1 Samuel 17:1-7 NIV — Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.

A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.

In today’s terms, Goliath was 9 foot 9 inches tall. He wore a bronze armor that weighed 125 lbs and carried a spear weighing 15 lbs. He was a true giant.

What giant is standing in front of you? Perhaps you have multiple giants you are facing. Are your giants towering over you or blocking you from moving forward? How are you feeling about facing your giants? Are you avoiding them or are you gearing up to face them? Join us tomorrow as we continue to discuss giant slaying.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for stories in the Bible that give me guidance on living a Christian life. Open my eyes to Your message for me this week. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Challenge: Make a list and name the giant/giants you are currently facing.

This week we will focus on 1 Samuel 17. Spend time today reading and meditating on the entire passage. This passage is a story that I am sure you are familiar with but today, allow God to speak to you through His words. What is His message for you at this time in your life?

1 Samuel 17 NIV

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Take a few moments today to start your week by listening to See A Victory by Elevation Worship. Spend time praising God for the battle He has already won!

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.

In today’s verses, Jesus found the unnamed man and revealed that He was Jesus. He made two requests of this man, that he would not sin and that he would share who his healer was with the Jewish leaders. Jesus knew that this radical healing would result in this man and others believing and trusting who Jesus was. 

We have talked recently about sharing our vulnerability with others. Jesus was the ultimate example of vulnerability. He knew that this healing would lead to His crucifixion. Just like Jesus leaves the ninety-nine to search for one lost sheep, His love continually finds us. He loves us so much that He died for you and I.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for finding me and loving me. Thank you for wanting to be in a relationship with me. I desire to help others be found so they, too, can experience Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.

Notice in today’s verse the Jewish leaders are questioning the invalid because he was carrying his sleeping mat after being healed on the Sabbath. Instead of the Jewish leaders celebrating this miraculous healing, they selfishly desired to find fault in Jesus. This was the last healing before Jesus died selflessly on the cross for our healing.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let’s take this day to thank Jesus for dying on the cross for our sins so that we could be saved. Imagine the day we get to see Him face-to-face and thank Him in person. Take a moment to worship with, “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercyme.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. Give me the Godly confidence to share Your love with those who do not know You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV — Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath.

As most of you know, in January I was on a forced pause from running due to debilitating back pain. As I started to heal, I felt the need to take my time by walking for a few weeks. I believe God used that time of patience and obedience to heal me, not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well. 

Are you in need of healing? We may not always understand why we have to face certain ailments. Some of us never receive the healing we seek. If we lean into God and trust the process, He can do miraculous works for our good and His glory. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your healing touch physically, mentally, and spiritually. Help me to trust the process. I seek to shine Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.