Big Picture of the Bible

Samuel went looking for God’s chosen one,

And found him to be, David, Jesse’s youngest son.

David tended to the sheep day and night,

Watching over them with all of his might.

He was a musician, warrior, very wise,

Knew how to speak and was easy on the eyes.

King Saul needed his help in a spiritual bout.

David’s music on his harp moved evil spirits out.

During a battle David went against Goliath,

 who laughed in his face.

David had the Lord on his side and was full of grace.

 A slingshot and stone showed off his skill.

And Goliath, the Philistine, he was able to kill.

 The Lord had a plan for David from the start.

 God knew that David was a man after His own heart.

 King Saul became jealous of David’s life,

And sought to fill his days with fear and strife.

 But it was Saul’s own son, Jonathan,

 who stood by David’s side.

He made sure David had places to hide.

 David reigned over Israel forty years.

Through many heartaches and many tears.

He encouraged himself in the Lord,

And we can too,

As we meditate on God's Words,

All the day through.

Written by,

Barbara Hodges

For more writings by Barb, visit her blog at: http://www.purplepen-barbsmusings.blogspot.com

"I am praying for you." These are some of the kindest words a friend could say. Just hearing them can lift one's spirit very quickly. They may not lessen the pain or sorrow immediately. But it does allow you to experience some light in an otherwise dark moment.

Not long ago I ran into an old friend. She is one of those people that you may not see very often, but when you do, it is easy to pick up from where you left off.  At that time I had shared something that was heavy on my heart. I did not intend to share, but the words started to flow. I now know that was one of God's divine appointments. Several weeks later, we ran into each other again. The first thing she said to me was those five powerful little words, "I am praying for you." She had taken my burden and had come to the Father's throne of grace on my behalf. Hearing her say those words lifted my spirit more than anything else could have at that moment.

There have been a few times I have shared what was on my heart and really had no idea if I had been heard. When my friend told me about her prayer, I was humbled. The Apostle Paul was always encouraging the believers to pray for one another and for him too.  My friend was a Paul to me that day.

As I reflected on that encounter, I thought about my own prayer life. Have I been as faithful to pray for others? Did I hear an unspoken prayer request? How many opportunities have I missed in coming before the throne of grace for someone else? I must confess, I am on the ball when there is a crisis. It is when everything is going well that I have dropped the ball. That is human nature. No excuse-Scripture reminds me that I have a new nature, the mind of Christ.

Is the Lord bringing someone to mind as you read these words? Pray for that person right now. I don't mean the generic "God bless everyone" type of prayer. Be specific. Then if you meet that person one day, encourage her heart as my friend encouraged me by saying, "I am praying for you".

Written by,

Barbara Hodges

For other musings by Barb, visit her blog at  http://www.purplepen-barbsmusings.blogspot.com.