WLCC’s sermon series “Living in God’s Blessing- Part 3”
In our scripture verse, we see the tail end of the story of David being anointed as the next king of Israel.
What struck me about this story was David minded his own business tending the sheep one minute and became the anointed king of Israel the next. “Oh, by the way, this giant of a man Goliath wants to kill you. Have a beautiful day. ” Sometimes life comes at you fast and you aren’t prepared for it. But David shows why God chose him to be king of Israel. The new role didn’t seem too big for him in spite of the first few days on the job.
When Goliath called out for someone to come fight him, and everyone avoided eye contact, David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” If you read 1 Samuel 17: 31-37, you read that David may have looked way too young, but he was more than able to act on a moment’s notice. It seems David could more than hold his own even against lions trying to take one of his sheep as a snack. But David wasn’t having any of that, and he wasn’t having any of Goliath’s smack talk as well.
Uncommon Questions: Is your readiness elevated when it comes to speaking about your faith in Christ Jesus? You don’t need to be aggressive but speak with Truth and Grace. What do you do to make yourself ready? Saying you are isn’t enough.
Uncommon Challenge: Just as David went about his duties, and by doing so, they prepared him for something greater, you have the same opportunity. Spend time in the Word of God, so you are ready when God calls you into action.
Credit: www.uncommen.org
Our most powerful weapon.
The ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are overwhelming. Our hearts are saddened for those who have lost loved ones and for those who are ill. Then there are our new heroes – the checker at my grocery store, the doctors and nurses and other front line medical personnel. Those who are donating, packing and serving meals. Those who care for the families that have lost a member to this virus.
Each day I hear stories about new heroes. The ripple effects are impossible to count. Those who have lost jobs and businesses. The countless number of seniors that won’t get to walk across a stage this year. The weddings that have been postponed. The industries affected in so many ways. The parents who never wanted to be teachers that now are teachers. The trips, family reunions, basketball and baseball games at all levels that are not happening. I’m sure each of you could add to this list.
With all that is and is not going on, at times I feel helpless and think, “Well, I guess that I could just pray.” Why is the most powerful weapon we have often the last one we use? We have direct access to the Creator of the universe. God was in control before the pandemic. God will still be in control after the pandemic. God is certainly in control in the midst of the pandemic. Just pray? Praying should be our first response – not our last.
Today’s One Thing: Pray together for those on the front lines of this battle and all those affected by its ripple effects. Together surrender everything to God and let Him show you together the way out!
DON’T JUST SURVIVE! – Your Marriage Was Meant To Thrive!
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Our Daily Bread
Infinite Dimensions
I pray that you . . . [will] grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…….Ephesians 3:17-18
I lay still on the vinyl-covered mat and held my breath on command as the machine whirred and clicked. I knew lots of folks had endured MRIs, but for claustrophobic me, the experience required focused concentration on something—Someone—much bigger than myself.
In my mind, a phrase from Scripture—“how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18)—moved in rhythm with the machine’s hum. In Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church, he described four dimensions to God’s love in order to stress the unending parameters of His love and presence.
My position while lying down for the MRI provided a new image for my understanding. Wide: the six inches on either side of where my arms were tightly pinned to my body within the tube. Long: the distance between the cylinder’s two openings, extending out from my head and feet. High: the six inches from my nose up to the “ceiling” of the tube. Deep: the support of the tube anchored to the floor beneath me, holding me up. Four dimensions illustrating God’s presence surrounding and holding me in the MRI tube—and in every circumstance of life.
God’s love is ALL around us. Wide: He extends His arms to reach all people everywhere. Long: His love never ends. High: He lifts us up. Deep: He dips down, holding us in all situations. Nothing can separate us from Him! (Romans 8:38-39).
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY:Dear God, help us pause to ponder Your multidimensional love for us!
Credit: Our Daily Bread
