Can a Person Lose God's Favor and Protection?

One of the most tragic events in the life of Israel’s first king was the loss of God’s favor and protection. He lost these by deliberately failing to follow God’s rules. God withdrew his spirit because of Saul’s defiance. Saul chose to pursue what was in conflict with God’s plan and purpose.

As an adolescent Joseph Stalin was preparing to be a priest and servant of God, but under the influence of Vladimir Lenin he rejected God’s calling. Stalin threw away God’s blessing and protection and died an old man suffering from severe mood swings and a troubled soul.

After removing his favor and protection from Saul, God chose David to replace Saul – not because he was perfect, but because he was faithful. 

Choosing to follow God even when it’s difficult creates contentment and security. With God’s favor and blessing, strength to manage each day’s troubles is available. The joy of the Lord can be your strength.           

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After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

~1 Peter 5:10 English Standard Version

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Can Christians Guard Against Deception?

How easy is it to be deceived by others’ hidden motives or by what we personally want or crave? It’s imperative to guard against what would separate us from godly values or a clear conscience. Proverbs 14:12 warns us: “There is a way that seems right to us but may end in our death.”

Psalm 1 clearly states what we are to avoid: “Blessed is the person that does not seek the advice of wicked or evil people, who does not follow the example of sinners or hang around those who have no use for God.” Deliberately aligning yourself with evil will create heartache and suffering, while separating you from God’s blessings.

Living with the knowledge and wisdom God provides will prevent you from growing stale and vulnerable. Psalm 1 defines those who have energy for God: “Their delight is in doing what God wants. They meditate on God’s word continually, thinking about how to follow him more closely.” This is your source for peace and joy.                     

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Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16 Revised Standard Version 

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Is It Possible to Continue to Love God More Each Day?

Pushing up against the edge of what’s acceptable seems to be a human condition. TV news reported on a mother who lost custody of her children because of drug and alcohol abuse. The temptation to push the acceptable boundaries is common to everyone regardless of social status.

Israel’s King Saul is such a tragic personality that it’s difficult not to feel sorry for him. Did Saul perceive God as existing only beyond himself rather than residing within his heart and mind? He knew God existed and should be worshipped, but not as God who lives within the heart and mind.

Saul consistently pushed the boundaries beyond the edge of what pleased God which prevented him from feeling secure in God’s love. A way to honor and please God is to continually push to understand and love him more each day.                     

                                                      

Then you are approved with no need to feel rejected because you have been forgiven and cleansed of all sin.  

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Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

~2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version

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What Principle Is Required for Keeping God Close?

Older adolescent children may push their moral and spiritual boundaries to the edge, seeking separation and individuation in order to establish a personal identity. Stretching the limits of their values is often motivated by the desire to please and be accepted by friends and peer groups.

What pulls adolescents or adults back to their spiritual and moral roots is an inner strength that enables them to love God and their family as well as the need to love and respect themselves. The love of God can reach beyond the worst fall into sin to rescue his willing son or daughter.

Saul, Israel’s king, was unwilling to override the impulse to do what was contrary to God’s plan and purpose. Keeping God close to your heart and mind is made possible by choosing to please him in all things. 

This is a strength that must be nurtured. God will help you accomplish this very important task.                           

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For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we might receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  

~Hebrews 4:15-16 New International Version 

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What's Involved in Receiving a Clean Heart?

 Rare is the person who has perfectly lived up to their moral and spiritual values. Samuel, God’s judge, was outstanding in serving God faithfully from childhood but was imperfect. Saul, whom Samuel anointed king, failed to live up to God’s expectations, and this cost him God’s blessing.

This is similar to a son or daughter today whose defiance makes it impossible to live in peace with them. Saul demonstrated similar behavior. In 1 Samuel 15 he admits failure and asks for forgiveness, but only for selfish reasons.

Listen closely to Saul’s appeal to Samuel: “I have sinned against you and God. Please forgive me and come back with me to worship God. Please honor me in front of my army and the people.” He could have asked God to create in him a clean heart, to redeem him and restore their sacred fellowship – just as King David did later. 

God will create in you a clean heart so you can be restored to his presence.                      

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.  

~Psalm 51:10-12 New American Standard Bible

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Do You Have a Deep Appreciation for Obedience?

What is the definition of failure? Is partial failure as significant as complete failure? When Saul, the king of Israel, was sent on a mission, God’s instructions were precise. The task was to annihilate an enemy of Israel, including all the livestock. However, Saul captured the king, and his army took the livestock for sacrifices and bounty.

Samuel, God’s judge, responded. “Does the Lord want offerings and sacrifices? No, he wants you to obey him. You refused to obey, so God decided you cannot be king.” Saul’s disobedience cost him God’s blessings and protection.

Do we behave like Saul by failing to remember that all we have or hope to be is totally dependent on God’s goodness and generosity? 

When we fail to do what we’re given to do, it’s important to immediately and sincerely repent in order to be restored to trust and fellowship with God. Nothing should ever be allowed to supersede our peace with God.

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 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

~Psalm 139:23 New International Version

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What Is Most Responsible for Self-sabotage?

What is the difference in feeling regretful for failing to live up to God’s expectations and feeling fearful when facing failure? By choosing to live on the edge of God’s spiritual and moral rules, sliding over the edge will occur. Living on the edge is a clear pathway to self-sabotage.

Samuel, Israel’s last judge, refused to live on that edge because of his love and dedication to God. Saul, Israel’s king, was ambivalent about God’s control in his life. Ambivalence reflected uncertainty about God’s place in his heart. For Samuel, keeping God’s word was paramount.

What sabotaged Saul was permitting uncertainty to determine his choices and behavior. Allowing God to rule in your life isn’t easy, but doable. God’s word encourages you to allow the peace Jesus gives to rule in your heart.

Do this because Jesus first loved you and came into the world to give you peace that lasts for all eternity. 

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I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions.…then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to. For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things the Holy Spirit tells us to do, and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us...

~Galatians 5:16-17 The Living Bible

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