David vs. Goliath: Stick-to-it-tiveness

The story of David and Goliath is so common that many of us read through it and only take out of it what is obvious and familiar. This morning, in my Bible reading, the Holy Spirit gave me something more on which to dwell. In I Samuel 17, David left his sheep to check up on his brothers in battle only to have Eliab, his oldest brother, belittle and discourage him. In verse 33, Saul offers his own discouragement and says, "Thou art not able to go against this Philistine." In verse 39, Saul's armor discourages David. Lastly, Goliath himself discourages David and says, "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?" His King, his family, his security and his foe offered David little encouragement, yet we find his confidence came from the LORD. Verses 45-46 say, "I will come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts," and "This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand."

So often, I try to take refuge in my own ability. I must remember that when I am discouraged by the people and things closest to me, it is then I must claim the name of the LORD. David sums it all up in verse 47, "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S and he will give you into our hands."

I must be resolute. I must have a little "stick-to-it-tiveness." I must not let discouragement derail my efforts to rely on Him to win my battles for me.

Comments

Crossing the Line.... The Sin of Androgyny

Puke, Vomit, Hurl. These are the best words I can bring up (pun intended) to describe my disgust for cultural androgyny – the societal blurring of the gender lines. We live in a culture where masculinity is criticized for its rough exterior and insensitivity, and feminism is elevated as the preferred trait among men. To succumb to this idea, it is now acceptable for parents buy their son girls’ jeans and allow him to grow his hair out long enough to make Rapunzel jealous. This same culture that belittles masculinity in men, promotes it for women. Our daughters are told that there are no barriers or rules for dress. Anything goes, even if that means looking the part of their male counterparts. Society warns that it would be an epic failure to ask individuals to don a gender-appropriate hairstyle or wear gender-appropriate attire because “you may damage their psyche” and you might “limit their opportunity to express individuality.” In the 1970s, Sandra Bem – the inventor of t...

Avoiding Factions in Fundamentalism

Factions within fundamental Christianity are ungodly and unattractive. The factions are, for example, those that usually are birthed from education. Specifically, from what I have seen, it pins one school or church doctrine against another. (I know some will be offended by me naming names, but deep down, the following examples are well-known to those who are named) Graduates from Pensacola Christian College are looked poorly upon by Bob Jones graduates, Hyles-Anderson grads and many others (and vice versa). There exists a "rivalry" between Fairhaven folk and the people of First Baptist of Hammond, IN. "Westcoasters" are labeled compromisers by those who consider themselves more conservative. Those who attend Crown College - "Crownies" as they have been deemed - are seen by other fundamentalists as Sextonites . The list goes on and on and includes schools and churches from all around the country. Even smaller local churches try to take on the attribute...

My Dad wants to adopt more children?!

Did the title catch you off guard? At 55 years old, my earthly father isn't in that market... at least I don't think he is. But the Heavenly Father is looking for more children to bring into his family. Last year, I had the opportunity and privilege to write, direct and perform in a Christmas play entitled A Baseball Card Christmas . Some of you may remember it. The theme of the play was the gift of adoption through God's most precious gift -- His Son Jesus. It was a challenge from writing it to directing it, to performing it; but in the end, more than 160 attended and 3 raised their hand for salvation. A success if I do say so myself. Prompted by several to see it published, I found Performance Possibilities, a company started by my former college speech professor. She read it and accepted it for publication. Now, this weekend, the play will be performed by two more churches -- one in Florida and the other in a nearby Ohio town. I feel so honored that God has used th...

Thoughts from Within

Search This Blog