I love the story in the Bible about David and how God took a young boy, with not much in his hand and gave him victory over a huge giant. Of coarse the story didn't start there, it started when Jesse anointed David and the Word says, "and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward." (I Samuel 16:13)  This enabled him to have favor with King Saul, to stand before Goliath with no fear and slay him and to later become a great king of Isreal. 

 David knew His God because he had tried him in hard situations and found that God was always there to back David up. The lion and the bear were no match for the power of God on young David. He trashed talked Goliath knowing that the Lord would deliver the giant into his hands. Saul gave David his armour to fight Goliath, but the Bible says, "for he had not yet proved it", which means he had no confidence in  the armor to help him in the fight. David did have confidence in his sling and knew how to use five, smooth stones to get the job done. He had already "proved" them in the fields as a shephard boy. God's power and presence was with David as he used what was in his hand.

 What's in your hand? You might not have a Ph.D., much money, or what the world says you need to succeed, but if God lives on the inside of you,  the power that brought the universe into being is at your disposal. Take the little that's in your hand, prove it  and God will give you victory every time. Run at your giant, talk about what God's going to do for you and watch what's in your hand florish before your very eyes.          

 

 

 

 

 

 As time marches on, the church at large seems to drift further and further away from the central truths on which it was built. What is the church on earth for?  Surely not to have social clubs and all of the same things that drain the life out of life itself for everyone else, keeping people so busy they don't have time to do the important. Souls, eternity, longevity, freedom, these are all reasons that the church exists.

 

The church doesn't need another club, it needs people who are actually doing what they heard during the sermon on Sunday. The church doesn't need another committee, it needs a boost in the hind parts and a strong dose of the power of God working in each service. Finally, the church doesn't need another event, it needs the partiers, to "party" on down to the altar and get right with the one who longs for their attention. If we are to effect our communities, our nation and world then let's stop fighting about the insignificant things and wake-up to the fact that God is real, He is moving and He longs for His will to be done on this earth. This happens through us, the church, and people are watching us everyday- what are you going to do?     

The world is screaming "change" and they are  looking for it in so many of the wrong places. The only true change there is, takes place in our hearts and overflows to every area of our lives. Thus commanding an about face in our families, our jobs and the things that we consider so valuable and precious. Once we experience the powerful  love of God and we invite Him into our lives to have His way, of course we don't stay in that place the rest of our lives. There is a vast great plan and purpose for our lives and we must pursue it if we want to experience the many benefits that come along with the sacrifice. Are you willing to pursue this place?

 

In Hebrews 10:22 we see that we have a part, "let us draw near with a sincere heart, in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled with the blood which cleanses all guilt from the conscience.." Our heavenly Father wants a relationship with us. He longs to see us live in all the benefits that He has provided for us. We can't fool God with our outward, religious actions. There has to be action in our heart, where a true hunger for God is birthed.  In Psalm 103 we find a list of the many benefits that He has provided for us. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all of His benefits; who forgives all of your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." 

These are the benefits people are looking for, but seldom experience.

 

So let's shake ourselves and stir up the desire we once had for the things of God. If we are looking for great change in our lives, we must be willing to go to great lengths to recieve it. Just like the psalmist David declared, "as the deer longs for the water, so my soul longs after You". That is my heart cry, in a world that needs what we have. Let's rise up, quit living defeated and depressed, and follow hard after the things that matter eternally. Be filled with the Spirit, be overflowing with His love and a shining light for all to see.

 

08/08