I Samuel 17:32 David said to Saul, “Let
no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this
Philistine.” 33 Then Saul
said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”
Saul was
not the most encouraging person in the world. The young teenager, David,
volunteered to fight the giant Goliath. Saul’s response was that David did not
have a chance against this seasoned warrior. David heard, “you can’t do
this.” Instead David relied on his
faith.
The
question to ask is, “Where did he get such faith.” It would be easy to say that
he just trusted God, or that God was in control, but maybe more importantly
David had vivid memories of his past experiences.
1 Samuel 17:34 But
David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion
or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it
from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his
beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your
servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised
Philistine will be like one of them.”
David’s
past experience told him that God would bring victory over Goliath. Do you
remember your past encounters with struggles, difficulties and seemingly
impossible situations? How did you make it? What happened? It could be that
what happened in the past can happen again. David knew he had killed lions and
bears with his bare hands. The thought of a giant was not a time for fear, but
for anticipating a new victory. Remembering your past can bring triumph in the
present and the future.
The best
way to defeat the giants and faith killers in your life is with God memories.
Your greatest defense against attack is a remembrance of the God memories of
yesterday. How you remember yesterday will determine how you live today and
tomorrow.
As you
discover how to bring good memories to the surface you will find new strength
to fight the giants. Remember: Romans
8:31 “What shall we say then? If God is for us, then who can be against us.”
Romans 8:37 “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who
loved us.”
_____________________________Today's personal from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ
We are one week into the New Year of 2014. Is it going well? I am excited about what this year will bring. As I look back over the past few years it gives me real comfort and hope and especially encouragement for this upcoming year. (see todays The Encourager)
Several have asked about my medical tests. I can report with real joy that all looks good. The cancer is stable, the liver is functioning properly and the heart is doing well. I praise the Lord for such good news. The oncologist has me on Sandostatin to curb the symptoms of the cancer. It seems to be working well. Thanks for your prayers.
Sandy and I leave next week for Quartzsite and our annual ministry there. We will be teaching in the mornings to the Campers on Mission's group and the folks from the church in Quartzsite. Daily we will scatter throughout the dessert around Quartzsite to share the gospel with as many people as possible at the Rock and Gem Show. Upwards of a half a million people attend this annual event. Pray for open hearts and for the privilege of telling someone about Jesus.
Sandy begins her ministry to Young Moms this week. She teaches on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 AM at First Baptist Church. She is teaching the book of Esther.
I continue to preach in the Intersect service at First Baptist Church of Tempe. We are continuing our study of Revelation. What a challenge. Saturday, January 11th I will be sharing a devotional at the first Men's Ministry Meeting of the year at First Baptist Church. I would appreciate your prayers.
So many of you know my grandsons through pictures. Thought you might like to see Johnny and Justin's Dad, John. He is the best Dad any boys could ever want.
Thanks again for remembering us this past year with your concern, prayers and financial support. You make it possible for us to engage in our ministry. ~ DGW
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