The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 1-22-24 part 2

1) Genesis 2:1-3 is where we get a great glimpse of God trying to teach us the simplest wisdom. After the six days of creation, God rested. God is omnipotent. Therefore, God did not NEED to rest. God chose to rest. Well, why would God choose to rest on the seventh day? Because He was establishing an example for us to follow. I give a shout-out to Pastor Robert Morris for his book, “Take the Day Off,” which is about how God inserted the rest day for our benefit. The best commentator of the Bible is the Bible. Take a look at Exodus 20:11.2) Now we deal with the reality. The Bible is NOT (NOT, NOT) chronological. Chapter two in Genesis points backward to before Adam and Eve were brought forth, as in chapter one. Man was not created for the purpose of being a landscaper for God’s earth. Bible teachers that teach that do not know the difference between God and a donut. He could have built robots for that, way beyond AI and synthetic life.

The David Spoon Experience 1-22-24 part 1

“Dave returns from a challenging bout with COVID and begins teaching. He emphasizes that the Lord’s plans surpass David’s own plans. Sergio poses an insightful question about God’s character, noting its connection to our human character. He observes that God experiences emotions and responds to both the good and bad aspects of His creation. It’s an excellent question. David delves into the answer, first from the Old Testament perspective, then from the New Testament viewpoint. Ultimately, Jesus provides the definitive image of how the Father feels about us.”

The David Spoon Experience 1-16-24 part 2

1) We find ourselves in Romans, chapter one, verse 18, where Paul is poised to deliver a powerful message. He articulates that God's wrath is evident from heaven against sinful, wicked individuals who suppress the truth. Scripture encourages us to buy the truth and sell it not (Proverbs 23:23). It urges us to accept and submit to the truth, promising freedom in return. And who embodies this truth? It is none other than Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life.2) Paul delves deeper into the concept of God's wrath, discussing individuals who deny the truth of God's existence despite an innate understanding. How can we assert that God is known to them instinctively? Because God has instilled knowledge of Himself in their hearts. When they reject God, they are discarding the divine testimony ingrained within them. A prime example is the human desire for immortality, coupled with the inability to achieve it independently - a clear testament to God.3) Paul then elevates the discourse. Merely observing the earth, the sky, and all of creation - the oceans, the Grand Canyon, towering mountains, vast forests, exquisite animals, unpredictable weather, and countless other marvels - it becomes evident that a superior entity is at work. It's crucial to recognize that these testimonies have been present since the dawn of time.4) Paul unequivocally states that ignorance of God is inexcusable. Those who choose disbelief are consciously ignoring the abundant evidence of God's existence. When they face God - and they will - they will be without excuse, and their punishment will be just. They rejected the God of life and will receive the consequences of their rejection. This is why, when the Lord challenges us, the wisest course of action is to surrender.

The David Spoon Experience 1-16-24 part 1

A) As they were crossing to the other side of the lake, the disciples realized they had forgotten to bring food. This would be a startling revelation for anyone traveling. Simultaneously, Jesus warned them, “Watch out, beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Things happen concurrently, but not always for the same reasons.B) The disciples, in their wisdom, assumed that Jesus’ warning was because they hadn’t brought bread. They thought Jesus was referring to their oversight while He was cautioning them about the spiritual nourishment being offered by others.C) Jesus then admonished His disciples, “You have so little faith. Why are you concerned about having no food? Why don’t you understand?” So, Jesus chastises his disciples. Let's see, little faith, worried, and don't understand what’s being taught. Wow, it's a good thing none of us ever go through that same experience.D) Jesus then emphasized the lesson, “Don’t you remember the 5,000 who were fed with five loaves, or the 4,000 who were fed with seven loaves? Wasn’t there leftover food? How can you think this is about physical food? How can you forget what I’ve already done?”E) Finally, the disciples understood that Jesus wasn’t talking about actual bread but about the false teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Sometimes, it takes a rebuke from God for us to grasp the point.

The David Spoon Experience 1-12-24 part 2

First, it’s Friday, time for Dr. Dave’s Devotional Diamonds of the Day. The first one opens up in the book of Exodus. It’s a wonderful reminder about who’s truly in charge of Planet Earth. Some people may think that they’re in control and that their actions will ultimately determine the fate of the planet. However, such individuals are misguided, uninformed, and unstable. Let’s understand one thing: God gave mankind the opportunity to manage the Earth, but He never handed over total ownership. He granted us the right to inhabit it, but it’s His personal property. Next, here’s the big mystery: we are not all going to ‘sleep.’ In biblical terms, this means we are not all going to die. Despite those who believe that the planet deserves to outlive mankind, the reality is that not everyone on the planet is going to die because we are not all going to ‘sleep.’ That’s the mystery: who is going to ‘sleep,’ when, and what will the change be like? Finally, “I think I’ll go buy that car. ‘Hello, car dealership staff, I want to buy that car.’ ‘Great, that’ll be $20,000.’ ‘Wait, I don’t have $20,000, but I can make payments.’ ‘What kind of payments can you make?’ ‘Not the kind I want to, but the kind that will get me the car.’ ‘Awesome, first we’re going to need a down payment.’ ‘Why a down payment?’ ‘Because that proves that you’re going to take care of the rest. After all, nobody wants to lose a down payment.’ ‘Hey, wait a minute, that sounds spiritual. Isn’t there a down payment for the kingdom of God?’ ‘Yes, there is.’ ‘What’s that down payment?’ ‘It’s the Holy Spirit.’ He is our guarantee.” 

The David Spoon Experience 1-12-24 part 1

A) James emphasizes the power of the tongue, illustrating its potential to bring both life and death. He warns that our words can be as destructive as fire from hell.B) He makes a profound observation that while man has the power to annihilate any animal, no one can tame the tongue. This not only highlights man’s superiority over animals but also draws a parallel between man and the snake in the Garden of Eden. The venomous words from our tongues can poison minds and hearts.C) James presents a challenge: the same mouth can produce both curses and blessings. This is akin to expecting fresh water from a drinking fountain only to receive salt water. Just as water cannot be both fresh and salty, our words cannot be both dark and light.D) James then shifts focus to the importance of humility in performing good deeds. He suggests that we should carry out good works not for recognition or praise but as humble servants of God. Social media is not a place to brag.E) He concludes by cautioning against ambition and jealousy. If our actions are driven by a desire for attention rather than truth and devotion to the Lord, we are guided by the wrong spirit.

The David Spoon Experience 1-11-24 part 2

1) We find ourselves in the Book of Acts, chapter 21, verse 29, where Paul is in a challenging situation. James and the church elders are seeking his assistance to alleviate what seems to be significant frustration among the Hebrew Christians. They weren’t discouraging belief in Jesus but accusing Paul of disregarding the Old Testament, which was not Paul’s message. Thus, James and the elders are attempting to devise a solution to this tension.2) The proposed solution is for Paul and his companions to adhere to Old Testament practices, demonstrating their respect for it. This was not for salvation purposes but rather to acknowledge the Old Testament’s influence on New Testament believers.3) This is reflected in Paul’s statement, “I become all things to all men that I may win some.” The elders assert there was no need to do anything special for the Gentile believers; the letter previously written to them was sufficient. They are asking Paul to smooth over the rough edges with the Hebrew believers.4) While Paul could have refused, he chose to assist and agreed to their request, undergoing the purification rituals. This was not for his salvation but to foster peace among the brethren. Sometimes, we engage in certain activities to maintain the peace and unity established through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Even if these activities deviate from our typical behavior, it’s acceptable for the brethren’s sake.5) However, since God is in control, not the elders or anyone else, while Paul was in the temple, he was falsely accused. People had thought they had seen Paul with Gentiles earlier and then in the temple where Gentiles were not permitted. They assumed, incorrectly, that Paul had brought the Gentiles into the temple. This false assumption caused an uproar, a commotion based on a lie against Christians. This was true then, and it remains true today.

The David Spoon Experience 1-11-24 part 1

A) The apostle then transitions to a section that, in my humble opinion, has been greatly misunderstood. He mentions that to prevent him from becoming conceited, he was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment him. Various conclusions have been drawn from this, ranging from incomplete healing to assumptions about his celibacy. It simply states it was a messenger from Satan, presumably a demon, that kept bothering him. That’s all it says, and I won’t add to it.B) Understandably frustrated, Paul asks God to remove this thorn three times. He doesn’t merely ask; he pleads for the Lord to take it away, as only God can. He pleads for freedom from it. But the answer was no. It was there for a purpose, and Paul knew it. So, instead of arguing with God, he began to view it with heavenly wisdom and learned to appreciate that God’s wisdom surpasses his own. Next week, we’ll delve deeper into “My grace is sufficient” and “My power is made perfect in weakness.”

The David Spoon Experience 1-10-24 part 2

1) I’m going to be honest in this introduction: I’m going to preach a message. I’ve preached it several times before, but it is weighing on me. And the best thing I can do when something is weighing on me is to share it as faithfully as possible. We’re going to revisit Ephesians, a book that we have studied, but we’re going to focus on an important section that I have recently had to counsel many people on.2) I want to start by saying that Christians are not supposed to be weak. We are supposed to be meek. Meekness is humility with gentleness based on an inner strength. That inner strength that we have is our confidence in the Lord, not in ourselves. And Christians are not called to be silent like a mime or soft like cheese.3) Biblical Christianity requires us to be strong in our walk, in our faith, and in our commitment to Christ. It requires us to stand against the world and its system of evil. It requires us to stand against our flesh. And it requires us to stand against the enemy, whose purpose for us is to distract, deter, or discourage us from God.4) In order to be ready and prepared every day, we need to use the principles that God has given us to stand against all that comes against us. We will examine seven different principles that are outlined in Ephesians chapter 6.5) We don’t apologize for suiting up every day. We don’t apologize for standing firm every day. And we don’t apologize for being Christians. People of the world may not like us or like us, but that is irrelevant. None of them have a heaven to put us in. And that is our goal: to spend eternity with God in his home. So more than ever, little campers, let’s buckle up.

The David Spoon Experience 1-10-24 part 1

A) David shares a testimony how God kept him safe with a flat tire that should have flat, but "increased" in its inflation, when it couldn't possibly do that. Wowzer!B) In Psalm 47, we’re encouraged to “Clap your hands, people, shout to God with the voice of triumph.” If your church discourages clapping or shouting during worship, refer them to Psalm 47. We’re meant to shout in triumph, for our victories come from the Lord.C) Verse 4 enlightens us that God chooses our inheritance. This implies that not all inheritances may be beneficial for us, and He discerns which ones will be. These promises are not merely material wealth but encompass the divine promises of God.D) Verse 6 clearly instructs us on how to respond: “Sing to the Lord.” The repetition emphasizes the importance of singing praises to the Lord, a testament to our faith and gratitude. Sing sing sing. Sing praises, sing praises, sing praises. 4 times in one verse. There’s a message here.

The David Spoon Experience 1-9-24 part 2

1) Phenomenal praise testimony by Veronica, a new caller as well as prayer requests, and multiple praises throughout the show. This is the kind of encouragement that God desires you and I share in order to support one another. You should listen. It will bless you thoroughly.2) We've arrived at one of the most significant verses in the New Testament, comparable to John 3:16. This was the first sermon I preached, and I hope it will be my last when that time comes. "For I am not ashamed." Nor should you be, nor should we ever be, even when our brother or sister stumbles. We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ because this good news is eternal and will always remain good.3) The gospel is the power of God, not our presentation of it or the embellishments we try to add. It has nothing to do with the eloquence of speech and everything to do with what God does for the listeners. The scripture makes it clear that it is available to everyone who believes, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. This gospel is how we reconcile our relationship with God in His sight, not ours. It doesn't matter what we think; what matters is what God thinks.

The David Spoon Experience 1-9-24 part 1

A) We begin this chapter by seeing that the Pharisees came to Jesus not to acknowledge Him, but to test him. They were not really interested in finding out if he was the true Messiah. They were doing everything they could to disprove his claims. This was not a test to learn but a test to discredit.B) I can relate to this in my own life. Sometimes, without even realizing it, I test the Lord. This was made clear to me in my personal devotions, as I read how Israel constantly tested God by asking for his provisions. I seem to face a similar challenge from time to time, and I would do well to stop testing Jesus.C) The Pharisees could only ask Jesus to perform a miraculous sign as a test, because they could not use wisdom against him. His wisdom was far superior to theirs, and they knew it. They were trying to trap him with the proof-by-miracle theory. Ironically and ironically, Jesus pointed out that there were indeed signs that showed he was the Messiah.D) He told them that the sign of the Son of Man was the sign of Jonah the prophet. What happened to Jonah? He was thrown into the sea, presumed dead, and he was there for three days. Then he came back and completed his mission. That was the connection Jesus made to his messianic role. The resurrection of Jonah, which was spiritual and symbolic, became literal and actual.E) But don't miss the rebuke, which is the most important part. Jesus said to them, "An evil and faithless generation seeks a sign. The sign is to prove that the person is who he claims to be. But in this case, it's not one sign or another. Even if Jesus pulled a rabbit out of his hat, they would not have believed. They wanted constant signs, constant proof, because they were faithless and evil. We would do well to pay attention."