With Free-Will We Surrender To God’s Will

 ”And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.“

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David did exactly what God told him. He routed the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.  This was the second time the Philistines came against Israel, after David had sought God’s counsel and defeated them.  Again David asked God, took instructions, and won against them yet again.  The secret that David knew was depending on God and doing exactly what God told him.  God has created all mankind with the gift of free will.  When we, out of our own free will, choose God’s will, He does much more than what we have asked.  Such is the nature of God that out of His love for mankind, He sent His Son to die in our place.  Just think what God’s life-giving gift of salvation, poured through Jesus Christ, has done for us!  Can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, absolute life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one Man Jesus Christ provides? Only because He rose from the dead and defeated death.  Thank God for the gift of free-will so that we choose Him.  Thank God for His Resurrection Life in us who chose Him.  Hallelujah!

Wisdom to Win Souls for Christ

 ”For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:“

‭‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul tells Titus, ”There are many wayward people, smooth talkers, and deceivers—especially the converts from Judaism”.  Paul is pointing to three groups of people who will refute and argue with church leaders: the rebels, the empty talkers, and the deceivers.  There are many who engage in worthless debates about their Jewish sentiments and playing mind-games in order to snare new believers into legalism.  The elders and leaders in the church must be faithful to the Scriptures in order to correct them and set them in order.  Through the Word, the leaders will instruct with competency and accuracy, to entreat and convince those who oppose the Gospel message.  Let’s abide in the Word and receive from the Holy Spirit, all the wisdom we need to bring people to Christ.  Amen!

Reigning in Righteousness

 ”how much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?“

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭4:11 KJV

“And now you show up—evil men who killed an innocent man in cold blood, a man asleep in his own house! Don’t think I won’t find you guilty of murder and rid the country of you!”  David dealt with Israel’s king Ishbosheth’s murderers with justice when they thought that David would happily snatch the crown and be crowned king of all Israel in this devious way.  But David became king of all Israel in a righteous way, even burying Ishbosheth honourably.  Jesus showed the higher way, Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him Who judges righteously.  The highest way that Jesus showed was taking the sin of all humanity and nailing it to the Cross.  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  For believers in the finished work of the Cross of Christ, we have the help of the Holy Spirit to guard our faith by surrendering our will to Him Who judges righteously.  Therefore we humble ourselves under the mighty Hand of God, that He exalts us in due time.  This is how we reign in righteousness, when God exalts us at the right time.  Amen!

Crowned with Righteousness

 ”I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.“

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s boldly declared as he awaited in prison his death, “I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith. There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me, and I know that my Lord will reward me on His day of righteous judgment. And this crown is not only waiting for me, but for all who love and long for His unveiling”.  Paul overcame the flesh as he lived in the Spirit and declared that like a champion he ran the race and completed the course, carefully guarding his faith.  Paul was confident that his wreath of righteousness awaited him as a testimony to the Lord’s righteous judgment.  The Lord Jesus crowned Paul on that day, the moment he stepped out of his body.  Not only Paul, but everyone who loves the brilliance of Christ by his appearing, will be jointly crowned with a wreath of honour.  Let’s have faith in the magnitude of what awaits us, who are in Christ.  Amen!

Anointed In Our Union with Christ

 ”And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.“

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

They all came then to David, trying to get him to eat something before dark. But David solemnly swore, “I’ll not so much as taste a piece of bread, or anything else for that matter, before sunset, so help me God!” Everyone at the funeral took notice—and liked what they saw. In fact everything the king did was applauded by the people. It was clear to everyone that day, including all Israel, that the king had nothing to do with the death of Abner son of Ner, whom Joab had killed.  As David honoured the anointing of God, grace and favour of God was on him. When Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and John the Baptist saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on Jesus. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is My Son, chosen and marked by My love, delight of My life.”  Jesus always honoured God and only said and did what He saw God do and say.  Through Jesus’s resurrection, this anointing has come on all who believe in Christ Jesus.  In the new covenant, we live our life empowered by God’s free-flowing grace, which is our true strength, found in the anointing of Jesus and our union with Him!  Hallelujah!

Abide in the WORD

 ”This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.“

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV

Paul warns Timothy of the last days, “But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce. People are self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They ignore their own families, be ungrateful and ungodly; become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires, they are ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right. With brutal treachery, they act without restraint, bigoted and wrapped in clouds of their conceit. They find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God.  Stay away from people like these!“  We are living in such times so let’s abide more in the Word and be led by the mighty Holy Spirit.  Amen!

Seek God’s Will Always

 ”And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.“

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV

After all this, David prayed. He asked God, “Shall I move to one of the cities of Judah?” God said, “Yes, move.” “And to which city?” “To Hebron.”  David knew the secret of success with the LORD.  It was to seek and enquire God’s will for the situations he was in.  Jesus taught clearly, “God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, and to ”Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.“ Then He said, ”And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.“  In the new covenant God the Holy Spirit is in us, who believe in Jesus, His Blood Sacrifice and fulfilling His Word at the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost.  That’s why we enquire of the Holy Spirit in prayer and never make a mistake.  Amen!

Gentle Conduct of God’s Servants

 ”And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.“

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul instructs Timothy, “For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth, having great patience toward the immature. Then with meekness you’ll be able to carefully enlighten those who argue with you so they can see God’s gracious gift of repentance and be brought to the truth. This will cause them to rediscover themselves and escape from the snare of satan who caught them in his trap so that they would carry out his purposes”.  In our position as someone completely dedicated to the Lord, there’s no virtue in winning the argument but losing the person!  Let’s exhibit a sensitive courtesy towards all people; skilfully educating them and keeping our cool under pressure.  When we gently instruct those who oppose us, we will inevitably lead them to see what God believes concerning them and give them the best possible chance to acknowledge the truth. Let gentleness be our conduct.  Amen!

Anointing - the Empowerment from God

 ”And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?“

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When the Amalekite, who was an enemy of the Israelites, told David that he had slain King Saul, David asked him, “Do you mean to say, that you weren’t afraid to up and kill God’s anointed king?” David understood the anointing that came from God, and that anyone who destroyed it was under judgment of death.  Anointing is the empowerment from God in our flesh to do the things the flesh cannot do.  In the new covenant, the anointing has freely been given to us through the death, burial and resurrection of the Anointed One, Christ Jesus our Lord.  That’s why we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  The Holy Spirit activates the anointing of Christ in us.  We can be assured that if we believe in Jesus, He Who has all power in heaven and earth, has anointed us and given us power. To be anointed is to be covered in consecrated oil, which is spiritual and not of the flesh. Let’s by faith move in the anointing to destroy the yoke of the enemy of our soul.  Amen!

Don’t Tolerate Inferior Thoughts

 ”For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.“

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul is encouraging Timothy to overcome fear.  “For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit Who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control”.  God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.  Let’s become fully acquainted with His gift in us, there is nothing timid about it; the dynamic of a mind liberated in the spirit of love is fearless and unstoppable.  Our saved mind is free from tolerating inferior thoughts.  ”“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.  For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”  Hallelujah!

Bless, Don’t Curse

 ”And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; all the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭31‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul. Their valiant men sprang into action. They traveled all night, took the corpses of Saul and his three sons from the wall at Beth Shan, and carried them back to Jabesh and burned off the flesh. They then buried the bones under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted in mourning for seven days.  Saul had earlier rescued Jabesh Gilead from the Amalekites.  In gratitude they showed their respect to Saul & Jonathan, in their devastating defeat from the Philistines.  But it was David who when he became king, blessed the Jabesh Gileadites for this deed and gave a proper burial to the bones of Saul and Jonathan even though Saul chased David till the end.  David foreshadowed what Jesus modelled. Never retaliate when someone treats you wrongly, nor insult those who insult you, but instead, respond by speaking a blessing over them—because a blessing is what God promised to give you.  Amen!

Godly Respect & Awe of Our Holy God

 ”If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, But godliness with contentment is great gain.“

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul gives wise counsel to young Timothy in leading a Christ-like life. “But if anyone spreads false teaching that does not agree with the healthy instruction of our Lord Jesus, teaching others that holy awe of God is not important, then they prove they know nothing at all! It’s obvious they don’t value or hold dear the healing words of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are covered with the clouds of conceit. They are loaded with controversy, and they love to argue their opinions and split hairs. The fruit of their ministry is contention, competition, and evil suspicions. We have a “profit” that is greater than theirs—our holy awe of God! To have merely our necessities is to have enough”.  The doctrine of the fear of God is one of the seven spirits of God, the spirit of the fear of God.  To teach there is no fear of God would be leading people away from the Holy Spirit.  The fear of God is loving and respecting God, and relating to Him in holiness, with the free gift of right-standing that we have through Jesus, our Lord.  Amen!

Total Victory in Christ

 ”And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him…but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭30‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David and his men burst out in loud wails—wept and wept until they were exhausted with weeping. David’s two wives.. had been taken prisoner along with the rest. There was talk among the men, bitter over the loss of their families, of stoning him. David strengthened himself with trust in his God. He ordered Abiathar the priest, son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the Ephod so I can consult God.” Because David was led by God, he was given total recovery and more for he took the spoils of this victory over the Amalekites.  In the new covenant, we have been given total victory over the one and only enemy of our soul - the devil.  For through the Blood sacrifice of Jesus, we will never experience the wrath of God. While we were still enemies, God fully reconciled us to Himself through the death of His Son, so then something greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, and share in His resurrection life, how much more will we be rescued from sin’s dominion!  This is our total victory forever.  Hallelujah!

Be Transparent

 ”Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.“

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul advised Timothy, ”(If drinking the water causes you to have stomach ailments, drink some wine instead.) The sins of some people stand out and are well known. Yet there are others whose sins are not as obvious, but the truth of who they really are will eventually be seen and will bring them judgment. It is the same way with good works, even if they are not known at first, they will eventually be recognized and acknowledged”. Paul tells Timothy to go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it’s good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you. The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don’t show up until much later. The same with good deeds. Some you see right off, but none are hidden forever.  Paul does not encourage the drinking of wine, nor does he condemn its moderate use.  Let’s lead a life of holiness, as we are sanctified to love others with the love of Jesus.  Amen!

Our Testimony of Jesus

 ”Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, And David his ten thousands?“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭29‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV

David had sought refuge from the Philistines against Saul and the children of Israel.  Yet the testimony of the Lord in David’s life was not forgotten by God’s enemies.  For the Philistines remembered, “Isn’t this the same David they celebrate at their parties, singing, Saul kills by the thousand, David by the ten thousand!”  In the new covenant, do we, Jews and Gentiles, have the testimony of Jesus Christ in us?  Those who believe in the Son of God have the living testimony in their hearts. Those who don’t believe have made God out to be a liar by not believing the testimony God has confirmed about His Son. This is the true testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Let’s have the testimony of Jesus in our heart and life.  Amen!

The Word Dwell Richly In Our Heart

 ”Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;“

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬ 

Paul clearly cautions Timothy to discern false doctrines, demonic prophecies and seducing spirits.  “The Holy Spirit has explicitly revealed: At the end of this age, many will depart from the true faith one after another, devoting themselves to spirits of deception and following demon-inspired revelations and theories. Hypocritical liars will deceive many, and their consciences won’t bother them at all!“. The Holy Spirit makes this warning publicly to the Church through prophetic utterances.  Even today the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit is available through gifts of prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues, and in many other forms and the maturity in wisdom and understanding will guide believers to avoid deceiving prophecies.  People with false appearances and deceiving motives will seduce many into falling away from faith in Christ.  All believers are to abide in the Vine and to let the Word dwell richly in our hearts to establish us in our faith.  Let’s have a lifestyle of thanksgiving, testimonies and worship, maturing in our faith by being led by the Holy Spirit.  Amen!

Never Refuse the Anointing of the Anointed One

 ”Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭28‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Why ask me?” said Samuel. “God has turned away from you and is now on the side of your neighbor. God has done exactly what he told you through me—ripped the kingdom right out of your hands and given it to your neighbor.”  Saul had banned witches and wizards in Israel but at this time when the Philistines were gathered against him, he sought out a witch at Endor who brought Samuel from the dead to let Saul speak to him.  Samuel clearly told Saul that he would be defeated and would die in this battle.  The God Who got Samuel to anoint Saul king, had now given the kingdom to David, Saul’s neighbour.  In the new covenant the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death.  The Anointing of the Anointed One is the choicest anointing oil on our head.  Let our head not refuse to accept and acknowledge and learn from it.  Amen!

The Mystery of Godliness

 ”And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.“

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul encouraged Timothy with this mystery of godliness, ”For the mystery of righteousness is beyond all question! He was revealed as a human being, and as our great High Priest in the Spirit! Angels gazed upon Him as a Man and the glorious message of His Kingly rulership is being preached to the nations! Many have believed in Him and He has been taken back to heaven, and has ascended into the place of exalted glory in the heavenly realm. Yes, great is this mystery of righteousness!”  Glorious and hidden truths are in this and it was an ancient hymn of the early church.  Through His resurrection He has justified us and become our forerunner Who has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, the King of Righteousness.  Truly, this mystery of righteousness is great!  Hallelujah!

The Holy Spirit, Our Helper

 ”And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When Saul continued to chase David inspite of David reassuring him, David thought to himself, “Sooner or later, Saul’s going to get me. The best thing I can do is escape to Philistine country. Saul will count me a lost cause and quit hunting me down in every nook and cranny of Israel. I’ll be out of his reach for good.”  David felt abandoned by God so he took matters into his own hands to seek refuge from God’s enemies. Thank God that in the new covenant He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”  This happened because Jesus said, ”And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.“  The Holy Spirit, our Helper, came at Pentecost and is forever in us and with us.  So we are never abandoned or bereft but lead a victorious life here on earth in the power of the Holy Spirit, our Helper.  Amen!

One in Christ

 ”Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.“

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul cautions Timothy in Ephesus of women leaders as he knew that in the temple worship of Diana, the goddess of the Ephesians, female leadership was common.  For the women who converted to Christ, their only cultural context of worship was that the women were the leaders.  In the church, however, it was the men who commonly made up the leadership of the congregations.  So Paul told Timothy, “Let the women who are new converts, be willing to learn with all submission to their leaders and not speak out of turn. I don’t advocate that the newly converted women be the teachers in the church, assuming authority over the men, but to live in peace.”  Paul instructed them to take a respectful posture of a disciple in this new way of worshipping the true God.  When Paul told women not to be teachers, he was referring to their old religion practices where women were the temple leaders and teachers of their goddess religion in Ephesus.  The early Christians understood this.  Paul had no double standards when he said, ”There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.  Neither should we.  Amen!

Overcome Evil with Good

 ”Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭26‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Saul said to David, “Bless you, dear son David! Yes, do what you have to do! And, yes, succeed in all you attempt!” Then David went on his way, and Saul went home. Centuries later, the Son of David said, ”But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”.  Through Christ, God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s Blood on the Cross.  That’s why every believer in Christ has the authority to overcome evil with good.  Amen!

Our Foundational Doxology

 ”Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.“

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul in this epistle to Timothy, makes this doxology, “Because of this my praises rise to the King of all the universe Who is indestructible, invisible, and full of glory, the only God Who is worthy of the highest honors throughout all of time and throughout the eternity of eternities! Amen!” Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time— One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes! He is the King of the ages, Whose immortal, physical Body did not decompose in the tomb, but was raised in resurrection.  He is the Only wise God.  Paul encouraged young Timothy, his spiritual son, to have a firm grip on the foundation of his faith, that Jesus Christ is the King of all ages, the immortal, invisible, ever and always to Whom belongs the highest and deepest honour and the brightest glory forever and ever.  Let this be our foundational truth.  Amen!

Grace & Wisdom are Invaluable

 ”And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: and blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭25‬:‭32‬-‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David said, “Blessed be God, the God of Israel. He sent you to meet me! And blessed be your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and taking charge of looking out for me. A close call! As God lives, the God of Israel who kept me from hurting you, if you had not come as quickly as you did, stopping me in my tracks, by morning there would have been nothing left of Nabal but dead meat.”  David recognised the godly advice from Abigail and followed it.  Kings and leaders love to hear godly counsel, and they love those who tell them the truth.  After Abigail’s husband Nabal died, David made Abigail his wife.  Their son Chileab, never contended for the throne as David’s other sons did.  His mother’s sage personality came on him too!  Let’s learn for no corrupt word to proceed out of our mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  Amen!

Diligently Spread the Gospel

 ”For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.“

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭7-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul teaches the Thessalonian church, “For you know very well that you should order your lives after our example, because we were not undisciplined when we were with you. We didn’t sponge off of you, but we worked hard night and day to provide our own food and lodging and not be a burden to any of you. It wasn’t because we don’t have the right to be supported, but we wanted to provide you an example to follow.“ Those who preach the Gospel have the right to be supported financially and deserve their wages.  However, Paul’s custom was to earn his own way when he went into the city for the first time to show the truth of the Gospel without mixed motives.  In Thessalonica, there were believers who were lazy and not working for a living.  Paul gave up his right to have financial support from them and chose to work hard to be an example to them.  Let’s learn to be obligated to no one but the power of the Holy Spirit, to spread the Gospel everywhere.  Amen!

The Power of the Anointing of the Anointed One

 ”Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my Lord; for he is the LORD's anointed.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭24‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

David told king Saul, “This very day with your very own eyes you have seen that just now in the cave God put you in my hands. My men wanted me to kill you, but I wouldn’t do it. I told them that I won’t lift a finger against my master—he’s God’s anointed”.  David understood what king Saul didn’t, that the anointing from God destroys those who come against it.  That is why Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One had to come.  Not only did He identify with humanity to remove sin and restore the image and likeness of God in mankind and His righteousness, but He also gave His Body, the Church, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.  The Anointing of the Anointed One has been given to the Church.  Anyone who comes against Christ’s Body, the Church, is either transformed by the power of love, or destroyed into damnation.  Let the Church win souls through the power of love with the anointing given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.  Hallelujah!

The Glory of God on Us

 ”whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.“

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul explains this amazing revelation to the Church, “To this end He handpicked you for salvation through the Gospel so that you would have the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  Believers are brought into the perimeter of the glory of God through Jesus Christ.  This is a present enjoyment and participation in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and not a future experience.  Jesus said to the Father, just before going to the Cross, ”And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are One”.  Such an amazing truth of what God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit have done for us - the eternal love; the drawing work of the Holy Spirit, sanctification or being set apart for holiness, faith in Jesus and much more.  The purpose of our salvation is more than being set free from guilt, it is so that we would share in and possess the glory of Christ.  Let’s know that we are encompassed by the glory of God.  Hallelujah!

God is For Us

 ”And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭23‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jonathan, Saul’s son, visited David at Horesh and encouraged him in God. He said, “Don’t despair. My father, Saul, can’t lay a hand on you. You will be Israel’s king and I’ll be right at your side to help. And my father knows it.” Then the two of them made a covenant before God. David stayed at Horesh and Jonathan went home.  Saul had been relentlessly chasing David to kill him but with God’s help David was delivered each time.  Even from the enemy’s camp God is able to raise encouragers, as Jonathan, Saul’s son, did for David.  David knew his God, “When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me”.  In the new covenant if God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Hallelujah!

Grace & Peace from Father God & the Lord Jesus

 ”grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.“

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV

Paul greets the Church in Thessalonika, “May God’s delightful grace and peace rest upon you.“ Grace awakens a joy and a pleasure, a strong emotional element of delight.  The grace that rests upon the people of God is this joyous delight and it is from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  The people of God are the Church and the Triune God is making room for the Bride of Christ.  The Church is in the Father and in Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Fourteen times in the new covenant, grace and peace has been showered on the Church of Jesus Christ.  Thank You God for grace and peace You pour on us.  Amen!

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

 ”And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The prophet Gad told David, “Don’t go back to the cave. Go to Judah.” David did what he told him. He went to the forest of Hereth.  David reverenced the Lord His Shepherd and respected what the prophet told him.  Yahweh, through the prophet Gad told David to flee from his place of shelter to another safe haven to be kept from the vicious wrath of king Saul.  In the new covenant all who follow the Lord Jesus as His disciples and are led by the Holy Spirit, are to be passionate to prophesy and not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues, doing all things in a beautiful and orderly way.  The Church manifests Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to those around us: the power of the Gospel to salvation; the power of love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit; the power of faith that gives us the victory to overcome the world; the power of humility so that the Spirit of glory rests on us; the power of the Word of God quickened by the Holy Spirit; the power of Jesus’s Blood brought to us through His everlasting covenant; the power to witness to everyone even to the ends of the earth.  Let’s be in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen!

Prophecy is a Valid Gift to the Church

 ”Despise not prophesyings.“

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s injunction to the Church, “don’t be one who scorns prophecies,“.  We put out the Spirit’s fire when we scorn prophecy.  Prophecy is a valid gift of the Holy Spirit needed by the Church today.  There is no place in Scripture or its Church history that indicates the gift of prophecy has ceased or disappeared.  It is an active function of the Holy Spirit in the Church around the world.  We must not ignore, despise, or scorn any true gift of the Holy Spirit.  Putting out the fire of the Holy Spirit is connected to scorning the prophetic ministry.  The Church needs prophets and prophecy to keep the fire (inspiration) of the Holy Spirit burning in our hearts.  Paul knew the importance of this when he instructed young Timothy, ”I’m writing to encourage you to fan into a flame and rekindle the fire of the spiritual gift God imparted to you when I laid my hands upon you”.  All believers of Jesus Christ are to function in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring souls to Christ.  Amen!

The Bread of Life

 ”So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.“

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭21‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So the priest gave David and his men, the holy bread. It was the only bread he had, bread of the Presence that had been removed from God’s Presence and replaced by fresh bread at the same time.  Yahweh had shown about the Holy Place, where there was the table of the bread of His Presence, the lampstand and the altar of incense.  Only the priest ministered in the Holy Place at set times.  The hallowed bread signified the Bread of Life, only to be partaken of by the priests on duty there in the old covenant.  This was prophetic of Jesus in the new covenant, Who said that He is the Bread of Life.  The priest, Ahimelech gave the holy bread to David and his men.  Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the True Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”  Jesus came to give the whole world His Life and when we believe in Jesus, we partake of the Bread of Life.  Amen!