Because he relied upon the Lord’s name for his advantage, David was successful at any task King Saul gave him.

The same success is availabe to us. The power in the name of Jesus will never diminish.

DAILY PRAYER:  In Your name, Jesus, I live each day and approach each task.

DAILY READING: 1Sam. 18, 19

Saul caved in to the the will of his people instead of obeying God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites. When Israel had passed though their land on the Exodus, they had not allowed them to drink the water. God had a score to settle, and Saul was to be His instrument.

We don’t always understand the “why” when God asks us to do something. He has a reason. It is for us to obey. Saul disobeyed God and the prophet Samuel and promptly lost his kingship. God chose David.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You know best. We place Your Word above the carnal desires of men.

DAILY READING: 1 Sam. 14-16

Saul relied upon his own judgement rather than obey Samuel, God’s prophet. It cost him his crown and his legacy. Leaders that lean upon their own abilities sadly displace the Lord’s favor and direction with their own devices.

David replaced Saul. He was a ruddy, young boy who learned early that God’s power through his obedience could kill the lion, the bear, and the unholy giant, Goliath.

David was a godly leader. God honored him with a place in the genealogy of Jesus.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I will obey You and Your Word today in every decision I make.

DAILY READING: 1 Sam. 11-13

The Israelites wanted a king. Not realizing that God Himself had been serving them as king through the leadership of Samuel, they thought that a flesh and blood king was in their best interest. Samuel tried to warn them of the folly of their desire. They got a king … Saul … and they suffered.

Often, parents of Christian school students want undue advantage given to their children instead of, for instance, needed correction. They don’t realize what grief they will incur in the future for wanting the wrong thing.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, only You know what’s truly best for us. We trust You. We receive Your correction when it’s needed.

DAILY READING: 1 Sam. 7-10

Eli was certainly an example of a bad father, and yet God allowed him to raise Samuel in the Lord’s House. The main sin that he committed was when his sons did wickedly, blaspheming God, he did not restrain, correct, or chastise them.

Good fathers lovingly and firmly correct their children when they err. In doing so, they retain God’s favor and blessing upon their families.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your ways are higher than our ways. You want us to bring correction to our children. You want them to become like Samuel who served you faithfully his entire life.

DAILY READING: 1 Sam. 3-6

Eli’s biggest failing as a father was to allow his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, to be above the law. Their wicked deeds were a reproach to the office of priest which they held. Eli’s laxity as a father cost his family dearly.

When parents selfishly put their own children above the rules, giving them undue favor above all others, they are hurting them. God enforces His rules.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, mercifully lead us to be good parents and leaders.

DAILY READING: 1 Sam. 1,2

Ruth’s unconditional commitment to fulfill righteousness is demonstrated by her response to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who instructed her to be available to become the wife of Boaz. Her obedience aligned her placement in the bloodline of David, and ultimately, Christ Jesus.

Our unconditional obedience to Christ’s teachings qualifies us to directly impact His purposes in the earth.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, in every decision of life, I will do “whatever You say.”

DAILY READING: Ruth 3,4

Some of the most beautiful and meaningful words in the Bible were spoken by Ruth, a Moabite. We have all heard her quoted at many a wedding …

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Widowed at an early age and committed to being an honorable woman, Her marriage to Boaz is, on so many levels, is a picture of Christ and His Bride.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in heaven, You have been so merciful to us. Thank You for Your compassion to us, the Church, the Bride of Christ.

DAILY READING: Judges 21, Ruth 1,2

The unfortunate conflict between the Benjamites and the rest of Israel because of the detestable abuse of a man’s concubine resulted in the loss of many lives. As the Israelites inquired of the Lord about what to do, the Lord said “Send Judah first.”

Judah, the fourth son of Leah, means “praise.” God asks for praise before we embark on any of life’s challenges. It acknowledges His greatness and rule over all, and rightfully allows His presence and power to take first place.

Praise Him first.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, as I face any challenge, I will put You first and call upon Your strength, in Jesus’ name.

DAILY READING: Judges 17-20

Tragically, Samson’s supernatural strength left him when God’s Spirit departed. He was a victim of his own carnal appetites, which influenced him to break his vow to the Lord to never cut his hair. The secret was not in the hair, but in his commitment to the Lord.

We are drawn away when we allow our lusts to conceive. Confession and forgiveness are available through Christ to restore us. We don’t have to lose out with God when we fail.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we are humbled and awed by Your redemptive plan of grace which gives us the courage and hope to live.

DAILY READING:  Judges 14-17