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Christian Devotional – July 27, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 21 VERSE: 1 Samuel 21:8–David asked Ahimelek, “Don’t you have a spear of a sword here? I haven’t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king’s mission was urgent.” TRUTH: David was on the run from King Saul, but he had to flee quickly and didn’t pack food or weapons or other supplies. David knows that he must get provisions if he is going to be successful in evading Saul. Do we take the time to stop and prepare when we are facing challenges? Or, do we just jump in head first? God desires to prepare us for the work He has for us,…
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Christian Devotional – July 26, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 20 VERSE: 1 Samuel 20:16–So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.” TRUTH: At first glance, this sounds like just a regular oath of loyalty. However, Jonathan knew that his own father was one of David’s enemies. Jonathan was willing to renounce his family ties because he knew that the Lord was with David. Jonathan was more loyal to the Lord and all that the Lord has than he was to his father and family. When we come to the Lord, we are to leave behind all our other allegiances, as difficult as it may…
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Christian Devotional – July 25, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 19 VERSE: 1 Samuel 19:13–Then Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed, covering it with a garment and putting some goats hair at the head. TRUTH: Yes, Michal was helping her husband David to escape from a murderous King Saul, but my question about this verse is why did she have an idol sitting around handy to use? At this point, it draws into question whether Michal was fully devoted to God. When we have other things in our life, instead of God, we must realize that we are at a dangerous place where we will be tempted to rely on these things…
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Christian Devotional – July 24, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 18 VERSE: 1 Samuel 18:12–Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. TRUTH: To a person who has stopped being obedient to God, there is nothing more frustrating than to be around someone who is being obedient to God. The disobedient person gets angry and upset because they are being reminded of what they have lost. They see the peace and contentment, the trust and reliance on God and they become jealous and angry and afraid, just like Saul did. Instead, they need to recognize that God is still willing and waiting to restore them as well, if…
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Christian Devotional – July 23, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 17 VERSE: 1 Samuel 17:47–All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give all of you into our hands. TRUTH: David is preparing to fight against the Philistine champion Goliath. He makes this statement so that both the Philistines and the Israelites will know why he is going out to fight. Like David, we make a statement about God by the actions that we take and don’t take. Our actions are a direct reflection of God working and moving in our life. Do we act with courage…
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Christian Devotional – July 22, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 16 VERSE: 1 Samuel 16:7–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 people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” TRUTH: Have we looked in the mirror today? Many times we will use a mirror to review our outward appearance. However, do we ever use a spiritual mirror to review our heart? God look at our heart; what does He see? We can review our spiritual appearance through the reflection of God’s Word. How do we look today? RESPONSE…
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Christian Devotional – July 21, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 15 VERSE: 1 Samuel 15:22–But Samuel replied, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” TRUTH: Saul had disobeyed God. God gave him specific instructions and Saul disobeyed them. Samuel came and when he pointed out Saul’s disobedience, Saul quickly tried to recover and give a pious sounding reason for his disobedience. He indicated that he was going to offer a sacrifice with the objects of his disobedience. Samuel responds with this verse. When God calls us to do…
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Christian Devotional – July 20, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 14 VERSE: 1 Samuel 14:6–Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” TRUTH: Jonathan knew and understood a valuable truth about God. God is able to save and He’s not dependent on circumstances or people to make it happen. God is able to save whether there are lots of adversaries or a few adversaries. When we are facing difficulties today, we can know that God has overcome and that He is able to meet people where…
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Christian Devotional – July 19, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 13 VERSE: 1 Samuel 13:14–But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command. TRUTH: Saul was disobedient to God, even after God had been very clear about his need for obedience. As a result, God explains that Saul’s reign will not endure and his children will not be king after him. God is always looking for a person after His own heart. Are we someone who is constantly seeking after the heart of God? RESPONSE Father, I desire to seek after You…
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Christian Devotional – July 18, 2015
Read 1 Samuel chapter 12 VERSE: 1 Samuel 12:23–As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. TRUTH: Do we realize that we are to pray for one another and that if we don’t we are sinning? Samuel let the people know that even though they had disobeyed God, he would continue to pray for them. However, he doesn’t just leave it there. He also states that he will spend his time teaching the people the way that is good and right. We can start by…