The purpose of First Samuel is to record the life of Samuel, Israel’s last judge, thru reign and decline of Saul, the first king; and the choice and preparation of David, Israel’s greatest king. Establishing a monarchy did not solve Israel’s problems. What God desires is the genuine devotion of each person’s mind and heart to Him. No government or set of laws can substitute for the rule of God in your heart & life.
On Monday, we learn from 1Sam 1 that God Cares about Our Concerns. On Tuesday, we learn from 1Sam 7 that God Is Our Mighty Helper. On Wed, we learn from 1Sam 10 that Spirit of God Empowers Us. On Thursday, we learn from 17 that God Delivers the Faithful. On Friday, we learn fr 1Sam 20/22 that God Cares for Downtrodden. On Sat, we learn from 1Sam 30 that Gracious God Is Our Strength.
Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Help us O God be Christ’s disciples who Adore You: For You Care about Our Concerns; especially when are Downtrodden; For You are worthy of our Thanks as You Deliver and Empower Us; For You are worthy of our Praise being Mighty Helper & Our Strength. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
After months of running for his life, David concludes that leaving Israel entirely is the only way to escape Saul’s relentless pursuit. By convincing the Philistines he is a defector, David is given the city of Ziklag as his base of operations. But instead of aiding the enemy, David and his army methodically destroy Philistine strongholds. Meanwhile, Saul’s desperate attempts to counter the Philistine threat lead him to consult a medium. And instead of promise of victory, Saul heard frightening prediction of defeat and death, forecasts which came true the very next day as he & his sons die on the field of battle.
Lord, You are God of My Strength: It happened when David and his men came to Ziglag, on the third day that the Amalekites invaded the South burned it… and had taken captives… Then David and the people who were with him… wept until they had no more power to weep… Now David was greatly distressed for the people spoke of stoning him… But David Strengthen himself in the Lord his God (1Sam 30:1-6). Then David said to Abiathar the priest… Bring the ephod to me… So David inquired of the Lord: Shall I pursue this troop?… And He answered him: Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail Recover all (v7-8). Then David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man of them escaped, except 400 young man… who fled. So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away(v17-18)
Lord, we learnt from David that we can strengthen ourselves in You. For You are our strong fortress and You are the God of our strength. In You Lord are power and might; and in You we find all that we need when we are weary or go out of gas. Forgive us for doubting Yr strength and failing to access it in our life. As Your children we claim access to Your strength, rather than walk in our own limited power. Amen.
Lord, some challenges we face can make us feel insecure & doubtful. Our fears tell us that if we take a wrong step, we will fall into danger. Help us learn from David to inquire of You Lord; and remember of Your assurance to provide us strength as the feet of a deer. Grant us direction and strength to do what we are called to do. And put Lord a spring in our steps as we follow where You lead. Amen.
Lord, I need You for my strength is limited but Your strength is endless. Gird me with Your great strength for I am weak but You are strong. Strengthen my heart and resolve when life seems so challenging. Strengthen my mind to think big because I serve a big God. Strengthen my hands to do all that You have called me to do; for You are My Strength!! Amen.
