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The LORD is with thee whithersoever thou goest

6/29/2018

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Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah. And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. (2 Sam. 8:10-14)
     David had more work to do for the peace he enjoyed did not last long. Following his discussion with Nathan, David went about and took the battle to those nations which had continuously oppressed and irritated Israel and the Lord was with him. David had many victories and conquered many of Israel’s former enemies, not only enlarging the boundaries of Israel but also bringing in the spoils unto the Lord and dedicating all that came in unto God who gave him the victory. David’s reputation was made not by himself but because the LORD was with him and protected him wherever David went in obedience to God.
 
     Having understood that he would not build a temple and that the nation was not as secure as he had perceived, David set out against the neighboring lands and peoples to secure victory from all that had previously oppressed Israel and might do so again if given the opportunity. David quickly and decisively gained several major victories, even possessing their lands and securing not only Israel’s borders but garrisons and troops in the bordering lands as Israel grew. David was led by God to dispossess Israel’s former enemies and secure tribute and spoils which he dedicated to the Lord who gave him the victory. David understood that he had not made a name for himself but that God had preserved him and protected him as he went in service unto the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel.
 
     When God leads us to take our battle to the enemy we can go in confidence knowing that God’s church does not retreat from the victory which God has already won and we have work to do. We do not war against people but are to stand in the power of God against spiritual wickedness and the powers which seem to control, albeit temporarily, this world and its systems. God will bring victory, just as He has already defeated sin and death, and in His time, He will bring about His purposes and plans. He has sent His people out in the world but not of it to reach the lost with the Good News of reconciliation and redemption, to teach all nations whatsoever He has commanded, and to preach His Word in season and out, and He will be with us whithersoever we go, for He will never leave us nor forsake us. Those who are born again by repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary are equipped and empowered to live in Him the life we were meant to live and share His love, mercy, and grace even as we proclaim His justice and judgment on all who are not in Him and the hope of Jesus Christ to whosoever will receive Him by faith. All that He gives and we have we dedicate unto Him and rejoice in our God, our Creator, Redeemer, and King, who will one day bring the final victory over all that oppose God.
 
     Until that day, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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For Thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it

6/28/2018

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For Thy Word's sake, and according to Thine own heart, hast Thou done all these great things, to make Thy servant know them. Wherefore Thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to Himself, and to make Him a name, and to do for You great things and terrible, for Thy land, before Thy people, which Thou redeemedst to Thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? For Thou hast confirmed to Thyself Thy people Israel to be a people unto Thee for ever: and Thou, LORD, art become their God. And now, O LORD God, the Word that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as Thou hast said. (2 Sam. 7:21-25)
     David desired to build God a permanent temple instead of the tabernacle now that peace had come to Israel. God first reminded David through the prophet Nathan that God was bigger than any temple and was everywhere, that Israel was the nation and place He had chosen, and David was the house and lineage which He had established as David was a man after His own heart. After the Lord expressed all this and determined that it would be David who would build the nation and David’s son who would build the temple, David praised God for His Word, for His mercy and grace in choosing Israel, and for His greatness in establishing whom He willed and blessing His people and for His continued goodness.
 
     God had chosen Israel, a small and seemingly insignificant people to be His people and to establish them in the land which He had chosen for them to make a name for Himself as the God of Israel. He showed Himself strong on their behalf and redeemed them from the bondage of Egypt. He blessed the nation and they now had peace with David as their king. David wanted to replace the Tabernacle of the LORD with a temple where all the people could come and worship God. God needs no temples made with hands, for He is God and dwells in the whole earth and beyond and told David that Israel was His place by His own choosing. God would have David’s son not only add to the nation and continue that which David had begun, but also build the temple which David sought to have built. God kept His Word just as David proclaimed and David praised the God of Truth and Mercy for all He had and will do.
 
     Our God is God over all the universe and His Word is true and righteous from the beginning. While some of the promises and prophecies are still to be fulfilled in God’s timing and there some mysteries which God has chosen to keep to Himself, everything He has said will come to pass. We may not see all of what God has planned for His Church and for Israel in our time here on earth should the Lord tarry, but we can know and trust that God will accomplish all that He has said He will do just as He has done already. His promises are right and He will do that which He has proclaimed in His Word unto His bride, the Church, and for Israel whom He has not forsaken. As the children of the LORD of Heaven and Earth who offered Himself for our sins and to redeem us from our bondage and unrighteousness, the righteous God has made those of us who have repented of sins and placed our faith and trust in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary righteous and forgiven. He offers the same eternal life to whosoever will come to Him and surrender to Him on His terms, not to continue in sin but to live the life we were meant to live in Him. He has kept His Word and will keep it just as He did to Moses, Joshua, Samuel, and David, in choosing Israel and establishing them as a nation to make a name for Himself; and unto Matthew, Luke, and Paul in building and empowering His church to reach the lost, teach all nations, and preach His Word wherever He sends His people.
 
     While we are here, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?

6/27/2018

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And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness. And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. (2 Sam. 6:5-7, 12-15)
     After defeating the Philistines, David sought to bring up the ark of the LORD from where it had been and bring it into Jerusalem. God had not instructed him to move the ark, nor did David remember the instructions on how the ark was to be transported. During the celebration as the ark moved, having been placed on a cart instead of carried by the priests, a young man was struck down for touching the ark. This interrupted the transport for a time until David understood his error and had the priests carry the ark as instructed. After a time, and carried according to the Law, the priests brought the ark up to the city and the city rejoiced and celebrated its arrival.
 
     Wanting the spiritual blessings of God which David perceived to come from the presence of the ark and wanting it centrally located in Israel, David attempted to bring the ark to Jerusalem. Though his worship was right and the celebration before the Lord with instruments and dancing was not in error, the methods of doing the work were not according to God’s instruction. God had told the people of Israel that the priests and Levites were to carry the ark on wooden poles, not the common transport of an ox-cart. The stumbling and subsequent death of Uzzah showed God’s displeasure with those who disobey and in this case, because it was the ark of the Lord which symbolized His presence, there was no grace for the transgression. David realized his error and after considering whether the ark should come to him, David had the ark brought in the correct way and with much celebration as he leaped and skipped as a child before the ark and before the Lord. Though Micah was upset with his actions, all of Israel rejoiced and celebrated their king and the arrival of the ark in Jerusalem.
 
     God will bless His people when they do His work His way. When we try to accomplish those programs we want done or try to do that which is of God but in our own way, God does not bless it. They may appear to prosper initially or for a time because of our efforts, the work and the results are not of God and will not last. God has given us that which we need to trust and obey Him and His Word as we reach the lost who do not have a relationship with Him by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. He will equip and empower His people in obedience to His command to us to teach the nations all that He has commanded in His Word, and will go before us and give us what to say as we preach His Word in season and out to whosoever will receive Him. The missions, ministries, and discipleship we do in obedience to our Lord’s commands are to focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News of repentance and reconciliation with the Father unto Eternal Life and our growth in Him. Christians, those truly born again in Christ, by faith through His grace, are to be obedient to His Word and seek His will, His ways, and His glory until He is done with us.
 
     Until that day, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Then shall the LORD go out before thee

6/26/2018

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But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt Thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim. And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. (2 Sam. 5:17-21)
     David became king over all Israel, took Jerusalem for his capital and began to establish his reign and kingdom before the Lord. The Philistines came against Israel, having heard that David is now king, and David enquired of the Lord for instructions. The Lord sent David directly at the Philistines and he was victorious as the Lord delivered them unto David. David breached their lines and overcame their armies, destroying their idols and images of Baal. David would continued his victories with a route of their rear lines when the Philistines returned. The Lord sent him around their camp and at His signal went before David and David followed into the camp and smote the Philistines in obedience to the Lord.
 
     David was celebrated, not just as the king of Israel in Hebron, but the king over all Israel. The Lord was with him and gave him victory over first the Jebusites in Jerusalem as David set up his capital there, but also against the Philistines who came against him. The Philistines came to test the new king and the Lord gave David two victories over the armies of the Philistines. David had enquired of the Lord each time and was given instructions and direction to follow for victory and each time David obeyed and God went before him. David overcame the armies of the enemy, not in his own strength or wisdom but by the Word of the Lord who sent him and went before him into battle. David’s victories allowed him to also destroy the idols and images of the Philistines who worshiped other gods and defiled the land.
 
     Above all, those of us who are born again by faith in Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary unto Salvation are to be obedient to His Word. God will go before us in the battles we face, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places and everything which exalts itself against God. We already have the victory over sin through repentance and the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His righteousness and we can continue victorious in the life we live in Him by obedience to His commands and direction. His Spirit empowers us to do His work and His will, of reaching the lost with the Gospel, teaching the nations all that He has commanded, and preaching His Word in season and out until He is done with us. Our plans may change from time to time, our programs come and go, but He will never leave us nor forsake us. He who continues to give His people victory will be faithful show Himself strong on behalf of those who love Him. As His servants and children of the King, we are called to an obedient and surrendered life of ministry, missions, and discipleship, which takes the Good News of God’s Salvation to whosoever will receive it and equips the members of the body in the work of the Kingdom.
 
     While we are here, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Guiltless before the LORD

6/25/2018

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For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night. And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? (2 Sam. 4:7-11)
     The son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul was lamed when he was five and his mother heard of their deaths. He had nothing to do with the kingdom and was no threat to David, yet two of Saul’s men who sought favor from David went in unto Ishbosheth and killed him in his bed. When they brought his head to David, David reminded them of what happened to the Amalekite who sought favor of David for the tidings of killing Saul. These two who slew an innocent for a reward received a just punishment from the king.
 
     Two men of Saul sought to gain from killing Saul’s lineage, but the victim had nothing to do with the events and because of his malformity and lameness, though caused by an accident, made him unfit for the throne. These two assassinated an easy and vulnerable innocent victim to make themselves look good in David’s eyes and David saw right through them and exacted a right and fitting punishment by putting them to death for their murder of Ishbosheth. David was not looking for revenge nor did he want any deaths attributed to him to gain the kingdom. God had given it to him and David was content to wait upon the Lord and not take action himself. Sadly, others in Israel were not so patient or obedient to God’s plan for Israel and the kingdom.
 
     Christians ought to always wait upon the Lord and His timing, even with those who oppose us, treat us wrongfully, or spitefully use us. We pray for them and leave the results to God, unless He specifically moves us to action. When we honor Him in our ministry and let Him take care of our enemies, He will work all things for good and to bring people to the light of the Gospel. The salvation of lost people should be the highest priority and purpose of our missions, ministry, and the discipling of those who are in Christ for that is the work of the Church, the members of His body. He will take care of us and empower us, if we focus on Him and not on ourselves, and the same God who handles the big problems will handle all our little problems as well. He is our strength and our life and we can trust in Him as we reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach His Word. May we be faithful in giving Him the glory and not seeking approval from man, especially the world which will not receive us until they have repented of their sins and received Him by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary unto Salvation.
 
     Until that day, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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The LORD shall reward the doer of evil

6/22/2018

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And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. (2 Sam. 3:27-30)
     Though David had received Abner’s proposal of reconciliation gladly, Joab was both skeptical and angry. He still remembered Abner’s treachery in starting the war, did not trust the general of Saul’s army and wanted revenge for the death of Asahel. Joab arranged to meet Abner and killed him. When David heard of it, knowing the reasons but not being agreeable to the result, he cursed Joab and his family. David had sought peace and restoration of the kingdom and Joab had brought more violence and bloodshed. Though Joab’s issues were great, the killing of Saul’s general under pretense was plain murder and David therefore honored Abner as a great man and general, demonstrating both to Joab and to Israel that assassination was not his desire or intent.
 
     Because Joab was a nephew to David, this caused great consternation both to David and to the kingdom. David did not make any move against Joab following his crime of revenge and murder, and Joab knew he would not. Abner had done much wrong, but was now seeking peace and to reconcile the kingdom of Saul with the house of David. Whether he could be fully trusted, or had a true change of heart because of the disagreement with Saul’s son that drove him to this course of action, will never be known, for Joab acted personally and with great malice and killed Abner under the guise of peace. At a time when reconciliation and restoration finally seemed possible between Saul’s men and David’s to bring peace and stability to Israel, Joab extends a hand to Abner and assassinates him in revenge for his brother’s death.
 
     For the Christian, who is to leave vengeance to God, lashing out against those who have wronged us only perpetuates the cycle of bitterness and anger. We are to be an example to those who are not yet born again by faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary unto Salvation and give our hurts and feelings unto the Lord in submission and surrender to Him. Just as we surrendered to Him on His terms when we were saved from sin, so we are to give up our need for revenge and let Him handle our battles. The worldly and fleshly desire to retaliate against those who wrong us is not pleasing unto our Father for His way is forgiveness and reconciliation. Taking action against others to destroy when God commands peace is of the flesh and is not the work or will of God but of the world and of the devil. Neither is harboring feelings of resentment or a root of bitterness which will destroy the soul of a person who allows it to grow and fester within. God will give peace unto those who surrender and repent and if we will let Him, He will take whatever action is necessary for the Kingdom and our commission to reach the lost, teach all nations, and preach His Word until He is done with us.
 
     Until that day, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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The LORD said unto him, Go up

6/21/2018

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And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul. And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing. Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. (2 Sam. 2:3-7)
     After Saul’s death, David enquired of the Lord who sent him to Hebron. In Hebron David was once more anointed as king of Israel. David sent out to the men of Saul who had been valiant in recovering Saul’s body from the Philistines and intreated them to come over and join him. David desired these mighty men and a unified kingdom. The battle which soon followed because Abner installed a lesser son of Saul and provoked war in Israel would not go well for the men of Saul nor for the nation of Israel.
 
     David did not want his kingdom to start with war between him and the men of Saul. He sought their support and a unified kingdom, not one divided by petty allegiances of whose man they followed, but following God and God’s man on the throne. David knew that if the men of Saul continued following the house of Saul despite God’s judgment that war and strife would continue as it had under Saul while he pursued David. David as a man of God was seeking reconciliation and restoration, not revenge or retaliation. Abner instigated a bloody coup after setting up one of the sons of Saul as ‘king’ and the battle did not go well for those loyal to Saul.
 
     When there is a change of leadership within a church, or when we have someone over us we may disagree with, Christians are not to be disagreeable when adjusting to the new leadership or disruptive in interacting but submitting to the authorities placed over them. We are to be kind one to another, submitting to one another in the church as servants of the living God. We are not to cause division, foment strife, or bicker and rebel, but seek the LORD and live as examples of His grace and mercy. God has a plan and a purpose for the people He puts into a place, and He will correct that which is wrong, including us, as we grow in Him and He instills His Word in us. IF our disagreements spill over into rebellion, we are not being disruptive to the leadership, but fighting against God, and He will purge and chastise that which is contrary to His commands. We are not here for ourselves but are called and commissioned to reach the lost with the Good News of faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, to teach all nations all things whatsoever He has commanded, and to preach His Word in season and out, until He is done with us.
 
     Until that day, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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How wast thou not afraid?

6/20/2018

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And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. (2 Sam. 1:5-10)
     The news of the battle and the death of Saul and his sons comes to David by one of the Amalekites. The young man spins a strange story of how Saul died at his hand during the battle and David confronts him about slaying the king of Israel. Despite the tokens of the king being brought to David, acknowledging that he is now king in Saul’s place, David slays the Amalekite for killing Saul. Since he had not actually slain the king, he died for trying to curry David’s favor as the new king. David did not rejoice over Saul, for he never sought Saul’s death, but wept and lamented for Saul and Jonathan.
 
     David did not want to become king by the death of Jonathan and Saul, though he knew that was certainly a possibility. This Amalekite, seeking favor for killing Saul, claimed a fanciful tale of Saul’s death which has inconsistencies and unlikely events. David, whether he believed the young man or not has him killed for the claimed act of killing the Lord’s anointed, the king of Israel. The Amalekite should have known better and was put to death, if not for the slaying of Saul, for the claim and for lying about it to David to obtain some reward for the killing of Saul. Since David was grieved by the death of Saul, but even more so his friend Jonathan, the outcome for the Amalekite was the same as if he had killed Saul. David cried aloud and declared a lament for Jonathan and Saul, expressing his deep friendship, love, and character in not celebrating their deaths despite all of Saul’s pursuits and attacks against David.
 
     As Christians we are not to celebrate when our enemies, those who attack or misuse us, or even those we disagree with, are rebuked, punished, or destroyed. God tells us to pray for our enemies, not for the destruction, but for their repentance and Salvation. When God works, we rejoice in Him, but we are still sorry for any who perish, especially those who leave this life without Christ, headed to a devil’s hell. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, and neither should we as His servants and children. The victory which God brings, first over sin, but also in the battles we face, means since our warfare is not with flesh and blood, that neither is our victory and rejoicing. We celebrate our God and His work to bring all those who do not know Him by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to a right relationship with Him through repentance and reconciliation. When those who spitefully use us are brought down and restored to the LORD, we do not celebrate their loss but God’s gain and our answered prayers. Reaching the lost, teaching the nations, and preaching His Word, means the world will oppose us because they are at war with God, but we are to stand strong in His might and triumph, not in the flesh but through the Spirit who accomplishes His will in us that whosoever will come to Him and surrender to Him on His terms may receive His free gift of eternal life.
 
     While we are here, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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All the valiant men arose

6/19/2018

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And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together. And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. (1 Sam. 31:2-3, 6-7)
     The last battle of Saul went exactly as Samuel had told him it would. The Lord had allowed the Philistines this victory to remove Saul from the kingship. His sons fought valiantly but were slain, Saul was wounded but took his own life rather than be slain by the Philistines. Many Israelites were also lost in the battle, the rest fled from the cities about the area and the Philistines took over the abandoned dwellings.
 
     God had pronounced that Saul was done as king and would not have a legacy or heirs upon the throne. At this last battle all his able-bodied sons went out to battle and all were slain. Saul, still continuing in his pride and self-worth, took his own life rather than allowing the Philistines to declare their victory over Saul, which they did anyway, as they paraded his head and his armor around their cities until some brave men recovered it and the bodies of his sons from the Philistines. Most of the army was in hiding or had fled out of the reach of the Philistines and the rest were now with David. Though the battle had gone against Israel, God had a purpose in allowing the defeat as he removed Saul from the throne and his sons from the line and lineage of Saul.
 
     When we see ministers and their programs fail before the Lord it is with mixed emotions for those who follow Christ. On this side of the grass, we do not know if it is the Lord’s doing, or if they have somehow caused it themselves. We ought to continue to pray for the ministries of God’s church that they will be faithful to reaching the lost with the Good News of Salvation, teaching all that He has commanded, and preaching His Word, that He may be glorified in all that we do. God will take care of His own but He can also end even our favorite programs and ministries if they are no longer effective or following Him. Prideful adherence to what we have always done rather than complete surrender to the will of God may mean that God will declare that our ministry is done. Ministries, missions, and discipleship programs that no longer focus on His Word and His work of evangelism and are no longer serving God but satisfying themselves will be removed that the work of God may be fruitful and God alone is glorified. If we are to truly reach those who are not born again by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, God’s people must be about His business of taking His Gospel to lost people and growing His people through His Word that the love of God may be perfected in us.
 
     While we are here, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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The LORD who hath preserved and delivered us

6/18/2018

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And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And He answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. (1 Sam. 30:6-8, 16-17)
     The attack on Ziklag by the Amalekites left David and his men devastated by the temporary loss of their wives and children. David sought the Lord in his distress and enquired as to his next move in pursuing and attacking the captors. David also asked about the result and the Lord assured him that he would indeed be victorious and rescue all the people which were taken. After leaving some of his own men who were too weak to continue and discovering a servant of the Amalekites who was also left behind, David located and overcame the Amalekites who were busy celebrating their victory. 400 young men of the Amalekites escaped the battle but all that were part of David’s company were rescued and saved, just as God had declared.
 
     Though David endured this time of trouble, the Lord was with him and gave him victory. David rightfully sought the Lord and looked to Him for instruction and direction in whether to pursue the Amalekites. David did not want to put the victims in further danger in the pursuit of the outcome was not of the Lord. The Lord was gracious and promised not only victory but full recovery of all the captives taken by the Amalekites and kept his promise. God’s people are always to look to the Lord and seek His will, in good times and bad, and trust Him in the outcome. His thoughts and ways are not ours and our plans are often at cross purposes with His unless we turn to Him and get in on what He is doing. The victory will be ours if we accomplish His work His way and obediently follow His direction and His Word.
 
     Even during times of seeming disaster, evil events, or calamities in this life, we can trust God knows what He is doing or allowing to come upon us. We live in a broken world cursed by our sin and rebellion against God and only by His grace are we at times delivered from those things which occur in this world all too often. Even those events caused by man; wars and conflicts, crime and trouble, occur because God has allowed sinful men a time of grace to repent, just as He gave those who are His people a chance to repent and put their faith and trust in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary unto Salvation. We were once just as lost and without hope in this world as those who are still lost and dead in their trespasses and sins and acted just as those who are not born again still act. Without the change which God brings to a believer we are sinners who act sinful and continue with a bent to sin, and many reject Him and continue in sin. God makes us new in Him and brings victory over sin to all who come to Him on His terms. He will bring those who are His thru to the end and not one of His own will be lost, even as this world gets worse and worse. While not all who are strangers to the God of Heaven will surrender and be saved, all who are reconciled unto our Creator, Redeemer, and King, already have victory in Him and will one day be glorified and stand in His presence by His grace and mercy unto all who believe, not just with the head but with the heart, in Him.
 
     While we are here, God has sent those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.

     God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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