God Speaks
A Contrast of Two Warriors–Saul and David–Their Relationship with the LORD God
Verse of the Day: “As for God, His way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 109
We Respond
Reflection.
Consider the following questions regarding 1 Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 18
> 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 28
1. God rejects and refuses to communicate with those (like Saul) who do not carefully carry out His plans and purposes.
2. People may turn to ungodly means to get directions when they don’t hear from God.
1 Samuel 29
1. God may use unbelievers to get us back on the right side of the fight or at least out of the battle.
2. Sometimes other people can see the problems in our thinking better than we can. We should listen to them.
1 Samuel 30
1. God is ready, willing and able to comfort those who turn and depend on Him, as David did.
2. Wherever there are groups of people, especially if there has been some kind of victory or celebration, there will always be jeaous troublemakers.
1 Samuel 31
1. God’s Word, for good or bad, will always be fulfilled, as it was with the deaths of Saul, his sons and his armor-bearer.
2. People should honor their leaders in their death in spite of their flaws or failures.
Psalm 18
1. God is the One who arms us with strength, keeps our way secure, enables us to stand firm and trains our hands for battle.
2. When people experiencce success, they should praise the LORD among the nations.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 1Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 18?
Almighty God, You reject and refuse to communicate with those who do not carefully carry out Your plans and purposes. Even people who know You may be tempted to turn to ungodly means to get directions when they don’t hear from You. But often, You know their heart is not right. At times, You may use unbelievers to get us back on the right side of the fight or at least out of the battle. Sometimes other people can see the problems in our thinking better than we can. We should listen to them and wait on You, LORD. Impatience was a major flaw in King Saul’s nature. It is in mine as well. LORD God, You are ready, willing and able to comfort those who turn and depend on You, as David so frequently did. Wherever there are groups of people, especially if You have given us some kind of victory or reason to celebrate, there will always be jeaous troublemakers. Help us to deal with them appropriately. Your word, O God, for good or bad, will always be fulfilled. This gives us hope for the future. In regard to the past, we should forgive and honor our leaders in spite of their flaws or failures. Of course this is only possible because of Jesus’ death on the cross. We are in an ongoing spiritual war. It is, You, LORD God, who arms us with strength, keeps our way secure, enables us to stand firm and trains our hands for battle. When we experiencce success, Holy Spirit, help us to praise You among the nations and 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 28-31 and Psalm 18?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will not consult mediums or witches; it is an insult to the LORD God.
- I will be friendly with other people around me, but I will form deep friendships only with those who share my values.
- I will help someone recover what has been wrongly taken from them, and I will share with those who stayed behind to “guard the stuff” or who supported me in some way.
- I will continually turn to the LORD God for direction and praise Him for the results.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.