Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him . . . and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.
— 1 Samuel 16:13

Thought Of The Day...
When people were anointed (and filled with the Spirit) in the Old Testament, it was usually for a specific time and purpose. For example, when the Spirit came on Saul (who was anointed the first king of Israel before David), Saul joined with some prophets in speaking God’s word (see 1 Samuel 9-10). This sign reassured Saul and all Israel that God had chosen him as their first king. Later, however, Saul spurned God’s word, so the Holy Spirit left him.
Now, after God had chosen David and Samuel had anointed him, “the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully” on David “from that day on.” David remained anointed to the end of his life, and though he wasn’t perfect, God promised that his throne would be “established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16).
Why didn’t the Spirit leave David? Because God had graciously chosen to anoint David permanently and to provide the Savior of the world, Jesus, through David’s family line. This was a major step in fulfilling God’s promise to anoint or fill all of his children—female and male, young and old alike.
So when, by God’s grace, we come to believe in Jesus, we too are anointed permanently with the Holy Spirit. As you ponder the Spirit’s work in your life today, remember the promise that God will never leave or forsake you!

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you with grateful hearts for the anointing of your Holy Spirit upon our lives. Just as you anointed David as king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:13, we pray that you would also anoint us with your wisdom, guidance, and power to serve you in this world.

Help us to trust in your plans and purposes for our lives, even when we may not understand them. Give us courage and strength to step out in faith and follow where you lead us. May your Spirit guide us in all that we do, that we may bring glory and honor to your name.

As we navigate this world, filled with challenges and uncertainties, may we always remember that we are not alone. Your Spirit is with us, comforting us, and empowering us to overcome any obstacle.

May we use the anointing you have given us to serve others with love and compassion, just as Jesus did during his time on earth. May our actions and words reflect your love and grace, drawing others closer to you.

We thank you, Father, for your anointing upon our lives. May we never take it for granted, but instead use it to fulfill your purposes and will for our lives. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

Heavenly Father, On this Thankful Thursday morning,
I come before you with a heart full of gratitude.
Thank you for waking me up to see another beautiful day,
For the air I breathe and the sunlight that fills my room.

I am thankful for the blessings you have bestowed upon me,
For the roof over my head, food on my table, and clothes on my back.
Thank you for the gift of family and friends,
For their love, support, and laughter that enrich my life.

Lord, I am grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead,
For the strength and wisdom to overcome any challenges.
Thank you for guiding me and being with me every step of the way.

As I go through this day, may I be mindful of your goodness and grace,
May I spread love, kindness, and positivity wherever I go.
Help me to be a source of light and hope to those around me.

Thank you, God, for everything.
I pray that I may never take your blessings for granted,
And that I may continue to give thanks in all circumstances.

In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

***UPDATE***I still need prayers. We were supposed to go yesterday to sign the final papers, but he had not signed them at his lawyer's office yet. He decided it could wait until late in the afternoon so he could stop on his way to work. When he finally went to sign, he found out they need to be notarized, and his lawyer doesn't have one available...none anywhere in the building that she knows about. So, I suggested we meet at my lawyer's office, but he thinks that is too far away and doesn't want to waste the gas...it's about 30 miles. He assures me he will take care of this all this weekend so I can sign on Monday. He also seems to think that we don't need to both sign the same paper, however. So, at this point I don't know if he truly is that dumb, stingy, or is he just stalling. Because my car is one of things that was being disputed, and my car currently needs major repair, every time he stalls like this without telling me ahead of time I have to get up early so I can take my son to work so I can use his car, then go back that night and pick my son back up from work...this is a waste of my time and his gas. I have been dealing with this for over 2 years, and it is really getting old.
I need prayers please...my divorce is supposed to be final on Wednesday the 30th...my lawyer just called and the soon to be ex and his lawyer are requesting that I file a "ton" of paperwork by Monday. So, my computer time this afternoon will be spent downloading bank statements and payment receipts for the past 2 years.

Good morning friends of Lordsbook. Yesterday when I was walking in the morning I was looking at my home and counting all my blessings. We have everything we need plus so much that we don't need. I try never to take this for granted. It breaks my heart when I think of all the people in the United States who have lost everything , absolutely everything. Then I think of others and other countries that have lost everything. When I hear that on the news I feel sad for a while and then it goes away, it seems so common. But what has been happening now in this country has made me realize that we really are all one. We are one in Christ. We are one big family separated by oceans. I am thankful that Lordsbook is connecting us around the world. I hope we just remember to pray for each other. Be thankful in the hope that we have in Christ and always remember to be His hands and feet and voices. Have a blessed weekend.

Heavenly Father, As we come before you on this Saturday morning, we give thanks for your steadfast love that never fails. Your love for us is unchanging, from the beginning of time until the very end. We are so grateful that we can always rely on your never-ending love and grace, especially in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

In the book of Jeremiah, we are reminded of your promise to always be with us, to guide and protect us in all situations. We find peace in knowing that we can find refuge in your unwavering love, a safe haven amidst the storms of life.

Lord, we ask for your continued presence and guidance as we go through this day and the days ahead. Give us strength and courage to face any challenges that may come our way, knowing that you are always by our side.

May your love and grace fill our hearts and minds, and may we always seek to follow your will and purpose for our lives. We thank you for your faithfulness, for being our constant source of love and hope. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
— Hebrews 13:5

Thought Of The Day...
Stock market values can make people wealthy or poor. Money is not a good god; it cannot love you, nor can it give you eternal life. The one true God, however, has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” The church in Laodicea had a big problem. Because their lukewarm attitude caused a less than effective ministry, Jesus warned them that he was about to spit them out of his mouth. They had bank accounts filled with money, tempting their eyes to turn from Jesus toward only themselves. But that made them “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” in Jesus’ eyes.
Jesus did not shut the door on them, but he offered wise financial advice. He advised them to find true wealth in him, and to obtain the pure, white garments of his righteousness rather than the black-wool garments that Laodicea was famous for. And they should invest in the eye medicine of his insight, rather than the medicinal balm their region was known for. Money itself is not the problem, but trusting in money instead of Jesus will bring ruin (see 1 Timothy 6:10). Following the way of Laodicea puts the church at great spiritual risk. Let us thank God that he never leaves us but is always ready to discipline us in love.

Prayer...
Father God, As we come before you today, we ask for your guidance and wisdom. Your word reminds us in Hebrews 13:5 to not trust in money and wealth, for they are fleeting and temporary. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the only true source of security and provision.

We pray that you would shield us from the temptation to put our faith in material possessions. Instead, fill our hearts with your love and grace, and may we find contentment in you alone.

Lord, help us to always remember that you are the one who blesses and provides for us. May we never forget that you are our ultimate source of security and that all we have comes from your hand.

May we always seek first your kingdom and trust in your promises. Help us to be good stewards of the resources you have given us, using them to bless others and bring glory to your name.

Thank you for your faithfulness and provision in our lives. Help us to always remember that you are enough, and to find our satisfaction in you alone.

In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!