June 30, 2023If you have been reading these blog posts for more than a few weeks, you know that one of the pastors that has been a great encouragement to me is Dr. David Jeremiah, who serves as senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, California. This month, my appreciation for his insights of spiritual truths has grown as I read his book “Slaying the Giants in Your Life.” On the back cover of the book, there are these recommendations:
“David Jeremiah offers a powerful blueprint for overcoming obstacles. His stories of biblical and modern-day ‘giant slayers’ will inspire and motivate you to face even the most intimidating Goliath.”
“Don’t spend one more minute in frustration and defeat. Get into this compelling book and get on with living!”
I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendations of John Maxwell and Franklin Graham. When I was halfway through the book, I exclaimed “This is the best book I have ever read!” Of course, I meant besides the Bible. I am grateful to the Lord for giving me new life in Christ and for the assurance that He is leading me in the way that I should go.
In Psalm 17:1-3, we read these words of David: “Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright. You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.” In his Study Bible, Dr. Jeremiah writes: “Like Job, David did not claim he never sinned, but only that he was innocent of the kind of sin that would warrant his present difficulty (17:9). Sometimes personal difficulties are caused by personal sin, but not always (1 Peter 1:6, 7). When a person has remained faithful and obedient and still faces trouble, the wise response is to appeal honestly to God, who is just and loving (Psalm 17:7) – as David does here.”
What challenges are you facing? No matter how huge they may seem, you can be confident that the Lord will guide you and provide what you need to overcome them, as He guided and provided for David. As Fanny Crosby wrote many years ago, “To God be the glory! Great things He hath done!” To listen to a recent rendition of this hymn, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CeBoSQsBR0
Scripture for the weekend: “Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.” Psalm 17:7-9 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Mark Twain once said, ‘I’m an old man and I’ve known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.’ Future-based anxiety is empty.” – Dr. David Jeremiah (from his book “Slaying the Giants in Your Life”)
Steve