Sunday, March 24, 2013

GOD’S CHAMPIONS

Suggested Reading: 1 Samuel 17

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The Valley of Elah (1 Samuel 17:2), where David picked up five smooth stones from the brook, one of which he used in his sling to kill Goliath.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 17:45

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

David knew for sure that the God of Israel was much bigger than any giant the Philistines could produce. David’s past experiences gave him great confidence that God would enable him to defeat Goliath. All of us can think of times when we’ve seen God doing great things in our own lives, or we’ve heard of God doing great things in the lives of others. In a few days we’ll celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, the greatest victory in human history. The historical fact of Jesus’ resurrection happened in the past, and it is also a present reality. He is risen!!! David was the champion of Israel. Jesus is the Champion for all time and for every challenge. The Apostle Paul writes of “the seed of David” (2 Timothy 2:8-13). Jesus said, “Because I live, you shall live also” (to read it in context see John 14:11-21). With our faith in Jesus, we can be champions also. Jesus assures us that the person who believes in Him will win the battles. We must never let people belittle us as David’s brothers tried to do to him. In Jesus we are bigger than any challenge.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You have defeated the last human enemy, death! Therefore, I have complete confidence that with You living in me I can win over every giant that I face. I pray for boldness to take that which I know You’ve done in the past, apply that knowledge to the present, and move forward into future battles with the secure knowledge of Your presence. In Your strong Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When God gave us Canada’s first professionally equipped Christian television production studio back in 1977, I could not stand to see God’s resources sitting empty for much of the day after we went live to air with the daily 100 Huntley Street telecast. Therefore, we began producing telecasts in many languages other than English. We also did shows for children and teens. Nite Lite, an open-line show which ran live five nights a week from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. was what one of our hosts, Rev. Ken Campbell, called “the best fishing hole in Canada.” In one staff chapel service in the early 1990’s, I shared that the challenge of the middle-of-the-night ministry needed a Champion who would assume full responsibility for its future. Later that day, Jim Cantelon, who had been one of my co-hosts on 100 Huntley Street after returning from Jerusalem where he established a great Christian congregation, approached me with these words: “David, I want to be that Champion for the middle of the night.” He covered not only Canada but the U.S.A. as well for some time. Today, that Champion is Bob Melnichuck with the program It’s Your Call. Check out some info on it here. Don Simmonds, our Crossroads CEO, has appointed “Champions” for each of the many challenges and opportunities that Crossroads has. I’m excited to rise every morning to Champion the ministry of this blog! The many world-wide Internet video channels Crossroads provides involves many Champions. Check it out here.

Yours, praying Jesus’ prayer request: “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers [champions] into the harvest field” (Matthew 9:38, Luke 10:2),

David

P.S. In the God Rocks children’s animated TV series produced by a Champion, Bruce Stacey, the actor Mickey Rooney, certainly not a “giant” in stature, is the voice of “Bullseye”…the little rock that bopped Goliath. It’s a creative re-telling of today’s reading. Below is a poster from that episode (signed by Mickey). The episode is called “Splat Ball Square Off” and here’s a link if you want to buy it and share it with the children for whom you can be a Champion for Christ..

11 thoughts on “Sunday, March 24, 2013

  1. It was so good to read this chapter again as my mother (now with our Lord) often told me why she named me David. There are definately times in life when you know the calling is yours and there is no doubt you can do it. These times represent a powerful connection in spirit with Christ and the helper He sent to be with is at all times, the Holy Spirit. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Blessings to all as we prepare for Easter and the significance of Christ risen in each of our lives!

  2. I loved reading this chapter, too–was just waiting for it. David, the youthful, inexperienced sheep herder, conquering the giant, Goliath, with a single stone from the brook! Because of David’s faith and trust in God, he faced what his elders feared and doubted was possible. He ignored the mockery of the Philistines, who taunted him. He believed in himself to get the job done, because God was within him!

    “Trust in the Lord, with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and know that He shall direct thy path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

    Blessings to all saints as we come to worship our risen Lord, today!

  3. Hi David
    This Blog touched mine heart again .. GOD made me a Champion… in Cycling world .. now HE is ” pruning me and preparing” me to be a Champion for HIM BY HIM AND THROUGH by HIS AMAZING GRACE to finiosh the race well

    ” Qouting ALL ” above scriptures

    PTL

    AMAZING GRACE

    “Retired and refired” for HIM

    Zeljko

  4. I say AMEN as well to all our fellow bloggers this morning!! God can use anyone if they are willing. He will equip us to do what He wants us to do.

    Happy a great day in the Lord’s House this Palm Sunday!! PTL!!!!

  5. Good morning David and fellow bloggers. This is my first attempt ever at blogging… 🙂 I’ve been following along with David’s 100 words since last fall each morning about 5:00 AM on the west coast of BC. I really like listening to the mornings scripture reading as I read along with it and very much like the pics that are posted along with the day’s reading.

    David’s prayer each day and 100 words blog have really been an inspiration for me… I’ve always known that my body is a vessle in which the holy spirit has resided since accepting Christ as my personal savior, but since beginning each day with a sincere morning devotional I have sensed a more loving attitude towards others in me… 🙂

    Praise God and keep up the good work David. I have been praying for total and complete healing for you, and believe with all my heart that the Lord works wonders today, yesterday, and forever… Blessings to all who read this…

    In Christ, Amen!

  6. Happy palm sunday to you all ,gods love to you David and Normajean
    may He Blessyou and heal you David.Thank you so much for the Dialy
    blog. R.

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