LOYALTY
Suggested Reading: 2 Samuel 23
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Acrocorinth, above ancient Corinth, was first a Greek acropolis, then a Roman citadel. Later, it became a Byzantine fortress. The Franks captured it in 1210, and it then fell into the hands of one of the rulers of Naples. An arms manufacturer and banker then owned it, followed by the Knights of Rhodes, the Turks, the Venetians, then the Turks again, and finally the Greeks once more...phew! The kingdoms of men are temporary, but God's Kingdom is forever.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Samuel 23:3b, 4
He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for my pastors, those who have the primary responsibility for spiritual oversight in my life. I pray for those who have civil authority as well. Please grant Your strength so that I will be loyal, not in a blind way, but in praying for these leaders, in paying my tithe and my taxes, and grant me opportunity for input into the lives of those who lead. In Jesus’ Name I ask these mercies, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When my sons were on football scholarships at an American University, I was given the opportunity to address the team and the coaches. My message was from today’s reading, 2 Samuel 23. I highlighted the stories of David’s mighty men. Some fought an offensive battle, and some were on defence. Most of all, they were loyal to their leaders. The result was victory! My sons, 30 years later, remind me from time to time of that message. I don’t remember the results of the game following my talk, but I do remember that they were fired up to win.
“The first three” of David’s mighty men are singled out for honourable mention. Peter, James, and John were singled out by Jesus. I’ve often wondered why. I’ve come to believe that they were the most fervent, the most loyal, and had developed character traits that Jesus knew would be effective in leadership. Jesus responded directly to their level of commitment. His choices were not based on favouritism.
The Billy Graham team fits this description. George Beverly Shea, the team soloist, has just departed this life at 104 years old. This humble man often said, “All I do is sing a song before Billy preaches.” I happen to know that he did much more than that. He was a spiritual anchor to the team, a steady rock of good counsel, and a man of fervent prayer. Tomorrow, God willing, I am travelling to North Carolina for his service of celebration. Yesterday I attached one of his solos. Today, I’ll try to post a video of when Bev Shea was a guest on 100 Huntley Street and spontaneously asked my wife, Norma-Jean, to sing a duet with him (click here). He e-mailed me about two years ago to say that he was watching 100 Huntley Street daily on his computer. What a man!
Yours for loyalty, integrity, wisdom and all those qualities that we want in our leaders and in ourselves,
David
It’s very true David, in God’s work we need one another for support in guidance and wisdom to complete the mission given. Blessings to all blog buddies!
WOW – that was beautiful!!! Thank you David for sharing that duet with us this morning. I am on my way to work so this has given me my lift for the day.
Yes, we do need integrity, loyalty and wisdom in our daily lives. Blessing as you travel to the funeral service for Bev Shea. I’m sure it will be a great celebration of a gifted man of God.
Psalm 145, The Lord Extolled for His Goodness, A Psalm of Praise, of David:
I WILL extol Thee, my God, O King; and I will bless Thy name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name forever and ever,
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and declare Thy mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and wonderful works, I will meditate.
And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts; I will tell Thy greatness
They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness,
And shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in loving kindness.
The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works.
All Thy works shall give thanks to Thee, O Lord; Thy Godly ones shall bless Thee.
They shall speak of the glory of Thy Kingdom, and talk of Thy power;
To make known to the sons of men Thy mighty acts,
And the glory of the majesty of Thy kingdom.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom;
Thy dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou dost give them their food in due time.
Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will hear their cry and save them.
The Lord keeps all who love Him; but all the wicked, He will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord;
And all flesh will bless His holy name, forever and ever.
Wishing all a most blessed day!
Thank you Beverlee Kay for sharing God’s Word.
“Oh what a friend we have in Jesus … “. The mighty life of David and those whom he could rely on, their strength under one source, from God above and unity of spirit and mind! Beautiful duet by Norma-Jean and Beverly Shea! Have a great day to all bloggers!
What a lovely way to start the day, with the duet and your Psalm 145 Beverlee. Thank you David for our blog which brightens my day, when sometimes pain would overtake, then The study gives me strength to push on.
Blessings as you travel to the celebration for George Beverly.
Thank you for helping us understand scripture each day on our blog. Blessings fellow blog buddies!!
Like KIng David we need loyal friends and as you said our pastors and those in civil authority. Praises to Our KIng Jesus.
I cannot help but be struck by the contrast between this man who served God, who lived to be 104, and that young man in Boston, who along with his older brother set off two bombs, believing they were doing God’s work.
On one side we have a man whose loyalty was to Jesus, who lived a long and fruitful life and on the other side a boy who gave his loyalty to a cause that has effectively ended the life he could have as a doctor and healing to spend it now in prison or by death penalty.
I know this young man made his choice and no one forced him into choosing the path he chose, but it is hard not to look at the face of basically a boy and not think how different his life could have been if he opened his heart to our Lord. As Christians may we never grow weary in proclaiming honestly the difference between the truth and the lie to the world.
Both of these men are in prayers today, the one who by God’s grace sang songs that God used to changed many a young man’s heart from going down the same path of this 19 year old did and the young man in Boston whose heart got misdirected- may God grant both of them peace.
Well said, Donna, amen!
So enjoyed those songs by George Beverley Shea and Bill Gaither’s interview of him, plus him singing with Norma-Jean. Glad to hear that the 40 years, David reigned were mostly peaceful and prosperous and his final psalms proclaim victory over all his enemies. Am looking forward to the program on CTS tonight. God bless your trip to Brother Shea’s funeral, David and my fellow bloggers. P.S. The closest I ever got to Bro. Shea is rowboating on a pretty lake in Quebec, near Ottawa where he had a small cottage in the late 60’s. Have been watching and praying for this whole situation in Boston. Christ is “The Solid Rock.”
I really enjoyed listening to the duet and I agree with all our bloggers
Lianne Hogg
Thank you David for sharing that duet of Norma Jean and Shea what a
beautiful song to wake up to this morning. God Bless you all…R..
Thank you so much David. What a blessing to see Norma-Jean singing with
George Beverley Shea. From the bottom of my heart you are such a blessing
to me!! I’m blessed receiving your post each morning. I read it first every morning.
God’s big blessings upon you. Prayers for your health.
Thank you David and fellow bloggers for your inspiring comments. No one is beyond God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. God bless each one!!!!
So true Donna and other bloggers!
Thank you so much David for this beautiful and touching performmance of Norma Jeane and George Bev Shea .This morning I attended a training organized by Billy Graham ministrie called my hope ,mon espoir .It is truly fabulous to see how the Lord uses each of us at any age .Billy Graham is turning 95 in november and his no. 1 gift that he wants for his birthday is to rally every church of every denomination to a house to house,door to door,in all of north america .God bless you all fellow bloggers and lets pray for that young fellow 19 years old for Jesus to come to him .
Amen, Carole. Corrupted beliefs which led to violent and harmful actions. I too pray for his redemption and healing for all those impacted by this tragedy.
Beautiful duet!! Enjoyed it very much!!
God will be saying to George: Welcome Good and faithful servent!!
Nancy