Heaven on Earth

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17 Key Verse: 17:47
Then everyone gathered here will know that the LORD can save without sword or spear, because the LORD determines every battle's outcome. He will hand all of you over to us.

Objective:
This chapter is the story of David vs. Goliath. Goliath was a Philistine Warrior and stood 10 feet tall. He wore giant armor and a had a huge shield. David was an Israelite shepherd boy that delivered food to his brothers in the battle against the Philistines. David knew the Lord would see him through a battle against Goliath, just as he carried him through battles against Lions and Bears. David faced off with Goliath and Goliath came in for the kill. David used his sling to hit Goliath with a stone on the forehead. Goliath fell over. To make sure he was dead David took Goliath's sword and cut of Goliath's head.

Application:
The Lord can save without sword or spear! Sometimes we think the only way through a battle is to fight. be it a battle with and enemy or a battle with a loved one. I have had my fair share of arguments and hissy-fits, and trust me that they don't work. In the end the best way to deal with an issue is to deal with the issue. Jesus said if you are giving you're offering and remember that someone has something against you, put down your offering and fix the problem.

When my wife and I sit down and talk things out we always come to a better understanding of each other and our points-of-view. On the contrary when we fight or hold stuff in all we do is create and air of tension or anger. Neither is a good environment to raise children in, or to live in for that matter.

Our culture though likes to see the fights. It stems back to the days of the gladiators, probably even further. People gathered to watch people fight, to watch the victor kill the loser. They gathered to watch Christians and others get eaten by lions. Today's world is not much better. We have numerous television shows about dysfunctional families. My wife and I were watching My Big Redneck Wedding on CMT, and then ran an ad for new shows coming to CMT. The ad had the tagline of Dysfunction is fun. Watching others fight and argue has become our national pastime.

Prayer:
Father God, Help us find ways of ending conflict without bloodshed or even fighting. I know that there are times when it may be necessary to fight, but Lord be with us on a daily basis when it isn't the thing to do. Help us build a little heaven on earth.