Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 16

 Chapter 16

David Anointed King

1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him amid his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

David in Saul's Service

14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15 And Saul's servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” 19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” 20 And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. 21 And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

Rejoice and be Thankful 5

 My Home and Daily Needs are being met

We are now children of God. As a child of God, nothing can separate us from the love of our Father. Nothing. However, we still live in the world. From time to time, we allow the things of the world to creep in. We have stress and worry. We start concentrating more on how we can get ahead, or make more money in our jobs. We fear our jobs will be lost. We worry about paying the rent or mortgage. We worry about paying the electric bill. Can we afford that new car? ETC. Where is our next meal coming from?

We get so caught up in the stuff of this world, that we forget our Father is GOD. When you forget that significant fact, you can allow the same fear everyone has. What is next? What will tomorrow bring? How will things work out? What must we do?

Yeshua tells us how we should pray. He gives us what has become known as the "Our Father" Prayer. However, let's look at what Jesus said. First, he did not say, just recite this prayer multiple times during service and all will be fine. Right before he gave it to us, he said this in Matthew 6:6-8

"But when you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees you in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

God created you. He called you into His Royal Priesthood. He called you out of the world and made you His child. Do you think He needs to know what you require to live? A little bit further, Yeshua says this.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33

This is just a fact folks. A simple, Spiritual Law. It cannot fail. It cannot, NOT happen. Look here in Philippians 4:19

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

We read God telling us this also in Isaiah 55

"Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” Isaiah 55:1-3

Simply put as Yeshua puts it

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Let me share with you a little of my story. I worked my whole life from early on. I met two men, Dwight and James when I was a Mall Cop back in the late 80s These two men are pivotal in my start of a spiritual quest to find the truth about God, “Jesus,” and His Word. I got saved in Dwight's home church and started, without knowing it, seeking first the Kingdom of God.

I recently shared a story about getting fired from the Mall. I went to work for Chief Rowley for three and a half years before getting into the Hotel Business. I started as a security officer and bouncer and then moved to the Night Audit. I ended up writing the book for the night audit, and in less than a year, I became the Manager. All the while, I was seeking first the Kingdom of God.

Long story somewhat shorter: I was doing great. My pay and status kept increasing. Then, I went through some things and allowed the world to become my focus. I walked away from God and stopped going to church. That did not end well.

After moving to Florida and still trying to do it on my own. I found a new church and slowly came back to God. See, I walked away. He did not. He met me with open arms and I have not looked back since.

As some of you know, I quit my job with the City of Port St Lucie Florida after 11 years and joined the staff at the Church I was at. Then the unthinkable happened. I was in a head-on car crash. This along with quite a few medical diagnoses, I became disabled. 2016 was the last year I could get up and head to a “full-time job.”

During this time, my four kids grew, and my wife, who takes great care of me, stepped up to help with my medications, doctor's appointments, and more. She continues to work in the medical field. We managed to move from a trailer in Florida to 17 acres of land that included two houses and an abundant supply of natural resources. We have fruit trees, wild rhubarb, blackberries, grapes, carrots, and so much more. Additionally, we have three vehicles and recently sold our camper, which served us very well.

I've never missed a bill. I've never had the lights turned off. I've never gone hungry. Why? Because of this. This is what we are doing right now. I am here, and I am teaching you to;

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Do I have a million dollars in the bank? No, I don’t. Sometimes my bank account is a bit lacking, and I often wonder how we'll manage until the next deposit. But you know what? It will always work out. Why is that?

“For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:18

And here.

“And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Don't go from house to house.” Luke 10:7

Why worry about what your neighbor might say, especially if it’s likely not true? Why stress over a co-worker trying to get ahead through deceitful tactics? Or over the possibility of losing a job where you’re essentially making someone else rich? You shouldn’t depend on people; you should rely on God.

Do you not realize that God is more than capable of getting you that promotion, as long as it fits into His plans? There is nothing that your neighbor, co-worker, or even boss can do to affect God's plans. You are part of those plans now, so why worry? Everything in this world is temporary. All your "stuff" is transient.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Rejoice and be thankful. Look around you. Everything you have and receive is a reflection of your Heavenly Father’s immense love for you. He desires nothing but the best for you.

However, be cautious, child of God. God is not an ATM or a genie in a bottle. You won't get rich by following some formula associated with God. This is NOT the "Prosperity Gospel." That teaching is a deception that often comes from TV preachers looking to enrich themselves.

Instead, think of this as a reassurance from a Father to His child: as long as you remain close to Him, there is no need to worry or fear. God is always there for you.

Are you His child? Have you been adopted? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Yeshua, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Yeshua is Lord!

Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 15

 Chapter 15

The Lord Rejects Saul as King

15 Samuel said to Saul, “I am the one the Lord sent to anoint you, king, over his people Israel; so listen now to the message from the Lord. 2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. 3 Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

4 So Saul summoned the men and mustered them at Telaim—two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand from Judah. 5 Saul went to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the ravine. 6 Then he said to the Kenites, “Go away, leave the Amalekites so that I do not destroy you along with them; for you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites.

7 Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt. 8 He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and all his people he totally destroyed with the sword. 9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.

10 Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: 11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night.

12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal.”

13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.”

14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”

15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”

16 “Enough!” Samuel said to Saul. “Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.”

“Tell me,” Saul replied.

17 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. 18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’ 19 Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?”

20 “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.”

22 But Samuel replied:

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices

    as much as in obeying the Lord?

To obey is better than sacrifice,

    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,

    and arrogance is like the evil of idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,

    he has rejected you as king.”

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel!”

27 As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you. 29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”

30 Saul replied, “I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.” 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the Lord.

32 Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.”

Agag came to him in chains. And he thought, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”

33 But Samuel said,

“As your sword has made women childless,

    so will your mother be childless among women.”

And Samuel put Agag to death before the Lord at Gilgal.

34 Then Samuel left for Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. 35 Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.

Rejoice and be Thankful 4

 Children are a gift from God.

I remember when my wife first told me she was pregnant. To be honest, I was a little freaked out. I kept thinking, “How much will this change our lives?” and “Am I ready to be a father?” Until that moment, my wife and I were just a couple, enjoying our freedom and loving life together. Then everything shifted when the focus became about her and the baby. 

The day the nurse handed me my baby boy, Josh, outside the hospital was surreal. She said, “Here you go, Dad.” I was taken aback—“Huh?”

Some people, I agree, wouldn't change a thing, would say that having a baby is like having an anchor. Before kids, you can do whatever you want. Get up and go. Stay out all hours of the day and night. Whatever. Then when you have a kid, it becomes all about them and you get to do NOTHING! It is kinda true. It is all about them. Why? They cannot live for themselves.

When we are born, We are like that bud on the tree or that blade of grass. Bang, here we are. We know nothing. We want nothing but food, warmth, and comfort, We just exist. We just are.

We cannot eat solid food. We drink our mother's milk. We do not know anything. We must learn to talk, walk, feed ourselves, and even how to go to the bathroom outside our pants. We know nothing. We are needy for everything. But you know what else we are? Beautifully innocent.

This is why Yeshua, translated as Jesus, said this.

“And they were bringing children to him so that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” Mark 10:13-16

He was “indignant.” Wait, what does that mean? It is a feeling or expression of anger or annoyance at what is perceived as “unfair treatment.” They were trying to block children from coming to Him, and He got angry. Why do you think He said this?

“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

It is simple to understand. I now have technically 4 kids. My first is not actually by birth but by choice and then God blessed me with three more. To this day, even my 31-year-old “daughter,” asks me anything. Trust me with everything. Still in essence relies on me for everything. She has two, yes two, Master's degrees in Psychology, She works from home and makes a good salary. Yet? She comes to my house daily for dinner. Like my other three, she still goes with me wherever I go.

My firstborn Son, now a man, works hard and is moving up in his job. Yet, He still relies on me for just about everything. He understands that he may think he knows more than he does, yet he knows I do. He knows I got his back. He knows I love him. I’m here for him, 24-7.

My other two? They are still somewhat innocent. They know that dad is “king.” They know that dad will be there, bless them, {aka spoil them} and they have no fear when I’m with them. Why? Because their daddy got their back.

God desires a relationship with all His children. He wants us to love Him, trust Him, and rely on Him for everything, including our daily needs. He wants to be our Dad, our Father in Heaven, every moment of every day. Not just once a week when we feel like it, but always.

If I tell my children something, they will believe me. They understand that my "yes" means yes and my "no" means no because I have made it a priority to be consistent. I could tell them something completely fantastic, and they would trust that whatever I say is true. Why? Because Daddy said so.

God wants this with us. Sin is sin, and good is good. Why? Daddy said so. {Holding up the Bible} “But I do not understand. Nor do I like this or that. However? Daddy said so therefore it is.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10

God created man, then woman, marriage, and children.

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28

This is why we are told over and over in the Word, that children are a blessing from God.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the children of one's youth.

Blessed is the man

who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5

And here.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,

and the glory of children is their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6

As John stated in 3 John 1:4

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Children are a blessing from God to each one of us who has been blessed with them. This is why it is so important to lay a foundation for them in God. Give them the truth to take with them. Show them how to use the shield and the whole armor of God. Equip them with the difference between right and wrong, righteousness and sin. Teach them what genuine compassion really is. What true love really is. If you do not teach them what they need to know, the world will teach them what it wants them to be.

I understand it is very frustrating. You are raising kids in today’s reality. If you believe in God, and you read the Word of God or the Bible, and raise your kids without passing that on, once they leave your house, usually at about age 5, the world will start teaching them what the world wants them to be. When this happens, they will simply accept what the world says and they will start believing what the world says because that is what everyone they are surrounded with, believes.

I want you to think about this. The world is a confusing and becoming more confusing place based on mental illness, delusion, and sin. Used to be most agreed that God belongs in public education and society. Used to be most believed that marriage was to be between one man and one woman. Used to be that most would agree that biology is correct and if you are born a male you are male and if you are born a female then you are a female. Used to be that most agreed that Homosexuality was against God and nature and not something to be praised, supported, and protected.

The sad truth is, if you do not lay a good enough foundation and or educate your child well enough, you stand little to no chance. They will accept the lies, the delusions, and the sin as good, right, and even in some cases, holy.

The word says this.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Our children are a gift from God. We read this in Isaiah.

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13

How are our children taught by God? His Word. This {Holding up the Bible} This is how you can have God, teach your children.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16

It does not matter what we are talking about. God’s plan for families. God’s plan for us to live. God’s plan for salvation. God’s diet for us. God’s wisdom on, well, anything. What about removing God from schools and society? Is it compassion? Is it just? Is it in the Constitution? Is Abortion murder? Is Homosexuality ok? Is Transgenderism normal and good? What about bestiality? What about pedophilia? Is age just a number?

Now here is another aspect that some parents have a hard time accepting. Children are a gift from God. We are charged with “stewardship” over them until they reach the age of accountability. Then it is up to them. Do I know that without Yeshua, they may very well end up going to Hell? Yup. Will I try to teach them this? Yup. Can I decide for them? Sadly, no. I cannot save them. They have free will. They will decide for themselves. Regardless of what I know, what I desire for them, and or whatever I say. If they choose to not believe in God or His Christ, then that will be their choice. If they end up choosing to go to hell, then there is nothing I, nor God for that matter, can do. All we can do is tell them the truth and allow them to decide for themselves.

While they are with you, rejoice and be thankful that God blessed you with them, and do your best to teach them who God is. Teach them what salvation is. Teaching them the world way is not good nor does it end well for the world, but there is a far better way. His name is Yeshua.

Have you been adopted? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Yeshua, be with you all. May God bless you and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Yeshua is Lord!

Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 14

 Chapter 14

Jonathan Defeats the Philistines

14 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.

6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” 7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” 8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” 11 So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” 12 And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” 13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. 15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.

16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. 19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.

Saul's Rash Vow

24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.’” And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now, the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.”

31 They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. 32 The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” 34 And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.’” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. 35 And Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord.

36 Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. 39 For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” 41 Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken.

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” 44 And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” 45 Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan so that he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.

Saul Fights Israel's Enemies

47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. 48 And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them.

49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn was Merab and the name of the younger Michal. 50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. 51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

52 There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.

Rejoice and be Thankful 3

Having a Godly Spouse.

I have to start this off with this simple fact. I have a Godly Wife. I do. I have a Wife that God brought into my life when I did not want one, as an answered prayer of what a true Godly marriage is all about. She has been with me for 20 years this year and we have been blessed with three beautiful kids along the way.

We have been through a lot. Together. That is the point. I am not alone, neither is she. We honor each other, love each other, and truly become one. I truly am living Proverbs 31

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:10-12

God is very clear about this. We should not be alone. He created Marriage immediately following His creation of Man and Woman.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

Yeshua, or as translated Jesus repeats this when asked about divorce.

“But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What, therefore, God has joined together, let man not separate." Mark 10:6-9

This is why we are warned about marrying a non-believer.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

What agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:14–18

Why does God give us this warning in His Word? Because He is trying to save us from a life of pain and trouble and He is trying to help us to honor His Holy plan for family. Turn with me to Ephesians 5:21-33

“Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Now stop there for a second. This is the context in which we are talking. “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Now onto the offensive and misused text.

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit everything to their husbands.”

Now see, she has to do whatever I say. She has to submit and obey me. I am the Husband. No. If you think like this you are an idiot. Read on.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their bodies.”

One, how did Christ love His church? That would be me and you. He died for us. He put us first over His own sinless life. Husbands, are you ready to lay down your life for your wives?

“He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:21-33

See men? You are not off the hook. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, giving himself up for her. This love is sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. God is not talking about living in an abusive and controlling marriage. Just in this sermon, we read three times now, God, Jesus, and Paul, all saying the same thing.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

Marriage is so important to God that He made the 7th Commandment.

“Thou shall not commit adultery.”

Why? Because you are giving yourself away to someone else. You are giving the most intimate part of you and what is reserved for your spouse to another. This is the only true reason Jesus gives us for divorce. Turn to Matthew 19 for a second.

“They said to him, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?" He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning, it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." Matthew 19:7-9

We read, and some use the Bible to justify divorce in three ways. First of course is death. If your spouse dies then of course you are free from the obligation of marriage. The second comes from Paul, who even tells us it is from Him and not God. Look here in 1 Corinthians 7, starting at verse 12

"But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she is pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman who hath a husband that believeth not, and if he is pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace." 1 Corinthians 7:12-15

Again, look at what Paul says here. “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord:” I believe Paul is referring to a situation in which two non-believers are already married, and one of them becomes saved and becomes a child of God, while the other does not. This is different from actively seeking out and marrying a non-believer, which is why we are warned against doing so. However, the Lord clearly states, "Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." This statement seems quite clear, doesn't it?

Let me share a bit more about myself than I usually do. Some of you may know some of this, while others may not. I have diabetes, COPD, severe obstructive sleep apnea, and clinical depression, and I deal with complications from a leg injury sustained in a head-on car crash. Yeah, I know, right? My wife sure hit the jackpot, didn't she?

To be fair, when we met, I weighed 230 pounds and went to the gym regularly. Unfortunately, all of these health issues, including a cancer scare, arose after we got married. But you know what? Now, not only is she my best friend, but she is also my nurse, my medication technician, my helper for things I can no longer do, the mother of our kids, and so much more.

How can I not be thankful for her? How can I not thank God always for my wife? She is not my wife one day a year, but every day, 24-7.

I have news for you. God is the same way. He is not just God on Thanksgiving when you should decide to give Him thanks over the Turkey, nor is He God only on Sundays, no, He is God 24-7
Maybe try to get into a habit of thanking God daily.

Here is a prayer if you would like to pray along these words.

“Heavenly Father, We give you thanks for all your many blessings.

We thank You for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to experience all that You have created.

We thank You for the food we eat, prepared with love by our hands and the hands of others.

We thank You for the home we live in, a place of safety and comfort.

We thank You for our family and friends, for our spouses who enrich our lives with their love and support.

Guide us in our lives, Lord, and help us to live under Your will. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for all that You have given us.

In Yeshua’s name, amen.”

Giving thanks should be a daily practice. Everything we have is a gift from God. 

I am grateful that, despite my ignorance, weakness, and limitations, He is wise, strong, and all-powerful. I am thankful that He has allowed me to play a small part in His overall Plan and has given me a purpose for my existence.

Take some time to reflect on this. What are you thankful for? Be sure to give God the thanks He deserves. Your godly spouse should be at the top of your list of blessings. If you are not married and you are a child of God, resist the temptation to pursue a non-believer. Women, please understand that you likely cannot save someone who does not share your faith. Avoid putting yourself in that situation and then wondering why you feel miserable. Instead, follow God’s plan for a godly family.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

"You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14

Train up your children in the ways of the Lord.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."Ephesians 6:1-4

God's plan for the family. We are born, learn, and grow, leave our father and mother, and come together and marry, becoming one. God's plan for us is that as parents, you take care of your children, raising them in the ways they should go, and then later in life, if needed, your children should be able, and willing, to care for you.

What God says about men is that we are responsible for our families. We are tasked with going before God to seek His will and guidance for us and then returning to teach our families what God has revealed. We are responsible for meeting the needs of our families and for all aspects of family life. Being a husband and father is an honor and a significant responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

In an ideal world, the man, as the husband, should go out into the world to provide for the family while the wife stays home to care for the house and raise the children. Children should be allowed to be just that—children—growing, playing, and learning.

However, we do not live in a perfect or ideal world. Today, both parents often need to work, which places a strain on the family unit. We have passed the responsibility of educating our children onto others and, on top of that, removed God from the system. This has led us to create environments where our children are simply placed, forsaking God’s plan for our families. We then wonder why the divorce rate is rising, why single-parent homes are becoming more common, and why youth crime and teen suicide rates are skyrocketing.

As with all things in life, if we would only follow God's plan, we would find greater happiness and our lives would become much easier. Having a Godly spouse brings peace. If you are fortunate enough to have a Godly spouse, rejoice and be thankful, for you are truly blessed.

Have you been adopted? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Yeshua, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Yeshua is Lord!