The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 8-30-23 Part 1

A) In Psalm 39, verse 7, David states, “What do I wait for? My hope is in You.” This is the key: we wait for God to bring answers and deliverance for our struggles. Some people believe that this is directly in reference to David’s sin, but there is another group that believes it is also connected to David’s illness. Either way, he is asking for the Lord to be his deliverer and knows that the only answer is in God.B) In the next verse, David says, “Deliver me from all my transgressions.” Some of our transgressions we know about, and some we don’t. What we need is God’s help in dealing with the ones that we do know about and the insight to find the ones that we don’t understand.C) In the same verse, David says, “Remove Your plague from me.” While it won’t put to rest the idea that everything good is from God and everything bad is from Satan, the Lord allows things to happen to us for our own good. He does allow bad things to come towards us so that we can learn from them, draw upon Him, draw closer to Him, and find our deliverance from Him.D) David makes it clear that when the Lord rebukes us, He does so because of our iniquity. He corrects a man for iniquity. When the Lord rebukes us, when He chastens us, when He disciplines us, He does it because He loves us. He does it because it’s the only way for us to step away from that iniquity and make a separation. If we continue to embrace that iniquity, it muddies our waters with Him.E) David closes out the psalm by crying out to God, sharing that his tears are real and he does not want God to be silent. David expresses his feelings - not his faith - but his feelings are that he and God are estranged. He feels like a stranger and can only exist if the Lord will save him. But even in this, David knows that God is righteous.

The David Spoon Experience 8-29-23 Part 2

John, Nola's Granddad, calls in to share how the family is doing. 1) In Galatians 4:19, Paul emphasizes how God delivered His laws through angels to Moses, who then became the mediator between God and the people. It's essential to note that while Moses served as a mediator, he was not an eternal one; the only eternal mediator is Jesus Christ.2) Paul also highlights the significance of having a mediator when two parties enter into an agreement. In our case, God took the initiative and entered into an agreement on our behalf through Jesus Christ, recognizing that we cannot fulfill our part of the bargain without help.3) This raises the question of whether there is a conflict or contradiction between the Old and New Testaments. However, the scripture clarifies that there is no conflict. Instead, it reveals that we are prisoners of sin, and the law's power exposes our need for something more to progress spiritually in God.4) Before Jesus's coming, the law played the role of a tutor and guardian, acting as a form of protective custody, making us keenly aware that our deliverance was imminent through Jesus Christ. Paul concludes by emphasizing that the law guided us toward Christ; it pointed us to Him. Through faith in Jesus, we find righteousness and reconciliation with God. To be right with God, we must have faith in Jesus.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-29-23 Part 1

A) In Matthew's book, a passage has puzzled many interpreters, but I'm not entirely convinced it should trouble us. Jesus mentions that when an evil spirit departs from a person, it wanders through the desert, seeking rest but finding none. The spirit then decides to return to its previous host, only to find the person empty and vulnerable. Consequently, the spirit brings along other malevolent spirits to inhabit the vacant space. While interpretations of this passage may vary, it's essential to recognize that individuals who remain spiritually empty and haven't been filled with the Holy Spirit are susceptible to frequent influences of darkness. B) Despite the complex nature of the passage, it's crucial to understand that Jesus directed this reference toward the generation of his time. Perhaps it was his way of pointing out that rejecting him as the Messiah and failing to invite him to fill that emptiness allows for the infiltration of demonic and godless influences.C) In another instance, Jesus was inside a house, and his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak with him. Although we are uncertain about the purpose of their conversation, it's evident that Jesus was inside a house. This is confirmed later in chapter 13, verse one, which mentions that he left the house on the same day. D) In this teaching moment, Jesus clarifies that family does hold significance, and it's essential not to misinterpret his words. However, he also emphasizes the significance of spiritual family ties. When asked about his mother and brothers, Jesus replies that those who do the will of his Father are considered his true family. The reason behind this is simple: our earthly family relationships last for a limited time, but our spiritual family is eternal. Thus, we must ALSO prioritize our eternal family because we focus on storing treasures in heaven rather than on Earth.

The David Spoon Experience 8-28-23 Part 2

1) As Chapter 34 comes to a close, and as we head into Job, chapter 35, Elihu's strong presence continues. He starts with a powerful message: why don't people just admit their sins and stop doing wrong? God doesn't want us to dwell in guilt and mire but to acknowledge our failures and be fully honest. Pretending to be righteous won't impress Him; genuine honesty is what He seeks.2) Elihu then addresses those who fail to understand God's justice due to their pride and arrogance. Must God bend His justice to suit our demands? Of course not. Our limited human perspective can't grasp true justice. God is not interested in our version of what's right because humanity, without God, struggles to discern true righteousness. Man wouldn’t know righteousness from a brown paper bag. 3) In the introduction to chapter 35, Elihu takes the argument even further. He asks Job if it is right for him to claim that he is righteous before God. Elihu's response is not one that most of the older men would have anticipated. He says that if you do some form of righteousness, it doesn't matter because you're not helping God. If you do some form of unrighteousness, it doesn't matter because you're not hurting God. Elihu makes it clear that what we do, good or bad, does not affect God but rather affects the people around us.

The David Spoon Experience 8-28-23 Part 1

A) The topic seldom discussed in the church is the specific qualifications for widows, as outlined by Paul to Timothy. There is nothing wrong with the church taking care of people, as it reflects the compassionate heart of Jesus. However, for the church to assume responsibility for caring for someone, that individual must have shown commitment not only to the marriage process but also to the faithfulness of the church and service to the saints. B) The issue concerning young widows is not that they are evil; such a notion is absurd. The challenge lies in their youthful energy and desire to start anew. There is nothing inherently wrong in this, except if they become a burden to the church and forsake their commitment to God to pursue a family life again. This act of casting off their first love, Jesus, in pursuit of their own desires is a significant lesson for every Christian.C) A profound hidden theology applies to every Christian, regardless of gender or age. When we lack direction and purpose, we become vulnerable to Satan's influence. We may find ourselves searching for things that lead us astray. The key is to avoid giving the adversary an opportunity to accuse us of idle and intrusive behavior.D) Paul concludes his exhortation by advising core family units, whether husbands, men, or women, to help their family members in need. By doing so, the church is relieved of unnecessary burdens. This approach ensures that the church isn't a fallback option because people are unwilling to step up.

The David Spoon Experience 8-25-23 Part 2

1) Sometimes, the frankness of the word is a challenge to our reasonings. But then again, the secret things belong unto the Lord (Deut. 29:29). In a jaw-dropping moment, King Saul asks Samuel to forgive him. Mistake one is that Saul asks Samuel instead of crying out to God. But mistake number two is a bit bigger. It’s about the reason WHY King Saul asked this in the first place. It's the same reason he was rejected.2) Additionally, we will examine the S P - ers—secular progressives—who prioritize creation over the Creator. This perspective resonates with individuals who identify as "woke," those passionate about environmentalism ("Mother-Earthers"), and those who regard science as their primary belief system. We will encounter God's direct response to this worldview, which carries significant consequences. Deviating from acknowledging the Creator will lead to divine repercussions.3) We close the weekend with a doozy. Peter writes about the mind. Peter writes about the heart. Peter writes about the biblical requirements to seek or pursue retaliation. This is more pinpointed to fleshly responses to fleshly attacks. Then the apostle steps it up one more level. If you are attacked in some fashion, respond by blessing. Yep. I know that it’s super bizarre. But we overcome evil with good. Why do we need to respond this way? Because we are kingdom kids.

The David Spoon Experience 8-25-23 Part 1

A) “Remember your leaders.” They must be using God’s Word. Consider “carefully” the outcome of their lives. Imitate their faith. There are four elements involved in this passage. The first is good leaders, and leadership should be remembered. Second, they have to use God’s word as their base. The third is to affirm their faith by observation. That includes hearing and seeing. And the final element is that their lives reflect Jesus, then imitate them. Where they are NOT reflective of Jesus, do NOT imitate them.B) Jesus Christ. The same. Yesterday. Today. And forever. Remember when you first met Jesus? Guess what? He is the same Jesus. It is YOU that is not the same. He has the same love, the same grace, the same mercy, the same forgiveness, the same kindness, the same patience, the same commitment, and the same compassion. Leaders will never be “as consistent” as Jesus will always be.C) Don’t be led astray by VARIOUS teachings. The various teachings are not all spiritual. There are scientific teachings. And those seem to change with the news reports and the politics of the day. There is almost no a-political science left. A girl is not a girl, and a guy is not a guy. That’s not science, that’s a lie. Political teachings are also strange and twisted. So is every science that defies or denies God. But this also does include the spiritually demonic teachings for false teachers. Unfortunately, there are tons of those.D) Let your heart be established by grace, not by dietary laws. Why? For the same reason that Jesus mentioned. Matthew 15:11 states, “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Our hearts need to be established by grace. To be established means having taken root and growing well. Grace should be just like this…in our hearts.

The David Spoon Experience 8-24-23 Part 2

1) As Paul takes his leave of Corinth, He journeys with Pricilla and Aquilla. It’s worth noting that Aquilla is the husband—a male. And Priscilla is the wife - a female (Acts 18:2). There are some who profess Jesus, but to their shame, they deny His truth. It’s Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. And if God wanted to be known as “no sex divinity,” then He would have manifested Himself that way. But He referenced Himself as male over two thousand times. So, there’s that. 2) Then the apostle states, “I will come back, God willing.” How can we not love this? This is my plan. This is what I’m going to do. This is my future if God is willing. How can Paul not know? But God is not always telling. James 4:1-16 states; Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.3) “He visited all the believers, encouraging and helping them grow in the Lord.” These are a few of my favorite things. Two principles stand out for me. The first is that the apostle was encouraging the believers. To encourage is to assist, help, or push. It means to add courage. And the second is helping believers grow in the Lord. Is this head knowledge? Yes. Is this heart knowledge? Yes. Is this relationship knowledge? Yes.4) And we now come to the introduction of Apollos. What do we know about Apollos? He was a Jew. He was an eloquent speaker. And he had a strong knowledge of the scriptures. He had great enthusiasm and a strong, accurate knowledge of Jesus. BUT…He only knew of the baptism of John. He took his limited knowledge, and he used it in partnership with God. And he used it well. But there was more for him to learn. And more to grow in. Just like each one of us. 

The David Spoon Experience 8-24-23 Part1

As one has come to expect with The David Spoon Experience show did nothing close to normal teaching. Today's segments centered around the needs of people in the body of Christ. Prayerfully petitioning (with thanksgiving and our hearts) for God to help, heal, and make whole the people all around us. If you're hurting, this might be a good portion to listen to and to give a hearty amen, in Jesus' name. Jay call after doing that very thing. Such a blessing. 

The David Spoon Experience 8-23-23 Part 2

1) Let's go back to the classics with this teaching about Manassa. It's pretty simple: he was the worst king that Judah ever had, paying no attention to the Lord. However, in his stupidity, he reached a point of major distress. When he sincerely sought God and humbled himself, we can understand that God will still hear us even if we're as bad as Manassa. By the way, remember that you're not as bad as you think. God brought deliverance for him, and he knew it was from God. 2) To gain a deeper understanding, let's dive into Lamentations Chapter 3, not just quoting one verse but looking at six verses together. In our struggles, God's grace and mercy sustain us and His love and compassion keep us going. Clearly, God is good to us. 3) Ultimately, we come to understand that everything we go through has a reflection of the life of Jesus Christ. Our lives are like mirrors to the life of Jesus. Sometimes, powerful and positive elements emerge, while other times, deep pains become a part of our journey. The key to remembering our reflection of Jesus is this: He came humbly first, and when He comes again, that humility will be rewarded with honor. He is our example that before we are exalted, we are humbled. That’s the plan of God. 

The David Spoon Experience 8-23-23 Part1

A) Enter into Psalm 39. It is another psalm from David. It centers around his prayer for wisdom and for “I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my mouth.” Guess what David knew that we know that God knows. We find lots of problems with our mouths. When seventy percent of an entire chapter in the New Testament is devoted to “watch your tongue,” then you know it’s serious. Next, David says, “I put a muzzle on my mouth. I’m pretty sure that each and every one of us understands what David is saying. By the way, this applies to EVERY area of our lives. EVERY area. B) But this insight can also go too far in the course correction. By his own acknowledgment, David says he held his peace, even from good. Bingo. Right there is the problem. We overcorrect on every fault. Yes, we do. David so understood that his words were problematic that he went TOO FAR. He even held back from saying the good, not just the bad. Guess what happened? The good part of David and his words started to create a fire within himself. C) His insights in verse 4 make it clear how we should use the muzzle of our words. He and we need to recognize our limitations. We need to acknowledge, before we speak, that we are NOT God. He needs to keep in mind that our days are limited, and so is our frame. Therefore, we need to choose our words wisely. David knows he is always operating as human, and while there are moments of brilliance and good, there are often moments of oopsie daisy too. D) At his best state, every man is but a vapor. Ouch. This is the exclamation point of the previous at our best, all of our righteousness is as filthy rags before the eyes of God. This is the wisdom that we need to speak with and operate with. This is the wisdom. 

The David Spoon Experience 8-22-23 Part 2

1) Dave opens the show by discussing the Upper Room in Acts 1, comparing the Tower of Babel and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Then the show offers up a plug for a struggling brother and sister in the business, ramblerrosecabins.com.2) In Galatians chapter three, verse 15, Paul uses an everyday life example to help people grasp the distinction between God's promises and the law. The promise granted to Abraham is considered an irrevocable agreement, meaning that once God makes a promise, it remains unchanged throughout the universe. It's essential to reiterate that the Bible is replete with corporate and personal promises from God to His people. However, it is crucial to discern whether a promise genuinely comes from God or merely stems from our own wishful thinking.3) The argument goes like this: You can’t change a will once the person has died. Even though courts have attempted to do so, it is mostly from an unrighteous point of view. God gave a promise to Abraham and his descendants, but the specific promise was to his seed, singular, meaning that the biggest blessing to all nations would come through a single seed of Abraham - Jesus Christ.4) The next logical question is why God gave the law 430 years after giving the promise to Abraham. Paul addresses this in verse 19, stating that the Law was given to show people their guilt and serve as a tutor, showing that apart from Jesus, we are in trouble. The Law also established that the coming of the child to whom God made the promise would follow after the Law. Thank you, Jesus.