Never the Underdog

Greetings,

I like underdog stories.  Among my favorite are Rudy and Braveheart. There’s just something about facing insurmountable odds and winning that inspires me.  That is why the story of David in the Bible is my all-time favorite tale of triumph!

David was a peach-fuzz faced teenager when he showed up with sandwiches for his hungry brothers who were on the war front fighting against the Philistines, Israel’s enemy.  That’s where he heard Goliath, a “giant of a man” who was also the Philistine champion, taunting the Israeli army.  The Israeli army was “greatly afraid.” But David was asking: “Who is this guy? Who does he think he is “taunting and defying the armies of the living God?”  And then he volunteered to fight the giant.

Initially, David was dismissed. “You’re too young!” “You can never win against this mighty warrior!” “You don’t have a chance!” You’re just a boy; he’s a man of war!”

Actually, David was a young man of great courage. “He chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and with his slingshot in hand, approached the Philistine.”

Goliath was greatly insulted that out of an entire army of men, someone who was “little more than a boy” would dare stand up to him, so “he cursed David by his gods.”

David’s reply is epic and one whose truth we can all treasure in our hearts: “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, Whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will hand you over to me...for the battle is the Lord’s and He will hand you over to us.”

Four Bible verses later, Goliath was dead – one little smooth stone flew straight from David’s slingshot into the middle of his forehead  -  the Israeli army surged forth to victory, and you and I are reminded that when God is on our side, we are never the underdogs.

What giant are you facing? It’s no match for our LORD!

Prayer: Dear Lord, many giants come against us with swords of fear and spears of worry. Give us courage! Right now, in Your mighty name, we ask You to hand us the victory over our struggles. The battle belongs to You.  We arm ourselves with prayer and trust you for the victory. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Aim Your Slingshot!

Thursday greetings~

David has been such an inspiration to us, and today we will wrap it up with a powerful reminder:

Aim your slingshot at the giants in your life because with God on your side, the giants will fall!

Don’t aim your frustration, fears, doubts, powers of persuasion, or anger.  Aim your slingshot, and by slingshot I mean prayer.  Look what that little slingshot did against a nine foot nine inch monster.  The same that having a little conversation with God can do – it will destroy your enemy and give you victory! 

What are you facing?

Here are a few messes my friends are dealing with right now:

Separation,

Disease,

Unemployment,

Rebellious Child,

Unhappiness,

Anxiety,

Discouragement…

Endless list, perhaps, but then again, I have also said that God’s ability and desire to help us is endless as well!

Psalm 59:9-10 “You are my strength, I watch for You; You, God, are my fortress, my God on Whom I can rely. The God who loves me will help me; God will enable me to triumph over my enemies.”

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are our strength.  You are our fortress. Thank You that we can rely on You.  You are reliable, You are trustworthy, You love us, and You are the One Who gives us the ability to triumph over our enemies!  Give it to us now, in Jesus’ name, AMEN~

Standing in Victory~

Greetings,

“This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:46-47)

Last DEVO left us thinking about David’s courageous statement above, and praise God Almighty, that is exactly what happened. 

“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.  Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.”  (1 Samuel 17:48-50)

David met his nemesis head on.  He did not hesitate, retreat, or surrender.  Those are three “do nots” we should all apply to prayer.

When we do not hesitate to pray, do not retreat in prayer, do not surrender in supplication, our giants will fall.

More importantly, we will be left standing in victory!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, with You by our side, our enemies will fall and we will stand tall in victory.  Help us to have the courage to face every single one of our challenges and to never give up.  A famous author/preacher by the name of Mark Batterson said, “God is always stage right. He’s ready to make His grand entrance. All He is waiting for is your prayer cue.”  Here’s Your cue, Lord.  Enter in and help us!  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!