David: A shepherd boy becomes a shepherd warrior

What can turn a simple shepherd boy into a shepherd warrior? 

As you listen to today's story about David notice how it is the determination in his heart to protect the honor of the living God. 

When we determine in our hearts to do something this is when we see big dividens. For David, it was his deep abiding love for the living God. All those years worshipping Him on the hills surrounding Bethlehem developed an internal strength that defies logic.

Does your belief in God give you an internal strength that defies logic? 

I often pray and tell God that I want to believe that I do, but in the face of a giant, how might I truly behave? At times, I do not know that I would be so strong, but other times I am certain I would be because I truly trust God. This is okay. Because one thing I have learned over the years, when I am weak, He truly is strong (2 Cor. 22:8-11).

Our giants aren't a physical Goliath. They come in the form of obstacles or struggles like illness, relationships, finances, natural disasters... In all of these, my God has proven faithful! He slayed my Goliaths. So, we may feel like a shepherd boy/girl, but in Him we are shepherd warriors! Amen! 

You can listen to the true story here:

David: A shepherd boy becomes a shepherd warrior

David: A shepherd family had a son named David

David: A shepherd family had a son named David

Can you imagine trying to tell the whole story of David in the Bible into a short story summary? His story covers 66 chapters in the Bible and next to Jesus, David has more said about him than anyone else. 

I have crafted a story summary of David as a shepherd boy to shepherd king into 7 short stories that capture a hint of David's life. 

This is the first of the series. My prayer is that it will provide a simple mini-narrative of David that causes the listener to go read or listen to 1 & 2 Samuel where David's saga unfolds. I am going to post the series so you can go listen and see if you can figure out why David is known as the man after God's own heart.

In the Bible study, I challenge the learner to observe how David acts like a good shepherd namely, Jesus. Ask, how did David model seeking, caring, protecting, blessing, and building the nation of Israel, the sheep he was commanded to shepherd? 

New Beginnings

Well, I finally finished it. This is my second painting in my Wailing Wall series. This one is for Grant. It is titled New Beginnings. I have the dove in flight front of the Wailing Wall because it represents the presence of God in Israel and a dove because it symbolizes the presence of God in us. I was surprised at the contrast that happened with dark and light. It wasn't intentional but the dove looks like it is taking flight from darkness. 

I painted this one for Grant because of finishing college. He is in a season of new beginnings. As I painted it I prayed for him to enjoy refreshment and renewal. He is in a season of new beginnings. I want to remind him that God's presence is with him.  

As I painted it I also prayed that anyone who looks at it worships God and knows He is the one who gives us flight, refreshment, and renewal. 

I don't know if Greg is going to let Grant take it. Lol. Now, I will begin Zach and Mikayla's on the dance of love.