The David Spoon Experience

1) Once again, the “David Spoon Experience” takes a dramatic turn. Today’s show focuses on three distinct components. First, David emphasizes the importance for believers to stay focused on their spiritual goals. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the distractions of politics, culture, Hollywood, academia, and other areas that often seem disconnected from God. The crucial aspect is not to lose sight of the faithfulness of the Almighty in every aspect of our lives. 2) Next, we have a thought-provoking question from Roslyn. She's wondering how to surrender her struggles to God while keeping her faith strong. It's a challenge many of us face. David, as always, provides practical and scriptural approaches to help us progress without feeling overwhelmed. 3) Later, we have a heartfelt request from Samson, who's struggling to maintain his steadfastness and faithfulness. He's a believer, but like many of us, he’s facing some practical issues. Let's all join in prayer for him. 4) Shortly thereafter, David receives a call from his friend Noah in San Diego. Noah shares that it’s his birthday and he has decided to start the day with gratitude rather than complaints. This segues into the show’s conclusion, where David prays for Noah and encourages everyone to always remember the attitude of gratitude.

A) Welcome to a unique show about "The David Spoon Experience." Today's show centers around David interviewing Cally Logan. To get more information about Cally Logan, you can go to www.CallyLogan.com. Cally is a phenomenal Christian sister who believes that God has created everybody to be an excellent fit as a part of the mosaic of the Kingdom of God. B) She's also very passionate about believers being authentic. The closer you get to Jesus, the more you understand who you really are, which is an excellent way to understand the connection between the Creator and His creation, which means "you." C) On Cally's website, you can access some of the books that she's written and connect to some of the appearances that she'll be having up and coming. You will also have the opportunity to donate to her ministry. Understanding new and emerging ministries in the Kingdom of God is critical for all of us so that we can join the struggles of one another by praying for one another (see Romans 15:30 and 2 Corinthians 1:10).

1) First, this is going to be a powerful message, and it will also be challenging. The principle essentially comes from Job chapter 33 verse 15: "He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds." These are often a form of teaching from the Lord. Of course, I'm not talking about the dreams that come from eating too many tacos. I'm talking about the dreams that, upon waking, we know God has spoken to us. These don't happen often, but when they do, they make an impact on our lives. 2)Next, I'm going to share a dreams that I had. The teaching dreams are ways for God to direct our steps in drawing closer to Him, to trust Him more, and to depend on Him more. 3) It should be noted that sometimes when the Lord speaks to us and teaches us through dreams, it's hard to hear. In other words, not all the dreams that we have from the Lord are Skittles and rainbows.

A) God desires truth in the innermost being. This is significant because God examines a person’s heart, not their outward appearance. It’s crucial to realize that honesty with ourselves and with God is at the heart of redemption and restoration. If you seek restoration from the Lord, honesty is key. B) What’s remarkable is that David then links this honesty with divine communication. If we’re truthful in our innermost being, God will commune with us there and guide us on the right path. He will help us understand wisdom in our deepest self. This is why belief in Jesus is essential. C) David pleads, “Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean.” Hyssop is an herb associated with purification and cleansing. Here, David uses it symbolically to represent the cleansing of his soul or inner self. This reference is derived from the Spirit-Filled Life Bible study notes.

1) Prepare for some mind-blowing insights. We delve back into Romans, Chapter 4, Verse 9, where Apostle Paul poses a question: Is the Lord's blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for the Gentiles? He answers this by referencing Abraham, who was declared righteous by his faith. Abraham was not yet "Jewish" in the traditional sense. It was his faith that justified him, with circumcision to follow. 2) Paul further defends his argument by stating that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. This is crucial to understand. It was his faith that led to his declaration of righteousness. The circumcision was an affirmation of the faith, but the faith was already present, and the righteousness was already declared. 3) In Romans Chapter 4, Verse 11, the Apostle states that the circumcision ceremony was a sign that Abraham already had faith, and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous, all before circumcision. Therefore, Abraham is the spiritual father of every person who has faith, whether they are Jewish or Gentile. 4) The rest of the verse declares that individuals are made right with God by faith. Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but also of those who have faith like Abraham did before he was circumcised. However, it cannot be a fake or fleeting faith. It must be a continual faith like Abraham's. It must be the same kind of faith, one that says, "I believe," and then receives the promise 25 years later. Claiming we have faith and expecting God to act within our timeframe is at odds with the true power and effectiveness of faith. If we have faith, we believe all the way around - whenever, wherever, and, however.

A) Peter tells them that Jesus does pay the temple tax, which is ironic because there's nowhere else where Jesus has indicated he does. So Peter's forwardness causes him to answer the question, which wouldn't even be accurate. His motive was probably good in the sense that he's defending Jesus, but it was still highly inaccurate. After saying what he said, he figured he better square it away with Jesus, so he talked to him about it. B) Jesus makes it quite clear to Peter that he is indebted to no one regarding the temple or any kind of owed ticket simply because this temple is his house. He is the king. He is its owner, and he doesn't have to pay taxes to himself. But here comes the fish story, one of the greats of all time. "Go to the lake, throw out the line. You’ll find a coin in a fish. Take it and pay the tax for us." C) Three inescapable truths emerge out of this. One is the miraculous provision of financial grace in the situation. Number two, that miracle still required Peter to be involved in doing something. And number three, that fish, who had no idea whatsoever that he would become famous among fishes, becomes the eternal fish in the waters. That's pretty cool.

1) The next portion, starting in Genesis chapter 4:8, teaches us a valuable series of lessons, one excellent and the other not so much. Verse eight begins with Cain suggesting to his brother Abel to go out into the field. It seemed innocent enough. "Let's go take a walk and check out the field. Who knows? Maybe we can see something cool," Cain said. But that was not Cain's true intention. What Cain was planning was to kill his brother. It was merely a ruse to lure him into a trap, indicating that people have been attempting to trap others since the very beginning. 2) All because of sin, Cain attacks Abel and kills him. This isn't the first-time death has touched the planet. Adam and Eve died spiritually when they sinned. But this is the first time that death has not been attached to a natural lifespan. This should serve as a cautionary tale of how far sin can lead a person. 3) The next element is almost chilling. The Lord confronts Cain and asks him, "Where is your brother? Where is Abel?" Of course, the Lord knows where he is, but He is holding Cain accountable. Everyone who sins, from Adam to the last human being, will give an account. But what does Cain do? Essentially the same thing that Adam and Eve did. He evades, he shifts the blame. He doesn't pin it on anyone else, because he can't. But he simply says, "I'm not responsible. I didn't do it. It's not my fault." Denial is not just a river in Egypt. 4) Verse 10 in Genesis chapter 4 speaks hope, though many may not realize it. Because of this, the Lord tells Cain, "Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground." Even though Abel is dead, he's still speaking to God. His blood is calling out to God for something that happened that never should have and was never intended to. And God's response is directly connected to Abel's outcry. This tells us there's life after death, right at the beginning of the Bible. But it also tells us that the blood of one who has been hurt often cries out for vengeance, not for grace and mercy. It's a good thing for us that Jesus's cry was different from that of Abel's.

1) As we delve into **2nd Timothy, chapter 3 verse 1**, we comprehend this truth: in the last days, perilous times will come. The term 'perilous' pertains to times of stress. It's fair to say that we are indeed in such times currently, and the stress seems to be escalating with each passing week. However, this should also indicate to us that the end is nearer and our redemption is drawing closer. Instead of fearing what is to come, we stand firm as children of the King of the Universe.

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.

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) 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.

1) David describes a person declared righteous as someone who has been forgiven for their disobedience, and whose sins have been removed from sight. In other words, it's not just the righteousness of Jesus that reconciles us with God. It's also the fact that our sins were crucified at the cross, leaving us sinless and forgiven. 2) He elaborates on this by stating that there is immense joy for those whose sins are no longer counted against them. While God, from a practical sanctification standpoint, will shape, discipline, and correct you and I to reflect Jesus more and more, the penalties of your sin, from an eternal perspective, have been vanquished through the victory of Jesus Christ. 3) What's remarkable about this passage from Romans is that it helps us understand that when Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again, three significant events occurred. Our sins were dealt with on the cross. In the burial, Jesus died for us, and destroying the power of the old earthly self. In the resurrection, there was a restoration of what was lost in the Garden of Eden - a renewed relationship with God. That's why it's crucial to understand the Gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we receive by faith, given to us by God’s grace, mercy, and love.

A) In Matthew Chapter 17, Verse 22, Jesus predicts his death once again to prepare the disciples for what is going to be a profoundly difficult time. In telling them about his death, he also informs them that he will be raised from the dead. However, the disciples' focus at this point is on the fact that Jesus is going to die, and they were filled with grief. It's okay to grieve if you're a Christian, even though redemption is coming. B) We now enter into one of the best stories that come from engaging with Jesus. As they're entering the temple, the temple tax collectors ask Peter, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" For those who do not know, attending the Passover or the Rosh Hashanah service always required a member of the temple to buy a ticket. That's why it's not a tax, even though it sounds like a tax, kind of like politicians.

A) Typically, Monday’s episodes on the David Spoon Experience are straightforward. However, the concept of normalcy is not something we fully grasp today. The show delves into profound territory when Roslyn calls in with both a praise report and a prayer request. Understanding how people interact with us is a crucial aspect of our journey. B) For the praise report, Rosalyn mentioned someone she has been witnessing to for some time. She shared that her connection helped her better understand Jesus Christ. This is precisely the type of experience we want to share with others. It communicates to them that they have impacted us, even if they don’t comprehend how or why. It adds value to their lives, and it’s the truth. C) Rosalyn also requested prayer for another individual who has been deeply wounded in their life. Ironically, this person chose to declare, “I don’t believe in God,” while simultaneously blaming God for all that’s wrong. These contradictory statements can’t coexist. When a person is angry at God and blames Him, they obviously believe in God. Their denial is merely a defense mechanism to maintain distance due to their pain. D) David concludes the show with an in-depth teaching on the Holy Spirit leading Jesus into the wilderness. We often assume that God only leads us into pleasant situations or “cotton candy lanes,” but that’s not accurate. The scripture teaches that Jesus, filled with the Spirit, was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for a period of 40 days, during which He was tempted and tested. This is a direct result of God guiding Jesus into trials and testing. Before Israel entered the promised land, they had to traverse the wilderness. Many of us experience a similar journey.

A) A servant of the Lord must also be gentle, which implies refraining from physical aggression, capable of teaching, patient, and humble in correcting those who oppose them. When disagreements arise, tact is essential because the Lord does not want us to intimidate people into faith. When you engage with someone, respecting them as a human being rather than their position, they are more likely to listen to what you have to say. B) Paul suggests that individuals like these may have the opportunity to regain their senses. This is reminiscent of the story of the prodigal son, who came to his senses and returned to his father. When a person manages to regain their senses, scripture clearly states that they escape the snare of Satan. Because when Satan ensnares them, they end up doing his will rather than God's.

1) It's Friday, and it's time for Dr. Dave's devotional diamonds of the day. We have some remarkable insights for you. The first step is to ask, "What are the directions?" In life, many of us find it challenging to accept directions from others. This has become a classic joke between spouses driving in their car, trying to decipher not a fold-out map, but what the GPS is saying when it instructs to turn left, and the lane is only on the right. The real question is, who has the actual direction to guide us to our destination? 2) You can't make this up. One testimony after another after another, hearing about all the blessings that the Lord is doing. Phenomenal callers and phenomenal calls with the Lord blessing His people, encouraging His people, protecting His people, guiding His people, and helping His people, as always. 3) We're conducting a preliminary study of the Book of Revelation from a different perspective. Eschatology is controversial in almost every chapter and verse. While this may not sound like fun, we're going to share a portion of Revelation 11 that has multiple interpretations. Despite the multiple interpretations, the primary message becomes more evident if we simply read the text.

A) It’s Friday, a day when anything can happen. Our brother Sergio poses an intriguing question about the ebb and flow of faith in our lives. David, of course, mentions his new book, “The Faith That Pleases God”. This book is available to everyone. If affordability is an issue, the ministry will cover the cost. B) It’s crucial to understand that there are times when we need to surrender, stop dictating to the Lord, and cease worrying or stressing over things. Everyone, including myself, experiences stress over various matters. This primarily occurs because we’re not fully trusting in the Lord. We are instructed to trust the Lord with all our heart, not rely on our own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all our ways. He will then direct our paths. C) Furthermore, the Lord advises us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us. It’s vital for us to comprehend that we need to fully surrender to the Lord and trust Him, rather than trying to control everything with our own power.