I Chronicles 11

"Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his kingdom ..." (v10). The deeds of the "mighty men" are better than super-hero stories. Benaiah "killed a lion inside a pit on a snowy day" and killed a giant Egyptian with his own spear (v22-23). Jashobeam fought 300 men by himself. And three of David's loyal men risked their lives, breaking through the enemies' camp to get him a drink of water.

Our closest friends shape our character. Among these men, acts of faith and courage inspired more faith and courage.