The Spoils of War - 1 Samuel 30 - April 25, 2020

S. 1 Samuel 30:18

“David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives.”

O. David’s battle with the Amalekites reminds me of the victory that Jesus has won for all of us. It also reminds me of a message I heard Pastor S. Lee Homoki preach, September 19, 1982 at Grace Bible Church in Newaygo, MI. He titled that message “The Spoils of War.”

Here are some similarities between David’s victory and Jesus’ victory.

The Amalekites (the enemies of God) destroy Ziklag (and everyone it in, causing pain and hardship).

—-Satan is one who prowls around, he seeks to steal, kill and destroy - John 10:10

David encouraged himself in the Lord

—— Sometimes you can only turn to God and for Salvation you CAN only turn to Him to receive Jesus.

David inquired of the Lord.

——- We need to turn to Jesus (For Salvation and for peace and comfort - Acts 4; Mt. 11:28-30)

David recovers everything

—- Jesus offers us a a complete salvation (John 10:10; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Cor. 1:18; Romans 5:9-10)

David gives gifts to all

—- Jesus gives gifts (1 Cor. 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4

A. I know and will not forget that we are in a spiritual battle. As S. Lee Homoki said, “God has not called us to the recreation room, God has called us to the battlefield.” I will keep my focus on Jesus and the victory He has won for me. When I’m discouraged, I will look for Him to “put courage in me.” I will daily use my gifts and express my thanks to God for my full and complete redemption.

P. Thank you Father for the victory you have won. Thank you that my salvation is complete and that I and all who call on you, lack nothing. In Jesus name!

A Yoke That Is Enjoyable - Matthew 11:28-30 April 24, 2020

S. Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

O. The Pharisees placed heavy demands upon people (law keeping) that burdened people. Jesus is a breath of fresh air. The Gospel writer John wrote, “…grace and truth came by Jesus Christ…”. Jesus offers his yoke - He desires us to join Him and to learn from Him and in doing so, we find rest.

Jesus truly abolished the heaviness of the law and brings us a refreshing new rewarding life.

A. I will continue to rejoice over the fresh new lief that Jesus has given me. I will also continue to lay any weights or burdens (pains, anxieties, troubles) I have over and upon Him and enjoy this restful fresh new life.

P. Thank you Father for your son Jesus and for a life that is fresh and not burdensome. Thank you for giving us peace and rest when we give our burdens over to you. In Jesus’ name!

Friends That Correct Me Are a Blessing - Psalm 141:5 - April 23, 2020

S. Psalm 141:1-10

I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me;
    hear me when I call to you.
2 May my prayer be set before you like incense;
    may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
    keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil
    so that I take part in wicked deeds
along with those who are evildoers;
    do not let me eat their delicacies.

5 Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness;
    let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it,
    for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.

6 Their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs,
    and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken.
7 They will say, “As one plows and breaks up the earth,
    so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave.”

8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord;
    in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.
9 Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers,
    from the snares they have laid for me.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
    while I pass by in safety.

O. David has just prayed (v. 3-5) that God might help and protect him, in what he says, what he desires and what he does. He then adds that it would be kindness and blessing for a righteous man to strike or rebuke him. It is important that we daily pray for God to protect us and guide us. It is also important that we open ourselves to another believer who can help us be accountable to godly living and to correct us where necessary.

A. I am thankful to have such friends in my life. I will continue to pray for God’s leading and to hold myself accountable to my friends, allowing them to speak into my life.

P. Thank you Father for your word and thank you for godly friends. Guide me and correct me where needed through your word, the Holy Spirit and through godly friends. In Jesus’ name!