Are We Behaving Wisely?

Typically, we use the word, misbehaving, when it comes to the way our children act up. But, I'm sure you will agree that we have been inundated with "misbehaving" adults lately, particularly in the political arena. But, that's them, what about us? We faith-talking, Bible-toting, cross-wearing, Christ-following people are being watched by those in our sphere of influence. They scrutinize us and the life we live at home and outside the home is one we cannot afford to compromise or lose. Like David, we need to BEHAVE ourselves wisely. Take a look at his example:

We first hear about David` as a shepherd boy keeping watch over his father's sheep. Then we read about him being anointed by Samuel to become king one day. Soon he started serving King Saul in a musical capacity and though he still tended his sheep, when Saul called for him to play his music, he showed up. Not long after that, he defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath.

That conquest was greater than only killing Goliath. When the Philistines saw that their leader was dead, they ran in terror. That's when the Israeli armies ran after the Philistines, killed them all and plundered their tents. Not only were their enemies defeated, but they took home the goods and treasures with them.

The crowd's victory cheers went like this "Saul has slain his thousands, but David, his ten-thousands." From that point on, Saul's jealousy made him bound and determined to kill David, but all his attempts were foiled. This leads me back to my main point in today's post. In 1 Samuel 18:5, we read "So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he BEHAVED wisely." Verse 14: "And David BEHAVED in all his ways, and the Lord was with him." In Verse 30, "David BEHAVED more wisely than all the servants of Saul so that his name became highly esteemed."

David did the right thing when the wrong thing was done to him. He could have become arrogant and self-serving when he received all the acclaim, but he BEHAVED well. He could have taken revenge on Saul, but he BEHAVED well. He BEHAVED well even when he carried a lot of responsibilities. As David behaved himself wisely he earned the respect of the people of Israel and even the servants of Saul. He served patiently and faithfully and he was noticed and respected for that.

Our country is in desperate need of Godly leadership. We need those who will live a life of integrity before God and others. Integrity is not just measured by who we are in public, but who we are in private when no one else is around. Integrity and character are doing the right thing when no one is watching. As followers of Christ, we should BEHAVE ourselves in such a way that it pleases and honors God. Shouldn't we, in every situation, be men and women of integrity? Shouldn't we consistently be asking ourselves: "Am I behaving well in this situation? Am I making a difference in the world around me? Do we hear God saying about us "She/He behaved wisely." If not, shouldn't we make it a priority to start NOW?

This is Crazy! This is Awesome!

I enjoy reading Bible stories that start out "This is crazy" but end up "This is awesome". For example, a little shepherd boy with a mere sling and stones, going up against a giant Philistine -- wearing the toughest, rock-solid armor ever must have been a "This is crazy" moment, but we know how it ended. The headlines in the morning news: "Notorious Philistine Taken Down by a Shepherd Boy" -- "This is Awesome!"

What about Moses leading millions out of Egypt and facing the Red Sea, along with Pharoah's army in hot pursuit. "This is crazy". If we could have read Moses' thoughts, I wonder if they had been "This is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy!" The headlines on that day must have read: "Millions walk through the Red Sea unharmed. Pharoah's entire military loses lives in the waters of the Red Sea." "This is awesome!" I remember hearing about an agnostic who said: "The only reason the Israelites were able to cross that sea was because that time of year the waters were only one foot deep." And the reply by a believer was "WOW! That's awesome then, Pharoah's army drowned in only one foot of water!" LOL!

Have you had some "This is crazy" moments that turned into "This is awesome" moments? I did. When my husband convinced me to take flying lessons and the day my instructor got out of the airplane and said, "You're ready. Go on and do three take-offs and landings.....alone!" In flying, a pilot’s First Solo is a huge milestone. After hours of training and ground study, you finally take to the air on your own. I thought "WHAT? This is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy!!" But as I was all alone in the sky, I actually felt quite comfortable -- I started thinking "This is awesome, this is awesome, this is awesome."

I went on to succeed at my first solo flight. And I had the ripped shirt to prove it. In-line with tradition, my instructor cut up the back of my shirt. Before modern electronics, in-cockpit communication was mainly through shirt tugging and hollers from the instructor that sat behind you. Cutting off the back of the shirt symbolizes this very important step -- as the instructor won't need to be yanking on it any more. At the end of that thrill-ride, I shouted "THAT WAS AWESOME." On the other hand, my husband was mush. He said that he couldn't believe it when he saw my instructor get out of the plane and his wife take to the skies.....ALONE! He admitted he had never been so nervous in all his life! For me, it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.

So it was a no brainer for me to be strapped into the safety harness when we were in Mexico a couple of weeks ago, and go parasailing. The same for jet skiing. I've learned that if we aren't willing to put ourselves in some "This is crazy" situations, we'll never experience "This is awesome" moments. If we aren't willing to run a marathon or parasail or ride a camel (I did in Israel) or give a speech before a large audience or start a business or ride a roller coaster, we'll never fly above circumstances of life that tend to keep us grounded in fear. By the way -- all those crazy things we may do sure makes for above-average prayer life. We can't NOT pray when we are flying solo in an airplane. And the same is true when we take a leap of faith in anything we hope to accomplish!

At some point in our lives, there comes a time when we have to make a decision. We need to decide to go for it (take a leap of faith) or to be complacent. I want to live with child-like faith in my all powerful Father. I wanna' live like that!

A Lion, A Bear, A Big Dude = Promotion

A couple of days ago, I shared about young David and his ability to withstand the taunts and threats of the giant, but all it took was confidence and knowing who he was as God's representative (That giant was messing with the wrong guy!), and he took down that giant in one fell swoop! That seemed to be his crowning moment, even though it wasn't his first encounter with the enemy.

I want to add a little P.S. to that post today. David DID win that epic battle with Goliath, but God had prepared him in the trenches, in the “small” things. We might say, it wasn't an overnight success story. David was faithful to fulfill his responsibilities while simply tending to his sheep -- certainly a menial task -- not star quality opportunities. But, David did anything God asked him to do. When he faced the lion and the bear, he didn’t cower in fear. He knew that God had called him to the sheep, and that God would be faithful to give him the victory. That's why his faith grew as he destroyed the lion and the bear. So when the BIG DUDE came along, David already knew HIS God would defeat that giant as well.

Moral of this story: "Be faithful in the little things (those seemingly insignificant responsibilities and jobs -- like David did as a shepherd boy), then God will make you ruler of much (PROMOTE YOU!)." Luke 16:10. David eventually became King David of Israel. How's that for promotion?

And, like David, the sheep we protect, lead and guide (you know.....those everyday duties and responsibilities); each lion and bear we slay (everyday issues, challenges and circumstances); and each giant we take down.....are ALL a part of God's Master Plan that leads us to our destiny and purpose! He's preparing us right now and fully equipping us to be the most epic GIANT SLAYER ever! So, BIG DUDE, move out of our way! We've got your number and you're going DOWN....and WE'RE MOVING ON UP!

Integrity Matters So Are You Behaving or Misbehaving?

I'm reading through the Bible this year and reading about those people that got themselves into some really crazy situations, has sparked my interest like never before. I'm having so many "aha" moments in my readings.

Take for example, King Saul and David. Remember the story of the "little" shepherd boy, David, and how he took down that ginormous giant, Goliath? Most writers and speakers end the story there, but it's not the end. When those Philistines saw that their leader lost his head.....literally.....they ran in terror. Then the armies of Israel ran after the Philistines, killed them all and plundered their tents. Not only were their enemies defeated, but they took home the goods and treasures with them. Now that's what I call....being MORE THAN CONQUERORS.

The crowd's victory chants and cheers went like this "Saul has slain his thousands, but David, his ten-thousands." More than that triumph and victory, what struck me most was how King Saul became so jealous of young David. From that point on, Saul was bound and determined to kill David, but all his many attempts to kill him were foiled. And here's what was impressed upon me. In 1 Samuel 18:5, you'll read "So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he BEHAVED wisely." Again, in verse 14 "And David BEHAVED in all his ways, and the Lord was with him." Then, in Verse 30, "David BEHAVED more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed."

Three times we find that David behaved himself wisely. Typically, we use the word, misbehaving, when it comes to the way our children act up. But, I'm sure you will agree that we have been inundated with "misbehaving" adults lately, particularly in the political arena. But, that's them, what about us? People watch you and me. They scrutinize us and, for sure, the life we live at home and outside the home is one we cannot afford to compromise or lose. We need to do as David did and BEHAVE ourselves wisely. That phrase has the idea of “being wise; considerate; paying attention to what's right."

Yesterday, my post was about "curb appeal" -- being full of God's love and character. In those scriptures, David did the right thing, when the wrong thing was done to him. He could have become arrogant and self-serving when he received all the acclaim, but he BEHAVED well. He could have taken revenge on Saul, but he BEHAVED well. There is no mention of David arguing or trying to pass his work off on someone else. He BEHAVED well even when he carried a lot of responsibilities. As David behaved himself wisely he earned the respect of the people of Israel and even the servants of Saul. He served patiently and faithfully in every aspect of life and he was noticed and respected for that.

As ambassadors for God, we, too, have an obligation and responsibility to BEHAVE ourselves in such a way that it pleases and honors God. Shouldn't we carry ourselves wisely among all who know us, and in every situation, be men and women of integrity?

Our country is in desperate need of Godly leadership. We need those who will live a life of integrity before God and others. Integrity is not just measured by who we are in public, but who we are in private when no one else is around. Integrity and character are doing the right thing when no one is watching.

Let's keep this word in the forefront of our minds. "Am I behaving well in this situation? Am I making a difference in the world around me? Do we hear God speaking about us "She/He behaved herself/himself wisely? If not, shouldn't we make it a priority to start NOW?

A Bear, A Lion and a Big Dude

I posted about David and his giant, yesterdayt! Just wanted to add....a P.S. to that post!

David DID win that epic battle with Goliath, but God had prepared him in the trenches, in the “small” things. David was faithful to fulfill his responsibilities. David did anything God asked him to do. When he faced the lion and the bear, he didn’t cower in fear. He knew that God had called him to the sheep, and that God would be faithful to give him the victory. That's why his faith grew as he destroyed the lion and the bear. So when the BIG DUDE came along, David already knew HIS God would defeat that giant as well.

Moral of this story: "Be faithful in the little things (those seemingly insignificant responsibilities and jobs -- like David did as a shepherd boy), then God will make you ruler of much (PROMOTE YOU!)." Luke 16:10. David eventually became King David of Israel. The sheep we protect, lead and guide (you know.....those everyday duties and responsibilities); each lion and bear we slay (everyday issues, challenges and circumstances); and each giant we take down.....are ALL a part of God's Master Plan that leads us to our destiny and purpose! He's preparing us right now and fully equipping us to be the most epic GIANT SLAYER ever! So, BIG DUDE, move out of our way! We've got your number and you're going DOWN....and WE'RE MOVING ON UP!

TRUST GOD!

Day 70 of Photo Inspirations -- TRUST GOD
Enroute to Dallas yesterday, I saw a man joyfully dancing down the street and waving a sign that said, "TRUST GOD" on it.   This isn't the photo.  I wish I could have gotten it because I would visually be able to show his unabandoned joy to you, but way too much traffic held me back.   Nevertheless, he inspired me.  The first impression of passer-bys was probably "That guy's a 'looney-tune'!"   But, when I saw him, I gave him a big thumbs up as I passed him.  I recognized that joy from personal experience.  Maybe he was deliriously happy because of some great answers to prayer and he was wanting everyone to experience what he was experiencing.  On the other hand, maybe he was acting in faith, TRUSTING GOD, for something that seems almost impossible in the natural.  Either way -- he had the "goods" on trusting.

Think about what a "looney-tune" Noah must have been to those who watched him building the ark for over 100 years.  How about the little shepherd boy, David, standing up to Goliath!   What about Daniel in the lion's den?   What about those of us that trusted God in the storms of life and we came through it all?  Actually, maybe it’s the people who don’t trust in God that are the real "looney tunes".   Maybe people who never take a risk,  never face their fears, and those who don't know how to dance in the storms are the real "looney-tunes".

Honestly, there are days that I am so profoundly overjoyed at the answers to prayer, the blessings that come my way, and sheer delight in my relationship with God -- that I could be that guy in my desire for others to see that TRUSTING GOD truly pays off!   Yes, there are prayers that don't get answered the way we'd like them to.  Often we get a "No" or a "Not yet" answer, and, even so, we learn that total TRUST with complete certainty that He will work it ALL for our good, just becomes our way of life.    TRUST GOD!

Lion + Bear + Big Dude = Promotion

I posted about David and his Giant, yesterday! Just wanted to add....a P.S. to that post!

David DID win that epic battle with Goliath, but God had prepared him in the trenches, in the “small” things. David was faithful to fulfill his responsibilities. David did anything God asked him to do. When he faced the lion and the bear, he didn’t cower in fear. He knew that God had called him to the sheep, and that God would be faithful to give him the victory. That's why his faith grew as he destroyed the lion and the bear. So when the BIG DUDE came along, David already knew HIS God would defeat that giant as well.

Moral of this story: "Be faithful in the little things (those seemingly insignificant responsibilities and jobs -- like David did as a shepherd boy), then God will make you ruler of much (PROMOTE YOU!)." Luke 16:10. David eventually became King David of Israel. The sheep we protect, lead and guide (you know.....those everyday duties and responsibilities); each lion and bear we slay (everyday issues, challenges and circumstances); and each giant we take down.....are ALL a part of God's Master Plan that leads us to our destiny and purpose! He's preparing us right now and fully equipping us to be the most epic GIANT SLAYER ever! So, BIG DUDE, move out of our way! We've got your number and you're going DOWN....and WE'RE MOVING ON UP!

We Will, We Will Rock You

Have you ever felt like your circumstances were looming over you like a huge GIANT who was fierce, beyond your capability, bigger than life, and he was throwing every negative word of doubt and unbelief, imaginable, your way -- taunting, harassing, smack talking -- and, your faith was challenged like crazy?

If that sounds like some things you're going through right now, then the story of David and Goliath, is worth thinking about. David faced the giant, Goliath, who was taunting, harassing....and even smack-talking young David and the armies of Israel. I Samuel 17:37 & 46 describes young David's attitude toward the giant "Who is this Philistine that he should defy the Lord my God?" "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I'll strike you down...." David didn't allow Goliath's size, or words, get in the way of what he knew his God could do through him. He took on Goliath with just his sling and a stone and the giant was destroyed. The giant, and everyone else, was saying “He’s too big to hit”, but David was saying “He's too big to miss!"

That story, and David's words, speaks loud and clear to me: "What is this giant that could defy the words of my God?" I shake off those words of defeat and loss and replace them once again with the words of the maker of heaven and earth and the maker and healer of our bodies and our circumstances -- God's Word that says in Luke 1:37 "For nothing shall be impossible with God."

Now, let's get fired up and with God’s words of faith as our sling & with Jesus as our Rock, we face our giants TODAY, and say.....“Move out of our way or .....WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!"