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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
“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.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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.
“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.
“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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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.
“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.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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.
“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.
“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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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.
“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.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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.
“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.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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.
“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.
“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.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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.
“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.
“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.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
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.
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