Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Who or what are the Goliaths in our present world that can cause shock waves of fear?

2.     What added words from God do we have that David did not?

3.     How often do we depend upon them first, or as a last resort or not at all? Why?

Share: How have you defeated a Goliath by standing on faith?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

1 Samuel 17:45, “But David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword and spear and 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 rejected the advanced armor that Saul provided. He stuck with the skills he already knew as a shepherd—slings and stones—not high-powered weaponry but familiar. Yet even with those he did not presume to fight Goliath on worldly terms of combat or expectation.

His entire defense was based on God’s word—His name—His character. And upon that David stepped out in trust.

How often, I wonder, do we fight or flee our giants based on abilities or lack of them? We search out all our options and stockpile our resources. We look for ways to gain an edge in case a catastrophe stomps against us.

When Nebuchadnezzar prepared to throw Shadrach, Meschach and Abed-nego into the fiery furnace they made it clear that, whether they survived the flames or not, they served God alone.

Regardless of the consequences they stood upon His name in trust.

Lord, please help us to loosen our fearful grip on worldly protection and begin to trust in Your name. To call on You for wisdom and guidance and strength to stand with a faith that accepts only Your deliverance by Your word.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 121:2

“My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber,”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Confrontation  

Bombarded with complaints,

demands, Samuel stood

firm. Spoke truth

described consequences.

Voice drowned by 

desire of assimilation;

their surety that commonality

higher than a unique calling.

He did not agree, sought

instead God’s counsel

acquiesced to His command only.

Crowd now satisfied—ignorant

of their loss.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What are some social “expectations” that can influence us from hearing truth?

2.     When have you struggled to share a truth with someone and been rejected? How painful were the results for each of you?

3.     Have you identified areas in your life where you can be persuaded too easily or alternately distrust intently?

4.     How many of those situations have resulted from pride?

  

Share: How have you exchanged a false belief for truth? What helped you break down your barriers?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11: 32, “And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthah of David and Samuel and the prophets—.”

All of these men acted on faith without having any knowledge of the outcome. They trusted in God’s word alone regardless of the immediate circumstances. Hearing God’s voice was sufficient.

One of Samuel’s most difficult experiences is related in the story of Israel’s demands as told in 1 Samuel 8:18-22. The people insisted that Samuel appoint a king to rule over them. Samuel recognized the error of their request and refused to cooperate. He did not bow to their demands.

However he did take all their words he had heard and “he repeated them in the ears of the Lord.” Then when the Lord said to go ahead and fulfill their request Samuel obeyed God. He was wholly committed to serve God’s word with heart and mind and soul.

Sometimes I wonder if the people thought they had forced Samuel’s hand and influenced his decision. Which would then increase the falsehood that they were right to demand control. As their priest, Samuel’s obedience humanly cost him politically, socially and spiritually. Yet he did not question God’s word or authority. And his obedience carried into eternity.

How often do we also buy into false choices and decisions because we forget to bring the words we hear into the Lord’s presence for affirmation? Or bow to the majority because it is easier?  Or cannot hear the Lord’s voice because we are so full of our own agenda?

Lord, please enable a faith in us to keep us listening to Your words, Your voice and Your path.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 40:2

“How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,

And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.” 

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

 Pardon

She heard the truth

heart melted

knew no other course

no guarantee of pardon

onslaught due. Or

risk death as traitor

heart cried

He alone is God.

Stepped out in faith

entered priestly line.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     We may not be in a position of literal death as Rahab was but what are some ‘deaths’ we might face today standing for God’s truth?

2.     Does the responsibility of a family, or employees, or co-workers add more pressure to the choice, or more responsibility to choose the more difficult way?

3.     What about the seemingly small choices. How painful can they become when repeated over and over?

4.     Jesus also advised His followers not to throw pearls before swine. How can we tell when being silent is the better decision?

Share: Have you been in a position where standing by God’s truth put you in a precarious situation?