Jude verse 4 "Buyer" aka Christian Beware

Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!

  Wow!  Is God great, greater, the greatest!?!  When the Spirit of God is moving NOTHING, no, NOTHING can stop it.  God comes to us as a whisper, as a blowing wind, or in a silent mode; we just have to be receptive and accept what HE sends our way.

  Just to bring a reminder of something you already know, when judgment day comes you and I will stand before the living God and be held accountable for everything we ever did or did not do, for all we have said or did not say, and for our very obedience.

   Obedience?  Oh, I am obedient.  I go to church every Sunday, pray before meals, I am obedient.  Huh?  What?  Well, do you share the word of God, do you read your Bible, do you curse, drink too much, eat too much, help others in need, or do you DISTORT the WORD OF GOD to fit your lifestyle.  Instead, your lifestyle should be molded to the WORD of GOD.  We have to BEWARE!!

   Jude verse 4 - "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our GOD into lasciviousness, and denying the only LORD GOD, and our LORD JESUS CHRIST."   

    Okay, let's break this down.  Certain men crept in unawares - these are men and women who proclaim the truth, come in, get into positions of leadership in a church and twist the Bible's teaching to justify their own opinions. Whoa! Do you see this in politics - all sides?!?

    Many first-century false teachers were teaching that Christians could do whatever they liked without fear of God's punishment.  Wrong view of God's Holiness and justice.

   When you look at "old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men" - these men were standing under the Old Testament and not standing under faith and salvation through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour.

   If you look at "turning the grace of our GOD into lasciviousness-- turning here i Greek means "transfer" but this is negative transfer and misapplying the grace of GOD.   They were teaching, preaching, spreading the word that we could do what we want (live immoral lives) and still enjoy forgiveness.  In doing so it is obvious that these people deny the"only LORD GOD, and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

   Feel good churches, do as you wish and be forgiven churches are wonderful TOOLS OF SATAN!  Yes, we are forgiven, but not if we willing, openly, and defiantly are disobedient to the Word of God.

    Those who truly have faith will show it by their deep respect for GOD ad their sincere desire to live according to the principles in his WORD!  Thank you for reading,  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. Jude is short but has lots of good information

Jude verse 3

Good morning to all you fellow Christians.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BE BLESSED AS YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD!!!

  Last night at a revival I heard an excellent message that should ring a bell for us all. Jude 1:3 "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints." 

   What is going on in this verse?  Jude emphasizes the important relationship between correct doctrine and true faith.  The very truth of the Bible must not, let me say this again, MUST NOT BE COMPROMISED, twisted or manipulated.  

  When we do it becomes confusing about what is right and wrong and then we lose sight of the only path that leads to eternal life.

   It is important we CONTEND for the faith as the verse says.  A great illustration given was boxing.  When you are boxing and trying to work your way to be the world champion in your weight bracket you are a CONTENDER.  Meaning, you are in the fight but not at the top as of yet.

   We, as Christians, need to be contenders of the faith.  We are not there yet but WE MUST SHARE and fight for the truth of salvation.  If we do not share because of the many reasons, number one being fear of what people will think, we will never get there.

   It matters not what others think, only what God thinks of you.  FEAR is a factor that will turn you away from sharing eternal life news with others.  I would encourage you to go forth with the full body of armour and tell others about how great your living God is.  Please read verse 3 again and be a contender. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Malachi 3:13-18

Good morning to all my friends out there.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

   Have you taken a good look around,  I mean a really good look at where you live, the USA, the world?  It seems to have gone topsy-turvy.

  Malachi 3:13 begins with what society seems to be doing to God, to Christians through out the world.  3:13"You have said terrible things about me," says the LORD.

14 You have said, "What's the use of serving God?  What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the LORD of Heaven's Armies that we are sorry for our sins? 

  15 From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm."

  16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said.  In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

  17 They will be my people, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure.  I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.

  18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

    Wowsers!!!   Verses 13-15 describe the people's arrogant attitude toward God.  When people ask what is the use of serving God, they usually mean, "WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO FOR ME?   The focus here is SELFISHNESS!!!  We should be asking WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO FOR GOD!!!   We should and must serve GOD just because HE is GOD and deserves to be served.

  In verse 16 God will remember those who remain faithful to him and who love, fear, honor, and respect Him.

  Verse 17 should make you burst and jump with joy.  God's special treasure are those faithful to him.  1 Peter 2:9 tells us" believers are God's very own possession.  A question to ask yourself, your family, friends and neighbors -- Have you committed your life to God for safekeeping?

   Thanks for reading. Love you all.  Forgive yourself, pray for others, thank God for your salvation.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is in the heart? The tongues reveals ones heart!!

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED by the Grace of God.

  One of the devotionals I receive spoke of the tongue and how it cannot be tamed as it spews what is in the heart.  James 3:8 "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

  In 1 Samuel 25 verse 1 we are told Samuel dies.  All Israel lamented him as did David. They buried Samuel, then David rose and went to the wilderness of Paran.

  This is where David encountered Nabal.  Nabal was a man of means with 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats; and he was shearing in Carmel.  To his credit he had a good wife named Abigail who was also of beautiful countenance.  However, Nabal was churlish and evil in his doings.  Hmmm!

   David heard Nabal was shearing sheep and sent his messengers with a message to Nabal. In verse 17 it states Nabal was a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.         When given the message which was greetings and of blessings; he responded with ugliness and evil.  When the messengers reported this to David he told his men to Gird ye on every man his sword.  David is headed to defeat and kill Nabal.

   However, in the mean time a young man told Abigail, Nabal's wife, how well David's men had treated them and they were safe with them.  This promoted Abigail to action. She loaded and took provisions to David: 200 loaves, 2 bottles of wine, 5 sheep ready dressed, 5 measures of parched corn, 100 clusters of raisins, 200 cakes of figs!  She did not tell Nabal.

   When she came to David she bowed and fell before David on her knees.  She spoke and pleaded with David telling him not to regard this man of Belial. (Belial means worthless or wicked).  She asked forgiveness for trespassing in her words to David.  David did not attack or defeat Nabal.

   The story is not over yet.  Abigail was at the feast Nabal held in his house where he ate and drank merrily to the point of drunkness.  The next morning Abigail told him of her actions and Nabal's heart died within hi and he becames a stone.  verse 38 "And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, and he died.

  When David heard this he said, "Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head."

  David sent and communed with Abigail to take her to him to wife.  The messengers went to Abigail, she followed and did become David's wife.  

   Wow!  Then the last verse David takes Ahinoam of Jezreel also as his wife.  In the meantime, Saul gave Micah, his daughter and David's wife, to Phalti, the son of Laish which was of Gallim.

   Sounds like a verse from Harper Valley PTA. lol  What a tangled web is being woven. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Your relationship with Christ

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Too blessed to complain!!!!!

   I have been studying David, his relationship with God and how he waivers-- strong and faithful and then fearful and questioning.

   There is a sign that says "I got over fear when I got over myself", which often is the case.  When one thinks about this, thinks about the world we live in, and the redefinition of right and wrong, often it will bring about doubt.  Doubt is a great tool of satan - I call this "satan's doubt darts".

   We have to stand firm in our Christian belief.  This world is not democrat, republican, liberal, atheists, Marxist, or anything else.  This world is God's world and so often we forget, we abuse, we do not stand up for Christian values BECAUSE we are "fearful" of the retribution of society.

    A great quote is: "The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think" and following that is "One of the greatest mental freedoms is truly not caring what others think of you".

   If you look at Psalm 118:8 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man".  Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe".

  All of this has to do with faith and your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Do you visit church, OR do you go to help and be inspired?

   Are you just dating Christ or are you married to Christ?

Take a look from a mirrors stand point -- do you really know this person looking back at you, OR, are you and that reflection just going through the motions?

  Question:  Where do you stand today in your relationship with God?  Sinking sand or solid rock?  Only 1 person knows the truth and that is you.

   In Closing I just ask that you pray for me as will I for you - that we stand firm on the solid rock of Jesus Christ fully clothed in the armour of God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

David spares Saul's life, speaks to him, and........

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Be a child of God today and make someone smile because of the good you offered unto them.

   Okay, Chapter 24 is quite interesting with a turn  of events.  Saul returned from following the Philistines and heard David was in the wilderness of En-gedi, so, there he went with 3,000 hand picked men.

    Saul come to the sheepcotes by the way where there was a cave and went in to cover his feet.  Now these 2 terms are quite interesting - sheepcotes and to cover his feet.   First, a sheepcotes is a place where a shepherd would take his flock to keep safe overnight in a cave.  That is okay and interesting in itself.  Then, to cover his feet--well--this has a total different meaning.  To cover his feet means he went in to relieve himself (aka go to the bathroom).  And, it is thought in ancient times they would do this to keep "it" (you know what I mean) off your feet.  Whew! Now that we are past that let us continue.

   David and his men were in the sides of the cave and his men encourage David to kill Saul while he had the chance.  David said he would not but he did cut off the skirt of Saul's robe.  Then, after Saul left, David felt remorseful, told his men to stay and he went out and called to the king.

   Saul turned and listened to David who explained what he had done and Saul knew David could have killed him at that time.  Basically Saul said David was a better man than he and chapter 24 verse 19 "For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away?  wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day".  

    Then Saul goes on to say that he knows David will surely be king and the kingdom of Israel shall be established in his hand.  Saul asks "that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house". Saul left and went home, David and his men gat them up unto the hold.  Yes, they stayed there.   Very interesting.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. show grace to someone today as did David to Saul

David saves Keliah, Saul still chases David .

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!!

   Today is MLK Day and many places are closed, specially if they are federal or state agencies.  Many children enjoy the day because NO SCHOOL!  Who is Martin L. King?  Many do not know, they only know they get the day off or our of school.  Where is our American History?

   Okay, 1 Samuel 23.  David and his mighty band of men hear that Keliah is being overrun by the Philistines.  David takes a consultation with God to know if they should go help the Keliah's.  God says yes; the men are afraid, David returns to God, God says yes.  They go and defeat the Philistines and save Keliah.

   Well, a little birdie tells Saul David and his men are in Keliah and Saul says ah-ha - let me pursue him and kill him.  They take off. In the meantime David asks God if the peoples of Keliah with save him, God says no, David and his men flee.

  Now David's group of men have grown from over 300 to over 600 men.  So they take off. They went into a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph.  Oops, Saul heard.  David met with Jonathan, Saul's son and they made a covenant before the LORD.  Then here come the birdies again - the Ziphities to Saul.  They know where David is.  Saul tell them to bring him more information of where David is, then he takes off again.

  Now, David and his men are in the wilderness of Maon.  Saul hears and goes that way.  Saul went to this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain; and David made hast to get away for fear of Saul.

   Then a messenger came to Saul saying Haste thee, and come; the Philistines have invaded the land.  Saul quit pursuing David and went against the Philistines.  Then they called this place Sela-ham-mahlekoth because of the great chasm that was between Saul and David. (1 Samuel 26:13)

   Just a side note.  The Philistines must have been many OR they multiplied faster than rats or rabbits.  It seems they were always fighting and killing Philistines, yet the Philistines kept coming back for more.  Maybe the Philistines elevator did not go all the way to the top.  

    So, David is safe for a while.  David seems to go to the LORD at certain times, then he lets fear direct his path other times.  When we go to chapter 24 we will see more.  Thank you for reading. I do hope you are gaining as much from this as I.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Saul has really lost it! 1 Samuel 22:6-23

Good morning everyone!  God is not just good, but great, excellent - all the time.  With all the greatness around us - how could anyone think their is not a GOD!??

   Well, here we go.  When David saw the priest, Ahimelech, Saul's chief herdsman - Doeg was there and reported back to Saul.

   Now in verses 6-8 Saul is having a pity party and he is the guest of honor. He says David cannot give you anything indicating Saul could and went on to believe they conspired against him.  He says even his son has an alliance with David. Saul is not happy, fussing at his servants, mad at his son and hates David.

   Oh, then speaks up Doeg who tells Saul that Ahimelech, high priest and son of Ahitub gave David bread and a sword.  At this Saul is furious and rounds up the priest.  He accuses Ahimelech of conspiring against him.  Ahimelech answered Saul saying basically there is none more faithful than David.  He goes at Saul's bidding  and is honourable in his house, plus he is Saul's son in law.

   Saul does not like what Ahimelech said and ordered his servants to kill the priest and his family.  Yet, the servants picked up no arms against the priest.  Then steps in Doeg. Saul turns to him and says: "turn thou, and fall upon the priests."  Doeg, the Edomite slew fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.  Ones wearing a linen ephod are priests and he slew 85 of them. 

  So, did he stop there?  No, in verse 19 "And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen and asses and sheep, with the edge of the sword."  It was a slaughter and completely sanctioned by King Saul.

   However, one of Ahimelech's sons, Abiathar, escaped and fled to David. He shared with David all that happened and David said he knew when he saw Doeg there he would surely tell Saul.  At this point David kept Abiathar with him for safety.

   Wow!  What a detrimental thing jealousy, envy, and hatred can be.  People died because of one man's insecurities, faults, and failures.  Life is this way.  Ever be with someone that always cuts you down to make themselves look better.  Well, that may be the Saul in your life.

  David's advantage is God is on his side.  That, too, my friend, is our advantage!  God is on our side.  We just have to be still, listen, and obey. Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

David, in rejection, gather his (rejected) mighty men 1 Samuel 22:1-5

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF!!!

  1 Samuel 22 we see here that David has fled from Saul and hid in a cave Adullam.  When his brethren and family heard this they went to be with him.  What is interesting is how God works.  Here David is alone and running for his life.  His family hears and comes, but not only his family.  Others came and they were not exactly the desirable ones you would normally choose.

   The ones that came were in distress, in debt, discontented, and they all gathered together going to David.  Here now, David becomes the captain over them.  When they all came there were about 400 men.

  Then David went to Mizpeh of Moab and asked the king of Moab if his parents could stay there until he sees what God wants with him.  The king agreed and his parents dwelt there while David was in this hold.

   Now we start to see God's hand at work as the prophet Gad comes to David, tells him to leave the hold and go into the land of Judah  David then departed and went into the forest of Hareth.

   What do we see thus far in this about David?  First, he fled from Saul in fear.  May I remind us all fear is a tool of satan.  David's courage and faith were being tested and just outside the door.  We can run from God, but we can't hide. So David is running, feels somewhat safe, and asks for sanctuary for his parents and gets it.  Then a prophet Gad comes to David.  Do you think this is just an error?  NO!  God is definitely involved.  God is not through with David.  

   All these people coming to be under David's command shows God will do works through David and this obviously gives David some of his courage and faith back.

  Often we are this way.  We wane from God and then we don't understand and often want to blame God.  No, if we walk in God's will things will be okay; it may not be the smooth interstate we want; maybe a little bumpy, but it will be right.

   God knows; we guess; God guides; we follow- then it will be okay.  Hope this makes sense to you all.  Thank you for reading and may your day be wonderful and blessed. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Saul and David - my perspective

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

   Sometimes we forget, we trek out on our own and forget who is in control, and what HE will do for us.  GOD never forgets us.  He loves us all and wishes none to perish.

  Saul and David were men who were chosen by God. Saul, as a godly man was ok (just like the commercials) but a man with many doubts.  As the leader of a nation, Israel, this showed when he and his armies were afraid of Goliath.  If he had stood firm in God's grace he would have went forth and  slain Goliath.

  However, they all quivered in fear until this mere shell of a man, a boy named David showed up.  David did not understand why the armies were afraid because God was on their side.  With his faith and courage David slew Goliath.

   Now, here we are in 1 Samuel.  Saul is overcome with jealously, envy, and hatred toward David whom he once loved.  Why?  Because when the women sang Saul has killed thousands and David ten thousands, Saul heard this and satan saw  a great opening and took it - jealously, envy, hatred.

   Now both men are on the run.  David to save his own life and Saul to kill David.  The faith and courage of David seems to wane here and will not change until he comes back into the fold of God.

   Saul on the other hand has let satan have a foothold and sees nothing but red rage and wants nothing more than to see David dead.  Why? Why?  Saul is afraid of losing something material -- his position as king of Israel.  He sees it lost for him and his son Jonathan and is angry.

   How often do we lose our faith and courage in God.  We, especially men, want to FIX IT!  When in reality we need to leave the situation alone, and as my wife has told me many times:  LET GO - - LET GOD!!!

   It is difficult but true.  We should go from our head to our knees before the LORD, lay it all out, and then  LET GO!!!   I have situations in my life that I would love to snap my fingers and fix - BUT - it is not for me to fix, SOOOO, it is prayer time.  Not a passing prayer of oh, here God take this. But a true honest prayer laying my heart out before the LORD. 

   If you have something today I would encourage you to take a moment, lay it all out before the LORD and spend time in your prayer place.  Please pray for me as I will for you.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Oh how our faith can waiver! David is an example!

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Well, as we read about David, specially in Sunday School and Church, we learn of a man of God who defeated a giant all in faith.  We also learn he fell to lustful temptations with Bathsheba.  Let us go to 1 Samuel chapter 21 and see David in another light.

   Now David who only by doing good for King Saul, is now hated by Saul.  In chapter 21 we will see that he went to Ahimelech and spoke to the priest, actually lied to the priest to get food and a weapon.  What is going on here?  David is running in fear; faith in God and his courage failed him at this point.

   Then he leaves and goes to Achish, the king of Gath.  But, he changed his behaviour before them and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.  Why did David do this?  FEAR!!!!

   Achish said this man is mad, why have you brought him to me.  I don't need a mad man, I don't want him in my house.

  Let's back up a bit, while David was in Ahimelech there also was Doeg, the chief herdsman of Saul.  Obviously he reported back to Saul what happened and Saul sent a message.  And what was this message?

   Doeg slew the high priest Ahimelech at Nob, with all the priests to a total of 85.  This looks as if it is all Saul, but David has let his courage and faith put others in peril.  Faith is simple, however, so often we either make it hard or forget it.  Here is a man of God creating a lot of collateral damage by his actions outside of God.

    How often do we do this.  This is a good lesson for us all to take in. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and grace

Johnny

Think YOU have PROBLEMS? David really did!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU, YES YOU ARE BLESSED!  WHY?  Because GOD LOVES YOU!!

   I have been studying King Saul and David in 1 Samuel.  Now, as you recall, David came and did many things for Saul.  He played the lyre to soothe him, killed Goliath to defeat the Philistines, then led men into battle killing 10's of thousands.  Oops, did you say 10's of thousands?  Yep!  That is when his troubles began.

    King Saul heard the women singing Saul has killed thousands - and at this he took pride.  BUT, when they continued singing that David had killed 10's of thousands Saul's pride was struck and he became jealous, envious, angry and totally upset at this.

   So, now Saul is wanting to rid himself of David, who has done nothing but be obedient and loyal to Saul.  Again, you think you have problems----the highest power in the land, the king, is after you and determined to kill you.  When I look at this my knee ache, bad ache, disagreement with the spouse, car repairs, or whatever pale in comparison to what David is going through.

   In Chapter 20 David has to meet with Saul on the monthly meeting and if he fails to attend Saul has more reason to attack him. He talks to Jonathan and devise a plan to not eat with the king at the new moon with the excuse he had to go to Bethlehem on family business.  Saul was enraged and Saul said to Jonathan: "Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou has chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?  For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom.  Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me for he shall surely die."

   Jonathan asked Saul why David should die.  This is when Saul threw the javelin at Jonathan with the intent to smite him.  Jonathan left the table, not eating on the second day of the month as he grieved for David and his father had shamed him.

    Now he goes to the field with arrows to complete the plan he and David had set in motion to know if it was safe for David or danger was lurking.  Danger was lurking via Saul, David and Jonathan prayed and wept together then separated with Jonathan telling David to "go in peace; forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, the LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever."  David left and Jonathan returned to the city. 

  Wow!  What a dilemma for both men.  And I think I have troubles.  No king is out to kill me, but satan is always out to tarnish our reputation and belief.  Stand strong with the full armor of God my friend.  Love you all.

In Christ's love and grace,

 Johnny

David is in Naioth in Ramah, Saul is mad, so what next?

  Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU, A CHILD OF GOD ARE BLESSED!!!!

   Well, we know that Micah lied about how David escaped to stay in good stead with her father Saul.  Saul hears that David at Naioth in Ramah so he sent messengers to take David.  Now something Saul had not counted on (remember Saul is of his own arrogant, prideful self as God is far from him), when the messengers saw the company of prophets prophesying and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul and they also prophesied.

   Saul sent more messengers a second and a third time and each time it was the same as the first.  Well, as you may have figured out Saul is not a happy camper. Saul went to the great well in Sechu and asked where Samuel and David were.  They were at Naioth in Ramah so there went Saul.  Oops, then the Spirit of God cam upon him and he went on, prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.  He stripped off his clothes also and prophesied before Samuel in like manner and lay down naked all that day and all that night.  People wondered - Is Saul also among the prophets.

   When the Spirit of God comes upon one, even though they are far from God, there is no resistance.  Saul was as in Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."   However, when God's spirit comes there is no resistance and we will hear God.  This is what happened to Saul.

   Next we will see David fleeing from Naioth in Ramah and visiting with Jonathan.  God's word is powerful, God is powerful, if we open up and not just hear the word, but listen and absorb the word we have no option but to grow in the LORD.  Thank you Jesus for being my Saviour!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A tangled web:---Saul, Micah, David

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!

    Is not life interesting.  When you look around and watch people, listen to people, and see where their footsteps are taking them, it is both amazing and appalling. What people will do to stay out of trouble or point fingers at someone else, yet, sacrificing others in the process. Qasem Soleimani was a general for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who has killed over 600 Americans in the last few years, BUT, some Americans think this was wrong.. This is WAR!!

   The Planned Parenthood Organization sees nothing wrong with what they do and push back hard against the Christian beliefs, yet they KILLED over 345,000 babies last year. They feel justified and claim their others benefits are greater than the abortions. These actions are not sanctioned by God, but by satan.  

  The violent and actions against God are ancient actions from the beginning of time through the present.  We, humans, will say and do what ever we need to in order to avoid confrontation, conflict, or punishment.

   In 1 Samuel 19:17, after, yes after Micah warned David about Saul wanting to kill him and letting him out the window to escape she darkens his reputation.  How so you may ask?  Saul's servants come to take David, Micah says he is ill. The message is returned to Saul who says (paraphrase) "so, bring him on his bed so that I may slay him"; but--BUT--Micah has layed an image in the bed with goat hair to resemble a person.  When they return David is not there. Hmmm, not what will happen? Saul asks Micah why have you done this.

  Micah stands up to her father and says.........oh, wait, no---Micah throws Davids reputation under the bus.  How so?  Micah says, "He said unto me, Let me go, why should I kill thee?"  What is she saying? He is saying David threatened to kill her is she did not let him go.

   Was this the truth?  NO!  Micah is saving her husband because she loves him, also, she is saving HER REPUTATION with her father plus probably afraid of her fathers wrath.  Sacrificed David's reputation to save her own with lies.  How often is this done by us, to us?  

    Well, David escapes, goes to Samuel in Ramah, shared what Saul had done to him, then he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth. HOWEVER, someone told Saul where David was and................(to be continued)

   Is it okay to lie?  Sometimes it is as in Corrie Tenboom who saved the lives of Jews in WWII by lying. BUT, to lie in order to deny is wrong.  To lie to justify my actions is wrong.  How often do we tell 'little white lies' to justify or get out of something?  Satan is a beacon of light and when we see the world through his lens nothing is wrong; when we look up and see the 'TRUE LIGHT' of Christ, we will know the difference.  

   If you are in a tangled web as whom we are studying, then turn it over to God and pray for wisdom and knowledge from the most high.  It will be alright!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Saul is overtaken with jealously and fear!

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!

  Well, have you ever had a fear of something that just seemed to capture your every waking moment?  So it is with Saul. In 1 Samuel 19 Saul tells his son Jonathan and all the servants to kill David.  Now herein lies a problem. Jonathan is delighted in David and they are like brothers. Jonathan tells David to take heed and to go to a secret place and hide.  Jonathan will go with his father, yet, if you will, be a spy for David.

   Jonathan went to Saul, recalled all David had fought the Philistines, and David had not sinned against Saul.  Saul says he will not slay David, Jonathan then brought David to Saul and he was in his presence as times past.  Then another war breaks out against the Philistines. (The Philistines seem to be as a cockroach and just won't die - lol)

   Then after the war, an evil spirit came over Saul again, David played with his hand, and Saul sought to smite David to the wall with the javelin.  David slipped away and escaped.  Saul sent messengers into David's house to watch him and slay him in the morning. Micah, his wife, warned him.  She let David down through a window and he escaped again.  Now we begin the "cat and mouse" games with Saul.

  Okay, fear can overtake all our emotions leaving us to fumble and flop on our own.  When fear enters our being (satans doubt darts) we tend to forget that God is in charge and we need to pray and turn the situation over to HIM.

   Too often we do not think it is being done in a timely manner, but GOD's time is always on time.  We just have to listen and know what God wants.  I am guilty of too often wanting to take the situation in hand because "I KNOW HOW TO FIX THE SITUATION", when in reality I do not.

   Whatever fear you have today, I would encourage you to turn it over to God and release yourself from the burden.  Trust God.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Saul gives Micah, his daughter, to David (strings attached)

Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Just a side note.  Often we hit trials and tribulations and the weight of them bear down upon us and we struggle.  When this happens it is important to LOOK UP and remember God is in control.  No matter the outcome, God sees the bigger plan.  We may disagree, be angry, totally hate what is happening, but again, God sees the big picture.  Thank you LORD!

   Okay,  Saul is trying to set a snare for David.  Remember, he has thrown a spear at David twice, but David is still around.  So, Saul decides in verse 21:  "I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.  Wherefore Saul said to David, Thous shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain."

   Now in the one of the twain simply means they become one (1).  David said he was but a poor man and it did not seem right. (They used to pay dowry's for a hand in marriage).  Saul's servants came back with this answer and Saul then said no problem, just bring back an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.  Now, in Saul's method of analyzing this would certainly be the death of David.

   This was good news to David who then arose with his men and slew 200 Philistines and David brought their foreskins to Saul.  Micah is now David's wife.

   At this point Saul knew the LORD was with David and his daughter, Micah, loved David.  Because of David's success Saul became even more afraid and jealous of David.  Now David, who only did Saul's wishes, became a continual enemy of Saul.  Why?  Jealously, envy, and resentment are absolutely great tools of satan that he uses well.  Does it create problems even today?  You bet!

   We must constantly be on guard, alert, and stand on the wisdom and knowledge granted us from God.  Beware my friends, when you step out into the world, as a Christian, you are setting foot in a hostile environment.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny