God Speaks
The LORD Rejects Saul But Anoints and Uses David
Verse of the Day: But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 1 Samuel 15-17
> 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 15
1. At times, God regrets the blessings He has bestowed on people.
2. At times, the people God has blessed turn away from Him and fail to carry out His instructions.
1 Samuel 16
1. God does not consider people’s outward appearance [or seemingly good behavior]; the LORD looks at their heart.
2. People need the Spirit of the LORD working upon or in them in order to carry out His assignments.
1 Samuel 17
1. God honors or blesses and uses those who stand up for Him.
2. People need to rely on the LORD and the experiences and equipment He has given them as they face their enemies just as David did when he confronted Goliath.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 1 Samuel 15-17?
The scriptures tell us that at various times throughout human history, LORD God, You have regretted the blessings You have bestowed on people. Holy Spirit, I need Your help to live in such a way that I do not cause the Father to regret blessing me. Please enable me to correctly and completely carry out the LORD’s instructions. I am so glad, LORD God, that You do not consider people’s outward appearance [or seemingly good behavior]. You look at our hearts. My loving You with my whole heart is what is important to You. May I express my love by complete, trusting obedience and exemplify it by how I represent You to other people. LORD, I need Your Spirit coming upon or dwelling in me in order to carry out the assignments You’ve given me. I know that You will honor or bless and use anyone who stands up and/or speaks up for You. We need to rely on You, LORD, and the experiences and equipment You have given us when we face the challenges and enemies in our lives just as David did when he confronted Goliath. Then we will 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 15-17?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
I will look for a way to show kindness to a jewish person especially an Israeli.
I will plead with God to forgive and save a person I know who has seriously disobeyed or dishonored Him.
I will speak calmly and play quiet, soothing music for someone who is irritated or upset.
I will confront a bully, relying on the LORD for courage and strength.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.