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The LORD wrought a great victory

7/31/2018

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Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and His Word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God; yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although He make it not to grow. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. (2 Sam. 23:1-7)
     David gave his last praise of the LORD in this short speech before the record of his mighty men and his last deeds as king. He recognized that it was God who raised him up to be king and who had made a covenant with him to preserve the throne of David and who gave him the words to say. David did not always live up to his end, but the LORD will keep His promises, in His time. David outlined the qualities of a godly leader and servant of God and then compared them to the wicked and the judgment which shall come upon those who reject God. The God of Salvation desires that all be saved but will judge the wicked and godless.
 
     Though certainly not the last of the deeds of David, it was his last praise of God before the people. David acknowledged the providence of God in promoting him to be king over Israel, in giving him the words of his psalms and praises, and promising an everlasting covenant with the house of David, which was and will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the son of David who is David’s Lord. David and his house often failed God in their flesh, for the flesh is weak even when the spirit is willing, but the LORD of Heaven on David’s throne will never fail. The salvation which God offers unto all will deliver whosoever will from the judgment of God against sin and rebellion against God. The wicked who rule apart from His laws will be overthrown, though with great difficulty, and all who reject the grace of God will be judged and eternally punished for their sin.
 
     Because of the grace of God, those of us who know Him by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, are to share His love and mercy with others. His love and forgiveness is not a license for us to continue in sin or go out and sin more, but liberty to live as He would have us to live, the life which is truly life, the life of Christ. In Him and through His Spirit and power we are to go out into this world and reach the lost with the Good News of Salvation which is freely given to whosoever will receive it through repentance and faith. As we go wherever God sends us, we are to teach the nations whatsoever He has commanded us that the lost may see their need of Him who alone can save from sin and give victory over death and the grave. At all times and in all places, we who are His people, are to preach the Word of God without compromise until all have heard and He is done with us. The wicked may not hear, nor respond to God’s grace, but we must obediently go with the Gospel, as the Spirit of love and compassion leads us, and leave the results to our Great God, our Creator, Redeemer, and King.
 
     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 is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer

7/30/2018

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I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my Rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.  (2 Sam. 22:4, 32-34, 47)
     David’s song of praise unto the Lord following the defeat of Saul, the Philistines, and the Giants of Gath. Also recorded in the songbook of the Israelites, the Psalms, David sang many praises when God gave him victory and delivered him from his enemies. These verses compiled together praised the LORD who preserved David when Saul pursued him, prepared him when the Philistines plagued Him, and protected him when the Giants pestered him. David exalted the God of Heaven who established him as a leader and king, saved him many times from many enemies, empowered him in his battles, and redeemed him from his sin.
 
     David recognized that it was God who gave the victory, whether it was from the relentless pursuit of Saul, the assaults of armies of the nations around him, or the taunts and threats from the Philistine giants. David praised the living God who saved him, blessed the Lord who strengthened David in his battles, and the Almighty who empowered David to do the work of God as king of Israel and His servant. Regardless of what came against David, he knew that he could trust the Lord and if he walked in His ways, victory and salvation would come and God would be glorified for He alone is worthy.
 
     In times of trouble we often cry out to God, and we should, but in times of victory and blessing, we should equally praise our God who gives us the victory. He has defeated death, redeemed us from sin, saved us from wrath, and birthed us anew because of His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. He alone is worthy of our praise and we can sing with David that our LORD liveth and blessed be our Rock. The God who saved us through repentance and faith in Him will also deliver us and bring us through whatever He directs or allows to come our way. He is Sovereign, and He alone is God; our Creator, Redeemer, and King. The LORD who made us and delivered us from sin and now reigns over us, will one day reign over all His creation. He has called, commanded, and commissioned us to reach the lost with His Good News of Salvation, teach all nations whatsoever He has commanded, and preach His Word at all times and in all places, until whosoever will receive Him by trusting in Him unto Salvation has come unto Himself and He is done with us. We praise Him in the victories as He works through us to accomplish His will and do His work in this world.
 
     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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If God be for us, who can be against us?

7/27/2018

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Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. (2 Sam. 21:15-22)
     The Philistines came once again and renewed their war with Israel following the conflict between the north and the south tribes of Israel. David initially went to the battle and fought with one of Goliath’s brothers. David’s soldiers and servants came to his aid and slew Ishbibenob and the rest of Goliath’s brothers, the giants of Gath. Four different times since Goliath, the Philistines relied on the presence of their giant champion as they had with Goliath and all five times they were defeated when their giant was slain by David and his men who served the living God.
 
     The Philistines looked with the eyes of men and trusted giants and great stature and physical attributes to conquer Israel, just as they had done with Goliath. David and the men of Israel trusted God and relied upon His strength for the victory over Goliath’s four brothers. David was getting older and no longer able to fight as he had once done, but God was still faithful and raised up others to continue the battles for Israel. God gave Israel the victory over Goliath and continued to be faithful in conquering the giant brothers of Goliath who opposed Israel.
 
     When multiple attacks come against us, spiritually or even from the secular world through physical means, the child of God is to rely not on his own strength or the ways of the world but on the strength and power of God. We may face many battles, and many may be related to those we have already fought, but our God is faithful and those who know Him by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary can rest in Him for victory. He has already given us victory over sin and death, and will never leave us nor forsake us, even as we get weaker in this life but renewed in our minds and become more like Christ in our walk with Him who is our victory, our life, and our strength. God is our champion as we continue the missions, ministry, and discipleship which we are commanded as we reach the lost for Christ, teach all nations all He has commanded, and preach His Word at all times and in every situation. We glorify God and stand victorious over the giants of despair, doubt, distraction, and depression, not because of us, but because of Jesus Christ and His love, mercy, and grace as our Creator, Redeemer, and King.
 
     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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Far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy

7/26/2018

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And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear. Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD? And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king. (2 Sam. 20:17-22)
     When Joab besieged Abel in pursuit of Sheba, after having taken command by treachery and murder, a wise woman of the city confronted him concerning his tactics and purpose. The woman, whether she knew of his deception concerning Amasa or not, promised the head of Sheba from the city if Joab would not attack and destroy her city just to capture one man. Joab agreed that he had no intent on anything other than Sheba, and so the citizens of Abel captured Sheba and threw his head over the wall to Joab. Joab removed himself from Abel having secured his quarry and returned to Jerusalem as general of the armies of Israel.
 
     Joab once again proved himself to be ruthless and power hungry. He welcomed Amasa with one hand and killed him with the other, all to gain control of David’s army. He pursued Sheba even to the city of Abel and would have destroyed Abel just to get Sheba if the wise woman of the city had not intervened. Her words were challenging to Joab but not overly so in that he could respect her desire to save her city if the city turned over Sheba to him. This woman easily convinced the citizens of Abel to turn over Sheba to Joab to save the city. Sheba was quickly dispatched, and his head thrown over the wall to Joab. Joab had his evidence and left Abel without any more destruction and returned triumphantly into Jerusalem as the head of all the armies of Israel.
 
     The Lord promises wisdom to those who will ask and ask in faith, believing that He will provide it. From His Word, Christians are given instructions in righteousness, the reprove and correction we all too often require through examples such as this, and the Doctrines of our LORD and God. There are no parts of the Scriptures we can cast aside or ignore, just because we do not like them, think they are boring, or feel we do not need to read and study. Joab’s desire for power and authority, even at the expense of his friend and fellow servant, led to murder. For the Christian who seeks to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach the Word of the Living God, treachery and subtilty have no place in our advancement or promotion. God will promote His people in His time and give more authority to those who wait and are obedient unto Him. Those who are born again by faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary rest in Him and seek His face not for our glory but for His. The positions He places us in and the responsibility He requires in ministry, missions, and discipleship empowers us to go with the Gospel, and is for our growth in Him as we serve God and one another. We should not seek advancement by our own hand as Joab did, but trust God to accomplish His goals His way that His will may be done.
 
     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 victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people

7/24/2018

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But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now. (2 Sam. 19:4-7)
     David was so grieved for Absalom, who though being a son had also attempted to usurp the throne and eradicate David, that he turned what should have been a great victory into a day of mourning. Joab pointed out, a little forcefully, that David’s grief over Absalom made all the people ashamed to have fought for David in the conflict. Joab went a little overboard, but somewhat justifiably, that it seemed that David would have preferred Absalom lived and David’s armies had perished. Joab warned David that if he didn’t pull himself together and march back into Jerusalem as king that all his people would desert him and he would have no end of trouble. David responded by returning to Jerusalem, forgiving all his enemies, and resuming his leadership of Israel.
 
     Joab rightfully discerned that David’s grief over Absalom had turned the victory of the armies of David into a shameful display of mourning over Absalom, who though a son was also an enemy of David as king. Joab recognized that the excessive grief by David had utterly destroyed the morale of his armies, who had been victorious and yet felt ashamed. What should have been celebrated, not gloating over the deaths, but praising God for the victory, instead led the armies to hide and slink away as though defeated. Joab went a little over the top in pointing out the disparity between David mourning his son, who opposed David, and the lives of all his servants and soldiers who remained alive and had faithfully served David, but his message got through to David, leading David to return to Jerusalem in victory.
 
     Grief often makes us thing and do differently than we would do otherwise, especially in the death of someone close to us. Even if that person had obstructed and opposed us, our grief can catch us unawares to what we are doing and cause us to act based on the loss and separation and not on the reality of that which we now face. Christians have the assurance of eternal life which gives us hope and blessing, but even we can focus on the temporal in times of mourning. Grief and loss, even for a Christian who has the blessed hope of Christ by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, can lead to faulty or hasty decisions and disruption of those around us. Each of us handles grief differently but moving forward and trusting God should be our focus and goal. Alienating our friends and fellow servants in the LORD while we grieve not only damages our relationships with them but also damages our testimony before God and unto those we are trying to reach for Him. He has called us to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach the Word, and a period of grief may temporarily interrupt our service, but it should not undermine our ministry and our reliance on Him who has saved us unto Himself through forgiveness and grace. He is our Rock, our Strength, and our Peace and He comforts the mourning even as we continue to serve Him and glorify Him in all things.
 
     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

(For more on dealing with death, grief, and mourning, check out GriefShare and a local support class near you.)
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He is a good man and cometh with good tidings

7/23/2018

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And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim; Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men. For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away. And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. (2 Sam. 18:5-10)
     When the armies of David and Absalom finally met near the woods of Ephraim, David charged his men concerning Absalom. David did not want anyone to hurt or kill Absalom, despite his treason and attempt to take the throne. The battle did not go well for Absalom and his army and many died, more fleeing in the woods than from the battle. Absalom fled the battle on a mule, but his great hair got caught in a tree and he was yanked off and suspended above the earth, unable to escape. Despite the charge from David, Joab killed Absalom, and when David was told, he wailed and lamented for his son, Absalom.
 
     David did not want any harm to come to Absalom even though Absalom was trying to take the kingdom from David. Absalom was still his son, and David still loved him despite his treason and aggression. David knew of what God had said but wanted his army not to take steps against Absalom. The battle went against Absalom and the nearby woods caused a great many to die attempting to flee the battlefield. When Absalom fled, he fled on a mule but his great hair which he was so proud of he measured it every year, got caught in a great oak and he was hung in a tree by his hair. Joab, first assessing the report and lack of action by his subordinate, took action against Absalom and his men killed him while he hung in the air. One messenger tried to soften the blow to David, but the other rejoiced in telling of the death of Absalom. David wept bitterly and cried out for his son, Absalom, in great grief for his death.
 
     For the Christian, one who is truly born again by faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, we are often confronted with the conflict between God’s ways and the ways of this world. While we attempt as much as possible not to be confrontational nor offensive, the preaching of the cross is still foolishness to those who perish, to those who are without and not in Christ. The world will never walk in the ways of God nor can they understand the things of God which we understand from His Word. Sometimes, despite our best effort, there are casualties in the spiritual war we fight and many are lost to the woods of despair, doubt, and deception. We understand from God’s Word that each must choose whether to surrender to God on His terms or to go his own way, but that does not make the loss of one who rejects God any easier for us to bear, especially when it is one of our own family who walks in his own counsel and is not seeking the LORD while He may be found. God gives mercy to whosoever will come to Him and grants grace to those who repent but He will not withhold His justice forever. We are tasked to reach the lost with the Gospel, teach all nations all that He has commanded, and preach His Word in season and out, not in our own strength but through the Spirit of God and by His direction, until all who will come have repented and trusted Him and Him alone for Salvation.
 
     Until God is done with us He 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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Let us hear likewise what He saith

7/20/2018

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And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom. And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men. (2 Sam. 17:7-10
     Absalom listened to the counsel of Ahithophel but wisely consulted with Hushai concerning the pursuit of David. Ahithophel schemed to eradicate David alone, at his weakest, and to establish Absalom as king by the death of David. However, his scheme was thwarted by Hushai reminding Absalom that David was no simple king but a warrior king who had evaded Saul and knew all the places to hide and ambush Absalom’s men and gain the victory. Absalom would have to take all who would come and go forth himself if he was to have any chance of defeating David and winning the kingdom for himself. Hushai relayed his plan to David through his spies and Absalom prepared his army for the long fight ahead.
 
     Absalom was inclined to hear Ahithophel but was led to ask of Hushai what they should do to defeat David. Hushai did not directly insult Ahithophel nor his counsel but set it at naught by pointing out a better way for Absalom. Hushai knew as well that he would pass on whatever they decided to David and his counsel would be better in the long run for all. Absalom would not be able to track down David and defeat him in hiding just as Saul had not been able to, and a direct force might bring all of Israel to Absalom’s side, or at least Hushai convinced Absalom that going forth himself would do so. Absalom agreed with Hushai on the direct confrontation and going forth himself to cement his right to the throne. Absalom’s rejection of Ahithophel led Ahithophel to take his own life and set up the battle between the forces of David and Absalom.
 
     It is not always easy to know which advice to take when we are confronted with what seems to be good advice from multiple corners but which do not agree. Those who are in Christ by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary can however rely on Him to guide us into all Truth and direct our paths. Christians can trust God to work all things out for good, for His glory and our growth in Him, and so we turn to Him when we are not sure what to do. Of course, all who are His should be listening to His voice as we go, but especially when we receive conflicting advice, we ought to turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His face to know His will. He has given us all that we need for godliness and holiness in this life, and we can seek counsel from His Word and let the Spirit of God speak to us in order to follow His path and His plan for the ministry we have to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach His Word for as long as we are here.
 
     Until God is done with us He 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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It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction

7/19/2018

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And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. (2 Sam. 16:7-11)
     As David neared the town of Bahurim, a city of the Levites, a distant relation to Saul came out and pronounced a curse upon David, not only denigrating David as king but identifying David’s acts as bloody and shameful. David’s men thought to silence Shimei for his curses, but David knew that they were either the harmless rantings of someone with no power to act on his curses, or he was directed by the Spirit of the LORD to once again remind David that all that was going on was part of the judgment upon David for his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. Even Absalom entering Jerusalem and dishonoring those of David’s household was because David had dishonored himself and God.
 
     David was indeed a bloody man. He had had Uriah killed in order to take Bathsheba and the LORD had pronounced that the sword would never leave his own house. David was forgiven of his sin because he repented before the LORD but he was not free from judgment and the consequences of his choices and actions. Amnon’s death at Absalom’s hand and now Absalom taking the kingdom by treachery was all a result of David’s departure from the commandments and precepts which God had given. David acquiesced to the judgment and justice of God and trusted that the curses of Shimei were empty words of a bitter relation to Saul or a reminder from God of all that was going on was of Him.
 
     When people rant and rave against us our first reaction is to respond in kind or work to silence and eliminate such boisterous objections to us and our ministry. As David, we must trust the LORD and seek His counsel and wisdom to understand when to speak and when to keep silent and let the LORD fight our battles. Accusations may have to be responded to or dealt with, but simple rantings with no force or well-known realities being rehashed but with substance are to be ignored and left unto God. Even in the midst of change, if we leave our ministry in the hands of the LORD, He will take care of our work that we may continue to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach the Word unto whosoever will receive Him. Our ministry, missions, and discipleship is all for the purpose of equipping the saints and sharing the good news of salvation by faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary unto all whom God brings unto us. Empty words will not quench the Spirit, but our responding to those who have no power against us may grieve Him and affect our ministry and testimony before the LORD. A discerning heart and a humble spirit will see the difference between idle words, empty threats, and old accusations which even if not from God are of no consequences as we trust Him to work all things for His good and our growth. He will never leave us nor forsake us and He knows all things and we can leave that which He does not direct us to do in His hands.
 
     Until God is done with us He 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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If I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD

7/18/2018

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And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (2 Sam. 15:2-6)
     Having understood that he had de facto immunity from David the king because he was his father, Absalom next sought to gain the kingdom by subtlety and craftiness. In the guise of friendship and service, Absalom set himself up to intercept those who came to the king as judge and stirred their hearts that he should be in that place. Having gained a following by endearing those who came to David unto himself instead, he manipulated these followers into a conspiracy to take the kingdom. David left Jerusalem until the LORD could settle things and bring the counsel of Absalom’s advisors to naught and restore the kingdom unto David in His time.
 
     Absalom continued the practice of deceit he had begun when killing Amnon and avenging Tamar. Having avoided any semblance of justice or even an examination of his methods and purposes in the death of Amnon, Absalom felt free to move against David as king. Not able to kill the king outright and take his place, he maneuvered himself into a place where he could manipulate the thoughts of the people, especially those who came to the king to achieve justice. Absalom told them what they wanted to hear and what they would have received if he were a judge and the king’s deputy. Absalom appealed to their need for resolution, impatience, desire for justice, or any other imagined failing of the king in their matters to endear himself to the people who came to David for judgment. This set up the conspiracy to take the kingdom and force David to abdicate rather than fight his own son. David trusted God to fight this battle and work all things for good, including making the counsel of Absalom’s advisors and restore him to the throne according to the will of God.
 
     Christians should trust that God will take care of all things and seek His counsel when faced with those who seem to be working things against us. Regardless of how subtle they are in turning some people against us and our ministry, we must go to God when faced with enemies and opposition. First, we must understand from the LORD whether this is of Him and then trust His plan to accomplish His will for us and our ministry. We should be about our Father’s business and trusting Him to work in us to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach the word until all have heard and whosoever will may repent and receive Him by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary unto Salvation. Opposition to us and our ministry may come and we are to let God fight our battles because He alone is our Judge and Peace. We will do more harm for the Kingdom and many will lose if we fight on our own. We are to pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us and let God establish our path. He goes before us and will never leave us nor forsake us and we can rest in Him who is our strength, our Creator, Redeemer, and King.
 
     Until God is done with us He 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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Thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight

7/17/2018

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And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead. And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him. And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth. And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee. (2 Sam. 14:4-8)
     Joab sent a widow to tell a tale of woe reminiscent of David’s situation with Absalom and Amnon whom Absalom slew in revenge for Tamar. Absalom had fled to Geshur, the land of his maternal grandfather, and David had not made any attempt to restore his son or to settle his family problems, but had simply let Absalom go away from Israel. Joab stirred David’s heart with the fanciful tale of the widow and her sons, so that David recalled Absalom to Israel through Joab. David recognized the hand of Joab and had Absalom come home, but banished him to his own house and resolved not to meet face to face until Absalom forced Joab’s hand to arrange a meeting with David his father.
 
     Though the loss of Amnon at Absalom’s hand upset David, he did not seek Absalom’s life knowing what precipitated Absalom’s actions. David was content that Absalom was banished to Geshur as he mourned Amnon’s actions and death. Joab saw that David was also mourning Absalom but would not move to have him return because of his act of vengeance against Amnon. Joab’s words through the widow reminded David that Absalom was also hurting and also a son of David, and while mourning Amnon was natural, Absalom was alive and there was no reason to reject him and treat him as dead as well. David finally came around and had Absalom return, but would not meet with him but rather had him banished to his own house. Absalom burned Joab’s field in order to get his attention when Joab would not respond to Absalom and force him to arrange a face to face meeting with David.
 
     The accounts of those in the Scriptures are given to us for our example. When we see their actions and attitudes, as well as the results which follow, we often see ourselves in some manner. The truth of Scriptures reveals our hearts and reminds us that we are as guilty of sin as they were. Though Christians today, born again through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to teach and to guide, we still occasionally sin. Because we are forgiven, we are no longer separated from God by our sin, but we must repent of our sin to restore the fellowship we enjoy with God. Through the Spirit of God within us and His teaching us all Truth, we can learn and grow in Him and become more like Him as He speaks to us from His Word. Unlike Absalom, we are not banished from the king’s presence, to live this new life in Christ apart from God, but can boldly approach our heavenly Father and speak to Him in prayer. He speaks to us in many ways, never contradicting what He has already said through His Word, to accomplish His will through those who hear and listen to His voice. Those who are His hear His voice and obey His command to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach His Word, until whosoever will repent and believe has responded to God’s love and grace.
 
     Until God is done with us He 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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