GOYECAS

Text: 1 Samuel 24:1–22; 26:1–25 When a leader becomes more committed to preserving his throne than preserving the people, power becomes an idol—and the throne itself can become a trap. WHEN POWER BECOMES AN OBSESSION There are moments in history when a leader becomes so desperate to preserve his position that he begins to fight the very person God has chosen for the future. This was the tragedy of King Saul and David. The people of Israel had demanded a king. They wanted to be like the nations around them—a king who would lead them into battle and give them the military security they desired. God granted their request, while warning them about the consequences of placing their confidence in a human ruler. Saul was eventually chosen and anointed as Israel's first king. But Saul's reign was marked by repeated acts of disobedience to God. Eventually, God rejected him as king and instructed Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as His chosen successor. David was not se...

“Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?”- Ezekiel 34:2 (KJV) Introduction Mosquitoes are among the most disliked creatures in the world. They are small, persistent, irritating and capable of causing serious harm. They sometimes do not announce their arrival. They operate quietly, locate their victims, take what they need and leave. Spiritual lesson for the Church . A pastor is called to be a shepherd, not a spiritual mosquito. The shepherd gives himself for the sheep; the mosquito takes from its victim for itself. The shepherd protects; the mosquito exploits. The shepherd feeds the flock; the mosquito feeds on the flock. The shepherd strengthens the weak; the mosquito leaves its victim weaker than it found him. When a pastor begins to live like a mosquito, the Church may still have preaching, singing, prayers, programmes and impressive buildings, yet the people may be spiritually drained. Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd:...

Why Prayer without Repentance Cannot Heal a Nation "Is not this the fast that I have chosen...?" — Isaiah 58:6 Preface Why I Wrote This Message Every message has a story. This one was not born in a library, a theological classroom, or behind the desk of a writer. It was born in the furnace of personal failure, spiritual confusion, and, ultimately, the restoring grace of God. There was a time in my life when I sincerely believed that if I could only find the right prophet, the right prayer mountain, or the right fasting programme, my problems would disappear. Like many Christians, I searched for extraordinary spiritual experiences while neglecting the ordinary path of repentance and obedience. Looking back now, I realize that I was searching for God's hand when He was first calling for my heart. My wilderness was not primarily caused by witches, demons, generational curses, or the attacks of enemies, although I was tempted to believe so. Much of it was the painful ...