“When the words which David spoke were heard, they told them to Saul, and he sent for him. David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ Then Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.’ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.’
And David said, ‘The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and may the LORD be with you.’ Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, ‘I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.’ And David took them off.
He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:31-40
“And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.”
1 Samuel 17:49
In the life of each person are taunting, towering giants - looming like Paul Bunyan before us, mocking our faith in Christ. Giants, however, are made to be stoned. Our enemies can be vanquished as we learn the biblical techniques of giant-killing.
First, we must confront the giant. While Israeli soldiers hunkered down in fear, David rose up to meet Goliath (verse 32). No victory is possible until we quit compromising, rationalizing, or excusing our ongoing defeat.
Second, identify your giant as a foe of God. Your sin is a greater abomination to God than it is to you. What you hate, He hates. Goliath wasn’t just David’s adversary; he was one who “taunted the armies of the living God” (verse 36).
Third, since your giant is God’s enemy, the battle is His and, therefore, must be fought with His weapons. Determination, resolution, weeping, and religion won’t do. David won with his slingshot. You will win with the armor of God - His word, your faith in Him, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Though they may seem as unlikely to conquer giants as “five smooth stones” (verse 40), they will - in God’s power - overcome your Goliath and give you the joy of victory.
“Daring sees God, not the giants...the promises, not the impossibilities.” - V. Raymond Edman
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Looking Through God’s Eyes
“Now the LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.’” 1 Samuel 16:1
“When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the LORD'S anointed is before Him.’ But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, ‘The LORD has not chosen this one either.’ Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘The LORD has not chosen this one either.’ Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The LORD has not chosen these.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are these all the children?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.’ Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance And the LORD said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is he.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah." 1 Samuel 16:6-13
Let’s admit it. The majority of believers today are intimidated by the preeminence of evangelical “stars.” Ever so nimbly, the church has adopted the mindset of the jetset for Christian service, distorting God’s criteria for gainful ministry.
After the physically imposing Saul had been rejected as king, the prophet Samuel was still looking for similar qualities for a replacement. Samuel was wrong. God had chosen an obscure boy named David - handsome but young, inexperienced, and a rural shepherd - not exactly a glowing resume for a king. Why? Because “...the Lord looks at the heart” (verse 7). Appearance, education, prominence, affluence, and heritage are nonessentials when it comes to serving God. His requirements are willingness, humility, obedience, and devotion - the noble places of the heart.
God wants servants, not stars. He can work His wonderful will through you right where you are. Get your heart right with Him; submit to Him wholly; and you will be one of His foolish ones that “shame the wise” (1Cor. 1:27).
“...for God sees not as man sees...” Samuel 16:7
“When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the LORD'S anointed is before Him.’ But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, ‘The LORD has not chosen this one either.’ Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘The LORD has not chosen this one either.’ Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The LORD has not chosen these.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are these all the children?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.’ Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance And the LORD said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is he.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah." 1 Samuel 16:6-13
Let’s admit it. The majority of believers today are intimidated by the preeminence of evangelical “stars.” Ever so nimbly, the church has adopted the mindset of the jetset for Christian service, distorting God’s criteria for gainful ministry.
After the physically imposing Saul had been rejected as king, the prophet Samuel was still looking for similar qualities for a replacement. Samuel was wrong. God had chosen an obscure boy named David - handsome but young, inexperienced, and a rural shepherd - not exactly a glowing resume for a king. Why? Because “...the Lord looks at the heart” (verse 7). Appearance, education, prominence, affluence, and heritage are nonessentials when it comes to serving God. His requirements are willingness, humility, obedience, and devotion - the noble places of the heart.
God wants servants, not stars. He can work His wonderful will through you right where you are. Get your heart right with Him; submit to Him wholly; and you will be one of His foolish ones that “shame the wise” (1Cor. 1:27).
“...for God sees not as man sees...” Samuel 16:7
Sunday, May 23, 2010
I Am With You!
“But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’ Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.’ And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:5-11
One of the most debilitating emotions is loneliness. Maybe you’ve felt that way in a hospital or emergency room; in a strange, new city or job; or even in the midst of friends and family. Feeling as if there is no one to care or share with is a terrifying sensations. It can even be deadly.
That is why one of the most comforting names given to our Savior is Immanuel - God with us. Because of the indwelling Christ, the believer is never separated from His permanent presence. We are in Christ, and He is in us. What an encouragement! What a comfort! What an assurance! We always have a shoulder to lean on - the broad shoulders of Immanuel. We always have Someone to listen to our heartache - our constant Companion, Friend Jesus.
The gods of other religions are usually in some far-off, remote corner, stoically seated in a seat of perfection. Not so with our Creator and Redeemer. Once in us, He will never leave us, abandon us, or forget us. Don’t let our adversary and accuser rob you of the peace and joy that comes from experiencing and enjoying the sweet presence of our God. No sin, no deed, no trial can ever diminish the full presence and acceptance of Christ once you have become His child through faith.
God is with you. God is for you. God loves you. Allow His presence to fill any void.
One of the most debilitating emotions is loneliness. Maybe you’ve felt that way in a hospital or emergency room; in a strange, new city or job; or even in the midst of friends and family. Feeling as if there is no one to care or share with is a terrifying sensations. It can even be deadly.
That is why one of the most comforting names given to our Savior is Immanuel - God with us. Because of the indwelling Christ, the believer is never separated from His permanent presence. We are in Christ, and He is in us. What an encouragement! What a comfort! What an assurance! We always have a shoulder to lean on - the broad shoulders of Immanuel. We always have Someone to listen to our heartache - our constant Companion, Friend Jesus.
The gods of other religions are usually in some far-off, remote corner, stoically seated in a seat of perfection. Not so with our Creator and Redeemer. Once in us, He will never leave us, abandon us, or forget us. Don’t let our adversary and accuser rob you of the peace and joy that comes from experiencing and enjoying the sweet presence of our God. No sin, no deed, no trial can ever diminish the full presence and acceptance of Christ once you have become His child through faith.
God is with you. God is for you. God loves you. Allow His presence to fill any void.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Guarding Against Greed
Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’”
Luke 12:13-20
Regardless of our age, money is a prominent issue. Teenagers are told that they must be seen in the best jackets, jeans, and trendy shoes, Young adults and college students are bombarded by the need to live to the hilt. Young married couples are enticed to accumulate the best of everything in order to keep up with their friends and neighbors.
These materialistic ideas are planted in our minds as the way to happiness and contentment. However, these covetous attitudes more closely define greed, not biblical well-being. We will never be completely satisfied with the world’s value system. There will always be something else we need.
The best investment we can make is to learn God’s principles of finances, making decisions based on God’s Word. We must become acquainted with God’s economic plan if we are to resist the impulses of our culture.
It has been said,
“Money will buy:
A bed but not sleep;
Books but not brains;
Food but not an appetite;
A house but not a home;
Medicine but not health;
Luxuries but not culture;
Amusement but not happiness;
A crucifix but not a Savior.”
Luke 12:13-20
Regardless of our age, money is a prominent issue. Teenagers are told that they must be seen in the best jackets, jeans, and trendy shoes, Young adults and college students are bombarded by the need to live to the hilt. Young married couples are enticed to accumulate the best of everything in order to keep up with their friends and neighbors.
These materialistic ideas are planted in our minds as the way to happiness and contentment. However, these covetous attitudes more closely define greed, not biblical well-being. We will never be completely satisfied with the world’s value system. There will always be something else we need.
The best investment we can make is to learn God’s principles of finances, making decisions based on God’s Word. We must become acquainted with God’s economic plan if we are to resist the impulses of our culture.
It has been said,
“Money will buy:
A bed but not sleep;
Books but not brains;
Food but not an appetite;
A house but not a home;
Medicine but not health;
Luxuries but not culture;
Amusement but not happiness;
A crucifix but not a Savior.”
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Enjoying God’s Gifts
“Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.”
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
The word prosperity can mean different things to different people. But it is safe to say that a majority of us quickly define prosperity in terms of monetary wealth. Many feel that material prosperity is a key factor to happiness. Such is not the case. This is evident by observing the lives of the rich we read and hear about every day. Though money abounds, peace and contentment are often gone.
According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary by Walvoord and Zuck, Ecclesiastes 5:19 implies that: “everyone who is given wealth and possessions is also ‘empowered’ to enjoy them...It emphasizes enjoyment as a gift.”
It was John D. Rockefeller, one of America’s wealthiest men, who received this gift of enjoyment late in his life. Ill and near death, he made the decision to give away millions of dollars. Until that time, nothing had given him any true happiness or enjoyment. Within twelve months of his philanthropic decision, he was completely recovered and lived for another thirty-five years.
Whether you are the keeper of millions or of hundreds, you can find yourself in the same sinking sand as Rockefeller until you understand God’s idea of prosperity - enjoying God’s gifts and sharing them with others.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
The word prosperity can mean different things to different people. But it is safe to say that a majority of us quickly define prosperity in terms of monetary wealth. Many feel that material prosperity is a key factor to happiness. Such is not the case. This is evident by observing the lives of the rich we read and hear about every day. Though money abounds, peace and contentment are often gone.
According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary by Walvoord and Zuck, Ecclesiastes 5:19 implies that: “everyone who is given wealth and possessions is also ‘empowered’ to enjoy them...It emphasizes enjoyment as a gift.”
It was John D. Rockefeller, one of America’s wealthiest men, who received this gift of enjoyment late in his life. Ill and near death, he made the decision to give away millions of dollars. Until that time, nothing had given him any true happiness or enjoyment. Within twelve months of his philanthropic decision, he was completely recovered and lived for another thirty-five years.
Whether you are the keeper of millions or of hundreds, you can find yourself in the same sinking sand as Rockefeller until you understand God’s idea of prosperity - enjoying God’s gifts and sharing them with others.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
My God Will...
“Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:14-19
The church in Philippi was very dear to Paul. It was the first church he established in Europe. The city itself was small, but the hearts of its Christian community were of grand proportions. Their mutual love for Paul led them to support his missionary efforts abroad. Their gifts did not come from their surplus, nor the minimum amount of a tithe. They gave a sacrificial amount.
Though bound by prison walls, Paul’s joy came from thinking about the blessings that would be the Philippians because of their generous hearts: “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:17). Paul reassured the citizens of Philippi that God would surely supply all of their needs because their hearts first sought to meet the needs of His missionary. Their focus was on doing God’s will.
As we give in a pleasing and acceptable way to God, we can then claim the promise of Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have such a bold promise to rest in as we focus on meeting the needs of those He places on our hearts? It frees us to enjoy all that God has planned for us.
Philippians 4:14-19
The church in Philippi was very dear to Paul. It was the first church he established in Europe. The city itself was small, but the hearts of its Christian community were of grand proportions. Their mutual love for Paul led them to support his missionary efforts abroad. Their gifts did not come from their surplus, nor the minimum amount of a tithe. They gave a sacrificial amount.
Though bound by prison walls, Paul’s joy came from thinking about the blessings that would be the Philippians because of their generous hearts: “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:17). Paul reassured the citizens of Philippi that God would surely supply all of their needs because their hearts first sought to meet the needs of His missionary. Their focus was on doing God’s will.
As we give in a pleasing and acceptable way to God, we can then claim the promise of Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have such a bold promise to rest in as we focus on meeting the needs of those He places on our hearts? It frees us to enjoy all that God has planned for us.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
On Being a Steward
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
To be a successful money manager, you must believe wholeheartedly and with much conviction that you are managing someone else’s possessions; for the Christian, that someone is God. The Bible does not lightly address the issue of stewardship. The Greek word for stewardship is oikonomia, meaning management of a household, not ownership of a household.
Harold L. Dayton explains it this way in his book, Your Money: Frustration Or Freedom?: “In Scripture the position of a steward is one of great responsibility. He is the supreme authority under his master and has full responsibility for all his master’s possessions, household affairs, and rasing of children.”
This is not to say that God is watching every dime as it leaves your hands, making sure you do not spend it on goals, vacations, or hobbies. A careful manager invests his time and money wisely. Spend time with God regarding your money. If your decisions are made prayerfully, then you can feel assured that you are using the money to accomplish what God has in mind for you. After all, of all the wonderful things that God owns, His most precious commodity is you.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
To be a successful money manager, you must believe wholeheartedly and with much conviction that you are managing someone else’s possessions; for the Christian, that someone is God. The Bible does not lightly address the issue of stewardship. The Greek word for stewardship is oikonomia, meaning management of a household, not ownership of a household.
Harold L. Dayton explains it this way in his book, Your Money: Frustration Or Freedom?: “In Scripture the position of a steward is one of great responsibility. He is the supreme authority under his master and has full responsibility for all his master’s possessions, household affairs, and rasing of children.”
This is not to say that God is watching every dime as it leaves your hands, making sure you do not spend it on goals, vacations, or hobbies. A careful manager invests his time and money wisely. Spend time with God regarding your money. If your decisions are made prayerfully, then you can feel assured that you are using the money to accomplish what God has in mind for you. After all, of all the wonderful things that God owns, His most precious commodity is you.
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