It is important to us as a Lively Church in Kansas City that we live every aspect of our life VIBRANTLY. We want to be carriers of life and hope to this world.
Everyone’s purpose is different. Some fund the kingdom and some run the kingdom. Whatever purpose God has for you it’s important that you fulfill that purpose.
It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 1 Cor 3:7 NLT
Let’s take a look at Saul and David. Saul was chosen by God to be king and anointed for that purpose.
Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord.”
But Samuel replied, “I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.” 1 Sam 15: 24-26
Saul lost his position in the kingdom and his ministry for three reasons.
- He did not obey his leader’s instructions about his ministry and his personal life.
- He did not obey God’s command about his ministry and his personal life.
- He obeyed and listened to the people’s demands rather than his leader and God’s commands.
God addressed Samuel: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.” 1 Sam 16:1 MSG
David was not looking to be king. David literally walked into his house, gets anointed, and goes back outside to tend sheep. He remains faithful while he waits for the timing of God. You know some people just won’t do this. They know what God has called them to do but they can’t seem to do what it takes to fulfill that call.
Jesse told his son, David, “Take this half-bushel of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread to your brothers. Take them to your brothers in the camp right away. And take these ten pieces of cheese to the captain of the regiment. See how your brothers are doing, and bring back some news about them. 1 Sam 17: 17-18, 20
David was called to be king but he was not too good to be a food runner for his dad.
If you are going to fulfill God’s will for your life you can’t be lazy. Do you have big goals? Big dreams? Don’t forget the little things you have been called to do while you are on your way to those dreams.
When David was on the way to deliver food to his brothers Goliath was on the scene, He was taunting the soldiers of Israel day and night. The warriors of Saul’s army listened to the lies and never rose to the occasion to defeat the giant. Instead, they sat around talking about the reward instead of doing what it takes to get the reward. Instead of a mighty army, they had become nothing more than a social club.
Do you let life just happen to you? How often has the enemy whispered to you that “Things will always be this way.” and you do nothing to change things? You must believe God’s Word and stop speaking negatively about yourself, your family, and your circumstances.
David asked some soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and stopping him from insulting our people? Who does that worthless Philistine think he is? He’s making fun of the army of the living God!” The soldiers told David what the king would give the man who killed Goliath. David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him talking with the soldiers. Eliab was angry at him and said, “What are you doing here, anyway? Who’s taking care of that little flock of sheep out in the desert? You spoiled brat! You came here just to watch the fighting, didn’t you?”1 Sam 17:26-28
David was indignant. He didn’t stay silent. He stood up and challenged the soldiers around him. David’s big brother, Eliab, looked like a warrior but he didn’t challenge the enemy’s words. He looked the part but lacked the heart. Eliab knew David was anointed to be king but didn’t support him. Make sure the people you share your dreams with want to see you excel. Don’t let fearful, faithless people discourage you. Surround yourself with people and leaders who will speak life over you.
Saul had his own military clothes and armor put on David, and he gave David a bronze helmet to wear. David strapped on a sword and tried to walk around, but he was not used to wearing those things.
“I can’t move with all this stuff on,” David said. “I’m just not used to it.”
David took off the armor and picked up his shepherd’s stick. He went out to a stream and picked up five smooth rocks and put them in his leather bag. Then with his sling in his hand, he went straight toward Goliath. 1 Sam 17: 38-40
Saul, a guy who lost victory in his life goals is trying to give advice to someone who is trying to get somewhere in life. David took off Saul’s Armor and used what had worked for him all his life. He took that sling, knocked the giant down, and cut off his head with the Goliath’s own sword. When he held up that head Israel ran into battle and the Philistines ran for their lives.
Do these excuses sound familiar?
I don’t have enough money.
What if I fail?
I’m too old.
I’m too young.
I don’t have time.
I’m not smart enough.
Stop thinking your life is all about you. Stop focusing on what you don’t have, your shortcomings, and do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. You fulfilling your purpose is not just for you. When others see your victory it will cause them to fulfill the purpose for their lives!
PRAY THIS
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Phil 3: 12-14 MSG
MEDITATE ON THIS
I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Phil 3: 12-14 MSG