Facing the Giants
Today, I had the honor of sitting a table with four Lompoc High School Seniors - I was the table leader for our discussions on ethics and their futures. Many other community leaders and pastors were included in this exercise with the entire Senior Class. I began to think of the giants these students will face as they navigate new days ahead into adulthood. There are many giants that loom for all of us - but we need not be afraid and rather follow God. Today's bible reading reminds me to simply trust in God for all things and obey His guidance. I am so excited about the hope we have in God and the hopeful things happening for us at LFC. New families, friends, new life (people being saved) and this past Sunday - the celebration and joy in our midst as we dedicated an entire morning to worship and communion. I look forward to this Sunday and worship, and speaking on the subject: Hope for the journey of your Life.

SCRIPTURE:
I Chronicles 14: 8 - 10When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of God: "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, I will hand them over to you."

OBSERVATION:
David is quick to realize that the victory in life is not Him - but the Lord's doing. Notice His question: "Lord will you hand them over to me?" This question is one I must remember to ask God. What is it Lord that you are doing? Will you hand them over.....will this be done.....will you give us the land.....give us those souls.....give us the leaders and the resources we need to grow......will you? The will you for me is the ARE YOU?, question. What are you doing God? That is what I want to do too. Jesus said in John 5:17; "Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." (NIV) He was simply saying: " I am doing what my Father is doing? It is what David was saying too. God is this what you are doing? It is not as difficult to face the giants and enemies in our lives when we know God is already warring with them for us and for His gain too.
Focus on giants—you stumble.Focus on God—your giants tumble.

APPLICATION:
I need to listen to the Lord more and know what He is doing and where He is moving. I need not be sidetracked by the distractions of life and the minutia of details that I fail to stop and listen to His voice. As I think about each of you and our church:

I am reminded that:
Nothing is impossible for me because God is my Helper and Deliverer!
I must trust that God always knows best.
I must yield my weaknesses to God and He will be my Defense against doubt and condemnation - especially when I feel weak or feeble, or forget to realize, God is the one who brings victory.
I must believe God despite my inabilities. He is my strength and my faith!

PRAYER:
Thanks Jesus, for allowing me to cast my cares upon You so you can cast out my unbelief and thanks for . Thanks always, I mean ALWAYS, for caring and not casting me aside. I cast my heart upon You - Please grow my faith and let me hear your voice that I might follow you. Amen.

Let us keep moving forward and living as God has called us to live: Heart-first and filled with faith. These are great days to pray, believe, share our faith, invite our unchurched friends to church, to give, serve, join ministry teams and connect with the best of LFC.