March 23rd Worship Service

The story of David and Goliath illustrates the power of facing challenges head-on with unwavering faith. David's confidence came from being firmly positioned under God's covenant and from his previous victories fighting lions and bears. Unlike Saul who cowered in fear, David ran towards his giant with complete assurance of victory. This teaches us that true faith requires running towards our battles, not away from them, while maintaining full commitment to God's covenant and remembering His faithfulness in our past victories.

Five Day Devotional

Day 1:

Under the Covenant

Devotional

When we accept Christ, we enter into a powerful covenant relationship with God. This isn't just a one-time event, but an ongoing relationship that requires our active participation. Think about David - he didn't just know about God's covenant, he lived under it daily. His confidence wasn't in his own abilities, but in his relationship with God. This relationship was tested and proven through his encounters with lions and bears while shepherding, building his faith for bigger challenges ahead. Today, we too are invited into this same covenant relationship. It's not about perfect performance, but about staying connected to God and trusting in His promises. When we truly understand what it means to be under God's covenant, we begin to see our challenges differently.

Bible Verse

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." - John 1:12

Reflection Question

How might your daily challenges look different if you viewed them through the lens of being under God's covenant?

Quote Even though both was part of the covenant, Saul was no longer under the covenant where David was.

Prayer

Father, help me understand what it means to live under Your covenant. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your promises and to see my challenges through Your eyes. Amen.

Day 2:

Running Toward Your Giants

Devotional

Most of us have a natural instinct to run away from our problems. Yet, David shows us a different way. When faced with Goliath, he didn't just stand his ground - he ran toward the giant! This wasn't reckless bravery; it was confident faith in action. David understood something crucial: staying in a place of fear only makes our giants appear larger. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is to face our challenges head-on, trusting that God is with us. Whether it's an addiction, a difficult relationship, or a seemingly impossible situation, God calls us to move forward with courage.

Bible Verse

So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine." - 1 Samuel 17:48

Reflection Question

What 'giant' in your life have you been avoiding that God might be calling you to face with His strength?

Quote Run to the things that hold you hostage. Run to the things that has a grip on you so tight that you can't breathe. Run to the things that takes your breath away because fear has its hold on you.

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to face my giants. Help me to trust in Your presence and power as I move forward in faith. Amen.

Day 3:

The Investment of Faith

Devotional

Our relationship with God is much like any other relationship - it grows stronger with investment of time and attention. We can't expect to have a deep, meaningful connection with God if we only give Him fragments of our time and attention. Just as David spent years developing his relationship with God while tending sheep, we too need to invest in our spiritual growth. This isn't about earning God's love; it's about positioning ourselves to experience more of His presence and power in our lives. Regular prayer, Bible study, and worship aren't religious duties - they're opportunities to deepen our connection with God.

Bible Verse

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man." - John 2:23-25

Reflection Question

How would you describe your current investment in your relationship with God, and what one step could you take to deepen it?

Quote If you put in five minutes a day with God, don't expect God to be there 24 hours a day.

Prayer

Dear God, help me prioritize my relationship with You. Show me how to invest my time and heart in ways that draw me closer to You. Amen.

Day 4:

Victory Through Persistence

Devotional

Faith isn't just about believing; it's about persevering even when we can't see the outcome. David's victory over Goliath didn't happen in isolation - it was the culmination of many smaller acts of faith. Each challenge he faced, each lion or bear he confronted, was like placing a comma in his story rather than a period. These weren't endpoints but connecting points leading to greater victories. In our own lives, every challenge we overcome with God builds our faith for future battles. What might look like a setback could actually be setting us up for something greater.

Bible Verse

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." - 1 Corinthians 9:24

Reflection Question

What past victories in your life can serve as 'commas' pointing toward future triumph rather than endpoints?

Quote I believe when David killed the lion, he used a comma after it. I believe when David killed the bear, he used a comma after it.

Prayer

Lord, help me see my journey of faith as ongoing, with each victory building toward something greater. Give me persistence to keep running the race. Amen.

Day 5:

The Adventure of Faith

Devotional

Many view salvation as a finish line, but it's actually a starting point - the beginning of an incredible adventure with God. When David faced Goliath, he wasn't just fighting a battle; he was stepping into his destiny. Each of us has our own unique journey with God, filled with challenges and victories that shape us into who we're meant to be. This adventure requires courage, faith, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But unlike worldly adventures, we have a guaranteed victory through Christ. The key is staying connected to Him and moving forward in faith, knowing that each step brings new opportunities for growth and impact.

Bible Verse

Then the Lord said to Samuel, "I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments." - 1 Samuel 15:11

Reflection Question

How has your journey with God been an adventure so far, and what new territory might He be calling you to explore?

Quote God says that when you're baptized and come to know him, that's the beginning of a great adventure.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the adventure of walking with You. Give me the courage to embrace new challenges and opportunities as I follow Your lead. Amen