He was a teenager. The youngest of 8 brothers. Up until this time in his life, he had never done anything that most people would have considered significant. His family owned animals outside the city, so most of his day consisted of taking care of animals. Basically, his job was the one nobody else wanted to do.
His older brothers, on the other hand, seemed to have it all together. They were much more developed physically. He was at times overlooked,overshadowed by his older brothers.
The three oldest brothers were not only more physically developed, but thier jobs seemed to be so much more significant than his. While he was back home doing family chores, his three oldest brothers had joined the military and were off to war!
Surely seeing the sucess of his older brothers caused him to desire to do something more significant with his life. But he was just 15 years old. He was going to have to settle for doing the small tasks he had been given.
Even if he had dreams of significance, somehow he found a way to enjoy things that seemed insignificant. He began to take pride in caring for his father's livestock, protecting them from predators. In fact, he was known to have killed two of the most feared predators in that area.
There were times when his older brothers belittled what he did, but that never seemed to bother him. No one seemed to care about how hard he was working, but that didn't stop him from doing his very best.
Because he was faithful with little things, God blessed him with great things. You may have heard of this young man. He soon became one of the most famous people of all of history. His name was David.
As you know, David was given an opportunity to do a big job: to kill Goliath, the giant.
David greatly surpassed his brothers in significance in just one day!
***Read Ecclesiastes 9:10***
It says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."
All of us have a starting point in life. No one starts out at the top. There is a process involved in reaching our goals. Part of the process is learning to do our very best wherever we are and whatever we are doing. Giving it our very best effort like David did. God will honor you for giving it your all.
In your prayer, praise and listening time today, ask God to show you ways you can improve your effort in every area of your life. Whether it be at school, your job, or in cleaning the floor....give it your very best!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
21 Day Challenge- Day Twelve
Paul Dawson of Oregon tells the story of a family trip: "While visiting Grand Coulee Dam, we were surprised to see that the visitor's center was dark, even though it was a sunny day. We thought the center might have tinted windows, but as we got closer we saw that there were no lights on. We went in and saw that none of the displays were working. Suddenly it became clear: there was no power to the center. Due to a technical problem, the visitor's center that sat only a few hundred feet from a hydroelectric dam and had no electricity. how could something be so close to one of the largest power sources in the United States, yet have no power?"
***Read Colossians 1:11-14***
11 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."
The Christian life is often compared to light in Paul's letters. He uses light to symbolize God's holiness, truth, love and glory. For us, the source of this light is Jesus. When we stay close to Him, we can keep His light shining bright. However, when we take our focus off Him, spending less time with Him and disobeying His voice, we become like the visitors' center in this story- so close to the awesome Source of power, but our own supply is cut off.
Each day offers a brand new start to be "plugged in." If you miss a day, or even a few, of your quiet time, just repent then get back on track. God doesn't want you to beat yourself up about it and give up. He just wants to spend time with you. As a Christian, you are His light, but you must keep on "being strengthened with all power according to His glorious light."
***Read Colossians 1:11-14***
11 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."
The Christian life is often compared to light in Paul's letters. He uses light to symbolize God's holiness, truth, love and glory. For us, the source of this light is Jesus. When we stay close to Him, we can keep His light shining bright. However, when we take our focus off Him, spending less time with Him and disobeying His voice, we become like the visitors' center in this story- so close to the awesome Source of power, but our own supply is cut off.
Each day offers a brand new start to be "plugged in." If you miss a day, or even a few, of your quiet time, just repent then get back on track. God doesn't want you to beat yourself up about it and give up. He just wants to spend time with you. As a Christian, you are His light, but you must keep on "being strengthened with all power according to His glorious light."
21 Day Challenge- Day Eleven
American Indians would sometimes lay silent with their ears to the ground listening for the hooves of the horses of their enemies galloping toward them, well before they could be seen. The Indian could not hear their approach when he was up and active. This meant his life could be in danger, because he did not know in advance his enemies were coming unless he was on the ground listening.
If we can't learn to sit quietly at the feet of our Lord, we might miss out guidance that is necessary for our spiritual safety and growth.
Eli told Samuel to go lie down and listen to the Lord. You can read about it in
1 Samuel 3:8-10 Here's what happened:
So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
It's not very easy to find quiet moments in our busy day; but to listen to what God is saying to us, we must follow the example of this verse.
Spend a few moments today just sitting quietly and listening to God. Ask Him to speak to you. Let Him know that you are here and you are ready to listen to what He has to say to you.
If we can't learn to sit quietly at the feet of our Lord, we might miss out guidance that is necessary for our spiritual safety and growth.
Eli told Samuel to go lie down and listen to the Lord. You can read about it in
1 Samuel 3:8-10 Here's what happened:
So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
It's not very easy to find quiet moments in our busy day; but to listen to what God is saying to us, we must follow the example of this verse.
Spend a few moments today just sitting quietly and listening to God. Ask Him to speak to you. Let Him know that you are here and you are ready to listen to what He has to say to you.
Friday, September 11, 2009
21 Day Challenge- Day Ten
Wow! We are finally getting some much needed rain! I was standing outside lastnight and BOOM! out of nowhere- it starting raining like crazy! I had to run for cover! It made me think of this Scripture:
***Read Psalm 61:1-4***
"Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings."
When things are going crazy in our life and it seems like the "rain" is pouring down on us, it's so great to know that God is there. He shelters us from the storms in our life. When it feels like everything is pouring down on us, He is right there to lift us up and give us the strength we need to get through it. It gives me such peace to know that I can take refuge in Him.
So as God is blessing us with natural rain this weekend, be reminded that when the "storms" of our life surround us, and we feel bombarded or overwhelmed, we can run for cover too! God is right there waiting to provide the shelter and the strength we need to ride out the storm!
Have a blessed day!
***Read Psalm 61:1-4***
"Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings."
When things are going crazy in our life and it seems like the "rain" is pouring down on us, it's so great to know that God is there. He shelters us from the storms in our life. When it feels like everything is pouring down on us, He is right there to lift us up and give us the strength we need to get through it. It gives me such peace to know that I can take refuge in Him.
So as God is blessing us with natural rain this weekend, be reminded that when the "storms" of our life surround us, and we feel bombarded or overwhelmed, we can run for cover too! God is right there waiting to provide the shelter and the strength we need to ride out the storm!
Have a blessed day!
Monday, September 7, 2009
21 Day Challenge- Day Nine
Wow! I can't believe it's Friday and we have past the one week mark in our 21 day challenge!! I hope these devotions have been a blessing to you! Here's something to think about today:
In my car, I have OnStar. Twenety-four hours a day, seven days a week, when I press a little blue button on the rear-view mirror of my car, the system calls the OnStar operator and I have immediate assistance. It's very comforting knowing if I get lost, the operator is right there to give me directions. If I lock my keys in the car, the operator can unlock my doors from the master system. Whether I have an emergency, or just need information, OnStar is there to assist me. Yes, the OnStar system is an amazing feature, but we have an even more amazing support system available to us!
**Read John 14:15-17**
Here it is in the New Living Translation:
15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."
The Holy Spirit is not just an option in your Christian life- He comes as standard equipment with Christ. He is available to you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When you have an emergency or need direction in life, the Holy Spirit is there.
The Holy Spirit is also called our Counselor, Spirit of Truth, and Comforter, among other names. Whatever the problem or the need, God's Spirit is there to help you and guide you. Learn to call out to Him whenever and for whatever your need is.
The next time you get in a car and see the little blue OnStar button, remember that you have access to God's help at ALL times. The next time you need help, call on His name. The Holy Spirit is there to help. In your prayer, praise and listening time today, thank God for His Holy Spirit that leads us and guides us and never leaves us.
Have a blessed day!
21 Day Challenge- Day Eight
Some people at the beach stay on the sand, laying out, sitting around.
Others play in the shallow water, letting the waves hit them.
Some snorkel, going a little deeper, just under the surface.
Some scuba dive, going out to the water and diving in.
The deeper someone goes, the more of the ocean they experience.
The deeper you go with God, the more of Him you will experience.
**Read Psalm 42:7 & 8**
My New Living Translation says "I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life."
David actually wrote this passage out of distress and anxiety. He is experiencing the deep things of God through pain, knowing that God is with him day and night.
God longs to show you deep, hidden truths about Himself. This will happen in only one way: spending time in His presence. Spending time everyday in prayer, praise and listening to Him. Have you played in the sand long enough? Dive in and go deep!
Others play in the shallow water, letting the waves hit them.
Some snorkel, going a little deeper, just under the surface.
Some scuba dive, going out to the water and diving in.
The deeper someone goes, the more of the ocean they experience.
The deeper you go with God, the more of Him you will experience.
**Read Psalm 42:7 & 8**
My New Living Translation says "I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life."
David actually wrote this passage out of distress and anxiety. He is experiencing the deep things of God through pain, knowing that God is with him day and night.
God longs to show you deep, hidden truths about Himself. This will happen in only one way: spending time in His presence. Spending time everyday in prayer, praise and listening to Him. Have you played in the sand long enough? Dive in and go deep!
21 Day Challenge- Day Seven
I recently read this story and it really made me think about the people I come in contact with everyday, so I wanted to share it with you!
Two committed Christian graduate students were roommates living in a high-rise dorm. The two young men were praying together one night about how God might use them in ministry someday-somewhere- perhaps even missions. Their prayer time was interuppted by the sound of sirens and a commotion in the hallway. They were shocked to discover that the young man in the very next room had jumped out the window, committing suicide. He left a note stating: "I'm new here from out of state. I'm so alone. I don't know anyone, and no one has even taken the time to meet me. No one cares- what's the use of living?"
Perhaps their ministry was RIGHT NOW- RIGHT NEXT DOOR!
**Read Colossians 4:5**
In my New Living Translation, it says "Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the mostof every opportunity."
We are surrounded everyday by opportunities to be used by God. Don't be like these two students who ignored the need of someone right next to them, because they were so focused on "someday- somewhere". God wants to use you RIGHT HERE- RIGHT NOW.
Our quiet time and Bible study is very important and gives us a time to spend with God so He can speak to us and guide us. That time will prepare and strengthen us for helping those He will bring into our lives. Make the most of every opportunity God gives you today. Your opportunity may be closer than you think!
Two committed Christian graduate students were roommates living in a high-rise dorm. The two young men were praying together one night about how God might use them in ministry someday-somewhere- perhaps even missions. Their prayer time was interuppted by the sound of sirens and a commotion in the hallway. They were shocked to discover that the young man in the very next room had jumped out the window, committing suicide. He left a note stating: "I'm new here from out of state. I'm so alone. I don't know anyone, and no one has even taken the time to meet me. No one cares- what's the use of living?"
Perhaps their ministry was RIGHT NOW- RIGHT NEXT DOOR!
**Read Colossians 4:5**
In my New Living Translation, it says "Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the mostof every opportunity."
We are surrounded everyday by opportunities to be used by God. Don't be like these two students who ignored the need of someone right next to them, because they were so focused on "someday- somewhere". God wants to use you RIGHT HERE- RIGHT NOW.
Our quiet time and Bible study is very important and gives us a time to spend with God so He can speak to us and guide us. That time will prepare and strengthen us for helping those He will bring into our lives. Make the most of every opportunity God gives you today. Your opportunity may be closer than you think!
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