Father, May the life of Saul serve as a bitter reminder to us that the way of the world ends in death and destruction. He intentionally rebelled and continually went his own way. Even after running the mediums and necromancers out of Israel, Saul went to one for help. His kingdom was take away. He … Continue reading 1 Samuel 28-31 – Keep Us in Your Way →

Lord, There will always be Nabals and Sauls who insult and try to harm your people. May we humbly learn to rest in You. May we not seek vengeance on those who harm and insult us. Cause us to trust that vengeance belongs to You. Cause us to believe that You are fighting and working … Continue reading Responding To Mistreatment →

Father, Saul was pursuing David. As he was pursued the distressed, debtors, and discontent people came to him. He became their leader. They found refuge with him. Thank You for the reminder this gives us of David's Lord and Descendant. Thank You that Jesus receives the distressed, debtors, and the discontented. We can come to … Continue reading 1 Samuel 22:1-2: Refuge in Jesus →

Father, Goliath taunted David on the battlefield. He judged David by his outer appearances. David was young and ruddy. Goliath was a seasoned warrior and a powerful man. He was over nine feet tall! A giant! He mocked You and Your people. By all worldly appearances, David would not win that battle. Yet, David did … Continue reading 1 Samuel 17 – The Lord’s Battle →

Lord, How quickly we turn to our way! We are so quick to think that we know what You want. We think You are like us. Yet, You alone are God. You are to be feared, trusted, and obeyed. Saul did not obey Your commands. He feared the people and obeyed them. Again, his fear … Continue reading Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice – 1 Samuel 15 →

Father, Saul acted in fear and disobeyed Your Law. He offered sacrifices that were not his to offer. He went his own way. His kingdom was taken from him.  In contrast, Jonathan acted in faith, and You rescued Israel.  May we not be governed by fear and go our own way. May we trust Your … Continue reading 1 Samuel 13-14 – Acting in Faith, Not Fear →

Lord of Hosts, There is no one like You. You struck down the gods of Egypt with a mighty hand. You led the people to the Promised Land. You fulfilled Your promises to them. They rebelled and went their own way. Yet, their rebellion did not leave You helpless against Your enemies. When the ark … Continue reading Our God Reigns – 1 Samuel 4-7 →

Sovereign Lord, Again, we are confronted with the evil of Israel and our own hearts. In the final years of the judges, the spiritual leadership of Israel had fallen into blatant acts of rebellion and sexual promiscuity. They continued going their own way. They resisted You, Your Law, and the warnings You sent to them.  … Continue reading Praying 1 Samuel 1-3 →