Day 154 – David & His Mighty Men

• Today’s brief passages continue to give us more of a picture of David, just like those of yesterday. This time showing how he acted as a king in battle with the focus on the “mighty men” he had around him.
• Lots of “mighty men” are listed. Which is your favourite story or character? Why?
• What do you think it would have taken to be called a “mighty man” of God? How can we be mighty men (or indeed women) without going to war?
• Part of David’s success came from surrounding himself with the right people. Are there mighty men/women in your life? I’m sure there are several. Name them in your head specifically. What makes these people mighty, and how have they (and can they) help you in your Christian walk?
• Who has been most influential in your life as you became a Christian? It might be a family member, friend or maybe a Junior Church leader when you were younger. Have you ever told them how thankful you are that they were mighty in your life? Do so!
• Are your main friendship groups mostly non-Christian? Could you consider, once lock-down is lifted, spending more time (outside of organised activities) with your Christian friends? What benefits would that give you?
• How can you be a “mighty man/woman” to other people around you? Does your lifestyle, your speech and your love of God show to the people around you in a way that encourages them too?

There are many people I know who have been fired up for God in their youth, only to turn away from Him when they got older. Each person would have their own reasons for doing so, but a common factor in many of them is that people that they surround themselves with.

University is a particularly difficult time for many Christians. Away from the regulated life of home, and the organised array of youth group activities and Christian friends, university can tempt and twist a faith that isn’t solid in its foundations. It’s why I encourage so enthusiastically the need to get stuck into a good local church at university, so that you have regular teaching and Christian fellowship to build you up and encourage you in Jesus.

And even now, before university, you can work on this. How are you doing at being a mighty man or woman to your fellow Christian friends? When was the last time you encouraged someone at Eureka with prayer, or praised them when they have stood firm against the temptations of the world around us? Is doing this a priority for you?

The problem is that it’s so easy to do the opposite, even in little ways, like skipping church activities for sport, or dates, or something like that. Not only are you missing out on fellowship and teaching yourself at those moments, but your Christian friends will miss out on all the encouragement and contributions you bring to the group.

We are all one body, as Christians, and we need mighty men and women all around us to help keep our eyes focused on the most mighty of all – Jesus. Surround yourself with these types of people, and challenge yourself to be this person to others!