May 14, 2013
Saul obeyed man instead of God. And the Lord rejected him as king. The desire to please people rather than God has led to the downfall of many. Even in Saul’s confession he begged Samuel to stay and “honor” him before the elders of Israel. He still worried about his image. But God is looking for a man who cares only what God thinks of him. God looks for one after His own heart.
May 13, 2013
This is what Jonathan, son of King Saul, said to his armor bearer before they routed a garrison of Philistines. I think God must love this kind of risk-taking faith. Perhaps the great missionary to India, William Carey, had Jonathan’s story in mind when he said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”
May 12, 2013
Samuel was the last living judge of Israel and a forerunner of Christ in that he held all three titles of prophet, priest and judge (king). He was so aware of God’s calling on his life that he didn’t need the people to ask him to pray for them. For him, failing to pray and preach would be sin. This would not be the sin of commission, but omission. Are we sometimes so focused on what we shouldn’t be doing that we miss doing what we should?
May 9, 2013
Samuel called the Israelites to Mizpah for an assembly of repentance and recommitment, but the Philistines heard about their gathering and attacked. God fought for Israel and they overcame for the first time in a generation. There, Samuel set up a large stone to remind them of God’s help, calling it Ebenezer or “stone of help.” Samuel understood that we are a forgetful people and need reminders. Some of us journal, writing it down when God rescues. Some carry a chip to commemorate their years of sobriety. Others compose a song, like “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” singing: “Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.” Do you have an “Ebenezer” to remember what God as done for you?
May 8, 2013
After she heard that her husband was killed and the ark was captured by the Philistines, the daughter-in-law of Eli went into labor. With her last breath she named her newborn son “Ichabod,” meaning “no glory,” and died. The ark represented God’s presence and glory. How could Israel be the people of God without His presence? Yet today, many may as well have “Ichabod” written over their doors, for they practice a form of religion, but God’s Spirit is not present. Before I preach every Sunday, I pray, “God, if you don’t show up, nothing happens! Lord, be present. Show us your glory. Let Your Word speak to us afresh!”
May 15, 2012
What David said to Goliath. Where are the giants in your life today? Will you face them in the Name of the Lord? Not running away in fear. Not fighting in your own strength. But trusting the victory to God?
May 14, 2012
What Samuel said to Saul after he thought he could appease God with disobedient worship. We don’t manipulate God with our worship. It doesn’t satisfy His justice. He is looking for true worshipers, those that worship in spirit and in truth. Obeying God is worship. Love obeys.
May 12, 2012
What Samuel said to Saul after he failed to wait on the old prophet. I must admit, I relate to Saul’s impatience. After all, Samuel was running late and Saul’s army was getting restless. Saul was worried about winning the upcoming battle when he should have been focused on being obedient to God. Be careful not to put God’s work before His worship.
May 10, 2012
Saul was busy searching for his father’s donkeys, but God had other plans for him. He asked Saul to “stay here” for a while. Hard to do when you have urgent duties. Yet, Saul stayed and listened and God made him king of Israel. Are you chasing the urgent when God is asking you to just “stay here” for a while?
May 21, 2011
In the KJV this same verse reads, “But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” When everyone around you is discouraged and things look bleak, do you know how to do this? There is strength and encouragement to be found in God alone during these times. Seek Him.