hovel used these verses as part of his message this past Wednesday. As I read them the Lord spoke to my heart. By all rights, legal and otherwise, Eliab should have been anointed as the second king of Israel. If not him then Abinadab. Surely Shammah! However, God said “no” even though it “had” to be one of the oldest seven sons of Jesse. But God (I love those two words) had other plans and his name was David.
Some folks have questioned my choice of filling the pulpit in my absence during the month of July. I prayed, thought, prayed and then prayed some more. I felt the Lord speak to my heart confirming that Bro. Mack Morris, Bro. Jerry Hovel and Bro. Abel Garcia were the men to be used and He gave me the order. That in no way, shape, form or fashion takes away from anyone else or any other rotation. I felt God say, “I have already set the order!” Upon hearing that I just did the best I could to obey Him. (Bro. Jerry told us Wednesday night that “to obey is better than sacrifice!”.
My prayer is that the Friendship family will come to the services prayed up and expecting. I am praying that God will empower Bro. Mack, Bro. Jerry & Bro. Abel in a way that only He can do. May they all three be used by Him to powerfully preach the Word!
Remember, this Sunday, July 5, will see us have one worship service which will begin at 10:30AM. No Sunday School classes. No evening service. If you are a member of the Friendship family and are in town this Sunday morning then I pray you will be in the worship service.
Keep praying for Belvin McDonald, Tim Knighten & Larry Crawley.
Our leadership will be meeting to discuss our service plans for last three Sundays in July. This could be a fluid situation so please know things could change on very short notice. I suspect we will continue in person worship, have a live stream for at least one service and have the radio feed available in all services for those who are not comfortable entering the buildings. This will pretty much allow folks to be involved at whatever level they choose to be involved based on their individual situation. Pray for wisdom on behalf of our leaders.
I pray that you will have a great Fourth of July!