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Doctrine of Suffering

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

2 Samuel 13:10-22

 Then he said to Tamar, “Now bring the food into my bedroom and feed it to me here.” So Tamar took his favorite dish to him.  But as she was feeding him, he grabbed her and demanded, “Come to bed with me, my darling sister.” “No, my brother!” she cried. “Don’t be foolish! Don’t do this to me! Such wicked things aren’t done in Israel.  Where could I go in my shame? And you would be called one of the greatest fools in Israel. Please, just speak to the king about it, and he will let you marry me.”  But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her, and since he was stronger than she was, he raped her.  Then suddenly Amnon’s love turned to hate, and he hated her even more than he had loved her. “Get out of here!” he snarled at her. “No, no!” Tamar cried. “Sending me away now is worse than what you’ve already done to me.” But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her.  He shouted for his servant and demanded, “Throw this woman out, and lock the door behind her!”  So the servant put her out and locked the door behind her. She was wearing a long, beautiful robe,  as was the custom in those days for the king’s virgin daughters.  But now Tamar tore her robe and put ashes on her head. And then, with her face in her hands, she went away crying.  Her brother Absalom saw her and asked, “Is it true that Amnon has been with you? Well, my sister, keep quiet for now, since he’s your brother. Don’t you worry about it.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in her brother Absalom’s house.  When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry. And though Absalom never spoke to Amnon about this, he hated Amnon deeply because of what he had done to his sister.

David and Tamar understood the painful reality of suffering. 

David’s suffering as a consequence of sin and Tamar’s suffering as a victim of someone else’s sin.  Through these chapters we read this week in 2 Samuel 13-18, we see God is just.  God spared David’s life for the sin of adultery and murder but did say through the prophet Nathan that consequences would come.  David experienced great suffering at the deception, disloyalty and eventual death of his son Absalom.  Before that he experienced the death of his son Amnon as Absalom revenged him for rapping their sister.  The death of 3 sons (the unnamed child of Bathsheba, Amnon and Absalom) in about 5 years all in response to David’s own sin. 

Sin is the reason for all suffering but not all suffering results from specific sin as in the case of Tamar.  With Amnon’s uncontrolled lust for his sister, Jonadab assisted him to play ill so that David would allow Tamar to visit and prepare food for him.  Despite Tamar’s strong plea to “not force her and do this wicked thing”, Amnon not only physically violated her but caused her to be disgraced in all of Israel.  Absalom and David continued to intensify the sin and disgrace by hiding what happened and she lived as “a desolate woman.”

It’s difficult to watch others suffer either as consequence for their sin or as an innocent victim.  Suffering is a painful reality for people living with the consequences of the fall.  God can use any hardship to bring glory to Himself and good to His people.  I can remember many times people would say to me while I was struggling in my marriage and after James died saying “someday Tina, God will use your suffering to help many other woman going through similar circumstances.”  I remember thinking “I could care less about helping others, I just want this pain to stop!”  Maybe that is you today.  Perhaps you are in the midst of suffering and whether it is because it is related to your past sin or you have become a victim of someone else’s sin, God can use any hardship to bring glory to Himself and good to His people. 

There are a few truths of suffering that are helpful to remember and hopefully can give us all “purpose to the pain.”

  1. God promises to be with His children in their suffering.

He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Have you ever felt like you were alone in your suffering that no one understands?  Not true.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin.  Hebrews 4:15

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:18

Through suffering we are forced to focus on things of eternal value rather than what is here and now and temporary.

His promise is to work all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.  If you are His, He will be glorified through your suffering.  Light shines greatest in the darkness. 

In your suffering, can you and others see the light of Christ?  Don’t worry you don’t have to manufacture it, God just does it.  Your job is to focus on the light, even if it is a small glimmer. 

When I understand that suffering is a part of this fallen world, I can look beyond the pain and look for ways God is being glorified through my suffering.  When I do not understand suffering as a part of this fallen world, my pain leads to bitterness and resentment. 

I can remember going to the Lord and crying, please God I don’t want to be a bitter woman.

How will you allow suffering in your life to bring glory to God?  

… rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.  Romans 5:3-5

Doctrine on Works

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

The Lord chose David to be king and made David victorious.

Evidence of his work for the Lord is found in 2 Samuel 8 when he placed the army officers (garrisons) in Damascus and dedicated these gifts to the Lord.  And in 2 Samuel 9 when he honored Saul’s family with protection and provision for Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth.

We can see from the beginning of our introduction to David, the work God had for him.  His call is clear and evident to us because we are looking in hindsight.  And you know what they say, “hindsight is 20/20”.  Meaning it is easy to see clearly backwards.  It’s a no-brainer to us what God was doing in David’s life…molding and shaping him to be King and from him the true King and kingdom would rein.  But for me, I wonder at times how much David knew, believed and followed out of obedience and faith or just as “working onto the Lord”.  And is there a difference?

First, let’s remember that “work” is a gift from God.  He created us to work from the beginning. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  And still today…we know our work as the “great commission”.  Matthew 28:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Are you tired yet?  Work is exhausting however the greatest work has been done.  Salvation is by faith alone, not by works or even by some combination of works and faith.  Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

Do you believe that God created and empowers your work?  Do you view it as a privilege to serve Him in whatever capacity and title you have today?  That our work for Him is out of love for what He has done for us?  A want to, not a have to.  Or do you find yourself working in drudgery and resentment? 

I’m the first to yell, PTL that I can sleep in on Saturday mornings because leaders meeting is Friday nights.  Grateful that I don’t have to get up 6 days a week in the dark. However, do I rejoice that I get to serve Him intentionally Friday and Monday nights?

Sometimes I have to be careful that I am only accepting tasks that I think I am capable to do.  When Sannie asked me to pray about STL, my first thought was, “no way, I am in full-time ministry 5 days a week how can I do more?”  The problem with that question was the “I”.  Do you struggle with the same? Wondering how you are going to do it all?

This is the season when Amy will be asking you to pray about your commitment to leadership for next year.  Consider this (as I had to).  Do you believe that the Spirit empowers your work?  If you focus on the work alone, it can seem overwhelming but if you focus on the unending power of the Spirit, He will take you beyond your capacity and capabilities. 

Doctrine on the Kingdom of God

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

The Kingdom of God is a theme found throughout the Bible both in Old and New Testament Scriptures.  In the New Testament it may be referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven as in the Gospels.  Regardless it is describing God’s sovereign rule and reign throughout the course of human history.  In the Old Testament and specifically in our text for this week (2 Samuel 7) there is clear evidence of God’s established rule over all creation and all early kingdoms. God promised to establish His eternal kingdom through the line of David.  He promised David that his descendant, the Messiah, would reign forever over a Kingdom with no end.  2 Samuel 7:16 “your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.”

The Kingdom of God is both now and yet to come.

Today God rules and reigns over all as mentioned in Revelation 7:15. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His [j]Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”

The Kingdom of God is yet to come as Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10 “Your Kingdom come”. So how does God’s Kingdom come today?  It comes as the gospel is shared and people embrace the reign and rule of God in their lives.  I had to ask myself this question, perhaps you should as well…how am I  living a “Kingdom coming life”?  What does that look like?

Using  David’s prayer to God in 2 Samuel 7:18-27, listen as I highlight just a few of the words of his heart as we use him as an example of “Kingdom coming life”:  “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you…You have established your people Israel as your very own forever and you, Lord have become their God…do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever.  Then the people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty God is over Israel!’

Do you hear the surrendered heart to God’s will and kingdom, beyond his own agenda and desires?

Here are the questions I was challenged with in my heart as I re-read that section of scripture:

If I am living a “Current Kingdom Life” am I enjoying the access to my King?

The Holy Bible is the revelation of God.  How do I approach my time in His Word?  As a “half-to” or a “want-to”?  Do I have the expectation to hear His voice and be changed? What interferes with my time with God? Even “good things” like exercise and time with family can become idols and steal away the time I enjoy with my King.

If I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God do I trust His rule, rein and justice?  Who am I “trying to convince to Christ ”?  Am I manufacturing my witness fretting about what to say, or am I allowing the Spirit to speak for me?

If I trust my King is coming, do I live with hope knowing that whatever the day brings we are one day closer to the consummation of the Kingdom?  When I see suffering, sorrows and violence do I react with compassion but grieve with hope?

The Kingdom of God is now and is coming.  Rejoice sisters your King is coming again!

Doctrine on Judgment of Believers and Unbelievers

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

2 Samuel 6:1- 9

David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand.He and all his men went to Baalahin Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals. When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 

Gods judgment for Uzzah’s sinful act was death.

Have you ever questioned why bad things happen to good people?  Of course you have, I do all the time.  But consider this…what is a “bad thing” and what is “good people”?  As we read this section of scripture on the outside without context we could say, “Wow, what a mean God.  The dude was just trying to help and carry the Ark, the oxen stumbled and he tried to catch it.  And God killed him?!”  But with some history here there important details to consider. First, there is no record that David sought the mind of the Lord in this matter.  Relocating the ark to Jerusalem seemed like a good idea but it doesn’t say that David asked the Lord for His direction.  Second, in verse 3 it says that they used a “new cart” drawn by oxen, this was the pattern of the pagan Philistines, not the pattern given to Moses on Mount Sinai.  Third, in verse 6 when “Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled” and was struck dead for that, the fact is he should’ve known better.  God had warned of touching the ark in Numbers chapter 4.  In fact, there is no evidence that Uzzah was even qualified to be near the ark let alone touch it since he wasn’t a Levite.  Hmmm…good person, bad thing….new perspective? 

So do you judge what is a bad thing or who is good people? Do we have all the facts in every situation to make that claim? 

God is the rightful judge of all people because God created all people and established right and wrong.

So what about you, what about me?  Are we under the judgment of God as believers? Jesus took our deserved judgment but that doesn’t mean we won’t experience consequences for our sins.

Believers experience consequences, not condemnation, now.

Hebrews 12 says that God addresses us as a father addresses his son in saying, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

He goes on to say that this is how we know we are legitimate, true sons and daughters of God our Father.  And that God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

We can rest in the fact that God’s judgment is perfect.  He promised to judge all human activity and choices.  Some we see now, others with be in eternity.  Regardless, we know that for us the believer who desires to love and serve Him, God’s work must be done in God’s way if it is to have God’s blessing.  That’s the lesson I learned from Uzzah. 

Remember that Jesus took our deserved judgement and that should propel us to make our life count.  Does that mean we won’t be disciplined for our sins?  Not at all, as we just read in Hebrews 12.  God’s judgement proves that what we do matters.  God designed his universe so there is a consequence for every action.  He also delights in rewarding His people. 

Remember, God is the rightful judge of all people because He created all people and established right and wrong.  Consider studying the Bible to learn what is God’s definition of right and wrong, bad things, and good people.  Ask for His grace in obtaining that and know His judgment, consequences, and discipline are perfect and always in love.

Doctrine of Reconciliation

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

Reconciliation Defined: describes a work by which parties who are at odds are made one with each other once again.

King David sought peace and unity over power and victory therefore we see reconciliation.

As we read through 2 Samuel 1-4 we see several occasions where David humbled himself, trusted God for His timing in him being king over all Israel without manipulation or self-promotion.  We see in 2 Samuel 2:1 David asking the Lord “what’s next, where do you want me to go?”  This right after 2 Samuel 1:17-27 where David laments for Saul and Jonathan.  He said things such as “Saul and Jonathan—in life they were loved and admired in verse 23 (wait…I understand that about Jonathan but didn’t Saul try to kill you, several times?) Then he respectfully cries “Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold, in verse 24.  At the end he proclaims in verse 27 “How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!”  David’s heart is clear here, he sought peace and unity over power and victory.  Shouldn’t he have been saying.  Woohoo!  Saul is dead…gimmie the crown!? No. that’s what I would’ve been saying.  He was willing to surrender to God’s plan and timing, always looking for reconciliation.

Then we see this same heart that desires reconciliation over personal power with the men of Jabesh Gilead.  If you remember these men were loyal to Saul because he had rescued them from the Ammonites.  They were “Saul’s guys”.  David recognized the brave actions of these men to retrieve the bodies of Saul and Jonathan and bring them back for proper burial.  “He sent messengers to them to say  “The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 2 Samuel 2:4-6.

And the last example…reconciliation with Abner (Saul’s Commanding officer).  When Abner, who had twenty men with him, came to David at Hebron, David prepared a feast for him and his men. 21 Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. 2 Samuel 3:20-21

I am not sure if Abner came with selfish motives but regardless, David accepted the gesture of peace and now Israel and Judah were united.

We can say “atta boy David, good job, proud of you”, but can you imagine how hard all of those instances must have been?  Yes you can because you may have similar that has happened in your life. 

 Reconciliation with others often involves dying to self. 

What expectations of others have you had to let go of so that you are willing and able to forgive?

Because of God’s great grace and mercy towards us, He reconciled us to Him and can empower us to do the same for others.

Chapter 5 of 2 Corinthians reminds us that God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”  Here’s the message we are to proclaim through our life “Be reconciled to God!”

Quick personal story if I may:  Every year for about 15 years I have picked a word for the year.  You may have heard about this.  Basically, in December I begin to pray for one word that God wants me to focus on for the year.  I took this very seriously.  I really sought God for the word and would not tell anyone until I had several confirmations through prayer, scripture and others that it was the word.  One year, at the end of 2008 to be specific, I prayed and God had given me this word “reconcile”. I will be honest, I didn’t understand it at the time.  My husband and I had been separated for 7 years and the end of 2008 marked a full year of that reconciliation so I thought I was a little late with the word but I really felt like this was it.

It wasn’t until on March 8, 2009, 3 months into focusing on the word Reconcile God gave me a greater and deeper meaning.  That’s the day my husband got on his motorcycle, left for work as a FF and was killed by a drunk driver.  God’s message to me with the word reconcile was so much bigger.  The reconciliation of my family was wonderful but what really mattered was James’ full reconciliation to God. 

 2 Cor 5:20. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

There was much glory for God in our reconciled marriage but a greater glory in James being now completely and fully reconciled to God. 

You are Christ’s ambassador.  The dictionary definition of ambassador is: an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.

1 Peter reminds us that we are aliens, foreigners, exiles, we are not of this world.  We have been commissioned as official representatives of heaven.  Be faithful sisters, be reconciled to God then be His ambassador as a representative of heaven.

Doctrine of Humanity – Fall and Judgment

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

Saul ended his career as a fallen king who lost everything.

The end of Saul’s life was not a pretty one unfortunately but by no surprise. I felt since his introduction in 1 Samuel 9 is was not going to end well and it sadly did not.  As we have been doing since the start of the drama of David and Saul lets compare again glory and defeat. 

First Saul.  Turn to 1 Samuel 28:5-6.  This is where Saul freaks out. “When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.  He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.”  Now I am not sure why God did not answer him at this time. Perhaps he was not being “considerate of others and respectful” therefore his prayers were hindered (1 Peter 3:7) or maybe he asked with the “wrong motives” (James 4:3) or maybe he was “cherishing iniquity in his heart” and therefore God wouldn’t listen (Psalm 66:18). 

Regardless, Saul’s life can be somewhat convicting to us as well. 

How long do I wait for God’s answer?  Is my heart right in the asking? Do I run to another source out of impatience? 

It seems that is what Saul did.  As we continue on in the story. He decided to consult a Medium, a big no-no! Interestingly enough God uses his sin to still deliver truth.  1 Samuel 29:17-19 “The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. 19 The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.” And that is exactly what happened.  In the midst of the battle 1 Samuel 31:4-6  Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.”

A sad end to a kings life.  Still hard to read… “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord” 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. 

His death was self-inflected in response to terror of the enemy. 

Deep breath.  That’s tough. 

Humanity’s fall means believers still struggle with a fallen nature.

Let’s look at David where instead of tragedy we see glory. 

Read along with me:  1 Samuel 30:1-6

David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it, and had taken captive the women and everyone else in it, both young and old. They killed none of them, but carried them off as they went on their way.When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

It is that last verse that makes all the difference…1 Samuel 30:6, but David found strength in the Lord his God.  Highlight, star, circle that verse in your Bible.  That’s the key! 

Both men were devastated, the enemy had conquered, everything was taken and now their very lives were about to be taken as well.  Saul apparently tries to connect with God but David? David, found strength in the Lord HIS God. 

You know exactly what I am about to ask you.  It’s the same questions I have been asking myself throughout this whole chapter.  In crisis, when decisions have to be made, when push comes to shove and I am at the end of the road, where do I go?

Humanity’s fall explains the believers struggle to trust God.  Do you struggle to trust God? Don’t be surprised.  We KNOW we can trust Him in our minds, yet we need His help to trust Him.  Sometimes we think if we read enough, pray enough, experience enough we won’t ever struggle to trust enough.  Nope. We want to trust God, and yet we often default to trusting in our own strength, ability, knowledge, friends, past experience, etc. It is a reality of the Fall.  God created a perfect world, sin brought separation from God therefore all people are sinful and face God’s judgment. 

So who’s example of a response to this struggle to trust God do you want to follow?  Saul? Absent and void of God’s voice, direction and purpose therefore absent of comfort, forgiveness and mercy? Or David, directed by God through obedience and suffering for His purpose?

The Doctrine of Sanctification

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

God used David’s experiences to prepare him to be king of Israel.

Two passages in this week’s scripture to focus on.  First, let’s look at 1 Samuel 25:28-31.  This is Abigail speaking in regards to her “fool” husband Nabal.  She starts in 1 Samuel 25:24 “Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him.”  Then she proceeds with her speech of mercy, truth and wisdom.

1 Samuel 25:28-31

“Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live. 29 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel,31 my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.”

God uses every circumstance to sanctify us.

I would like to add, He not only uses every circumstance but every person to sanctify us.  Let me read again verses 29-30.  This time listen for the wisdom in the words Abigail speaks.  Do you think God used her to speak these words for a purpose even beyond that moment?

1 Samuel 25:29-30 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel,31 my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself.

Now let’s read the second focus area of scripture for this doctrine of Sanctification.  Look at 1 Samuel 26:9-11 with me.  While you are turning there I will attempt to bring you back to that scene as well.  David went to check out where Saul and his army commander Abner were camped planning their attack on David near the hill of Hakilah (Ha-ke-lah).  Abishai agreed to go down to the camp where Saul and Abner were sleeping and found Saul with his spear stuck in the ground near his head.

1 Samuel 26:9-11

But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? 10 As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11 But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”

Deja vu? David’s words sound similar to Abigail’s words just a chapter before in regards to her husband Nabal.  Basically she reminded him that even though someone is out to get him, God will not only protect him but avenge Himself on them.  Reminded me of Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

In addition, wisdom says David does not want unnecessary bloodshed on his conscience.  Therefore, as I got from Amy’s lecture “Die to self and live for Christ”. 

Remember this wasn’t the first opportunity David had to take out Saul.  He had that “cut the hem of his robe while he was in the potty opportunity” as well.  Sometimes it takes multiple opportunities, tests, situations to bring us to where God wants us. 

The Holy Spirit constantly, lovingly, graciously works through our circumstances to change us.

Sanctification defined:  A believer’s progressive growth in holiness.

“Be holy as I am holy” says the Lord in Leviticus and reminds us in 1 Peter 1.  Sanctification is not just a good idea, or #goal,  it is a command of God.

So for you, for me, where am I resisting God’s process of sanctification in my life?  Who, have I written off as “sand paper people” and not seen how God is trying to develop patience, and compassion for people using that one person?  We are complete and secure in Christ.  However, we still face situations that help us grow.  Today is the perfect day (the start of a New Year) to submit to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.  As we move into our corporate time of prayer, first “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need”.  Take a minute to ask God for His sanctify work to be accomplished in you this year, forgive us of our pride, unforgiveness, control and idolatry of comfort.  

The Doctrine of Righteousness

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

Righteousness is a moral category and it means just what it sounds like: “right-ness” or “upright moral conduct”.  But the difficulty in not in the definition rather it is in the lack of true or perfect righteousness in me, or you.  Romans 3:10 states that “there is no one righteous, not even one”.  But God understands our failure and has provided His own true righteousness, a perfect righteousness, in place of the righteousness we do not have.  This transaction is called justification, meaning we are made right or just before God on behalf of Jesus. 

My issue falls in the realm of “self-righteousness”.  How about you?  When I understand and walk in God’s righteousness I can freely admit my failures, knowing God’s approval is not based on my perfection.  However, when I am “self-righteous” I place crushing expectations and impossible standards on myself or others. 

It may start something like this in my mind… “at least I am not like….” Self-righteous

Or “I would never act/do/say that….” Self-righteous

Or “ They should have more faith/strength/wisdom… self-righteous

When we start keeping score, judging, or placing expectations on others we are making righteousness our standard instead of God’s standard.  “But I use God’s standard as my standard.”  Goodie for you.  But we don’t know the heart of people and all the circumstances.  So that doesn’t hold water.

Let’s take a recent part of scripture we just read this week:  1 Samuel 21:1-5 When David asked for then ate the consecrated bread from the priest.  I was like “what? David really, that wasn’t yours to eat!  God’s law says that’s a no-no.  But in our questions we were challenged to look at what Jesus said about that same scene in Luke 6:1-5.  Jesus was questioned about his work on the Sabbath and called out the self-righteousness of the Pharisees. 

God’s standard is impossible to meet on our own, we need Him to give us His righteousness.  We receive this through faith in Jesus Christ and grow in this as a believer.

Where are you comparing yourself to others?

Where are you beating yourself up for mistakes, failings or shortcomings?

What impossible standard are you holding yourself or others to?

I will confess, this is my biggest struggle.  I have no problem accepting God’s righteousness for me but trusting it for others is another story.

Be encouraged sister if you feel my pain with the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 7.

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Doctrine: The Cross for the Believer

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

David’s life was at risk because he chose to obey God.  Jonathan put his position at risk to do what was right in God’s eyes.

Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David.  But Jonathan was very fond of David and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you.  Be on your guard in the morning; go into hiding and stay there…” 1Samuel 19:1-3

But David escaped 1 Samuel 19:9-10

Jonathan told David “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you” 1 Samuel 20:4

David gives him instructions of how to test Saul’s anger and inform him of the result at the end of chapter 20.  We know what happens, “Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him ‘You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! …. Send and bring him to me, for he must die! 1 Samuel 20:31

Jonathan repeatedly defended David and God repeatedly protected David despite the many times Saul tried to kill him. 

What is the cross for the believer?

I gave each of you “steps to peace with God”.  This is the tool I used on my deployment to present the Gospel.  I would like for you to look at it as a believer because the same truth that saved you is the same truth that sanctifies you.

Step 1:  God’s purpose is peace and life (turn the page)

Step 2: The problem is separation from God (turn the page)

Our attempts to reach God look like this.

This is where I would like to pause.  We KNOW that all of our attempts to reach God fail.  Remember?  Look at the illustration on the right page. Are you still attempting to reach God? With your good works? Your service? Your morality? (turn the page)

Step 3: God’s Bridge is the Cross.  We KNOW the answer!  We have believed and accepted this gift of salvation…the cross that Jesus died on as a penalty for our sins so we can be forgiven and have relationship with God.  (turn the page)

Step 4: Where are you?  It’s a safe bet that you have “crossed over” but do you sometimes hang out mentally on the other side?  Did you forget the cross?  The cross you carry now.

It was Jesus who said  “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a]will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26

Quick story:  As a chaplain, Sandy and I, the other chaplain were sent to Lonnie’s house.  As the SP workers cleared trees and removed all the mold infested furniture from his home, we chatted.  In addition to the excessive damage to Lonnie’s house he was facing a recent Cancer diagnosis.  As Sandy continue to gently ask him questions and let him tell his story, I prayed.  The Holy spirit prompted me to share “steps to peace with God” with Lonnie.  However, as I turned the pages the Spirit spoke again and said, continue on, be obedient but He will reject me.  And that’s exactly what happened. I have shared this book with numerous people as the Spirit has led me and have left them uncommitted, or resistant to God’s love.  (take up your cross Tina, it’s not about you) Until the next day, I posted the story of Vanessa on the prayer channel.  It was the very next day, that the Holy Spirit would send me someone who would be receptive to the Gospel and would accept Him.  Regardless, I was sent to serve.  You are sent to serve, in your home, in your workplace, with your family, with your neighbors.  

Sisters, Jesus said to take up the cross and follow Him.  Not to work for your salvation…that price has been paid.  He wants us to deny ourselves so we can glorify Him.  Stop asking “what’s in it for me?” Self-denial is greater than any worldly gain because when we deny ourselves, we magnify God.

Doctrine on the Holy Spirit

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

The Holy Spirit departed from Saul and came upon David.

In the Old Testament era, God gave His Holy Spirit to chosen people to enable them to perform special tasks, and God could take the Spirit away as well.  We see this in Chapters 16 and 17 of 1 Samuel.   We saw how God gave the Spirit to Saul and David, then took it away from Saul and gave him a different spirit to torment him.  Be reminded New Testament believer…this was before the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Believers today are under the new covenant, we have the Holy Spirit abiding within forever as God’s seal that we are His children.  However, Ephesians 4:30 instructs us not to grieve the Holy Spirit which in the Greek translates to  “make sorrowful or offend” and 1 Thess. 5:19  says not to quench the Spirit, translated as “extinguish”.  Therefore even though we can “offend” the Spirit and “extinguish the power of the Spirit, we cannot drive Him away as believers.

In John Chapter 15 the disciples were stressed about Jesus trying to tell them that he will soon leave them.  He is preparing them for his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to heaven.  He says in John 15:15-20

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 

You were given a 3 index cards.  On the blank side of each, right one word:  

STRENGTH, EQUIP, EMPOWER,

These terms represent 3 key roles of the Holy Spirit.

I will read 3 verses, one at a time.  See if you can guess which term represents that role of the Spirit.

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.  1 Samuel 16:13

When God anointed David to be king.  His Spirit powerfully can upon him

Look at your cards.  Which role of the Spirit do you hear in that verse?

EQUIP- 1 Samuel 16:13

You have been called by God to serve as a BSF leader.  Take a few seconds to write how you have experienced the equipping of the HS in your leadership?

Next verse:

One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” 1 Samuel 16:18

The Lord worked through David’s music to soothe Saul’s troubled soul.

The word is EMPOWER

Jot down how you see God using your gifting as you serve this class through your role?

Next verse:

The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” 1 Samuel 17:37

David faced Goliath with confidence, knowing the Lord was with him and with Israel. 

The word is STRENGTHEN – 1 Samuel 17:37

What challenges are you facing in your leadership role today?  Jot down a list of what to ask God in helping you preserve through that struggle.

The reason why I had you do this on three cards is because I would like for you to pick one.  The one that resonated most with you.  Put a star or heart on the front, tuck it in your Bible, commit to read that verse again and ask the Holy Spirit to equip, empower or strengthen you. 

Doctrine of Sanctification

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

What is sanctification?  A believer’s progressive growth in holiness.

We just watched the lives of two men and their process of sanctification.  Samuel and Saul.  Samuel was an Ephraimite, born to a faithful women whose heart God changed to desire more than a son but I son she dedicated to the service of the Lord. Saul, was a Benjamite, described as “an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites” in 1 Samuel 9:2.  But, after reading 1 Samuel 9-15 we realize the results of this sanctification are not the same.  I’d rather focus on what was the same through their process however because I think it applies to us today and remember I am that “half full gal”. 

For Samuel: God initiates his connection therefore his sanctification with a voice in his sleep.  Mistaken for his mentor Eli at first, Samuel finally responds, “speak, for your servant is listening.”  Therein, starts the journey for Samuel.  For Saul, it is him “doing his thing,” looking for donkeys at his father’s instruction.  God leads him to Samuel in which He has already instructed Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:16, God said “about this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin.  Anoint him leader over my people Israel”.  Therein, starts the journey for Saul. 

What’s your story?  When did you first sense the presence, the call, the voice of the Lord?  Maybe it was at a presentation of the gospel in a church, on the radio, by a friend or family member.  Perhaps, it was while just “doing your thing” like Saul or “in the dark of night” like Samuel.  Regardless, therein started your journey too.

Several verses in these chapters show us the process of sanctification for Saul.  I’d like to read them in succession.  Then I will ask you, what stood out to you?

The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 1 Samuel 10:6

As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. 10 When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying. 1 Samuel 10:9-10

When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. 1Samuel 11:6

What stood out to you in these verses?  The Lord, the Holy Spirit, it is He that does the work of sanctification

God’s work of sanctification begins the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.  You don’t have to wonder if God is changing you into the image of His Son. He is!

The way sanctification looks varies from one believer to another.

There is no sense in comparing yourself to other believers – God is writing a tailor-made sanctification story for each of His children.

The process of sanctification last a lifetime.

No matter how long you have been a believer, you are still a work in progress.  He loves us too much to leave us as we are.

So do you believe in the process of the Holy Spirit sanctifying you and others?  Perhaps in ourselves we can see it and believe it but how about those around you?  Your husband? Your children? The women in your group or the children you teach?  Ask yourselves this:  Do I gladly submit to and obey God in difficulty because I trust He is changing me or others to be more like Jesus?  Do I spend my efforts trying to control and change others around me because I think God needs my help?

With those two questions, spend a moment in prayer to the Lord silently.  Consider praising Him for the sanctifying work He has already done in you and where you may need to allow Him to do that work in others.

Doctrine of Repentance

(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)

In 1 Samuel 4 the Ark was captured which was a catalyst for the death of Eli, both of his sons and one of their wives.  In Chapter 5 the Philistines experienced the “heavy hand of the Lord” with afflictions of tumors and death.  In Chapter 6 the Ark was returned to Israel.  I’d like to focus on Chapter 7 where we see the doctrine of Repentance.

1 Samuel Chapter 7:2-6

The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. Then all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord. So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the Lord only.

Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the Lord for you.” When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader[a] of Israel at Mizpah.

God promised to deliver the Israelites from their enemies, the Philistines, if they would repent of their idolatry and return to Him.

We see 3 possible applications of repentance in this section of scripture:

First: There can be no repentance without the work of the Holy Spirit.

In verse 3 Samuel instructs the Israelites, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only” He gives clear instruction.

As a teacher, I give instructions all day long.  The other day a couple of my high school boys were walking around the classroom.  I found myself saying, “Josh, sit”, “Daniel, stay”, “Jack, look.”  I felt like I was training my dog!  I had to chuckle at myself as they did as well.  We hear instructions all day long, as adults we know our responsibilities and what is right and wrong for the most part but do we obey.  It is the work of the Holy Spirit to instruct, convict and therefore cause the repentance.  The Israelites knew they should “not have any other gods before Him”.  That is Judiasm 101! What Samuel was saying was not new, but they needed that reminder and the opportunity for the Holy Spirit (the Truth) to work them to repentance.

There can be no repentance without the work of the Holy Spirit.

Second: Repentance includes contrition for our sin.

In verse 6 it says they poured out water, fasted and confessed “we have sinned against the Lord”. 

Do you remember when you would get in trouble for hitting your sister when your parents weren’t looking?  And mom would say, “apologize to your sister”, and you would say “sorry”.  You didn’t mean it.  You were just trying to get out of further punishment from your parents.  Well, God is smarter than your parents.  Repentance includes contrition from our sin.  God takes sin seriously.  So much so that He knows the ultimate consequence, separation from Him, therefore He sent His son Jesus to die for our sins to pay that penalty and give us freedom in relationship with Him.  Where have you said, “sorry” but didn’t actually mean it? What areas of your life have you not repented therefore not received the forgiveness that comes from the penalty Christ paid for you?

Repentance includes contrition for our sin.

Third: The process of repentance is completed through conversion from sin.

One of my greatest memories in life, is crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I had crossed many finish lines in my life but this one was special.  It was 90 plus degrees that year (very unseasonably hot!) and many did not finish due to heat exhaustion.  The side of the roads leading to the finish line were littered with collapsed elite runners.  But I had an advantage…I was trained…running in the heat was my norm and although I struggled immensely, I finished! That 7 hour finish felt even better than faster races because of the struggle to get there.

The process of repentance is completed through conversion from sin. What race have you been running?  What struggles have you preserved through and now overcome?  What sins of your flesh have you left on the side of the road by the grace of God? Did you receive the prize? Our loving and forgiving Father is always ready to receive us when we turn to Him in repentance therefore, turn to him with His arms open wide, without delay and receive the victory (the bill had been paid

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