The Armor Bearer: Portend of a Spouse and Friend

Posted on 2013/10/03 by Shawn Thomas

In I Samuel 14:7, Saul’s son Jonathan proposed going up against a force of Philistines. His armor bearer, the only other individual with him against the larger enemy force, replied: “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to all your desire.” This armor bearer is a blessed picture of anyone who is an encouragement to his friend, and especially that of a helpful spouse. Notice the qualities he possessed:

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Go In Faith

Posted on 2013/10/02 by Shawn Thomas

In I Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to go and anoint another king over Israel. Samuel is hesitant, fearing Saul’s retribution if he does so. Then God gives him some specific instructions about what he should do, then adds in :3, “I will show you what you shall do.” Despite sharing some particulars of the plan with Samuel, God left some of them unknown. It is not uncommon for God to leave something unknown like that, so that there is always an element of faith involved when we respond to Him. Continue reading →

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A Most Important Prayer

Posted on 2013/10/01 by Shawn Thomas

Psalm 90:14 contains a most important prayer for blessing: “O satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” NOTICE:

— “SATISFY us”: there is satisfaction to be found in the Lord.

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Don’t Look Back; Look Ahead

Posted on 2013/09/30 by Shawn Thomas

I Samuel 16:1 could be a word for anyone who has been paralyzed by past hurts, and who needs to move on and follow God for what He has next for them:

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A Prayer of Blessing

Posted on 2013/09/28 by Shawn Thomas

Psalm 89:15-18 makes a good “prayer of blessing” to pray for loved ones:

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Assurance and Fruit

Posted on 2013/09/27 by Shawn Thomas

Hebrews 6:11 says: “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end.” Though scripture is very clear that salvation is entirely of grace, it also teaches that assurance of that salvation is based, at least to some extent, upon one’s fruit. We see that here in Hebrews 6:

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The Great Benefit of Christianity

Posted on 2013/09/26 by Shawn Thomas

Hebrews 7:19, comparing the Old Testament Law with the better hope we have in Christ, says: “(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Those last words, “draw near to God” are a good way to describe the great benefit of what God has done for us in Jesus. What do we get as a result of His ministry? It is not just “heaven”, or “streets of gold”, or even that we are forgiven, but that we get to “draw near to God”!

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Fluctuations in Faith

Posted on 2013/09/25 by Shawn Thomas

In I Samuel 16:2, Samuel’s response to God’s command to go and anoint another king of Israel to replace Saul was less than faith-filled: “But Samuel said, ‘How can I go? When Saul hears of it, he will kill me.'” It is interesting and amazing that this man of God, who had spoken with God personally, who had seen Him make His prophecies come to pass, and work in so many extraordinary ways, would respond so timidly. Surely he knew that God could protect him on whatever mission He would send him! Continue reading →

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The Grieving Minister

Posted on 2013/09/24 by Shawn Thomas

I Samuel 15 relates the story of how Saul disobeyed God in the campaign against the Amalekites, and how Saul initially tried to justify his disobedience. Because he feared the people more than God, Samuel told Saul that the kingdom was being taken away from him and given to another (David).

But it is important for us to understand that Samuel was no heartless, unfeeling proclaimer of truth. In :35 it says: “Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over Saul.” This is very revealing.

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Biblical Revival (Psalm 85)

Posted on 2013/09/23 by Shawn Thomas

Psalm 85:6 says, “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” Here scripture teaches us several important things about revival:

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