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 5: THE FINAL LAP — LIVING PRESERVED IN A SPOILING WORLD


THE FREEZER, THE FRIDGE & THE HOLY OF HOLIES
PART 5: THE FINAL LAP — LIVING PRESERVED IN A SPOILING WORLD


Part 1 warned us that not all preservation is protection. Things can look fine while quietly decaying.

📖 “Be watchful.” (Rev. 3:2)

Part 2 showed us the danger of staying in the Outer Court — busy, visible, but not intimate.

📖 “These people draw near… but their hearts are far.” (Isa. 29:13)

Part 3 brought us into the Holy Place — illuminated, nourished, prayerful — yet still required vigilance.

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

Part 4 carried us beyond the veil into the Holy of Holies — the place of full preservation.

📖 “Abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

Now comes the hardest part.

The Final Lap — Carrying the Presence Out.

The priest did not live in the Holy of Holies forever. He entered, encountered God, and then came out to serve.

📖 “You shall be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8 – key phrase)

Preservation is not escape.

It is empowerment.

From Presence to Practice

The freezer does not make food useful —

It keeps it ready.

God preserves us so we can:

Serve without spoiling

Lead without decaying

Love without losing ourselves

📖 “Let your light shine.” (Matt. 5:16)


Spiritual Dimension

Spiritually, living preserved means:

Daily returning to His presence

Guarding intimacy amid activity

📖 “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17)

You don’t survive the world by visiting God occasionally — You survive by carrying Him continually.


Physical Dimension

Physically, it means:

Honoring rest

Practicing discipline

Sustaining endurance

📖 “Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Cor. 9:24)

Burnout is often a sign of leaving the presence too quickly.


Emotional Dimension

Emotionally, preservation shows as:

Self-awareness

Emotional regulation

Healthy boundaries

📖 “Let the peace of God rule.” (Col. 3:15)

Peace must rule — not visit.


Social Dimension

Socially, living preserved looks like:

Being salt, not blending in

Being light, not absorbed

📖 “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matt. 5:13)

Salt preserves by remaining distinct.


Economic Dimension

Economically, it means:

Stewardship over impulse

Integrity over shortcuts

Purpose over pressure

📖 “Whatever you do… do it heartily.” (Col. 3:23 – key phrase)

Provision flows best through preserved hands.


The World Is a Fridge

The world does not stop decay — it delays it.

If you live there without returning to the freezer, you will spoil.

📖 “Do not be conformed.” (Rom. 12:2)


The Charge

Stay preserved.

Return often.

Live aware.

📖 “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” (Jude 1:21)


Final Reflection

Am I carrying God’s presence into my world — or losing it there?

Do people around me feel preserved because of my presence?


Prayer

Lord, preserve me so I can preserve others. Help me run this final lap with endurance, integrity, and intimacy. Let my life remain fresh in a spoiling world, until my race is finished well. Amen.

🕊️ Series Complete — But the Journey Continues. 

God is speaking, are you listening?






Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)

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