Consequences

Text
“In this way, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also punished the men of Shechem for all their evil. So the curse of Jotham son of Gideon was fulfilled” (9:56 – 57, NLT).

Insight
After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelech wanted to take his father’s place. “To set his plan in motion he went to Shechem, his mother’s hometown, to drum up support. These relatives were Canaanites and would be glad to unite against Israel” (NLT Study Bible notes).
Abimelech’s selfish plan included killing 70 of his half brothers. By his ruthless acts, Abimelech did evil in the sight of God. He and the leaders of Shechem failed to acknowledge God. When Abimelech ruled, trouble and division came. Perhaps Abimelech believed his plan would prosper and endure and that there would be no consequences for his sin…
However, “you cannot mock the justice of God” (Galatians 6:7, NLT). Evil men and generations who fail to acknowledge Him remain subject to His justice. The facts are: “You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:7 – 8). A lifestyle that acknowledges God and remembers what He has done will find strength to do what is good. Consequently, they “will reap a harvest of blessing if” they “don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Prayer
Father, I will not mock You or Your justice. I understand that there are consequences for sin. I acknowledge You and Your will in my life. Thank You for leading me in paths of righteousness. I will do good to everyone. Help me not to grow weary. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Why Is All This Happening To Us?

Text
“Sir, Gideon replied, ‘if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites” (6:13, NLT).

Insight
You can tell a lot about how a person thinks by listening to the questions they ask. Gideon’s thinking and perspective was a byproduct of having grown up knowing neither God nor the great things God had done for Israel (2:10). His understanding of God was influenced more by the world around him than out of a personal knowledge and experience with Him.
“If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” This is a great question and one many ask today. However, it is predicated on a non-Biblical worldview. It assumes this: If the Lord is with us… bad things won’t happen to us. The truth is: God is with us and desires to bless us. However, He has given us the ability to choose and free will to walk out our decisions. God had not left Gideon and his generation; rather, Gideon and his generation had left God (6:1). What was happening to them was the due consequence of their evil choices.
“And where are all the miracles our ancestors talked about?” Gideon seemed to believe that if God was with them, He would miraculously fix their problem. So, if the problem wasn’t miraculously fixed… Either the ancestor’s story is false, God doesn’t do that anymore or God is absent and we are on our own… none of which are Biblical conclusions. The angel of the Lord clarified the issue putting the responsibility right back on Gideon saying, “Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel” (6:14). The problem was not that God didn’t have the power; rather, Gideon didn’t see the potential he had in God to go and rescue… do something about himself.
May we develop a Biblical worldview through knowing and acknowledging God and experiencing His greatness in our lives.

Prayer
Father, open my eyes to how the world around me has influenced my thinking. Guard me from non-Biblical thinking. Help me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Take Captive Your Captives

Text
“Wake up, wake up, Deborah! Wake up, wake up, break out in song! Arise, O Barak! Take captive your captives, O son o f Abinoam” (Judges 5:12, NIV).

Insight
Do you need to wake up and take hold of what has a hold on you? Do you need to reverse the situation and break out from that which is holding you back? It is time to “Take captive your captives” (5:12).
That’s exactly the message God gave Deborah to give to Barak. “She sent for Barak … and said to him, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go… and lead the way’ (4:6). “I will lure Sisera… and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands’” (5:7).
The Israelites had been oppressed for twenty years by Jabin, a king of Canaan, and Sisera, his army commander. They were captives because they had once again done evil in the eyes of the Lord. So, they cried out for help against this king and his 900 iron chariots.
Under Barak’s leadership, “The people of the Lord marched down against mighty warriors” (5:13, NLT). Ephraim, Benjamin and Makir marched down. Zebulun came “rushing into the valley” to fight for freedom (5:15). They came to fight, break out and take captive their captives. They “risked their very lives” (5:18, NIV).
However, others refused to fight. They lingered and stayed in the coves. Dan stayed at home and sat unmoved at the seashore. Many suffered from “great indecision” (5:16, NLT) and were cursed “because they did not come to help the Lord, to help the Lord against the mighty warriors” (5:23).
Wake up! Break out from indecision and the desire to sit unmoved. Linger no longer. It’s time to rush to the valley. Take captive your captives.

Prayer
Father, set me free from indecision. Wake me up to the enemies who hold me captive. Stir me with the desire to rush into the valley and to march out against my enemies. In Jesus name, AMEN.

A Generation That Didn't Know God

Text “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10, NLT).

Insight “The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth. This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress” (2:11-15).
The Lord left these nations in the land to test the Israelites to “see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given” (3:4). He left these nations to “teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle” (3:2). These nations were thorns in the Israelite’s sides and their gods were “a constant temptation” to them (2:3).
The Israelites were stolen from, defeated, unable to resist their enemies and in great distress. They were “burdened by oppression and suffering” (2:18). But the Lord took pity on his people and He would “raise up a judge over Israel” and rescue “the people from their enemies” (2:18). Praise God for His mercy and grace!!!

Prayer Father, rescue me from my enemies. When I am burdened, oppressed or suffering, take pity on me. Rescue me! In Jesus name, AMEN.

A Thorn In Your Side

Text “So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you” (Judges 2:3, NLT).

Insight That was not the plan… The plan was that God was giving the land to the tribes of Israel, but they were to drive out the people living there. They were to destroy their alters and not to make any covenants with them.
However, Judah “failed to drive out the people living in the plains” (1:19). Benjamin “failed to drive out the Jebusites” (1:21). Manasseh “failed to drive out the people living in Beth-shan” (1:27) because the people in that region “were determined to stay.” Ephriam “failed to drive out the Canaanites” (1:29) while Zebulun “failed to drive out the residents of Kitron” (1:30). Asher and Nephtalli failed too. Dan was actually forced backwards by the Amorites who “would not let them come down into the plains” (1:34). Then the angel of the Lord declared “I will no longer drive out the people living in your land” (2:3). And the people wept loudly
As I read this story, I have to personally reflect into my own life asking, “Are there any alters in my life I have failed to destroy?” I ask myself if I need to drive out Offense, Anger or Bitterness in my life. Is selfishness determined to stay? Is there a part of my old man that I need to drive out of my life? Are there any bad habits that are limiting me or forcing me backwards? I want to take advantage of the Gospel Truth, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13) and that includes driving out every limiting habit, attitude, action or inhabitant in Jesus Name.

Prayer Father, thank You for Your great and precious promises. Thank You for new life in Christ. Help me to continue to drive out the enemy. Help me to walk free from that which wants to limit me. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Scapegoat or Solution

Text
“David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk about stoning him. David found strength in the Lord God” (1 Samuel 30:6, NLT).

Insight
David and his men were arriving home after their three day journey back from the battle field. They found their homes raided, burned to the ground and their wives and children carried off. The men wept, were very bitter and “began to talk about stoning” David. In their pain, they looked for someone to blame.
David, also suffering great loss, “found strength in God” (30:6). Instead of looking for a scapegoat, he sought a solution. David looked outside his situation to God saying, “Bring me the ephod” (30:7)! He “asked the Lord, ‘Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?’ And the Lord told him, ‘Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you’” (30:8).
So David and his men set out to recover what was lost. David led them and they found the Amalekites. The men rushed in and got back everything that was taken. “Nothing was missing: small or great, son or daughter, nor nothing else that had been taken” (30:19).
As a Kingdom-minded believer, look to God. Blaming others and finding a scapegoat never restores. It may feel good to your flesh but your family will remain divided. Take hold of the privilege of calling out to God. Find strength in Him. He restores. He redeems. He ransoms. Hallelujah!

Prayer
Father, guard me from blaming others in the midst of my pain. Help me find strength in You. I trust that You will restore what the enemy has stolen. Remind me to look to You for solutions not to others for scapegoats. In Jesus name, AMEN.

In My Power

Text
“The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the Lord placed you in my power, for you are the Lord’s anointed one” (1 Samuel 26:23, NLT).

Insight
How do you handle the power the Lord has given to you? How do you handle the authority, the finances, the freedom and the responsibilities God has placed in your life?
Just because you can… doesn’t always mean you should! Doing what is right and just in the Lord’s sight is vital. So being able to do something doesn’t automatically make it right or good.
David learned this lesson with Abigail. In his anger he committed to kill Nabal. Yet, even though he and his 400 men were powerful enough to destroy every male among them, it didn’t make it right. Abigail consulted David against the needless bloodshed, the staggering burden and the mis-handling of his power.
Shortly thereafter, God tests David again to reveal if David had learned how to rightly handle power. “The Lord placed you in my power” (26:23), David said. And David passed the test by sparing Saul’s life.
David sought “first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, NIV) believing that “all these things will be given… as well.” He rightly and justly handled his power knowing that “the Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal” (26:23).
What is the right and just expression of power in your life today? Are you ready to pass the power test? Do good! Be loyal and trust God to reward you! “And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you” (Matt 6:4).

Prayer
Father, help me to be good and loyal in the use of power. Give me discernment. Guard me from the misuse of power. I trust you to reward me as I choose what is right and good. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Find Strength In God

Text
“And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16, NLT)!

Insight
Perhaps there is not a more basic example of how to minister to someone than this: “Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (23:16).
So often, ministry begins when one person GOES TO another person in their time of need. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for David to be on the run from this mad king: Hiding in caves, strongholds and in the forests day after day. And David learns “that Saul had come out to take his life” (23:15). But Jonathan “went to David.” Jonathan didn’t wait for David to come to him, nor did he avoid the awkward situation (Jonathan’s father was the mad king) and he didn’t put it off until tomorrow. Who is in your life that you need to “go to?” Is there someone in need around you?
Jonathan “helped him.” So often, believers feel like they have to solve everyone’s problems for them. Or they have to explain WHY they are in this situation. On the other hand, Jonathan simply helps David. One of the greatest ways to minister is to help others help themselves. It is to come along-side someone to encourage and build up… not take over.
And Jonathan helped David “find strength in God.” God is our ultimate Source. The Messiah complex suggests that you have to “save” this person from their troubles… That is not so! Our role is to help them find strength in God. Pointing people to Him, revealing to them His love and provision and directing them to what He has already done… that’s our job.
Who is the David in your life? Is there a friend who needs you to come to them in their wilderness, help them and point them to the Father?

Prayer
Father, help me to implement this simple strategy of ministry. Open my eyes to those in need around me. Keep me from getting caught up in the “red-tape” of ministry and to keep it simple. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Staying Focused

Text
“Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling” (1 Samuel 25:29, NLT)!

Insight
Have you ever been repaid “evil for good” (25:21)? How do you respond when someone offends, disrespects or dishonors you? What do you do when someone insults you?
David’s response to Nabal was, “Get your swords” (25:13)! He said, “A lot of good it did to help this fellow. We protected his flocks… But he has repaid me evil for good. May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning” (25:21-22)! David’s plan was murderous. He planned to carry out vengeance.
But God sent Abigail, a woman with “good sense” (25:33) to stop David from “needless bloodshed and vengeance” (25:31). She understood that David’s rage and revengeful acts would be a blemish on his record and a staggering burden to his conscience.
Abigail encouraged David to forgive and stay focused on “fighting the Lord’s battles” (25:28) and not his own. Her counsel included: Don’t take matters into your own hands; don’t pay attention to Nabal’s foolishness and allow room for the Lord to handle your enemies.
Remember, “even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, you life is safe in the care of the Lord your God” (25:29). Accept God’s command to forgive as you have been forgiven and “return home in peace” (25:35).

Prayer
Father, thank You for sending those with godly counsel and good sense. Guard me from returning evil for evil or insult with insult. Thank You that my life is in Your care. Keep me focused on fighting Your battles and not my own. In Jesus name, AMEN.

God Provides

Text
“David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness and in the hill country of Ziph. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn’t let Saul find him” (1 Samuel 23:14, NLT)!

Insight
David flees the mad king! He’s on the run… leaving home, friends and all his possessions. Yet in the midst of this season where his enemy was in hot pursuit, God provided. And Paul writes, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NIV).
God provided a friend in Jonathan: A confidant who defended him, warned him, spoke well of him and listened to him. God provided a wife who helped him in his time of crisis (19:11 – 17). He provided food at Nob and a sword to defend himself (21:1 – 9). God provided refuge for David’s family through the king of Moab (22:3). The Father provided an army of men and “he became their leader… about 400 men were with him” (22:2).
David was provided shelter in the strongholds, forests and caves. No, these places might not have included all the comforts of home but David was learning “to be content whatever the circumstances” (Phil 4:11). David, like Paul, discovered what it was to be in need and to have plenty. He “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:11 – 13). Yes, David discovered he could “do everything through him” (Phil 4:13).
Jehovah Jireh, the Lord David’s provider, provided and “did not let Saul find him” (23:14).

Prayer
Father, You are my Provider. I trust You to care for me. Thank You for caring for all my needs from friendships to a mate… from food to a shelter. I choose to be content in whatever circumstance. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Weapons of Warfare

Text
“David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45, NLT)!

Insight
It’s the ancient story of the boy who defeats a giant. Against all odds, young David slays the seasoned warrior who is twice his size.
And we all face our own giants. Those issues, problems and fears that are larger than life. They mock us, sneer at us and tell us again and again that we will never win. They defy us and our God desiring to terrify and deeply shake our lives and our faith.
What are the weapons of our warfare that allow us to fight and win? Paul uses this language in 2 Corinthians 10 saying, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful or the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor 10:3-5, NAS). So, God has given us “divinely powerful” weapons to destroy “speculations and every lofty thing.”
So also, David’s weapon was greater than his sling and smooth stone. It was “the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (17:45). The Lord conquered Goliath as David battled in God’s name. Then the whole world knew “that there was a God in Israel” (17:46)!
You too can battle in God’s name. You can war using divinely powerful weapons to demolish “every lofty thing” and take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” You can triumph over lack, sin and sickness in Jesus Name.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your name. I speak “JESUS” over all that would come against me and defy You. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Saul Hurled His Spear

Text
“Saul hurled his spear at David. But David dodged out of the way, and leaving the spear stuck in the wall, he fled and escaped into the night” (1 Samuel 19:10, NLT).

Insight
Today’s Insight is quoted from chapter four from Gene Edwards’ book entitled: “A Tale of Three Kings.”

“David had a question: What do you do when someone throws a spear at you?”
“Does it not seem odd to you that David did not know the answer to this question? After all, everyone else in the world knows what to do when a spear is thrown at them. Why, you pick up the spear and throw it right back!”
“When someone throws a spear at you, David, just wrench it right out of the wall and throw it right back. Absolutely everyone else does, you can be sure.”
“And in doing the small feat of returning thrown spears, you will prove many things: You are courageous. You stand for the right. You boldly stand against the wrong. You are tough and can’t be pushed around. You will not stand for injustice or unfair treatment. You are the defender of the faith, keeper of the flame, detector of all heresy. You will not be wronged. All of these attributes then combine to prove you are also, obviously, a candidate for kingship. Yes, perhaps you are the Lord’s anointed.”
“After the order of King Saul.”
“There is also a possibility that some 20 years after your coronation, you will be the most incredibly skilled spear thrower in all the realm. And, most assuredly, by then… Quite mad.”

Prayer
Father, help me not become a skilled spear thrower. Guard me from revenge and offense. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Overlooked and Chosen

Text
“The LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king’” (1 Samuel 16:1, NIV).

Insight
“The LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king’” (16:1). And so Samuel goes to Bethlehem, finds Jesse and invites him and his sons to a sacrifice. Yet David is overlooked by father and family… and in a Cinderella type story, isn’t invited to the ball.
After the parade of favorites, the 7 sons of Jesse, Samuel says, “The Lord has not chosen any of these. Are these all the sons you have?” (16:10-11, NLT). And Jesse replies, “There is still the youngest.” Samuel then demands, “Send for him at once.”
When David arrives and is standing among his brothers, the Lord says, “This is the one; anoint him” (16:12). And Samuel learns that the “Lord does not see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (16:7).
So God chooses the son who was overlooked and “the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on” (16:13). Favor and a good name followed David being described as: “A brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him” (16:18). So he enters the court of the king because Saul “loved David very much” and was “very pleased with him” (16:21 – 22).

Prayer
Father, thank you for loving me and choosing me. I will live a life that pleases You. On the days when I am overlooked, I will remember You chose me, anointed me and have sent your Spirit upon me. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Don't Compromise

Text
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22, NIV).

Insight
One of Saul’s fatal errors was his willingness compromise. It cost him the kingdom. No matter what others were doing around him, Saul held the ultimate responsibility for his own actions and decisions. No matter how he tried to rationalize it, at the end of the day it was compromise.
Saul compromised in the battle with the Philistines: “So he demanded, ‘Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!’ And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself” (13:9). He failed to wait for Samuel. In doing so he acted foolishly and took matters into his own hands… doing as he saw fit.
He also compromised in the battle with Amalekites: “Saul and his men spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves and the lambs- everything, in fact, that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality” (15:9). Saul was afraid of the people and gave in to them. He sinned and violated God’s command. His partial obedience was not obedience at all.
Samuel cuts to the heart of the matter saying, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (15:22, NIV). Compromise isn’t a short cut… it’s a sell out. It never get’s you anywhere. It destroys your future and diminishes your influence. Compromise is your enemy! Obedience is best. “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right” (Ps 106:3, NIV).

Prayer
Father, I rid myself of compromise. I refuse to take shortcuts. I desire to do Your will and constantly do what is right. Yes, Lord, obedience is better than sacrifice. Find me faithful. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Driven By Fear

Text
“Saul replied, ‘I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle’” (1 Samuel 13:11, NLT).

Insight
Fear can be a powerful motivator. It can effect decisions and impact the future. It can cloud judgment and press people to act contrary to what is known to be right and good. Fear’s tactic is to draw attention to what surrounds a person and make predictions pointing to likely doom ahead. Believers must guard themselves from being driven by fear.
In First Samuel 13:7 – 14 Saul was driven by fear. He faced a looming war with the Philistines. His soldiers were in a tight spot and “were hard pressed by the enemy” (13:6). So they hid in caves, holes cisterns and thickets because “they were trembling with fear” (13:7). Looking around, Saul realized his troops were “rapidly slipping away” (13:8) and scattering from him. The Philistines were ready to march!
Driven by fear, Saul breaks God’s law (Deut 12:5 – 14) and Samuel’s specific instructions (1 Samuel 10:8) demanding “’Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!’ And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself” (13:9). He took matters into his own hands and disobeyed God. He did a good thing (offering a sacrifice to God before a crucial battle), but in a wrong way. His fear drove him to act foolishly. Furthermore, his fear based decision and action cost him the kingdom (13:14).
Is fear driving you? Is it pointing to “evidences” all around you of impending doom and destruction? Guard yourself, your decisions and future!!! Fix your eyes on Jesus. Commit to following Him and refuse to give up hope. Don’t waver… stay fully convinced in Him (Rom 4:18 – 25).

Prayer
Father, I do not want to be driven by fear. Expose the fears that are behind my foolish decisions. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. I refuse to give up hoping in You. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Personal Responsibility

Text
“Now if you fear and worship the Lord and listen to his voice, and if you do not rebel against the Lord’s commands, then both you and your king will show that you recognize the Lord as your God” (1 Samuel 12:14, NLT).

Insight
In Samuel’s farewell speech to Israel he again addresses their request for a king to lead them. He recounts their history and how in times of trouble he sent men “to save you and you lived in safety” (12:11). Then Samuel points out their pattern and how they “soon forgot about the Lord their God, so he handed them over…” (12:9) and how they repeatedly turned “away from the Lord” (12:10) and worshipped other gods.
Their king can lead them into battles but he can’t save them from the wages of their sin. He can rally the troops and sound the horn but the real enemy, their rebellion and sin, he can’t defeat.
Samuel goes on to address their personal responsibility saying, “Now if you fear and worship the Lord and listen to his voice, and if you do not rebel against the Lord’s commands, then both you and your king will show that you recognize the Lord as your God” (12:14). So the presence of the king does not exempt the individuals in the nation from respecting, worshipping and seeking God personally. Together they must recognize the Lord as God and that is where their hope lies.
Likewise, we can’t avoid our personal responsibility to honor, worship and seek God on our own. We must receive Him for ourselves. No one can trust God for us nor can anyone worship on our behalf. When you personally draw near to Him, He will draw near to you.

Prayer
Father, I will take personal responsibility for my relationship with You. I will worship, honor and listen to Your voice. Thank you for drawing near to me as I draw near to You. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Changed Into A Different Person

Text
“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person” (1 Samuel 10:6, NLT).

Insight
God raised up a king in the person of Saul. However, I’m not so sure Saul was certain of this calling on the day his tribe, then family, was chosen before Israel. The Scripture says, “Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found.” He had “hidden himself among the baggage” (1 Samuel 10:21 – 22).
There is a calling upon your life. It begins with the command to love God and extends to loving others as well. We are “God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Eph 2:10). We are challenged to “live lives worthy of the calling we have received” (Eph 4:1). But how do you feel about that? Are you like Saul? Would you rather hide yourself among the baggage than embrace the reality that God has raised you up?
Those God raises up He also equips. God Anoints: Samuel asks Saul, “Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance” (1 Samuel 10:1)? God Empowers: “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them” (10:6). He Transforms: “You will be changed in to a different person” (10:6). And “God changed Saul’s heart” (10:9). You are equipped in Him to rule and reign.
God chose Saul to lead Israel. He is still choosing and raising up believers to lead His people. He will anoint, empower and transform you.

Prayer
Father, I recognize you still raise up leaders. Thank You for anointing me, empowering me and transforming me. I will lead Your people. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Peace and Restoration

Text
“Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, ‘If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the Lord; then he will rescue you from the Philistines’” (1 Samuel 7:3, NLT).

Insight
The pathway to peace and the road to restoration is not paved with good intentions. Rather it is constructed on the firm commitments and resolve of believers who are “really serious about wanting to return to the Lord” (1 Samuel 7:3, NLT).
Peace can be illusive and restoration can appear impossible. But all things are possible with God. Times when peace is absent and brokenness exists is often a result of our own choices. These seasons are frequently birthed out of our own desires to mingle with the world. Instead of seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness or loving the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength… we compromise. We are detoured off the path and attempt to find significance in life through stuff, possessions and people. After pursuing these, I realize how empty I am and my need for the Lord.
Praise God for His voice that speaks directly to my need… “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your” ____. Determine to obey only the Lord. Then He will rescue you form ____. Like the morning alarm, this instruction awakens me from my slumber. It focuses me on the day ahead. It invites me to worship the Lord only.
As Israel responded to the Lord and determined to get rid of their images of Baal and the Ashtoreth and worship the Lord, eventually their enemies were subdued. As they honored the Lord, He lifted His “powerful hand” against their enemies. Restoration came and there was peace in the land. So, as we rid our lives of evil and worship God alone, He will lift His powerful hand against our enemies, bringing peace and restoration to us.


Prayer
Father, I long for the peace and restoration You bring. I realize much of my stress and brokenness has come from my own poor choices. Forgive me and give me the resolve to rid myself of evil and worship You alone. In Jesus name, AMEN.

We Want A King

Text

“But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. ‘Even so, we still want a king,’ they said. ‘We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle’” (1 Sam 8:19-20, NLT).

Insight

Israel rejected God. The Lord was aware of this saying, “They don’t want me to be their king any longer.” (1 Samuel 8:7). Matter of fact the Lord says, “Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods” (8:8).

What were they thinking? Perhaps they thought… “A new system of government will bring about a change in the nation. But because their basic problem was disobedience to God, their other problems would only continue under the new administration” (NLT Study Bible, p. 420). Said another way, their problem was not a governmental problem, it was a heart issue. So even after they were warned about how a king will reign over them they respond, “’Even so, we still want a king,’ they said. We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle” (1 Samuel 8:20).

It was not wrong to have a king… but it was their motives behind the desire (To be like the nations around them) that was in question. Israel was called out to be separate from other nations: “I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own,” said the Lord (Leviticus 20:26). They were called to be holy, as God Himself is holy.

The facts are… no government can legislate holiness. No change in government structures will address the heart issues of disobedience. Rebellion and disobedience can’t be controlled by rules and more laws. Matter of fact the vary nature of rebellion and disobedience thrives in rules and laws. Need a heart change? Call out to God before you agree to a king.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for my disobedience. Thank You for setting me apart as Your very own. I hunger to be holy as You are holy. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Face Down

Text
“But the next morning the same thing happened – Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the Lord again. This time his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact” (1 Samuel 5:4, NLT).

Insight
Does anyone find this scene humorous? How surprised were the Philistines to find Dagon face down before the Ark of God… And then face down again the next day with his head and arms broken off lying in the doorway? Don’t tell me God doesn’t have a since of humor.
But what is the truth behind the humorous scene? What can we glean from the face down position of Dagon before the Ark of God?
Hannah had it right when she prayed, “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God… those who oppose the Lord will be shattered” (1 Samuel 2:2, 10). The Psalmist got it right saying, “Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you” (Ps 86:8,9). Moses understood it praying, “O Sovereign Lord… what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do” (Deut 3:24). And Paul wrote about it declaring, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:10,11).
Prostrate and broken are good postures before the Lord. “For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Ps 95:3,6,7).


Prayer Father, forgive me for the times I have sought glory for myself. I humble myself before You today. You are the great God and King. I submit my desires, agenda and dreams before You. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Carry It Into Battle, 4:3

Text
“Then they said, ‘Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies’” (1 Samuel 4:3, NLT).

Insight
Every man has a battle. That place where he is attacked. At times he wins and at times he is defeated. The stakes are high. Like Israel’s battle with the Philistines, the fight is for freedom. The loser is enslaved. So, “Stand up like men and fight” (1 Samuel 4:9, NLT).
In battle, men need power. We need the strength to resist sin and the temptations that want to so easily entangle us. We need wisdom and the ability to discern Truth from lies. We need the inner might to chose right from wrong. Overcoming the lusts, cravings and desires of our flesh takes Divine power. What battle are you facing and are you empowered to fight and win?
The fatal error the Israelites made in their battle was seeking from the Ark of God that which only fellowship with God could bring. They believed the Ark could “save us from our enemies” (4:3). Arks don’t save, God does. So, they were defeated because they carried into battle a form of God or godliness rather than the strength that comes from fellowship and following after God Himself.
2 Timothy 3:5 tells us that in the last days people “will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.” In other words, they have a form of godliness but fail to walk in the power of God. These forms fail men in battle. They are of no value against the flesh (Col 2:23).
We need God’s power. It comes from fellowship with Him. As we follow Him, we walk in strength to deny ourselves and take up our cross. In Him is strength for our inner man to walk in the Spirit and be led by Him. What will you carry into battle?

Prayer
Father, You know the battle(s) I face. I need Your strength to fight and win. As I draw near to You, draw near to me and fill me with Your power. I will follow you and listen to Your voice. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Serve the Lord, 1 Samuel 3:1

Text
“Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli.” (1 Samuel 3:1, NLT).

Insight
Christian lingo can be a funny thing. The words and phrases we use can lose their meaning over time. They can sound profound, significant and important, but what do they really mean?
One such phrase is: “Serve the Lord.” Since I was in Sunday School as a boy, I have known on one level or another I needed to “Serve the Lord.” Haven’t you??? I don’t know about you, but this phrase elicits pictures of people like: Billy Graham, Mother Theresa or a guy in a priestly collared black shirt. Unfortunately, the phrase has lacked clarity and I dismiss it because I don’t see myself like that…
That said, 1 Samuel 3:1 says, “The boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli” (NLT). The NIV translates it, “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli.” This puts a whole new twist on serving and ministering to the Lord. This verse gives me a much different image and connects serving the Lord and serving someone else. Therefore, I must begin asking: Who has the Lord put me under? How can I serve that person? How does assisting them actually minister to God?
The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) gives me a concrete example of serving the Lord. At the heart of serving the Lord is considering “others as better than” myself and the need to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4). Also, Matthew 25:31- 46 tells me, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” These passages help me practically serve the Lord. Are you serving the Lord? Or are you serving yourself?

Prayer
Father, help me to grasp the reality that serving others is serving You. Redefine ministry and servant-hood in my life. Reveal those in need who I can assist. Help me to honor those over me. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Messages and Visions

Text
“Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very uncommon and visions were quite uncommon.” (1 Samuel 3:1, NLT).

Insight
Messages and visions from the Lord were uncommon. WHY? One reason could be that the Lord simply didn’t share them. If He doesn’t send them, we will not get them. But another reason messages and visions were might have been uncommon is because people simply didn’t discern them. So maybe God was speaking and He simply was not heard.
If God spoke and if anyone should have heard… it would have been Eli, the high priest. However, when God did speak (3:3 – 9) it took Eli three times before he realized God was talking. Not to be too hard on Eli, but could he and his son’s disrespect of God, dishonor of the office and contemptuous dealings have lead to a spiritual deftness and blindness? And could his example have spread in epidemic proportions throughout the land?
On the other hand, I find it interesting that Samuel was described as one who “served the Lord” (3:1). Perhaps young Samuel was yet unstained by the self-centered world-view of those around him. Maybe God had found a man who could hear and see. Did Samuel position himself to hear from God? And chapter 3 ends saying, “The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle” (3:21).
The Tabernacle is the dwelling place of God and Paul tells us we are the Tabernacle (temple) of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6). God speaks and will reveal Himself to you. So, let’s purify ourselves from worldly selfishness and embrace a lifestyle of service before God. Let’s posture ourselves to hear and see. Let us pray, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening” (3:10).

Prayer
Father, speak to me. Reveal Yourself to me. Purify me from selfish pollutants which make me deft and blind to You. Dwell in me by Your Spirit so I may see and hear. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Raised UP

Text
“Then I will raise up a faithful priest who will serve me and do what I desire. I will establish his family and they will be priests to my anointed kings forever” (1 Samuel 2:35, NLT).

Insight
God promotes faithfulness. He raises up those who serve Him. He recognizes and blesses those who do what He desires. The scripture says that Samuel “served the Lord” (2:18). He “grew up in the presence of the Lord” (2:21). Samuel grew physically and “in favor with the Lord and with the people” (2:26). Are you faithful? Are you a servant of His desires?
On the other hand, God judges unfaithfulness. Eli and his sons “had no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests” (2:12). “They treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt” (2:19). Eli was accused by God of honoring his sons above the Lord (2:29). These sins were very serious in the Lord’s sight.
God judges unfaithfulness yet promotes the faithful. Faithfulness can be defined as doing what is on the heart and mind of the Lord… and being a good manager of the opportunities and resources entrusted to you. Jesus told a story about faithfulness recorded in Luke 19. Summing up the point of the story He said, “to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away” (Luke 19:26).
Therefore, be faithful. Serve the Lord. He will raise you up. He will promote you and give you even more. What opportunities will you find today? How can you position yourself for promotion through faithfulness?

Prayer
Father, find me faithful. Reveal Your heart’s desires. I will serve You. Today, I will honor You and seek Your favor, presence and promotion. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Royal Priest

Text
“’In that case,’ Eli said, ‘go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him’” (1 Samuel 1:17, NLT).

Insight
Priests have two main roles. First, is to represent the people before God (prayer/intercession). Second, is to represent God before the people.
Eli the priest came upon Hannah. She “was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord” (1:10, NLT). She had been taunted, made fun of and wept on many occasions over a certain issue in her life. Perhaps you know a Hannah. A person who is carrying a burden, fear or has a need… Has your path crossed with hers?
As Eli realized her situation he responded, “In that case, go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you asked of Him” (1:17). As a priest he represented the Lord to Hannah. Eli spoke a blessing over Hannah. He ministered peace to her troubled heart. He pointed her to God who answers prayers. Eli was a priest who took advantage of the moment to minister the heart and will of God to her.
Peter reminds us that we are royal priests designed to “show others the goodness of God” (1 Peter 2:9, NLT). We are called to represent. We are anointed to minister, bless and speak forth the heart and mind of God to the hurting. Declare His peace saying, “Go in peace!” Declare Him and His goodness praying, “May God grant your request.” We can do this because He makes the weak strong, answers the confused, gives joy to the downcast and brings rejoicing out of sorrow. “No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God” (2:2).

Prayer
Father, as a priest and Your very own possession, I will show others Your goodness today. Cross my path with the hurting so I can minister your peace and love. Give me boldness to speak and declare your heart and mind over each person. In Jesus name, AMEN.

God Is Working, Phil 2:13

Text
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13, NLT).

Insight
God is at work in you. What is He doing? He is depositing passion (desire) and power to do what pleases him. Every believer has a passion / dream within them. This God-given passion is designed to motivate us to action. Not only has God equipped you for impact through the Spiritual gifts, but He has also ignited you for action by giving you passion.
What is passion? It is the God-given desire that compels us to make a difference. It is the drive to live larger than ourselves. It is the burden we carry, the dream we have and the burn within our belly “to do what pleases him.” Moses had a passion for freedom that stirred him to lead the people out of Egypt. Joshua’s passion to possess the Promise Land motivated him to push ahead in each battle. Jesus’ passionate love for us compelled him to the cross. Paul’s passion for us to “live lives worthy of the calling we have received” drove him to preach, teach and write the letters of the New Testament. What is your passion? What desire / burden has God given you?
Passion gives us the ability to endure, persevere, not grow weary or lose heart. For Christ it was “the joy set before him” that enabled him to endure the cross. The writer of Hebrews challenges believers to “consider him who endured such opposition… so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb 12:3). Passion enables men to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb 12:1).
Our God-given passion(s) works in tandem with our Spiritual gift(s) to uniquely prepare us to serve God. You are equipped and ignited to make a difference in this generation. Yes, God is at work in you!

Prayer
Father, thank you for working in me. Put in my heart the passion and desire that please you. Ignite me for action so that I may run with perseverance. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Serve Others, 1 Peter 4

Text
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

Insight
What are you to do with the spiritual gift you have received? The answer is: Serve Others! God has equipped you to impact this generation. He has deposited His Spirit in you and the Spirit has given you unique abilities to serve others. When you do so, you partner with Him in administering His grace to the world.
Every believer has one or more spiritual gift(s). No child of God is left out. We have all been equipped with particular spiritual talents / endowments / abilities from God. On God’s team… nobody is sitting on the bench. There is no “second-string” or farm club. We are all called to participate with Him and He has equipped each of us with a role to play. What has He equipped you to do? What gift do you have? Are you using it?
From the beginning of time God has been at work pouring out His grace on man-kind. Nothing has changed. He is still at work today doing the same thing… What we need to understand is the way He is administering His grace. The main way God administers His grace is: Through YOU! So, when we function in whatever gift we have received we are joining Him in His work “faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). And Peter explains, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (4:11).
You are equipped to impact this generation with His grace… Serve others!

Prayer
Father, thank you for calling me into partnership with Yourself. I recognize that You are still at work pouring out Your grace. Use me and the gifts You have given me to serve others. I commit to faithfully administering Your grace to those around me. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Are You Equipped?, Ephesians 4

Text
“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11, NLT).

Insight
God is at work! He is at work conforming believers into the “full and complete standard of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). This is an ongoing process within individual believers and throughout the generations. In this process God desires that we have an increasing unity in our faith and our knowledge of Him and His Son. Are you growing? Are there areas of your life where you need to allow God to work? As a part of the body of Christ, are you doing your part to strengthen the whole?
God has given gifts to the church “to equip God’s people to do his work” (4:12). It is the responsibility and function of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers to equip you for growth and maturity. They are called by God to build you up. Their job is to help us deepen our faith and knowledge of God and His Son. Are you connected with one or more of these people so you can grow? Are you connected to someone gifted to equip, and encourage you? Is there a person or group of people you spend regular time with who help you fulfill your responsibility to do God’s work?
Maybe it is time to pursue people with the gifts designed to equip you and encourage you to “do His work.” Maybe its time to grow in your faith and deepen your knowledge of God. Set your sights anew on God’s goal for your life: Conformity to the image of Christ… and partner with those who are designed to help you get there!

Prayer
Father, thank you for the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Thank you for sending them to build me up and equip me to do Your work. Mold me and shape me into a man that responds life Jesus. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Live a Lifestyle of Worship - Romans 12:1 - 2

Text
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship…be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1 – 2, NIV).

Insight
Paul writes that worship is more than music on a CD or a segment of a church service… it is lifestyle. He says true worship is more than just inward spiritual communion with God…it is something to be lived out in daily life. Our worship extends to how we conduct ourselves, behave and treat others. God accepts this type of worship. The worship lifestyle increases and grows as we are increasingly transformed into new people by the renewing of our minds. Then we will know and do God’s will.
We worship God in practical ways as we use our spiritual gifts. “God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If you gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly” (Romans 12:6 – 8, NLT). Allow the Spirit of God in you to express Himself through you by serving others. You have a special function in God’s body. Function in your giftedness as a means of worship.
Commit to loving others by serving them. Show them your love through genuine affection, honor and hard work. Serve the Lord by serving others. “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Bless, pray for, live in harmony with and “enjoy the company of ordinary people” (12:16).

Prayer
Father, I will no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but I choose to be transformed. I offer my body and entire self to You. Thank You for changing me into a new person… A man of true worship. I will love, honor and serve others. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Shepherd God's Flock, 1 Peter 5:2

Text
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money but eager to serve” (1 Pt 5:2, NIV).

Insight
In the Gospel of John, three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” And Jesus replies, “Then take care of (feed) my sheep.” It is out of this conversation with Christ, that Peter now passes on this teaching saying, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you” (1 Peter 5:2, NLT).
Whom has God entrusted to you? Perhaps it is your spouse, children, extended family, co-workers, employees, clients, neighbors or the stranger at the gas station. Each of us has a sphere of influence through which God desires us to extend care. We shepherd others as we “lead them by your own good example” (5:3) and do good to them. We are to watch over them as an act of service to God.
Speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, God helps us understand the proper role of the shepherd leader. This man is to “take are of the weak” (Ez 34:4). He is to “tend to the sick” and go “looking for those who have wandered away and are lost.” The shepherd feeds the flock and provides good pasture land where they can lie down (provides and environment of wholeness and peace). Likewise, the elder is to “rescue them form all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day” (34:12). Shepherd leaders lead from a posture of humility and gentleness.
“And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor” (1 Peter 5:4, NLT).

Prayer
Father, I will care for those you have entrusted to me. I will take care of the weak, tend the sick and go looking for those who have wandered away. I will lead them by my good example and in gentleness and humility. Yes, Lord, I love you and will care for your sheep. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Stand Firm, 1 Peter 5:8 - 9

Text
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:8 – 9, NLT).

Insight
It is vital that men “Stay alert” and “Watch out” for the enemy. For the enemy is in search of prey, men off their post. He actively roams stealthily around our homes, in our private worlds and among our dreams. He has a predatory intent and is looking for something to steal. He is “looking for someone to devour” (3:8, NLT). Are you alert and watchful?
Aware of his tactics and goals, men are to “stand firm against him” and “be strong in your faith” (3:9). So posture yourself for battle, man! The fight is on. The battle is real. The stakes are high. Remain humble. Resist this enemy and his temptations. Die to self and the cravings of your sinful nature. Extinguish the passions that lure you into his trap. Do so by drawing near to God and allowing Him to draw near to you.
Purify your heart. Ask God… “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” Pray the prayer of the Psalmist: “Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart… Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word… Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good” (Psalm 119:33ff).

Prayer
Father, wake me up and stir me to be alert. Guard me from the deceptions of my enemy. Help me to posture myself by being strong in my faith. Search me, O God, and point out the areas where I am vulnerable. Turn my eyes from worthless things. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Humility, 1 Peter 5:6

Text
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6, NLT).

Insight
Best I figure… there are at least two ways to reach a posture of humility. First, is to be humbled by your circumstance or those around you. The second, is to humble yourself. I recommend the second.
Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34 when he writes, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” It is common sense, but no man wants to be opposed by God. On the contrary, we want and need His favor. Humility is the way.
Humility is that inner posture of lowliness. It is unassuming and has an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Humble attitudes are devoid of arrogance, conceit or haughtiness. The humble man is Christ-like man “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6 – 8, NIV)!
In humility we have a proper estimation of ourselves. We realize our vulnerability to the devils schemes and our need to resist him. We stay close to God, our Life and Source. We keep our hearts pure and guard ourselves from divided loyalties. We recognize and trust “the mighty power of God.” We are patient knowing at the proper time He will “lift you up in honor.” “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God.”

Prayer
Father, I choose to humble myself today under your mighty power. I recognize my weaknesses and need for You. I trust You that at the proper time you will lift me up in honor. Help me to not take situations into my own hands but remember “you care for me.” In Jesus name, AMEN.

The End Is Near, 1 Pt 4:7-8

Text
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4: 7 – 8, NLT).

Insight
It sounds like the headline story on the evening news: "The end of the world is coming soon." Peter wrote these words some 2000 years ago. Was he confused or was he misled? What did he mean and how should we respond?
Nobody knows the exact time, date and detailed specifics of the end of the world…not even Peter. He's not suggesting he does know, but rather calling believers to live expectantly because the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. Do you live expectantly, earnestly and disciplined while looking for His return? Guard casual living, the type that will regrettably be surprised when the Master returns. What will He find you doing?
How should we live in the end-times? We should live focused! Peter writes that the expectant believer should "be earnest and disciplined in your prayer" (4:7). Secondly, he should be intentional about showing "deep love" for each other (4:8). He should focus on sharing what he has with those in need and serving others with the gifts and skills God has given him. Bottom Line: Be faithful to administer God's grace in its various forms. "Then everything you do will bring glory to God" (4:11) whether He returns today, next week or in the next millennium.
Are you living with the end in mind? Get disciplined in your prayer life. Go deeper in your love for God and others. Share, don't horde, what you have, and serve others, not just yourself. Living expectantly is bringing glory to God in everything you do.

Prayer
Father, whether Christ’s return is today, next week or next millennium, I choose to bring You glory every day. Help me to live expectantly and with discipline… loving others. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Threatened, 1 Pt 3:13-14

Text
“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats” (1 Peter 3:13 – 14, NLT).

Insight
Are you eager to do good yet feel threatened, worried and afraid about what will happen if you do? Are you fearful of a back-lash against you for doing what is right? Do good anyway!
Fear's goal is to immobilize believers. The enemy knows he can't outright stop you from serving God and doing what is right and good. So he uses fear, threats and stirs worry….all designed to get you to stop yourself. And so Peter asks a very practical question: "Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?" The answer is: Almost nobody. Think about it…chances are slim. It is likely just a threatening thought… implanted in your imagination by the enemy. Why… because he is threatened by your good deeds and righteousness. However, on the outside chance you do suffer…do good anyway.
"Even if" is the resolve we need. It is the same resolve our Master had as He faced his sufferings. He embraced the worst case scenario and responded "Yet, not my will but Thine be done." This resolve squelches the enemy's attack of fear. It frees us from the deception of: F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). Don't allow yourself to be paralyzed by the "What if's". And "don't worry or be afraid of their threats" (3:14).
"God will reward you" for doing what is right. You can trust Him. If your heart is stirred with compassion and eager to do good…follow it. And then when others ask why…be ready, not for the likelihood of suffering, but to share about your love and adoration for Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Father, keep me from the fear of harm. I choose trust You in the face of that which worries me and makes me afraid. With Your strength, I will not be paralyzed by F.E.A.R. but will do good anyway. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Live Properly, 1 Pt 2:12

Text
“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (1 Peter 2:12, NLT).

Insight
A Kingdom-Minded man lives with purpose. He is intentional and embraces God’s heart to win and make disciples. He is “careful to live properly” and to exemplify a lifestyle that attracts others to God.
Peter addresses Kingdom-Minded believers about being intentional in every part of their life: In the Culture, Work-Place, Home and Church.
Culture – “Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens” (2:13, MSG). It is God’s will that we do good and live properly among our neighbors. We are to “exercise our freedom to serve God, not by breaking rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity… Revere God and Respect the government” (2:16 – 17, MSG).
Work-Place – The work-place is a believer’s ministry-place. Our work-ethic matters. Excellence is a witnessing tool. The hours we spend with co-workers, patients, clients and others provides multiple opportunities to honor God. Reflect your beliefs in your conversations, patience, compassion, productivity and preparedness. “God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right” even if you have to “patiently endure unfair treatment” (2; 19, NLT).
Home – Wives win over their husbands through their “godly lives.” Without words our spouses can be led to Christ through “observing your pure and reverent lives” (3:1, NLT). “What matters is not your outer appearance… but your inner disposition” (MSG). And husbands are to honor, delight in and treat their wives “as equals so your prayers don’t run aground” (3:7, MSG).
Church – “Be of one mind” (3:8, NLT)…Unity is key. This is easier to do as we humbly sympathize, love and have a tender heart for others. Refuse to “repay evil for evil… instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it” (3:9, NLT).
Be intentional and Kingdom-Minded. Win over others with your life.

Prayer
Father, I accept Your purpose for my life: To win over and make disciples of my neighbors. I understand the necessity of living out what I believe. Help me to live properly and attract others to You in my culture, work-place, home and church. In Jesus name, AMEN.

You Do Not See Him NOW, 1 Pt 1:8

Text
“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy” (1 Peter 1:8, NLT).

Insight
Have you ever wondered, “Where is God?” Sometimes men walk through seasons struggling to see God at work. We ask questions like: Why am I here? Why isn’t God doing something? Where are you, God? How does a man of faith respond in times like these?
TRUST. God is bigger than our circumstances. Fear is extinguished by faith. You aren’t the first person to go through this. Remember, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1).
ADJUST. Adjust your focus. When you can’t see God IN your circumstances, look OUT. Never interpret God’s love, care or concern from your trials. Guard yourself from the faulty formula: My circumstances = God’s care / concern. Instead, look out of your circumstances and rejoice in who He is… despite what is going on around you. God is good… even when I’m going through something bad. God is love… even when I feel rejected by others. God provides… even when I have to downsize.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT… especially when you can’t see Him. Do what is right: “Respect everyone, love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God and respect the king” (2:17). Peter warns us to “keep away from worldly desires” and to “live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.”
As you endure by trusting, adjusting and doing what is right… Two things will happen. (1) Your faith will remain strong and “bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1:7). (2) Your unbelieving neighbors “will see your honorable behavior and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (2:12). So, “love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious and inexpressible joy” (1:8).

Prayer
Father, sometimes trials cloud my ability to see You… I fear the worst and I feel alone. I choose to trust You. Help me adjust my focus off of my circumstances onto Your character. I will do what is right. May my faith honor You and witness to my neighbors. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Endure Many Trials, 1 Pt 1:6

Text
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while” (1 Peter 1:6, NLT).

Insight
“Trials Included” should be on the label when you buy into the Christian life. I don’t know why trials catch us by surprise… as though we have some right to live a “trial-free” lifestyle once we have believed in Jesus. He certainly went through many… and so might we.
Trials for the early church included the social, economic and political persecution they endured for choosing to follow Christ. Roman law under Emperor Nero required citizens to worship him as god. Believers were seen as traitors. Because Christians refused to worship at pagan temples, businesses at these moneymaking enterprises dropped when Christianity took hold in a town. And their lifestyles of holiness and self-sacrifice exposed the horrible immorality of the pagan culture.
Their choice to follow Christ separated them out of an evil culture. This separation brought accusations and persecution from the people, yet Peter writes, “God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right” (2:19). Peter reminds those who are being rejected: “You are a chosen people” (2:9). Contrary to how others may view them “You are a royal priest, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” In fact, you are set aside, not for rejection, but so “you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1:9).
It must have been difficult to choose to follow Christ daily knowing the potential trials ahead. So, Peter encourages them saying, “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls” (1:8 – 9).

Prayer
Father, I understand that in this life I will experience many trials. I will go through difficult times. I thank you that in the midst of these times, I am chosen by You. I will please You by doing what is right and reflecting Your goodness by my lifestyle. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Priceless Inheritance, 1 Pt 1:4

Text
“…and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay” (1 Peter 1:4, NLT).

Insight
We live in changing times. It is a day of much uncertainty. No person is beyond the reach of change and many are concerned asking: Where does our security lie? And wondering: What do I do now?
And Jesus says, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT). Despite this teaching, many of us have stored up treasures here. And the reality we are facing is: The desires of our hearts are here also. It is painful and fearful to watch the inheritance decay, diminish and, in some cases, disappear.
There is an inheritance that does not decay. It is beyond the reach of change. It is kept and insured by God Himself. It is a priceless inheritance that brings true gladness and joy. It is the salvation of our souls.
Peter writes to those suffering loss, “So think clearly and exercise self control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come” (1:13). Perhaps it is time to focus more of our energies on investing in the “priceless inheritance” and place our faith and hope in God! So when our faith, which is more precious that mere gold, is tested… it will remain strong and “bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day Christ is revealed” (1:7).

Prayer
Father, forgive me for placing my trust in anything but You. I praise You for my salvation. My desire is for You. Help me to think clearly in these days and to focus my energies on the salvation which will come. In Jesus name, AMEN.