SPIRITUAL DRIFTING

In the Wesleyan tradition, we used to call it ‘back-sliding’.

It’s a hallmark of human spirituality! We are imperfect creatures with a strong inclination to do what pleases us. This irresistible tendency conflicts with the call of God to “surrender all” to Him in such a way that “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Most of us who have committed our lives to Christ are familiar with this drifting.

I’ve been worshipping for the last six years in a reformed Presbyterian environment. It’s been a challenge in many ways, but I love the people and see their desire to live lives that are pleasing to God.

Our worship begins EVERY LORD’S DAY by standing together in silence and confessing our sins. Our pastor then powerfully prays with us and – in doing so – reminds us of the many ways we may have strayed from pleasing God during the past week.

What’s that about?

It’s about spiritual drifting!

It happens to all of us regardless of our determination that we will live wholly committed to God this day or week! 

Essentially, SELF GETS IN THE WAY!

We are capable, competent, creative people! God made us this way!  Yet, we don’t get far into our week before we begin to take the wheel as a result of our ‘FREE WILL’ – which, of course, is a gift of God! It’s so subtle! We simply begin to address the issues, situations and even dilemmas in our lives by applying our best wisdom and available resources. We don’t even realize that we’ve begun to live without consulting God! We’ve drifted from seeking His revealed Will [through His Word] and His divine counsel [through the Holy Spirit].

We may not realize what’s happened until Sunday morning during that few moments of guided self-examination – led by our pastor! 

“Oh no! I’ve done it again! Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned!”

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There’s a vivid picture of this in the Bible. We find it in I Samuel 15, where newly appointed King Saul is beginning to establish his leadership legacy.

Unfortunately Saul’s spirit of independence has already been noticed in earlier chapters when he couldn’t wait for Samuel to arrive and consequently audaciously built an altar and began to sacrifice an animal on it to ask for God’s help in fighting the Amalekites.

That occasion was so offensive to God that Samuel said to Saul:             

“If you had kept the appointment that your God commanded, by now God would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. God is out looking for your replacement right now. This time he’ll do the choosing. When he finds him, he’ll appoint him leader of his people. And all because you didn’t keep your appointment with God!”

[I Samuel 13:13-14 – All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted]

SAUL DRIFTED! He began thinking on his own and exercising what seemed wise in his own eyes – and it eventually cost him his kingdom.

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The Charles Wesley hymn – “A Charge To Keep I Have” – comes to mind: 

A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill,

O may it all my pow'rs engage

to do my Master's will!

Arm me with watchful care

as in Thy sight to live,

and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare

a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,

and still on Thee rely,

O let me not my trust betray,

but press to realms on high.

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Most loving, kind and gracious God:

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

 

Out of Your Benevolence You have given us:

free will,

creative minds,

and self-motivation.

 

As a result, we are prone to use these gifts to advance Your purposes

and to address the day-to-day problems and situations that crop up!

 

Gradually, we are pushing forward without having consulted with You

or listened to see if You have any guidance for us!

 

Like Saul, we’re operating on automatic pilot as though we are completely capable of solving all of our problems on our own!

 

Thank You for Your patience with us at times like this!

Thank You for being so willing to forgive!

Thank You for allowing us to realign ourselves with You and continue on our journey through life in community with You and others of like mind!

 

Our walk with You brings us JOY!

AMEN!

WHEN YOU’RE ANGRY OR DISAPPOINTED WITH GOD…

In I Samuel 15, the story of Israel's first king - Saul - is continued.

His beginning was tough; when they looked for him to crown him king, he was found hiding in a pile of baggage. After a significant victory in leading Israel to defeat the Ammonites, Saul rallied his forces to take on the Philistines. He became impatient waiting for Samuel to arrive and make a sacrifice, so Saul built an altar and was making the sacrifice when Samuel arrived! Shocked at Saul's actions, Samuel said to him: "That was a fool thing to do...God is out looking for your replacement right now." [I Samuel 13:13-14 All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted].

Thanks to Jonathan's (Saul's son) intervention and initiative, Saul and the Israelites are able to defeat the Philistines - in spite of a number of bad judgments and decisions by Saul!

Next, Samuel told King Saul to lead his men against the Amalekites with specific instructions to kill ["utterly destroy"] "men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys - the works" [I Samuel 15:3]. But Saul does not kill the king and he allows his men to keep the best of the sheep and the cattle.

That's when God spoke to Samuel saying, "I'm sorry I ever made Saul king. He's turned his back on me. He refuses to do what I tell him" [v.11].

OBSERVE SAMUEL’S RESPONSE: “Samuel was angry when he heard this. He prayed his anger and disappointment all through the night. Then He got up early in the morning to confront Saul…” [vs.11-12]

This frequently read-over and typically ignored passage is actually amazingly instructive for us to read and heed!

Although the context isn’t perfectly clear, it appears that Samuel is frustrated that God is giving up on Saul. As God’s spokesperson, Samuel has to carry God’s messages and deliver them! Confronting a king can be a dangerous thing to do!

But Samuel is wise! He spends an entire night praying through his feelings and fears. By morning, he seems to have settled the matter with God and goes to deliver a message to Saul that Saul definitely DOESN’T WANT TO HEAR!

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Have you been angry with God?

Have you felt that He’s let go of the wheel?

Have there been times when you felt that He left you abandoned?

Have you cried out to Him but felt like there was an iron shield between you and Him?

Has bitterness taken root in your mind and heart?

Have you given up and walked away?

Most of us have been there a time or two – some may feel that they’ve lived in this state for far too long!

HERE’S THE LESSON WE ALL NEED TO LEARN:

You can’t make up with someone without talking to them!

There it is!  It’s that simple! Samuel spent the night praying through his anger and disappointment!

When’s the last time you did something like that?

Remind yourself that God loves you and will not turn away from you.  Jesus paid the price for your sin to be forgiven!

Remember being told to put your name into John 3:16?  Do it now:

For God so loved _________ __________

that He gave His only begotten Son, that [if] _________ __________

believes in Him [s/he] shall not perish,

but _________ __________ [shall] have eternal life.

Don’t be angry with God!

Don’t allow the enemy of your soul to talk you into being disappointed with God!

Take your cue from Samuel and talk through the issues with God! He will NEVER hang up on you!

KING SAUL'S SAD STORY

This morning I'm captivated with Saul's story of becoming the first king of Israel as recorded in I Samuel 10.  

If you're familiar with this episode, Saul comes off as a bumbling fool who can't find his father's missing donkeys but who seemingly stumbles his way into being anointed king of Israel.  

One reads through these chapters wondering if God made a colossal misjudgment in choosing the wrong man for this monumental job.  

First, Saul can't fulfil the fairly simple assignment of finding his father's donkeys.  Then, he wanders into the town where the prophet Samuel lives - hoping to find an answer to his search.  Next, he winds up being the guest of honor at a feast.  Then, Samuel announces to him privately that he is to be the king of Israel.  On his way home, as predicted by Samuel, he falls into prophesying with a group of prophets.  

Meanwhile, Samuel calls all of Israel together to reveal their first king.  The tribe of Benjamin is chosen.  Saul's family is then chosen.  Kish's family is chosen with Saul being declared to be the new king.  But, where is he?  No one can find him!  After consulting God about Saul's whereabouts, he is found hiding in a pile of baggage and proclaimed king.  

Who's writing this story?  This is craziness.  What kind of leader is this guy going to be - even if he is taller than any other man in Israel?  Plus, immediately there are naysayers who believe this choice is a terrible one.  The only redeeming grace is that God aligned a few brave men behind Saul to support and aid him!  

Did Saul fail to step up to the responsibility God has placed before him?  Did low self-esteem trip him up and limit his capability?  Did his stubbornness and impatience sidetrack him?  It would seem so.  Yet God allowed him to continue as king for a long time – even after ordering Samuel to anoint David as king. Scholars and students alike have debated these issues for centuries.  

If nothing else, it shows us the purity of God's Word.  The faux paus and unrealized potential stories are not purged.  Even a dismal failure like Saul is recorded in lengthy chapters of this book of history.  The Bible doesn't hide the warts - it includes them for all to read and consider.    

To his credit, Saul did have a few victories.  His son, Jonathan, became David's best friend.  His daughter became David's first wife.  He proved himself to be a great fighter.  But he failed to follow and please God.  The most important thing!

SOME PEOPLE NEVER LEARN!

 Just a few days ago, we talked about David sparing Saul's life in a cave.  Saul showed great remorse for pursuing David and they parted company apparently reconciled.  

Two chapters later, the Ziphites contact King Saul and report that David is hiding in their area.  Saul garners up 3,000 soldiers and again pursues David.  

David sent out scouts who located Saul's camp.  He and Abishai sneaked into Saul's camp in the middle of the night when they were all in a deep sleep brought on by God.  

Abishai desires to run his spear through King Saul, but David stops him.  Don't destroy him!  Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?  [26:9]

Instead, they take Saul's spear and water jug and slip out of the camp.

When they're a safe distance from Saul's camp, David calls to Saul's captain, Abner:  Why didn't you guard your lord the king?  Someone came to destroy your lord the king.  What you have done is not good.  As surely as the LORD lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the LORD's anointed.  Look around you.  Where are the king's spear and water jug that were near his head?  [26:15-16]

Saul recognized David's voice and said, "Is that your voice, David my son?"

David replied, "Yes it is, my lord the king."  And he added, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant?  What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?...The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea...  [26:17-18,20]

 Then Saul said, "I have sinned.  Come back, David my son.  Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again.  Surely I have acted like a fool and have erred greatly."  [26:21]

David then returned Saul's spear and Saul said to him:  May you be blessed, my son David;  you will do great things and surely triumph."  [26:25}

So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.  [26:25]

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God is continually reaching out to King Saul, trying to impact him with God's grace.  We see a similar situation in the New Testament where Jesus repeatedly reaches out to Judas - trying to awaken the Spirit in him.  But some people are resolute and stubborn in having their own way.  Sad!  

We are vividly shown the contrast between David - who had a heart after God - and Saul, who couldn't get past his jealousy and anger.  The lesson is obvious!  

It reminds me of a hymn written in 1902, by Adelaid M. Pollard:

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 

Thou art the potter, I am the clay. 

Mold me and make me after thy will, 

while I am waiting, yielded and still. 

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 

Search me and try me, Savior today! 

Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now, 

as in thy presence humbly I bow. 

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 

Wounded and weary, help me I pray! 

Power, all power, surely is thine! 

Touch me and heal me, Savior divine! 

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 

Hold o'er my being absolute sway. 

Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see 

Christ only, always, living in me!

 

CAPTIVATED WITH RAGE!

In I Samuel, we see King Saul's rage at David escalate to attempted murder.

It begins with David killing Goliath - a good thing that made Saul happy. But then, the people sang a song:

“Saul has slain his thousands,

and David his tens of thousands.”

Saul is enraged to think that his people honor David more than him!  He can’t get the melody out of his mind.  It replays and continually reignited his anger. 

Saul made at least five attacks on David’s life:  19:10, 15, 20-21, 23-24. 

At one point, Saul’s son, Jonathan, is able to persuade his father to reinstate David – convincing Saul that David is a blessing to him and not a threat.  However, it is short-lived. 

Repeatedly, we read the phrase:  “…an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul…”  [16:14; 18;10; 19;9].  Is this a mental illness?  Was Saul bi-polar?  There’s no definitive way for us to know what exactly is going on. 

In chapter 19, God injects humor into the story.  Saul hears that David has escaped to be with Samuel – the man of God.  Saul sends men to capture him, but when they arrive in Samuel’s presence, they begin to prophesy.  When Saul hears this, he sends a second group of men;  upon their arrival, they also begin to prophesy.  So, Saul sends a third group;  when they arrive, they too begin to prophesy! 

[Come on – you’ve got to giggle here.  All these mighty Israelite warriors standing in their full battle gear speaking in tongues!  😂😂🤣]

So, finally, King Saul goes himself to capture his enemy. 

“But the Spirit of God came even upon him,

And he walked along prophesying… 

He stripped off his robes and prophesied in Samuel’s presence…all that day and night.” [vs.23-24]

This is going to go on for years!  In ensuing chapters, Saul will pursue David (and his band of followers) relentlessly through the wilderness of Engedi.  Two times, David will spare Saul’s life!  Both times, Saul will repent – and then again take up the pursuit.  It’s a sad story of a man who can’t let go of his bitterness and jealousy. 

This sad saga ends with Saul taking his own life after being wounded in battle!  Sad!  It didn’t have to end this way! 

Rejecting God’s initiatives in our lives is done at our own peril!  Numerous messengers tried to get Saul’s attention:  Samuel, David, Jonathan, Michal – but all Saul could hear was that melody playing in his mind! 

Is God trying to get your attention?  Are things going badly in your life?  Could it be that He’s trying to send you a wake-up call?  Are you holding on to bitterness and jealousy?  Has depression taken a deep hold on your life?  Do you have difficulty thinking good thoughts? 

If your answer to any of these questions is ‘Yes’, then it is time to surrender to God and let Him begin to work in new ways in your life!  My suggestion:  Hit your knees and cry out to Him!  You will NOT be disappointed!  

TRANSFORMATION

Last week we looked at King Saul's life when Samuel anointed him to be the first king of Israel.  In that process, Samuel said to Saul:  [I Samuel 10:6  NIV]

The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy...and you will be changed into a different person.

What an unusual thing to say!  "You will be changed into a different person."  How?  Why?  Three verses later the biblical record records these words:

As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart...

I made a note in my Bible about this:

It seems important to realize at this point that God chose a good man with great potential.  God made an investment in human free will.  It would be Saul's choices that would bring his downfall.

In our New Testaments we find some verses that shed light on this subject.

Romans 12:2 (NASB)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 

 Ephesians 4:23-24  (NASB)

...that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 

[verses 25-32 are so important to read because they describe what this renewed life will look like in VERY practical terms!] 

We're actually talking about a very familiar word here that most of us will remember from our high school science class days:  METAMORPHOSIS! 

Yep!  What happens to that caterpillar inside the cocoon!  A transformation takes place that is EXTRAORDINARY!  An ugly worm is transformed into a beautiful butterfly!  That which was restricted to crawling around on leaves can now FLY!!!!!

This is analogous to what happens to our lives when we present our bodies as living and holy sacrifices to God [Romans 12:1].

The term metamorphoo is found four times in the New Testament.  We've looked at one in Romans 12:2.  Two more are in the Transfiguration account where God's glory shone THROUGH Jesus - not on Him!  The fourth is in II Corinthians 3:18,  [NASB]

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.  

OK, Hal, so what does this all mean?

It's quite simple, really.  It simply means that when we open our lives completely to God, He changes us dramatically!  We begin a process of taking on His character.  The things that used to be important to us, may not any longer be so important.  We begin to love the things and people He loves!  Our priorities change! 

Think of the dramatic change that takes place in that worm!  That's the picture!  Maybe we all need to put pictures of worms and caterpillars on our mirrors and dashboards? 

God really can make that kind of change in your life - if you'll let Him!  I've seen it happen scores (if not hundreds) of times!  He's still transforming me!  PTL!  I think I've been one of His harder cases!  😂  Put your trust in Jesus and let Him begin the transformation now!  This simple prayer will put you on His path:

Lord Jesus, 

As of right now, I give You my life!  Begin to work Your transformation in my life!  I want to be a butterfly for You!  I surrender myself to the cocoon of Your will!  Amen.

Free Will

I just read the story of King Saul in I Samuel and it made me think about the free will that God has given us. Free will always gets tangled up with God's sovereignty and God's omniscience.  I'm not a theologian, but it seemed kind of clear to me - so I thought I'd share...

God, through Samuel, appoints Saul as the first king of Israel.  Saul was "...a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel;  from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people."  (I Samuel 9:2  NAS).  After Samuel anointed him, he said, "...the spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall...be changed into another man...Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart..."  (I Samuel 10:6,9  NAS).

When you read through these chapters, you get a sense that God had chosen the best man for the job.  However, Saul made consecutive bad choices. Eventually, his victories went to his head:  "[Samuel] got up early in the morning to confront Saul but was told, "Saul's gone.  He went to Carmel to set up a victory monument in his own honor..."  (I Samuel 15:12 TM).

Eventually, God laments that He made Saul king of Israel:  "Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, 'I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.'...And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel."  (I Samuel 15:10-11,35 NAS).

It seems pretty clear that Saul could have chosen obedience.  Saul could have written a different ending to this story - but he didn't.  Saul used his free will to disobey God and suffered greatly for it.  Had he walked in a way that honored God, he could have created an amazing legacy.

Because of Saul's choices, God changed His plan and withdrew His Spirit from Saul:  "Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul..."  (I Samuel 16:14 NAS).  Instead, God placed His Spirit on the young shepherd, David:  "Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed [David],...The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life."  (I Samuel 16:13 TM).

This is not just a sad story from the Old Testament.  It is an illustration of how God works.  He gives us free will and hopes that we will use it to honor and obey Him!  However, when we neglect Him and start building monuments to ourselves we forfeit His blessing.

At one point, after grossly disobeying God's commands, Saul tries to assuage God by sacrificing lots of animals.  Samuel responds:

"Do you think all God wants are sacrifices - empty rituals just for show?

He wants you to listen to Him!...

Because you said No to God's command, He says No to your kingship."

(I Samuel 16:22,23 TM)

Sorry!  You can't please God just by showing up at His house on Sundays. Remember, "...the LORD looks at the heart."  (I Samuel 16:7 NAS).

What does He see when He looks at your heart?