“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone” (1 Samuel 17:50)

May 15, 2011

A servant shepherd defeats a giant gladiator. These are the stories that God wants to write into our lives, if we have the heart to pursue Him. Who are the giants shouting destruction today? Who in God’s camp has the heart to answer?

“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)

May 14, 2011

And the Lord is the only One that can change the heart. Ask His help in your parenting and pastoring. Aim at heart change rather than just outward obedience. Ask “Lord, change our/their hearts!”

“A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence” (Proverbs 15:5)

May 13, 2011

Are you teachable? Wise followers of Christ listen to their spiritual mentors. At WCC we look for F.A.T. disciples- Faithful, Available, Teachable. Are you a FAT disciple?

“The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)

May 12, 2011

What Samuel told Saul when he didn’t wait on the Lord’s servant at Gilgal. God still looks for leaders based on character rather than competence. He still delights in lifting up the least to greatness. Is your heart for God large enough and your stature small enough for God to use?

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1)

May 11, 2011

When we answer anger with anger, we throw fuel on the fire of their response. When we answer with gentleness, we turn down the temperature. Be filled with the Spirit and bear spiritual fruit. Gentleness and self-control, for instance.

“My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40)

May 10, 2011

What is God’s will for you? Here it is from the lips of Jesus. What does your future hold? Resurrection. So, look to Christ and believe.

“They forgot the God who saved them” (Psalm 106:21)

May 9, 2011

In bondage they cried out, but in freedom they forgot. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness until a faithful generation was raised up. Are we a faithful generation or have do we have spiritual amnesia? When will we remember that freedom isn’t a result of political process, but of spiritual rebirth?

“In those days the word of the LORD was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1)

May 8, 2011

Not that God wasn’t willing. Man wasn’t listening. Then, a woman named Hannah gave her son Samuel completely to God. He was one of the greatest prophets in all Israel. And the once barren Hannah became known as one of the greatest mothers. Happy Mother’s Day!

“I prayed for this child and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now for his whole life he will be given over to the LORD (1 Samuel 1:27-28)

May 7, 2011

Hannah is a godly example of motherhood. She asked God for a son and gave him back to God when he was born. She named him “Samuel” (“Heard of God”). To whom do your children belong? Are you like Hannah?

“He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge” (Proverbs 14:26)

May 6, 2011

When we fear (respect, revere) our God it teaches our children more than our words. It teaches them that we are not the final authority but are all under God’s authority. It provides order to a world full of chaos and security in a time of storm.