Blog Entries tagged '1 Samuel'

A leader to the end

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:44:33 +0100

Saul still had people following him to his very end. What type of leader do we follow?

1 Samuel 31.1-13

Reference: v. 5 When the armour-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him.

Explore: Even in death, Saul was a leader. If he had have stayed true to his commitment to God, he would have been an even greater leader for God saw the potential in Saul. However misguided he was in the end, he carried a certain amount of hope for the Israelite army. So much so that when he gave up all hope and suicided, his armour-bearer did the same thing. What a devastating end to someone who could have been a mighty king.

Application: We all follow people throughout our lives. Some are honourable people who continue to give us hope. But all are fallible and let us down in some way at some time. That’s why as Christians we are so blessed to be able to follow Jesus, the ultimate leader and guide. When He died on the cross it seemed that all help was lost and maybe his disciples at the time felt like falling on their swords too. However our leader conquered death. He has victory over all of us and desires for us to follow him, every minute of every day.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the mighty leader. You have gone before us and shown us how to live and you walk beside us guiding and prompting us along the way. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Where do we turn to?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David had been a great leader but even his men turned on him. Where did David look to find his strength?

1 Samuel 30.1-31

Reference: v. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

Explore: This story sounds very familiar. It reminds me of when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, miraculously across the Red Sea, being guided by a cloud by day and fire by night, and yet in the harshness of the desert it all becomes too much for the Israelites and they start complaining against Moses. So too did David’s men turn on him. They had followed him, he had offered them excellent leadership when they were outcasts and when the going got tough, they started to turn on him. The ways of man are fickle. And so David turns to his constant aid, the Lord his God.

Application: We can never predict what is going to happen and God certainly never assured us that if we follow him we would have a perfect life. Trials and difficulties will come our way that is for sure. But something else that is certain is that God will always be there for us. “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you,” promises the Lord. In times of trial, we can rely on Him. When everyone else seems to be turning against us, God will be for us. He is our greatest support and our never-ending source of love.

Prayer: Lord, you were in the beginning, you are here now and you will forever be. Although I don’t deserve it I thank you for always being there for me, in the times of celebration and the times of mourning. Amen.

Who would vouch for you?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Achish stood up for David amongst his own people because, in over a year, he saw no fault in him

1 Samuel 29.1-11

Reference: v. 3 The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.”

Examine: Even when David was living in the camp of his enemy, he still lived a life of integrity and respect to those around him. The person he was closest to, Achish, was able to vouch for him and it was the people who knew nothing except his race that didn’t trust him.

Application: No matter where we are or what we are doing we should take a leave out of David’s book and be above reproach, no matter who we are with. If the people that are closest to us can see that we are people of integrity, then that is the best word we can be given. People will continue to have their prejudices, but as Christians we just need to continue being the best people we can be. “They will know that you are my disciples by your love.”

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it is easier to slip into our sinful nature and do things for our own selfish gain. Help us to always show your love, no matter what the situation. Amen.

Full Circle

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David finds himself fighting with the Philistines after all the years of fighting against them

1 Samuel 28.1-25

Reference: v. 1 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, “You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army.”

Explore: On the day that David stood against Goliath he would never have thought that years down the track he would be standing side-by-side with the Philistines. How the tables had turned.

Application: Whether David was fighting for Saul or for Achish, he was dedicated to the people who had protected him. Ultimately, he was dedicated to the God that had anointed him and called him to be king. When you look back on life, you are never sure where life may take you. The twists and turns along the journey can seem strange at the time, however if we allow God to be a part of each step along the way, we can see how He is able to make us better disciples with each twist and turn.

Prayer: Lord, often I don’t understand the meaning of certain events. However I trust that you have my life in your hands. You sent your son so that we could have life and have it abundantly. May I life according to your word today. Amen.

Giving your all for the journey

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:22:20 +0100

David’s followers had to move their whole families to follow him, what are we willing to give up to follow our Almighty leader?

1 Samuel 27.1-12

Reference: v. 3 David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.

Explore: David had six hundred men with him and they all moved with him to Gath. This was a huge move as they weren’t all single soldiers who could go anywhere, but they all had family and so they moved their whole homes to this new place to follow David.
David’s followers had to make a big move to keep serving him and following him. On one hand, he must have been a great leader for them to make such a big move. On the other hand, they must have been dedicated followers to transfer their whole families to stay serving him.

Application: David was a great leader but even he doesn’t come close to the leadership of our Almighty leader. God knows what is best for us, he leads us and guides us in our whole lives. So, what would our response be if we felt he was calling us to move to another place? Would we be as willing as David’s men or would we be able to find a justified reason to stay? God will be with us wherever we may go, but when we are obeying his path, that is the place where we fulfil our life’s calling. God is calling you to move, how will you respond?

Prayer: Lord, we can always find a reason to say ‘no’ or even ‘not now’ but we know that our life will be at it’s best when it is obeying your call. Speak clearly to us so that we hear your voice, prepare our hearts so that we are ready to obey. Amen.

�I�ll go with you.�

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

David needed a companion on the road, how did Abishai respond?

1 Samuel 26.1-25

Reference: v. 6 David then asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?” “I’ll go with you,” said Abishai.

Explore: Saul had come chasing David again and so he was going to go down to Saul’s camp and see what the situation was. But he needed someone to help him, so he asks two close companions who will go with him. Now, I’m not sure how this is decided. However, in the passage we read the Abishai states: I’ll go with you. It sounds quite definite and purposeful. And later on in the passage we see that Abishai was not willing to back out on anything.

Application: When I see an opportunity to serve God or to serve God’s people, do I jump right in and say, “I’ll go.” Or am I more inclined to challenge the other participants with a “paper-rock-scissors” contest to see which loser has to go? Abishai was not the ‘annointed one’ chosen by Samuel, he did not have the songs sung about him and Saul’s hatred was not targeted directly towards him. Yet he saw injustice and was willing to put his hand up. There is an active Abishai in all of us, we just need to have the courage and the conviction to also say: I’ll go with you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you challenge each one of us to go and do your work here on Earth. Help us to have the courage to step out and go where we are needed. Amen.

Putting your neck on the line

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:31:38 +0100

Abigail went beyond her social position and ended up saving hundreds of men…

1 Samuel 25.20-43

Reference: v. 33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.

Explore: Abigail was a fairly remarkable woman. Just to be named in the Old Testament shows that she was outstanding in character. Some could claim that she was interfering in business way beyond her, however it was clear that she understood the severity of the potential ramifications caused by her husbands insults if she didn’t act. She didn’t know whether David would be gracious to her. But just like Esther she was willing to put herself on the line to save her people.

Application: We live in a very politically correct world where we tend to tip-toe around so we don’t offend or upset anyone. While I’m all for treating people equally I think we have gone a little soft in dealing with people’s misdemeanours. Abigail was certainly a person of action. She was polite and respectful in her words, and yet her actions were risky, controversial and beyond her position. However, because she willing to put her own life on the line for others, she really was given the respect that she deserved.

Prayer: Lord, often I shy away from confrontation because I don’t want to be seen as arrogant or pushy. Help me to be brave like Abigail and do my best to correct wrong-doing. Amen.

The extra mile

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Nabal's servants went beyond the call of duty even when it meant going against their master.

1 Samuel 25.1-19

Reference: v. 15 Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing.

Explore: David had gone to Nabal to ask him to supply them needed food, seeing as though David and his men had guarded his servants at another time. Nabal refused which made David very unhappy. Yet the servants remembered the care of David’s men and so went behind their cruel master’s back to try to persuade his wife of the care David had shown them in the past.

Application: People remember when you go the extra mile. It’s one thing to be nice to someone or to be friendly, but to go the extra mile means to stick your neck out and make some kind of sacrifice for another. David’s men had gone the extra mile for Nabal’s servants. I’m not sure whether this was custom for the day but it had certainly been remembered fondly by the servants. One of Jesus’ commands is to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ This sounds like quite a simple request; to treat another person as you would like to be treated. Yet when it does actually happen you find the response similar to Nabal’s servants, gratitude and dedication.

Prayer: Lord, I know I should love others more but sometimes it seems so challenging. Give me your strength as I go the extra mile. Amen.

Actions speak louder than words

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:07:30 +0100

1 Samuel 24.1-22

Reference: v. 17 “You are more righteous than I,” Saul said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.”

Explore: David has just spared Saul’s life for the first time. He could have killed him fairly easily and yet didn’t. When David proved to Saul his grace, Saul was very humbled and acknowledged his greatness. However, if we know anything about King Saul’s story we know that he tries again to find David and kill him. So while he was wrapped up in the moment of being saved, he spoke words of affirmation to David. However, when it came down to it, Saul was not changed at all because his future actions did not change.

Application: We all have times of enlightenment in our lives. Something happens that changes our course or that allows us to see a better way of living. These moments can be powerful and poignant. However, while the wisdom we receive in that moment can be eye-opening, it really doesn’t mean anything unless we put it into action in the future. Saul’s declaration of David was honourable and yet his actions didn’t change, therefore his heart had not been changed. Unless our future actions change and back up the wisdom that has been revealed to us, then we are worse off from never having received the wisdom in the first place.

Prayer: Lord, I read your word, I gain your wisdom, I know what I should do and yet I do the opposite. Help me to stay true to the wisdom you have so generously given. Amen.

The �easy� life

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:09:20 +0100

1 Samuel 23.1-29

Reference: v. 3 But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!”

Explore: God had instructed David to go and fight the Philistines even though he was in hiding from Saul. He was basically putting his neck out for the Keilah yet continuing to fulfil his purpose from God to fight for the people. However, his men saw the reality of this step and feared going the extra mile. However David obeyed God and the Philistines were overcome.

Application: I often feel it’s hard enough to live life on a day-to-day basis, just following my own goals and plans. But then to throw what God wants me to do into the mix, I too can feel like ‘David’s men’. It’s hard enough here, how much harder is it going to be if we follow God’s call somewhere else? And yet I can never recall reading in the gospels Jesus saying, ‘Come follow me and your life will be a breeze!’ Quite the contrary. Again and again he reminded us that the life of a disciple would be difficult, dangerous and risky but… eternally rewarding. It’s easy to focus on the reality like ‘David’s men’ did, however we must be courageous to follow God’s path, not the easy road.

Prayer: Lord God, I can get so consumed in my own plans and my own daily to-do-lists. I stop now and focus on you. What would you have me do today? … May I be your servant on earth today. Amen.

Death defying dedication

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:11:30 +0100

1 Samuel 22.6-23

Reference: v. 14 Ahimelech answered the king, “Who of all your servants is as loyal as David, the king’s son-in-law, captain of your body guard and highly respected in your household?

Explore: Saul was angry because Ahimelech had assisted David. He felt this was an act of betrayal from Ahimelech and yet he was only acting from what he saw of David. David had been Saul’s biggest supporter and helper. He had fought battles for Saul and stood by his side. Even when Saul had thrown a spear at David he had continued to live a life above reproach and honour his king.

Application: I wish I could say I am as dedicated and unfailing as David. It was almost like nothing could deter his dedication to his king. While the King I worship is so much greater, grander and gracious than Saul I still find myself falling short of my dedication and honour. Each time I learn something new about the King of Kings I am humbled at his majesty, I’m in awe of his wisdom, and I’m filled with hope at his love. I need to keep standing at the foot of the throne to learn more about my glorious King so I can be dedicated just like David.

Prayer: King of Kings and Lord of Lords, you are the Creator of all things and a mighty Saviour. Forgive me when I fail to stay true to your call. I rededicate my life to you today. Amen.

Small beginnings

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:12:45 +0100

1 Samuel 21.10-22.5

Reference: v. 22.2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

Explore: When you say the name King David you think of someone powerful, strong, poetry, Bethsheba… you don’t think of someone hiding out in a cave and all those who felt outcast gathering towards him. And yet this is how David began. This wasn’t even his pre-king life, people were already acknowledging him and identifying him as king. And yet he was beginning his leadership in such a small and maybe what seemed like an insignificant way. However, David did not turn those people away. He didn’t say to them, Don’t you know who I am? He was dedicated even with a small band of outcasts.

Application: We never know what the future is going to hold for us but David teaches us to be dedicated with whatever we have in the present situation. To those who are diligent with the small, much will be given.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a person of integrity, to be responsible with everything that you have given us, the big and the small. Amen.

Rite or right?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:14:56 +0100

1 Samuel 21.1-9

Reference: v. 6 So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the Lord and replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away.

Explore: David had fled from Saul, without any food or even without weapons. This priest could have turned him away and not helped him, as he had so little to offer David, and yet he gave what he had – even though it was meant for a different purpose.

Application: So often we can get caught up in ritual or instructions and do what is written instead of helping those who are right in front of our faces. We are on “David’s side” and so we know it was right for Ahimelech to give the bread to David and yet this would have been a difficult thing for the priest to hand over, as it was being used for a religious act. It’s important that we check ourselves regularly and make sure that our religious routines are not getting in the way of ministering to someone near.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a personal and loving God. You know that disciplined actions are good for us as humans but you understand our everyday needs as well. Help us to also respond to those who cross our path today. Amen.

Spears and Signs

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:33:40 +0100

1 Samuel 20.1-42

Reference: v. 33 But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.

Explore: Jonathan was looking for a sign. He was finding it hard to believe that his father would want to kill his close friend David. When it came to the crunch time of finding out his father;s hatred, he still seemed unsure. However, when Saul threw a spear at him I think it all became crystal clear. Luckily for Jonathan Saul was a terrible shot!

Application: It’s good to look for signs that God may give us to confirm a big decision we need to make. Sometimes we may be a little slow to notice the signs we’re given but God is very clear when we are making a decision about our walk with Him. The Holy Spirit is always there to guide and prompt us in God’s direction. Our job is to listen and respond.

Prayer: Lord, help me to hear your voice. Whether it is a gusting wind or a silent thought, may I understand your calling and be willing to respond, no matter what the cost. Amen.

Where you gonna run to?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:35:01 +0100

1 Samuel 19.1-24

Reference: v. 18 When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there.

Explore: Saul had tried to kill David many times. Saul’s own son had tried to persuade him not to kill David. Saul had even sent assassins to his home to murder him. And when David finally escapes – for this chapter anyway! – where does he run? Into the arms of God’s messenger, Samuel. And it’s there that God moves in a powerful way over many people to protect David.

Application: There are always going to be difficult times in our lives. Hopefully not as challenging as someone trying to kill us, but certainly many difficult times come our way. Where do you run to? Do you try to cope all on your own? Or do you run into the arms of God? I know for myself, often it’s not until all other options have been proven void until I run to God for help. And yet he is the one who can do the miraculous, not me. He is the Creator of the world, so who better to run to and call on for help. Our loving, passionate, Heavenly Father is always there for us, crisis or not. All we need to do is whisper his name and find he’s been there the whole time.

Prayer: Ever-present Lord, thank you for being close to us every step of our day. But thank you for particularly drawing near when we need you most. Help us to rely solely on you in all things. Amen.

As humble as David

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:36:41 +0100

I Samuel 18.18-30

Reference: v. 23 They repeated these words to David. But David said, “Do you think it is a small matter to become the king’s son-in-law? I’m only a poor man and little known.”

Explore: Samuel had anointed David above all his older brothers, he had slain Goliath, the women sang songs about his greatness and yet David was still humble and resistant to become the son-in-law of the king.

Application: Being up in front of people often, I have to check my pride regularly. It’s very easy to start thinking well of yourself whenever you receive some consistent compliments. However David is a great example of not letting our accomplishments go to our head. With all he had achieved and through every one he had conquered you would think he would have started planning his kingship right there and then. However he knew his place. He was a child of God. And when you come into the Maker’s presence regularly you can only stand humble before the King of Kings.

Prayer: Almighty Creator, forgive us of our pride. We know that we do all things through the strength and the gifts that you have given us. Let us not forget that we can do nothing without you. Amen.

What�s your opinion?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:37:39 +0100

1 Samuel 18.1-17

Reference: v. Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”

Explore: It would be hard for the even the most humble person to have a subordinate praised more than himself. Sure, Saul had turned from God; He had made the wrong choices and now young David was clearly becoming strong. But to hear the voice of your people sing praise to a warrior instead of the King; that would be hard for any King to handle.

Application: And yet, if Saul had have been more focussed on what God thought rather than what people thought, he may not be in this situation in the first place. And I don’t think he’s alone there! The opinion of the people around us often drowns out the opinion of our Lord and Saviour. We will often gauge the general opinion of our decisions before seeking the Heavenly opinion. Clearly Saul had the potential to be an awesome King, God wouldn’t have appointed him otherwise. Yet he put people’s opinions before God’s. We all have the potential to be awesome in our own fields, as long as we put God’s opinion first when making all our decisions.

Prayer: Lord, I’m sorry for putting other people’s opinions before yours. I praise you in the knowledge that you are the Creator of all and desire me to have ‘life to the fullest’. Thank you. Amen.

Significant Armour

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:45:28 +0100

1 Samuel 17.38-58

Reference: v. 45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Explore: Goliath had surrounded himself with all his armour, David had left all the outward protection behind and surrounded himself with his faith in the Lord.

Application: Often we surround ourselves with the armour of the world and we don’t put our faith in the protection of our Lord. Our protective armour may not be tangible, it may be our self-confidence, our work title, our accomplishments, our good looks or even faith in our money. And yet, even Paul says that all these accomplishments are rubbish and that we should have faith purely in our Lord and Saviour. I know in my heart that it is only the Lord that I need, but I often find myself feeling safe and protected by my money or my title. And yet all these things will pass away. I should plant my hope in nothing less than Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Prayer: Jesus, forgive me when I put my own accomplishments first. Today I reconfirm my whole-hearted faith in you. Amen.

Does anyone have the right time?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:47:40 +0100

I Samuel 17.1-37

Reference: v. 15 But David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

Explore: When David decided to fight Goliath, it was not the first time he had been with Saul’s army. It was not the first time Saul had met him and it was probably not the first time that he had heard Goliath’s cry. In the previous chapter we read that David was already playing the harp for King Saul when he was troubled and this verse tells us that he went back and forth to the army. And yet it was this particular time that David decided to stand up and fight. Was the news of the rewards that Saul would give rewarding enough to spur him on to battle, unlikely, and it hadn’t worked on anyone else! And yet there was something in this occasion where David felt more of the power of God upon him, and he stood up to fight.

Application: Cameron and I had been going along to the same annual event, doing the same tasks, contributing in the same areas for 3 years before we met each other. Sometimes we marvel at how we didn’t get to know each other sooner. And yet, looking back, it was the right timing. The things we both learnt in the previous years have helped prepare us for our marriage now. And I believe it was God’s timing that we met when we did. Sometimes we never find out why things happen when they do, but we do know we have an all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present Heavenly Father who wants the best for each one of His children.

Prayer: Father God, I praise you that you are in control and not bound by the time structure of our world. Help me to have your eternal perspective in every thing I do. Amen.

Who am I?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:40:19 +0100

1 Samuel 16.1-23

Reference: v. 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Explore: Even Samuel, a man of God for many years, looked with the eyes of a human upon Jesse’s sons and not with the eyes of the Lord. And yet he listened when God spoke to him of not choosing the eldest or biggest or strongest or the more obvious choice.

Application: So often, lately, I have found myself in the presence of people who are greater than I. People who are creative, artistic, hilarious, super-friendly, gorgeous, out going… and I have thought about the task of ministry that God has put before me. And I admit I have thought: who am I? I’m not the smartest, I’m not the wisest and I’m by no means the prettiest, and yet God has chosen me to work for him. This verse in 1 Sam has been very reassuring to me today. I must not focus on the importance that the world places on me but look at what God has seen in my heart and obey his call.

Prayer: Lord, I am often judgmental of people and don’t always look at someone’s heart, like you do. Thank you for being gracious and seeing the potential in me. I do desire to follow you. Amen.