Heart & Skills

"And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them." (Psalm 78:72)

• My first thought in reading this is how, not only did David shepherd, guide, and teach the Israelites with integrity, but God had also given him the skills he needed for the position He placed David in. God is not gonna call just anyone for any whatever purpose. He will call those with a heart after His, and then equip them with the skills (but, skills at the level where it's enough to have God meet you there, so you can work together! God wants to partner with us!) And then He will open doors for us that we ourselves would not be able to open without Him!
• When God asks something of us, but we feel as if our best won't be enough--let us remember that whatever we put in God's hands, He can do so much with it!!
  • X Ref: Just like the little boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fish from John 6:9! That was all he had, but look at what happened when placed in Jesus' hands--multiplication! A miracle!!!! With the few, He was able to feed more than 5,000 people!
  • "Don't despise small beginnings, for God rejoices to see the work begin..." (Zechariah 4:10)
    • SMALL - "qatan (#6996)", and the origin of this word is, "insignificant".
    • The Hebrew word "qatan" is used to describe something that is small in size, quantity, or importance. It can refer to physical size, age, or social status. In the context of age, it often denotes youth or the youngest in a family. When used in terms of importance, it can imply insignificance or lesser status.
    • My thoughts reading this is: we might think that the portion we offer God seem "small" or "insignificant"--but IT'S NOT. What is important to Him is that:
      • 1. It's our best
      • 2. we place it in His hands
      • 3. trust Him with it
      • 4. Wait (and continue to pray)
• Going back to David, before he was even king, he was already taking care of the flock (sheep, goats) that he was given. He cared deeply about each one! And he was also very dedicated to the Lord!
• INTEGRITY - "tom" (#8537)
  • Definition: Integrity, completeness, innocence, simplicity, uprightness 
  • Meaning: completeness, prosperity, innocence
  • Word Origin: Derived from the root תָּמַם (tamam), meaning "to be complete" or "to be finished."
  • Usage: The Hebrew word "tom" primarily conveys the idea of integrity and moral completeness. It is often used to describe a state of being whole or undivided in one's moral character. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, "tom" is associated with righteousness and blamelessness, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's laws and principles.
  • Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite culture, integrity was a highly valued trait, often linked to one's relationship with God and community. The concept of "tom" was not merely about external adherence to laws but encompassed an inner moral and ethical wholeness. This idea was crucial in a society where communal living and covenantal relationships with God were central. The patriarchs, such as Job and Noah, are often depicted as embodying "tom," serving as models of faithfulness and righteousness.
• Whatever flock God trusts us with, we have to do our best to care for those sheepies!
• We must have a mindset that is both disciplined AND grace-filled!
• David was called to be king, but he had NO connections with those who are in that plane! He was a shepherd after God's own heart, and GOD was his connection! Even though David was out in the middle of the field tending to the sheep, God spoke to Samuel to go seek out David and anoint him king!!!!
  • Personal story: Even before I started working for The Chosen, I've always had a love for film and when I discovered having a relationship with God, then I became obsessed with creating skits about the Bible. I've always wanted to be in the film industry, but had a lingering thought in the back of my mind of, "I don't know anyone in the industry; I have no connections." BUT GOD had always, always, always whispered into my heart, "I Am all you need." So, I gave my loaves and fish (my skits on social media), and placed them in God's hands. And as I was in the middle of a season feeling lost about my purpose (all i knew how to do was make skits and do Bible studies!)--little did I know that God Himself was showing Dallas, Derrall, and other people from The Chosen my videos! Wowowowow. To this day, I cannot believe it. And this is not me bragging about me working for the Chosen. That is a HUGE blessing that I will forever feel like I don't deserve. I am sharing this to remind you and myself that God truly is all we need.
    • Jesus + nothing = EVERYTHING.