162nd Week, I Samuel Chapters 20-24 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

 

Click of Title for Video Intro

Monday, I Samuel Chapter 20

I Samuel 20

Verse 32

Tanya Ruden 

Verse 32: “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father.

THOUGHT

In reading this verse you may ask yourself - is this from I Samuel or the Gospels?  It reminded me of something Pilate may have said during Jesus’s trial.

Once again in chapter 20, we see jealousy getting the most of Saul. In trying to kill David, he was trying to secure the throne for his family. Doesn’t he understand that usually what God says stands the test of what man may try to do?  Isn’t it interesting that Saul wants his family to have the future kingdom more than they do? Jonathan would be the next king after Saul, and he has had ample opportunity to kill David.  He has too much love for both David and God to try to overwrite God’s plan for the future. Isn’t it neat when we are strong in our faith and accept God’s plan?  The ways of the world and our families’ goals seem insignificant.  Jonathan was at peace with the future as God intended - too bad Saul couldn’t have been.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, so often we don’t understand Your plan for our life. We may hear Your call, but have a hard time understanding why You are doing things the way You are. Help us, Lord, to be more like Jonathan in accepting Your call in our life. Things may not be going as we intended them to or as the world seems to think they should be, but help us be strong in our faith and accept the situations and love You more than the opportunity before us.  AMEN

Tuesday, I Samuel Chapter 21

I Samuel 21

Verse 9

Heather Williams

Verse 9:  The priest replied, ‘The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here: it is wrapped in cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one.’

THOUGHT

I find it interesting that the sword of Goliath has found David again. I find it interesting that this part of the story is in the Bible.  When we read about Goliath earlier in the week, I never thought about the fact that David never took a ‘trophy’ from his battle.  He did not pick up the enemies’ sword. It was his first battle, and he had no ‘physical’ remembrance of it.

I think it reminds us that David killing Goliath was ‘all about God’. He was the strength in the fight and the one glorified, not David.  The fact David did not think of himself then has come to help him now. If he would have taken the sword as a ‘trophy’ on that day, where would it be, hanging on a shelf in his home among several other swords?  But instead, it is here to help him defend himself against what is yet to come. 

Isn’t it neat how God always does provide for our needs? Here we see David needing food and defense, and God has provided for those needs.  This was another fulfillment of his promise.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, so often we fret about our needs and how they will be met. How will we pay this bill? or We weren’t expecting this emergency. or How will we pay for it?  You have said You will provide for all our needs. You will always care for us. Help us remember this in our daily lives.  You will care for us and love us.  Also, Lord, help us to live like David, not taking credit for things when the credit is due You.  Help us not lose sight of You working in our lives.  We love You, Jesus, and know You love us as Your children.  AMEN

Wednesday, I Samuel Chapter 22

I Samuel 22

Verse 14-15

Heather Williams

Verses 14-15:  Ahimelech answered the king, “Who of all your servants is as loyal as David, the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard and highly respected in your household?  Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Let not the king accuse your servant of any of his father’s family, for your servant knows nothing at all about this whole affair.”

THOUGHT

A couple of things stood out for me in this chapter and specifically this verse. One was David’s reputation. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the woman I am and the woman I want to be. They look a bit different. I’ve been realizing some things that need to change in my life so that my being or reputation would be reflective of who I want to be and hope to be as a person.  There’s a few things I need to work on in my life to become that woman. 

David’s reputation on the other hand was “loyal and highly respected” because that was who he was.  So much so that this man, Ahimelech, was willing to risk his life (which he lost) to defend David. The second thing that stood out to me was Ahimelech’s bravery. He had to have known that his life was at risk by what he was saying. Yet, he wasn’t afraid to speak the truth even if it meant losing his life, which he did. 

This made me think of how many times I may not speak up about my faith or religion just because I’m afraid of what others may think. My life isn’t even at risk, yet sometimes I hold back. If there’s anything in my life to speak up about and not be ashamed of, it would be my faith.

PRAYER

Father God, Holiest of Holies! Thank You for this time in Your Word. Lord, I pray that each of us would live our lives to honor You and to exemplify You. Lord, let our reputation and honor be reflective of You. I pray that as anyone sees me or the other Salt Shakers that they would see Christ, through our actions, our words, and our presence. I also pray that we would be brave and proud to be Christians. Lord, give us the privilege to share our faith with any one and every one that crosses our path without hesitation. Forgive me, Lord, for the times that I have failed in that privilege. I love You more than anything!! You are my all in all! AMEN

Thursday, I Samuel Chapter 23

I Samuel 23

Verses 2 & 7

Heather Williams

Verse 2:  He inquired of the Lord, saying ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’

Verse 7:  Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, “God has handed him over to me, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.”

THOUGHT

I had two thoughts on this chapter, which are highlighted by the above verses.  First, in verse two, we see David seeking God’s wisdom before acting. David asked for God’s guidance, listened to His directions and then proceeded. How often do we make decisions on our own without seeking God’s guidance first? We call on Him after we make the decisions to look for His help, just to find out we strayed from what His will was. We need to remember who is in control and always look to God first. He wants to guide and direct our paths.

Second, in verse seven we see Saul misinterpreting God’s actions to fit into His will. He wants so badly to kill David that every action or event that occurs, he tries to fit into his plan, not God’s. This really hit home for me.  Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what I want I read into events or actions as “signs”. My application Bible puts it so well so I’ll quote it. “Not every opportunity is sent from God. We may want something so much that we assume any opportunity to obtain it is of divine origin. I’ve learned to pray about these events or actions that occur in my life to discern whether they are from God or my mind.”

PRAYER

Wonderful Counselor, all-knowing Father, I am so thankful that You are all knowing and in control. Lord, help us to look to You for direction and guidance before acting. Just as important, Lord, help us to listen and hear what Your Will is. I know that You love each of us so much and want to be involved in our lives. I pray that each of us would look to You first and foremost throughout each decision we make, big or small. Thank You for caring so much! AMEN

Friday, I Samuel Chapter 24

I Samuel 24

Verses 17 & 19

Heather Williams

Verses 17 & 19:  “You are more righteous than I”, he said.  “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.”  “May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today.”

THOUGHT

I’ve always gotten a kick out of this story. There’s a couple of things that hit me in this story. First is how David still has respect for the King even though he’s been trying to kill him. David recognizes that Saul has been appointed King and therefore needs to be respected.  We could learn a bit from David by respecting our governmental leaders. They may make mistakes, but we are instructed by the Lord to respect our government leaders, unless of course they pressure us to violate God’s law. David knew he needed to be a leader and an example to his people by respecting Saul.  So that when he is King, people would show the same respect to him. 

Second, I think it’s admirable how David does not kill Saul even though he’s given the chance. His goal is to become King, and he could have taken it into his own hands and reached his goal that day, by killing Saul. However, he knew that wasn’t the way he was to attain his goal. 

I think this is a great example for us to know that it’s not only the goal we are trying to reach that is important, but the way we are trying to attain it. For example, let’s take my CPA exam. My goal is to pass the exam and become a CPA. I could cheat on the exam (I have no idea how, but I’m sure it’s possible) and obtain that passing grade and my goal, but that wouldn’t be the proper way to attain that goal. It’s just as important as how I get my CPA (by diligently studying) as well as passing the exam.

PRAYER

Lord of my life, thank You for another day! Thank You for technology that allows our family to stay close and grow in Your Word even though we are miles and miles apart. Lord, I want to lift up our government leaders.  I pray that they would seek You first and consult You to guide and direct the decisions they make for our country. I pray that we will follow Your commandment and respect our leaders. I also thank You for the goals You have set for each of us and how different they all are. Help us to attain these goals in a way that You would want us to.  In Your Precious and Holy Name.  AMEN