Life Lessons from David

   One thing I love about Bible Study is that it chronicles seasons of growth as God's word is lived out in every area of life.  For the past 3 months I've been studying the life of David with a dear friend.  Lessons from God transcend time, applying to every circumstance.  The past 3 months have been difficult for me during several transitions.  As we conclude our study, reflecting on all the lessons God's personally applied in my life during this time leaves me in awe, yet again, of his loving faithfulness.
     Let me share a few things I've learned with you:

• Leadership is meant to grow others (as explained in an earlier post)
• There is conflict when your position exceeds your passion for it.  When Saul was chosen to be Israel's first king, they couldn't find him because "he was hiding in the baggage." 1 Samuel 10  He wasn't sure he wanted the position of king.  We run into conflict when we are given jobs, responsibilities, and positions that we lack desire or purpose to fulfill.
• Obstacles should be measured beside God, not our own strength.  When Goliath was blaspheming God's name, the men of Israel shook with fear because of his physical size.  However, David measured Goliath by the size of God.  (1 Samuel 17)  I'm guilty of measuring circumstances and obstacles with my own strength, ability, and energy, instead of God's.
• As God's child, my feelings don't have to control me. (1st John 3:20)
• God prepared David for his role as king through every circumstance preceeding his kingship.  (1 Samuel 23)  "We often want to be called of God, then ushered painlessly into a position of service and honor, miraculously possessing the character our callings require.  God doesn't work that way.  Our appointments are about God's glory.  God always works to prepare us to serve Him, but he rarely prepares us in ways we expect.  Any work we've grown accustomed to is usually a work completed.  As soon as we've learned one lesson, He brings another.  He will continue to work in us until we see His face."  Beth Moore   He never meant for our lives to be stagnant.
• Focusing more on our battles than on God causes us to lose perspective; our battles look bigger and God seems smaller. Psalm 10 begins focusing on the surrounding calamity and ends with realizing who God is and his faithfulness.
• Battles can either make us weaker or stronger. (2 Samuel 3:1)
• We must be more focused on God's opinion than that of other's.  When Saul was pursuing David to kill him, David was given a few opportunities to bring harm to Saul.  David decided not to raise his hand against Saul because God had anointed Saul as king.  Despite the opinions of others, David cared most about what God thought.

• Personally, God convicted me about a situation where I did not put God's opinion of me above another's.  Afterwards, I repented, asking, "Do I care more about that person's opinion of me or what God thinks?"  Thankfully, this allowed great growth.  I'm learning to experience the peace that comes when I know I'm right before God, despite what others may think.  There's great freedom in that.  It removes emotions of defense and replaces them with peace.

 Thankful,
    Sarah

Two concerts in two days

     Ever since we drove across the United States in the summer of 2012 and stopped in Nashville without going to a concert, my country music loving husband has reminded me, "I've never been to a concert."  I decided he'd said that enough so we bought tickets to go see one of his favorites, Zac Brown.  The concert was Friday night.  Shortly after work we drove two hours to Fresno and were wowed by the musical talent of this band.  Paul doesn't say much so you have to learn to read his body language.  When he gets his phone out and starts taking pictures and videos, you know he's having a great time. It was a late night, but well worth it. 

     Ever since I found out the Zac Brown Concert was the same weekend as Winter Jam (a tour of 10 Christian music artists), I debated whether two concerts in two days was too much.  However....Crowder was going to be there.  My appreciation for his worship music began my freshman year of college and has been on the soundtrack for each season I've been through since.  There's something to be said about music that grows with you so....
    

We drove up to Sacramento last night to worship the Lord with 13,000 others.  It was an amazing opportunity and uplifting to see so many gathered in
the name of Jesus. David Crowder had the crowd worshiping and praising our Savior in "down home" hoedown style.

    This weekend is one of the first that Paul and I have been able to spend entirely together since school began.  Renovations continue, school work stretches, and extra opportunities for income are presented.  I'm thankful for the time we spent together sharing music we each enjoy.

     

The meaning of leading

As you know the word "grow" holds great significance for me (as evidenced by the theme of my blog).  This week's Bible Study teaching planted spiritual seeds, allowing me to reflect on the living Word and truth of God in my life.  
My fall Bible study has focused on the life of David.  As it comes to a close, we studied his last words in 2 Samuel 23.  In verse 3-4 David says,
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me;
'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.'

Come to find out the original word for "rules" is the same word used in Genesis 1;16 and 18 when the sun governs the day with light.  So, rules=governs.  

Think about what that means... The purpose of leadership is not just to lead.  When a leader governs rightly (as God does) and seeks to honor the Lord, he or she brings light (like the sun) to those under their authority. Not only do they bring light, but they also bring GROWTH, just as the sun causes the grass to GROW.  

I love that!

It caused me to reflect on the present leadership roles I've been given and the present leaders I'm under.  I'm responsible for the growth of 26, 5th grade students. God has exploded my heart with love for them in ways I thought I would only ever love primary students.  They are some of the most kind, fun, and caring 9 and 10 year olds ever.  I am their teacher to grow them.

However, I'm also under a leader who fits this description.  My principal has been full of grace, encouragement, and mercy during my transition to a new district, school, and grade.  She's been supportive and involved.  Once a week a few of the teachers gather to pray for our public school campus.  My principal is also present.  Her leadership is growing me.

Above all earthly leadership, God continues to lead my life with light and growth.

In 2003 I heard someone offer a powerful prayer and have not forgotten it:
"Thank you God for loving me enough to not let me stay the same."

Amen!