A True Friend

There are few friendships like the one shared between David and Jonathan. In our time it is difficult to understand the sacrificial love Jonathan had for David. He was aware that David remaining alive meant Jonathan would not become king after Saul’s death. Jonathan did not care. 

This passage is a precursor to what happens in 2 Samuel 9 (we will not read 2 Samuel this year). In that chapter we see David make good on his promise to take care of Jonathan’s family. 

Do you have a friend with whom you’ve entered a covenant? How are you holding up your end? Ask God to give you the wisdom and strength to be a friend like Jonathan and David were to each other. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 20:14-15

14 “But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, 15 and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 20

An Evil Spirit From God?

If you don’t know God, then a verse like 1 Samuel 18:10 can cause you confusion. The Hebrew word “ra” is used here. It means, evil, bad, troublesome, etc. 

What can confuse you is wondering why would God “send” an evil spirit to anyone. Remember, God had departed from Saul. This meant God’s Hand of protection was no longer covering Saul. Any evil thought Saul had, he would act upon because he did not have the “conscience” of God, which is the Spirit of God. 

God did not send a demonic spirit/evil spirit to torment Saul; He simply left Saul to his own self without God’s protection. It is the same thing that happens to everyone who does not have the blood of Christ covering your life. Subsequently, that person does not have the Holy Spirit to guide their thoughts. Therefore, they act upon every evil thought they may have. 

Take a moment and think about your life before you accepted Christ. Shucks, think about the mental battles you have had since you accepted Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sin. Imagine fighting those battles without the Holy Spirit. You would lose every one of them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 18:10-12

10 The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

12 Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul.

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 18

You Must Not Know!

When I was growing up I often heard and used the phrase, “You must not know!” It was usually preceded by someone making a statement that showed they had never experienced something. 

I translate this passage as David saying to Goliath, “You must not know!” Goliath truly believed that his sword, javelin, and spear were more than enough to defeat David. The problem was, Goliath didn’t know he was not fighting David. He was fighting God. 

Notice, David evokes the name of God by faith. He gives God all the glory for his impending victory. At no point does David’s faith falter. 

As you develop the spiritual habits of reading your Bible daily, praying daily, and surrounding yourself with mature Christians, your faith will grow. And when someone thinks that there’s something God can’t do, you will have the faith to look them in the eyes and say, “You must not know!” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 17:45-47

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LordAlmighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole worldwill know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 17

Who Are You To Them (people who know you)?

There are several passages in this chapter that I wanted to discuss with you, but this one jumped off the page for me. Notice how specific the description of David is. 

We will learn later that his “warrior” characteristic will serve the Lord well as we read more about his life.

This passage also had me think about why God rejected David’s older brothers. Perhaps they were not warriors like David. Tomorrow we will read about them not taking up Goliath’s challenge to fight an Israelite to decide the battle. We learn that David did!

So, who are you to them? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 16:18

18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior.He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 16

Rationalizing God’s Instructions!

King Saul was a reluctant king who turned into an arrogant king. His lack of humility cost him his kingship. 

Samuel gave Saul clear instructions, but Saul “rationalized” his way out of his kingship. 

When God tells you what to do, act on it obediently. Far too often Christians place their culture into scripture. We say, “It’s okay for me to do “this” or “that” because God wants me to be happy.”

NEWSFLASH!! No where in the Bible does it say, “God wants you to be happy, so do what makes you happy.” What the Bible says is “Blessed (happy) is the one who does…” (you fill in the blank with scripture)

Your “happiness” stems from your obedience. Look at Saul’s rationalized obedience and learn from his mistake. If it cost Saul that much, it will cost you the equivalent. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 15:3; 13-15

3 Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.”

14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”

15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 15

A Godly Person

As you read this passage, I pray God opens your eyes to His faithfulness. Jonathan was a man who loved the Lord. It is clear that he sought the Lord before he moved to attack the Philistine outpost. His love for the Lord leads his armor bearer to place his life in the hands of Jonathan. Notice the armor bearers response to Jonathan’s plan to attack the Philistines. 

May our relationship with God be such that people our drawn to God through our witness and actions. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 14:6-7

6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 14

Patience Is Required!

How patient are you? Living a God-honoring life requires patience. God will always move at the right time. However, there will be times when we think He’s not moving fast enough. This is what happened to King Saul.

This is my thought on the matter. “Wait on the Lord until He moves like He said He would. And when you believe you’ve waited long enough, wait some more.” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 13:7b-10

Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited sevendays, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 13

Righteous Living!

As I read this passage I thought about the life of Samuel. His life is an example for us. When we seek the Kingdom and its righteousness, Samuel’s life can be a reminder that it’s possible to live a life pleasing to God. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 12:1-3

Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a kingover you. 2 Now you have a king as your leader.As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 12

Shakeable Faith!

As you read this passage you may get the idea that Saul is a man of unshakeable faith. History tells us that we would be wrong with that line of thinking. 

In light of this great victory and Saul’s understanding that the battle belonged to the Lord, why do you think he ultimately allowed his faith to waver? 

Think of a time in your life in which your faith wavered and you made decisions contrary to what God would have you do? How did you respond to that revelation? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 11:12-13

12 The people then said to Samuel, “Who was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.”

13 But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 11

God is detailed!

Notice how specific Samuel is in telling Saul what’s about to happen. Trust that God is working things out for your good as you love Him and remain called according His purposes. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 10:3-4

3 “Then you will go on from there until you reach the great tree of Tabor. Three men going up to worship God at Bethel will meet you there. One will be carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and another a skin of wine.4 They will greet you and offer you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from them.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 10

God can use you, too!

As I read this passage, I was reminded of Gideon. He also told the Lord that he was from the least of his tribe. Fortunately, God does not listen to such things. He knows more about you than you know about yourself. He is the one who calls you and equips you for your purpose. 

What is God asking you to do, but you don’t think you’re worthy enough to do it? Stop that thinking, trust God, and do what He told you to do! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 9:21

21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 9

It’s not you, it’s God.

This section of 1 Samuel is my reminder that God is in control and when people disregard my witness, it’s not me they are rejecting, it is God. Please let these words give you confidence to act as God has guided you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 8:6-7

6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 8

This passage is a reminder that God can move in the midst of your prayers. Trusting God means seeking Him always. Be careful not to worry while you pray. 

My mom used to say, “If you’re going to worry, don’t pray. But if you’re going to pray, don’t worry.” I think that’s great advice. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 7:10

10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thunderedwith loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 7

God’s word must be obeyed!

As I read this passage, my thought was, “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” This is something I learned while studying Criminal Justice in college. 

This quote is true, as well, when it comes to God’s Word. Not knowing what God has commanded does not give you the right to disobey what you don’t know. That’s what happen to the Israelites who looked into the Ark of the Lord’s covenant. 

Get to know God and His Word. His guidance always leads you to righteousness. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 6:19-20

19 But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they looked into the ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them. 20 And the people of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can standin the presence of the Lord, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 6

Years ago I heard a then thirteen year old girl say, “Your faith is not a game.” Today, that same young lady is leading revival in her city. She plans large gatherings for the youth of her area where countless teens are coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Check it out here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGe2UYlOrEl/?igsh=MWtsdHdqaWN5cGVudw==

The same God who empowers her is the same God whose power is on display in 1 Samuel 5. It could be easy to dismiss what God did to the Philistines’ idol but that would not be wise on our part. 

Our God is a jealous God. He will not allow there to be any other god placed above Him without consequence. Do you have gods in your life that you have placed above God? You may say, “no” with your mouth, but your actions hold the true answer. 

Take a life inventory and be honest with yourself. If you have placed “idols” before God, get rid of them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 5:6

6 The Lord’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastationon them and afflicted them with tumors.

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 5

The Most Important Step!

As I read 1 Samuel 4, I noticed that the Israelites skipped the most important step in their plan to defeat the Philistines. They brought the Ark of the Lord’s covenant, but did not inquire of the Lord as to what they should do. Because they missed this step, they were soundly defeated and they lost the Ark of the Lord’s covenant.

How often do you make moves in your life before you take the most important step? Everything you do should be bathed in prayer. You should be on your “knees” daily seeking what God would have you do. Every important decision should be accompanied by prayer and fasting.

I am in a season of life in which I have important decisions to make. You best believe I am also in a season of prayer and fasting. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 4:3

3 When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 4

I was a little torn as to what to share this morning. My first thought was to share about how important it is to get to know God so you can recognize His voice when He speaks. That is crucial to a right relationship with Him.

However, I want to focus on this passage because it speaks to the care Samuel had when he spoke in the name of the Lord. “(The Lord) let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.” This means that everything he said would occur happened. 

I can say, without a doubt, my words have fallen on the ground. This is why I’m careful when I speak now. You may have heard me say, “I’m not prophesying or speaking for the Lord, but…” then I speak my peace. I do that because my words have fallen on the ground and when you speak what God tells you to speak, your words will NEVER hit the floor.

Seek God! Become intimate with Him! This is the only right way to live for Him. This is non-negotiable. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 3:19

19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 3

Bad parenting 101!

As we read this passage think of the many ways Eli displayed bad parenting. A key to good parenting is accountability. As a parent we must hold our children accountable for their actions. 

Every good parent loves their children more than they love themselves. The problem is we “love” them so much that we don’t want to hurt their feelings by holding them accountable for their actions. 

I won’t belabor the point. I’ll simply say, watch what happens to Eli and his sons. I pray it will inspire you to hold your children accountable. It will save their lives. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 2:22-25

22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good.25 If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 2

My life passage is Proverbs 3:5-6(look it up). As I finished this first chapter of 1 Samuel, I thought about that verse. 

Hannah seems to have put that passage into action. She prayed earnestly, then put her trust in the Lord. When God answered her prayer, she followed through on her promise to God by presenting her son to Him. 

THAT’S FAITH!!!

Do you have that level of faith? We should! God is calling us to trust in Him. If you put your trust in anyone or anything else, you are putting that above God. When you do that you are setting yourself up for failure. 

Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked. A man will reap what he sows. I’m pretty sure I read that in the Bible somewhere.😏 Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Samuel 1:26-28

26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

Today’s Reading:

1 Samuel 1

*Get ready for a challenging month of Bible reading. This book will test your faith. Read every word and adjust your life to bring it into submission to God. Nothing else matters. NOTHING!

“What’s my calling, Lord?!”

People pray this in earnest. Their desire is to learn what God has called them to do. 

Jesus gave us our calling as recorded in this passage as well as in Mark 16. We are called to make disciples and teach the gospel. 

The question we should ask God is, “How do you want me to share in the way you have gifted me.” It comes down to your purpose (IYKYK).

Take time today to seek your purpose from God. Seek to better understand how He has gifted you to make disciples and teach people to obey His commands. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 28