“FROM SEASONS OF DROUGHT TO BLESSINGS OF RENEWAL”
(The Leader’s Spirituality)
Dr. Dennis Deese - Fan The Flame Ministries, Inc.
1 SAMUEL 23:1-29; PSALM 54:1-7
In chapter 22, we saw what may have been the lowest point in David’s life. He is in a literal and spiritual barren, lifeless wilderness. But, now we are beginning to see a trend of improvement. This truly was a new direction in many ways for David. This may have been the greatest turning point in his life. He is still in a literal wilderness but his spirit is beginning to experience a renewal!
There is nothing like coming out of spiritual drought and entering into the blessing of renewal. It seems that practically every area of life has its seasons of drought - our jobs, marriages, families, churches etc. (One thing you will find in common with these areas in practically every season of drought is relationship problems - that is to say, they are directly attributed to the involvement of people as the major cause) But, maybe none are as difficult, at times, as the ones we experience in our spiritual lives. How do you survive those occasions? How do you make it to and through the transition?
BY:
I. MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES PSALM 54:1-2 “hear my prayer”
Our tendency is to neglect these
A three-fold motivation:
A. God’s Reality v:1a “O God”
B. God’s Reputation v:1b “By thy name”
C. God’s Response v:2 “Hear my prayer”
II. EMPLOYING SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT PSALM 54:3-5 “Behold, God is my helper”
A. Origin of the problem v:3 “they have not set God before them”
They have not put God first in their life; thus, the problem is a spiritual problem.
B. Operation of the Lord v:4 “God is, the Lord is”
“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27)
“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (John 5:17)
1. Personal work v:4a
2. Provisional work v:4b (His work through others)
C. Outcome of the wicked v:5 "He shall reward...cut them off"
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season,” (Hebrews 11:25)
III. ANTICIPATING SPIRITUAL DELIVERANCE PSALM 54:6-7 "for He hath delivered me"
A. The basis of this - the essence of the Lord
B. The assurance of this - the work of the Lord (in the past)
