THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS

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THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS   2 Samuel 23:20–23 (NKJV) "Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day."   Some people become known for their positions, while others become recognised for their exploits. In the Bible, Benaiah was one man whose courage and extraordinary deeds distinguished him among David's mighty warriors. His story is fascinating, but before we examine the lion, the pit, and his eventual promotion, let's first understand the man behind these remarkable achievements. 1. A MAN WITH A BACKGROUND Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a valiant man from Kabzeel. He was not an ordinary warrior. Scripture records several extraordinary victories that distinguished him among David's mighty men. His background introduces us to a family ass...
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THE FREEZER, THE FRIDGE & THE HOLY OF HOLIES PART 3: THE HOLY PLACE — ILLUMINATED, NOURISHED, BUT STILL GUARDING

THE FREEZER, THE FRIDGE & THE HOLY OF HOLIES
PART 3: THE HOLY PLACE — ILLUMINATED, NOURISHED, BUT STILL GUARDING


Exodus 26:33, Hebrews 9:6-8,

And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy.


In Part 2, we stepped into the Outer Court and learned that:

Activity is not intimacy. Visibility is not preservation. Being busy for God is not the same as being close to God.

The Outer Court introduced us to God — but it was never meant to keep us there.

📖 “Press toward the goal.” (Phil. 3:14)

God always invites us deeper.


Entering the Holy Place (Inner Court)

Beyond the Outer Court was the Holy Place — accessible only to the priests. Inside were three sacred items:

The Lampstand (light)

The Table of Showbread (nourishment)

The Altar of Incense (prayer)

This was a place of illumination, sustenance, and communion.

📖 “Your word is a lamp.” (Ps. 119:105 – key phrase)

The Holy Place & the Fridge (Almost the Freezer)

If the Outer Court is the fridge door, the Holy Place is the coldest shelf. Decay is greatly slowed here — but it is not fully stopped.

Why?

Because the veil still stands.


Spiritual Dimension

Spiritually, the Holy Place represents:

Consistent prayer

Daily Word intake

Active worship

This is a mature walk — yet Scripture still warns:

📖 “Take heed lest you fall.” (1 Cor. 10:12)

Spiritual maturity without humility can still spoil.


Physical Dimension

Physically, Holy Place living looks like:

Discipline instead of reaction

Health awareness instead of neglect

📖 “Let us run with endurance.” (Heb. 12:1 – key phrase)

Endurance requires consistency, not bursts.


Emotional Dimension

Emotionally, it reflects:

Emotional awareness

Healing in progress

Better regulation of responses

Yet Scripture reminds us:

📖 “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Eph. 4:26)

Unresolved emotions still ferment — even at maturity.


Social Dimension

Socially, the Holy Place produces:

Accountability

Spiritual friendships

Shared growth

📖 “Exhort one another daily.” (Heb. 3:13)

Isolation invites decay, even at depth.


Economic Dimension

Economically, this stage shows:

Planning

Stewardship

Intentional giving

📖 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit.” (Prov. 21:5)

But diligence must remain consistent.


The Veil — The Final Barrier

Despite the light, bread, and incense, the veil remained.

📖 “The way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed.” (Heb. 9:8 – key phrase)

Something deeper still awaited.

The Warning

You can be illuminated, nourished, and prayerful — and still not fully preserved.

Spiritual spoilage at this level often comes through:

Pride

Burnout

Familiarity

📖 “Knowledge puffs up.” (1 Cor. 8:1 – key phrase)


Reflection

Am I feeding daily but still guarding my heart?

Am I mistaking depth for arrival?


Prayer

Lord, thank You for light, nourishment, and communion. But keep me humble and watchful. Do not let maturity turn into complacency. Draw me beyond the veil — where my life is fully preserved in You. Amen.


Part 4 Preview

Next, the veil is removed.

We enter the Holy of Holies — the place of full preservation, total surrender, and uninterrupted presence.

Stay tuned!

God is speaking, are you listening?






Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)

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