Why does the Spirit of the Lord leave Saul and an evil Spirit from God enter him (1 Sam 16:14; 18:10)?
Here its important to spiral out at the surrounding verses, starting with 1 Sam 18:10. First Saul chose to respond to David's fame by being "very angry" "galled" v8. Then Saul remained constantly jealous of David v9. Saul cared about how David was perceived by others. The king was jealous of others.
In the second half of verse 10 Saul is "raving" (some translations say "prophesying") and Saul tries to spear David. This escalation of jealousy to attempted murder seems caused by the evil spirit indwelling. *I fear God because I
know I have been "jealous", "very angry" and by His grace has led me to
the cross of Jesus and His blood rather than to Saul's spear.
Opening the scope larger as to why God sent an evil spirit, someone might be surprised that Saul was first anointed and commissioned by God (see chapters 9 and 10). Despite the God-approved anointing, Saul dishonored God, made unauthorized sacrifices (1 Sam 13:9). Here king Saul did not wait for the prophet Samuel, and showed he revere God and His sacrificial system only as it suited him.
Spiraling outwardly more: "Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, 'I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.'” (1 Sam 15: 10-11). I think God was provoked to send evil spirits to Saul because of Saul's actions -not just because He is God. *I fear the Lord because He can change anyone for His plan regardless of merit, some have years of obedience and then God test with evil spirits.
On the outter spiral of this spirit-change is this truth:
"But today you (Israel) have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions. You said to Him, ‘You must set a king over us.’" (1 Sam 10:19)
*I fear the Lord because all around me I live among a people who would rather have their gods and reject You and Your saving works. Yet, the Truth of Jesus Christ changed me. *I fear You Lord because You could send to me an evil spirit due to my nation that acts and speaks as if they don't need you. Instead I have a spirit that is hungry for You. Forgive us, Humble us and revive us.
-God, Satan has the amount of power You permit him to have and not one ounce more.
-Rid me Lord of jealousy, of living in fear of what others think.
-Rid me of spiritual impatience that would cause me to think I don't need the blood of Christ, like Saul did.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Fear of the Lord pt 1
Why did God harden Pharoah's heart (Ex 4:21)?
Much of what I know about God gets challenged with this passage of Scripture. My understanding of justice make me doubt God would do that.
I notice I'm quick to love on Pharaoh, to be his District Attorney before God. What God did to him seems unjust. My opening statement would be like: "God the world is hard enough, Pharaoh's no angel but doesn't he get a fair shake at knowing the living God. Besides You are supposed to be unchanging and therefore good all the time. How is hardening someone's heart good?"
Pharaoh (probably more so that most unbelievers) saw God's work and had the chance of humbling his power under God's. God knew Pharaoh's leadership consisted of changing his mind.
God hardened His heart purposefully. So that all of Egypt/the world will know:
"By now I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague, and you would have been obliterated from the earth. However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you My power and to make My name known in all the earth" (Ex 9:15-16).
Certainly He could harden my heart even as the Holy Spirit indwells, I can become despondent to the point of being a hard-hearted Christian. It is possible. That is why I fear the Lord.
I fear the Lord because He hardened Pharaoh's heart and chose to soften mine.
Much of what I know about God gets challenged with this passage of Scripture. My understanding of justice make me doubt God would do that.
I notice I'm quick to love on Pharaoh, to be his District Attorney before God. What God did to him seems unjust. My opening statement would be like: "God the world is hard enough, Pharaoh's no angel but doesn't he get a fair shake at knowing the living God. Besides You are supposed to be unchanging and therefore good all the time. How is hardening someone's heart good?"
Pharaoh (probably more so that most unbelievers) saw God's work and had the chance of humbling his power under God's. God knew Pharaoh's leadership consisted of changing his mind.
God hardened His heart purposefully. So that all of Egypt/the world will know:
"By now I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague, and you would have been obliterated from the earth. However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you My power and to make My name known in all the earth" (Ex 9:15-16).
Certainly He could harden my heart even as the Holy Spirit indwells, I can become despondent to the point of being a hard-hearted Christian. It is possible. That is why I fear the Lord.
I fear the Lord because He hardened Pharaoh's heart and chose to soften mine.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Romans 8:1-4 "Are You Sure You're Sure?"
God has grown me in the faith, what grace. Trust and Obey. There is no condemnation for my past, present, future because I'm in Jesus! **Warning second sermon ever.**
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Bless the Lord, oh my soul because of Christ in me
So much of my relationship with God is growing.
1. There is a robust stirring of the Spirit on my prayers.
2. A persistent awareness of Jesus in places that seem mundane.
3. My compassion for the lost and broken people is growing.
4. My enemies are subjects of prayers, blessing and faith in God's power upon them.
5. I give willfully and hunger to be more generous.
6. The Holy Spirit caused me to deal with all hurts of my past and release them to Jesus.
7. Being in the Scriptures is usually the best time of my day, (many small bits all day long -not just one chunk).
8. Asking the Father for direction and provision trusting His ability and pleasure to do so. Whereas before I feared my future and just hoped God would do something.
9. The Spirit's teachings mixing with my understanding causing godly living and other-centered humility.
10. Service and fellowship with believers to glean peace.
11. Sincere excitement when I see Jesus in others, I love seeing others owning their cost of discipleship, and seeing how the Holy Spirit grows them.
12. Wanting God more because of who He is and nothing else.
1. There is a robust stirring of the Spirit on my prayers.
2. A persistent awareness of Jesus in places that seem mundane.
3. My compassion for the lost and broken people is growing.
4. My enemies are subjects of prayers, blessing and faith in God's power upon them.
5. I give willfully and hunger to be more generous.
6. The Holy Spirit caused me to deal with all hurts of my past and release them to Jesus.
7. Being in the Scriptures is usually the best time of my day, (many small bits all day long -not just one chunk).
8. Asking the Father for direction and provision trusting His ability and pleasure to do so. Whereas before I feared my future and just hoped God would do something.
9. The Spirit's teachings mixing with my understanding causing godly living and other-centered humility.
10. Service and fellowship with believers to glean peace.
11. Sincere excitement when I see Jesus in others, I love seeing others owning their cost of discipleship, and seeing how the Holy Spirit grows them.
12. Wanting God more because of who He is and nothing else.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Clearing the Air for Worship
Jesus,
Glory to the Resurrected One. I live a resurrection life because You are in me. The old has gone. As for death? Your sting is a flesh wound since the cross of Christ.
I wonder: Do you, along with the Holy Spirit discuss my obedience, sanctification, and confidence in You? Humble me and I will take refuge in You.
Time and again I scheme to win over man -no more! The old has gone, the new is here. Accept my worship and words they are all I have to offer until my life bears Your fruit.
I am not righteous of merit but you dear Savior how generous is your grace?
Conform me to Your likeness because You have saved me and awakened my soul to its contentment: You dear Lord.
I worship You Jesus, You are: The Righteous Branch of Israel. The Horn of My Salvation.The Seed of Abraham in the line of David. The Lion from the Tribe of Judah. The suffering Servant. You are the One worthy to open the scroll, Lamb of God.
Jesus you are Lord of my life.
You are great and worthy. All my worth is in you Jesus.
When you use me and fill me, I am at home.
Your servant responding,
Nic
Glory to the Resurrected One. I live a resurrection life because You are in me. The old has gone. As for death? Your sting is a flesh wound since the cross of Christ.
I wonder: Do you, along with the Holy Spirit discuss my obedience, sanctification, and confidence in You? Humble me and I will take refuge in You.
Time and again I scheme to win over man -no more! The old has gone, the new is here. Accept my worship and words they are all I have to offer until my life bears Your fruit.
I am not righteous of merit but you dear Savior how generous is your grace?
Conform me to Your likeness because You have saved me and awakened my soul to its contentment: You dear Lord.
I worship You Jesus, You are: The Righteous Branch of Israel. The Horn of My Salvation.The Seed of Abraham in the line of David. The Lion from the Tribe of Judah. The suffering Servant. You are the One worthy to open the scroll, Lamb of God.
Jesus you are Lord of my life.
You are great and worthy. All my worth is in you Jesus.
When you use me and fill me, I am at home.
Your servant responding,
Nic
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Tongue Tied and Careful to Speak
The following is a healthy portion of verses from the book of Proverbs. God is clear about the importance of our tongue. We must learn to bridle it. This was a convicting labor of love.
Godly Ways
The character traits of a person with
a good tongue: The righteous have a (valuable) tongue of pure silver (10:20),
it is a fountain of life (10:11) which produces wisdom (10:31). The wise have a
tongue that brings healing to others (12:18); they have a tongue that makes
knowledge attractive (15:2) and their insight is praised (12:8). A man of
understanding keeps silent (11:12) and controls his lips (10:19). A righteous
speaker thinks before speaking (15:28) and is timely, impactful (15:23; 25:11).
The tongue’s good fruit: A tongue
that heals is a tree of life (15:4). The
power of the tongue gives words of life and bears good fruit (18:21). Guarding
the tongue avoids trouble (21:23) and protects their life (13:3). A gentle
tongue can defeat strong resistance (25:15). A wise heart instructs the tongue
into learning (16:23) pleasant words flow sweet and healing (16:24). When what
is right come from the tongue the inner spirit cheers (23:16). A godly use of
the tongue makes friends with kings (22:11).
Ungodly Ways
The
character traits of a person with an ungodly tongue: A wicked mouth conceals
violence (10:6). A lying witness is dishonest and will perish(14:5; 21:28). A
foolish person lies to conceal their hatred and spreads slander (10:18). The mouth of the wicked contains perversity
(10:32). Evil men are trapped by what they say (12:13); they don’t know how to
contain their thoughts (13:3). The foolish tongue has an absence of reason and
speaks without thinking (12:19); it is publically stupid (12:23). Fools latch
on to more foolishness (15:14). A wicked and foolish tongue just blurts out
(15:2, 28). The wicked tongue tricks people for their own gains (20:14). Lying
to make a fortune is like pursuing death (21:6). A hateful person disguises
himself with his tongue (26:23).
The
tongue’s bad fruit: Foolish lips will be destroyed (10:8,10). Such a tongue
speeds up the day of its destruction (10:14); It will be cut off (10:31). Sin
dwells in excessive speech or tongue (10:19). The mouth of the wicked can tear
down a city (11:11), their words are an ambush (12:6). Lying lips are
detestable to God (12:22). Foolish speech will be disciplined (14:3). Harsh
words stir up wrath (15:1). No knowledge is gained from listening when a fool
speaks (14:7). The foolish tongue responds before listening (18:13). A foolish
vow is rashly made and often taken back (20:25). Lying and flattery are agents
of destruction (26:28).
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Reappropriating Gentleness
I spent my whole life thinking I had good vocabulary and definitions. One thing about taking on the yoke of Jesus is that there are certain words that take on a whole new meaning. Upon being born again, the Holy Spirit's indwelling in me schooled me: "you don't know the meaning of My Words." Like grace. I used to always think of ballets, motion or being naturally gifted. Now grace so much deeper! It's super meaningful, its favor from God. The agent of delight God uses in relating to me. Salvation is grace as a gift. Providence is grace as guidance. Answered prayer is grace as intervention.
The Holy Spirit is a dictionary unto Himself redefining my misunderstood words(= humbling). On to the next word: gentleness. It's absence in my life makes it a curiosity, I need to long for it. If you pray to Jesus, pray that gentleness would win me over. I'm trying to come up with a parable about gentleness for class (this is my attempt at brainstorming).
In thinking about biblical parables the one that comes to mind the strongest is the Shepherd who leaves the herd of 99 to find the one lost sheep. Luke 15:3-7; Mt 18:12-14. Centrally the parable isn't about gentleness however the shepherd personifies gentleness well. As a Bible word search, gentleness is at its best in Evangelism and Apologetics 1Pt 3:15. Gentleness should be our countenance, evidenced on or in us Php 4:5. In Gal 5:23 a fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. A man of God, a leader must have gentleness 1 Tm 6:11.
Gentleness was one of the first word transformations the Holy Spirit performed in my mind. All my life before encountering Christ, I thought gentleness was something for mothers to use, soft, delicate, for kids and safe -its a weakness for men. "the meek won't inherit squat -'cause I'll take it from them." To quote one of my favorite rap groups before Jesus revealed Himself to me. This quote sums up my thoughts about gentleness "B.C.".
Then God humbled me, heard my cry for His blood and forgiveness through faith. I quit leaning on my own mind.
So a couple of weeks later I'm at church for the first time in like 12 years and I didn't know anybody there. As the weeks went on I kept coming back and shaking new hands, joining small groups of men for prayer before the service. These men were older and wanted to know how my car is or if Target's a good place to work or if softball is my cup of tea. One man invited me to pray for his grandma who is dying and lives in Alabama... I thought that was powerful. This connectedness -that God would oblige my prayer as He sees fit regarding the 'Bama Granny. This man across from me (who is supposed to be "tough") is asking me, and has faith that God would hear my voice in His throne room? There's more, they were coming clean on their anger issues, debt, drinking or relationship tension at home. I got to know their names because they were asking me to pray for them. So cool and not world-manly.
I saw males as gentle for the first time in my life through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. These men of God were good for light-hearted jokes separate from sexual or cultural degradation. They showed me care and concern for others instead of ego tripping. They asked and looked for opportunities to serve. These were father figures for me and they didn't even know it. They went home from work and didn't drink.
To me, a gentle man thinks constantly about the worship and honor of Jesus Christ. A gentle man knows right from wrong and applies Scripture. A gentle man listens actively and sincerely wants to know all the people that crosses his path. A gentle man lets the Lord fight his battles and pauses before responding in disagreements. A gentle man enjoys the counsel of brothers, loves his wife passionately/honorably. A gentle man lets other men see how winsome gentleness is. There is no condemning of unbelievers and a gentle man fears God because He alone is in control.
Now that the Holy Spirit's definition of gentleness leaves me corrected and on the short end of the measuring stick: I desire gentleness big time.
The Holy Spirit is a dictionary unto Himself redefining my misunderstood words(= humbling). On to the next word: gentleness. It's absence in my life makes it a curiosity, I need to long for it. If you pray to Jesus, pray that gentleness would win me over. I'm trying to come up with a parable about gentleness for class (this is my attempt at brainstorming).
In thinking about biblical parables the one that comes to mind the strongest is the Shepherd who leaves the herd of 99 to find the one lost sheep. Luke 15:3-7; Mt 18:12-14. Centrally the parable isn't about gentleness however the shepherd personifies gentleness well. As a Bible word search, gentleness is at its best in Evangelism and Apologetics 1Pt 3:15. Gentleness should be our countenance, evidenced on or in us Php 4:5. In Gal 5:23 a fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. A man of God, a leader must have gentleness 1 Tm 6:11.
Gentleness was one of the first word transformations the Holy Spirit performed in my mind. All my life before encountering Christ, I thought gentleness was something for mothers to use, soft, delicate, for kids and safe -its a weakness for men. "the meek won't inherit squat -'cause I'll take it from them." To quote one of my favorite rap groups before Jesus revealed Himself to me. This quote sums up my thoughts about gentleness "B.C.".
Then God humbled me, heard my cry for His blood and forgiveness through faith. I quit leaning on my own mind.
So a couple of weeks later I'm at church for the first time in like 12 years and I didn't know anybody there. As the weeks went on I kept coming back and shaking new hands, joining small groups of men for prayer before the service. These men were older and wanted to know how my car is or if Target's a good place to work or if softball is my cup of tea. One man invited me to pray for his grandma who is dying and lives in Alabama... I thought that was powerful. This connectedness -that God would oblige my prayer as He sees fit regarding the 'Bama Granny. This man across from me (who is supposed to be "tough") is asking me, and has faith that God would hear my voice in His throne room? There's more, they were coming clean on their anger issues, debt, drinking or relationship tension at home. I got to know their names because they were asking me to pray for them. So cool and not world-manly.
I saw males as gentle for the first time in my life through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. These men of God were good for light-hearted jokes separate from sexual or cultural degradation. They showed me care and concern for others instead of ego tripping. They asked and looked for opportunities to serve. These were father figures for me and they didn't even know it. They went home from work and didn't drink.
To me, a gentle man thinks constantly about the worship and honor of Jesus Christ. A gentle man knows right from wrong and applies Scripture. A gentle man listens actively and sincerely wants to know all the people that crosses his path. A gentle man lets the Lord fight his battles and pauses before responding in disagreements. A gentle man enjoys the counsel of brothers, loves his wife passionately/honorably. A gentle man lets other men see how winsome gentleness is. There is no condemning of unbelievers and a gentle man fears God because He alone is in control.
Now that the Holy Spirit's definition of gentleness leaves me corrected and on the short end of the measuring stick: I desire gentleness big time.
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