Facing your giants

[toad]

I am reading a book by Max Lucado titled “Facing Your Giants.” Share with me this excerpt about David from the first chapter.

“One might read David’s story and wonder what God saw in him. The fellow fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he conquered. He stared down Goliath, yet ogled at Bathsheba; defied God-mockers in the valley, yet joined them in the wilderness. An Eagle Scout one day. Chumming with the Mafia the next. He could lead armies but couldn’t manage a family. Raging David. Weeping David. Bloodthirsty David. God-hungry David. Eight wives. One God.

“A man after God’s own heart? That God saw him as such gives hope to us all. David’s life has little to offer the unstained saint. Straight-A souls find David’s story disappointing. The rest of us find it reassuring. We ride the same roller coaster. We alternate between swan dives and belly flops, soufflés and burnt toast.

“In David’s good moments, no one was better. In his bad moments, could one be worse? The heart God loved was a checkered one.” MAX LUCADO

These words really spoke to me this morning, the chapter ended with some good advice:

FOCUS ON GIANTS…………YOU STUMBLE.
FOCUS ON God………………YOUR GIANTS STUMBLE


Daily in my life God continues to do for me what I could not do for myself…….Thanks for letting me share………………..toad

[cmc]

Thanks for that toad.
I was thinking about how when Peter was walking on the water, he began to sink when he looked down and away from Jesus.
I was watching a show about animal trainers the other day and there was a very aggressive 'alpha' dog that could not be around any other animals without becoming vicious and out of control. The first thing that dog learned was to _always_ maintain eye contact with his trainer. I guess it works on people too!

[IO Storm]

I have always loved David!

He not only ogled beautiful Bathseba..he sent her husband,

a trusted warrior of the King to his death in the forefront of

battle..and did not realize the scope of what he had done..

You might say he was "spoiled".

A prophet was sent to the King and told an analogy of a rich

man who took a beloved pet lamb from a poor man and

slaughtered it for his own use. King David became furious

and demanded that man be brought to justice. The prophet

said "It is you..you are the rich man.."

I believe that David had such an humble heart, a repentant

heart..sometimes he did not see..but whenever his eyes were

opened to his true state..he always repented with utter

and guiless sincerity..always. And he loved his God more

than any wealth, woman, or position of power.

I just love David!

Thanks Toad.

Love,

IO

[IO Storm]

A Man after Your Own Heart

O God, Father in heaven and earth
I call to You like deep calls to deep over water
Show me Your endless measure of grace
Let tender mercies shine once again
From Your holy face

Deep in my soul there's a craving
To please the One who has saved me
O God, though I have fallen so far
You know that I'm still
A man after Your own heart

I am driven by rivers of pride
You are my rescue
The Maker and Keeper of my life
Lead me by the still waters again
Use me in spite of the prodigal child
That You know I am

Just as a deer runs to water
So does my soul to You, Father
O God, though I have wandered so far
You know that I'm still
A man after Your own heart

I'm still a man after Your own heart
--------------------------------------
Gary Chapman


Love,

IO