God Speaks
Saul is Jealous, Fears, Hates David; Jonathan Loves Him
Verse of the Day: When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. (Psalm 11:3-5 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 103
We Respond
Reflection.
Consider the following questions regarding 1 Samuel 18-20 and Psalms 11 and 59.
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
1 Samuel 18
1. God sees not only our behavior but our motives as well.
2. People can do good things (giving one’s daughter in marriage) for very wrong motives (to see a person killed in battle).
1 Samuel 19
1. God places good-hearted people in places of influence to protect others of His people (Jonathan defending David).
2. People fear (and hate) those who are more popular and whom they consider to be a treat to their own position.
1 Samuel 20
1. God is pleased when people form deep, mutually-beneficial friendships.
2. Friends should watch out for each other as David and Jonathan did.
Psalm 11
1. God is in Heaven and on His throne. He observes and judges people’s behavior.
2. Wicked people tend toward violence.
Psalm 59
1. God defends His people against their enemies.
2. His people need to cry out to the LORD for defense against sharp words, slander, lies and curses.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 1 Samuel 18-20 and Psalms 11 and 59?
Dear all-knowing, all-seeing and all-powerful God, thank You that You see not only our behavior but our motives as well. You know what is behind everything we say and do. We sinful people often do good things for very wrong reasons. Thank You, that in Your love and mercy, You know when to confront us and when not. You place good-hearted people in places of influence to protect others of Your people. Fear and hate abound when people think others are more popular and they consider them to be a treat. LORD God, you are pleased when people form deep, mutually-beneficial friendships. Holy Spirit, help me to watch out for others. Thank You for those who watch out for and help me. God, You are on Heaven’s throne and, You do judge people’s behavior. In Your prefect timing, You will deal with wicked people who perpetrate violence. You will always defend Your people against their enemies. We just need to cry out to You, LORD. You are our defense against sharp words, slander, lies, curses and any kind of physical harm. May our rescue always bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 1 Samuel 18-20 and Psalms 11 and 59?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
I will ask God the Holy Spirit to help me to keep my motives and actions pure.
I will do whatever God shows me to strengthen my relationship with a friend.
I will willingly come to the LORD with my concerns before taking action.
I will use soft but firm words of truth to turn away wrath and fear.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.