Learning

Whether a baby is learning to swallow food, sit up or walk, or a preschooler is learning to identify different colors and letters, learning is a process that takes time. Each skill has to be practiced. The progression goes forward when one skill has been mastered. Rushing it only leads to frustration and the wise parent/ teacher takes into consideration where the little one is and when they are ready to move forward. A preschooler just learning her numbers would never be expected to do algebra.

For new and old believers in JESUS the same principle is true.  Every morning as I read the Bible I ask GOD to highlight something me that HE wants me to see. Sometimes it’s something I had never seen before- although I have read through the Bible multiple times.  Whatever HE highlights it is HIM talking to me explaining to me what I need to see. Either HE teaches me something new, convicts me of something, expands my understanding, points out a verse to use in a lesson, or shows me something HE wants me to do.

I love it that JESUS was made like us in all ways (Hebrews 2:17), even to being tempted in all points like us (but without sin) so we know that HE understands us thoroughly and can sympathize with our weaknesses and know exactly what help we need to get through (Hebrews 4:15-16, 7:25).

Since that is true, the LORD knows where we are at in knowing HIM and what HE wants of us (our spiritual growth in becoming like JESUS Romans 8:29).  HE never expects more than we can handle with HIM! (Philippians 2:13, 4:13).  That being true we cannot compare ourselves with others for each of us are different in gifting, jobs, and our level of maturity.

The ALMIGHTY gave us HIS word and teachers, so we can learn the whole counsel of GOD and partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:1-4).  By Bible study and prayer we get to understand what GOD wants us to do. But we need to read the whole Bible; both the Old and New testaments.

Things we find in the last book of the Bible will help us understand the 1st book of the Bible.  One example is that in Genesis, the 1st book of the Bible we read about a serpent but it is in the last book of the Bible- in Revelation 20:2 where we are told who that serpent is. 

You cannot just take one portion of the Bible by itself and claim that is all GOD is or wants.  The Word of GOD is like a zig saw puzzle with many, many pieces.  Each piece may tell a part of the story but the whole picture is only seen when the pieces of the puzzle are put together.

That is why Paul earnestly sought to teach all the counsel of GOD (Acts 20:27).  That is why I give references to what I share with you and why they come from all over the Bible.  But look up those verses and check if what I am saying is true for we live in a day when many false teachers and deceivers twist Scripture to get you to do or think what they want.

Praise the LORD, when we accepted JESUS as our Savior by believing that HE died for our sins, was raised to life again and called on HIM to save us (Romans 10:9-10, 13) we were born into GOD’s family (John 1:13-14) and GOD our heavenly FATHER gave us the HOLY SPIRIT to live within us to teach us, lead us in the way we should go and empower us to do what GOD wants us to do (John 7:38-39, 14:26, 16:13, Acts 1:8).  The HOLY SPIRIT helps us understand the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) and will let us know when something is not right.  In that way the HOLY SPIRIT warns us about false teaching, so it is important to pay attention to those little checks of uneasiness HE gives us and check out what is being said by searching the scriptures to see if what is being said is true (Acts 17:11).

Hugs

Sharon

How come?

Sometimes I have explained something to a person and the hearer gets a blank look on her face as if she has no clue what I am talking about.  Must be something like I would have looked before I got my hearing aids (LOL).

The other day one was on my porch discussing the Bible and spoke how he had gone to church for years and none of it made any sense to him.  False teachers came by, and he understood what they said.

How come?

The bible explains why. The world understands the world’s thoughts, but no one can understand GOD’s thoughts without GOD explaining it to us. 

1 Corinthians 2:⁹ But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD has prepared for them that love HIM. ¹⁰ But GOD has revealed them unto us by HIS SPIRIT: for GOD the SPIRIT searches all things, yes, the deep things of GOD. ¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of GOD knows no man, but the SPIRIT of GOD (reveals them to him). ¹² Now we have received (when we believed in JESUS -Ephesians 1:13), not the spirit of the world (which is under the power of Satan Ephesians 2:2, I John 5:19), but the (HOLY) SPIRIT which is of GOD; that we might know the things that are freely given to us by GOD.

In The Bondage of the Will, Martin Luther explains flippant attitudes toward the Bible: “Nobody who has not the SPIRIT of GOD sees a jot of what is in the Scriptures. All men have their hearts darkened, so that, even when they can discuss and quote all that is in Scripture, they do not understand or really know any of it.”

The same is true if one has grieved GOD the HOLY SPIRIT by not using what he has been taught so is not ready to learn more.  We must go to GOD with 1 John 1:9. It is not that the HOLY SPIRIT leaves a believer for believers are sealed until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 4:30), but we have turned our back to HIM by disobedience and are not listening.

Therefore, if you are having trouble or someone you are speaking with is having trouble understanding the Word of GOD, ask GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT to explain it to you or who you are talking to (1 John 5:16, Luke 11:13).

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: How

much more shall your heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask him?

Are you asking?

Hugs

Sharon

In much or little

While I was in grade school, my neighbors were going on vacation and didn’t want their grass to die so asked me to water it every day. I agreed. But one day I forgot to turn off the water. I didn’t think it mattered that much until, my neighbors got home and found that their basement was flooded. Then I was ashamed, and learned the hard way I needed to be faithful to do all I was supposed to do.  And it was just as important to shut the water off as it was to turn it on.

JESUS told a parable about HIS coming Kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30). In the parable, the King was going to take a trip to a far country. HE gathered HIS servants and gave each of them some of HIS goods, each was given what they could handle, according to their own specific abilities, Then the King left on HIS journey. When HE returned, he gathered HIS servants again, this time for an accounting of what they had done with HIS goods while HE was away.

From the text we learned that

*GOD never asks of us more than we can do (verse 15).

*GOD expects us to use what we have been given to advance HIS Kingdom (verse 26-27).

*JESUS praises and rewards faithful service when HE is gone, with ruling positions in HIS Kingdom once HE returns (verse 23).

*GOD promises that to the one who has, more shall be given.

*But, let’s focus on that one servant who hid what he had been given, rather than use it (verses 24-29).

I personally believe that he was entrusted with the truth of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. For it is written that JESUS gave light to everyone that came into the world (John 1:9). Apparently the servant did not accept it, for he had no clue what the Master was like. He believed the lies of the enemy accusing GOD as being a hard and demanding Master. The servant’s attitude indicated that he actually despised and hated his Master. That is seen elsewhere in scripture describing those who suppress the truth because they don’t want the light of the truth to direct them. They want none of its demands made of them (John 3:17-20, Romans 1:18-21, 25, 28).

All the Master asked was for the servant to use what he had been given. Once you believe, you are given the HOLY SPIRIT and HE teaches you what JESUS is like (2 Corinthians 3:18). If you see JESUS you will know what GOD the FATHER is like (John 14:9). That is why I feel that servant did not believe the truth shown him, or walk in the light he had been given.

The prophet Daniel said, “The people who know their GOD, do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

Why? Once you believe that GOD loves you and sent HIS SON to save you, you are given the HOLY SPIRIT to teach you. Therefore, you have the inside tract to what GOD wants you to do and the power to do it (Philippians 2:13).  Plus, the HOLY SPIRIT pours out HIS fruit into our lives beginning with the love of GOD (Galatians 5:22-23). If you abide in JESUS, you begin to desire what HE desires and will act on that motivation therefore you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain (John 15:5).

We all have been given gifts according to our own particular abilities.  A dear friend has been given an assignment, his watchword for it is 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith.” I think that is a good word for each of us.

Are you, am I using that which GOD has given us? Will the LORD be able to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant?”

Our Master, the LORD JESUS CHRIST can come back any day, are we ready?  Are you, am I using what HE has given us and told us to use?

Hugs Sharon

Pieces of the puzzle

When I began serious Bible study with some gals in 1969, in the basement of a little country church, I began getting pieces of the puzzle of what GOD has shown us in HIS Word the Bible.  Day by day I go open the Word and GOD meets me there and teaches me precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10) so that I am able to see HIM more clearly and to know how to do what pleases HIM. Even after all these 54 years of diligent study there are volumes upon volumes left for me to learn. 

But when several pieces of a puzzle come together showing a clear small picture within the big picture and thus answer one of my questions, it is so exciting!  I also love it when I come across a verse that clearly states what I have seen that gives me the ability to share that truth with another person and maybe answer a question for them.

So, it was this morning as I was reading in John.

Knowing what was coming (HIS crucifixion and what followed), JESUS used HIS time with HIS disciples at the last supper to prepare HIS disciples for HIS death.  In John 16:5, 23-33 JESUS told the 11 that at that time (that HE left being with them) they would no longer ask anything from HIM personally but would speak directly to GOD the FATHER when needing something, for GOD loved them because they loved JESUS (vs 27).  We pray to GOD our FATHER in heaven.

At this time JESUS also asked them, Do you really believe? (vs 31) and then told them that they would all leave HIM alone and be scattered (vs 32).  This indicated that their belief was not complete, something was lacking.

On the day JESUS rose from the grave (John 20:19-20), HE appeared to HIS disciples in a locked room.  After seeing the holes in HIS hands and feet they believed that HE was truly LORD for by the resurrection they knew JESUS was the SON of GOD with power (Romans 1:4).

Then JESUS did something, HE breathed on them and said, “Receive the HOLY SPIRIT” (John 20:22).

Now the HOLY SPIRIT had been WITH them and JESUS said that the HOLY SPIRIT would be IN them (John 14:17).  Yes, the HOLY SPIRIT had been WITH them helping them understand what JESUS meant when HE spoke (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Acts 1:2) and to convict them (John 16:8) but the HOLY SPIRIT could not be IN them until JESUS was glorified (John 7:38-39).

JESUS was glorified and shown to be the SON of GOD with power through the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). That is why the emphasis of the resurrection is so strong in Romans 10:9-10 when it explains how to be saved.

“If you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your hearts that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

Since the HOLY SPIRIT was with the disciples while JESUS was alive and with them, then after JESUS was glorified as the SON of GOD through the resurrection of the dead, the HOLY SPIRIT went inside them to stay to remain until the Rapture (day of redemption when they would get their new bodies- Ephesians 4:30), so WHAT is Pentecost in Acts 2 all about?

The HOLY SPIRIT was already in the disciples in Acts 2.  But at the appointed moment the HOLY SPIRIT came upon the disciples and filled them with power (Acts 2:4).  This happened in answer to prophesy but there is more to it.  It happened to enable them to do a specific job GOD had determined/ prepared for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). 

But the filling didn’t remain, it came on them and when the job was done, it left. We see just a couple chapters over in Acts 4:31 these same disciples were filled anew with the HOLY SPIRIT.  This time they spoke with boldness.

The thing is we are commanded to be filled with the SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18), yet we cannot fill ourselves, the HOLY SPIRIT is the ONE who has to fill us, so what gives?  GOD does not command us to do something impossible so what are we to do? 

Actually it is quite simple and it is clearly stated and illustrated in HIS Word the Bible.  We are to ask GOD the FATHER for the HOLY SPIRIT.  Notice the disciples had been praying to GOD the FATHER when HE filled them initially (Acts 1:14, 2:1) and also when HE filled them anew with the HOLY SPIRIT in Acts 4:31.

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask HIM? (Luke 11:13).

As we put together all these little puzzle pieces the picture gets clearer and clearer.

Be blessed as you go meet with our Heavenly FATHER.

Hugs

Sharon

Ants and squirrels

GOD is stunningly remarkable in the details HE teaches HIS creation.  HE equips them and shows them what they need to know to thrive but HE is selective and does not give them all skills nor all wisdom (Job 39:17). HE built within HIS creatures knowledge of what they need to do.  Like salmon born in fresh water going out into the salty ocean for a couple of years and then coming back into the fresh water, then going upstream to where they were born to lay eggs. That kind of guidance can only come from GOD HIMSELF.  HE guides those who look to HIM through HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 16:13) which GOD gives to all who believe and receive JESUS CHRIST as Savior and LORD (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13).

GOD tells us we can learn from HIS creation and in Proverbs 6:6-8 says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

Well, squirrels, like the ants, gather food for the winter. Let’s look at a few other things we can learn from this small playful creature with the fluffy tail.

When a female squirrel finds another’s baby squirrel, she gives him food then investigates to make sure that he is a true orphan with neither mother nor father. After 3 days of investigation, being certain he has no family, she takes him gently and feeds him and brings him to live with her and her young as if he were one of her own children.

The female squirrel is unique in receiving her husband when he returns with food.  She greets him with kisses and wooing him in order to ease the fatigue of bringing food to her and her young.

The male squirrel always expresses his love for his female by giving her the most beautiful roses and the largest walnuts and almonds…

Mother Squirrel and Father Squirrel are a wonderfully industrious family, and the future of mankind actually depends on their activity.  You see, half of the seeds they store become new bushes creating food for mankind.

We can gain a little wisdom by paying attention to what GOD shows us through this little animal as well as what HE has taught HIS other creatures.

Hugs

Sharon

Who can I teach?

Why we do what we do is not easily understood by another.

Once my children started to school I spent a lot of time studying the Bible.  The extended times with GOD I considered a gift from GOD.  My hearing loss was discovered when I was 15, just months after I asked GOD to do what was necessary to make me what HE wanted me to be. Then partially due to being excluded or laughed at due to my inappropriate verbal responses when I misunderstood because of my profound hearing loss, I isolated myself from people up into my late 30’s.  The exception was small group Bible studies and church.  A gal talked me into being a counselor at Camp Elim to Junior High girls.  That changed my life.  Those girls and the staff totally accepted me mistakes and all.  I kept going back, camp after camp, year after year. During those years at camp I felt as if I had received my childhood back.  Then after years of working at camp, cabin after cabin and interrelating with the staff GOD gave me the courage to venture out to work in the secular world on a military base and later to travel on prayer teams to 4 nations.

Plain and simple it was a growing process, a step at a time.

GOD asks “Who can I teach knowledge, and who can I make understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:9-10).

GOD is saying before one can be truly taught the 1^st step is becoming a baby. One is born into GOD’s family when he/she believes in/ trusts JESUS’s finished work on the cross (John 1:12, 3:5-7, 16) One thing a new believer gets immediately is the HOLY SPIRIT for among other things we need HIM as our interpreter to understand GOD’s word. 

2^nd one must drink the milk of the word of GOD so she/he can grow (1 Peter 2:2) It is our nourishment.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).   

3^rd only as one puts into practice what they have learned they are ready to learn knowledge and doctrine (Hebrews 5:12-14). GOD won’t teach you more until you do what HE has shown you to do.

Because of our cultures, people attach different meanings to terms. That leads to confusion. Therefore lets 1^st look at 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 where we are told not to quench the SPIRIT by despising prophesying but to test all things.  Whatever you hear about the things of GOD don’t just dismiss it if it doesn’t agree with what you think or someone said.  Instead check it out by the word of GOD. If what is said does not agree with GOD’s word there is no truth in it (Isaiah 8:20 and Jeremiah 23) then dismiss it.  But if it agrees with GOD’s word it is a word for you.

I want to unpack a biblical definition of a term that speaks about the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.  I have put Bible verses near the statements for you to search it out for yourself, because it is when you get into the Word of GOD by yourself that GOD can speak most clearly. Since there is so much I cannot cover I will just summarize basics, the HOLY SPIRIT teaches and reminds us (John 14:26), convicts us (John 16:7-8) interprets GOD thoughts to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), empowers us (Romans 15:13, Acts 1:8), HE moved the writers of the Bible to pen our Bible (2 Peter 1:21), HE prays for us according to the will of GOD and HIS purpose for us, since we don’t know how we should pray as we ought (Romans 8:26) HE encourages us, motivates us (Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13) and more.

JESUS tells us we must be born of the SPIRIT to enter the kingdom of GOD (John 3:5). It is the HOLY SPIRIT who gives new life (John 3:5-7, 6:63) and HE enters the new Christian to live within him permanently the moment a person believes in the saving work of JESUS and calls on the name of the LORD (Ephesians 1:13-14 4:30, Romans 10:9-10, 13).

JESUS is the one who baptizes us with the HOLY SPIRIT (Mark 1:7-8 Luke 3:16).  That means the HOLY SPIRIT is poured out on a person when he believes in JESUS (John 7:38-39).  Then comes the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT, where the HOLY SPIRIT places a person into the Church, the body of CHRIST. “By one SPIRIT we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).  Ephesians 4:5 tells us there is just one baptism -for getting the HOLY SPIRIT when we believe, and we are born again and are placed into CHRIST is all simultaneous.

However, this indwelling of the SPIRIT is not the filling of the HOLY SPIRIT. Throughout the Old Testament we can see that even an unbeliever can be moved to act by the SPIRIT.  Today one cannot be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT unless that one believes in JESUS and is indwelt by him,

So what does it mean to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT?

The prerequisite to/what must come before being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is believing in the finished saving work of JESUS and confessing HE is LORD by calling on HIS name (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  At that time one is sealed and indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13-14). Although to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is a command (Ephesians 5:18) only those Christians who want to be filled with the SPIRIT will be filled. One must be willing to let the SPIRIT control what he does and says.  When someone submits to the HOLY SPIRIT’s nudges he is asking the SPIRIT to take control -that is fill him so his thoughts and actions are in line with what GOD wants.

Luke 4:1-2 tells us that JESUS was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT when HE was tempted in the wilderness.  In response to each temptation JESUS spoke scripture.  This shows us that the HOLY SPIRIT will remind us of scripture (John 14:26), but it is our job to learn scripture by reading it.  If we want to be consistently SPIRIT-filled, we must be in the Bible.

It is essential to read the Bible, study it, reflect on it, and let it correct us. Scripture has been given to make us complete, well‑equipped for everything GOD wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word of GOD reveals the nature of GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS CHRIST our LORD and changes us (2 Peter 1:1-4). We cannot be SPIRIT-filled without it.

Another aspect in being filled with the SPIRIT is seeking HIS counsel by asking for HIS guidance in what to do or to explain what Scripture means.

JESUS described being filled by the HOLY SPIRIT as having a well of water within us that springs up and over flows to others (John 7:38-39). That goes with Paul’s describing the results/ or effects of being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. He said, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD, giving thanks always for all things to GOD the FATHER in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, submitting to one another in the fear of GOD” (Ephesians 5:19–21). He also listed nine fruits of the SPIRIT as evidence of being filled(Galatians 5:22–23).

If the HOLY SPIRIT is producing HIS fruit of love, joy, peace , longsuffering (patience), gentleness, kindness, faithfulness (faith), gentleness, and self control you are SPIRIT-filled.  It is a process and these characteristics of the divine nature should be seen on an increasing level as the HOLY SPIRIT teaches us.

When I recognize that I am not practicing those things at that moment then I know I am not in the SPIRIT (SPIRIT filled) and need to confess and ask the HOLY SPIRIT to fill me.

The HOLY SPIRIT is a person that is grieved by sin (Ephesians 4:40) and quenched when we refuse HIS teaching or leading (Ephesians 5:19).

What do you think? Is it really important to be filled with the SPIRIT?

Romans 8:1–11 declares that freedom from the power of sin comes to those who walk “according to the SPIRIT” (those who allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead them). Galatians 5:16-25 says if we live by the SPIRIT (obeying HIS nudges or checks in our spirit) we will not indulge in the lusts of the flesh and urges us to walk in step with HOLY SPIRIT and not hold back or run ahead.

Hugs

Sharon

Who hovers?

“In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM (the WORD); and without HIM was not anything made that was made… and the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us” John 1:1-3, 14.

“In the beginning, GOD created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT of GOD was hovering over the face of the waters” Genesis 1:1-2.

Hence we see the Trinity in creation.

Let’s look at a little more about the HOLY SPIRIT.

Imagine GOD’s SPIRIT hovering over the face of the earth. Everything is dark and without form until GOD spoke through the WORD, “Let there be light.” In an instant, everything changes. The light pierces the darkness, and what was once invisible is now seen clearly. This is what GOD the SPIRIT does. HE is always close, always near, always bringing to light what was once covered in darkness.  HE does that in many ways.  Lets look at a few.

The HOLY SPIRIT explains what the Bible means (1 Corinthians 2:10) and helps us understand more and more what JESUS is like and changes us all the while (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The HOLY SPIRIT prays for us and leads us according to GOD the FATHER’s will (Romans 8:26-27) by speaking to our thoughts and putting GOD’s desires in our heart (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10: 15-16).  

We have been given the ability to choose but when our everyday choices are not according to GOD the FATHER’s will, The HOLY SPIRIT will press a check into our spirit, bringing a restraint that we are aware of. At those times we need to stop, be quiet and wait for HIS direction.  We must not grieve HIM by doing what we know we should not do (Ephesians 4:25-30), nor do despite HIS warning (Isaiah 50:10-11). But rather, we need to wait until we “know” (that inner awareness) what step we are to take (Proverbs 3:5-7) and then do it. If we refuse to act on HIS prodding, we quench HIM (1 Thessalonians 5:18-22).

Wow!  What a mighty GOD we serve.  FATHER GOD has prepared the way ahead for us and all that we have comes from HIM (Ephesians 2:10), JESUS, GOD the SON, died to save us and continually works on our behalf as HE discusses our needs with the FATHER (Hebrews 7:25) so HE can save us completely.  And the HOLY SPIRIT lives within us flowing HIS divine nature John 7:38-39) through us as HE teaches (John 14:26) and leads us way we should go, confirming our witness of JESUS by convicting hearts as we speak (John 16:8).

Hugs

Sharon

Why did HE do that?

Have you ever wondered why GOD did something?

I was reading in the Bible and a question rose in my mind.  “Why did GOD anoint Saul king fully knowing he would disobey HIM?”

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written beforetime (the Bible) were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST.

2 Peter 1:1-4 GOD gave us HIS word so that we could learn about HIM and HIS ways for it is through our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST that we obtain all things necessary for living this life and godliness.  In fact, we are told that if we will use (apply) the great and precious promises within the Word of GOD we will be changed bit by bit (here a little/ there a little) into the likeness of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and take on the divine nature.

So, there is a reason that GOD appointed Saul even though GOD who knows all things knew how Saul would act.  Therefore, I asked GOD, “What were YOU teaching us about YOURSELF in placing Saul as king?” Then I went back and reread.

Saul was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward (1 Samuel 10:23).  That would make him look strong, definitely a good choice to lead the people.  But Saul on different occasions chose to do things he thought best instead of obeying clear directions from GOD. That did not set well with GOD (1 Samuel 15:11) and Saul was told  “But now your kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought HIM a man after HIS own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over HIS people, because you have not kept that which the LORD commanded you (1 Samuel 13:14).

GOD sent Samuel on a mission. GOD told Samuel to go to Jesse and make a sacrifice and anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king (1 Samuel 16:1-3).  Samuel went and told Jesse to gather his sons for the feast and one by one 7 of Jesse’s son’s were brought before Samuel beginning with the oldest Eliab.  Samuel look at him and thought “he is the one!”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Look not on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have refused him. For the LORD doesn’t see what man sees.  Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Jesse had 7 of his sons pass before Samuel but none of these were the one.  So, Samuel asked Jesse, are these all your sons?  There was one more, the youngest but he wasn’t there for he was in the fields watching over the sheep.  Samuel told Jesse to get him and the moment Samuel saw David GOD spoke, “Arise and anoint him for this is he.”

Why was David chosen?   

“And when HE(GOD) had removed him (Saul), HE raised up David to be their king; to whom also HE (GOD) gave this testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after MINE own heart, which shall fulfill all my will (Acts 13:22).

But why LORD, did you make Saul king since YOU knew how he would not do what YOU commanded?

The LORD replied, “To teach you MY ways and not to judge.  Because the only basis of your judgments are on appearances (unless, I personally show you something more).  Appearances can be deceiving and besides you only have part of the facts, so wait.”

I Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon