Tag: soveriegnty

Posted in A Father's Love, Creation, Devotions, Holiness, spiritual warfare, wisdom, worship

Adonai (Sovereign Lord)-Genesis 15:2, Psalms 8:1, Psalms 114, Psalms 135

Posted on by Michael Smith

The name Adonai is used through the Bible to specify God’s place as the sovereign in our lives.  It is not hard to understand the amazing power of God, as we see the vastness of the universe and the way that everything works together.  But, while conceptually we can grasp the great power of God, it is often more difficult to honor his sovereignty.

In Romans 10:9–We are told that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is LORD, and believe that Adonai raised him from the dead we will be saved. God is so many things, but first and foremost he is large and In charge. Throughout Bible history, As men have submitted to his Lordship, his sovereignty, he has blessed and led them. Conversely, as men have taken charge of their lives and tried to wrestle control from God, they have utterly failed and destroyed their lives.

All kingdoms have a throne. The one who is seated upon the throne is considered Lord and master. Adonai is the name that bears that title. God refuses to share the role of Lord and master with anyone.  He will allow us to take the throne–if we choose to do so, but–when we do, we will bear the responsibility and consequence of running our lives. If History teaches us anything, it is that our lordship in our lives always ends poorly.

Paul did sum it up best. In Philippians 2, he told us that Adonai raised Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name above all names. So that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow–in heaven, on earth and below the earth; and every tongue confess that Jesus is Adonai to the glory and praise of Adonai.

God Bless You

Genesis 15

2. But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit[a] my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”
Psalms 8
1 O Lord, our Lord,How majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
Psalms 114
7 Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, Before the God of Jacob,
Psalms 135
5. For I know that the Lord is great, And that our Lord is above all gods.

Posted in A Father's Love, Devotions, spritual Warfare

A False Teacher’s Destiny–2 Peter 2

Posted on by Michael Smith

God takes seriously the diluting or falsifying of his message of hope and freedom.  He does not tolerate those that would use his name to extort, intimidate, control or in any other way deceive his chosen ones.  Like any father, he could tolerate someone attacking or trying to lead him astray, but if you mess with his kids, it will not go well for you.

So many have tried to use God’s message of freedom for personal gain or glory.  He tells us that the end for them will be awful.  We have to seek the truth.  We also have to carefully discern the message those who teach are spreading.  If their focus is on anyone other than the Lord, it is a sign they are not teaching the truth.  Their message should be clear, consistent and Christ centered, otherwise its veracity is suspect.  We need to follow the true message and teachers that are committed to its communication.  Help me Lord to listen to and teach the truth!

God Bless You

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

Posted in Devotions, spritual Warfare

Confession With Passion–2 Peter 1 Final

Posted on by Michael Smith

Peter’s confession is unrivaled in passion and in credibility.  Here, he is writing to the church–soon before being hung upside down on a cross, letting them know this is a passion he gained through eye witness experience.  This same Peter–that denied Christ the night of his arrest.  The Peter that told God he did not like his cooking on a roof in Joppa.  The Peter that avoided the barbeque when Paul and kosher Christians showed up to meet with Gentile Christians–now is telling what he saw and heard that would convince anyone of the deity of Christ!

We are the same. We can go from fear to Fanatic by simply clinging to the truth of Christ as it has been shown in our lives.  We have all seen and experienced the difference the relationship has brought in our lives.  We have done great things and we have failed–but, no matter what we can stand before others and passionately tell them What a difference he has made in our lives.  We simply need to remember and cling to the countless times he has intervened on  our behalf.

We need not be afraid–He loves us as we are and knows us as the frail children that we sadly remain.  We simply need to also know him for the mighty God he is and follow him accordingly!

God Bless You

For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life,[e] 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.

16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”[f] 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines[g] in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,[h] 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

Posted in Devotions, spritual Warfare

Live Like Christ–But Do it in His Power 1 Peter 4

Posted on by Michael Smith

There is a sense of urgency–We should be living as though Christ is returning…Because he is! It is so easy to become complacent in these current circumstances.  No matter how comfortable things seem, we are living for eternity.  That means we seek God, we love others and we act as he would act.  The great news is that we do not have to do it in our power.  The Holy Spirit comes and fills us and guides us to living a Christ like life. 

So what does that life look like, well according to Peter their are three major components–Love, selflessness and humility. If we are selfless and humble, it does not mean we act like EEOre.  It only means that we are always looking for ways to promote others and show them Christ in our lives. Loving others means that we see the from God’s perspective and as members of our family.  We accept them as they are but steer them to the wonderful journey with Christ.  Life is about selfless, loving humility.

Living that kind of life is a sign we are looking to eternity–not simply existing for today!

God Bless You

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Posted in Devotions

I Samuel 24 part 2–The Inevitable Truth of God’s Power

Posted on by Michael Smith

Saul knew he was licked. Or so it would seem.  David could have easily killed him and taken the kingdom that was given to him.  But, David trusted God and spared Saul’s life.  In a moment of lucid thought, Saul was able to see and hear the truth.  David was clear—I could have killed you, but that is not my task.  God sees what is happening—he can and will decide the right course.  Saul knew that was true and that he should never have taken the path he chose—so for the time he simply asked David to spare his family and then he went home.

Even evil can see God’s work and leadership.  In difficult moments in life, we see the worst of us do noble acts.  We see the seemingly godless people come to the realization of God and His power.  What is sad, however, is that when we who know the truth act as Saul did, and intentionally choose independence from God over freedom in him; then we become people we would neither recognize or want to be around.  But, even in those times and places in our journey, we can wake up and turn back…Saul did.  When we repent, God is faithful to forgive and restore—if we submit to His leadership. There is no magic formula, there is no quick fix.  There is simply our daily commitment to follow God and his eternal commitment to protect, provide and lead us to an eternity with him.

God Bless You

 12 “May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you. 13 As that old proverb says, ‘From evil people come evil deeds.’ So you can be sure I will never harm you. 14 Who is the king of Israel trying to catch anyway? Should he spend his time chasing one who is as worthless as a dead dog or a single flea? 15 May the Lord therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one. He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power!”

16 When David had finished speaking, Saul called back, “Is that really you, my son David?” Then he began to cry. 17 And he said to David, “You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil. 18 Yes, you have been amazingly kind to me today, for when the Lord put me in a place where you could have killed me, you didn’t do it. 19 Who else would let his enemy get away when he had him in his power? May the Lord reward you well for the kindness you have shown me today. 20 And now I realize that you are surely going to be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will flourish under your rule. 21 Now swear to me by the Lord that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!”

22 So David promised this to Saul with an oath. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went back to their stronghold.

Posted in Devotions

I Samuel 24–Godly Temptation?

Posted on by Michael Smith

David could have ended the chase.  Saul walked straight into his hands.  But David—while a great warrior, was committed to allowing God to protect, provide and lead.  He knew as God’s anointed King, it was God’s job to avenge him.  BUT…The question was did God put Saul into David’s Hands and David simply failed to act upon it.  The answer is simply and completely NO.  God does not sin nor does he tempt others to sin. In James 1 it says “remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.” James 1:12-14.  David understood that and as Saul admitted that made him a great and worthy King.

In our lives, we are sometimes put into positions that tempt us to make choices that are sin.  We justify our decisions by thinking God allowed it.  But, most times, in retrospect, we also have the opportunity to take the high road.  We could continue to honor him in the situation.  Like David, we have to allow God to provide, protect and lead us.  Forget the past—move toward the Lord and when faced with temptation remember there is simply no such thing as Godly temptation

God Bless You  

After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi. 2 So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats.

3 At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave!

4 “Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe… Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.

12 “May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you. 13 As that old proverb says, ‘From evil people come evil deeds.’ So you can be sure I will never harm you… He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power!”

16 When David had finished speaking, Saul called back, “Is that really you, my son David?” Then he began to cry. 17 And he said to David, “You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil. 18 Yes, you have been amazingly kind to me today, for when the Lord put me in a place where you could have killed me, you didn’t do it. 19 Who else would let his enemy get away when he had him in his power? May the Lord reward you well for the kindness you have shown me today. 20 And now I realize that you are surely going to be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will flourish under your rule. 21 Now swear to me by the Lord that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!”

22 So David promised this to Saul with an oath. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went back to their stronghold.

Posted in Devotions

I Samuel 18 final—The Price of Fear

Posted on by Michael Smith

Fear is a crippling disease. It binds senses and causes perfectly decent people to do awful things.  Saul was anointed King of Israel.  He allowed the position make him selfish.  That selfishness drove him away from God and cost him his relationship with Samuel, and ended his legacy. It also made him extremely fearful.  He was deathly afraid of losing all that he had attained. Sadly, he had already lost it. But the fear also shaped his decisions, his relationships and his ability to lead.  He saw David’s success and knew that he was walking with God’s anointing.  He knew it because he had lived it.  He also knew that privilege was only afforded to Kings! Rather than repent and humbly follow the plan of God Saul was allowing fear to drive him to do mean and horrific things.

Today, we are all subject to fear. We know that God does not give us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power and of a sound mind (2Timothy 1:7).  Yet, when we try to be independent and ignore God’s plan—we, like Saul can be driven to fear and away from the peace of God.  Great news, though, If we will acknowledge our inability to live independent of God—Confess our sin; then humbly allow him to direct our journey—follow his lead; then he will give us peace. God is in the business of granting peace not causing Chaos.  He is there to bear our burden not cause it. It is the greatest of all heart issues—Commandment Number One—YOU SHALL NOT HAVE ANY OTHER GOD BEFORE ME!!!!! Let God be God in your life.  Fear will be replaced with peace and independence will be replaced with true and complete freedom.

God Bless You

8 Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” 9 And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.

10 The next day an evil[a] spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

12 Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. 13 So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. 14 In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. 15 When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns…

26 When the attendants told David these things, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. So before the allotted time elapsed, 27 David took his men with him and went out and killed two hundred Philistines and brought back their foreskins. They counted out the full number to the king so that David might become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage.

28 When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, 29 Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.

30 The Philistine commanders continued to go out to battle, and as often as they did, David met with more success than the rest of Saul’s officers, and his name became well known.

Posted in Devotions

Watch God Go 1 Samuel 14 part 2

Posted on by Michael Smith

It is an amazing thing to see God at work.  When he takes control, the miraculous looks easy, the impossible manageable.  Jonathan stepped out in faith and watched to see what God could do.  He persuaded his armor bearer to step out with him.  the two of them waited on the Lord’s direction and then stepped into battle.  Little did they know that their faith would save the nation.

We need only believe and step out in faith to see God do amazing things.  When we do step out, we will find that those that know and love us will be inspired and step out as well.  When that happens, we begin to see Miracles as well as the true sovereignty of God.  It is a joy to follow the Lord, it is the most exciting and interesting thing to watch.  Help me Lord to follow and watch you do your thing

God Bless You

 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”8 Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.”

11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” 12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” 13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.

Posted in Devotions

I Samuel 12–What Have We Done

Posted on by Michael Smith

What have we done? After the anointing of Saul and the transformation to Monarchy, God uses Samuel to clarify what Israel had truly done—You wanted to be independent of God despite the many rescues, provision and power he has provided for you…Israel realized the mistake that was.  They would never be the same.  But in the realization, God holds out hope for his people—If you and your king will submit to me and follow me, it will be fine. Since Adam and Eve, God has always looked at the condition of the heart and not the circumstance to determine our allegiance.  If we continue to follow him, he will provide and protect us in any circumstance.

In our journey, we make great and bad choices.  Many have life altering outcomes.  In the midst of the choices, God holds out hope.  Submit and follow and It will be ok.  I can bless you no matter what your circumstance.  Our duty is to remain focused upon him and trust him to lead us through the circumstance.  It is important, however, to seek him even as we make big choices so that we will not be made painfully aware of the mistakes that confront us.  H

Seek him, follow him and he will be with you in each and every circumstance that faces us.

God Bless You and Happy independence Day!

18 Then Samuel called on the Lord, and that same day the Lord sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the Lord and of Samuel.

19 The people all said to Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.”

20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.”