The David Spoon Experience The David Spoon Experience

A) James 5:4 describes how people will behave in the last days, hoarding wealth for themselves, not sharing, and denying others their rightful share. This behavior, which is akin to saying, “I have what I need to survive, and everyone else can fend for themselves,” is not in line with the Spirit of God.
B) One commandment that frustrates many people more than doing taxes is the command to be patient until the Lord’s coming. Despite it being 2,000 years, the Lord’s coming is inevitable, and we are still commanded to be patient. Much like many elements of our walk, the return of Jesus Christ is coming at a precise time that is ordered by the heavens above. They have a better watch any way,
C) We are not only told to be patient but also to strengthen our hearts. Just as a farmer waits for the crop, we need to wait for the return of the Lord. Whether it’s on a corporate or individual level, in His timeframe, it is near. In the meantime, we need to strengthen our hearts to avoid giving up or fainting. The Lord could return tomorrow. Are we ready?

1) It's Friday, and it's time for Dr. Dave's Devotional Diamonds of the Day. We begin with a classic. Many of us are familiar with the book, "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." While it may not be spiritually profound, it is practically wonderful. We're going to explore the origin of this book, which can be traced back to Isaiah, chapter one. It may seem simplistic, but that's exactly what we need.
2) The next Devotional Diamond of the Day is quite heavy. In fact, it's too heavy. It's not about the saying, "He ain't heavy. He's my brother." It's about the burdens we carry, often unnecessarily. It's good to share each other's burdens, but I'm referring to the burdens we bear due to our lack of obedience. We'll delve into how to find deliverance from these unnecessary weights on our shoulders.
3) My dear friend, Pastor Ray, passed away and joined the Lord over two years ago. I'm not sure if he had rhythm while he was here on Earth, but I suspect he has it now. He's not only dancing, but he's also enjoying wonderful fellowship with all the people he taught about over the years. We often delve into Pastor Ray's devotional book, and here's an entry that meets the standard of excellence. He titled it, "Allow Him to Pick You Up". Unfortunately, many of us won't allow Jesus to do just that.

1) In Acts 25, we resume at verse 13, using larger sections of text to progress through the narrative more swiftly. After Paul appeals to Caesar, Festus prepares to communicate the situation to Rome and Caesar. Concurrently, he receives visitors, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice, who are there to pay their respects to Festus.
2) Festus informs the king and his sister that Felix, his predecessor, left Paul in chains for his case to be decided, at which point Paul made his appeal to Caesar. It's noteworthy how closely American law aligns with Roman law, which does not permit convictions without a trial. However, it's also important to acknowledge that Roman law can be perverted. And American law is following close behind. We are losing the “innocent” until proven guilty process.
3) In every true judicial sense, and even before the Lord, individuals are given the opportunity to defend themselves and confront their accusers. This doesn't mean that railroading doesn't occur, as it's not difficult to see where this takes place, even in a country as great as America. However, self-defense is a fundamental right in all governing judicial systems tied to any form of democracy.
4) Interestingly, Festus tells Agrippa that the accusations against Paul were not what he expected, but were all centered around a man named Jesus, who had died but whom Paul insisted was alive. Regardless of theological brilliance, Christianity is fundamentally about the resurrection of Jesus. Overlooking this simplicity turns faith into a religion.

A) Jude verse 10 discusses individuals who defile what they do not comprehend, behaving like irrational animals. It’s remarkable that humans, created in the image and likeness of God, can exhibit such behavior. We’re not referring to pets or other appealing creatures, but to irrational animals that behave erratically. The scripture in Jude is unequivocal: woe unto them.
B) Their judgment will be specific to their actions. The very things they do will destroy them. They have followed the path of Cain, a murderer. They have recklessly embraced the error of Balaam, attempting to curse what God intends to bless. They perished in Korah’s rebellion, which involved opposing God’s chosen people and attempting to lead followers astray.

60 minutes:
1) I enjoy Wednesdays because it gives me the opportunity to teach the classics. As I've often mentioned, teaching classics sometimes involves delving into less pleasant areas of life. We must be individuals who seek truth rather than simply hearing what pleases us. Today's discussion will focus on a very real adversary who harbors a deep hatred for us.
2) While exploring various interpretations of the Book of Revelation, it's impossible to ignore that Chapter 12 clearly outlines the origins of warfare. We have multiple testimonies throughout the scriptures - the Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Pauline Epistles, and the General Epistles - that confirm our battle with Satan, the powers of darkness, his demons, and all who align with them. The choice is simple: light or darkness.
3) It's important to understand that one of the enemy's tactics is to distract us from our simple devotion to Christ. Much of the warfare we experience with Satan takes place in our minds, not in physical battles. It's crucial to apply the truth in our minds and hearts. As we know, the truth will set us free, and fortunately for us, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
4) We'll spend some extra time examining Jesus's experiences and confrontations with Satan. By understanding the enemy's tactics and our Lord's strategy, we can find ample strength to stand firm in our faith. Let's praise God for His protection.

A) In David's plea, he asks to be thoroughly cleansed from all his iniquity, not just a portion of it. He requests a complete cleansing, from top to bottom. He asks God to examine him and cleanse him of any iniquity found within him. However, everything hinges on verses 3-4, when David acknowledges his transgression. This acknowledgement is key to repentance. Repentance isn't always about how we feel, but it is always about being honest about our actions. Salvation isn't based on feelings. If that's the case, then repentance isn't based on feelings either. It's a change of mind to agree with God.
B) As we delve deeper into Psalm 51:5, it’s challenging to gloss over the verses. This is a fervent song pleading for forgiveness and restoration, something we all need. David proclaims, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity.” Some interpret this as David’s birth being illegitimate, but a holistic understanding of the Psalm suggests he’s referring to the inherent sinfulness of all humanity, tracing back to Adam and Eve.