Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you as king over His people, over Israel; now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’” 1 Samuel 15:1-3
So Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt. He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. 1 Samuel 15:7-9
Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He has also rejected you from being king.
1 Samuel 15:22-23
Partial obedience is not obedience. It is rebellion that turns aside to selfish desires while ignoring the wishes of those in authority over us. At first glance rebellion may appear insignificant, but don’t be fooled. The roots of rebellion grow quickly and run deep.
God directed Saul to destroy the Amalikites. However, when the dust on the battlefield settled, Saul and his army had spared the Amalekite king and the best of his flocks. With disobedience now standing between him and God, Saul tried in vain to explain his actions. He claimed he saved the best of the spoil as a sacrifice to God, but the true intent of Saul’s heart was selfish gain. This one act of rebellion cost him the throne. Years later, it cost Israel the lives of some of its strongest fighting men.
Ultimately all rebellion circumvents God’s control even though its aim is usually directed at human authority. It quenches our fellowship with God and derails His blessings. You may think your rebellion is justifiable, but God never blesses anything that contradicts His will. Rebellion is always at enmity with God.
Ask Him to surface any hidden rebellion within your heart. When we come to Him in repentance, He always responds in love and grace.
Whenever we pursue what God forbids, we are rebelling.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Don’t Open the Door
“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?” 1 Corinthians 10:14-22
The believer is firmly if reluctantly engaged in spiritual warfare with Satan and his demons. Although you are no longer under the devil’s mastery, you are not immune to his plots and schemes. The battle is not one of possession, for you belong to Christ alone, but for control. It is not one of destiny, for your future with Christ in heaven is secure, but for daily victory.
What the adversary seeks is an opening he can build a spiritual stronghold from and influence your thoughts and actions for evil. You can be giving demonic forces unnecessary inroads into your life by participating in questionable activities - watching movies overloaded with sensuality or horror, reading materials laced with raucous references to a carnal lifestyle, listening to music with lyrics promoting lewdness and rebellion.
This is not an attempt to be legalistic. Anything that usurps Christ’s role as Lord in your life, competing for your devotion and time, can likewise be fodder for demonic activity. The important issue is to examine your life, asking God to reveal any area of thought or deed that could give Satan and his powers opportunity for a damaging influence.
“For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe...On earth is not his equal.” -Martin Luther
The believer is firmly if reluctantly engaged in spiritual warfare with Satan and his demons. Although you are no longer under the devil’s mastery, you are not immune to his plots and schemes. The battle is not one of possession, for you belong to Christ alone, but for control. It is not one of destiny, for your future with Christ in heaven is secure, but for daily victory.
What the adversary seeks is an opening he can build a spiritual stronghold from and influence your thoughts and actions for evil. You can be giving demonic forces unnecessary inroads into your life by participating in questionable activities - watching movies overloaded with sensuality or horror, reading materials laced with raucous references to a carnal lifestyle, listening to music with lyrics promoting lewdness and rebellion.
This is not an attempt to be legalistic. Anything that usurps Christ’s role as Lord in your life, competing for your devotion and time, can likewise be fodder for demonic activity. The important issue is to examine your life, asking God to reveal any area of thought or deed that could give Satan and his powers opportunity for a damaging influence.
“For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe...On earth is not his equal.” -Martin Luther
Friday, April 13, 2012
When Facing Temptation
“Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.’ Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
At times, doesn’t it seem so easy to do wrong and so hard to do right? Temptation lures us and we rush to enjoy its enticing pleasure. Satan’s snares are attractively adorned and seem so appealing. Yet God says He will deliver us from evil, keep us from succumbing to temptation, and guard us from capitulating to our lusts.
That seems easier said than done at first glance; but if we hold strong to this truth, we can defuse much of the tempter’s weaponry. We have been crucified with Christ; we can reckon ourselves dead to sin and obey God despite strong emotions to do otherwise. That is not just theology. It is supernatural truth that will bring victory over temptation. At the cross, your old man controlled by sin was crucified. When you received Christ, you became a new man, a new creation in Christ.
Although you still have the inclination to sin, you are not under its power. Its hold has been broke, and Christ is now Lord of your life. By faith, you can count yourself dead to sin and temptation and reckon on God’s power to keep you. Ignore feelings. Refute lies. Reject false reasoning. You are a new person in Christ, and you can act like it by daily yielding yourself to the Savior. Hang on to this truth. God will keep you.
“...but with the temptation [God] will provide the way of escape...” 1 Cor. 10:13
At times, doesn’t it seem so easy to do wrong and so hard to do right? Temptation lures us and we rush to enjoy its enticing pleasure. Satan’s snares are attractively adorned and seem so appealing. Yet God says He will deliver us from evil, keep us from succumbing to temptation, and guard us from capitulating to our lusts.
That seems easier said than done at first glance; but if we hold strong to this truth, we can defuse much of the tempter’s weaponry. We have been crucified with Christ; we can reckon ourselves dead to sin and obey God despite strong emotions to do otherwise. That is not just theology. It is supernatural truth that will bring victory over temptation. At the cross, your old man controlled by sin was crucified. When you received Christ, you became a new man, a new creation in Christ.
Although you still have the inclination to sin, you are not under its power. Its hold has been broke, and Christ is now Lord of your life. By faith, you can count yourself dead to sin and temptation and reckon on God’s power to keep you. Ignore feelings. Refute lies. Reject false reasoning. You are a new person in Christ, and you can act like it by daily yielding yourself to the Savior. Hang on to this truth. God will keep you.
“...but with the temptation [God] will provide the way of escape...” 1 Cor. 10:13
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Wonder of Salvation
“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Christians use the word salvation so often and so casually that they fail to grasp its radical power and meaning. Nothing compares to the wonder of salvation. It is the single most significant event in the life of a person.
When you were saved, you were delivered from the dominion of death and given eternal life. Before salvation, man and God are separated, severed by sin and destined for an eternity of lostness and alienation. But a man saved from sin is made alive with the life of God. Death is conquered and the gift of eternal life bequeathed.
When you were saved, you were delivered from the dominion of Satan to the dominion of God. The unsaved person is held captive by Satan. It can be a pleasant captivity on earth, enjoying the lot of material prosperity; but death reveals the mastery of Satan. Christ is the divine deliverer.
When you were saved, you were delivered from meaninglessness to meaning. Life has purpose. You do all for Christ’s glory and Christ brings His wisdom, counsel, and power to bear in your daily duties and decisions. Both good and evil work to make you like Jesus.
Ponder the greatness of your salvation, and you will seldom neglect the opportunity to share Christ.
“...by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Christians use the word salvation so often and so casually that they fail to grasp its radical power and meaning. Nothing compares to the wonder of salvation. It is the single most significant event in the life of a person.
When you were saved, you were delivered from the dominion of death and given eternal life. Before salvation, man and God are separated, severed by sin and destined for an eternity of lostness and alienation. But a man saved from sin is made alive with the life of God. Death is conquered and the gift of eternal life bequeathed.
When you were saved, you were delivered from the dominion of Satan to the dominion of God. The unsaved person is held captive by Satan. It can be a pleasant captivity on earth, enjoying the lot of material prosperity; but death reveals the mastery of Satan. Christ is the divine deliverer.
When you were saved, you were delivered from meaninglessness to meaning. Life has purpose. You do all for Christ’s glory and Christ brings His wisdom, counsel, and power to bear in your daily duties and decisions. Both good and evil work to make you like Jesus.
Ponder the greatness of your salvation, and you will seldom neglect the opportunity to share Christ.
“...by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Looking at the Ministry
“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:16-18
Evangelism tends to be looked upon as a church-sponsored activity channeled through the appropriate departments. Certainly the church is responsible to lead and teach individuals to effectively share their faith. But instruction on this level is not usually enduring unless the catalyst is the inner transformation of the believer.
Paul was “under compulsion” to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16). True, he was called as an apostle; but it is also true we are called as disciples of Christ. Our eagerness to share His life with others should be just as intense as that of the apostles. Is there a sense of compelling in your life to make Christ known to others? Do you have an inner drive to proclaim Christ through word and deed, motivated by devotion to Jesus Christ?
This is the biblical pattern for evangelism - people who love Jesus Christ and willingly share that love in relevant ways. It may not always be by quoting Scripture or handing out a tract, but by loving deeds (mowing a yard, babysitting a child, cooking a meal) that demonstrate God’s concern. If fear quenches the fire within, just take one small step to release God’s love to someone. God will show you the way.
“Preach the gospel. Use words when necessary.” -St. Augustine
Evangelism tends to be looked upon as a church-sponsored activity channeled through the appropriate departments. Certainly the church is responsible to lead and teach individuals to effectively share their faith. But instruction on this level is not usually enduring unless the catalyst is the inner transformation of the believer.
Paul was “under compulsion” to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16). True, he was called as an apostle; but it is also true we are called as disciples of Christ. Our eagerness to share His life with others should be just as intense as that of the apostles. Is there a sense of compelling in your life to make Christ known to others? Do you have an inner drive to proclaim Christ through word and deed, motivated by devotion to Jesus Christ?
This is the biblical pattern for evangelism - people who love Jesus Christ and willingly share that love in relevant ways. It may not always be by quoting Scripture or handing out a tract, but by loving deeds (mowing a yard, babysitting a child, cooking a meal) that demonstrate God’s concern. If fear quenches the fire within, just take one small step to release God’s love to someone. God will show you the way.
“Preach the gospel. Use words when necessary.” -St. Augustine
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Limits of Our Liberty
“Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
The Mississippi River begins as a tiny trickle of fresh water in northern Minnesota and sweeps down through the American plains as one of the largest rivers on earth. Running 2,470 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, it surges with industry, supplies drinking water to many communities, and serves as the watershed for middle America. Its powerful currents are constrained by an elongated levee system that keeps the river within its banks, making it a productive channel of commerce. If the river had no banks, it would be useless.
The fruitful Christian is likewise one whose life knows certain restraints. Although we are freed from the enslaving power of sin and death, we live within certain God-given limits. Our limits are placed by God to deepen our spiritual life, not to suppress it. Biblical injunctions or circumstances that hem us in are placed there by God to cut deep channels for the life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t look at the commands of Scriptures in a confining context but as spiritual levees God can use to make your life productive. The commands of Scripture are not negotiable. Don’t fight them but accept them as God’s wise boundaries that keep you out of harm’s way and make you a conduit of blessing to others.
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...” Colossians 3:16
However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
The Mississippi River begins as a tiny trickle of fresh water in northern Minnesota and sweeps down through the American plains as one of the largest rivers on earth. Running 2,470 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, it surges with industry, supplies drinking water to many communities, and serves as the watershed for middle America. Its powerful currents are constrained by an elongated levee system that keeps the river within its banks, making it a productive channel of commerce. If the river had no banks, it would be useless.
The fruitful Christian is likewise one whose life knows certain restraints. Although we are freed from the enslaving power of sin and death, we live within certain God-given limits. Our limits are placed by God to deepen our spiritual life, not to suppress it. Biblical injunctions or circumstances that hem us in are placed there by God to cut deep channels for the life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t look at the commands of Scriptures in a confining context but as spiritual levees God can use to make your life productive. The commands of Scripture are not negotiable. Don’t fight them but accept them as God’s wise boundaries that keep you out of harm’s way and make you a conduit of blessing to others.
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...” Colossians 3:16
Monday, April 9, 2012
Marriage and Divorce
“But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband (but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.” 1 Corinthians 7:8-11
In gospel of Mark, we find the Pharisees confronting Jesus over the issue of divorce. Even before He answered their question, He knew it was a trap. Roman rule gave full support of divorce as did the Jewish leaders.
While divorce was common, it was also controversial. No matter how Jesus answered, someone would be displeased. After a short exchange with temple officials, Christ went straight to the crux of the issue: “Because of your hardness of heart [Moses] wrote you this commandment [or allowed you to divorce]. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female....What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Mark 10:5-9).
The issue was not a certificate of divorce; it was the heart of mankind. God never wants us to face the hurt and loneliness of divorce. His perfect plan is for us to experience unhindered purity in love for one another. But our self-centered passions often win out, and God’s design for marriage is altered.
Only Jesus can heal the wounds of divorce. Only God can restore the innocent love we once knew. Won’t you bring your brokenness to Him? He heals the broken-hearted.
“It is not love that sustains marriage, but marriage that sustains love.” -Larry Christenson
In gospel of Mark, we find the Pharisees confronting Jesus over the issue of divorce. Even before He answered their question, He knew it was a trap. Roman rule gave full support of divorce as did the Jewish leaders.
While divorce was common, it was also controversial. No matter how Jesus answered, someone would be displeased. After a short exchange with temple officials, Christ went straight to the crux of the issue: “Because of your hardness of heart [Moses] wrote you this commandment [or allowed you to divorce]. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female....What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Mark 10:5-9).
The issue was not a certificate of divorce; it was the heart of mankind. God never wants us to face the hurt and loneliness of divorce. His perfect plan is for us to experience unhindered purity in love for one another. But our self-centered passions often win out, and God’s design for marriage is altered.
Only Jesus can heal the wounds of divorce. Only God can restore the innocent love we once knew. Won’t you bring your brokenness to Him? He heals the broken-hearted.
“It is not love that sustains marriage, but marriage that sustains love.” -Larry Christenson
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