And David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?" And He said to him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them, and you shall rescue all." (NAS)
When David's family was attacked and his wives and daughters and sons carried away into captivity by the Amalekites David and all of Israel wept until they could weep no more. Then when he had no strength left he inquired of God who told him not only to pursue the enemy, but that he would also have victory and all of the captives would be rescued.
The Amalekites were the descendants of Esau. When Moses brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt they were attacked from the rear by the Amalekites at Rephidim. By approaching from the rear they killed the weakest of all the people. A battle ensued and Israel prevailed. Moses then declared to Israel that the Amalekites would always be their enemy. Later Saul is called to battle the Amalekites with the instruction to kill everyone. Saul disobeyed and brought back the King of the Amalekites, Agag.
Some have compared the Hebrew's battles with the Amalekites to the Christian's battle with their own flesh. The flesh is not the physical body, but the selfish desires, lustful ways, as seen in the fruit it produces: Galatians 5:19-21"The fruits of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
As Christians we can have victory over the flesh by walking in the Spirit. The battle between the flesh and the Spirit is ongoing and will be all of your life. The Christian is never free from the battle, but can be victorious over the flesh. Galatians 5:16 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." The battle will always be raging, but victory is ours through God's Holy Spirit.
_____________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ
Sandy and I are home once again for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and all the family birthdays. We have such a great time during this season of the year. The only thing we have discovered is that as we have begun to mature we get tired a lot quicker. An afternoon nap sure is nice.
Our friends, the Tuttletons, went home Wednesday. We had a wonderful month with them. It was quite a big difference from two years ago when they also stayed with us a month to take care of me and Sandy when I was so critically ill. Great friends are hard to beat.
the retreat in Ohio was a wonderful blessing. We have been meeting each November for nine years. It has been a joy to watch the whole group mature in their faith and walk with god. Bob and Pat Moser, the leaders, have been teaching this group over twenty years. Time makes a difference.
Yesterday Interstate 10 was closed because of an oil tanker fire. You may have seen it on the news. The school that was evacuated is the school tow of my grandsons, Bennett and Burke, attend. They had an exciting day.
Sandy is about finished with her Tuesday Bible Study. She has enjoyed teaching. The plans look like she might be teaching again in January.
I will be teaching our Sunday School Class on November 27, December 4 and 11. The Watchmen's Class meets on Sunday morning at First Baptist Church of Tempe and 1:00 AM. I am excited about filling in for three Sundays for our teacher. Please continue to pray for opportunities to share God's word.
May God continue to bless you with His overwhelming power and strength. ~ DGW
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