Monday Yr B Sunday between Jul 24-30
2 Samuel 11:14-21 Philippians 4:10-20
Memorize: Philippians 4:13 ”I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”`
God is My Strength
Gabriel scuffed his feet on the sidewalk, dragging his book bag. His face downcast, he didn’t hear his best friend Ramon call to him.
“Wait up!” Panting a little, Ramon tapped Gabriel on the shoulder. “What’s up?”
“N-Nothing.”
“I know something’s up. You left without me and you are taking the long way home.”
Gabriel didn’t answer but continued slogging along.
“Is this about Mr. Carl? What he said in class?” Ramon ventured again.
Gabriel didn’t speak. His friend fell into quiet step as they headed home.
Nearing Gabriel’s house, Ramon tried again. “Gabe, come on. Talk to me.”
“I d-don’t like b-being made f-f-fun of in cl-cl-class b-by a t-t-teacher.”
“It wasn’t fair. Mr. Carl shouldn’t have said that you couldn’t do it.”
“I c-couldn’t b-believe he w-was s-s-saying it, at f-f-first. N-n-now, I-I-I’m angry.”
“What are you going to do?”
“P-p-prove h-h-him wr-wrong.”
“How?”
“Y-you think I c-can’t?”
“Of course not..”
“I-I-I’ll d-do it. I’ll prove I-I-I c-can.”
“It’s a lot of work.”
“N-no matter. I’m st-still g-going to d-do it.”
“You’re going to memorize Winston Churchill’s speech?”
“P-part of it. I-I- already memorized one paragraph: “We cannot tell what lies ahead. It may be that even greater ordeals lie before us. We shall face whatever is coming to us.”
“You said that perfectly!” Ramon’s enthusiasm brought a smile to Gabriel’s face.
“I-I’ve b-been working on it.”
Ramon’s grin grew larger, “You know, my dad read about the apostle Paul in the letter to the Philippian church in devotions today. He said, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. You’re like that. God is giving you the strength to do it.”
“I also memorized the famous line, ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.’ Delivered by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons in August 1940.” Gabriel spoke carefully.
“You’re doing great. You can do anything you set your mind to.”
“I’ve b-been asking God for h-help. I’m d-doing better. The s-speech h-helps me practice.”
“I can’t wait to see the look of surprise on Mr. Carl’s face when you challenge the others for the Winston Churchill speech contest.”
“I-I’m going to win” Gabriel smiled, “because God is my strength. D-did you know my n-name means that?”
“Gabriel means God is my strength?”
Gabe nodded.
“That settles it. You’re going to win. Your name means what our memory verse said today. If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is.”
Gabriel grinned and his forehead wrinkled in concentration. “I’m going to do it. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
“Woot!” Ramon swiped his fist through the air. “I’m going to help you do it. We’ll practice every day.”
By the time the competition arrived, the plan crystallized into reality and Gabriel, with Ramon, successfully delivered the speech to Mr. Carl’s complete surprise.
Daily prayer: God of strength and power, you equip us to do what needs to be done. Give us wisdom to know what to do and the strength to do it. In Jesus name. Amen.
2 Samuel 11:14-21 (New International Version)
14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.”
16 So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. 17 When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David’s army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.
18 Joab sent David a full account of the battle. 19 He instructed the messenger: “When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, 20 the king’s anger may flare up, and he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? 21 Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth [a] ? Didn’t a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then say to him, ‘Also, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.’
Philippians 4:10-20 (New International Version)
Thanks for Their Gifts
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; 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. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
