Saul’s disobedience to God’s commands given through the prophet Samuel cost him his throne. What’s more, he and his sons lost their lives in a battle with the Philistines that verified the absence of God’s blessing upon them.

Jesus said, “I will never forsake you.” [Heb. 13:5] “He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he’s the one who loves Me. I will love him and my Heavenly Father will love him and I will show him who I am.” [Jn. 14:21]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your presence is life and health and joy to me. I want to be completely obedient to Your commands.

DAILY READING: 1 Sam. 28-31

We feel we must deal with our enemies, but God will actually take care of them if we will let him. He doesn’t always pay on Fridays, but He always pays.

David had chances to avenge himself with Saul … he could have killed him and been done with the ongoing struggle. Likewise, the wicked man, Nabal, was dealt with by god for his offense against David. God did the dirty work.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, help me trust You to be my defender.

DAILY PRAYER:  1 Sam. 25-27

Saul’s jealousy drove him to seek David’s life. He offered material gain to his followers if they would support his quest for David’s demise. Jonathan and others who knew of David’s pure, innocent heart refused to be a party to Saul’s ploy.

Lines are drawn over issues of heart motivations. Integrity will succeed and corruption will ultimately fail.

DAILY PRAYER: As David discovered that integrity would preserve him, Lord, we too receive Your grace to stand for what’s right.

DAILY READING: 1 Sam. 20-24

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