In 1 Samuel 17 we are told the story of David facing Goliath.  It is an interesting story that we have heard, or read, since we were little.  We know the story -- but do we pay attention to it.  I think it is "time" for us to look at it and think about the "giants" in our own lives.  

This is actually a very personal story.  It is personal to David who doesn't like Goliath speaking that way to the army of God.  David especially doesn't like the way Goliath insults God.  Goliath doesn't like the way, at first, no one does anything.  Then to add insult to injury they send a "boy" to fight him.  This makes Goliath angry so he shouts more insults.  

It is personal to us, also, because we hear OUR giants shouting at each of us too.  We need, like David, to face our "giants."  We need to remember that God IS with us.  David pointed out that God had protected him (David) when facing lions and bears AND God would protect him as he faced Goliath.  God was with David, God has been with us AND God IS with us.  We can face our giant(s) too!

What giant are you facing?  The fear of things changing?  The phone call you did NOT want to get?  The diagnosis that is not only not good but also scary?  Or, like me, knowing that God is calling us to new things -- that can be very scary!  

Remember, like my friend Isaiah says (41:10 & 13), God not only holds us in God's hand God has US by the hand leading us.  God IS with us!  Emmanuel -- God IN us, WITH us AND guiding us.  Feel God's arms wrapped around you, holding you and guiding you as you face your giant(s).

It is "time" to tell some stories!  I know some of ya'll are blessed to still have your fathers with you -- call them!  Wish them a happy father's day AND ask about some of their stories.  You might even ask about the stories they remember of their father's.  Now is the "time" for us to celebrate fathers but also to hear the stories - maybe even see how far back, in time, we can take the stories.

My father went to be with the Lord almost three years ago now.  He was able to be with the saints, on All Saints' Day, of 2013.  He was still doing ministry right up to lunch the day he died.  He was meditating on Psalm 100 "I will come into His courts with praise and thanksgiving" when he died.  He told anyone that asked, and many that didn't ask!, that he had been in ministry for over 50 years and he was finally going to meet the Boss.  It is very easy to celebrate his life with these memories.

Please understand.  I was his primary care giver during the last 10 plus years of his life.  We had our difficulties, then and when I was younger, but that is part of the story.  Some of you knew my Dad and knew he could give me a hard time.   He didn't care where we were when he did it either.  I could be in the middle of my sermon and he would "bug" me (Trust me!  I could get him back!!).  I tried, on several occasions, to give him away.  There were times I was ready to try the "Ransom of Red Chief" with him.  But all of these things are part of the story -- just ask!

So.....  I say again.  If your father is still with you -- hug him, call him and ask HIM about the stories.

I think it is "time" for a new perspective.  Those of us that are blessed to live here year round, and those here for a week, a weekend or the summer, are blessed to be in the middle of God's beautiful creation.  We can see, and  enjoy, the great outdoors as we feel God's loving presence with us.  Some, especially "our" summer people, are here to re-create so as to strengthen themselves AND their relationship with God.  "Time" with God away from the hustle and "time" constraints of the regular schedule is something that all of us need, daily, but sometimes can only get when we get away.

I'm wondering about looking at it a little differently -- a new perspective.  Yes, we all need the daily time with God to rest, renew, re-create and strengthen our relationship with God.  What if we were also to remember God's strength IN us -- Emmanuel, God within us?  What if we were to think of that strength as "the power of the resurrection"  (Philippians 3:10)?  What if we were to remember Jesus' words about faith growing like "a mustard seed" (Mark 4:31--32)?  Would we get in the boat, with Christ, to cross the lake?  Would we see a different perspective of what God is calling us to?  Would we feel God's presence with us giving us the strength to go forward?

"Time" with God, in God's Word, talking with God and listening for what God is asking us to do DOES give a new perspective.  It helps us to realize, like Casting Crowns sings in their song Thrive, that we are meant to "more than just survive, we are meant to THRIVE"!  (Emphasis mine.

This week, as we enjoy God's beautiful creation, and re-create, I would like you to think on perspective.  Is it "time" for a new perspective for you?

This is such an interesting "time" of the year!  I've been awake for almost an hour, now, and it has been "light" out the whole time -- which, in case this doesn't have a time stamp, has been since about 4:30.  It stays light a lot longer, now, also.  This, up here, means not just longer days, more "time" outdoors, it also means the other season of the year here in Minnesota.  Yup, road construction has begun -- pretty much all over the state including "up north" here.

Is that what you think of when you think of obstacles?  Orange barrels, orange cones (one at the bottom of my driveway!) and cement barriers are what I think of.  They are easy to remember, think of and everyone understands the image.  

This morning, though, I would like you to think of what they are obstacles to/for.  Yes, technically, they are keeping us from different parts of the road.  They remind me, however, of other "obstacles" in my life.  The things that are keeping me from spending time with God, in God's Word and in worship - with other people - celebrating God's love for us.  They remind me of how many "obstacles" there really are, in my own life, that stop the growing relationship with God.  Just being able to be outside more is one!  

Yes, I live in the middle of God's beautiful creation.  Yes, there are outdoor activities year round.  Yes, it is healthy to spend time out of doors.  The question is -- are we spending the time, outdoors, with God?  Are we letting God re-create us as we recreate?  Or are we using the time outside instead of spending time with God?  Are we using the time, outside, so that we aren't inside worshiping with other believers?

I encourage you, this week, as we enjoy God's beautiful creation, that we CAN be outside and the time of recreation -- think about "obstacles."  What is keeping you from growing, and strengthening, your relationshipw with God?