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Two Jerks & A Jewel

1 Samuel 25

November 20, 2019 • Jeff Lyle

The differences between men and women are far more than any of us are able to number. God made males and females to be distinct from one another. This important determination from God is seen in human anatomy, personality and the different ways that men and women tend to lean in our natural instincts. Fewer places in the Bible put on a clearer display of the differences between men and women than the part of David’s life where he meets the woman who would become his future wife. Sadly, for David, he is presented with all of his flaws in this portion of his story. Abigail, on the other hand, is revealed to us as a powerful woman, fell of grace and wisdom. David and Abigail are not alone in this account. The largest, darkest and coldest shadow is cast upon them both by a man named Nabal, Abigail’s first husband. Take note of how these two men at their worst are contrasted by the Holy Spirit with this woman who is at her best. May we all, male and female, learn from both the excellent and powerful examples from all three of these lives.

When God Says No

February 26, 2020 • Jeff Lyle

The Apostle Paul once wrote that “All the promises of god are Yes & Amen in Jesus.” (2 Cor. 1:20). Yet it is undeniable that sometimes God seems to look us straight in the eye and tell us, “No, my child.” The challenge for us is discerning what the difference is between our desires and God’s promises. This message from King David’s life walks us through what it is like to receive a flat denial from God. David asked for something that made sense. It was spiritual. He wanted to honor the Lord by doing something for Him…and God told David NO. Can we embrace God’s No’s in faith? Will we praise him when He denies us? Have we matured to celebrate His wisdom when He declines the thing we desire? David’s life helps us to see how God saying No is sometimes the gateway to greatness and glory.

Dancing King

January 29, 2020 • Jeff Lyle

As David moved forward in leading Israel as their king, he discerned it was time to bring the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. For decades it had been sitting in places where it was no longer an instrument in the national worship of the God of Israel. After seeking to move the ark without consulting God, disaster struck, and a man named Uzza was killed for putting his hand on the holy ark. David referenced the Law and learned how to properly transport the ark. In this message, we see the unbridled joy of David as he dances in the presence of God. We also see the nasty heart of someone who despised his public displays of worship. This message calls us to unapologetic displays of enthusiastic worship of God, while also warning us about the dangers of judging those who engage their spirit, emotions and bodies as they magnify the God who loves and leads them.

The Harvest From The Waiting Season

January 15, 2020 • Jeff Lyle

You have likely never met a person that can honestly say that they delight in waiting. While it is true that, as we mature, we learn to patiently wait, nobody truly enjoys waiting for something they desire. We have an impulse in our soul that prefers to immediately receive what we long for. Part of becoming a deep follower of Jesus is learning how to cooperate with His practice of making us wait. King David’s life was marked by long, deep and sometimes painful years of waiting on God to bring to pass His plan for David’s life. In this message, we witness David’s breakthrough that was two decades in the making. That’s right: David waited twenty years for one day. Yet, when that particular day finally found David, he was so glad to reap the harvest of all those years of patiently waiting upon the Lord. We should expect the same in our own lives. Are you and I willing to wait as long as God determines for Him to bring to pass His plans for us?