I Samuel 26-31

These last few chapters of I Samuel tell of the last days of King Saul.  Saul once again turns to tracking down David in order to kill him, forgetting his promise.  Again, David has the opportunity to kill Saul and again he refuses.  David takes Saul's spear and water jug, showing that he was near enough to harm Saul. Again, Saul admits his wrong doing, but does not truly repent. 

David and his men leave Israel and move to Achish in Gath.  There, they settle into the city of Ziklag where they bring their families and dwell for over a year.  From there, David and his men raid other cities to provide for their families, but David tells Achish that he is raiding in Israel. 

David and his men are sent back from the war against Israel.. and find that their city was burned down by the Amalekites.  He consults the Lord and takes his men to rescue their families. The Lord gives him success. Meanwhile... 

The Philistines go up to war with Israel and Saul panics.  He consults a medium and God sends Samuel from the dead to confirm Saul's destruction.  When the war begins Israel is defeated. Saul and his sons are killed and the Philistines celebrate their triumph by desecrating Saul's body. 

Saul was a man consumed by jealousy and fear.  Over and over again he rebels against the Lord and finally dies in utter failure and defeat.  David, on the other hand, continued to trust the Lord, stay faithful to do what was right, and grow into the man that God wanted him to be. 

We are all given a choice as to how we will live.  Will we use the life God has granted us to serve Him and to be what He desires us to be... or will be go our own way and live according to our own desires?

The truth is the same for every person - we will end up like Saul, consumed by evil.. or like David, consumed by God.  May God help us to make the choice that leads to Life!

Father in heaven,  thank You for the Word that gives us such a clear example of a life lived for You and a life lived without You.  We know this is truth.  We see it every day - in our families, in our communities, and in our nation.. It is hard for us to understand why people choose evil.. why they harden their hearts against You... especially when it seems so clear that they are choosing death and not life.  Merciful and compassion Savior,  please rescue the perishing and save those who are lost.  I pray for the salvation of family members, neighbors, and fellow countrymen.  Our nation is in great need of revival and truth.  Come, Lord Jesus, and deliver us from the evil one.  We pray for Your divine grace and help in this time of need.  We pray in the name and authority of our King and Lord, amen. 

 I Samuel 25  "Samuel died".   Change is around the bend.  Things will be different soon. 

Life for David will also be changing soon.   It is at this time that David and his men are in the desert.  David sends some men to Nabal in order to receive some food in turn for helping protect his flocks and servants.  But, Nabal scorns David and refuses to offer any help.  Nabal has a reputation as a mean and worthless man.  His decision to ignore David's request just about got him and his whole household killed.  But, Nabal had an intelligent and wise wife... 

Abigail intervened on her husband's behalf.  She brought gifts to David and tactfully kept David and his men from attacking Nabal.  David leaves Nabal in God's hands.. and the next day, when Abigain tells her husband what almost happened, he has a stroke.  Within 10 days he is gone. 

David does not leave Abigail all alone.  He sends for her to come and be his bride. And she does. 

The Lord used Abigail to save all those who worked for Nabal. She saved David from taking vengeance into his own hands.  Abigail married David and had one son, Chileab, also called Daniel.  

Father in heaven, You are God and You do not change! For this we are so thankful and give You praise.  You are perfect in every way, infinite in all power, wisdom, and knowledge.  As we read about these events in Your word, I am reminded once again that life on this planet is always changing.. sometimes when we least expect it.  Abigail's life changed practically overnight. She trusted in You and lived accordingly.  Help us to have this kind of trust. May we find that confident assurance that no matter what.. not matter what changes are coming.... You are our refuge and strength.  May we say, like David did in Psalm 16, "You are my Lord; I have nothing good outside of You."  You lead us in Your paths.. that lead to life, joy, and "eternal delight".  And these truths NEVER change!  Amen!

 I Samuel 23-24  Saul chases David into cities, around mountains, and into the desert.. "but God did not hand him over to him."  When Saul goes to  Ein-Gedi with 3000 men to chase David and his 600 men.. David is given the opportunity to take Saul's life, but he simply cuts off a piece of his cloak. 

David shows respect for Saul because of the Lord's anointing on him.  He trusts the Lord to deal with Saul, even as Saul would kill David for no reason.  David leaves Saul completely in the Lord's hands.  And Saul knows it.  Unfortunately, it will make no real difference in Saul's life. 

 David vows to Saul that he will not lay a hand on him... ever, but he is forthright in telling Saul how he  prays... "May Adonai judge between you and me and may Adonai avenge me on you!" 

Read Psalm 35 in light of this conflict between Saul and David. 

V1 " Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me."

V4 "Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life; let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me." 

V8 "Let destruction come upon him unawares; and let the net which he hid catch himself." 

V19 "Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously." 

David puts Saul completely into the Lord's hands and not his own.  He also puts himself in God's hands- 

v22-24 "Thou hast seen it, O Lord, do not keep silent; O Lord, do not be far from me, Stir up Thyself, and awake to my right, and to my cause, my God and my Lord. Judge me, O Lord my God according to Thy righteousness..." 

When the world criticizes, condemns, and persecutes the followers of Jesus, may we obey the Word -to turn our cheeks, to bless those who curse us, and to return good for evil.  And may we also become warriors in our prayers - pushing back the darkness by committing ourselves and our "enemies" into the hands of our God. 

Father, You know every heart and every intention of every single human on this planet!  You know those who are seeking to cause harm and destruction and we pray that You will contend with them. We pray that You will bring rejoicing to Your people.. that we might shout with David, "The Lord is magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant. And my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness and Thy praise all day long." ( Psalm 35:27-28) Heal our land and bring peace to Your people.  We ask this in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

 I Samuel 22  David takes refuge in a cave at Adullam.  News traveled to  his family who came to be with him, along with 400 people.. poor, distressed, and  discontent people.. who came to make him their leader. 

David and his followers moved from place to place as Saul and his armies began to pursue him. The first thing David did was to take his parents to the king of Moab for their safe keeping. 

Meanwhile, Saul accuses his men of turning against him by not telling him about Jonathan's association with David or bringing David to him.  Doeg the Edomite tells Saul about seeing David with the priest at Nob. So, Saul calls for  Ahimelech to come and accuses him of wrong doing.  Saul is so angry that he won't listen to reason and orders all the priests to be killed.  When his men won't do it.. Doeg the Edomite does.. killing 85 priests. ( plus the whole town of Nob )  Only one priest survived and he ran to David. 

How far Saul had fallen away from the Lord. He was becoming a mad man chasing David. He was so hard -hearted that he had the priests of the Lord slaughtered.  Innocent families were killed. Lives lost to jealousy and fear. 

Psalm 142 is introduced as a prayer from the cave:

"I cry aloud with my voice to the Lord;I make supplication with my voice to the Lord, 

I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him. 

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Thou didst know my path. 

In the way where I walk,They have hidden a trap for me. 

Look to the right and see; for there is no one who regards me.

No one cares for my soul.

I cried out to Thee, O Lord;

I said, 'Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.

Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low;

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. 

Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to Your name.;

The righteous will surround me, 

For Thou wilt deal bountifully with me.'"

A prayer offered in a desperate time that ends in hope... 

Father in heaven, we are thankful that you know all things. There is nothing and no one that can hide from You.  You know what is happening to many believers.. how they are in desperate straits even as David was.  Father may they be reminded that You hear their prayers and be restored in their hope that You will deal bountifully with each of them.. and with us also.  You care for our souls.  You heed our cries.  When we are overwhelmed, You know our paths.  Thank You for being our Good Shepherd, Jesus. Lead us in Your paths of righteousness. Deliver us from evil. We ask this in Your Name, the Name that is above all names!  Amen. 

 I Samuel 19-21

Saul begins his quest to kill David.  Jonathan tries to intervene, but that only works for a little while.  Mikhal also helps David escape.. once. Samuel hides David at the school of prophets until Saul comes there.  David tries to return to the court but Saul tries again to kill him.  His obsession is so great that he even throws a spear at Jonathan in his anger. 

Jonathan and David had an enduring friendship that lasted beyond Jonathan's life.  But that friendship could not help change Saul's desire to kill David.  With a final warning from Jonathan, David escapes from Saul's hand and goes out.. completely on his own at this point. He has nothing.  He stops at the tabernacle and takes the consecrated bread as his only food and he takes Goliath's sword as his only weapon.  David doesn't have any place to go.. so he goes to Gath.  He immediately realizes that this was a mistake and acts crazy so that he can get away from there also.

We don't know how many psalms David wrote at this time, but we do know that he wrote some.  Perhaps Psalms 11-13 were penned at this time -   " In the Lord I take refuge.. " ( 11:1)  or "How long, O Lord? Wilt thou forget me forever?" (13:1)  

Yet, Psalm 34 is introduced as a psalm written at the time David feigned madness before Abimelech.

 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my  mouth." (v1)  

" The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the Lord delivers him out of them all." ( v18-19) 

David's faith remained unshaken even though he was alone, running for his life, and heartbroken at the loss of his friend Jonathan and his wife Mikhal.  He was God's anointed king, but retreated alone to a cave.  And even then, he praised the Lord!

Father in heaven, thank You for being the God who never changes!  You are altogether perfect in every way.. infinite, immutable, sovereign, holy, and just.  Your mercies are new every morning and Your compassion never fails. Thank You for loving us and being our refuge and strength in every trouble.  May we have faith that remains unshaken in these days of turmoil in our world.  You are near to us in our brokenness and You will deliver us out of our afflictions!  We bless You Lord!  May Your praise be ever on our lips!  We pray for peace and grace.  We pray for the Word of the Lord to run rapidly through this land. We pray for repentance for our nation, that we will seek Your Kingdom and  Your righteousness above all else. We ask these things in the Name of Jesus, the appointed heir of all things. Amen. 

 I Samuel 18 

David was taken into full time service by Saul. He became Jonathan's closest friend. He became Mikhal's love and husband.  He became Israel's  favorite soldier. And, he became Saul's enemy. 

Saul became jealous of David because of the song the women sang, "Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands." 

Then, Saul became afraid of David. V 12 "Saul became afraid of David, because Adonai was with him and had left Saul."

The more successful that David became, the more Saul feared him and tried to have him killed.. sending him into battles so that the Philistines would do the work for him. 

Jealousy and fear... two emotions that often bring about enmity, hatred,  and war. 

The religious leaders in the days of Jesus' walk on earth were jealous of His popularity, power, and position.  They were afraid to lose their power and position.. so they became His enemies.  

We see these two traits at work in our world today.. politically, socially, and personally.  How can we deal with these?  

Like David, we need to know that the Lord is on our side.  We are called to walk in the Spirit, to walk in the Light, and to live as His children.  Every success will be ours when Adonai is with us.  It may not look like the world's definition of success.. but every victory will be to His glory. We must keep persevering in faith and obedience. 

Like Jesus, we must not try to please mankind.. but please the Father by doing what He says and by saying what He tells us to say.  Jesus spoke the truth to His enemies as well as to His friends.  We need to always speak the truth .. with love. 

Those who argue and persecute and attack the followers of Jesus.. do so because of jealousy and fear. We can pray for them to come to know the only One who brings peace.. Jesus Christ the Lord. 

Father, open our eyes to see the hearts of those who disagree, argue, despise, or persecute Your children. May we have the love of Christ Jesus to love them, to repay them with good,  to show them the way of salvation and to pray for them faithfully.   Fulfill Your purposes for each of us today.. may we be light in this darkness.. by the power and presence of Your Spirit in us.  We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 I Samuel 17  David is certainly a unique man.  His courage and zeal to fight Goliath proves that he was different than any other man in Israel.  The whole army stood frozen in fear at the sight of this 9ft giant man. David only saw an "uncircumcised Philistine"  who challenged the "armies of the living God".  Goliath was no different to David than the lion or bear that he had slain to protect his sheep.  David's faith rested solely on the Lord. 

David ran towards the enemy, not away from him.  He took what he could use, not the armor of Saul, but his sling and 5 rocks.  His testimony was clear, ".. I'm coming at you in the name of Adonai-Tzva'ot, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have challenged. Today Adonai will hand you over to me." 

And what David believed.. he received. Victory over the giant and victory over the Philistines. 

Jesus said, "Have the kind of trust that comes from God! Yes! I tell you that whoever does not doubt in his heart but trusts that what he says will happen can say to this mountain, 'Go and throw yourself into the sea!' and it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, trust that you are receiving it, and it will be yours." ( Mark 11: 22-24)  

This is the kind of faith that David exhibited. 

This is the kind of faith that we all need. 

Father, help us to have the kind of trust, the kind of faith, that comes from You.  To believe and receive. To know You- like David did.. and to not only face the "giants" in our lives, but to run towards them in Your Name.  We need Your Spirit, which is "not a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." ( 2 Tim. 1:7).   We are able to stand when we take your truth, your righteousness, your salvation, your peace, and Your Word and Your  Spirit.. the armor of God. Thank You for the victory that is in Christ Jesus. Glory, honor, and praise to our King. In His name we pray. Amen. 

 I Samuel 16  This chapter introduces us to David the son of Jesse.  It is interesting to read the sequence of events.  The Lord sends Samuel to Bethlehem because He had already selected a man to become king instead of Saul. But, He doesn't make it easy... 

Samuel goes up to Bethlehem to anoint a new king, but is afraid that Saul will kill him if he finds out.  Adonai tells him to take a cow to offer as a sacrifice and then to listen for instructions.  Seven sons of Jesse come before Samuel, and the Lord says no to each of them.  It is David who is God's choice. 

He is anointed with oil and filled with the Spirit. 

It is just after this that Saul brings David into his service as his armor-bearer.  More importantly, David plays music to soothe Saul when the "evil spirit from God" comes over him. 

David is described as a handsome, ruddy young man with beautiful eyes.  The Complete Jewish Bible says he has "ruddy cheeks, red hair, and bright eyes".  ( Thought that was interesting!)  He is also described as "a brave soldier, he and fight, he chooses his words carefully, and he's pleasant looking. Besides, Adonai is with him." ( v18). 

We know that the Lord had a purpose for David from the beginning. His life becomes entangled with Saul and his family over the course of years. David becomes Jonathan's friend, Mikhal's husband, and Saul's servant.. and replacement.  He becomes a warrior, a psalmist, a king, and a man after God's own heart. 

The most important thing that we learn from this chapter comes from verse 7.. "Adonai doesn't see the way humans see - humans look at the outward appearance, but Adonai looks at the heart." 

Father in heaven, thank You for looking at our hearts.. to know us each thoroughly.  Help us to realize again that it is what we are in the inside that is much more important than the outside.  May our hearts be pure and not evil; obedient and full of love, not hardened and full of bitterness or anger. Teach us Your ways and help us to truly listen to Your voice.  Let Your purposes be completed in us we pray. 

In Jesus' name. Amen. 

 I Samuel 15  Saul was commanded to "completely destroy everything" that the Amalekites had.. every life, every animal.. everything.  This was God's judgement upon Amelek because of their fight against Israel. So, Saul took his 200,000 soldiers and went to war. And.. he destroyed everything.. except -the king, Agag; and the best of the sheep and cattle.. and some of the second best too. 

Samuel heard from the Lord and went to confront Saul, who lied about what he did. Caught in his lie, Saul blamed "the people" for his decisions.  Even when Samuel told Saul that God had judged him unfit to lead Israel, Saul continued to make excuses and argue and blame others for his willful disobedience.  He didn't understand that what he did was evil in God's eyes. 

Samuel was heart-broken over the whole situation. He did what Saul should have done, killing Agag.  Then he left Saul and never saw him again until the day he died. 

Samuel's words in verse 22-are so important:

"Does Adonai take as much pleasure

in burnt offerings and sacrifices

as in obeying what Adonai says?

Surely obeying is better than sacrifice,

and heeding orders than the fat of rams."

Without doing the will of the Lord, any sacrifice or offering is not only worthless, but and offense to Him. ( Isaiah 1:11-15; Hebrews 10:6-9; Psalm 40:6-8)

Father in heaven, search our hearts and reveal to us.. each of us.. any times we have gone through the motion of "worship".. while being disobedient, rebellious, or neglectful of doing Your will.  May we stop making excuses, blaming others, or lying about our own choices.  Thank You for the One who sacrificed His life for us so that we might be forgiven of all sin and covered by His righteousness.  Your will be done, Father.. in us as it is in heaven.  In Jesus' name. Amen. 

 I Samuel 14 This chapter gives us an introduction to Jonathan, Saul's son, and later - David's friend. 

Jonathan was in charge of 1000 soldiers in Gibeah. It is there that Jonathan assassinates the governor of Geba and starts the war with the Philistines. ( 13:2-3)  

Jonathan decided one day to go into the camp of the Philistines.. alone with only a young man who carried his armor. He doesn't tell anyone, not even his father, that he is going. Jonathan decided to go into the garrison, saying, "Maybe Adonai will do something for us, since Adonai can rescue with a few people as easily as with many."  So, by faith, they go on... 

Jonathan sought a sign to know if he should go further- If the Philistines said, "Wait till we come to you." then he knew that the Lord would not give him victory.  But, if they said, "Come up to us,"  then that would be the sign that the Lord would give them victory.  So, they showed themselves to the soldiers and were told to "come up".. and he went up and killed 20 enemy soldiers. 

This started a panic among the Philistines.  Then God sent an earthquake that caused an even greater panic.  Saul and his army saw that chaos had begun in the Philistine camp.  He also found out that Jonathan was gone from his camp. The Philistines had even begun to fight among themselves and fleeing... so the Hebrews that had been hiding started coming out and they all pursued them and entered into a battle.  "so Adonai saved Israel that day.. " 

But, Saul was not very wise in his leadership of the army.  He ordered that none of them should eat any food until the evening, even though they were all exhausted. Jonathan did not hear this order and ate a little honey.  The people were so exhausted and hungry after the battle with the Philistines that they began to take sheep, cows, and calves that they seized, slaughtering them and eating them raw.  Saul put an end to that quickly though , and the people were allowed to properly slaughter and cook the meat and eat. It is here that Saul builds an altar to the Lord.

Saul wanted to head right back out to conquer that night. But, the priest stopped him, suggesting they inquire of the Lord.  So, Saul listened and prayed, but God did not answer. Saul thought this was because of a sin, so lots were used to find out who was guilty.  It fell on Jonathan, for he had eaten the honey.  Jonathan willingly surrendered to his father, but the people rose up to defend him and he was saved. 

Saul continued to rule Israel but there was constant war from all sides.  Saul kept building up his army by recruiting every strong or courageous man that he saw. 

Jonathan was a man of faith and courage.  He was also loyal to his father, even when he didn't agree with him.  He was instrumental in the fight against the Philistines, taking action while Saul waited around. If Saul had remained obedient to the Lord, Jonathan would have been the heir to the throne. Even though that did not happen, Jonathan remained faithful to the Lord.  He trusted the Lord more than his own father.  

Father in heaven, may we learn from Jonathan's example, and put our trust in You alone.  Again, we hear You calling us to trust in our True King and not in any government or army, or anything else.  There is One Lord, one Hope.. and that is Jesus Christ the Lord.  Be exalted, O God our Rock, our Refuge, and our Great Savior!  Teach us to walk in Your Light and be faithful; we pray, in Jesus' name, Amen. 

 I Samuel 13  Saul began to reign over Israel.  He began to build an army, choosing 3000 men at first. He appointed Jonathan, his son over 1000 of them.  When Jonathan assassinated the Philistine  governor of Geba war breaks out.  The Philistines bring 30.000 chariots, 6000 horsemen, and an army so great that it was compared to the sand on the seashore.  Israel could not stand against them on their own.  The people began hiding in caves, the men in the army were ready to desert and Saul was waiting on Samuel to come. 

It is at this point, early in Saul's reign, that he makes a decision that changes the course of his life... He takes upon himself the offering of burnt offerings. This revealed Saul's heart - his faith was not in God, but in himself- for he failed to obey God's Word. 

As soon as the offerings were finished.. Samuel came.  When he confronted Saul, there was only a weak excuse and no repentance.  Samuel's words to Saul should have broken his heart.. "You did a foolish thing. You didn't observe the commandment of Adonai, which he gave you. If you had, Adonai would have set up your kingship over Israel forever. But, as it is, your kingship will not be established. Adonai has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and Adonai has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you did not observe what Adonai ordered you to do." 

Saul ended up with only 600 soldiers.  No one had swords or spears except for Saul and Jonathan.  Israel was in desperate need... 

Our God is still looking for men and women "after His own heart".  He is unconcerned with numbers.  He is unconcerned with power.  He is unconcerned with religious rituals..  He is looking at  hearts. His desire is for us to trust and obey Him.  Period.  It is often at the times of our greatest need.. at times of crisis.. that our true hearts are revealed.. 

Father in heaven, there are many today that are fearful and anxious.. we are hiding.. not in caves, but in our own homes.  We are concerned with the enemy that surrounds us.. the enemy of disease, the enemy of violence, the enemy of political dissension.  Let our hearts Lord, seek only You.  May we wait on You. Not run ahead, not seek our own ways.. but  wait on the Lord. Help us to have this one true desire - to lay down our lives, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus! Amen!

"To Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul;

O my God, in Thee I trust,

Do not let me be ashamed;

Do not let my enemies exalt over me.

Indeed, none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed."

(Psalm 25:1-3) 

 

 

 

 

 I Samuel 11 - When Nahash, the Ammonite, came up to Jabesh-gilead, he offered them a peace accord. The one condition was that every man would have his right eye gouged out!  The people asked for 7 days to consider this and sent out messengers through Israel to see if any would come help them.  Saul was coming in from his field when he heard the news.  It appears that he had not even become a leader even though he was "king".  It is at this time that the "Spirit of God" fell on Saul and he was moved to action. 

Messengers were sent throughout Israel and the army of 300,000 came together to conquer the Ammonites.  This victory cemented Saul's position as king.  To his credit, Saul gave the glory to the Lord. It was a good start to his leadership. 

Chapter 12 - Samuel addresses Israel, reminding them that even though they have a king, their lives still depended on the Lord.  It was Adonai that freed Israel from slavery in Egypt. It was Adonai that sent judges to rescue them from their enemies time after time.  It is Adonai who was and is their true King.  It is Adonai who has given them a king to rule over them according to their request.  But, they will have no security just because of their human king.  They would only have true life if they served Adonai, obeyed His Word, and didn't rebel against Him. 

The people began to realize their sin in wanting a king and asked Samuel to pray for them.  Samuel's words are relevant to us all.. "Don't be afraid.  You have indeed done all this evil; yet now, just don't turn away from following Adonai; but serve Adonai with all your heart. Don't turn to the side; because then you will go after useless things that can neither help nor rescue, they are so futile. For the sake of His great reputation, Adonai will not abandon his people; because it has pleased Adonai to make you a people for Himself." (v20-22)   

V24 "Only fear Adonai, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for think what great things he has done for you!" 

Father, You are our Refuge and Help. There is no king, no politician, no government that can bring us hope or rescue us from evil. You and You alone are our King and our God.  May Your will be done and Your Name praised in all the earth. Thank You for these words of Truth that comfort us.. that You redeem us and forgive us our trespasses;  You will not forsake us.  You have made us Your own.  We do not want to turn aside to anything in this world, but to serve, obey, and trust You alone. Be glorified in Your people as we faithfully love and serve You.  Amen. 

PS - In 2007, the Lord gave me verse 16 "Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes."  We were heading to Mali, West Africa on a missions trip to work at the hospital there. The men in our group were adding a metal roof to an area that would be a workshop and storage building.  It was October and very hot. The sun hitting the metal roof was making the job even harder. As we gathered for lunch that day, the conversation prompted me to share the verse above. So, we prayed.  We asked the Lord to do a great thing before our eyes... to provide a cloud at a certain time, that would give relief to those working on that roof.  And... He did.  ONE cloud in the blue sky that blocked out the sun.  God has done "great things" for us!  Today, this verse has helped me remember that miracle of grace and kindness!   Our God is so, so good!

I Samuel 8-10  When Samuel was getting old and his sons failed to be faithful judges, the people of Israel demanded that Samuel give them a king. Samuel did not want to do this, but the Lord told him to do it, because  ".. they are rejecting Me; they don't want Me to be king over them.." 

Samuel warned the people of the negative consequences that would occur when a king was given power over the nation, but the people still cried out for a king.

In chapters 9-10 we read the sequence of events that led up to the choosing of Saul as Israel's first human king.

First, we learn of Saul's heritage  - he is from the tribe of Benjamin. His father Kish was a "man of substance and brave as well." 

Then we learn of his physical appearance - Saul was "young and good-looking;.. he stood head and shoulders taller than anyone else in Israel"

Saul was sent out to look for his father's lost donkeys and ended up meeting with Samuel.  Samuel informed Saul that God had chosen him to be king of Israel. Samuel gave Saul a series of signs that would happen.. to confirm that this was really happening to him..

As Saul left Samuel, "God gave him another heart; and all those signs took place that day." (10:9)

Even so, Saul was timid and hid when the time of his appointment came.  As all Israel gathered together.. each tribe came forward and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot.  As each clan from that tribe came forward, the clan to Matri  was chosen.  As each family came forward, Saul was chosen. Clearly, God's choice.   The Lord revealed Saul's hiding place and he was brought out to Samuel.  The people saw this tall, handsome young man and approved of his selection... shouting  "Long live the king!" 

They knew nothing about Saul, but looked only at his appearance. They may have approved of him because of the way the lots fell too.  Either way, most of them went on their merry way believing that all would be well now that they had a king.

Father, we know that You had a plan for Saul and for Israel.  You did not give up Your Sovereignty over Israel just because they chose a king.  Even now, we know You are Sovereign over every nation, over every king, dictator, president, or leader.  You see their hearts and know their deeds.   Your word says, "The king's heart in Adonai's hand is like streams of water - he directs it wherever He pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)  So, we pray that You will direct the heart of our president towards Truth and Righteousness.  We pray that You will lead our president and our  nation to faith in Jesus Christ who is King of kings and Lord of lords.  You alone are God and You alone can save us from the evil one who wants to destroy and bring pain and suffering.  Lead us in righteousness, hear our cry for deliverance and surround us "with favor like a shield" as we take refuge in You, Adonai,  God of heaven and earth.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

I Samuel 6-7

 After 7 months of tumors, death, and rats.. the Philistines were desperate to rid themselves of the Ark of the Covenant. They listened to the advice of their priests, put the ark on a cart, harnessed two milk cows, added a box of golden tumors and rats as a guilt offering..  and sent it off.  The cows went straight to Bethshemesh.  When the people saw it they rejoiced!  They immediately sacrificed the cows as a burnt offering and set the ark on a large rock.

But, they failed to obey the Law and looked into the ark.  Because they knew better, the Lord struck down the people of that city.. 52,070 in all.  Those left cried out, "Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God?" They sent messengers to Kiriath-jearim and men came and took the ark to the house of Abinadab.  Eleazar, the son of Abinadab, was consecrated to care for the ark.

For 20 years the ark stayed in Kiriath-jearim. During this time Samuel judged Israel and led them to repent of their idolatry, destroy the idols, and return to the Lord. The nation joined together in a day of fasting and prayer at Mitzpah.  The Philistines gathered against Israel to attack but when the people prayed and Samuel offered a burnt offering, the Lord fought for them and not only were the Philistines defeated, but some of the territory they had taken from Israel was restored.

It is here in this section that we read about Samuel setting up a stone that he called "Ebenezer" - the stone of help - "Adonai has helped us until now."  I recently read a devotional written by Joni Erikson Tada called "Shelter in Place" ( on the You Version Bible App) .  Joni talked about this passage and how God often sealed memorable events with some kind of physical memorial - the rainbow for Noah, the Passover for the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, etc.   She says this, "For years now, I've looked at my wheelchair as my Ebenezer. It's a visible, physical reminder; it's my stone of remembrance to commemorate God's grace in my life. It reminds me of how far the Lord has brought me, and everyone who sees me smile in this wheelchair knows that God is my help.." She challenges the reader to think of their own memorials.. What "tangible reminders of God's ever-present help" do we have?   When things are crushing us, when we are troubled or in pain.. is there something that we can look at and remember that God has helped us thus far and trust that He will help us now?

Father in heaven, we come to stand before You, our Holy God, only by the grace that has been lavished on us through Jesus Christ, Your Son.  Thank You.  Thank You for being our help "from ages past" and our "hope" for eternity.  Thank You for my "Ebenezer" - my daughter, a physical, visible reminder of Your grace in my life. I pray that we will stop and remember today of how You have helped us along life's journey..  May we each stop, be still, and KNOW that You are God and that You will be exalted among the nations and in all the earth!  To You be the glory for great things You have done!  Amen

I Samuel 5   The Philistines had captured the ark of God. They placed it in the temple of Dagon, their god in Ashdod.  But, things did not go as they expected!  After the first night they found Dagon on his face before the ark. After the second night, they found Dagon broken into pieces on the ground before the ark.  Not only that, but a plague of tumors afflicted the people of that city. There was no denying that Adonai, the God of Israel was greater than any other.. but..

... they sent the ark to another city! This city also experienced the sickness with tumors breaking out on all the people.  So, they also sent the ark out.. but the citizens of Ekron panicked. The hand of God came down and people died or had tumors.  ".. and the city's cries for help reached the skies." 

Panic, pain, and death ... but, none of this brought about repentance.  The Philistines valued their own false god more than they did their own health and lives.  They could have repented and called upon the Lord.  But, they turned away from the Truth and suffered for their own folly.

Note that it is Adonai who "began oppressing the people..."  Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron - three of the five main cities of the Philistines suffered under the hand of God.  They knew the cause. But, they would not humble themselves before Adonai.  Instead, they chased the ark out of their cities and caused the plague to effect others.

Is there a lesson here for us?  The "plague" of Covoid-19  has affected cities all over our world.  It has been spread from one city to another. Yet, how many have turned from their false gods and humbled themselves before the One True God?   Our country , our  whole world needs Jesus.  He is our hope.. not only from a virus, but from sin and death.  Is all of this the Hand of God "oppressing" the people of the world?  The results appear the same as it did in the Old Testament account - death, panic, fear, and despair.....

God is giving nations.. great and small.. an opportunity to repent and find life in Jesus Christ.  The only solution for our world is found in the Gospel.  May God bring about a great harvest of souls for the Kingdom!

Father, You are holy.  We honor Your Name.  We pray for the lost here and around the world, that the good news of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed in all Truth and that many will receive the salvation that is in Him alone.  Let Your name be praised among the nations, Father.  You alone are God in heaven and earth and there is no other.  Amen.

 I Samuel 1-4  Eli, the high priest, "judged" Israel for 40 years, we are told. ( 4:18)  His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were  "scoundrels who had no regard for Adonai".  They took what they wanted from the sacrificial offerings,  they slept with women who served at the temple gate, and they had absolutely no respect for their father or for the Lord.  It is at this time that God provides a man who will lead Israel forward. 

It started with an unhappy and miserable woman, who loved God, but,  who had not been able to have a child.  Hannah was greatly loved by her husband, but his second wife taunted and scorned Hannah constantly.   Hannah did the only thing she could.. she poured out her heart before God and made a vow to present her son to the Lord, if He allowed her to have a child. And so, Samuel was born. 

Hannah kept her vow and Samuel was "on loan to Adonai" for as long as he lived. ( 1:28) As Samuel grew up, Eli's sons got worse. At that time "Adonai rarely spoke, and visions were few" in Israel.  So when the Lord spoke to Samuel, he didn't even know Who was speaking to him.  From that time on Adonai began to reveal Himself to Samuel. 

In chapter 4 a great tragedy occurred. The Philistines attacked Israel and the sons of Eli took the ark of the covenant out of the Holy of holies.. took it to the battle field..and lost it into the hands of the Philistines. They also lost their lives.  Eli heard the news and also died . Phinehas' wife went into labor and delivered a child.  As she was dying she named the child Ichabod.. " The glory has departed from Israel". 

All through the time of the judges, Israel was moving further away from their God.  With the loss of the Ark and the death of the priests, it appears that Israel had reached rock bottom.. It is just at this time that God does a wonderful work of grace in the life of a faithful, yet suffering, woman named Hannah.  Samuel's birth and dedication to Adonai is an answer to Israel's need as well as to Hannah's prayers. 

God's plans and purposes are beyond what we can imagine. Even in times like these, when it seems very dark and life is filled with strife from every side.. God is in control and He has not abandoned His people. 

Father, we are thankful that You will never abandon us or stop working in our world.  You used a humble barren woman, Hannah, to do a new work that would bring life back to Israel.  You judge the wicked and lift up the humble. You are the same now as You were in that day. Use Your people, the Body of Christ, the church, to bring life and light to our world.  May the glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords, be lifted up and exalted in all the earth. May the glory of God also return to Israel.  Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Ephesians 6:10-24   We are instructed to "take up every piece of war equipment God provides;"  We are to take up Truth and Righteousness ( see yesterday's post).  We are also instructed to:

".. wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom" ( v15)  The purpose of our "war equipment" is so that we can keep on standing firm.  It is vital that we stand prepared.. for the battle.. for the assault that is coming.. for the fiery darts of the enemy.  We can only stand firm when we have received the Good News -  "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming shalom ( peace), bringing good news of good things, announcing salvation and saying to Zion, 'Your God is King'" ( Isaiah 52:7)   The 52nd chapter of Isaiah is focused on the deliverance of God's people by God's servant.. the one who was "so disfigured that he didn't even seem human.. "  the One who "will startle many nations" and leave kings speechless. ( v14-15).   Our peace comes from the sacrifice of our Savior who is our King.  The One who is "far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion... has put all things under His feet." (Ephesians 1:21-22)  On this truth we stand and are ready when the battle comes. 

V 16 "Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One."  The enemy is strong, but Jesus Christ is stronger.  The enemy is already "under His feet".  Victory is already won.  The promises of God are certain. The word of God is powerful.  As we place our trust in these truths.. the "flaming arrows" are extinguished!  Praise the Lord !

V 17-18 "And take the helmet of deliverance, along with the sword of the Spirit, that is the Word of God; as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests in the Spirit, diligently and persistently for all God's people."   Our helmet is vital.  Salvation or deliverance is ours in Christ Jesus and we must put it on!  Our minds and hearts can become discouraged in the midst of the battle.. but we can "take every thought captive" by concentrating on the Truth and placing our confidence in the One who has saved us by His own sacrifice.  

The sword is the Word of God, we are told, "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." ( Hebrews 4:12).  

Notice how we are to use these two pieces of war equipment - "as you pray at all times.." 

Father in heaven, holy, infinite, and mighty God, we come before You in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, thanking You for the Truth that You have revealed to us through the Word.  Our prayers are the weapons of Light as we pray for all God's people.  May Truth bind us together.  May righteousness cover us and flow through us.  May our faith extinguish every arrow.  May we stand ready in Your peace.  May we guard our hearts and minds with the peace and salvation that comes in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord of all.  And may we continually be kept  filled by Your Spirit and be diligent in praying for each other.  Amen. 

Ephesians 6:10-24

The Complete Jewish Bible says it this way, "Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with His mighty strength! Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary.  For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm." 

This is the third time in this letter that Paul mentions these "rulers and authorities".. 
In the first chapter he reminded us that the mighty strength of God raised the Messiah from the dead and that He is seated at His right hand.. "far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion or any other name that can be named either in the 'olam hazeh' ( this age) or in the 'olam haba' ( the age to come)."  ( 1:21)  In 3:10 Paul wrote that God unveiled His hidden plan.. the plan of redemption for all people, Jews or Gentiles.. "for the rulers and authorities in heaven to learn.. how many-sided God's wisdom is." 

Hallelujah!  Jesus is "far above" these rulers and powers.. and He has shown them the greatness of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ. These rulers have chosen to be the enemy of God and the enemy of God's people, but we have been united with Jesus Christ and with His strength so that we can stand firm and keep on standing!  He has truly "blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven"!

"So take up every piece of war equipment God provides.. "  It is ours, provided by the One who is above all, and we need to just take it.. carefully and completely.. so that we can stand firm.

First we must take up truth - Truth conquers the lies of the Adversary.  Jesus told us that He, Himself is the  Truth.  The Word of God is Truth.  Jesus prayed, "Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth - your word is truth" ( John 17:17)  If we fail to read, study, meditate on, or abide in the Word.. the Truth- we are not protected from the deception of the enemy.

Our war equipment also consists of "righteousness".   We have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ but we are also called to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness"; to "hunger and thirst for righteousness" ( Matthew 5:6;  6:33);  Paul wrote that we have been set free from sin and "have become slaves to righteousness".   In Ephesians 5:9 Paul says that the "fruit of the light is in every kind of goodness, rightness, and truth -"   Righteousness is a character trait that comes from the Lord and is  based on His Truth.  Our goals and desires.. our master.. if you will.. is to do what is pleasing to the Lord.. always.  To be righteous is to be innocent of wrongdoing, of sin, of all the evil that our enemy tempts us with.

Father in heaven,  You are God alone, self-existent and self-sufficient, holy and perfect in all Your ways, and we praise and worship You.  Thank You for the Truth.  Thank You that the Word of God has been given to us so that we might stand firm in union with our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Fill our hearts and minds with Your Word, write it on our hearts and allow it to penetrate our whole beings.  Thank You for the righteousness of Jesus our Lord that covers us by the shedding of His blood on the cross.  May all of our hearts wholly seek to live in the light of Jesus, that we might be innocent in our character and in our actions, for we desire to please You and not man.  Fill us again to the full with Your Spirit we pray, in Jesus' name, the Name above all names, Amen.

Ephesians 5:21- 6:9  Paul gives specific instructions to the believers on how to conduct their lives - to live a life of love and to walk as children of Light.

First of all - we need to keep being filled in our spirits by the Holy Spirit. We can do this by keeping the Word in our minds and hearts.  Hymns, spiritual songs, and psalms help us to do that. Worshiping God and giving Him thanks for everything will also help us do that.

We also need to "submit to one another in fear of the Messiah."   This takes humility, doesn't it? This doesn't come easy.. but it is a fruit of the Spirit that we need to cultivate.

Paul gets very specific here:

"Wives should submit to their husbands."
".. husbands, love your wives, just as the Messiah loved the church"
"Children.. obey your parents, for this is right.."
"Fathers, don't irritate you children and make them resentful, instead, raise them with the Lord's kind of discipline and guidance." 
"Slaves, obey your human masters.. but serve as slaves of Messiah.. doing what God wants with all your heart.."
".. masters, treat your slaves the same way.."

In other words, whatever relationships we have with others, we need to do what is right ( according to God's word, not the world's) .... doing what is good, kind, and truthful;  with true humility  and with love.  These characteristics reveal a right relationship with our Lord.

Father in heaven, we ask You to help us live this worthy life that pleases You, by the power of Your Spirit who lives in us.  We want to imitate You and to reflect Your light in our lives and relationships.  May Your love grow in us and overflow to others every day. We love You and want to honor You and bring glory to Your holy name.  We recognize that only in union with our Lord Jesus can we live this life of love. Thank You for bringing us into union with Yourself through the cross of Christ. We put our trust in Christ alone. It is the name of Jesus that we pray. amen.

 Ephesians 5  

In chapter 4 Paul laid out instructions to "strip off the old nature"  with all its "deceptive desires" - to stop lying, stealing, and hurting others.. to stop slander and bitterness, anger and rage.  Instead, he writes, we are to "clothe [ourselves] with the new nature created to be godly.. " To speak truth, to work and make an honest living; to be "kind to each other, tenderhearted; and forgiving each other.." 

"So imitate God, as his dear children; and live a life of love, just as also the Messiah loved us, indeed, on our behalf gave himself up as an offering, as a slaughtered sacrifice to God with a pleasing fragrance." (5:1)  In verses 8-9 he says it this way.. "Live like children of light, for the fruit of the light is in every kind of goodness, rightness, and truth-".  We are to "pay careful attention to how [we] conduct [our] lives." (v15)  We must be continually kept "filled with the Spirit".  

How do we do this? 

We turn away from all sin - sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or greed... obscenity, stupid talk or coarse language;- anything and everything  that is not like  our God who we are to imitate!

We are to expose what is dark.  Stop all foolishness.  Resist those who want to deceive with their "empty talk". Be wise. 

Instead we should choose to fill our minds and hearts with worship and the Word, and with thanksgiving - "sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to each other; sing to the Lord and make music in your heart to Him; always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah." ( v19-20) 

Live a life of love. Live in the Light. Walk in the Way.. Jesus Christ is the Way and His life is our example. By the power of His Spirit we can live to please the Lord. 

Father in heaven,  holy and blessed is Your Name in all the earth.  We come into Your Presence with thankful hearts, for You have covered us by the blood of the Lamb and we have been called Your children. Fill us Holy Spirit so that we might walk in love and in truth.  We are children of Light as we are united with Jesus, the Light of the World..  May the fruit of light.. goodness, rightness, and truth.. flow through us- to please You and to expose the deeds of darkness.  Let Your will be done in us today, so that You will receive all glory, honor, and praise.  In Jesus's name we pray. Amen. 

Ephesians 4  Paul prayed for the church to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, that Christ would live in them, that they would grasp the greatness of His love, and that they would "be filled with the fullness of God."  ( 3:16-19)
 In this chapter Paul exhorts them to do their part.. "I.. beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called..." 

What does such a life look like?  Paul spells it out for us:

"Always be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love." v2

"... preserve the unity the Spirit gives.. " Because there is only ONE body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, "one God, the father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is in all."

Speak the "truth in love" v15 - don't be deceived by the world's teaching..
".. grow up into him who is the head, the Messiah" - Through the Truth and in Love!
"strip off the old nature" v22  - all that is rotten and deceptive...
"let your spirits and mind keep being renewed" v23  We need to be in the Word.. daily!
"clothe yourselves with the new nature created to be godly, which expresses itself in the righteousness and holiness that flow from the truth." v24

Stop lying and speak the truth.
Stop stealing and earn an honest living.
Stop speaking evil and using harmful language... only speak what is good, helpful and beneficial.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, violent assertiveness and slander, along with all spitefulness." 
Be "kind to each other, tenderhearted; and forgive each other, just as in the Messiah God has forgiven you." 

All of these things are possible only when we are empowered by His Spirit, rooted and grounded in His Love; filled with His fullness, and trusting fully in Jesus who is "working in us.. able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine.." 

To Jesus Christ the Lord and to our Heavenly Father be all the glory, honor, and worship.  Amen.

Ephesians 3   Paul teaches that the Gospel was a "secret plan concerning the Messiah" a mystery that was being revealed to God's chosen emissaries by the Holy Spirit.  God had not fully revealed before this time that both Jews and Gentiles would become "joint heirs, a joint body and joint sharers.. in what God had promised." 

These many years later, we cannot fully grasp what an impact this would have had on the world at the time of Paul's writing. The Jews and Gentiles both kept themselves separated from each other. The very idea of unity would have been foreign and unacceptable to their way of thinking.  But, in fact, this was God's idea and His plan all along.

Paul felt privileged to be able to share this Good News with the Gentiles. The "unfathomable riches" of Christ are for all who trust in Him!  In the Messiah, God revealed His "many-sided (manifold) wisdom" and through the church, consisting of both Jew and Gentile, "rulers and authorities in heaven" learn of His greatness!

Moreover, "In union with Him ( Jesus)  through His faithfulness, we have boldness and confidence when we approach God".  

In light of these truths, Paul falls on his knees to pray... "I pray that from the treasures of His glory He will empower you with inner strength by His Spirit so that the Messiah may live in your hearts through your trusting. Also I pray that you will be rooted and founded in love, so that you, with all God's people, will be given strength to grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of the Messiah's love, yes, to know it, even though it is beyond all knowing, so that you will be filled with all the fulness of God." ( v16-19)

Father, You are our God and there is no other!  What manifold wisdom, what awesome grace, what unfathomable love, that You should send Your Son to bring us to Yourself.  We, who have trusted in Jesus Christ, have been made one - united with all other believers - becoming one family.  Open our eyes to see and our hearts to receive all that You desire for us, Your children.  We come boldly to the throne of grace to ask for the inner strength that Paul prayed for.. that we might also grasp the breadth, length, height and depth of Your love.  In Christ we come and ask these things. Amen.