5.30.11 "Five Smooth Stones"

"Five Smooth Stones"

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23
John 18:25-19:22
Psalm 119:113-131
Proverbs 16:10-11

God's word equips us. At different stages in our spiritual walk we can have different perspectives on reading the word. Sometimes there's a time when it seems very ritualistic, or going through the motions. Other times, it's almost an after thought. When we stay consistently in the Word, we find that we can't get enough of it. The morsels of God's truth bring life to us. Too often, if we're not careful, we can disconnect life from the practical truth in God's word.

In Psalm 119:125 David says, "give me the common sense to apply your rules to everything I do." God's word applies to EVERY situation you are going through. There is no exception. What we need to do is to get to know his word well enough to apply it.

The principles of DREAM are a means to bring application of God's truth to our daily life. In the same way that David went to the stream and gathered five smooth stones when facing Goliath, the principles outlined by the DREAM are five stones we can gather each day to face whatever giant comes our way. These stones become smooth as we hold them in our hand, as we work with them, and as we get to know them.

With that thought process in mind, let's take the time to do a DREAM Checkup.

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - How is my relationship with the Lord? Am I in a good place right now? Worship is my fellowship and communion with him. Is there anything that is "clogging" the communication lines? Is there sin that is breaking our relationship? The "D" represents the principle of obedience. Obedience is the highest form of worship. Is there any thing in my life that I know I'm being disobedient about?

Relationships Devoted to Unity - How are my relationships with others? Am I building others up instead of tearing them down? Am I living as a part of the Body of Christ, or am I off doing things on my own? The "R" represents the principle of Submission. Do I model biblical submission to those around me? Do I take the time to meet the needs of others?

Empowered Through Biblical Training - Is biblical training a regular part of my life? Do I consistently get into the word and let it strengthen me, or do I just "dabble" in it? Am I consistent to the corporate teaching of the word in church services, sunday school, bible studies, or do I just go through the motions of convenient church attendance? Will I continue to be faithful through the summer months? The "E" represents the principle of Discipline. Discipline means to bring to alignment. Am I placing myself in alignment with God's word? Am I disciplined to study it?

Active Ministry Involvement - Am I being a good steward of the resources God has given me? This is not just a question of being involved in a ministry, it's putting what God has given me into his hands to serve others. The "A" represents the principle of Responsibility. Am I being responsible with my time, talent, finances and resources in a way that brings honor to God?

Mission to Reach our World for Christ - Do I understand that every part of my life is for this purpose? Am I living a life that points to Christ, or do I turn the "switch off" when I don't feel like acting Christ-like? The "M" represents the principle of Purpose. Am I living with this purpose in mind? Am I using every opportunity to draw others to Christ?

How did you do? Do you have all five stones? Are you equipped to kill the giants with them? As I read the Word, I find how God will work through people in using the appropriate stone at the appropriate time to deal with the situation. In essence, he equips his people with the "common sense to apply [his] rules to everything".

In today's reading in John, for example, Jesus is armed with the stone of "purpose" when he is brought before Pilate. "Pilate replied, 'But you are a king then?' 'Yes,' Jesus said. 'I was born for that purpose. And I came to bring truth to the world. All who love the truth are my followers.'" (John 18:37) We need to follow his lead and be equipped by the truth found in God's word.

You're going to face giants today. Are you ready? When David met Goliath, he only needed one stone, but he had five. in the same way, we need to be fully prepared to know God's word, so at the proper time, we can place the proper stone in the sling of the Holy Spirit, and bring the giant down!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ