David knew the importance of heart involvement in his music, his shepherding duties, and his submission to authority.  He was appalled at the way Saul’s army let Goliath beat down their courage without even a fight. (The warfare was a spiritual one.)

As David approached the camp of Saul’s army, he brought in a courageous, fresh perspective. He had been entertaining the Lord’s presence while keeping his father’s sheep. He also had the advantage of seeing what God’s presence could do … he had killed the lion and the bear.

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart.” [Ps. 27:14]

PRAYER: Lord, strengthen our hearts the way You did for David. We will not turn back for any foe, regardless of their size.

READ: 1 Sam. 16, 17

Saul’s son, Jonathan, and his armor-bearer were involved in one of the most daring exploits in the Bible. They attacked an enemy outpost after climbing a dangerous cliff and routed 20 men

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They saw a challenge, they took a step of faith, and God gave them a marvelous victory.

We can experience similar exploits by responding in faith to spiritual opportunities that arise in our daily lives.

“But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” [Dan 11:32b]

PRAYER: Lord, in Your name I will pray for the sick, believe for miracles, and step out in faith when I see an opportunity to bring glory to You.

READ: 1 Samuel 14, 15

This phrase occurs in 1 Samuel 12 and points to the investment and reputation the Lord had staked upon Israel. God’s interest in their affairs extended beyond the self-interest they were inclined to heed.

It’s the same today. God has put the name of His Son, Jesus, upon us. The purest motive we can have as we conduct our lives is to exist for God’s glory and yield every decision to the Lordship of Christ.

The rewards for honoring Christ are “out of this world.”

PRAYER: Lord, we seek to serve You only and not our best interest. Our vision is clouded by pride. Cleanse us. Fill us with Your Spirit today. Bring glory to Your name through our lives.

READ: 1 Sam. 11-13

Paul said it was good to desire spiritual gifts, but even the disciples were hand picked by Jesus. The first deacons were selected because of the already-functioning giftings God had deposited in their lives.

God expressed His selection of Old Testament leaders through the process of identifying and anointing by His seer, or prophet. Samuel was honored to have been that prophet in the selection of both Saul and David as kings of Israel.

Those who self-promoted for leadership perished e.g. Absalom, Judas.

“How blessed is the one whom you choose, and allow to live in your palace courts.” [Ps. 65:4]

PRAYER: Father, may we be respectful and supportive to those whom You have ordained to leadership in our lives. We trust You in all things.

READ: 1 Sam. 8-10

Eli had obviously not heard from the Lord in some time. He was a negligent priest, allowing his sons to desecrate God’s House by their immorality and presumption.

Samuel, however, was an innocent soul who had been raised up to again hear God’s voice and again bring honor to the priesthood.

The privilege of hearing from God is a blessing we take for granted. So many neglect to read God’s Word and thereby miss out on the profound blessing of hearing Him speak daily.

PRAYER: Father, we honor You and Your Word. Like Samuel, we say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”

READ: 1 Sam. 3-7

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

God made it clear to Eli that he had not honored the Lord in the raising of his sons. They were committing immorality while ministering to the Lord. Therefore, God told Eli that the lives of his offspring would be shortened.

This indictment brings attention to the way we raise our children. We honor the Lord by teaching them His ways and following through with discipline when they disobey at an early age. When they grow up, it’s too late.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, fill us with Your Spirit and guide us in the raising of our children and grandchildren. Our compliance in this area affects our entire family.

READ: 1 Samuel 1,2

Halmark movies have NOTHING on the Bible for love stories.

The story of Ruth is one such story … from tragedy to triumph, Ruth shows us God’s ability to give a glimpse of the love He has for us. As Boaz redeemed Ruth from the sorrow of losing her husband and being transplanted into a strange country to the joy of finding love and security, so Christ made the difference in our lives.  He takes us from depravity to total fulfillment.

We are to be His bride.

PRAYER: Father, Your love to us will only continue to grow in meaning and effectiveness. We haven’t yet seen the fullness of the benefit of Your love.

READ: Ruth 2-4

Naomi called herself Mara … God had dealt bitterly with her. She lost her husband and both sons in a great famine in Moab where they were living.

Her daughter-in-law, Ruth, was to utter some of the most quoted words ever … at nearly every wedding. Ruth would also become a critical link in the genealogy of Jesus.

Little did she know … that in her pain and bitterness, God would use her life to impact the world through a Savior, Christ the Lord.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, forgive us for our complaining.  Use our humble lives to further Your Kingdom and do mighty things through our offspring.

READ: Judges 20,21; Ruth 1

Often mentioned in the book of Judges is the phrase, “Israel had no king.” It was recorded, “Every man did what was right in his own eyes.”

How disastrous! Can you imagine living without societal restraints?

We can praise God for laws and law enforcement officers.

PRAYER: Father, protect our law officers and their families. Let our nation turn to You to become their king.

READ: Judges 17-19

Samson’s strength was conditional upon his obedience to God’s command … “No razor is to cut your hair.” Delilah tricked him into giving up the secret of his strength.

The longer we spend time in the presence of this world’s temptations, the more likely we are to decline in spiritual strength.

Waiting upon the Lord … spending time in His presence … renews our spiritual strength. It will cause us to dwell in a higher plane of spiritual strength. We too can do great exploits for the Lord’s Kingdom. [Is. 40:31]

PRAYER: Father, I want to be strong in spirit. As I wait in Your presence, cause me to be strong enough to withstand all of this life’s destructive temptations.

READ: Judges 15,16