"As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came...'You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God.'" - 1 Samuel 13:10-13 NASB
The prophet Samuel had been very specific. He told King Saul what to do and when to act. But Saul chose to ignore these directions.
Instead of waiting for Samuel, he decided to move forward, making an offering on his own. Saul had not waited quite long enough, for Samuel arrived as soon as the offering was completed, precisely when he had promised.
Through his actions, Saul revealed a tendency to reinterpret directions according to his own understanding. He proved he couldn't be trusted.
Saul didn't realize that timing is important to God. Samuel had given him a specific time, a time that was "appointed" (v. 8). This was the same word God used in Leviticus 23 to establish the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles as His "appointed times." This also was the same word used to describe the creation of seasons as God's appointed times in nature (Genesis 1:14).
The Bible tells us "there is an appointed time for everything." There are specific times when we are to act, and times when we are not to act...times to give birth and to die, to plant and to uproot, to kill and to heal, to tear down and to build up, to be silent and to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).
God's timing always is perfect. He looks for people who will believe Him, trust Him, obey Him, and act according to His timetable--not like Saul, who made himself the judge of time and lacked the patience to trust in God.
Today, make sure that you are sensitive to God's timing. As you're waiting for His Word to come to pass, don't give up. Keep trusting. His Word is true, and He keeps His promises.
Prayer
Father, I seek Your guidance and wisdom. Help me to stay sensitive to Your timing. Lead me into Your purposes for me. I commit my life and decisions to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
1 Samuel 13
Monday, February 8, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Depending on God Alone
"The Philistines fought and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent; and the slaughter was very great, for there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers." - 1 Samuel 4:10 NASB
Carrying the Ark of the Covenant into battle, the Israelites thought they were invincible. Sure that it guaranteed them victory, they proclaimed: "God will save us from our enemies" (v. 3). Yet they were defeated by the Philistines, and the ark itself was captured. How could this have happened?
The Israelites had made a major mistake: They assumed they could trust in the ark and that it would save them. As a result, they didn't seek God, and He wasn't directing them. Because He hadn't called them to go into this battle, He didn't bless their efforts. It was a painful lesson to learn.
In our time, many people are just like these Israelites. Thinking that they are religious or spiritual, they put their faith in all kinds of things--people, traditions, creeds, slogans, good works, denominations, and religious symbols.
Inevitably, all of these things will fall short and let us down. Only God Himself never fails. We must start every endeavor with Him and not take His blessings for granted.
David, who entered the picture soon after the battle described above, once wrote, "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God" (Psalm 20:7). We, too, need to trust completely in God and boast only in Him.
Today, there are many temptations and distractions, but God remains the same. Don't put your trust in the chariots and horses of this world. Rather than being overconfident or putting your faith in the wrong things or people, trust in the Lord, and Him alone.
Prayer
Father, I place my hope in You. You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. Other people may fail me, but I can depend on You. I worship You! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
1 Samuel 4
Carrying the Ark of the Covenant into battle, the Israelites thought they were invincible. Sure that it guaranteed them victory, they proclaimed: "God will save us from our enemies" (v. 3). Yet they were defeated by the Philistines, and the ark itself was captured. How could this have happened?
The Israelites had made a major mistake: They assumed they could trust in the ark and that it would save them. As a result, they didn't seek God, and He wasn't directing them. Because He hadn't called them to go into this battle, He didn't bless their efforts. It was a painful lesson to learn.
In our time, many people are just like these Israelites. Thinking that they are religious or spiritual, they put their faith in all kinds of things--people, traditions, creeds, slogans, good works, denominations, and religious symbols.
Inevitably, all of these things will fall short and let us down. Only God Himself never fails. We must start every endeavor with Him and not take His blessings for granted.
David, who entered the picture soon after the battle described above, once wrote, "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God" (Psalm 20:7). We, too, need to trust completely in God and boast only in Him.
Today, there are many temptations and distractions, but God remains the same. Don't put your trust in the chariots and horses of this world. Rather than being overconfident or putting your faith in the wrong things or people, trust in the Lord, and Him alone.
Prayer
Father, I place my hope in You. You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. Other people may fail me, but I can depend on You. I worship You! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
1 Samuel 4
Thursday, February 4, 2010
God's Revelation
"Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. All Israel...knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel...by the word of the LORD." - 1 Samuel 3:19-21 NASB
To the people of Israel, it seemed as though God was silent. His Word was "rare" and "visions were infrequent" (v. 1). But everything changed through Samuel, who learned to hear the voice of God. The first message he received described judgment that was about to come to Eli, the priest. Samuel wasn't sure what to do, but he told Eli "everything and hid nothing from him" (v. 18).
Samuel had passed this first test. He demonstrated that God could trust him to hear His words and faithfully deliver His messages.
After Samuel passed this test, "the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel" (v. 21). He disclosed deep truths and powerful insights. Why? Because Samuel had proven himself to be faithful and trustworthy--because he cultivated a personal relationship with God and knew His voice. Soon, "Samuel was confirmed as a prophet" (v. 20). Everyone throughout Israel realized that, once again, God was speaking to His people.
Are you ready to follow the path laid out by Samuel? To dedicate your life to serving Him? To spend time in His Presence, listen to His voice, and be faithful to carry out what He says?
Today, God is ready to reveal Himself to you in new ways--to open up new insights from His Word, to give you new levels of wisdom, and to give you a message to speak to others.
Follow Samuel's example: Commit your life to God. Deepen your relationship with Him. Fill your life with His Word. Follow the leading of His Spirit. Believe Him for greater revelations.
Prayer
Father, I commit my time, talent, and treasure to You. Help me understand more of Your Word. Help me to complete Your assignment for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
1 Samuel 3
To the people of Israel, it seemed as though God was silent. His Word was "rare" and "visions were infrequent" (v. 1). But everything changed through Samuel, who learned to hear the voice of God. The first message he received described judgment that was about to come to Eli, the priest. Samuel wasn't sure what to do, but he told Eli "everything and hid nothing from him" (v. 18).
Samuel had passed this first test. He demonstrated that God could trust him to hear His words and faithfully deliver His messages.
After Samuel passed this test, "the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel" (v. 21). He disclosed deep truths and powerful insights. Why? Because Samuel had proven himself to be faithful and trustworthy--because he cultivated a personal relationship with God and knew His voice. Soon, "Samuel was confirmed as a prophet" (v. 20). Everyone throughout Israel realized that, once again, God was speaking to His people.
Are you ready to follow the path laid out by Samuel? To dedicate your life to serving Him? To spend time in His Presence, listen to His voice, and be faithful to carry out what He says?
Today, God is ready to reveal Himself to you in new ways--to open up new insights from His Word, to give you new levels of wisdom, and to give you a message to speak to others.
Follow Samuel's example: Commit your life to God. Deepen your relationship with Him. Fill your life with His Word. Follow the leading of His Spirit. Believe Him for greater revelations.
Prayer
Father, I commit my time, talent, and treasure to You. Help me understand more of Your Word. Help me to complete Your assignment for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
1 Samuel 3
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A Turnaround for God's People
"The boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." - 1 Samuel 3:1 NASB
For many in Israel, God seemed merely a part of Israel's distant history. They had never heard His voice or sensed His involvement in their lives. But through Samuel everything changed.
This process began when Samuel was just a boy. From early childhood, he spent his life in the Temple, where he entered a new dimension--learning to hear the voice of God. He realized God hadn't changed: He was real, His Word was relevant, He had plans for Israel and each individual, and He was ready to direct them, protect them, and bless them.
Today, many never hear God's voice. They assume that faith is irrelevant or misguided. To them, God is dead--a relic of history. Others have a religion of forms and rituals: They know about God, but don't have a personal relationship with Him.
Just as in the time of Samuel, God is ready to speak to people in our time--to turn around our situations and solve our problems. But who will hear His voice?
He looks for people who will develop a personal relationship with Him and spend time with Him. He seeks people who know His Word and make it part of their daily lives, believing that it's "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12).
Are you ready to hear God's voice? Start by spending more time in His Presence. Develop a more intimate relationship with Him. Fill your life with the Scriptures, and put them into practice. As you pray, talk with Him and listen.
Seek to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide you and direct your steps. Let Him turn around your life and change other lives for Christ through you!
Prayer
Father, I want a more intimate relationship with You. Speak to me through Your Word. Fill me anew with Your Spirit. Use me to impact lives for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
1 Samuel 3
For many in Israel, God seemed merely a part of Israel's distant history. They had never heard His voice or sensed His involvement in their lives. But through Samuel everything changed.
This process began when Samuel was just a boy. From early childhood, he spent his life in the Temple, where he entered a new dimension--learning to hear the voice of God. He realized God hadn't changed: He was real, His Word was relevant, He had plans for Israel and each individual, and He was ready to direct them, protect them, and bless them.
Today, many never hear God's voice. They assume that faith is irrelevant or misguided. To them, God is dead--a relic of history. Others have a religion of forms and rituals: They know about God, but don't have a personal relationship with Him.
Just as in the time of Samuel, God is ready to speak to people in our time--to turn around our situations and solve our problems. But who will hear His voice?
He looks for people who will develop a personal relationship with Him and spend time with Him. He seeks people who know His Word and make it part of their daily lives, believing that it's "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12).
Are you ready to hear God's voice? Start by spending more time in His Presence. Develop a more intimate relationship with Him. Fill your life with the Scriptures, and put them into practice. As you pray, talk with Him and listen.
Seek to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide you and direct your steps. Let Him turn around your life and change other lives for Christ through you!
Prayer
Father, I want a more intimate relationship with You. Speak to me through Your Word. Fill me anew with Your Spirit. Use me to impact lives for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
1 Samuel 3
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A Turning Point for Paul
"I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know...I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.'" - Acts 25:10-11 NASB
It was a key moment in Christian history. Paul stood alone, listening as his accusers claimed he was a political revolutionary, a rebel, and a dangerous man. Paul could have resorted to bribery, as the Roman governor, Felix, had hoped. He had done nothing wrong and could have fought the charges. In fact, King Agrippa later admitted that Paul could have been set free. Instead, Paul chose to "appeal to Caesar."
This was a risky decision. What would he face? Persecution? Death? But Paul was proving the truth of what he had written: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). He was demonstrating his unwavering commitment to following Christ.
This appeal helped turn the world upside down. In Rome, Paul preached the "Kingdom of God" and taught "concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered" (Acts 28:17-31). There he wrote how his imprisonment had "turned out for the greater progress of the gospel," since it became "well known throughout the whole praetorian guard." Seeing his example, other Believers were encouraged "to speak the word of God without fear" (Philippians 1:12-14).
With greater clarity than ever before, Paul realized that nothing mattered except serving Jesus--not even his own life. He wrote from Rome, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
In the same way, God is ready to turn around your circumstances and use you to change the world. Follow Paul's example: Commit your life to Him, without reservation. Let Him direct your steps. Live for Christ, for nothing else matters!
Prayer
Father, I surrender my life to You. Direct my steps. Use me to impact the world for the Gospel. Thank You for meeting my needs. I trust in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Acts 25
It was a key moment in Christian history. Paul stood alone, listening as his accusers claimed he was a political revolutionary, a rebel, and a dangerous man. Paul could have resorted to bribery, as the Roman governor, Felix, had hoped. He had done nothing wrong and could have fought the charges. In fact, King Agrippa later admitted that Paul could have been set free. Instead, Paul chose to "appeal to Caesar."
This was a risky decision. What would he face? Persecution? Death? But Paul was proving the truth of what he had written: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). He was demonstrating his unwavering commitment to following Christ.
This appeal helped turn the world upside down. In Rome, Paul preached the "Kingdom of God" and taught "concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered" (Acts 28:17-31). There he wrote how his imprisonment had "turned out for the greater progress of the gospel," since it became "well known throughout the whole praetorian guard." Seeing his example, other Believers were encouraged "to speak the word of God without fear" (Philippians 1:12-14).
With greater clarity than ever before, Paul realized that nothing mattered except serving Jesus--not even his own life. He wrote from Rome, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
In the same way, God is ready to turn around your circumstances and use you to change the world. Follow Paul's example: Commit your life to Him, without reservation. Let Him direct your steps. Live for Christ, for nothing else matters!
Prayer
Father, I surrender my life to You. Direct my steps. Use me to impact the world for the Gospel. Thank You for meeting my needs. I trust in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Acts 25
Monday, February 1, 2010
Peter's Turnaround
"They were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house...And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4 NASB
Impetuous Peter--always a man of action, quick to make promises. But he faced reality after he denied Jesus three times. Instead of being bold, he ran away in fear.
Knowing he had denied his Master, Peter must have felt like a real failure. But Jesus knew Peter had fallen short because he depended on his flesh. He needed the Holy Spirit!
After His Resurrection, Jesus commanded Peter and the other disciples to wait in Jerusalem "for what the Father had promised"--to "be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (vs. 4-5). Questions must have flooded Peter's mind. Why did they have to wait? We can imagine how much he wanted to take action and do something. But, obeying Jesus, he and the others waited.
When the Day of Pentecost came, they still were waiting. They were in one place, united, seeking God together. Then, without warning, everything changed as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Suddenly, the waiting must have made sense, for they were baptized into a new dimension of power. They had acted according to God's timetable, and now they were equipped and ready for ministry.
Everything turned around for Peter and the early Church. Why? Because they waited on God. They were prepared for the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and He changed everything.
Today, God still changes lives through His Spirit. Make sure that you surrender your life to Him. Seek Him. Wait on Him. Listen to His voice. Seek unity with other Believers. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and follow His leading. Prepare to be used by God!
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I seek to move according to Your will. I need You. I wait on You. Fill me with Your power. Use me to spread the Gospel and impact lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Acts 2
Impetuous Peter--always a man of action, quick to make promises. But he faced reality after he denied Jesus three times. Instead of being bold, he ran away in fear.
Knowing he had denied his Master, Peter must have felt like a real failure. But Jesus knew Peter had fallen short because he depended on his flesh. He needed the Holy Spirit!
After His Resurrection, Jesus commanded Peter and the other disciples to wait in Jerusalem "for what the Father had promised"--to "be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (vs. 4-5). Questions must have flooded Peter's mind. Why did they have to wait? We can imagine how much he wanted to take action and do something. But, obeying Jesus, he and the others waited.
When the Day of Pentecost came, they still were waiting. They were in one place, united, seeking God together. Then, without warning, everything changed as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Suddenly, the waiting must have made sense, for they were baptized into a new dimension of power. They had acted according to God's timetable, and now they were equipped and ready for ministry.
Everything turned around for Peter and the early Church. Why? Because they waited on God. They were prepared for the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and He changed everything.
Today, God still changes lives through His Spirit. Make sure that you surrender your life to Him. Seek Him. Wait on Him. Listen to His voice. Seek unity with other Believers. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and follow His leading. Prepare to be used by God!
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I seek to move according to Your will. I need You. I wait on You. Fill me with Your power. Use me to spread the Gospel and impact lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Acts 2
Sunday, January 31, 2010
He Is the Lord!
I found this daily devotional website and I am going to try to look at it everyday to get inspiration from the word! I have fallen short when it comes to reading my bible everyday. I will start again today! Thank you Lord that you forgive me of my short comings!
"I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God...the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these." - Isaiah 45:5-7 NASB
There are times when it can appear that darkness rules the earth...that there's no hope...and that God's people inevitably will be defeated. We can think our lives are dominated by enemies and that we're nothing but victims. We can feel outnumbered and doomed to failure. Discouraged, we can wonder if God ever will answer our prayers and solve our problems.
At times like these, we need to read these verses from Isaiah, where God states His absolute sovereignty. Regardless of how things appear, He's the Master of every situation. He is "the Lord, and there is no other!"
God declares that He reigns over every part of life--not only the light, but even the darkness; amid what appears to be good news or bad; when we face trials or when everything seems to be going smoothly. He has no rivals, and His power has no limits.
These truths are overwhelming. Life-changing! But do we really believe them? If we really believed them, we would never have any fears, for we could trust in God completely! We would know that the only thing to worry about is not obeying and trusting Him, not living in accordance with His will, and not being in harmony with Him.
Today, stop and think about these truths. Declare God to be the Master of your life. Do not allow any problem to make you discouraged.
Focus on the Lord. Worship Him. Seek His face. Commit the situations you face to Him, and trust in Him resolutely. It's His desire "that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me" (v. 6). He is the Lord!
Prayer
Father, You are sovereign. I commit these situations and people into Your hands: _______. I trust in You, and I'm believing You for turnarounds in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Isaiah 45
"I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God...the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these." - Isaiah 45:5-7 NASB
There are times when it can appear that darkness rules the earth...that there's no hope...and that God's people inevitably will be defeated. We can think our lives are dominated by enemies and that we're nothing but victims. We can feel outnumbered and doomed to failure. Discouraged, we can wonder if God ever will answer our prayers and solve our problems.
At times like these, we need to read these verses from Isaiah, where God states His absolute sovereignty. Regardless of how things appear, He's the Master of every situation. He is "the Lord, and there is no other!"
God declares that He reigns over every part of life--not only the light, but even the darkness; amid what appears to be good news or bad; when we face trials or when everything seems to be going smoothly. He has no rivals, and His power has no limits.
These truths are overwhelming. Life-changing! But do we really believe them? If we really believed them, we would never have any fears, for we could trust in God completely! We would know that the only thing to worry about is not obeying and trusting Him, not living in accordance with His will, and not being in harmony with Him.
Today, stop and think about these truths. Declare God to be the Master of your life. Do not allow any problem to make you discouraged.
Focus on the Lord. Worship Him. Seek His face. Commit the situations you face to Him, and trust in Him resolutely. It's His desire "that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me" (v. 6). He is the Lord!
Prayer
Father, You are sovereign. I commit these situations and people into Your hands: _______. I trust in You, and I'm believing You for turnarounds in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Isaiah 45
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