The idea behind this part of the Giant Killer series is "Victim or Victor."
I wonder how many of us would have taken on a victim mentality had we been in David's sandals?
Let's look at the circumstances....his only assignment had been to watch the sheep and to carry supplies to his brothers (who didn't particularly care for him) and to take gifts to the king (who apparently took no notice of him).
For some reason he wasn't allowed to join the army and fight with his brothers. Perhaps he was too young....or perhaps Jesse just couldn't stand the thought of allowing his youngest son to go and fight. So, off to the sheep it was for David.
Up to this point the only battle experience he had had was with a lion and bear and perhaps with a mean old ram from time to time. Nothing there to really prepare him for battle with an experienced war hero from the Philistines.
In addition, he was not very tall and apparently not the best looking in the family. And we would assume that his personality left something to be desired at this point as well.
On top of this, his big brother Eliab thought he was conceited and questioned his integrity. He accused David of doing what he was doing just so he could watch the battle. And I think there was something said about David being wicked......now those kinds of things would give a little brother a complex....I think.
Many of us would have turned away from those circumstances thinking that everybody was against me; no one believed in me; no one likes me; think I'll eat a can of worms......And to be honest, there certainly was evidence that some of this could have been true. But David thought differently about it.
David viewed the lion and bear as preparation for the giant; he knew he was good with his sling; and he knew that God was on his side. He was not going to allow these things to make him a victim. In his heart, he knew he would be victorious because of God.
And while I woudl ben't be surpirsed to learn that deep down inside David wanted to be tall and handsome like his big brother he knew these things wouldn't be any help to him while facing the giant. He needed a heart that was after God's own heart.
That's why he announced that he was coming against the giant in the name of the Lord Almighty. He wasn't coming against the giant in the name of his father; his older brother; Saul or even the armies of Israel. His source was the LORD Almighty. And David knew that the LORD Almighty would make him the victor in spite of the things that could have made him a victim.
It's our choice....victim or victor. I know what I want to choose, how about you?
Always in Pursuit!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
How To Be a Giant Killer, Part IV
I mentioned at the conclusion of "How To Be a Giant Killer Part III" that when I learned more about Giant Killing, I would write about it. Well.....I've learned some additional things about slaying giants and I want to share those things with you. I suspicion that learning how to slay giants (I like the word "slay" better than "kill." It sounds kinder......:) is an on-going process.
Recently while reading Victoria Boyson's book, "Giving Birth to Your Destiny" I discovered some additional insights into slaying giants. Thus, Part IV of that series. Additionally I will have part V ready to post in a day or so.
Vicky's book (which I would recommend to you, it's available from Arrow Publications. This is a ministry Francis Frangipane.) brought up the subject of David and his older brother. Now I've never been a younger brother. But I do have lots of experience as an older brother. I am the oldest of three boys. And while I have my own battles with being first born David was fighting his own battles with being the last born.
According to 1 Samuel 17:13, Eliab was the oldest of Jesse's sons. He was tall and handsome and reminded some of King Saul. At least that was Samuel's first reaction to him when he saw him for the first time as noted in 1 Samuel 16:6.
But when David carried supplies from his father to the front lines of the battle, David's big brother reacted poorly to David's presence. 1 Samuel 17:28 says that when Eliab saw David, he "burned with anger." He also insinuated that David had been irresponsible for leaving the sheep; and call him "conceited" claiming he had a wicked heart.
It's guys like Eliab that give us big brothers a bad name.
Verse 30 of 1 Samuel 17 tells us how David dealt with Eliab. He turned away from Eliab and searched for someone else to talk to. Have you ever had someone that you wanted to "turn away" from? I have. I wish I had paid attention to this portion of Scripture to see how best to handle situations like that. I'm not sure I handled either of these situations well. I didn't fight with them; or aruge with them; I simply internalized their comments and let them eat at me. Sorry for the confession.....it was bad judgment on my part.I should have turned away from them. Since I'm sure there will be more who are like Eliab come along, I will be prepared to do better. Hopefully you will be better prepared too.
My experiences involved two other ministers. After more than 20 years.....it's been more than 30 years now......one co-worker began to chide me about being a pastor's kid and how that made going into ministry so much easier. He also went on to imply that when he came into ministry,he had to work much harder than I did.
Well, I am a PK.....Preacher's Kid. I'm proud of it. Dad pastored churches that were difficult places to be. They were small churches and had been small churches for most of their existence. They were churches with no money. And they were churches that did not want to grow, no matter what he tried to do. I saw his discouragement. I saw his frustration. I saw the disappointments and I lived without many things due to there being no money. (God kept him humble and the church kept him poor.) I don't know that this was a great advantage for me. What was a great advantage though, was the faithfulness of my dad that I saw day in and day out. So, perhaps I did have an advantage from that standpoint.
At another time, a different co-worker decided that since I hadn't experienced the things of this world, as he had, that I probably wouldn't be that effective in ministry. He claimed that I could not related to folks who were coming from worldly backgrounds and lives that had been entrenched in sin. I'm still greatful that I don't know their pain. But I know that God knows their pain and He's the only one who can fix their pain, no matter what I have or haven't experienced.
Back to Eliab.....it would be easy to judge Eliab's heart based on what God said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 17:7. God said that while man looked on the outside, God looked at the heart and it sounds as if God didn't care for Eliab's heart.....or at least his heart wasn't right to become the next king.
Perhaps it's safer to say that Eliab's heart was just different than David's instead of saying it was bad.
That's the conclusion I came to with my co-workers. Their hearts weren't wicked, just different. No one was better; no one had it easier; no one was more effective than the other; we were all just different.
But sometimes when someone like Eliab begins to challenge you, with a different heart, it's just best to turn away and find someone with a heart similar to yours........if you really want to kill the giants.
Always in Pursuit!
Recently while reading Victoria Boyson's book, "Giving Birth to Your Destiny" I discovered some additional insights into slaying giants. Thus, Part IV of that series. Additionally I will have part V ready to post in a day or so.
Vicky's book (which I would recommend to you, it's available from Arrow Publications. This is a ministry Francis Frangipane.) brought up the subject of David and his older brother. Now I've never been a younger brother. But I do have lots of experience as an older brother. I am the oldest of three boys. And while I have my own battles with being first born David was fighting his own battles with being the last born.
According to 1 Samuel 17:13, Eliab was the oldest of Jesse's sons. He was tall and handsome and reminded some of King Saul. At least that was Samuel's first reaction to him when he saw him for the first time as noted in 1 Samuel 16:6.
But when David carried supplies from his father to the front lines of the battle, David's big brother reacted poorly to David's presence. 1 Samuel 17:28 says that when Eliab saw David, he "burned with anger." He also insinuated that David had been irresponsible for leaving the sheep; and call him "conceited" claiming he had a wicked heart.
It's guys like Eliab that give us big brothers a bad name.
Verse 30 of 1 Samuel 17 tells us how David dealt with Eliab. He turned away from Eliab and searched for someone else to talk to. Have you ever had someone that you wanted to "turn away" from? I have. I wish I had paid attention to this portion of Scripture to see how best to handle situations like that. I'm not sure I handled either of these situations well. I didn't fight with them; or aruge with them; I simply internalized their comments and let them eat at me. Sorry for the confession.....it was bad judgment on my part.I should have turned away from them. Since I'm sure there will be more who are like Eliab come along, I will be prepared to do better. Hopefully you will be better prepared too.
My experiences involved two other ministers. After more than 20 years.....it's been more than 30 years now......one co-worker began to chide me about being a pastor's kid and how that made going into ministry so much easier. He also went on to imply that when he came into ministry,he had to work much harder than I did.
Well, I am a PK.....Preacher's Kid. I'm proud of it. Dad pastored churches that were difficult places to be. They were small churches and had been small churches for most of their existence. They were churches with no money. And they were churches that did not want to grow, no matter what he tried to do. I saw his discouragement. I saw his frustration. I saw the disappointments and I lived without many things due to there being no money. (God kept him humble and the church kept him poor.) I don't know that this was a great advantage for me. What was a great advantage though, was the faithfulness of my dad that I saw day in and day out. So, perhaps I did have an advantage from that standpoint.
At another time, a different co-worker decided that since I hadn't experienced the things of this world, as he had, that I probably wouldn't be that effective in ministry. He claimed that I could not related to folks who were coming from worldly backgrounds and lives that had been entrenched in sin. I'm still greatful that I don't know their pain. But I know that God knows their pain and He's the only one who can fix their pain, no matter what I have or haven't experienced.
Back to Eliab.....it would be easy to judge Eliab's heart based on what God said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 17:7. God said that while man looked on the outside, God looked at the heart and it sounds as if God didn't care for Eliab's heart.....or at least his heart wasn't right to become the next king.
Perhaps it's safer to say that Eliab's heart was just different than David's instead of saying it was bad.
That's the conclusion I came to with my co-workers. Their hearts weren't wicked, just different. No one was better; no one had it easier; no one was more effective than the other; we were all just different.
But sometimes when someone like Eliab begins to challenge you, with a different heart, it's just best to turn away and find someone with a heart similar to yours........if you really want to kill the giants.
Always in Pursuit!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Characteristics of Young Davids....continued
The first characteristic of Young Davids was faithfulness. (If you didn't read the first part of this series, please feel free to do so.)
The second characteristic that needs to be understood is that Young Davids are willing to tackle whatever task is placed in front of them to do.
Disclaimer.....in a way. I should point out that the goal of a Young David is not to get away with the sins King David committed but to be known as a man or woman "after God's own heart." We can't excuse David's behavior. And he didn't try to excuse himself. Just as David did, we have to learn own up to our own sin; confess our sin; repent of our sin; and then move forward into the things God has prepared in advance for us to do. Sin derails us from staying the course, but the forgiveness, mercy and grace of God help us get back to where we need to be.
As a shepherd, David was given the responsibility to find good pasture; water; and safety for his father's flock. We also know that he probably spent time practicing with his sling; playing his harp; and writing poems/songs.
we also know that David's father would also assign him other tasks to do besides watching sheep. For example in 1 Samuel 17:15 we discover that Jesse, David's father, would ask him to go to the battle front to take supplies to his brothers and gifts to the King.
David could have opted out....I think...and said, "No, I'm a shepherd," or "No, I'm a poet/musician and can't get involved in situations such as that." Or he could have said, "I'm the Lord's anointed and can't get involved with low level supplies line duty such as this." But he didn't say those things. He did what was assigned to him to do. And I also find it interesting, he didn't look for someone to delegate the task to. (I've seen some folks who spend more time and energy searching for someone to do the menial tasks than it would have taken for them to simply get it done. But since they were above and beyond doing things like that or because it wasn't their job.........you know people like that too.....don't you? Sure hope we don't ever do that.)
There was also a point when the shepherd, supply clerk and poet was asked to come and play his harp before the king to calm him down. Again, David willingly did so.
I was thinking about this the other day. What if David, after he had been anointed by Samuel to be the second king of Israel, refused to do these things. After all, he was to be the next king. How would it look to have the crown placed on the kings head and it slipped down because he was missing an ear from a battle with a lion or a bear?
I don't know how conscious David was of being the next king, but I do know that he had an attitude of "get it done" or "getter done" long before a cable guy named Larry came along.
Always in Pursuit!
The second characteristic that needs to be understood is that Young Davids are willing to tackle whatever task is placed in front of them to do.
Disclaimer.....in a way. I should point out that the goal of a Young David is not to get away with the sins King David committed but to be known as a man or woman "after God's own heart." We can't excuse David's behavior. And he didn't try to excuse himself. Just as David did, we have to learn own up to our own sin; confess our sin; repent of our sin; and then move forward into the things God has prepared in advance for us to do. Sin derails us from staying the course, but the forgiveness, mercy and grace of God help us get back to where we need to be.
As a shepherd, David was given the responsibility to find good pasture; water; and safety for his father's flock. We also know that he probably spent time practicing with his sling; playing his harp; and writing poems/songs.
we also know that David's father would also assign him other tasks to do besides watching sheep. For example in 1 Samuel 17:15 we discover that Jesse, David's father, would ask him to go to the battle front to take supplies to his brothers and gifts to the King.
David could have opted out....I think...and said, "No, I'm a shepherd," or "No, I'm a poet/musician and can't get involved in situations such as that." Or he could have said, "I'm the Lord's anointed and can't get involved with low level supplies line duty such as this." But he didn't say those things. He did what was assigned to him to do. And I also find it interesting, he didn't look for someone to delegate the task to. (I've seen some folks who spend more time and energy searching for someone to do the menial tasks than it would have taken for them to simply get it done. But since they were above and beyond doing things like that or because it wasn't their job.........you know people like that too.....don't you? Sure hope we don't ever do that.)
There was also a point when the shepherd, supply clerk and poet was asked to come and play his harp before the king to calm him down. Again, David willingly did so.
I was thinking about this the other day. What if David, after he had been anointed by Samuel to be the second king of Israel, refused to do these things. After all, he was to be the next king. How would it look to have the crown placed on the kings head and it slipped down because he was missing an ear from a battle with a lion or a bear?
I don't know how conscious David was of being the next king, but I do know that he had an attitude of "get it done" or "getter done" long before a cable guy named Larry came along.
Always in Pursuit!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Characteristics of Young David's
A number of years ago I shared a teaching with students in Master's Commission and in the School of Ministry at First Assembly in Cedar Rapids. I was on staff there from August of 1989 to August of 2009.
The study was called, "Ten Characteristics of Young David's." It encompassed ten character traits from David's life. I believe the Holy Spirit used these ten things and our time together to challenge the young people I was working with at that time. Many of them have gone on to be great shepherds in their own right and serve the Lord as faithful servants. I'm so proud of them!
Since that time I've discovered that "young" is not chronological but is a matter of the heart and attitude within us.
I've met many "young" people that are old. They are relying upon their past; their heritage; their education; and their own abilities instead of learning to trust God. (Please know there is nothing wrong with youth, heritage, education or abilities...but these things just won't cut it in and of themselves. We ALL need the power of God pulsating through our lives on a daily basis.
I know many people in their 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond that are young at heart; desire to God do a new thing; and are more than ready to forget the former things and step into the new things God has for His Church.
I pray that these ten characteristics from David's life will challenge each of us to stay "young in Him." May God help each of us follow the principles and practices of these characteristics and become men and women after God's own heart! May the throne and heart of David live on in the hearts and actions of men and women until the end of time.
The first characteristic of Young David is that he was faithful.
David was the youngest son of Jesse and assigned the task of watching his father's sheep. This he did while his brothers were being looked over by the prophet Samuel to see if they were "anointable" to be the next king (1 Samuel 16). And David was also watching the sheep while his brothers were off fighting the Philistines.
In 1 Samuel 17:12-15, we find that David was relegated to be the supply convoy between his father and his older brothers. All the while David stayed faithful to the task his father gave him to do, even in the face of taunting from his older siblings.
Here's the take away....if David had not been a faithful shepherd and faithful son and brother, he never would have been a faithful King to the people of Israel or the sheep of God's pasture.
It may not have been very challenging, although there was a lion and a bear; and it may not have been very glamorous. And we know that shepherds did not always have the best of reputations among the Jews, but David remained faithful and God took note of his heart.
Another thing about watching the sheep......apparently David put the time to good use. He became proficient with his sling; he learned to play the harp; and he wrote a lot of songs (Psalms) that were used in worship for generations to come, including our generation.
It's amazing what can happen when we stay faithful to the things God gives us to do. Kind of reminds me of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!"
Always in Pursuit!
The study was called, "Ten Characteristics of Young David's." It encompassed ten character traits from David's life. I believe the Holy Spirit used these ten things and our time together to challenge the young people I was working with at that time. Many of them have gone on to be great shepherds in their own right and serve the Lord as faithful servants. I'm so proud of them!
Since that time I've discovered that "young" is not chronological but is a matter of the heart and attitude within us.
I've met many "young" people that are old. They are relying upon their past; their heritage; their education; and their own abilities instead of learning to trust God. (Please know there is nothing wrong with youth, heritage, education or abilities...but these things just won't cut it in and of themselves. We ALL need the power of God pulsating through our lives on a daily basis.
I know many people in their 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond that are young at heart; desire to God do a new thing; and are more than ready to forget the former things and step into the new things God has for His Church.
I pray that these ten characteristics from David's life will challenge each of us to stay "young in Him." May God help each of us follow the principles and practices of these characteristics and become men and women after God's own heart! May the throne and heart of David live on in the hearts and actions of men and women until the end of time.
The first characteristic of Young David is that he was faithful.
David was the youngest son of Jesse and assigned the task of watching his father's sheep. This he did while his brothers were being looked over by the prophet Samuel to see if they were "anointable" to be the next king (1 Samuel 16). And David was also watching the sheep while his brothers were off fighting the Philistines.
In 1 Samuel 17:12-15, we find that David was relegated to be the supply convoy between his father and his older brothers. All the while David stayed faithful to the task his father gave him to do, even in the face of taunting from his older siblings.
Here's the take away....if David had not been a faithful shepherd and faithful son and brother, he never would have been a faithful King to the people of Israel or the sheep of God's pasture.
It may not have been very challenging, although there was a lion and a bear; and it may not have been very glamorous. And we know that shepherds did not always have the best of reputations among the Jews, but David remained faithful and God took note of his heart.
Another thing about watching the sheep......apparently David put the time to good use. He became proficient with his sling; he learned to play the harp; and he wrote a lot of songs (Psalms) that were used in worship for generations to come, including our generation.
It's amazing what can happen when we stay faithful to the things God gives us to do. Kind of reminds me of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!"
Always in Pursuit!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
How To Be A Giant Killer, Part III
This will be the final part of the series, "How To Be a Giant Killer." It's probably not all that needs to be said, but it's all I know to say at this point. I'm still learning about giants and how to slay them.
Which brings me to this final point.....the weapons used to slay giants.
Please keep in mind when you find the giant killer in your life to hang around, you aren't supposed to become a clone. They are one of a kind, just as you are one of a kind. God created you to be what He intends for you to be. He does have a plan.....just for you.....just as unique as you are, too.
If you read in 1Samuel 17:38-39 you fill find the part of the story where Saul tries to talk David into wearing his suit of armor. By the way....this suit of armor actually represented compromise on Saul's part since the only ones who had steel or any metal were the Philistines. They kept all the blacksmiths away from the Jews. None of the Jewish shops carried that line of clothing or weapons made of steel. Wood or rocks were more their speciality. Wonder how Saul got his armor?
A little rabbit trail there.
David chose not to wear Saul's armor. It didn't fit him. He couldn't move in it. He was convinced that if he went out trying to do things as Saul would do them, he'd end up dead.....dog meat and/or a full meal deal for the birds of the air, just as Goliath had threatened.
So, David put the armor down and reached for his own weapon of choice, a shepherds sling and a shepherd's bag. Then he picked up five smooth stones and headed out to face the giant.
Have you ever wondered why "five smooth stones?" I suppose smooth stones flew through the air better. And I've always heard the extra stones were for the giants brothers. I guess that might be so since in my experience giants do come in numbers greater than one. But the Scriptures don't tell us why. But let your imagination run with mine for a minute.....how about if David bent down to pick up the first stone, looked up at Goliath and decided to pick up an additional stone in case the first one didn't work. And then in case he needed more than two, he picked up a third one, a fourth and finally a fifth one. He was determined to get this giant. The giant was NOT going to win, and David had a bag full of stones to enure victory.
Sometimes determination to defeat the giant is that greatest weapon we can have......just sayin'.
Now, let's move forward a bit in time and take note of the other giant killers in 2 Samuel 21;15-22. No mention of slings or smooth stones. They weren't shepherds. They were well trained warriors who used spears, swords and other weapons of warfare.
What's the take away? When you find your giant killer to hang around with, hoping the stuff that makes them a giant killer will rub off on you, don't try to copy them. David knew that if he tried to be like Saul, he would be like all those who preceded him in life.......dead.
And if you find a giant killer to hang around that insists you do things the way they did, find another giant killer to hang around with. You weren't 'meant to be like them.
God has uniquely created you to be unique. Don't die a copy.
Always in Pursuit!
Which brings me to this final point.....the weapons used to slay giants.
Please keep in mind when you find the giant killer in your life to hang around, you aren't supposed to become a clone. They are one of a kind, just as you are one of a kind. God created you to be what He intends for you to be. He does have a plan.....just for you.....just as unique as you are, too.
If you read in 1Samuel 17:38-39 you fill find the part of the story where Saul tries to talk David into wearing his suit of armor. By the way....this suit of armor actually represented compromise on Saul's part since the only ones who had steel or any metal were the Philistines. They kept all the blacksmiths away from the Jews. None of the Jewish shops carried that line of clothing or weapons made of steel. Wood or rocks were more their speciality. Wonder how Saul got his armor?
A little rabbit trail there.
David chose not to wear Saul's armor. It didn't fit him. He couldn't move in it. He was convinced that if he went out trying to do things as Saul would do them, he'd end up dead.....dog meat and/or a full meal deal for the birds of the air, just as Goliath had threatened.
So, David put the armor down and reached for his own weapon of choice, a shepherds sling and a shepherd's bag. Then he picked up five smooth stones and headed out to face the giant.
Have you ever wondered why "five smooth stones?" I suppose smooth stones flew through the air better. And I've always heard the extra stones were for the giants brothers. I guess that might be so since in my experience giants do come in numbers greater than one. But the Scriptures don't tell us why. But let your imagination run with mine for a minute.....how about if David bent down to pick up the first stone, looked up at Goliath and decided to pick up an additional stone in case the first one didn't work. And then in case he needed more than two, he picked up a third one, a fourth and finally a fifth one. He was determined to get this giant. The giant was NOT going to win, and David had a bag full of stones to enure victory.
Sometimes determination to defeat the giant is that greatest weapon we can have......just sayin'.
Now, let's move forward a bit in time and take note of the other giant killers in 2 Samuel 21;15-22. No mention of slings or smooth stones. They weren't shepherds. They were well trained warriors who used spears, swords and other weapons of warfare.
What's the take away? When you find your giant killer to hang around with, hoping the stuff that makes them a giant killer will rub off on you, don't try to copy them. David knew that if he tried to be like Saul, he would be like all those who preceded him in life.......dead.
And if you find a giant killer to hang around that insists you do things the way they did, find another giant killer to hang around with. You weren't 'meant to be like them.
God has uniquely created you to be unique. Don't die a copy.
Always in Pursuit!
Friday, November 26, 2010
How To Be A Giant Killer, Part II
God has given me several opportunities to spend time with my sons and have some great discussions about following after God and determining God's will for our lives, as a family and as individuals. I find that I spend a great deal of these times talking about being faithful in the small things and doing the things that God places in our path.
We all have dreams and it's really fun to see someone who is living a "dream come true" life. But I'm not sure I know what that is yet.....I relate more to the folks in Hebrews 11 where it says, "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
I'm not 100% sure but I think what they saw was their master's face and a pleased look on his face because they were being obedient and doing the things He placed in their path even as they pursued what had been promised to them.
In Part I of this three part series, "How To Be A Giant Killer" I referenced David and four of his mighty men. I love those stories and enjoy reading them over and over. I'm encouraged and I'm challenged by these accounts of the mighty exploits of David and his warriors.
But I know before David could face Goliath, there were other obstacles and things he needed to accomplish. As a young shepherd boy, I'm sure he practiced for hours and hours with his sling. I've read stories of the proficiency of shepherds with their slings and some of them could take the wings off flies.....if you know what I mean.
In 1 Samuel 17:34 we read that he had successfully confronted a lion and a bear who were trying to destroy his father's sheep. So, it's a safe assumption that David had prepared for this time with Goliath. After all, Goliath and his fellow Philistines were trying to destroy the sheep of his heavenly Father's pasture.
It's also safe to say that he had confidence in his skills and in His God. David's own words seem to indicate that these times with the sling, lion and bear were times of preparation for Goliath.
My conclusion to this is simple....not only do I need to hang around giant killers but I also need to make sure that I'm faithful with the little things God has placed in my path. Without those things, my faith won't be what it needs to be; nor will my obedience to God and my willingness to do "whatever" be what it needs to be.
I have dreams......and I hang on to them. But not at the cost of doing the things God will place in my path today or tomorrow. In my pursuit of God there will be many opportunities to obey, many small things that will help build me and prepare me for those "dream come true" days.
I don't want to be so focused on my dreams that I miss out on the "something better" that was discovered by all those faithful folks in Hebrews 11.
Stay faithful. don't pay attention to who's watching. Do whatever is put in front of you to do and at some point, you will begin to see something that means even more than what was promised.
I'll post part III of this series next Monday.......hope it encourages you and challenges you to a greater level of obedience.
Always in Pursuit!
We all have dreams and it's really fun to see someone who is living a "dream come true" life. But I'm not sure I know what that is yet.....I relate more to the folks in Hebrews 11 where it says, "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
I'm not 100% sure but I think what they saw was their master's face and a pleased look on his face because they were being obedient and doing the things He placed in their path even as they pursued what had been promised to them.
In Part I of this three part series, "How To Be A Giant Killer" I referenced David and four of his mighty men. I love those stories and enjoy reading them over and over. I'm encouraged and I'm challenged by these accounts of the mighty exploits of David and his warriors.
But I know before David could face Goliath, there were other obstacles and things he needed to accomplish. As a young shepherd boy, I'm sure he practiced for hours and hours with his sling. I've read stories of the proficiency of shepherds with their slings and some of them could take the wings off flies.....if you know what I mean.
In 1 Samuel 17:34 we read that he had successfully confronted a lion and a bear who were trying to destroy his father's sheep. So, it's a safe assumption that David had prepared for this time with Goliath. After all, Goliath and his fellow Philistines were trying to destroy the sheep of his heavenly Father's pasture.
It's also safe to say that he had confidence in his skills and in His God. David's own words seem to indicate that these times with the sling, lion and bear were times of preparation for Goliath.
My conclusion to this is simple....not only do I need to hang around giant killers but I also need to make sure that I'm faithful with the little things God has placed in my path. Without those things, my faith won't be what it needs to be; nor will my obedience to God and my willingness to do "whatever" be what it needs to be.
I have dreams......and I hang on to them. But not at the cost of doing the things God will place in my path today or tomorrow. In my pursuit of God there will be many opportunities to obey, many small things that will help build me and prepare me for those "dream come true" days.
I don't want to be so focused on my dreams that I miss out on the "something better" that was discovered by all those faithful folks in Hebrews 11.
Stay faithful. don't pay attention to who's watching. Do whatever is put in front of you to do and at some point, you will begin to see something that means even more than what was promised.
I'll post part III of this series next Monday.......hope it encourages you and challenges you to a greater level of obedience.
Always in Pursuit!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
How to be a Giant Killer, Part I
Ever since the young shepherd stepped out to face Goliath, I would imagine the phrase "giant killer" has been a way to describe those who have overcome great adversity in their lives. But I've also noticed two other things that surround this event in the Scriptures.
In 2 Samuel, chapter 22:15-21, we find four other giants that are killed in battles between Israel and the Philistines. It is interesting. The giants all had something in common.
The four giants listed in these seven verses all appear to have been related to Goliath, the first giant face by David. I'm particularly intrigued with the unnamed giant that is described as a man who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. I've always wondered if this gave him an advantage in math class?
The giant killers had something in common too. If you read through the names of the four who killed these giants you will find out that they all hung around David.....the original giant killer. They served him; they fought with him; they fought for him; and they were completely devoted to him.
It makes sense doesn't it? If you want to slay giants, hang around someone who knows what they are talking about when it comes to giant slaying. Things rub off. I can remember Dr. Dobson saying about kids, "More is caught than is taught." That's true for all of us in all of life.
Have you ever been around a childish adult? If you spend much time with them, stuff rubs off. Or have you ever been around someone who swears a lot? Spend enough time with them and stuff rubs off. Fortunately, the same thing happens with folks who pray a lot; or folks who know the Word; or folks who have great faith. Stuff begins to rub off after a while. So if you want to be a giant killer, find a giant killer and hang around with them.
Look around you. Who are the giant killers God has placed in your life? Sometimes you have to look a bit harder for giant killers. Very few of them sell books; few of them are on the speaking circuit; they don't have web sites.....okay, or blogs. But they go about their lives doing what God puts in front of them to do, slaying the giants and giving God praise. After all, they know it is only through His name that they can do what they do.
Once you've located them, find a way to attach yourself to them. Ask them to talk to you about how they overcame their giant. It's possible they will be like David, not considering the size of the giant but the size of their God. Maybe that will rub off on you and one day soon you will be added to the list of giant killers.
Always in Pursuit
In 2 Samuel, chapter 22:15-21, we find four other giants that are killed in battles between Israel and the Philistines. It is interesting. The giants all had something in common.
The four giants listed in these seven verses all appear to have been related to Goliath, the first giant face by David. I'm particularly intrigued with the unnamed giant that is described as a man who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. I've always wondered if this gave him an advantage in math class?
The giant killers had something in common too. If you read through the names of the four who killed these giants you will find out that they all hung around David.....the original giant killer. They served him; they fought with him; they fought for him; and they were completely devoted to him.
It makes sense doesn't it? If you want to slay giants, hang around someone who knows what they are talking about when it comes to giant slaying. Things rub off. I can remember Dr. Dobson saying about kids, "More is caught than is taught." That's true for all of us in all of life.
Have you ever been around a childish adult? If you spend much time with them, stuff rubs off. Or have you ever been around someone who swears a lot? Spend enough time with them and stuff rubs off. Fortunately, the same thing happens with folks who pray a lot; or folks who know the Word; or folks who have great faith. Stuff begins to rub off after a while. So if you want to be a giant killer, find a giant killer and hang around with them.
Look around you. Who are the giant killers God has placed in your life? Sometimes you have to look a bit harder for giant killers. Very few of them sell books; few of them are on the speaking circuit; they don't have web sites.....okay, or blogs. But they go about their lives doing what God puts in front of them to do, slaying the giants and giving God praise. After all, they know it is only through His name that they can do what they do.
Once you've located them, find a way to attach yourself to them. Ask them to talk to you about how they overcame their giant. It's possible they will be like David, not considering the size of the giant but the size of their God. Maybe that will rub off on you and one day soon you will be added to the list of giant killers.
Always in Pursuit
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