Bible Chapter: II Samuel 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
There came a time when God gave King David rest from his enemies. David’s heart was to honor God and he desired to build a place of worship. The prophet, Nathan, told David it was fine for him to do that. Then God spoke to Nathan to tell David that was not in God’s plan. The good thing here is that David listened to God’s word and he did not build a house for the Lord. David worshiped the Lord, thanking Him for taking a “nobody” from tending the sheep to making him the king. God made some promises to David.
The next chapter is a listing of military victories that came to David. He conquered many enemies and brought great wealth to the treasury. He also increased his military strength and armament. God gave this king His favor and the accomplishments were many.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God has given us all potential to accomplish things in our lives. There is no limit to what God will do through anyone who is obedient to listen to God’s directions. Not everyone will become famous and rich. Not everyone will become a great leader. But, everyone has the potential to do what God has planned for them if they will listen and obey. They will be amazed at what God does through them.
I always have to remember that God will use me in His ways and trust that He will accomplish His purpose. I must not limit God.
3. How can I help someone?
What do you think God wants to do through you? What desires has He placed in your heart? Then trust God to take you there. Believe that He will enable and provide. Nothing is too hard for God to do in and through you.
Bible Chapter: II Samuel 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
David was established as the king of Israel. He conquered Jerusalem and it became known as the City of David. Jerusalem has become the most spiritually important city on the earth. I remember being in Jerusalem and, looking out from a tall building at the old city, thinking that this place is the most fought-over land in the whole world. David ruled the nation from Jerusalem.
In the life of David we see extremes. He had a heart after God and we see here that before he went out to battle he asked God for His direction about going to war. God directed him and they had victory. We also see in this chapter that David had weaknesses that brought him great problems. David had a weakness for women and he broke God’s commandments by having many wives. This brought him extreme problems later on. The Bible tells the whole story and we see the weaknesses of the people that God used. So, one doesn’t have to be perfect to be used by God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Learning to seek God’s direction and obey is one of the most important lessons in life. We must learn to grasp God’s plans. We must seek His help. But, then we must do what God directs. We also have the Bible that reveals much about who God is and what He wants in our lives. We must be students of the Bible and learn to apply it. We can see what a difference it would have made for David if he would have sought and obeyed God. Yes, David had a heart after God. But he also let the fleshly desires interfere.
3. How can I help someone?
God’s plan is always best. Learn to seek after it and then apply it. That is really good advice. I wish I had thought this up, but I learned it in life. Seek God and then obey.
Bible Chapter: II Samuel 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The history of Israel continued to develop. The war between the houses of David and Saul went on for a long time. David was living in Hebron and there were several sons born to him during this time.
Abner was one of the leaders in the house of Saul. He came to David to make peace and bring the kingdom under David’s rule. David agreed. As Abner was going back home, Joab brought him back and killed him to revenge the death of his brother Asahel. David was angry that he did that. David expressed grief for Abner and they gave him a proper funeral.
We see that there was much bloodshed between the feuding factions in the nation. Ish-Bosheth was a son of Saul and was the king over Israel. Two of his men, Baanah and Recab conspired to kill him. They did so and cut off his head. They brought it to David, thinking they would receive a reward. David responded just as he did to the news of Saul’s death. He said they were wicked men who killed an innocent man and they lost their lives.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What is the value of life? It appears that there were people we are reading about that didn’t consider life something special. There were several times when people killed others with the goal of personal advancement. That never worked out. The fact that the nation wanted a king to be like everyone else displeased the Lord. It is never a good motivation to do something simply to “be like everyone else”. The bloody time they had in the process of having a succession of kings shows the result of actions that go against God’s plan. In many respects, life lost value and countless people died. Life does have value and must be respected. And, we must always strive to find God’s best plan for our lives and then live it out.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see how valuable life is. In this gift that God has given us, life, we must seek Him and let Him lead us.
Bible Chapter: II Samuel 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This book continues right where First Samuel left off. This is because these two books were originally one book in the Old Testament. Saul died. A man from Saul’s camp came to David to give him the message. He lied to David, thinking he would get some kind of a reward or praise and that David would rejoice that Saul was dead. He told David that he had killed Saul. David was angry as well as sad. Along with Saul’s death, David learned that his great friend, Jonathan, was dead. He was filled with sorrow. David had the man killed because he admitted to killing the king. The messenger thought David would be happy, thinking David considered Saul his enemy. That wasn’t true.
David expressed a powerful lament for Saul and Jonathan. He said he grieved for his dear friend. These two young men had a strong bond of deep friendship that carried them through some very tough times.
David was then anointed king over Judah. There was not a smooth transition for him to become king over the whole nation. The transition resulted in a war between David and Saul’s descendants. There were some fierce battles that were fought.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
David’s attitude of trusting God to put him in the position of king is encouraging. He didn’t have to manipulate or try to conspire against Saul. He let God work things out. Yes, some of the descendants of Saul didn’t make it easy. The thing that David said several times was that he would not go against or try to kill God’s anointed. Saul was placed in his position by God. Saul failed and he was going to be removed, but David allowed God to do things in His timing. When someone is working for God, it is important to let God guide and place in a position. We don’t have to try to manipulate things.
3. How can I help someone?
Always look for God’s way in the issues of life. Don’t lie, thinking it will get you some advancement. It may backfire and cause problems. There will be both good things and challenges we face in life. Let God take you through.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 31
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Here we have a very sad ending to a life and kingly reign. Saul had been taken from obscurity and made the King of Israel. God was with him and he did great things. Then, as he got used to the position and let the fame and power get to him, he drifted away from serving and obeying God. He had a sad ending in battle. On the same day Saul and all of his sons were killed. In fact, after being wounded, Saul was afraid of what the Philistines would do to him, so he fell on his sword. It was only because of some valiant men of Jabesh Gilead that he received a proper burial. What a sad and ignoble ending Saul had.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Learn and listen. Learn from God’s Word and listen to what it says. Then, apply it. So many of the stories in the Bible would have turned out differently if people would have done that. So many modern stories would have turned out differently if people would have done that. This is not all the complicated. It is a matter of doing what we know is right in God’s eyes.
3. How can I help someone?
The same thing I said in part two: Listen and learn. Then apply it. Period. It works.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 29 & 30
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The Philistines were preparing for battle. As the troops were parading before the princes, when David went by, it caused a problem. They recognized who David was. They knew his reputation and that the people had sung 'Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands'. They wouldn’t let David go with them to battle for the fear that he would renew his loyalties to Israel and then turn on the Philistines. He was forced to go home. I find one statement of Achish troubling as he describes what David had done. "Is this not David, the servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or these years? And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected to me." The statement that David had defected is a sad statement. May that never be said about anyone who is a follower of Jesus.
As David and his men returned home they discovered the town has been burned to the ground and all their wives and children had been taken captive. At first there was an uprising against David for their loss. Then the whole group went after the raiding party to regain their families and possessions. They were successful in their mission and all their families were restored.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Do what is right in God’s eyes. There are parts of this story that are discouraging. Why did David go to the enemy’s territory in the first place? How could he agree to fight with them? Why did he leave all the women and children unprotected? Each follower of Jesus must work to be obedient and actually apply what God wants them to do in life. When the hard times come it is easy to want to run. That doesn’t win for the Lord. Stick with what God calls each one to do.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn from the mistakes of others. A piece of advice I heard one time: learn from other people’s mistakes. You will never live long enough to make them all yourself.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 27 & 28
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
David is considered one of the heros of the Bible. He did many amazing things for the Lord. The Bible tells the whole story. So, it also includes failures that people made. God is honest in His book. This is a good lesson for us all to learn, since none of us are perfect. After Saul let David go and promised to not try to kill him, it appears that David didn’t believe him. David did something really strange. He went over to the enemy, he went to live among the Philistines. David even agreed to fight with them against Israel. I have to admit there are times when I don’t understand some of the things he did.
Saul showed that he was a spiritually confused person. He went back and forth from listening and obeying God to doing the exact opposite of what was commanded. Here we see him seeking the advice of a witch. And, he tried to hide his identity. That makes no sense. For, if he believed the witch could contact the supernatural and give him answers, how did he not believe she would have the ability to know who he was?
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
One of the great challenges of life is to continue to live in full compliance with the commands of God. The spiritual battle is strong and it is easy to slide off to the point where we don’t really trust God. We know we can and we say we can, but we don’t always give evidence of trusting God. We must work to stay close to God and not live on a spiritual roller coaster. I wonder what more David would have accomplished if he hadn’t had his ups and downs. That is the question for each of us. How much does God want to do with us? What would a stronger life of faith accomplish for eternity?
3. How can I help someone?
Be fully aware of spiritual compromise and the impact of a strong faith life. We must continually learn to be strong in the Lord and the power of HIS might.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 25 & 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Samuel's death is quickly covered here. After all he did, his obituary is quite short. Samuel was a godly man who made a major positive impact on Israel. He was honest and ethical in his conduct. He was a positive example for all who want to serve the Lord.
This chapter then moved to a story about a man named Nabal. I don't know anyone who would want their heritage to be that he was a surly and mean man. That was Nabal. He was rich and yet he treated people poorly. David sent a greeting to him with a culturally reasonable request for supplies. While Nabal's men had been shearing the sheep David had protected them from roving bands of thieves. Nabal refused to respond in kind to help them.
The heading in my Bible for chapter 26 says "David Again Spares Saul's Life". One more time David had the opportunity to kill Saul, and he refused. This brought an interesting discussion between them where David told the king he would not strike out against God's anointed. Saul finally acknowledged his sin in trying to kill David. He invited him to come back and promised to not try to harm him again. Then they parted ways.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
David reaction to Nabal's poor treatment of his men was not a good reaction. David let anger take over and he went with his army to go and kill Nabal and all the men who were with him. There can be no justification for this response. Thankfully, Abigail was warned of what was coming and brought a large peace offering. God used her and she prevented David from doing what he planned. David acknowledged that God had sent her. He realized he was wrong to plan this revenge.
Learning how to respond to harsh situations is important. Sometimes pride gets in the way. We want to respond and show someone that they can't push us around like that. David had been willing to let God take care of Saul and his attempts to kill him. David should have been just as willing to let God take care of Nabal. Very quickly after this event Nabal died.
3. How can I help someone?
Treat others with kindness. Selfishness is always ugly. And, let God take care of revenge.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 23 & 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Those pesky Philistines were at it again. David was ready to defend the land against them. He did the best thing he could. Before going to war he inquired of the Lord what he should do. He asked God for direction. As I read this passage it jumped out to me what a smart thing David did. It is always the best thing to inquire of the Lord and receive His guidance. God said “Go”, and it turned out well.
David had the opportunity to get rid of his enemy, Saul. He could have easily killed him. He knew it would be wrong, so he didn’t do it. When Saul realized what had happened, he told David he was more righteous, having treated Saul well when he had treated David so badly.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We can learn an important lesson from David. Even though he was tempted to kill Saul when he had the chance, he knew he shouldn’t do it, so he didn’t. He left the whole thing in God’s hands. When it comes to killing, or anything that is against God’s commands, leave the situation in God’s control and let Him deal with the situation. We do not own revenge. That belongs to God. If David had killed Saul, the whole story would have turned out differently. This is a lesson in learning to trust God.
3. How can I help someone?
It is hard to see the long road ahead. The quick answer seems to be the solution. But, if that quick answer includes breaking God’s way, it is not worth it. Look to Jesus as the guide for life. Trust Him. Allow God to take control and make things come out right.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 21 & 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The sad story continued as Saul’s jealousy and insecurity caused him to pursue David. There is one verse that has always been interesting and challenging to me. 22:2 says that David began to lead a group of people. This group consisted of people who were in distress, in debt or discontented. David became their leader. What a group. Wouldn’t anyone be proud to lead such a group? And yet it was from this beginning that David became a powerful and effective leader of the nation. Small and inauspicious beginnings never predict the outcome.
Sadly, Saul continued to chase David to kill him. When he discovered that the priests at Nob had helped David, he had them all killed. Eighty five innocent people were killed. A heart of evil can conceive and fulfill much sorrow and horror.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I am thinking of the concept of influence. What influences do I allow in my life. Saul went from a humble beginning, to being drafted to the position of king, to become a powerful tyrant. Horrible things happened. Many innocent people suffered. Saul’s life became miserable. Instead of staying close to God in obedience, he let the influence of power and position cause him to make really bad choices. He went from saying he was from the least important family in the smallest tribe in the nation to running roughshod over the people he considered his enemies. We must be careful what we allow to influence our lives.
3. How can I help someone?
God can take and use anyone who is willing to obey and do what He directed. Both Saul and David started out from nowhere. They had different outcomes because of the difference in their hearts. Trust God and obey and watch where the adventure of life takes you.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 19 & 20
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jealousy, disobedience and insecurity all describe King Saul. He couldn’t stand the fact that David was accomplishing great feats in the battlefield. He was overcome with anger and revenge when David was acclaimed for his achievements. He sent men to capture and kill David. God protected David.
This is a good illustration that jealousy does not have to be hereditary. Saul’s son, Jonathan, was David’s closest friend and supporter. Jonathan saved David’s life. Even though he was next in line for the throne, Jonathan did what was right regarding David. He didn’t scheme to destroy David to try to protect his future position.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Jonathan protected David and blessed him. They departed in peace. These two young men should have been rivals. Instead, they were good friends who took care of each other. Jealousies and desire to advance in position at any cost will ruin a person. They will ruin relationships. We must remember that we will be where God desires us to be when we are faithful to God and obey Him. Anything we gain by manipulation will not last. Saul destroyed himself and his family by his pride and jealousy.
3. How can I help someone?
We must learn to seek God and not pursue our own agenda. God will give us gifts and desires to fulfill those gifts. We must develop them and then let God guide us and place us where He wants us to be. We must avoid fleshly competition that interferes with God’s plans.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 17 & 18
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Chapter 17 is a story that shows the power of God. It is a story that has so impacted society that a “David and Goliath” story is commonly understood as the little guy, the underdog taking on the strong, powerful force and winning. David expressed great faith as he said the heathen Goliath would go down. He told Goliath that he came against him in the name of the Lord God Almighty. God never has any problem using anyone who is willing to trust Him. One time I heard someone speak saying that David’s motivation was the financial reward King Saul promised. But, David openly declared that he was relying on God and giving God all the glory.
Saul was the king of Israel. God had already told Saul and his reign was limited. God told Samuel that the reason why David was going to be the next king was because of his heart. We see Saul’s jealous and murderous heart as he responded to the song the women sang. After all the good things David did for Saul, he treated David as an enemy. Saul tried to set David up for failure. It didn’t work.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
David found great success. The Bible tells us that is because he worked hard to do what was right and follow God. We won’t all end up as the king or queen of a nation. Most people probably will live life in obscurity. That’s fine. The key is that each person is seeking God’s direction and obeying His Word. As long as David did that he prospered. It was when David began to drift that his problems developed. Trusting God and expecting God to do the miraculous is how we must live. Question: do I really expect God to come through with His miraculous power?
3. How can I help someone?
A heart towards God with a full expectation that God will be with you -- that is the best way to live. Never let jealousy take over, it only destroys the jealous person.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 15 & 16
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
There are some verses in the Bible that stick out. They are important to our daily lives and give us simple principles to guide our lives. We find one of those verses in 15:22. What does God delight in? Sacrifice? No, His greatest delight is when people obey Him. The whole principle can be boiled down to four words: to obey is better. If you take any situation in life, you can find the answers when you understand what God expects and then obey His commands. Because of his disobedience, Saul lost the anointing and blessing of God for his position as king.
God took another unlikely candidate and prepared him to become king of Israel. David was taken from tending sheep and anointed king. David’s family didn’t even consider him a candidate when Samuel showed up at their town. But, God shows us another important principle here when Samuel thought the oldest son, Eliab, made a great candidate for king. God looks at the heart of a person. People look at the outside. Is the person handsome and in possession of a commanding appearance? Those people get the attention and are often considered qualified. God is more concerned about the heart of a person.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The topic of judgement comes out in these chapters. God was judging the Amalekites for what they had done to Israel in the past. God judges Saul for his disobedience in not completely destroying the Amalekites. God called rebellion sin. I remember as I was growing up how my father was so against rebellion. It was a very rebellious time in our nation’s history. My father wasn’t afraid to say how horrible rebellion is. Here we see that God lists rebellion against legitimate authority as sin. Then God told Saul that because he had rejected God, He would reject Saul as king.
God judges sin. God is fully against rebellion in the hearts of people. It is insightful to see God’s perspective regarding judgement and rebellion. These are two concepts that our culture is trying to change. We are told not to judge and that it doesn’t matter what a person does. We are told that, since God is love, we can do anything and God won’t judge it. In effect, we are told we have permission to sin. The truth is that God is and always will be a righteous Judge. Remember: to obey is better.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people understand the principles that come out of these stories. Learn what God expects and then do it. It’s not that complicated. Yet, because of human attitudes and temptation, people have a hard time doing that. Trust God and let Him be your Guide.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 13 & 14
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Growing up in Sunday School I heard many Bible stories. One theme that was often repeated was the constant battles between Israel and the Philistines. Here we see another battle where the Philistines assembled three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. This is the enemy Israel faced that caused many of their soldiers to retreat and hide. And, along with being outnumbered, Israel lacked weapons.
Added to this challenge was the fact that Samuel rebuked Saul for his disobedience in not waiting for Samuel to come and offer a sacrifice to God. The prophet told the king that God was looking for a man after God’s own heart. God wanted the king to be obedient and submissive to God. Saul was showing his failure in this.
Even though it looked bad, God gave Israel a supernatural victory through Jonathan’s faith. He trusted God and the Philistines were overcome by the confusion God put in them. Here is another example of the fact that nothing is too hard for God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Often times people say stupid things. We find examples of that in the Bible when people declared foolish oaths. King Saul had bound the people under an oath that said they would not eat anything till the evening. So, the army was going to battle hungry. Jonathan didn’t hear the oath and, having found some honey, ate some. When God gave them victory the men were so hungry they butchered cattle and ate it with the blood. This was against the Law of God they followed.
I don’t know the motivation of Saul at this time. It appears to me it was revenge against his enemy and the thought that this would motivate the army to victory. My opinion was that it was a foolish oath. We must be careful of the things we say and promise. God calls for us to be obedient, but we don’t need to make rash or foolish promises. The thought that comes to mind is this: think before you speak, act.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people trust God. Because Jonathan did this God brought deliverance. When Saul on more than one occasion acted hastily and foolishly, he only brought God’s judgement. Learning to trust God, even when we don’t see how things will turn out, is an important lesson.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 11 & 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Here is another story of attack against Israel. Nahash the Ammonite went against Jabesh Gilead to conquer it. He threatened to gouge out the right eye of everyone so that it would bring disgrace on all Israel. Under Saul the nation came to their defense and scattered the enemy so that no two of them were together. The Spirit of God came upon Saul and he brought them to this great victory. Saul gave the credit to God “for this day the Lord has rescued Israel” (v. 13). The nation held a great celebration, glorifying God for what He did.
Samuel spoke to Israel, sharing some history as well as challenging them for the future. He had been an honest and ethical judge and prophet. Included in this challenge to the people was the statement that they must fear the Lord and obey Him. This message comes through so many times in the Bible. Fear God. Obey God. Yes, YOU, actually do this and it will make a major difference in your life. See the great things God has done and will continue to do.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
While the terms may change, the spiritual battle never changes. Israel fought a continual battle against useless idols who could do them no good. Today we see people caving to social pressure to compromise and change the Bible to allow for people to do whatever they want, and these actions will do us no good. Churches are supporting sinful actions and lifestyles. People are worshiping before the false teachings and bringing God’s wrath. Samuel ended his speech to the nation with these two thoughts.
24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king."
1 Samuel 12:24-25 NKJV
This is what I, and all who call themselves believers in Jesus must do - fear the Lord and honestly serve Him. Compromise will still cause people to be swept away.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the clear and unchanging truths of the Bible. Israel had amazing victories when they obeyed. Samuel reminded them in his speech that they had both good and bad happen to them. And, that these events were connected with their obedience or rebellion. These principles still apply today.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 9 & 10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This is a very interesting story. It starts out with some missing donkeys. But, the real issue wasn’t the donkeys, but a way directed by God to bring Saul to the prophet Samuel. It was God’s response to the nation’s call for a king. God had chosen Saul to become the first king of Israel. The process of how God used the donkeys shows us how God uses ordinary situations to accomplish His purpose.
Samuel anointed Saul as the king. This separated him for the task of leadership as God provided him with the ability to do the task before him. It even says that God made Saul a different person, changing his heart. If Saul would have maintained this change, if he had not made foolish decisions as king, things would have turned out differently. God will do amazing things in and through people, but they must continue, they must live what God is doing in their hearts.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God will use anyone. Part of Saul’s original objections to the thought of becoming king was that he was the least of the least. He was the least of the smallest clan of the smallest tribe. He was a nobody. That never stops God from using a person. This speaks volumes to me and so many people. In the eyes of the world we really fit in that nobody class. We must remember that God looks at people and situations in a different way than the world and society sees things. God not only enables people, He can change them and give them a completely new place. Let God set the pace and follow Him.
3. How can I help someone?
Both Saul and his successor, David, started out in a position of being nothing. They were considered to be nothing. God used them both and we are reading about them thousands of years later. Don’t let the thought that you are considered little stop you. Let God take over and watch what HE will do.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
These chapters are describing a critical transition period in the nations’s history. Samuel was the last judge. He also was the first to fill the prophetic office. The people were complaining and demanding a king. This was not God’s timing for this to happen. But, because the people demanded it and were rebellious, God gave them what they wanted. This is a good illustration of not liking what you say you want. One of the things that jumps out to me is the sad statement that they wanted a king so they could be like everyone else. All the other nations had a king and they didn’t want to be different. This concept of conforming has dangers. A person must look at what they are conforming to and be sure it is a good standard to follow.
The Ark went to Kiriath Jearim and stayed there twenty years. The people mourned and sought after the Lord. Samuel told them they must return to the Lord with all their hearts and rid themselves of the foreign gods and symbols. They must commit to God and serve Him only. After making a sacrifice they saw God’s hand of deliverance and they routed the Philistines.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God told Samuel that the people were not rejecting him as their judge, but rejecting God. They had been doing that all the time since they were delivered from Egypt. Accepting God and being submissive to Him or rejecting and demanding self rule - these questions define the spiritual battle. Learning to stay off the ups and downs of spiritual life is critical. Samuel saw the condition of the hearts of the people and it hurt him. The lesson for us is to learn what God requires and then submit. While that concept is simple, it is a challenge to apply because of the self-centered nature of people. But, it is always best to do things God’s way.
3. How can I help someone?
The people back then, and the people today, need to apply the words of wisdom that come from the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
It is amazing how well this works.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
After Israel made the mistake of not fully trusting God and bringing the Ark to the battlefield, it was captured by the Philistines. We see here a direct conflict between the spiritual forces and God won. The Philistines brought the Ark and put it in the temple of Dagon. The next day Dagon was bowing down to the Ark. After this happened twice they got the message. As I read this I was thinking that it was a pathetic situation that the Philistines had to pick up their god, and then the next day it was broken. A person has to pick up their god and put it back in place?? Their god didn’t have the ability to take care of itself? Why didn’t they recognize that they were worshiping an inferior manmade object and turn to the real God? They acknowledged previous victories the God of Israel had accomplished. They quickly recognized that the God of Israel was the powerful victor and returned the Ark. They made sacrifices to God in hopes of forgiveness as they sent the Ark back to Israel. But, they did not serve HIM.
The people in Beth Shemesh rejoiced at the return of the ark and celebrated by offering a sacrifice to God. Sadly, some broke God’s commands and looked in the Ark. They paid for that sin with their lives.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The question I already mentioned comes to mind as I think of the application of these chapters. Why is it that people will stick with a belief system that has so many flaws when they see something better? I see people today who have so many problems and yet stick with them rather than give all to God and go His way. It seems like the familiar, with all its flaws, is better than change. People hang on to what they have because they are comfortable and familiar with it, in spite of the pain it brings. Learning to understand and apply God’s ways as revealed in the Bible make life so much better. It shouldn’t be that difficult, but it often is. This is a good picture of the spiritual battle that rages.
3. How can I help someone?
Someone wrote a song that says, look and live, look to Jesus now and live. That is awesome advice. Look to, submit to Jesus, and find out what living is really all about.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Speak Lord, for your servant hears what you are saying. This is a well-known verse that sets a good example for all who believe in Jesus. No, I have never heard an audible voice from God. But, we can hear from the Lord and learn His direction. When Samuel responded and listened to God, his life of being used by God, becoming a prophet of the Lord, took off. God used Samuel in the prophetic office to speak to the nation and lead them in a way that pleased God. Another great verse says that the Lord was with Samuel as he grew up. Growing up with God’s involvement in your life is the best way. The whole nation recognized that Samuel was God’s prophet.
Israel needed the prophet for they were not living following God’s direction. They went to war against the Philistines. They brought the ark of the covenant out to the battle field and it was captured. This ark represented God’s presence and they thought it would guarantee victory. They were not living in obedience to the covenant relationship and they lost the battle. Living close to God and in obedience to Him is vital.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
In the battle with the Philistines, thirty thousand Israeli soldiers were killed. This included Hophni and Phinehas. This was a very sad day for the nation. When Eli heard the news he died as well. Phinehas’s wife was about to deliver a baby. She had a hard labor and gave birth to a boy. She called him Ichabod. This name means “no glory”. She realized that the glory of God had departed from the nation. This is a sad state for people who call themselves believers in God. We need God’s glory and presence in life. We will not have it if we are not faithful to Him. We must live in such a way that the presence and glory of God surrounds us. A good description for some people is that they have a roller coaster faith. It climbs and then quickly plunges. That should never be an accurate description for believers. We must be climbing in our walk with Jesus. Yes, we will have some battles and it won’t always be perfect, but we must never reach the “Ichabod” stage.
3. How can I help someone?
Keep your focus on Jesus. Listen, learn, apply. Do what the Bible says. Don’t think that a religious routine will keep you in God’s presence and protection. Real connection with God, not religious rituals, will make the difference.
Bible Chapter: I Samuel 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This book is a transition in Israel’s history. It goes from the ruling of the judges to the time of having a king. The transition person is Samuel. We see the story of a women named Hannah who was sad because she had no children. One year she went to offer a sacrifice and prayed that God would give her a son. Eli, the priest, told her God would answer her prayer. As a result, Samuel was born. Hannah promised to give him to God to serve Him all his life. After she did this, Hannah had other children.
The birth of Samuel and what God did in his life is a positive story. A sad story also shows up in these chapters as we see that Eli failed to raise his sons, Hophni and Phinehas to be godly men. They served as priests and abused the office. They were wicked men who used the position as priest to be greedy and immoral. Eli told them to quit but did nothing about them. This brought God’s judgement on the family.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Nothing is too hard for God. That is something that I, and everyone, needs to remember. When there are strong desires, especially for something that is pleasing to the Lord, He has all power to answer our prayers. In her sorrow, we see that Hannah still worshiped God and prayed. She didn’t give up. She kept her promises to God. So, I must keep remembering that nothing is too hard for God. The miracles are not up to me.
I also must remember that God is serious about His commands. We see His judgement of Hophni and Phinehas as they not only sinned, but were very open about it. Their greed and promiscuity was an insult against God’s purity. They stole from God and abused women. I’m sure they had fun. I’m also sure they didn’t think God would do anything about it. In today’s world there are many people who do whatever they want and never think God will do anything about it. How wrong they are. This is an important lesson to remember. God’s righteous judgement will either bring rejoicing or sorrow.
3. How can I help someone?
We all need to remember that God is worthy to receive our worship. This is true even when it seems as if God is ignoring us. Hannah kept her focus on God even when she wasn’t see any answers to her prayers. I also want to remind people that God will judge those who insist on sinning and not making Jesus their Lord. The two options for eternity are both real. One is awesome. The other one is horrible. It is up to us.
Bible Chapter: Ruth 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
These two chapters are an example of the importance of understanding historical and cultural issues to understand the story. Naomi instructed Ruth to go to where Boaz was spending the night protecting his harvest. It was the custom of the day that she should lay at his feet to express her desire that he, as her husband’s next of kin, would marry her. Boaz responded positively. The story goes on to show how he followed the custom and the law the next day. Boaz became her kinsman-redeemer and they were married. The nearest relative had the right to marry her. There was one other person who was a closer relative, but he declined. That allowed Boaz to marry Ruth. The book ends by telling the genealogical line to King David. All the characters in this story acted ethically and morally. It brought a positive outcome. Who could have imagined that from her humble beginning in Moab that Ruth would end up the great-grandmother of King David? You never know what God will do.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The people in this book understood God’s plan and commands. They followed them through the ups and downs of life. They experienced great sorrow and loss. They could have given up and said God had abandoned them. Instead they kept following God’s way and eventually experienced the blessings of obedience. “Never give up” is a statement that has helped carry many through their trials and tribulations. That is good advice.
3. How can I help someone?
Keep your focus in life. Stick close to the directions God has revealed. Keep seeking Him. It can seem desirable to give up, but that’s not the solution. Eternity is just around the corner.
Bible Chapter: Ruth 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Having been reading and writing about the history of God’s chosen people so far, there have been many stories of exciting things God did. But, along with these are many sad stories of the things that the people did. More than once I have read of the sinful actions that were done and the consequences that would result. This leads us to the very short book of Ruth. It is a breath of fresh air. It is set in the time of the judges, at a time when there was famine. It starts out with some sad details of a family that had to go to a foreign land to survive the famine. Then three of the four died in the land. But, the story quickly turned around and it becomes an uplifting story. It is encouraging to see that there were people who were still serving God. It is uplifting to read the good things that happened because of faithfulness and loving sacrifice. This story shows how God will take people who appear to be having nothing but problems and turn things around. Naomi felt that God had abandoned her. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
This book shows God’s love for all people. Ruth was brought in to the kingly line of Israel. One could say that it was just coincidence that Ruth began to glean in Boaz’s fields. But, we see God’s direction. We see his heart to obey God in providing for people in need.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is encouraging to see God’s hand of blessing on these two women who had suffered so much. Ruth made some major sacrifices to provide for Naomi. No one would have faulted her for staying in her homeland. But her commitment to Naomi, her understanding of God and her commitment to Him show that she cared more for others than herself. When she went to the fields of Boaz to glean it says that she worked hard all day to gather food. Ruth was not lazy. She was caring. These are good lessons to apply in life.
3. How can I help someone?
Life has many challenging situations. Many of them are extremely difficult and it seems as if we won’t make it. It can seem as if God has abandoned us. History gives us the privilege of looking back and seeing the whole picture. We don’t see the whole picture as we are experiencing a battle. The good news is that God see it all from His perspective and that we can trust HIM.
