TITLE: Facing the Goliath’s in Your Life.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Sam 17:37, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
OBSERVATION: Everyone has heard or read this heart-moving story about the young boy David who faced the giant Goliath while he paralyzed the Israelite army with fear and consternation. As we read the account it seemed like David was living in a world of fantasy as he approached the nine foot giant with nothing more than a sling and some stones. But this was the point, for the story wasn’t about David’s bravery and skillful military tactics in the face of overwhelming odds. It was a story about our Almighty God, who showed His power through the life of a young boy who had not forgotten that his God was more powerful than any obstacle man could face.
APPLICATION: In our own lives we are occasionally confronted with Goliath’s that challenge our faith, integrity, and behavior. They seem to confront us when we least expect it, and strike at the core of our beliefs. How many times have you felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges, by situations that just seemed too massive to alter or resist? Maybe you’re going through one of those times right now…
Like David, it’s time to rest your faith and strength on the only person who can rescue you, our Lord. For the challenge you confront isn’t about how you will be able to out-smart or resolve it, but instead about how you trust and rely on God to walk you through this season of your life.
PRAYER: Gracious Father, I thank you for the loving kindness and concern you have for me. Help me to trust you with the small things in my daily life, so I will be ready to trust you when I have to confront the Goliath’s in my life.
Monday, April 14, 2008 by Randy
TITLE: True Success
SCRIPTURE:
But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” 1 Samuel 15:14 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Success is not always success. God commanded King Saul to completing destroy the Amalekites, their belongings, lifestock, all the people. Evernthing. However, Saul defeated them, he decided to keep the choice sheep and cattle as bounty. Saul thought he was on top of the world. He even went up to Mt. Carmel to set up a monument in his honor (vs. 12).
Howevedre, when the prophet Samuel met Saul he asked him about the bleating sheep and lowing cattle. Saul had not fully followed God's instruction. Samuel then spoke those famous words, "To obey is better than sacrifice." What appeared to be a great success was a complete failure. Not only did Saul fail to obey God was rejected by God as King.
APPLICATION:
Today's passage is a somber reminder that I need to fully folllow Christ. It is not enough to accomplish some "human achivement" or look successful in the eyse of others. The only real question for my life is "What does God think?" I need to think through what is success in God's eyes rather than mine. For example, I like people to like me and I like people! There are times I've measure my success by my popularity. In ministry, it is tempting to measure "numbers and noses" to see how I'm doing. All these kinds of things fall short of what God wants for my life. He wants me to know him and to grow in my relationship with him. The most important thing in my life is to obey God. This weekend I talked about the Good Shepherd and how he desire to leads us. I want to be led by God.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me that the most important thing is to obey you. Please show me your will and help me to fully follow you, even today. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE:
But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” 1 Samuel 15:14 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Success is not always success. God commanded King Saul to completing destroy the Amalekites, their belongings, lifestock, all the people. Evernthing. However, Saul defeated them, he decided to keep the choice sheep and cattle as bounty. Saul thought he was on top of the world. He even went up to Mt. Carmel to set up a monument in his honor (vs. 12).
Howevedre, when the prophet Samuel met Saul he asked him about the bleating sheep and lowing cattle. Saul had not fully followed God's instruction. Samuel then spoke those famous words, "To obey is better than sacrifice." What appeared to be a great success was a complete failure. Not only did Saul fail to obey God was rejected by God as King.
APPLICATION:
Today's passage is a somber reminder that I need to fully folllow Christ. It is not enough to accomplish some "human achivement" or look successful in the eyse of others. The only real question for my life is "What does God think?" I need to think through what is success in God's eyes rather than mine. For example, I like people to like me and I like people! There are times I've measure my success by my popularity. In ministry, it is tempting to measure "numbers and noses" to see how I'm doing. All these kinds of things fall short of what God wants for my life. He wants me to know him and to grow in my relationship with him. The most important thing in my life is to obey God. This weekend I talked about the Good Shepherd and how he desire to leads us. I want to be led by God.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me that the most important thing is to obey you. Please show me your will and help me to fully follow you, even today. AMEN.
Friday, April 11, 2008 by Nancy
Scripture:
"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you."
1 Samuel 12:23
Observation:
As Samuel addresses the people near the end of his life, he walks them through their history with God. Time and again they have responded to God's faithfulness with unfaithfulness, to His grace by sinning, to His compassion by demanding their own way. As they people realize their record with God, they are frightened by the anticipation of consequences and beg Samuel to pray to God, His God, for them. Samuel responds in verse 23.
Application:
Samuel describes the failure to pray as a sin; I've never really thought about it that way but I see the truth of it now. First, failing to lift things to God in prayer indicates a kind of arrogance on my part, an unspoken belief that I don't need God's help--how foolish! Second, when I refuse or forget or am otherwise unwilling to pray, I am disobedient; scripture tells us to "Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you," not some, not from time to time, but all. Third, when I fail to pray I am unwittingly shortchanging the people for whom I pray, cutting them off from the potential blessing of God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Forgive me--I spend far too much time trying to control my own life and far too little in conversation with you. Will you develop in me a habit of prayer? May I never be the reason that those I love and lead miss out on Your blessing. Amen.
"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you."
1 Samuel 12:23
Observation:
As Samuel addresses the people near the end of his life, he walks them through their history with God. Time and again they have responded to God's faithfulness with unfaithfulness, to His grace by sinning, to His compassion by demanding their own way. As they people realize their record with God, they are frightened by the anticipation of consequences and beg Samuel to pray to God, His God, for them. Samuel responds in verse 23.
Application:
Samuel describes the failure to pray as a sin; I've never really thought about it that way but I see the truth of it now. First, failing to lift things to God in prayer indicates a kind of arrogance on my part, an unspoken belief that I don't need God's help--how foolish! Second, when I refuse or forget or am otherwise unwilling to pray, I am disobedient; scripture tells us to "Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you," not some, not from time to time, but all. Third, when I fail to pray I am unwittingly shortchanging the people for whom I pray, cutting them off from the potential blessing of God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Forgive me--I spend far too much time trying to control my own life and far too little in conversation with you. Will you develop in me a habit of prayer? May I never be the reason that those I love and lead miss out on Your blessing. Amen.
Thursday April 10, 2008 by Keith
Title: Who's my King?
Scripture:
1 Samuel 8: And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Observation:
In this section of Samuel the people are clearly relying on earthly matters rather than the Lord. Samuel seems to respond with a pure heart and seeks to do what’s right.
God’s response to Samuel is straightforward, “but they have rejected me as their king.”
God knows exactly where the people of Israel were. They were relying more on things than him, they looked at other authorities and coveted them, more than relying on him. They wanted earthy provision more than a heavenly one.
One must wonder when you see God stating, “they have rejected me” what that means to God. Is he angry? Hurt? Or am I off base to think of God that way??
All-Mighty, Sovereign, King of the Universe gives in to the simple human community known as Israel and give them a king.
Application:
I know that I don’t always rely on God like I should. In fact there are times that I want an earthly king to tell me what to do, provide for me, and protect me.
What a tragedy that I don’t rise to the occasion and trust the Maker, Creator, King of Kings!
The Lord seems to know our needs! He knew the needs of Israel… and he gave them a king. God knows my needs… more than I do!! Where is God providing for me now? Am I missing obvious areas? Is he the King of my life?
Prayer:
King Jesus, help me to trust you as my King. I want you more than anything the earth can provide. You are Mighty and Majestic. Thank you for providing for Israel… and thank you for providing for me! You get the glory, amen-so be it
Scripture:
1 Samuel 8: And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Observation:
In this section of Samuel the people are clearly relying on earthly matters rather than the Lord. Samuel seems to respond with a pure heart and seeks to do what’s right.
God’s response to Samuel is straightforward, “but they have rejected me as their king.”
God knows exactly where the people of Israel were. They were relying more on things than him, they looked at other authorities and coveted them, more than relying on him. They wanted earthy provision more than a heavenly one.
One must wonder when you see God stating, “they have rejected me” what that means to God. Is he angry? Hurt? Or am I off base to think of God that way??
All-Mighty, Sovereign, King of the Universe gives in to the simple human community known as Israel and give them a king.
Application:
I know that I don’t always rely on God like I should. In fact there are times that I want an earthly king to tell me what to do, provide for me, and protect me.
What a tragedy that I don’t rise to the occasion and trust the Maker, Creator, King of Kings!
The Lord seems to know our needs! He knew the needs of Israel… and he gave them a king. God knows my needs… more than I do!! Where is God providing for me now? Am I missing obvious areas? Is he the King of my life?
Prayer:
King Jesus, help me to trust you as my King. I want you more than anything the earth can provide. You are Mighty and Majestic. Thank you for providing for Israel… and thank you for providing for me! You get the glory, amen-so be it
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 by Bob
Title: Who Do You Honor The Most?
Scripture: 1 Sam 3:18, Then Eli said, "He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes."
Observation: Eli’s statement in this verse seemed harmless at the surface, but upon closer examination was deeply rooted in rebellion toward the LORD. For Eli had been forewarned of the despicable acts his sons were committing with the Temple’s sacrifices and how their actions were detestable in the eyes of the LORD. Yet Eli was reluctant to take the necessary steps to preserve the holiness of the Temple’s sacrifices. Eli was more concerned about honoring his sons then about honoring God.
Application: Some things never change, such as the loving connection between parents and children. We desire to give our children what we never had and what makes them happy. But indulgencing them with the material things and pleasures of life is not an example of real love. We can demonstrate real love to our children by providing them with the love that honors God. In this way they will grow up to honor our Lord through their behavior, and our Lord will bless them for their obedience and faithfulness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive those times when I have been more concerned about the happiness of my children then by my obedience to you. Help me all the days of my life to impart in my children a loving respect and honor for you first.
Scripture: 1 Sam 3:18, Then Eli said, "He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes."
Observation: Eli’s statement in this verse seemed harmless at the surface, but upon closer examination was deeply rooted in rebellion toward the LORD. For Eli had been forewarned of the despicable acts his sons were committing with the Temple’s sacrifices and how their actions were detestable in the eyes of the LORD. Yet Eli was reluctant to take the necessary steps to preserve the holiness of the Temple’s sacrifices. Eli was more concerned about honoring his sons then about honoring God.
Application: Some things never change, such as the loving connection between parents and children. We desire to give our children what we never had and what makes them happy. But indulgencing them with the material things and pleasures of life is not an example of real love. We can demonstrate real love to our children by providing them with the love that honors God. In this way they will grow up to honor our Lord through their behavior, and our Lord will bless them for their obedience and faithfulness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive those times when I have been more concerned about the happiness of my children then by my obedience to you. Help me all the days of my life to impart in my children a loving respect and honor for you first.
Monday, April 07, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
Then and Now –Giving Others a Second Chance.
SCRIPTURE:
(Paul said) I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. 2 Cor. 7:16
OBSERVATION:
I think Paul had one of those "love-hate" relationships with the Corinthian church. Paul lived in the city for 18 months (Acts 18:1-18), planting a flourishing church. However, just a few years after leaving Corinth, things went downhill. Really downhill. That’s why Paul wrote his first letter (1Corinthians).
Then, the church was full of pride, excusing sexual immorality, spiritual gifts were being used improperly, and there was rampant misunderstanding of key Christian doctrines. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church at that time, "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:3.
Now, the church had turned around. They had dealt with sin and were growing spiritually. Paul wrote these words of affirmation, “I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” What a change in the Corinthian church! What a different attitude for Paul! Giving people and situations time to change is a mark of a great leader. Paul worked for years with the church and now was being to see long-term fruit.
APPLICATION:
Paul is a great example of perseverance with others. Change can happen! Just like Paul, I need to have faith and hope in every situation. Too often I write people off when they fail to grow and move ahead. I need to be willing to change my opinion about others, even after they’ve blown it. The fact is, I don’t want people to give up on me and I shouldn’t give up on them, either. Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”
PRAYER
Father, forgive me for giving up too quickly. Thank you for not giving up on me. Help me to be like Paul who knew things can change. I want to be willing and able to change my attitude about others, even others that have let me down. Thank you for your love and grace in our lives. I need you and ask you to change my heart and perspective. AMEN.
PERSONAL NOTE:
We just returned from the Holy Land yesterday. We had a wonderful time together, seeing and learning a bunch! God is so good and faithful! I hope you had a chance to keep up on our journey with Janna’s blog at http://holyland2008.wordpress.com/
Then and Now –Giving Others a Second Chance.
SCRIPTURE:
(Paul said) I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. 2 Cor. 7:16
OBSERVATION:
I think Paul had one of those "love-hate" relationships with the Corinthian church. Paul lived in the city for 18 months (Acts 18:1-18), planting a flourishing church. However, just a few years after leaving Corinth, things went downhill. Really downhill. That’s why Paul wrote his first letter (1Corinthians).
Then, the church was full of pride, excusing sexual immorality, spiritual gifts were being used improperly, and there was rampant misunderstanding of key Christian doctrines. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church at that time, "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:3.
Now, the church had turned around. They had dealt with sin and were growing spiritually. Paul wrote these words of affirmation, “I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” What a change in the Corinthian church! What a different attitude for Paul! Giving people and situations time to change is a mark of a great leader. Paul worked for years with the church and now was being to see long-term fruit.
APPLICATION:
Paul is a great example of perseverance with others. Change can happen! Just like Paul, I need to have faith and hope in every situation. Too often I write people off when they fail to grow and move ahead. I need to be willing to change my opinion about others, even after they’ve blown it. The fact is, I don’t want people to give up on me and I shouldn’t give up on them, either. Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”
PRAYER
Father, forgive me for giving up too quickly. Thank you for not giving up on me. Help me to be like Paul who knew things can change. I want to be willing and able to change my attitude about others, even others that have let me down. Thank you for your love and grace in our lives. I need you and ask you to change my heart and perspective. AMEN.
PERSONAL NOTE:
We just returned from the Holy Land yesterday. We had a wonderful time together, seeing and learning a bunch! God is so good and faithful! I hope you had a chance to keep up on our journey with Janna’s blog at http://holyland2008.wordpress.com/
Friday, April 4, by Nancy
Scripture:"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."
2 Corinthians 4:15
Observation:
Paul explains to the Corinthians that the grace of the new covenant makes redemption possible. Though he has often been mistreated, injured, generally been "done wrong," he insists that God is his strength. In verse 15, he points the church toward both God's grace and the thanksgiving that should accompany it.
Application:
My question is this: do I rejoice when others receive grace or am I like the older brother in the prodigal son? Am I thrilled to see others receive mercy? Does my heart stir with excitement to see God's compassion at work in lives?
Prayer:
Father,
I've done nothing to deserve your grace. Would you prompt me to rejoice when others receive it too? Forgive me for considering my own self when your grace is overflowing into the lives of others. Teach me true selflessness, true grace.
Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:15
Observation:
Paul explains to the Corinthians that the grace of the new covenant makes redemption possible. Though he has often been mistreated, injured, generally been "done wrong," he insists that God is his strength. In verse 15, he points the church toward both God's grace and the thanksgiving that should accompany it.
Application:
My question is this: do I rejoice when others receive grace or am I like the older brother in the prodigal son? Am I thrilled to see others receive mercy? Does my heart stir with excitement to see God's compassion at work in lives?
Prayer:
Father,
I've done nothing to deserve your grace. Would you prompt me to rejoice when others receive it too? Forgive me for considering my own self when your grace is overflowing into the lives of others. Teach me true selflessness, true grace.
Amen.
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