Picked Last

So, thinking about David. You know, the little boy in the bible that killed the giant with a sling and a stone. There is so much more to his story. An important prophet was to go to David's father and announce one of the sons as future king.
The prophet saw potential in the older brothers and God told him that it was not one of them. Finally, he asks the Dad is this all the boys you have. The Dad answers well, the youngest is tending sheep. The Dad doesn't even see the potential.

This just really made me think.... David becomes a very important and powerful king. He was the one. But what if he did not live with humility in his younger years. What if he had never been last pick with the brothers. Did God need to let him live that experience so He could call him to do big things? David is also the writer of Psalms. He loved God bigtime and credited Him for all of his success. Would he have done that if he were always first string?

1 Samuel 16:11 (New International Version)
11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives."

Father,
We have all had a moment where we have been picked last or felt rejected. Let us believe that those things have a big purpose. I pray that you bind up the wound and bring it freedom that can only come from you. You allow things to bring us to bigger places. Show us how to let you turn our hurts into Your glory. I pray that you take old burdens off and put on new thoughts.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

the prize

Do you ever wonder what your motive is? What is the thing that keeps you doing what you do? Would you do it if no one took notice? Would you do it if there was no reward? Sometimes rewards in this life just don't feel big enough. They can leave us empty and thinking " did I do all of this for that?" So, what are you doing it for?

Colossians 3:24
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Father,
Let our motives match Yours. Grow us in believing that You have made us, chosen us and have a plan for each of us. Show our feet where to go, we need Your direction in all things. I pray guidance for all the EOD people. Let them find the silence in their day to hear Your still small gentle voice. Your ways are beyond what we can imagine for ourselves. Make our expectations big as our hope grows in You alone.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Excellent or Praiseworthy

Excellent or Praiseworthy

EOD at Work3.mov

Defuse Newsletter (click to download) - Untitled

Defuse Newsletter (click to download) - Untitled

“Jesus Scope?” Trijicon ACOGs marked with ‘Bible passage’ since at least 2006 « Weaponized Culture

“Jesus Scope?” Trijicon ACOGs marked with ‘Bible passage’ since at least 2006 « Weaponized Culture: "Weaponized Culture
Commentary on the Confluence of War, Technology, and CultureFeeds: Posts Comments “Jesus Scope?” Trijicon ACOGs marked with ‘Bible passage’ since at least 2006"

just curious, what are your thoughts?

tired

Today I had a day where it felt like I was moving against a strong current. Things weren't going my way and people were not co-operating. I'm so thankful for each day being brand new.
It is hard to stay on that foundation when you have a hard day. I know I don't have the right to take it out on those around me. I can't rise above my circumstances without God.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Father,
Teach us how to be when we have hard days. Let us rest in You when we are thinking this is not fair. Help us remember that You are working for us. Let us bring You glory with our attitudes and words to those around us. You know every detail of our struggle give us Your strength to push through our instinct and be what You created us to be. I pray that any of the EOD family that may be having a hard time just seek You bigger.
In Jesus' name,
Amen