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Teachings from Unsung Figures: Mephibosheth: Overcoming Adversity with Grace

     Within the shadows of more prominent figures, Mephibosheth's story unfolds as a testament to resilience, unforeseen grace, and the influence of benevolence. While he may dwell in the periphery of biblical acclaim, Mephibosheth emerges as an emblem of inspiration, affirming that within life's trials, the light of grace can pierce through, offering hope and renewal. Join us as we explore the lessons within Mephibosheth’s often-overlooked history. 

First, Some Backstory

     A descendant of Saul, the inaugural king of Israel, Mephibosheth's life unfolded against a backdrop of political turmoil and familial upheaval. His father, Jonathan, was not only Saul's valiant son but also an intimate companion of David, the shepherd destined to become Israel's celebrated monarch. Tragedy struck Mephibosheth at an early age when news of his father and grandfather's demise reached him. Fleeing from the chaos that ensued, his nurse stumbled, leaving the young heir physically impaired. As such, Mephibosheth, though of royal lineage, found himself thrust into obscurity—a mere footnote in a tumultuous period of Israelite history. Yet, within this seemingly unremarkable context, lies the crucible that forged the resilience and character that define Mephibosheth's extraordinary journey.

Insights Within the Text

Kindness:

     Entrenched in the pages of 2 Samuel 9:1-13, this narrative diverges from the anticipated trajectory of power dynamics. David, now firmly seated on the throne, embarks on an unprecedented quest, seeking any remaining kin of his dear friend, Jonathan. What distinguishes this endeavor is not merely the fulfillment of a familial duty, but the sincerity of David's intent grounded in mercy and love rather than political expediency. Due to his physical limitations, Mephibosheth found himself marginalized within society, a circumstance that typically excluded him from royal considerations. However, devoid of any hidden motives, the king extended an invitation that transcended societal norms—a seat at the royal table, an esteemed position typically reserved for those with an unblemished standing. David's simple act of kindness toward Mephibosheth illuminates the power embedded within genuine acts of goodwill. 
     David's decision to extend grace to a perceived outsider challenges the prevailing hierarchical norms. It underscores the idea that kindness, unbound by societal expectations, possesses the potential to rewrite the narratives of marginalized individuals that society overlooks. 

Resilience:

     Marked by ostracization, Mephibosheth found himself thrust into an unfamiliar spotlight at the king's table. Rather than succumb to the weight of his circumstances, he embraced this newfound position with a spirit resilient in the face of adversity.
     The resilience displayed by Mephibosheth’s resilience surpasses the external domain; it extends into the internal jurisdiction of identity and self-worth. Accustomed to residing on the fringes of society due to his perceived inadequacy, Mephibosheth now navigates the intricate dynamics of the royal court. His ability to adapt and find strength in vulnerability becomes a profound lesson for us all; a certification to the reconstructive power of embracing one's identity, regardless of social opinion.
     Mephibosheth's journey invites reflection on the resilience that lies within each of us, urging us to navigate life's challenges with grace and fortitude. In this unexpected twist of fate, Mephibosheth not only rises above the limitations imposed upon him but becomes an enduring symbol of mankind's capacity to bloom even in the unlikeliest of gardens.

Grace:

     Labeled as “different” by society, Mephibosheth's life bears witness to the unmatched power of God’s grace, softly reminding us that His grace seeks out and embraces all; transforming narratives into stories of redemption and restoration. Consider the expansive nature of God's grace in your life and focus on moments of perceived blemish, brokenness, or marginalization. Mephibosheth's story encourages us to open our hearts to God’s limitless grace, forever changing how we perceive ourselves and others.

Conclusion

     As we conclude, we challenge you to allow Mephibosheth's story to resonate as a poignant reminder of the enduring themes that shape our narratives. Take the opportunity to reassess your perspective on adversity, diversity, and the all-encompassing power of grace, and let it redefine your story, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

- Torrance Church of Christ

20 Daily Affirmations for Christians

What are Daily Affirmations?

Daily Affirmations are statements that you can repeat to yourself. They are positive and uplifting declarations that you can repeat out loud or silently in your head. 

What is the Purpose of Daily Affirmations?

Affirmations are used to negate the effects of negative thoughts. When you use affirmations, you are essentially replacing a negative thought with a positive one. You can create neural pathways to retrain your brain with a new pattern of thinking. Examples of more commonly used affirmations are:

I am successful.

I am loved.

I am worthy. 

As you can see, affirmations are commonly used to raise self-esteem, empower, and motivate. When you repeat these statements, you plant the seed in your brain and with continued use, that seed will flourish and you’ll be able to see outward changes. 

Why Should Christians use Daily Affirmations?

You don’t have to use Daily Affirmations. It is a purely personal choice. The affirmations we have compiled below are meant to be looked at as helpful reminders of your faith in God. These affirmations will help you to stay true to your values. 

- Torrance Church of Christ

The Do’s and Don'ts For Inviting Friends to Church

We know it can be unsettling to invite someone to attend church with you. You know the Gospel message is the vital and life-changing foundation in your life. You know serving the Lord, and building a relationship with Him provides you with everlasting life. You know and you desire to share the good news of the Gospel with your loved ones and you’ve been commanded to spread His word. So why does it feel daunting? 

Human beings don’t like to be uncomfortable, and we tend to avoid any feelings of discomfort. This includes both discomfort for ourselves and those around us. Why can sharing something we value so highly cause discomfort? There are a number of reasons why we feel rattled over the thought of inviting someone to church, especially if they are a non-believer. We may be worried they’ll just decline the offer. Maybe you don’t want to come off as a pushy person. It is possible you just don’t know the most tactful way to start that conversation. Whatever your reasons may be, we hope that after reading this article you’ll feel more at ease about inviting a friend to tag along with you this Sunday. 

The Do’s:

Mention your church- Intermittently bring up something you learned at church, an interesting fact, or something that brought you comfort. You’ll be planting the seeds of interest within your friends. 

Be careful with your choice of words- Use phrases such as, “Do you attend a church around here?” or “Did you attend a church when you were growing up?” These are a couple of great conversation starters to get onto the topic of church. 

Keep it casual- Invite your friend to a casual and relaxed church function. This could be anything! If your church is holding any type of social gathering, such as a BBQ or movie night, that is a great place to introduce your friend to your church and other members.

Utilize Holidays- Inviting a friend to a holiday-centered church program can have a substantial impact. Around holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, people are naturally feeling more warmth in their hearts. They are more open to service and good deeds. The Gospel and Doctrine of Jesus Christ embody the importance of serving others. Holiday-centered programs highlight the service and sacrifices Jesus Christ endured for us. These programs are an excellent birthplace for the Spirit to manifest in your friend's heart. 

Follow up- Your friend agreed to attend a church gathering or meeting of worship with you, but they haven’t followed through with their end of the agreement. That’s okay. Send them a quick text asking them if they’re still planning on coming with you. 

Love them- You’re ultimately inviting your friend to church because you love them. You love them so much that you want to share this cherished element of your life with them. Let that love shine through in your invite. Even if they say “no”, let them see that you will continue to love them anyway. 

Pray- Say a prayer for guidance when inviting a friend to church. Let Him open and soften your friend's heart. 

The Don'ts

Don’t judge them- One major reason the topic of church and inviting someone, especially a non-believer, feels kind of taboo for both involved, is the underlying fear of judgment. The invited are often worried that their friend inviting them is secretly judging them as a person. If we are being honest, sometimes we are judging someone. We might be judging where they are in life, and desiring for them to see how having a relationship with Christ can improve their lives. However, It is important to not judge who you are inviting. Allow them the freedom to choose what is best for them and support their decision.  On the flip side, we can feel like the person we are inviting is judging us. We worry they will think we are weird or awkward. We shouldn’t let this cause us to fear. 

Don’t force or nag- When someone feels forced to do something, or they’re always being nagged to do it, they usually don’t want to follow through with whatever it is. This is the same for inviting a friend to church. Follow up with whoever you invited to attend with you, but do not cross the line over into nagging. 

Remember

Inviting your friend to church with you doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience. There are ways to ease the conversation and create a comfortable atmosphere, by just being you. Start the conversation, plant the seeds, let Him do His work, respect their decision and don’t take a denial personally, and above all, continue to love them. 

-Torrance Church of Christ