Childhood experiences



Psalms 78:70~72 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.



♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #401 Saviour, Lead Me, Lest I Stray (#457 in previous version)




If there is something Remnants have heard frequently at school, home and church, it is most likely words nagging them about some trivial matter. Although we have a grand dream, we must be faithful in the small things. Joseph prayed with a big dream but was still faithful in his life as a slave.



1. David found his skills in the sheep pens
 David faithfully tended the sheep while praying in the sheep pens. He defeated lions and bears. David was good at the small tasks, which was how he later overcame Goliath. David’s father, Jesse, asked David to observe the welfare of his brothers and bring back a token from them. Jesse was looking forward to the evidences of small things being connected to greater things. God will fulfill great works through the small things Remnants do.





2. David fostered his faith in the sheep pens
 While David was working in the sheep pens, he developed the faith that allowed him to confess that “The Lord is my shepherd.” This was not a simple faith but a faith that went in conjunction with skills. Remnants must connect their studies to faith. When David, who fostered his faith and skills daily, was anointed by Samuel, he was deeply moved by the spirit of God. When David played the harp, the evil spirits working upon Saul departed. Remnants must find their skills in their fields on a daily basis and foster their faith.




3. David experienced the future in the sheep pens
 Although it appeared that David was at an unexceptional place, he experienced his future in that place and at that moment. This is the experience Remnants must absolutely have. Of course, this also applies to pastors. The reason why churches fall into trials and do not prosper is because of small things. These small matters collect, combine and become a big problem. David saw his future as a king, but prepared his skills and faith at the same time. Furthermore, he remembered the words of Samuel regarding the Ark of the Covenant. So resolved to build a temple that would house the Ark of the Covenant, and after becoming king, he made the preparations to build the temple.





● Forum Topic - The reason we are not successful usually lies in the small things. If you learn the rhythm to do the small things faithfully, you will undoubtedly succeed. God entrusts big things to people who are faithful in the small matters. What are the small things I have lost hold of at this time? While looking at the small things, reflect upon the big things.




Remnant Study of Evangelism Lecture 186 / 2009.06.20