In Retrospect

Today I spent a little bit of time browsing through some of the posts that I've written in the past. Looking back, I can't believe the amazing things that God has done. How he moved my heart and changed it. How he used my struggles and my strengths to touch your hearts. Its unfathomable to me how a God so great would call me His own. Unfathomable that he would love on me, and use the very last threads of his patience to wait for me to be receptive to him. Yet, as unfathomable as it seems to me, God does. He has an everlasting love, a love that embraces hearts, and a kindness that calls our hearts to him. Tonight don't forget that you have a God who LOVES you, who went to the depths for you, who while you were yet a sinner, died for you! Because he loves you. Because he WANTED to give you the opportunity to share in His love, and in every blessing he ever created. YES! We have a God like that.

It's Our Birthday Linkup: After One Year...

After One Year of ministry with The Quiet Place there are so many stories to tell. Being apart of what God has done through this blog he put into my heart to create has been amazing. Writing here has allowed me to express my love for my sisters in Christ and all women. It has been a blessing to be able to share my heart and my life with you here. An honor that you have been able to learn with me and grow. It has been an unexpected journey in friendship and business, one from which Britney and I have both grown. Above all I can't even begin to tell you of the numerous things that God has done in my heart as both a writer here and a reader. I am thankful for all of those who have contributed time, effort, money, words, and skill to The Quiet Place. Who were willing to write a guest post when they received an unexpected note from me. We honestly couldn't have done it without you. I have learned a lot this year from our guest posters and I am very thankful for that. God has touched my heart through all of you and I know that he is doing glorious things with the words you have bravely shared with us.  I pray that all of you, contributors and readers alike, no matter where you find yourself, know that God is with you there. That he always love you, and is always waiting for you with open arms. His love is vast beyond measure, his grace abounds, his mercy is unending, and his forgiveness never empty.  This is the great God we serve. And HE loves YOU!   Here's to One Year Best Friend!

Click Here

If you have read The Quiet Place blog, or have contributed, make sure to stop by and link up with us! Just Click the picture for details! So now, may the God of peace make you His own completely and set you apart from the rest. May your spirit, soul, and body be preserved, kept intact and wholly free from any sort of blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus the Anointed. For the God who calls you is faithful, and He can be trusted to make it so. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Stop On By

Make sure you stop by www.thequietplaceblog.org today to check out my post on forgiveness. God has been teaching me a lot lately.

Teachable Moments: A Forgiving Heart

Blessed By Beatrice

Today my roommate and I had the honor of having lunch with Beatrice. Beatrice is a wonderful four-foot eight-inch 94 year old church lady. Last Sunday she invited my roommates and I to Sunday dinner after church. Today we had the pleasure of following her to her home for lunch. It was quite comical to follow her in my car as she sped almost recklessly through the curvy small town streets. I almost lost her trail as I was restrained by the stop sign. Thankfully we were able to catch up to her and thankfully we didn't have much farther to go. 

When we arrived we stepped into her little kitchen and began helping her prepare for lunch. As we got up to walk outside and see the yard, I caught the dining room table in the corner of my eye. I was surprised and delighted to see the table set fully with china and crystal glasses. I felt honored that she would invite me to be apart of her special dinner. I was completely unaware of the glorious lunch we were about to have together.

When we came back inside we helped Beatrice set the table. She pulled a glazed ham roast out of the oven and a few other dinner salads from the kitchen and dish by dish we placed them on the decorated table linen.

As we sat down at the table Beatrice proceeded to say grace, thanking God for our meal and praying over us in the sweetest most loving way. Her words and presence blessed my heart.

Lunch was delicious and was the most unexpected occasion I never imagined. I had no idea that we would end up spending four hours getting to know one another over fine china and apple pie.

Today I am thankful for new friends and for wise women like Beatrice.

All Dried Up

Have you ever felt all dried up? Like you've given what you can give but there is just nothing left that you can really do.

Sometimes I feel like that with my spiritual life. While there may be something that I can do about what God is convicting in me, I don't do it, and sometimes I don't even want to do it. It saddens my heart to admit it, but I know it's really true.

That's when I need to consult God and just say hey, I'm feeling all dried up, help me because I need it.

Grace. There is enough to cover me.

Nevertheless, I believe the lie that there isn't. I believe the lie that if I'm not good enough God will condemn me.

That's when I need to remember scripture.

Romans 8:1-3
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,

It really hits home for me when I read "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering".

Christ covers all.

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Though we have been redeemed we are not without purpose. We have a job to do. Here Christ tells the disciples to be alert and aware of temptation praying to God for assistance to resist it.

We still live in a broken and sinful world, therefore we must watch and pray to avoid temptation. When we stop watching and praying that is when we fall into sin.

2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 

This passage in second Peter is a good reminder that though we live in a broken world God has given us everything we need to succeed in living a life pleasing to Him.

An excerpt from Matthew Henry's Commentary explains verses 3 & 4 in more depth...
Those who receive the promises of the gospel partake of the divine nature. They are renewed in the spirit of their mind, after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; their hearts are set for God and his service; they have a divine temper and disposition of soul; though the law is the ministration of death, and the letter killeth, yet the gospel is the ministration of life, and the Spirit quickeneth those who are naturally dead in trespasses and sins. [4.] Those in whom the Spirit works the divine nature are freed from the bondage of corruption. Those who are, by the Spirit of grace,renewed in the spirit of their mind, are translated into the liberty of the children of God; for it is the world in which corruption reigns. Those who are not of the Father, but of the world, are under the power of sin; the world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19. And the dominion that sin has in the men of the world is through lust; their desires are to it, and therefore it rules over them. The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it.

The last sentence here is easy to overlook, but it is what stood out to me most. It says, "The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it". Hearing myself read those words both encourages and saddens me. I am saddened by this because it means that I am holding a dominion of sin over myself and therefore keeping myself from what God has for me. On the other hand, I am encouraged because it means that the only sin which has power over Christians is the sin that I myself take pleasure in. This means that through the Holy Spirit, I have the power I need to get rid of any sin that is held over me. 

The only question that remains then is how. How do we get rid of the dominion of sin we are willingly holding over ourselves. Well I guess that the easy answer is to let go of it. The more helpful answer is perhaps to watch and pray. In order to get rid of it we need to ask God for help. We also need to be mindful or in other words pay attention to what thoughts lead us into sin. Then, instead of entertaining those thoughts, we need to capture them and toss them out. We can be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit if we watch and pray. 

Burning the Midnight Light

Tonight the Lord has spoken into my heart and here is what He shared with me...

Psalm 119:130

New International Version (NIV)

130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it gives understanding to the simple.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Verse 130

Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God’s testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God’s word gives light. If we begin at the beginning, and take it before us, we shall find that the very first verses of the Bible give us surprising and yet satisfying discoveries of the origin of the universe, about which, without that, the world is utterly in the dark. As soon as the word of God enters into us, and has a place in us, it enlightens us; we find we begin to see when we begin to study the word of God. The very first principles of the oracles of God, the plainest truths, the milk appointed for the babes, bring a great light into the soul, much more will the soul be illuminated by the sublime mysteries that are found there. “The exposition or explication of thy word gives light;” then it is most profitable when ministers do their part in giving the sense, Neh. 8:8. Some understand it of the New Testament, which is the opening or unfolding of the Old, which would give light concerning life and immortality. (2.) It would give understanding even to the simple, to the weakest capacities; for it shows us a way to heaven so plain that the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

Matthew 6:32-34

New International Version (NIV)

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Philippians 4:18-20

New International Version (NIV)

18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 8:27-29

New International Version (NIV)

27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Read This Too :) - Make You Feel His Love - Sweetness Itself

Why Do I Do It?

Some of you may be wondering why I even care to share my life anyways. Well, I do it for days like today. For days when I feel like a hot mess and I buy into all of the lies that the world shoves in our faces. It's when I have these days of brokenness I really need encouragement and truth spoken into my heart.

That is why I blog.

I want to write to encourage others on their hot mess days, to remind readers like yourself of God's faithfulness and promises. Just when I thought today might be a lost cause, God came and met me at my level to remind me that I AM HIS.

When I read these two blog posts, my savior spoke truth into my heart and it was exactly what I needed.

"Who I AM" by Amy @ Sweet Home Santa Barbara

"Having One of Those Days?" by Holly @ hollywagner.com

An Honest Prayer

Quiet. It has been a long time since I have had some quiet time. A few moments to collect myself and to rest. I am forever grateful for these quiet moments. It seems that God speaks most often when I am finally quiet. Not just silent, but quiet, steadfast, at rest. Thank you Lord for quiet moments.

Lord,

I know it has been a long time since I have last been in your word you left for me. It seems that I have found myself a little lost on the map that you have given me. I am sorry that I have not been paying much attention to your direction and prompting. I hope you will forgive me Lord. I have been feeling frustrated with myself for not changing the things that you have called me out of. Tonight I ask that you would provide a way out of those things for me. Please help me to follow the map you have given me. I know I will never be the perfect sojourner, but do not give up on me just yet. I still have a lot of exploring to do with you right by my side. I want to discover whatever it is this path has for me. I do not want to let you down. I hope that I do not miss the things along the way big and small that you want me to experience. I cannot promise that I will not get lost every now and then, but I hold on to your promise to never leave me on my own when I do. I hold on to your steadfast love and guidance. I rely on your patience with me and your strength that holds me up when I am weak. I am very grateful for your faithfulness to me. Help me to better understand your grace. Thanks for not giving up on me.

Your daughter & fellow sojourner, Hillary

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." 

Lamentations 3:22-23

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me."
Psalm 16:8

"Even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)"
Ephesians 2:5

Dazed & Confused

Did you ever have a time in your life when everything seemed to be spinning around you? When you were so confused you could't make heads or tails of it?

What are we to do when confronted with these type of situations?

1) The first thing that comes to my mind is seek God. I have had a few conversations in the past with women in this situation. People who don't know what to do and are desperate for any advice that might be helpful. I want so bad to help these young women with their situations, but the reality is that I can't. As much as I want to help, some decisions must be made by the person in the situation. What I can do is encourage them to seek God. Because when we seek God, we find him.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

Jeremiah 29:13

2) Make a decision. When we find ourselves dazed and confused in our circumstances it is likely that we need to make a decision. Perhaps there is something you have been putting off or trying to ignore to the best of your ability? If there is, it's probably time to face it. The great thing is we don't have to face it alone. God is right here waiting for us to come to him with our big messes because he knows we can't clean them up all by ourselves.

5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. - 1 Peter 5:5-10

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Verse Seven...

"He is willing to release you of your care, and take the care of you upon himself. He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it. He will order all events to you so as shall convince you of his paternal love and tenderness towards you; and all shall be so ordered that no hurt, but good, shall come unto you,”"

When life seems to toss you around so much that you don't know what to do remember to first seek God because he cares for you. 

A Friendship Like Their's

The story of Jonathan and David's friendship is one of my favorites. But a friendship like theirs is hard to come by. Especially today it seems that good friends are few and far between. Best friends are even rarer. I am so blessed that I have the beginning of a friendship like theirs. You can read there awesome story here...

1 Samuel 18-20

The Voice (VOICE)

18 By the time David had finished speaking to Saul, Saul’s son Jonathan was bound to David in friendship, and Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 2 Saul took David into his service on that day and would not let him return to his father’s home. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 He took off the robe he wore and gave it to David, and also his armor, sword, bow, and belt, symbolically transferring to David his right to ascend the throne.

5 David went wherever Saul sent him and was successful in battle; and as a result, Saul made him commander of his army. And all the people, even those who served Saul, were pleased.

6 On the day they were returning from David’s victory over the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet the king, singing and dancing with tambourines and other instruments, making joyful music. 7 At one point, the women sang as they danced and celebrated.

Women: Saul has slain his thousands,
        and David, his tens of thousands.

8 This chant made Saul tremble with fury.

Saul: Do you hear this? They have said that David killed tens of thousands and that I only killed thousands. What else is left for him but my kingdom?

9 From that moment on, Saul was suspicious of David.

10 On the next day, the True God sent an evil spirit to overwhelm Saul and put him in a prophetic state inside his residence. While David was playing the harp, as he did every day to try and soothe the king, Saul had his spear in his hand 11 and decided to throw it at David, thinking, “I will pin him to the wall.” But David twice escaped Saul’s angry attacks.

12 Saul was afraid of David because the Spirit of the Eternal was with him but had left Saul. 13 So, at last, Saul removed David from his presence, making him a commander over 1,000 men, hoping he would die in battle. But David went out to the battle and returned. 14 David was successful in everything he did because the Eternal One was present with him.

15 When Saul saw that David achieved such success, he was amazed and afraid of him. 16 All of Israel and Judah loved David, who led their soldiers into battle and brought them back victorious.

Saul came up with a plan and called David.

Saul: 17 David, I want you to take my oldest daughter Merab in marriage. I ask only one thing in return: valiantly fight the Eternal One’s battles on my behalf.

Saul was thinking that he did not need to murder David himself; instead, the Philistines would eventually kill David.

David (to Saul): 18 Who am I, what have I done, and who is my family in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?

19 But at the time when Saul’s daughter Merab was to be given to David as his wife, she was instead given in marriage to Adriel the Meholathite. 20 Saul’s daughter Michal, however, loved David; and when Saul heard this, he was pleased.

21 He thought that he would give her to David to trap him in a dangerous situation where the Philistines could still destroy David. So Saul spoke to David again.

Saul (to David): I want you to marry my other daughter.

22 (to his servants) Talk to David privately. Tell him, “The king is very happy with you, and you are loved by those who serve him. So why don’t you become the king’s son-in-law?”

23 So Saul’s servants spoke these words to David as requested, but again he replied modestly.

David: Does it seem to you such a simple thing that I should become the king’s son-in-law? What about the fact that I have no money to pay the brideprice and come from an unknown family with no political connections?

24 Saul’s servants reported David’s concerns back to the king.

Saul: 25 Tell David that in place of the traditional dowry, I want only the foreskins of 100 Philistines, so the king will be avenged against his enemies.

Saul thought David would be killed by the Philistines while attempting this task. 26 When the servants repeated Saul’s words, he agreed to Saul’s terms and decided to fulfill these conditions to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the allotted time elapsedto pay the dowry, 27 David went with his men, killed 200 Philistines, and presented their foreskins to the king so that he could become the king’s son-in-law. So Saul gave David his daughter Michal in marriage; 28 but when the king saw how David enjoyed the favor of the Eternal One, and that his daughter Michal loved him, 29 he felt even more threatened by David. Afterhis plan failed, Saul considered David his constant enemy.

30 Whenever the commanders of the Philistine army came out to fight, David distinguished himself against them more than any of Saul’s other servants, so that everyone valued him.

19 Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to figure out a way to kill David, but Jonathan was very fond of David.

Jonathan (warning David): 2 My father wants you dead. Watch out tomorrow morning. Think of a safe place to hide that nobody knows about. 3 I will go into the field near where you are hiding, and I will speak on your behalf to my father. If I learn anything, I will tell you.

4 Jonathan spoke generously on behalf of his friend to his father, Saul.

Jonathan: The king should not sin against his servant David, who has never sinned against you. Indeed his achievements have been of real service to you and your kingdom. 5 He faced death when he fought against the Philistine, and the Eternal One gave David a great victory for all of Israel. When you saw it then, you were filled with joy. Why would you now sin against an innocent person like David by killing him without a proper cause?

Saul (considering this counsel): 6 As the Eternal One lives, David should not be murdered.

7 Jonathan found David and told him everything that had happened, and then Jonathan brought David back into the service of Saul the king.

8 Once again there was war between Israel and the Philistines, and David went out to fight them. He crushed them and made them flee.

9 Again the Eternal sent an evil spirit to disturb Saul as he sat at home, spear in hand, listening to David play music; 10 again Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear, but Saul missed him and the spear stuck into the wall. David escaped that night and ran to his home.

11 Saul dispatched some of his officers to watch David’s house so that they could kill him the next day. David’s wife Michal warned him.

Michal: If you don’t save yourself tonight, tomorrow morning you’ll be killed.

12 So Michal lowered David down through the window, and he escaped. 13 Then she laid a large idol on the bed, made it a wig of goat’s hair, and covered it with clothes. 14 When Saul’s officers came to take David to the king, she told them, “He’s sick.”

15 Hearing this report, Saul ordered his officers to return and see David for themselves. He would not be deterred.

Saul: Even if you have to carry him to me in his bed, do it so I can kill him.

16 When the officers returned, they threw back the blankets and, instead of David, they discovered the idol with its goat-hair wig in the bed. So they took Michal to Saul.

Saul (to Michal): 17 Why have you betrayed me like this, daughter, and let my enemy escape?

Michal (lying): He said to me, “Let me go. Don’t make me kill you.”

18 David fled to Samuel in Ramah, and he told him everything that had happened. Samuel took David to the town of Naioth, and they lived there.

19 Saul soon learned that David was at Naioth in Ramah, 20 so he sent officers to arrest him and bring him back. But when they came, they found a group of prophets in a prophetic trance with Samuel standing and leading them, and the Spirit of the True God entered Saul’s officers so that they, too, were caught up and prophesied.

21 When Saul heard this news, he sent other officers who were also affected in this way. He sent a third set of officers, and again, the same thing happened when they encountered Samuel and the prophets.

22 So finally Saul went, himself, to Ramah. When he arrived at the large cistern at Secu, he asked where he might find Samuel and David and was told they were at Naoith in Ramah. 23 As Saul traveled, the Spirit of God entered him, and he, too, fell into a constant prophetic trance. When he reached Naoith in Ramah, 24 he stripped off all his clothes and fell into a prophetic ecstasy before Samuel, lying naked all that day and night. (This is another way the saying arose, “Is Saul also one of the prophets?”)

20 David ran for his life. He left Naioth in Ramah and found Jonathan.

David: What have I done? Of what am I guilty? What crime have I committed against your father to make him want to kill me?

Jonathan: 2 Impossible! Don’t worry about it. You’re not going to die. My father doesn’t make any decision, large or small, without telling me. And why would my father hide this from me? It is not so.

David: 3 But your father knows we are friends, and he has said, “Don’t tell Jonathan about this; he will be upset.” I swear to you, as the Eternal lives—and as you live—I am on the verge of being killed.

Jonathan: 4 Whatever you ask, I will do for you.

David: 5 Look. Tomorrow is the new moon, and I should be sitting with the king at his table. But let me go and hide myself in the field until three days have passed. 6 If your father asks about me, tell him that I asked to return to my hometown, Bethlehem, for an annual family sacrifice. 7 If he says, “Fine,” then all will be well with your servant. But if he is angry, you will know that he intends to harm me. 8 So deal kindly with your servant, for you have made a sacred covenant with me, your servant. But if I am guilty, then kill me yourself. Why should you have to bring me in front of your father?

Jonathan: 9 That will never happen. If I knew my father planned to hurt you, wouldn’t I tell you?

David: 10 So who will tell me if your father gives you a good or bad answer?

Jonathan: 11 Let’s go out to the field.

They went out to the field so that David could find a place to lie low.

Jonathan (to David): 12 Let the Eternal God of Israel be my witness; this is my vow. When I have talked to my father, about this time tomorrow or no later than the third day, if he acts friendly about you, won’t I send an answer to you? 13 But if my father plans to harm you, then may the Eternal do to me what he plans for you—and more—if I don’t let you know and send you away to safety.

May the Eternal One be with you, as He has been with my father. 14 If I live, then show to me the faithful love of the Eternal that I may not die. 15 Do not ever take your faithful love away from my descendants, not even if the Eternal were to remove all the enemies of the house of David from the face of the earth.

16 With these words, Jonathan made a covenant with David and his descendants.

Jonathan: May the Eternal One guarantee this promise by the hands of David’s enemies.

17 And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for Jonathan loved him more than life itself.

Jonathan: 18 Tomorrow is the festival of the new moon. People will notice you are gone because your place will be empty.19 On the day after tomorrow, you will be greatly missed. On that day, quickly go down to that place where you hid yourself the first time and wait by the stone Ezel. 20 I will shoot three arrows to the side of the stone, as if I’m shooting at a target.21 Then I will send a boy after them, saying, “Go find the arrows.” If I tell him, “Look, the arrows are on this side of you,” then come back, for as the Eternal One lives, you are not in any danger. 22 But if I tell the boy, “No, the arrows are beyond you,” then flee, because the Eternal has shown you that you must leave. 23 But as for the agreement that we have spoken together, the Eternal One is witness to it forever.

24 So David hid himself in the field.

When the new moon festival began and the king sat down to eat, 25 he took his usual seat in a place of safety with his back to the wall. Abner, his general, sat at the king’s side; Jonathan stood, but David’s seat was empty. 26 That first night, Saul said nothing. He thought that perhaps David had somehow become ritually unclean, and he could not attend a sacred feast. 27 But on the next day, the second day of the feast of the new moon, when David’s seat remained empty, Saul spoke to Jonathan.

Saul: Why hasn’t the son of Jesse joined us at the feast these past two days?

Jonathan: 28 David asked me if he could go to Bethlehem. 29 “Please allow me to go,” he said. “Our family is sacrificing in the city, and my brother has insisted that I come. So if you think highly of me, I ask that you let me go there and see my brothers.” That is why he is not at the king’s table.

30 Saul, not fooled for a moment, became very angry with Jonathan.

Saul: You son of a degenerate and rebellious woman! Do you think I don’t know that you have befriended the son of Jesse? This is just as shameful for you as your mother’s nakedness was. 31 As long as David walks the earth, you will never rule this kingdom. Now send for him. Bring him here to me, because he will most certainly die.

Jonathan: 32 Why should David be put to death? What offense has he committed?

33 At that, Saul threw his spear at him, fully intending to hit him, so Jonathan knew that it was truly his father’s intention to have David killed. 34 Jonathan left the table in a rage, without eating a bite on the second day of the festival. He was grieved because of David and because his father had disgraced him.

35 In the morning, Jonathan took his bow and went out into the field, as he had arranged with David, and he brought a small boy with him.

Jonathan (to the boy): 36 Run and find the arrows that I shoot.

The boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy reached the place where the arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out.

Jonathan: Isn’t the arrow beyond you? 38 Hurry! Be quick about it. Don’t hang around out there!

So Jonathan’s young servant gathered the arrows and returned to his master. 39 He knew nothing, of course; only Jonathan and David knew what had just transpired. 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and told him to take them back to the city.

41 As soon as the boy left, David rose from his hiding place south of the stone and prostrated himself before Jonathan. He bowed to Jonathan three times, and then David and Jonathan kissed each other. Both of them wept, but David wept more.

Jonathan (to David): 42 Go in peace and safety, since we have both sworn in the name of the Eternal One, “He will mediate between me and you, and between our descendants, forever.”

David got up from the ground and left, and Jonathan returned to the city.

...I wonder how our lives would be different if we put more work into our friendships. If we truly loved our neighbors as much as we love ourselves. 

Mortality

Precursor: I realize that the subject of Mortality is not often discussed, especially in this way. However, I feel that it is healthy to realize our finiteness and live accordingly. I assure you that there is no need to worry about me because I am discussing mortality. I simply believe that it is something we don't share enough about and therefore I have taken a risk to share my thoughts with you. I suspect that you can relate to me, and I hope that you will be encouraged. 

Yesterday one of my family members was admitted to the hospital. Ever since then I have been keenly aware of human mortality. Asking questions of myself like "What would you do today if it was your last day?" If today were my last day I would want to be with my family and friends because there is nothing more important in life than people. I would just want to have dinner and spend time talking. Finishing out the night with a bonfire in the backyard.

It would be nice if my mortality was the only one I had to think about. Unfortunately it isn't. Last night as I sat in the living room alone I found myself thinking about what it would be like to lose an immediate family member. I pictured each member of my family on a steel metal table, cold, stiff, dead. Then I thought about what it would feel like if in that moment they had ceased to be apart of this world. I concluded pretty much the same thing for each of them. I would weep over them until I could no longer produce tears. Until everything I had within me was out, and I had nothing more I could give.

As I sat in the quiet living room last night thinking of these things I was reminded of our greater purpose. To live loving everyone around us without reserve, because Christ first loved us. I am encouraged knowing that God's plans are greater than my own. Even when they don't seem to be going in a good direction, God is always faithful and he "works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

God’s Love and Ours

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved usand sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. - 1 John 4:7-21

Matthew 22:35-40

35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”