Pearls in ink

The Spirit of Excellence II: A Series on David – The Not-Just-Another-Harp-Player

The Not-Just-Another-Harp-Player

Continued from my previous post…


Since King Saul rebelled against God, the Spirit of the Lord left Saul; as a result, a demon had entered him. Thus, Saul became depressed and fearful. Saul’s servants identified the reason for his sudden change in behavior. Thus, they suggested that he have a good musician play soothing music on a harp whenever the demon tormented him. Saul immediately consented. “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a brave and competent man, a warrior, discerning (prudent, eloquent) in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him,” one of the king’s servants referred David to Saul.
Wow – what a résumé! Let’s go through it again, shall we? Here, we have a talented musician, a brave and capable warrior, sensible and eloquent speaker, and handsome man in one person! More importantly, the Lord was with him! You see, he had just perfectly balanced – he was a well-rounded individual. This guy is the total package! Or as Uncle Jim Cernero would describe him, “A jack of all trades and a master of many.” Sounds familiar, right? Here, we once again witness the Spirit of Excellence. Moreover, though David had already achieved quite a bit at such a young age, he never let it get into his head. It was not his boasting that got him to the palace. In fact, his gift made way for him. As stated in Proverbs 18:16 (KJV), “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Likewise, we too should not allow pride to creep in our lives; neither should we push our way in. David perfected his craft. Soon after, God anointed it in a marvelous way. In addition, as specified in Proverbs 22:29 (ESV), “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Thus, it is no surprise that King Saul sent for David. Shortly thereafter, David began serving the king. Now, the king loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. Then, the king requested Jesse to let David remain in his service since he was very pleased with him. From temporarily playing for the king, David was now the king’s official harp player; in addition, he was also given the position as the king’s armor bearer. A privileged, temporary position becomes a prestigious, permanent one. As you can see, David’s gift made room for him. Whenever David played the harp, the demon would flee; as a result, Saul would feel better. As mentioned above, David took the time to develop his gifts. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus narrates a parable of three servants. Before going on a long trip, the master entrusts his money to these three servants. To the first, he presents five bags of silver. To the second, he hands three bags. To the third, he gives just one. Now, why did he not give them two bags of silver each? It would be a question that would very likely pop into one’s mind. After all, that would be considered equal, right? Well, the answer is found in Matthew 25:15 (NLT): he divided it “in proportion to their abilities”! Meaning, he knew what each servant was capable of. Thus, in this scenario, he gives each of them an opportunity. When he returned from his trip, he asks his servants to present what they had done with his money. The first one presented ten bags. He invested the money and earned five bags more – he doubled the amount he was given! Moving on, the second servant presents four bags of silver. He too doubled the amount he was given. Hence, the master applauds each of them, “Well, done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”. However, the third servant steps forward with only one bag. Though the bag was safe, the master was furious that the lazy servant did not even bother on investing the amount in the bank in order to receive interest. The third servant did not value what he was given. As a result, the master orders to take away the bag from the third servant and be given to the first servant. In Matthew 25:29 (NLT), the master states, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have in abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” This parable applies to tangible gifts, spiritual gifts, physical abilities, or opportunities given to you. Perhaps, it may even be the calling upon your life. You simply must read one of my favorite poems “Opportunity” by Edward Rowland Sill. It speaks of a cowardly soldier who despises the blunt sword in his hand and compares it to that of prince’s. He snaps his sword and leaves the battlefield. However, the wounded prince finds the same broken sword. He grabs it and fights the enemy. Both the coward and the prince were given the same opportunity. However, the prince chose to seize the opportunity and won the war. A question God frequently asks is, “What is in your hand?”. He asked the question to Moses who held a staff. God used that very rod to split the Red Sea. He asked the same question to the disciples before feeding the multitude. He chooses to do miracles with what you already hold. Never despise what God has given you. It may be the very thing He uses to release your breakthrough. Always view it as an opportunity. You will be held accountable for what you are given. David chose to develop whatever he had been given. Seeing his faithfulness and diligence, God anointed David’s efforts and presented him with even more opportunities.

Opportunity by Edward Rowland Sill


 

Edit

PUBLISHED BY DANIELLE

Stefanie Danielle Thomas is a determined girl chasing her dreams and following God’s perfect will in her life. In addition, she strives to be both “the jack of all trades” and “the master of many”. She is quite the multitasker (a modern renaissance woman some would say) – family, friends, church, youth girls, pursuing two degrees studying in two universities, traveling, music, art, baking, cooking, writing, gym, chores, volunteering, etc.

Despite her ambitious pursuits, she seeks Christ to be her center. As a famous person once stated, “Rather than being purpose-driven, I prefer to be Presence-centered.” In whatever she does, she simply desires to radiate God’s image and glorify Him. As the Apostle Paul encourages in 1 Corinthians 10:31(b), “In whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Now, what is in your hand? What are you choosing to do with it?

Opportunity by Edward Rowland Sill


 

Edit

PUBLISHED BY DANIELLE

Stefanie Danielle Thomas is a determined girl chasing her dreams and following God’s perfect will in her life. In addition, she strives to be both “the jack of all trades” and “the master of many”. She is quite the multitasker (a modern renaissance woman some would say) – family, friends, church, youth girls, pursuing two degrees studying in two universities, traveling, music, art, baking, cooking, writing, gym, chores, volunteering, etc.

Despite her ambitious pursuits, she seeks Christ to be her center. As a famous person once stated, “Rather than being purpose-driven, I prefer to be Presence-centered.” In whatever she does, she simply desires to radiate God’s image and glorify Him. As the Apostle Paul encourages in 1 Corinthians 10:31(b), “In whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

  • junk cars for cash
    July 6, 2022

    We’re a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our
    community. Your website offered us with valuable information to
    work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our
    entire community will be grateful to you.

  • Ukraine Humanitarian
    July 4, 2022

    great submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must proceed your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  • donate for ukraine
    July 2, 2022

    My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be
    precisely what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
    I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a
    few of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome site!
    donate for ukraine

  • site592154748.fo.team
    May 17, 2022

    cialis 5mg http://site592154748.fo.team/

    Wonderful forum posts. Kudos!

  • gewsd.estranky.skclankydrugstore-online.html
    May 16, 2022

    generic cialis https://gewsd.estranky.sk/clanky/drugstore-online.html

    Fantastic forum posts. Many thanks.

  • https://kwersd.mystrikingly.com/
    May 16, 2022

    cialis tablets australia https://kwersd.mystrikingly.com/

    Nicely put. Kudos!

  • canadian pharmacies that are legit
    May 15, 2022

    global pharmacy canada https://pharmacies.bigcartel.com/

    Superb info. Kudos!

  • avuiom.sellfy.store
    May 15, 2022

    generic for cialis https://avuiom.sellfy.store/

    Wow a lot of superb info!

  • site102906154.fo.team
    May 11, 2022

    buy cialis online https://site102906154.fo.team/

    Nicely put, With thanks!

  • site561571227.fo.team
    May 10, 2022

    cialis generico online https://site561571227.fo.team/

    Appreciate it. Numerous posts!

  • site656670376.fo.team
    May 10, 2022

    tadalafil 20mg https://site656670376.fo.team/

    With thanks. Terrific stuff!

  • canadian pharmacy uk delivery
    May 9, 2022

    canadian pharcharmy online https://canadian-pharmacy.webflow.io/

    Cheers! Numerous write ups.

  • canadian pharmacy king
    May 9, 2022

    prescription drugs without prior prescription https://pharmacy-online.webflow.io/

    Regards! Very good stuff.

  • trust pharmacy canada
    May 7, 2022

    northwestpharmacy https://kerntyast.flazio.com/

    Regards. Excellent stuff.

  • houston junk car buyer
    May 5, 2022

    Simply want to say your article is as astounding.
    The clearness in your submit is simply excellent and that i can suppose you are an expert on this subject.
    Well together with your permission let me to snatch your
    feed to keep updated with impending post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please continue the rewarding work.

  • canada pharmacy online
    May 1, 2022

    online canadian pharmacy https://kertubs.mystrikingly.com/

    Nicely put. Kudos!

  • canadadrugs
    May 1, 2022
  • Corinna Wendelboe
    April 7, 2022

    I know that there are probably millions of bloggers out there. I also know that there a small percentage of them make money from blogging. Does anyone out there do this, (make money from blogging) and how do they do it?.

  • the cheapest flights
    April 5, 2022

    It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.

    I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things
    or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

  • plane tickets
    April 5, 2022

    Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything
    done.

  • fly ticket
    April 4, 2022

    If you desire to grow your familiarity simply keep visiting this web site and be updated with the most up-to-date information posted here.

  • keuybc.estranky.skclanky30-facts-you-must-know--a-covid-cribsheet.html
    April 4, 2022
  • how to find cheap flights
    April 4, 2022

    If some one wishes to be updated with newest technologies then he must be visit this website
    and be up to date daily.

  • extremely cheap flight tickets
    April 3, 2022

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your site.

    You have some really great posts and I think I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like
    to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please blast me an email if interested. Thanks!

  • air tickets booking
    April 2, 2022

    I have been browsing online greater than 3 hours nowadays,
    but I never found any fascinating article like yours.

    It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the web might be
    a lot more helpful than ever before.

  • tinyurl.com
    March 27, 2022

    Excellent post. I’m experiencing many of these issues as well..

  • tinyurl.com
    March 26, 2022

    I know this website provides quality based articles
    or reviews and additional stuff, is there any other web page which provides these stuff in quality?

  • http://tinyurl.com/
    March 26, 2022

    Hi there, its pleasant paragraph regarding media print,
    we all be aware of media is a fantastic source of data.

  • Bina
    February 11, 2019

    Beautiful and inspiring post, my darling…just like you 🙂 …muah!

  • Shibu Alex
    January 19, 2019

    Thanks for the blog Danielle , Enjoyed reading and it’s insightful.

    • Danielle
      January 20, 2019

      I am so happy to hear! 😀

  • Ryan Nehemiah Jimmy
    January 19, 2019

    That was a Spectacular message Danielle. I understood that even though the Soilder broke his sword, the prince used it and won the war. In fact, I liked the parable of the three servants who were given bags of siliver coins based on their abilities and how the first and the second servant went back to the master with double of their investment. Finally, from this message I understood that I should use whatever little I have for GOD.

    • Danielle
      January 20, 2019

      I am glad that it has spoken to you, Ryan!

  • Debbie
    January 19, 2019

    Thank-you so much Danielle for the amazing message from God; and it also helped me to understand the importance to focus on what is in my hands to fullfill God’s plan for me.

    • Danielle
      January 20, 2019

      My pleasure, Aunty Debbie!

  • Aygun
    January 18, 2019

    Wow! Great! Thanks for being soo open and careful, it gives pleasure to watch your talants! When Christ found me i was like this,full of energy and enthusiasm,wanted to accomplish a lot,but a lot of hindrances slowly put me down,but can’t break me all,now i really desire to fly like an eagle and to advance in most areas of my life for God’s glory! Thanks a lot for Your examle and ministry dear Dees and Pastors!!!aboundance in all Your ways!!!

    • Danielle
      January 20, 2019

      I happy that it inspired you, Aygun!

  • Dr. James Zachariah
    January 18, 2019

    Keep it coming Danielle!
    May the Lord anoint your pen even more!
    Blessings!

    • Danielle
      January 20, 2019

      Thank you so so much, Dr. James!

  • Marina Mohan
    January 18, 2019

    A great reminder Danielle. Loved the ease of the narration yet profound in many ways. I read it out aloud for all to hear. We all enjoyed it.
    You made it so easy to understand. Looking forward to the next one.
    Marina Mohan

    • Danielle
      January 20, 2019

      Glad to hear, Aunty Marina!

  • Jennifer
    January 17, 2019

    Thanks for sharing Danielle.

    • Danielle
      January 17, 2019

      My pleasure, Aunty Jennifer!!

  • Philip
    January 16, 2019

    Thanks for sharing dear Danielle. Profound.

    • Danielle
      January 16, 2019

      Thank you, Philip!!! 😀

  • Norma
    January 16, 2019

    Thank you Danielle!! It made me aware of my accountability to God for all that He has entrusted me with. I really enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you Danielle!! Love.

    • Danielle
      January 16, 2019

      My pleasure, Aunty Norma!

  • Dinah S Sam
    January 16, 2019

    Thank you so much Danielle, for sharing, reminding of what God has given me…
    Thank you for being an inspiration and a blessing.

    • Danielle
      January 16, 2019

      Hello, Aunty Dinah! I am happy that it inspired and blessed you! ☺️

  • linda
    January 15, 2019

    Very true Danielle! Every opportunity is God given, it may never come again! We should never miss an opportunity to do good.
    Thank you for sharing.

    • Danielle
      January 16, 2019

      My pleasure, Aunty Linda! ✨

  • Sujatha
    January 15, 2019

    Thank you Danielle for posting this… truly it inspires me to advance…
    Amazing revelation Danielle…God chooses to do miracles with what i already hold.
    I learnt from your post the below, and I’ll apply in my life…
    1. I should never despise what God has given me.
    2. It may be the very thing God uses to release my breakthrough.
    3. Always I should take it as an opportunity.
    4. I will be held accountable for what is given to me…
    5. Choose to develop whatever has been given by God…
    Love you Danielle…
    God bless you abundantly…

    • Danielle
      January 16, 2019

      Hello, Aunty Sujatha! I am so happy that you caught the gist of the entire message! Love you too! ❤️

  • Claudia Mathias Vineet
    January 15, 2019

    Beautiful Revelation Danielle Loved it.❤️ So good to see the way God is using you.
    There were a couple of areas that I was waiting on God for and this revelation just answered it all. Am glad I took time to read it or else I could have missed my breakthrough
    Love you

    • Danielle
      January 15, 2019

      Hello, Claudia, I am so happy to hear! I also glad that Lord brought it out for you at the right time! Love you!

      • Amala Florence
        January 15, 2019

        Hi Danielle, your post is so refreshingly tangible. I loved the uniqueness of how you brought out David’s resume & woven around it bringing out an apt message on the opportunities & what we choose to do. Connectivity of the poem is just wow!!!

        • Danielle
          January 16, 2019

          Thank you so much, Aunty Amala! ☺️

  • Grace
    January 15, 2019

    Thought provoking and inspiring, and a much needed word for me Danielle! ‘Oppurtunity’- what a poem! Thank you so much for sharing!

    • Danielle
      January 15, 2019

      My pleasure, Grace!!!

  • Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published.