1 Samuel 14:24 – 52
Luke 14
Key Thoughts:
Jonathan summarizes his father’s leadership, Vs. 29 – “My Father has troubled the land.” Saul continues in a headstrong, temper-filled manner.
His lack of wisdom shows that he was impatient, unwilling to accept counsel and unrepentant when shown to be wrong.
To leaders studying this passage – there is much in Saul’s style of leadership that we should avoid!
Luke 14 When Jesus calls you, do you make excuses? 14:18?
Vs. 26 Jesus is for the family! However there is often a cost in family relations to follow Christ. The story is told many times over of the first one in a family that follows Jesus, a season of persecution and hardship and then, one by one the others begin to follow Christ as well.
The question is one of approval – are we more concerned with approval on earth or approval in heaven?
Vs. 33 A strong, pointed definition of true discipleship – nothing can be above Jesus in our heart!
Quote of the Day:
“I believe many backsliders are still Christians outwardly, but they have been moving away in heart. They neglect secret prayer and become very formal in public devotion.” Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899)
1 Samuel 13 – 14:23
Luke 13
Key Thoughts:
When we come under pressure the temptation is always to take matters into our own hands and abandon the clear commands of the Lord.
Saul makes many excuses – 13:12 – he also blames the people, “I felt compelled”. Saul doubted the Lord’s promises to him as the leader, he was struggling with trust.
This is the beginning of the end for Saul.
Every time we come across the phrase “a man after His (God’s) own heart” – it stirs a desire in me to be that man. Pray, “Lord teach me to be that kind of man, (or that kind of woman)”.
14:6 In the face of insurmountable odds, Jonathan shows us what trust looks like “For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.”
It was the Lord at work on Israel’s behalf (vs. 23). God is always able to help, to save, to deliver – the circumstance is not what determines His help. Our faith, our faithfulness to His ways and our faith-filled action brings the results.
Luke 13:1-5 The theology of the day taught that when bad things happened to someone it was judgment for their sin, Jesus says emphatically – No! It was also taught that a prosperous person was a righteous person, this is also false.
The outward is not a true indicator of the inward heart. (the fig tree)
13:16 Jesus often shows compassion for individual situations – “think of it” or in our language, “imagine 18 years!”. The gospel is always spread one person at a time.
Vss. 22 -30 How many people are around us that would say if asked about eternity, “I’m a good person, I think I have a pretty good chance”. The way to eternal life is not based on personal merit or on a comparative scale – it is through Christ alone!
Would Jesus have wept over my city, He must be weeping even now. Such need, such brokenness, such spiritual lost-ness.
Quote of the Day:
“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” C.T. Studd
1 Samuel 12
Luke 12
Key Thoughts:
Samuel speaks of prayer, rather of not praying as sin against the Lord – an amazing verse of insight into prayer. (vs. 23)
I wonder, is there anyone that we have failed to pray for? In so doing consider that it is sin against the Lord! Such power and importance is afforded to prayer.
Luke 12:3 Another verse highlighting our accountability for every word that we speak, hypocrisy is going to be exposed eventually, the true heart, the true motive will show itself. You are no exception, I am no exception.
12:15 Whenever we come across Jesus saying “take heed and beware” we ought to stop in our tracks and seriously consider what He is instructing us about – covetousness.
“Life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Vs. 29 “nor have an anxious mind.” This little five word phrase seems so large a task – the only way to a mind that is not anxious is absolute trust that the Lord is truly in charge of even the most minute detail – He knows all about it.
Vs. 31 Seek first – this is the key!
Vss. 44-48 The most severe judgment is for those who are knowing and yet not doing. What do you think it would mean to be “beaten with many stripes” in God’s judgment?
Vs. 48 Those who are given much have much required of them – much blessing, much knowledge, much opportunity, much prosperity. The blessings and privileges of God are for our enjoyment but not for our exclusive use – we are to spread them (blessings) to others – with words, deeds, compassion, generosity, love…
Quote of the Day:
“Choose rather to want less, than to have more.” Thomas a Kempis (1340-1471)
1 Samuel 11
Luke 11:14 – 54
Key Thoughts:
Saul’s early activity as King reveals an ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit. (vs. 6) tThe anointing of the Spirit is an equipping to deal with the current situation – a righteous indignation at this unjust attack results in action, not just emotion.
Saul also shows a magnanimous grace toward those who had opposed his appointment as king. (vs. 13)
There is the simple ability to celebrate and rejoice in the goodness of God’s blessing. “Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly” (vs.15).
Luke 11:33-36 “The lamp of the body is the eye” – a review of what we are looking at is a healthy exercise.
Consider Jesus’ words: “when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light”.
Jesus has little patience with religiosity and the putting on of a good outward appearance. The whole of Jesus teaching is about the heart, the inner man.
Our challenge as followers of Jesus is to live a life that is integrated – every aspect, every section and corner of our lives connected with the others – that Jesus is the center of our lives, and all of who we are and what we do must flow from that surrendered place of His Lordship.
Vs. 52 The person who chooses rebellion against Christ and then tries to influence others to the same place is most harshly rebuked by Jesus, here and in other teaching (Luke 17:2).
Seeking to persuade others to join us in sin or rebellion is one of the most serious offenses to Jesus. So many people are a bad influence so that they will at least have some company on the road to hell. Be an encourager, build up people’s faith, call them on – don’t be the one who knocks them off the road.
Quote of the Day:
“How can you pull down strongholds of Satan if you don’t even have the strength to turn off your TV?”
Leonard Ravenhill
1 Samuel 10
Luke 11:1-13
Key Thoughts:
Samuel gives Saul a number of signs to look for as confirmation of his selection as king.
10:7 “the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and…..(you will) be turned into another man.”
Vs. 9 “God gave him another heart.” The Holy Spirit is working all throughout the history of God’s relationship with man. The result of a full encounter with the Holy Spirit will always be a change – it is not possible to truly have the Holy Spirit come upon us and for us to stay the same. He, the Holy Spirit, changes hearts even to the point of us becoming “new”. Praise God.
This possibility is available daily. What do you need today, what is it in your life that is longing for ‘newness’? Invite the Holy Spirit right now… “Holy Spirit, make me a new man/woman by Your power”.
Luke 11 Prayer – the Lord’s prayer is much more than a template to be repeated mindlessly – each of the phrases represents an aspect of prayer and intercession relating to the Kingdom – “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. As we pray, this is the heart of what we are asking – that heaven’s rule, heaven’s way would intervene and bring order to our world, our lives.
“All kingdom ministry begins with, is sustained by, and will triumph through prayer.” Jack W. Hayford
Vss. 5-8 Perseverance in prayer is commended – we are not to give up asking, we are permitted, even encouraged to petition with tenacity. Don’t give up friend – our God is much greater in goodness than an uncaring friend.
Vss. 9-13 These verses would be included in the “top 10” of insights into our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Ask, seek, knock – what arrogance in us would disobey this direction? What independence inside a proud heart would say, “I will not ask, or seek, or knock”. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is a beautiful dependency that acknowledges our need and His supply.
The prayer promises here should stop us in our tracks – these are strong motivations to pray!
The heart of God for you, for every person is that we would be filled with the Holy Spirit and His power! Ask right now, seek right now, knock …. Right now!
Come Holy Spirit.
Quote of the Day:
“I ought to spend the best hours of the day in communion with God. It is my noblest and most fruitful employment, and is not to be thrust into any corner.” Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843)
1 Samuel 9
Luke 10
Key Thoughts:
What appear to be random events in the life of Saul are included to show how the Lord is able to order our lives for His own purpose – the whole point of the donkey story is to get Saul to Samuel.
Never be afraid of whether the Lord can accomplish His good purpose in our lives – He is able to arrange things!
Remember these humble beginnings in the life of Saul, his is a life of very sad instruction to us.
Luke 10:2 The harvest IS great! The need is for laborers, there is a harvest around us, it is great and the prayer need is for the workers – we are to be those workers, church.
The 70 are sent to do two things – heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God (the good news). The ministry of healing is for all to minister, not just a few.
10:20 Our greatest rejoicing ought to be in our salvation, not in any gifts or manifestation that might flow through us on occasion.
Vs.21 Jesus experiences great joy in the Spirit, His joy came from the ministry of His followers. There is a marvelous joy in raising and releasing others into the work of the Lord. All of us can have this kind of joy by investing and sharing in love in the lives of those around us.
The lawyer is trying to complicate the simple question- Jesus turns it around and challenges us all – are we a neighbor to the one in need? Anyone in need is our neighbor, are we proving to be that one, that Jesus honors in this parable?
Vss. 29 and 36 Summarize for us.
Quote of the Day:
“I must assert in the most unqualified way that it is primarily and mainly for the sake of saving the soul that I seek the salvation of the body.” William Booth
1 Samuel 8
Luke 9:7-50
Key Thoughts:
8:3 Even though Samuel was a godly man, his sons did not walk in his ways. Two thoughts on this: a) there will be godly people whose child/children make their own choice and rebel against the Lord, our posture should be prayer and support – believing that those kids will return! b) the fact that we live for God is not a guarantee that our kids will, it takes diligence, integrity and lots of communication and prayer.
Israel’s demand for a King is a clear rejection of God as their ruler – they wanted to be “like all the nations”. How tempting for us to “be like all the nations/people” around us instead of a person ruled and led by God alone.
Luke 9 Feeding the 5000 (men) – Jesus is able to multiply! What do you need multiplied today? Finances, reconciliation, wisdom, bread?
9:20 If your confession is as Peter’s, speak the words out loud, let it ring in your spirit: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (John 6:69)
Vs. 23 What does it mean today, for me to “take up (my) cross and follow Him”? What am I seeking to gain of this world that might endanger my soul? (vs. 25)
Vs. 35 A supernatural affirmation from heaven of the identity of Jesus Christ – “Hear Him!”
Vs. 48 The Kingdom of God requires “childlikeness”, we, like children, need His help, require assistance and cannot enter the kingdom on our own merit. We must also trust like a child, faith that is simple, without the discoloration of cynicism.
Vss. 57-62 We know from the rest of Jesus’ teaching and of the scriptures that Jesus is not against family care – this is a challenge to His followers against a) the love of material things above love for Christ (vs. 56) b) procrastination in obedience to the commands of Chris, (vs. 60) c) double mindedness, instead of a firm and final commitment – we cannot live in two worlds. (vs. 62)
Quote of the Day:
“As to gold and silver, I count it dung and dross; I trample it under my feet I esteem it just as the mire of the streets. I desire it not and I seek it not; I only fear lest any of it should cleave to me, and I should not be able to shake it off before my spirit returns to God.” John Wesley (1703-1791)
1 Samuel 7:2 – 17
Luke 8:19 – 9:6
Key Thoughts:
The beginning of Samuel’s ministry results in a spiritual revival among the people. They get rid of all of their idols and “served the Lord only” (vs. 7:4)
As soon as the revival begins, the enemy is stirred up and begins an intensified opposition. Satan will never stand by idly and watch us be blessed, we must be prepared in our spirit to withstand the enemy, even as we are advancing in revival.
God is going to bring about a marvelous victory for Israel as they returned to Him, the cities that Israel had lost to the Philistines were retaken, there was peace in the land. (vs. 14)
The “Ebenezer” stone was a memorial remembering the goodness of God and that it was He who had helped them. It will help us to have memorial points or markers to be reminded in times of hardship of former times of the Lord’s help – He will not fail us now!
Luke 8 The simple application – when you are in a storm, Jesus is with you in the boat, He even has authority over the physical wind and waves – Jesus’ question “where is your faith?” (vs. 25) is a good one to ask ourselves right now.
8:39 The power of testimony is encouraged by Jesus. When God has done something great for you – tell it, tell it as often as you can to as many as you can!
Vs. 50 A word to you today: “do not be afraid; only believe”. Someone is reading this and this is a Rhema (living, meaningful, forceful, applicable, current) word for you today – receive it and go forward.
9:6 A colorful and encouraging picture of Spirit-filled ministry – “preaching and healing everywhere”.
Quote of the Day:
“A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.” Charles Finney
1 Samuel 5
Luke 7:36-8:18
Key Thoughts:
The ark of God is taken to the house of the Philistine god Dagon, (said to be the father of Baal, head and torso of a man, from the waist down a fish).
The supremacy of God is displayed in this interesting passage – Dagon, is twice fallen before the ark of God, the second time the words used indicate a dismemberment (cutting off), not a breaking. God’s authority over all man- made gods is a continuous theme being reinforced.
The superstitious Philistines miss the point completely, their response is to make a law to never step on the threshold instead of worshipping God!
Luke 7:47 This statement is not so much a numbering of our sins, no one has any right to claim fewer sins than the next person – but rather it is a challenge to those who begin to trust in self-righteousness rather than the merciful grace of Jesus.
We are in spiritual danger of losing that vibrant sense of love when we begin to feel we are arriving spiritually, not in need quite so much. Self-righteousness is the death of love – we are and ever will be needy of the gracious forgiveness and restoration of our loving Lord. Thank you Jesus.
Parable of the Sower – the seed is scattered; there must be planting and sowing first and foremost, of the word of God,(the message of the gospel). Never hesitate to share the gospel, allow the seed itself to make its way into the soil. Too often we try to evaluate the soil before we will sow the seed. Let the Holy Spirit work the soil – we must get the seed to the soil all around us!
Four types of soil: hard – interest but no response. Stony or shallow soil, a quick perhaps an emotional response but no depth or effort at growth. Thorny, weed infested: a joyful response, genuine ‘in the heart’ response – yet through a gradual process the gospel is “choked”. Note what does the choking: (fill in the blanks with examples from your life)
Cares:______________________________________.
Riches:_____________________________________.
Pleasures of life:______________________________.
The good soil! Praise God – the good response to the gospel multiplies and bears fruit with patience (30, 60 and 100 times. Matt. 13:23)
Vs. 18 “Take heed how you hear.” Those who hear and believe will find their capacity to grow increases, those who hear and do not believe will become increasingly hardened to the truth.
Quote of the Day:
“Lost people matter to God, and so they must matter to us.” Keith Wright
1 Samuel 3, 4
Luke 7:1-35
Key Thoughts:
God is able to speak, even to children. When you sense a word from the Lord to our hearts, always be willing to say “speak Lord for your servant is listening”.
Think of the challenge for Samuel when his first prophetic word is judgment upon Eli, consider also God’s confidence in this developing young leader to trust him with such a message and responsibility.
A trustworthy leader is the one known by God for his/her heart, not always the oldest one in the room!
I’m hoping this poor child had a second name! Ichabod strikes fear into the heart even when it is spoken.
“Oh God, never take Your glory from me, from us. I pray you will never declare that word over my life.”
Jesus heals a centurion’s servant, raises the dead, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear and the poor have the ‘good news’ preached to them (the poor were usually ignored or considered unworthy).
STILL – the Pharisees and lawyers – “rejected the will of God for themselves”. (vs. 7:30)
As we read of Jesus’ life and impact we must take careful notice of the divergent responses to His life and ministry. We should not be surprised or discouraged when we experience the same differing results.
There will always be people who respond joyfully and readily to the gospel, and there will always be those who no matter what is said or done as testimony, will remain unmoved.
The results or lack or results should not determine our faithful proclamation and living of the gospel.
Quote of the Day:
“What lust is so sweet or profitable that is worth burning in hell for? Is any lust so precious in thine eye that thou canst not leave it behind thee, rather than fall into the hands of God’s justice?” William Gurnall (1617-1679)
