1 Sam. 15 [The Message]

King Saul was clearly instructed by Samuel to “Go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” Saul completed most of the mission, but sadly disobeyed God by keeping some plunder and keeping Agag, the Amalekite king, alive. This act of disobedience was the final straw that precipitated Saul’s dethroning as king.

Throughout our lives we progressively learn to be obedient. in the home, parents are wise to hold children accountable to complete their assigned tasks. God is forgiving, but in Christ’s obedience to die for us, we have the ultimate example of complete obedience … “And (Christ) being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” [Phil. 2:8]

1 Sam. 13,14 [The Message]

Saul was forever taking matters into his own hands rather than allowing God to reveal His plans. Saul prematurely offered offerings, taking the position as priest before the people. He unwisely issued spiritual disciplines that produced confusing results such as calling a fast before a day’s fighting had concluded. Jonathan, his son, unwittingly ate some honey before the fast was over. Saul said whomever ate too soon was to die. FOOLISH! The troops forbid the death of Jonathan.

We presume when we take matters into our own hands before consulting God’s Word and praying. God ALWAYS has a solution to any problem. We just need to seek His face and wait for His answer.

1 Sam. 12 [The Message]

This is a big conditional “IF.” When kings, presidents, leaders follow God, things will go much better. For one thing, Christians will have a lot more confidence in the leader. It gets tough when a leader does not follow the Lord and His Ways.

What to do? Pray! As long as you’re not required to do something that is totally against your conscience or your moral values, do your best to comply with their rules. If you submit to them as unto God, God’s GIANT HAMMER enters the picture. He will lower the boom on the leader and all who are his operatives. In time, God’s retribution or recompense will be apparent. Saul messed up. God sent Samuel to him to announce, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you.” [1 Sam. 15:28]

1 Sam. 11 [The Message]

Yes, Saul was head and shoulders above the normal Israelites, but when God’s Spirit came upon him, he became almost super-human. He rallied Israel to war with the oppressing Ammonites and routed them handily. Samson also experienced this super-human power when God infused him. David, the meek shepherd boy killed a lion and a bear when God’s Spirit came upon him. Peter rose to courageously preach to a large group in Acts 1-2.

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

Now THIS is a verse to memorize and lean upon.

1 Sam. 10 [The Message]

Samuel poured anointing oil upon Saul’s head to ordain him to be king over Israel. Samuel made it clear that Saul would be a new man. He would now be able to employ God’s ability to rule rather than being limited to his own natural ability. In fact, resorting to his natural ability became one of his greatest shortcomings.

When God ordains you, He endows you with His abilities to lead. You discover answers to problems that don’t come to others. His gifts to the ordained are not to puff them up in pride, but to give effectiveness to their leadership for the good of all.

When I was leading Trinity Christian School, I experienced God’s sovereign hand many times when I needed answers. I would simply put both hands in the air in worship and declare, ” can do ALL THINGS through Christ Who strengthens me.” He was my HELPER and He NEVER let me down.

1 Sam. 8, 9 [The Message]

Saul had no idea what was going to happen when he sought out Samuel, the Prophet, when he was looking for his father’s donkeys. God had spoken to Samuel and said, “Tomorrow you will see whom I have chosen to be king over Israel.” Sure enough, Samuel placed Saul at the head of the table and the rest was history,

We are all given the honor of being New Testament kings and priests unto God, but some are “called” to be God’s leadership gifts to the Church. Eph. 4:11 says Christ gave-chose-ordained-granted-made-establshed-handed out-appointed-made ministries for the Church. (These are all verbs from the various translations to describe how we received prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers for the Body of Christ)

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. [Heb. 5:4]

1 Sam. 7 [The Message]

This chapter says all Israel was sad and begged the Lord for help. It was no doubt brought on by the oppression they were experiencing from the Philistines. Samuel the Prophet responded to their desperation by instructing them to forsake all their idols and evil ways, the things that displeased the Lord greatly. They did, so Samuel got in gear and offered his offering and asked the people to fast unto the Lord. The impact one man had on and entire nation was profound. His intercession brought a great victory!

When the Philistines saw that Israel was getting serious with God, they moved to attack. Samuel offered a lamb and cried out to God. Simultaneously, God’s marvelous voice thundered over the enemy such that they panicked, allowing Israel to soundly defeat them. Samuel set up a commemorative marker stone and called it “Ebenezer,” which means “This is where the Lord has certainly helped us.”

What will it take for our nation to spiritually wake up and seek the Lord? Regardless, God can save us from ANYTHING or ANYBODY! We need a revival like this.

1 Sam. 4-6 [The Message]

The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant, but they had a price to pay. God struck them with hemorrhoids and a rat infestation. They finally concluded that God was against them for their irreverence, and sent the Ark back to Israel.

There is MUCH irreverence toward God in our society, and it seems to be getting worse. Although the evening news probably doesn’t report it, no doubt there’s a price to pay. As the scripture says, “Don’t be deceived. God is NOT mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” [Gal. 6:7]

1 Sam. 3 [The Message]

The story of God speaking to Samuel as a young boy is a classic. Some points to consider:

• God kept calling until Samuel heard Him
• God was patient, teaching Samuel to accurately hear Him.
• God bypassed the “religious route” and chose rather a personal, intimate route.
• God’s message included some hard words (for Eli).
• Because Samuel heard directly from God, his prophetic messages were always accurate.
• God speaks to children.

1 Sam. 2 [The Message]

All too often the children of a spiritual leader display behavior that does not represent Christian values. Our oldest daughter, when attending Bible college, would regretfully share stories of the children of the pastors of large churches and some of the very unwise things they did. Such was the situation Eli created when he obviously neglected training his sons to behave themselves appropriately. Did he give too much time to his ministry and not enough at home? Probably. Sometimes, children cry out for attention by acting up. If their antics are not adequately corrected, they can become permanent flaws in behavior.

For this reason, the leader placing parenting even above the performance of their ministry in priority is wise. This is why the Apostle Paul says, “Church officials must be in control of their own families, and they must see that their children are obedient and always respectful.” [1 Tiim. 3:4 CEV]

Good parenting is not rocket science. It does take love directed at children so they know your love and are corrected by that love when they are wrong. Correct them while they are still pliable.