Are you expecting more in 2024? Dr. David Spoon dives into this thought-provoking question, encouraging listeners to reflect on their faith and expectancy for the upcoming year. He discusses the importance of placing trust in God, emphasizing that miracles can happen in an instant if we are open to receiving them. Throughout the episode, Spoon shares insights from Scripture, particularly focusing on the church in Smyrna, known as the Persecuted Church, highlighting their struggles and the promise of the crown of life for those who remain faithful. With a blend of humor and heartfelt encouragement, he invites listeners to engage in fellowship, share their prayer requests, and strengthen their faith as they look forward to what God has in store.

Listeners are welcomed to a lively and heartfelt session of the David Spoon Experience, where the central theme revolves around the anticipation of blessings in 2024. Spoon poses a captivating question to his audience: 'Are you expecting more in 2024?' This inquiry sets the stage for a profound exploration of faith, expectation, and the readiness of God to perform miracles in the lives of believers. He humorously relates the concept of expectancy to scriptural teachings, emphasizing that God delights in pouring out His blessings and encourages listeners to maintain a posture of faith and readiness to receive.

Throughout the episode, Spoon’s charismatic personality shines as he emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship among Christians. He invites listeners to participate actively by sharing their prayer requests, testimonies, and thoughts, reinforcing the idea that collective faith can lead to empowerment and encouragement. This segment is enriched by Spoon’s belief in the power of prayer, as he leads a heartfelt prayer for listeners in need, particularly focusing on those facing health challenges. His genuine compassion and dedication to pastoral care resonate deeply, reminding the audience of the strength found in unity and prayer.

The latter part of the episode transitions into a detailed examination of Revelation, particularly the message to the Church of Smyrna. Spoon highlights the historical significance of this early church, known for its persecution, and draws parallels to the struggles faced by modern believers. He emphasizes that true wealth lies in faith rather than financial prosperity, aligning with biblical teachings that prioritize spiritual richness. This insightful discussion encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith, even amidst adversities, and embraces the promise of eternal life and rewards for those who persevere. Spoon’s engaging style and scriptural insights provide a rich tapestry of encouragement and hope for his audience.

Takeaways:

• Expectancy in faith is crucial as we prepare for 2024; are we ready to receive?
• Despite hardships and challenges, Jesus reminds us not to fear the trials we face.
• The church in Smyrna teaches us that spiritual wealth outweighs financial struggles in faith.
• God's kingdom operates on a different economy; faith and trust are our true currency.
• We must believe that God answers prayers, as our struggles can lead to miracles.
• Our trials are temporary, but the promise of eternal life is what we must cling to.

The views expressed on the following program are designed to amplify those of the speaker and are not necessarily those of K aam, DJRD Broadcasting or its sponsors.

Hello, everybody.

I've got Sunshine on a cloudy day when it's cold outside I've got.

Here's what's coming up on today's experience.

It's Dr.

Dave's devotional Diamonds of the Day, also known as DD DDDs, where my daily devotions become some of our spiritual reflections.

Sound effects placed throughout the show which have nothing to do with life.

But the Bible teaches there's a time to laugh In Ecclesiastes 3, 4.

And smiling is pretty much a good medicine if you laugh.

The review of the goofy news which proves Jesus is coming back sooner than you think.

We hope before this intro is over, life lessons for our faith that we can actually use probably won't if we sit on our blessed assurance.

Humor that will force you to think, why does this guy have a radio show?

Because God said so, that's why.

Also, Bible trivia for fake and yet somehow real cool prizes, your phone calls and more.

Living this life, not always easy running.

Welcome to the David Spoon Experience, local, national and heavenly talk.

My name is Dr.

David Spoon, and I'll be your host for the next 5,400,000 milliseconds.

Get ready for one of the more bizarre experiences on live radio.

Here is the key to the show.

We don't know what we're doing.

We have no idea what's going to happen, and we don't care.

But for the next few minutes, I want to talk biblical love with you.

So here we go.

We're asking questions about living life as a Christian, that thing right there.

And we do a very particular question on Thursdays.

And you're thinking, well, gosh, it's December 5th, you gotta be done asking this question.

And the answer is nope.

And you're thinking, what do you mean?

Here it is.

Here's the question we're asking.

And most of you are saying, Dave, there's 26 days left.

Really?

Did you read Genesis 1?

Did you see what God did in six days?

Do you know it only takes a moment for a miracle?

Did you know that God is not just a way maker, but a moment maker?

Here's the deal.

It's based on our expectancy.

It's based on our faith.

It's based on our willingness to receive.

God is ready to pour out great things in his kingdom.

Do we believe that he is willing to do that?

Do we believe the scripture that says, fear not, dear flock, it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom?

Do we believe that?

That's the question we're asking you.

In addition, if you have a response to that or an opinion, a comment, a thought, or a question, please don't let that die of loneliness.

Just reach out and give us a call.

You know, at first when I heard that music, I wasn't sure, but after I've listened to it four or five times, I'm starting to really get into it.

I like that sound more and more each time I hear it.

Listen, talking to Jam and J, that's like spending time relaxing and chillaxing.

Hello.

Thank you, David.

Happy Thursday.

And yes, I had to put in the intro music for my favorite Christmas movie, Christmas Vacation.

There you go.

And it's really.

It's just growing on me.

It's just, you know, it's like.

It's like just the first time I heard, I'm like, oh, that's good.

And the second time, oh, that is pretty good.

Now this is like the fifth time or whatever I heard, I was like, yes, I'm starting to really get into this.

I'm liking this.

Getting into the Christmas spirit.

Getting into it.

So here's the bottom line.

For those that are out there listening to the show, we want you to be aware of a few things.

You can reach us by telephone.

Now, I know it's been around for a while, so you're really not too old to know how to use a telephone.

I'm just pointing that out.

But the bottom line is, in addition to a telephone, you can also do texting.

So you can call or you can text the show.

By the way, that's the ministry number after the show.

But during the show, it's for texting only.

Additionally, you can also send an email, David, that he must increase.

David must increase dot org.

So we're going to just bring this to the forefront.

There are many reasons to reach out to us.

One of the reasons is fellowship, because fellowship strengthens one another.

It blesses one another.

When two or more that are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

That does not mean you have to actually physically be in the exact same location.

We find out from the Book of Colossians, which we're going to get into, not today, that particular teaching, but in the next couple of weeks.

Bottom line is simply this fellowship is an empowering element of our faith and that's what we want to operate in.

So why would you reach out to us?

Why would you call?

Why would you text?

Why would you email?

Well, it can be for a praise report.

And we want you to have that opportunity to share.

If the Lord has done something, is doing something, about to do something, and it's mighty and it's in your life and you want to share it, please do.

It will bless others.

It will encourage you in your own life, plus it will bring glory and honor to the Lord.

Maybe you've got something along the lines of a prayer request.

We have some specific health prayer requests that we're going to be getting into in just a few moments.

Here's what I want you to be aware of.

We actually have this weird element in our show.

It's super duper, duper bizarre.

We're Christians who actually believe God answers prayers.

I know it's so ridiculous according to the world.

But then again, the world in its current condition without Christ is going to hell.

So why would you care?

We want to be where the Lord is.

We want to do what the Lord is doing.

We want to be connected to God Almighty, the King of the universe, and connecting to what's going on in heaven and asking for the will of God to be done on earth like it's done in heaven.

That's what we want.

So the power of prayer is incredible.

And we believe it and we receive it and we love it.

Additionally, maybe you've got a scripture, something going on you just want to share.

We're for it.

We like it.

Lord's got something on your heart has really been showing you something.

Every time I drive here and I see this, this is what comes and this touches my heart.

Cool.

Share that.

Those are great things to share.

They don't have to be brilliantly spoken.

I haven't been brilliantly speaking since I've been on radio.

I'm just speaking and it's not professional radio, it's just radio.

So you have that opportunity to share that as well.

It's not that we're against politics and we don't want people to think that we want.

Actually, we want Christians in the political realm.

We should be praying for that.

And at a minimum, good, bad or indifferent, in a leadership position, we should all be praying on a regular basis that the power of the Holy Spirit touches the leaders that are in our city, our state, our country, and the world itself, and influence them so that they stop operating in so much flesh and so much sin.

Only by the grace of God can that happen.

So we are supportive of that.

And we just, in our particular space, we're just a little more geared towards encouraging people to draw near to God.

The reason is simple.

In James 4, 8, draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

And we actually believe that's the answer to everything.

Not billionaires perceptions, not science perception.

You know, everybody follow the science right up until it doesn't go with something they want.

Such ridiculousness.

Listen, you follow science right up to the gates of darkness.

I'm going to follow Jesus.

That's what I'm going to do.

Because when it's all said and done, that's what's gonna matter.

Now we are gonna go to prayer and we're gonna pray for a couple of our different listeners.

We have Rosalynn's mom, Angelina, is in the hospital.

Rosalynn's really going through a fight, and we really wanna pray for her.

Cause it gets discouraging when you go back and forth and back and forth into a hospital.

And even Angelina's struggling with maintaining faith.

So we're gonna pray for them as a family.

We're also gonna pray for Nancy's family.

Her daughter Jill is having eye surgery today, and her other daughter, Amanda, having neck problems.

And we're just going to pray for their family as well.

And we're going to come to the Lord and ask and believe that the power of the Holy Spirit, given to us through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ, is available for these believers.

Do you believe?

You know, that's the same question Jesus asked, asked the guy who could not see.

Do you believe that I am able to do this?

That is the question Jesus asks us.

Let us go to him in prayer.

Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus, knowing, Lord Jesus, that you are at the right hand of the Father.

And we need your intercession on a regular basis, on an everyday, every hour, every minute basis.

And we petition.

We bring our petition and our prayers, and we do it with Thanksgiving, according to the scriptural Command of Philippians 4.

6.

Our petition, our prayer with thanksgiving.

We let our requests be made known, and we lift up Angelina to you right now.

And in the name of Jesus, we pray for the healing power that comes from the throne of God, that comes through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.

According to Peter, 1st Peter, chapter 2, verse 24, according to Exodus 15, 26, according to Zechariah 4.

6.

We are praying, praying, praying that the power that comes from the throne of God would touch Angelina's body.

We also pray that you would bring comfort right now to our Rosalynn and give her a sense.

Give her, Put up a jacket, a coat of grace and comfort upon her.

She needs that.

She's really going through a difficult time.

Speak the peace that she needs.

Lord, we lift up G Mom to you as well.

Having a tough day today.

Some days go better than others.

Well, Lord, sometimes when that's bad, we need instant relief, instant deliverance from your hand, from your grace, given to us out of your compassion, given to us out of your abundance.

And we pray for G Mom and ask you, Lord, just to help her to calm and to be at peace.

Instead of being jittery, she would be in a walk of peace.

Lord, we lift up Nancy to you.

Who's doing the best she can.

She's got kids going left and right, wrong direction.

Who?

Jill needs healing, Amanda needs healing, and Nancy needs healing.

They all need healing, Lord.

They need your help.

They can't do this without you, without your grace entering into this situation.

Move upon them.

Move upon Jill and let her know it's you.

Move upon Amanda and let her know it's you.

Nancy already knows.

Let her receive from you and just have that vitality poured into her.

We lift up these people.

We don't own it, Lord.

You own it.

We petition you to pour it out upon them.

We have other people that are hurting.

We know and you know each and every one and each and every pain for people like Gary and Jeanette and all of us who are struggling and physically having some difficulties, pour out your grace.

Be the Lord God who answers prayers.

Because, Lord God, if you heal, they will be healed.

If you say yes, it will be done.

So we petition you in the name of Jesus Christ for healing, for grace, for comfort, for peace, for mercy, for kindness, for protection.

And we entrust ourselves to you and focus our heart and minds upon you.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen and amen.

Okay, that is kind of how we rock and roll when the Lord tells us to rock and roll.

That way.

People are like, rock and roll.

That's not good.

What?

My feet are on the rock and my name is on the roll.

So rock and roll is just fantastic.

We are in Revelation chapter two, Revelation chapter two.

And by the way, we're in verse eight.

For those that do not know, in verse eight, very powerful material that we're getting into here.

We are talking about the church of Smyrna, known as the Persecuted Church.

We will not be able to get to every point today, which I figured you guys might figure that out already.

But let's go into the beginning of it and see what we've got going on.

In verse 8 of Revelation 2, it says, to the angel of the church in Smyrna, right?

These things says the first and the last who was dead and came to life.

I know your works, Tribulation and poverty, but you are rich.

And I know the blasphemy of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan.

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.

Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison that you may be tested and you will have tribulation.

10 days.

Be faithful unto the end, and I will give you the crown of life.

Wow.

All right, let's look at this.

This is the church in Smyrna.

What you need to know about Smyrna are kind of a couple things that will really help you understand.

We call it the Persecuted Church.

Why is that?

It's simple.

Smyrna is that the church itself was poor and persecuted.

The church is located, by the way, in a beautiful city of wealth and commercial greatness with a really large Jewish population.

So some people.

And I want you to hear what I'm going to say.

This is a big challenge.

You need to be aware of what I'm going to say to you.

Some people believe.

Some of the scholars believe that one of the reasons they were poor, okay, because they're in a city that has great wealth.

One of the reasons they were poor is that there was an economic boycott against them because of their faith.

Did you hear me?

There was an economic boycott against them from the city, from the people functioning in the city, because of their faith.

Now this, of course, this directly connects to the principle that's taught in Revelation, chapter 13.

And before you get all weird on it, it's simple.

Without the mark, without the mark of the beast, there is a financial disruption for people.

If you do not accept, accept the way that the government establishes and you Think government.

Well, what about the religious.

Well, it's the religious government, let's put it that way.

And it's a non godly religious government.

If you do not accept their standard, you cannot engage in commerce.

That is what was going on with these guys.

Same thing.

Only when it happens towards the end, it'll be severely worse.

But you need to see that this is part of the process of going through.

And this church, faithful to the Lord, diligent to the Lord, is being persecuted because of their faith.

And you sit there and you think, in the last 10 years, gee, maybe in the last 15 years, has there been anybody that has suffered some kind of financial distress because they're Christians?

I don't know.

So let's say 12 years ago, the IRS was going after nonprofit Christian organizations to the tune of this difference, 99% Christian, 1% other.

Which means that.

And by the way, if you think I'm kidding, the actual head of the IRS at that time under Barack Obama not only acknowledged it, but there was a fine connected to it, and she was fired for it.

So don't tell me it didn't happen.

Of course it happened.

And what they did was anybody that was standing as a Christian, they were scrutinized 99 times more than anybody else.

That's the fact.

No way around it.

And that's what the Christians have to endure.

And you're thinking, that didn't happen here.

It happened 12 years ago where they weaponized the IRS to go after nonprofits.

And they've been doing it ever since.

And I got news for you, they've been doing it a lot longer than that.

So don't be surprised if at some point, whatever's going on, poof, it pops up.

And all of a sudden there's difficulty.

And what Jesus tells the church is this.

Ready?

He says, hey, hey, don't be afraid.

Do you know that there's this total repeating theme in all of these things that take place that the Lord tells us about and warns us about?

He tells us, hey, you know what?

Don't be afraid.

Don't be afraid.

Do not fear.

Because fear gives way to doubt.

And doubt and fear take away any genuine faith that's there.

And Jesus says this to this church, you have to love this.

He goes, this is from him who is the first and the last.

What does that mean?

That means that Jesus is the beginning and the end.

By the way, that's great understanding in the beginning.

God.

That's the beginning.

That's what Jesus is connecting to these things, says the first and the last who was dead and came to life.

I know your works, your tribulation and your poverty.

Stop right there, he says, but you are rich.

Let me make this point, because it's in a financial realm for Christians.

It's not a bad thing for Christians to be wealthy.

Nobody's saying that it's a bad thing to spend your life trying to be wealthy and that that's your pursuit, because then you're not seeking first the kingdom of God.

But what Jesus says is just because you're financially poor does not mean you're spiritually poor.

In fact, the Bible teaches in the book of James that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith.

Now, I'll ask you a question.

Let's see if you can answer it straight up.

As the Bible scholars that we all think we are, what do we think pleases God more, having a big bank account or having a big faith account?

What do we think pleases God more, A big bank account or a big faith account?

What do you think he's looking for from us?

What do you think the Lord wants us to be connected to and us to be aware of?

For without faith, it is impossible to please God.

And this particular church, by the way, this church, because they are so diligent, they were known as the Synagogue of the Lord.

The unbelieving Jewish population in that city was known as the Synagogue of Satan.

Plus, in that city were four major huge altars to false gods.

So they were in a really tough city.

But what Jesus says to them is the same thing that he says to you.

The same thing he says to me.

Same thing he says to each one of us in every struggle we go through.

So G Mom's going through the struggle, and Angelina's going through this struggle, and Jill and Amanda going through these struggles.

And what we need to recognize is going through this struggle.

There's a lot of frustration.

There's a lot of difficulty.

And Jesus knows that it's frustrating.

Did you hear what I said?

He knows you might be going through a financially hard time right now.

We do that in this ministry every other week.

We know, we know.

We know that you go through it and we go through it, but what we know is that Jesus is watching and he's with us and he's interceding for us.

And he makes this point, he just makes it as clear as can be, don't be afraid of the things that are surrounding you.

Don't do that.

He even says, satan's going to throw somebody, throw things at you.

Some of you are going to go into prison for 10 days like this stuff.

It's not that 10 days is a long time.

It's that stuff is coming and it's hard and it's difficult and you have to fight through it.

And Jesus says, don't be afraid of that.

He said, the devil about to throw some of you in prison.

You're going to be tested, but be faithful to the end, and I will give you the crown of life.

Jesus is telling them, look, Satan's going to throw things at you.

He's making it clear that Satan's activity is coming towards them, but he also makes it clear that that activity is highly tempered.

In other words, Satan's activity is not just about what Satan wants to do.

It's more about what God is going to accomplish.

And we need to be faithful because he's going to take those tough times and turn them into another direction.

You see, what we think is that, oh, the devil's just going crazy and this is taking place.

We have a terrible image of God's control.

I want you to count to five.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

In that five seconds, you probably took a breath, hey, guess what?

You weren't in control of that.

God is.

And if you don't think that the devil's under that same tight reign, you don't understand who's in charge.

God is in charge.

And you think, well, what about this?

And what about this?

And why is the world so full of darkness and why is there death?

Because sin was the choice man made and brought into society.

And God is the one that brought the redemption.

So a lot of what we go through, a lot of what is allowed is because of what we brought into it from our lousy decisions.

But God's grace and mercy gives us an outlet.

And what the Lord is telling you and I is, listen to me, children, listen.

Do not be afraid.

Even if the enemy throws things at you, do not be afraid because I am with you.

And it might be difficult for a season, for a short season, for a very specific time.

But Jesus says, you hang on, because I'm going to give you the crown of life.

That's the promise from our Messiah.

That's the promise from our Savior.

That's the promise from our Lord God Almighty.

And don't tell me your trial is more powerful than God's plan.

He is the king of the universe and he is going to give you and I the crown of life.

Come on.

Here's the command from Jesus.

Don't be afraid.

Get it?

Got it.

Keep it.

All right, folks, you're listening to the David Spoon Experience right here on KAM 770, the Truth Station here in Texas.

Gonna take a short break, then come back.

Don't go anywhere.

What is the David Spoon Experience?

I cannot wait, though.

I have to do this particular sound.

We might interrupt while I'm doing the teaching.

But I gotta do the sound because it is time for Bible baloney beatdown.

Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello.

It's now time for David Spoon's Bible baloney beatdown.

Bible baloney beatdown.

I'll knock your brains out if you had any.

I can't believe I'm allowed to do that.

I love that.

Anyhow, Bible baloney beat down has to do with the kingdom of God.

So there are people that go, well, you know, in scripture, there's so many contradictions.

Like, what about when Jesus said, if you're for me, then you're not.

You're not against me.

If it gets me, you're not for me.

And they kind of mix it all up and so on and so forth.

Let me just help out and just kind of set the record straight, keeping it simple.

There are two.

Now watch what I'm going to.

I'm going to show you.

There are two.

Okay, watch.

Somewhere between one and three.

There are two.

Here you go.

One more time.

There are two kingdoms.

I'm going to.

I'm going to blow your mind, though, when I say this.

There is the kingdom of God, right?

Everybody would agree.

Okay, got it.

Seek first the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God.

And then there is any other attempted kingdom.

There is the kingdom of God, and then there's any other attempted kingdom.

The kingdom of darkness, the kingdom of men.

You know, it doesn't matter what it is.

There's the kingdom of God and all the other ones.

Okay?

Or.

And they're all just wrapped up in the one thing.

There's the kingdom of God and the kingdoms that are not the kingdom of God.

That's all we got.

That's all it is.

Luke, chapter nine, verse 49 through 50.

John responded, Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name.

And we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.

Verse 50.

Don't stop him.

Jesus told him, because whoever is not against you, is for you keeping this in context.

The person is not opposed.

This is very important.

The person is not opposed.

But for the kingdom of God, he's not neutral.

He's a kingdom advancer.

He's somebody that advancing the kingdom, casting out demons in the name of Jesus Christ.

And John is like, well, he's not one of us.

Okay?

That's a whole separate sermon, a whole separate issue which I'm sure your pastor has taught on many times.

And that is the last thing that you need are a whole bunch of more people just like you or just like me.

We need people to be like Jesus and they don't need to follow us.

Exactly.

They need to follow Jesus.

And I don't want to have, I don't want to reproduce a thousand mes.

I want people reproducing being Jesus because I'm not going to do anything.

But people who are more like Jesus, they make a difference.

And in context, this person was advancing the kingdom by driving out demons in the name of Jesus Christ.

He's a kingdom advancer.

The David Spoon experience.