Skill That Can Slay a Giant

Skill That Can Slay a Giant

Today's Scripture:

A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
Proverbs 18:16, NASB.

Today's Word:

When people hear the story of David and Goliath, sometimes they think, “That was all God.” And yes, in a sense, I know it was God. But the truth is that God didn’t sling the stone. God didn’t cause it to hit at just the right spot. It was the skill God gave David that he had developed.


Like David, God has put in you skill that can slay a giant. You have skill that can open new doors, skills that can lead to an abundant life, but the key is that your skill has to be developed. Every day that you spend growing, learning and improving, you’re getting prepared for that new level.


Today, while you’re waiting for that new opportunity, start sharpening your skills. Study your boss. Study your manager. Learn that position. Be able to step into their shoes. When God sees that you are prepared, then He can open new doors. The scripture says, “Your gifts will make room for you.” Keep developing your skills because there is a giant slayer in you!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for depositing in me everything that I need for life and godliness. I choose to be faithful with what You have given me. I choose to sharpen my skills. Help me prepare for every opportunity You have for my future in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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The Cost of Anger

by Rick Warren

“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” (Proverbs 14:29 NLT)

Before you allow yourself to get mad back, calculate what you’re going to lose. Calculate the cost of anger. You’re less likely to get angry when somebody’s pushing your buttons if you realize there’s always a price for returning anger for anger.

The Bible is very specific about uncontrolled anger:

• Proverbs 29:22: “An angry person causes trouble; a person with a quick temper sins a lot” (NCV).
• Proverbs 15:18: “Hot tempers cause arguments” (GN).
• Proverbs 14:29: “A hot temper shows great foolishness” (NLT).

When you get angry, there is a cost: You’re going to get in trouble. You’re going to sin. You’re going to cause arguments. You’re going to make mistakes.

When you lose your temper, you always lose, whether it’s respect, the love of your family, your health, or even your job.

Maybe you use anger to motivate people to do the right thing. Don’t do it! In the short run, you may get the short-term payoff. But in the long run, anger always produces more anger, more apathy, and more alienation.

How many kids have become alienated from their dads or their moms because of out-of-control anger? How many people have been alienated from a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a husband, a wife, or a friend because somebody lost his or her cool? Anger destroys relationships faster than anything else.

So when someone starts pushing your buttons, before you retaliate, just ask yourself, “Do I really want to do this? Do I want to make mistakes? Do I want to sin more? Do I want to cause arguments? Do I want to act foolish?”

Proverbs 14:29 says, “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”

There is always a price for anger. Before you retaliate, calculate the cost.

Talk About It

• What methods do you use to keep your cool when someone gets angry at you or attacks you?
• What has anger cost your relationships?