Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Life of David
Hi guys!
Hope that everyone has been greatly impacted by the Asia Conference. Indeed, our lives are transformed not just by attending a conference but by applying what we've learnt ya!
Thanks so much for all your prayers, understanding and support. Still have 4 more papers to go, last one's on 2nd dec. So keep praying k? Love you!
You might be wondering what this post's about right? Hee. Was just listening to the Sermon On The Mount CD on the power of brokenness whilst studying. In the CD, Pastor Kong preached about David. A little something about David to share with you guys (sry that it's a little long but do read on! It's pretty interesting!)
Life of King David.
Many remember David as the fair-haired shepherd boy who defeated a giant named Goliath. Others recall David as the wise Jewish ruler who brought the tribes of Israel together as a united nation. The ancient texts also present David as a powerful warrior, cunning diplomat, and talented musician. However, with all these tremendous accolades, the foundation of David’s fame and faith can be traced to a period of severe trial and doubting in his life.
Early in his journey, David was chosen to succeed Saul as the king of Judah. Although Saul was initially impressed by David’s skills as a soldier, politician, and musician, Saul became wary of his successor, so he put out a contract on David’s life. David was forced to live on the run, often spending weeks hiding in the network of caves surrounding the Dead Sea.
It is here that David really began asking the tough questions of life. Alone in the dark or on the run through enemy territory, David opened-up and honestly shared his thoughts, struggles, and fears. David was frustrated with God’s plan for his life, and he wrote about it in his prayer journals. Although Saul stopped at nothing to kill David, David never followed through on his opportunities to kill Saul. David’s years alone with God forged his exemplary character and unflinching faith. Through loneliness and struggle, David learned to be fully dependent on God.
When Saul finally died in an unrelated battle, David returned to Judah and claimed his position as king over Judah in 1009 BC. Seven years later, the northern tribes of Israel accepted him as king and he became ruler of a united Jewish nation until his death in 969 BC. David wasn’t a perfect leader or a perfect man, but his years alone with God, humbled and crumbled in the dark, developed the soul of a legendary king, and forged a legacy that endures to this day.
Whereas most of us look for happiness based on external circumstances in our lives, David has discovered a deeper joy grounded in his inner self. Most of us strive for happiness that’s external and temporary. David teaches us to drive towards a place of deeper well-being, where we develop trust and hope in God that extends beyond our external realities.
David has learned that happiness and joy are different things. Happiness is that fleeting state of emotion that’s dependent on doing. However, joy is a long-term process of the mind that’s dependent on being. For David, it’s the seasons of trial and suffering -- chaos and confusion -- that ultimately develop deeper and more profound joy. The key is to know God as your internal compass.
Maybe during this Asia Conference you've been touched by the presence of God, maybe you were not. But why do people cry and get touched during such conferences? What gives us the strength to overcome our weaknesses? The answer's brokenness and spiritual hunger guys. It's ok if we've heard some of the messages before or do not fully understand all the messages, believe that just as long as we are truly hungry and broken before God, He can and He will do mighty things through this CG and every single one of us! However, before God can do anything through us, we must make a choice to put our life on the altar before God. We either live our own dream or God's dream. Lets be strong on the outside but broken on the inside ya?
Whatever it is that God has spoken, He will accomplish it. Lets trust that as we work hard, God will give us 50 by dec ya!
The title of this picture is Young David. And the description says: "King David reading the scriptures early in the morning". David was not a perfect man but he loved God. Young, middle aged and old, he loved God.
Lets be like David. A leader, a life changer, a true lover of God.
Hope that this has blessed you. Keep going guys! =]
<3 Jodie
p.s. if anyone wants to borrow the SOTM cds, just drop me a message/call. Have finding the right partner, making marriage work and authority for victory as well. ;]
http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/life-of-king-david.htm
7:47 PM
