Day 14 - Purpose

"I read the account of David and Goliath again today. Every time I read it there is a fresh revelation in there. This time was the fact the before David left to fight the giant he took his staff with him. A shepherd's staff no doubt. He had left the 'few sheep' of his father and was headed to an event that would promote him to public fame and prepare the people for him to become their favored king. He did not leave his staff behind. His staff represented who he was. David would be shepherd of his Father's sheep...Israel."

God uses who you are to shape who you will become. A prime example is Barnabas. He was named "The son of encouragement". No wonder God would use him to encourage a converted Saul of Tarsus early in ministry to become Paul the Apostle.

God has given you gifts, talents, abilities and a unique personality that he will use in your future for where He is calling you to. Don't despise it or leave it behind. You will be glad you did!

Have you seen any instances of God using your unique make up for a position or place He called you to?

Day 11 - Reputation

"The description of David at such a young age is striking: 1 Samuel 16:18 Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.” Even before David goes to fight Goliath he has the reputation of a man, a mighty man of valor, and a man of war. Yet when he shows up on the battle lines everyone puts him down. The greatest expression given about David is the last one saying that The Lord is with Him. Even without the rest of the description that line alone could slay the giant, deliver from the wicked predecessor, overtake every enemy, establish the kingdom and leave a legacy."

Everything we say and do produces our reputation. Even our perceived image produces our reputation. There was a key element in the passage I quoted; the reputation that the Lord was with him. David had a real heart for the Lord. He was loyal and passionate. When he messed up, big time, he was quick to repent. He didn't back off God and God didn't back off him. His reputation shows us that fact.

I have had a reputation of a nice guy, a rocker, preacher (even at a young age), and the list could go on. Of all the things that my reputation could be the greatest one is that God is with me.As a Christian God lives on the inside of me. Many Christians live as though God isn't with them but He is. Ready to back us. God is on our side. We need to get on His side! We need to stir ourselves and wake up to the reality that the Lord is with us. When we do we will be giant slayers, delivered from the evils that surround us, overtaking every enemy establishing God's kingdom and leaving a legacy.

How do you view David's reputation? How does God being with us change the game of life?