Good morning everyone! I am so proud of each of you who are reading God’s Word whether you add your wisdom or not! It’s so encouraging to me to see people in the Word! Thank you!!
1st Samuel chapter 14.
Kind of a long chapter but there was something unique I recognized about each group of people or individuals.
- Saul was not a good spiritual leader. He had a good army and his army had the ability to fight. But you can't fight a battle without the Lord. The talent was there but God was not sought after by Saul the leader.
- When pursued by their enemies, the Philistines, Saul was quick to act in fear and to run and hide. As did his men also.
- Jonathan trusted God and was respected as a man with integrity. He was a role model. He did not want to operate under his power but the power of God. He was willing to face his fears and overcome them with God's empowerment.
- Jonathan's armor bearer saw the greatness in Jonathan. He entrusted him with his decisions. The armor barrier was willing to go into enemy territory because of how much he trusted Jonathan with God.
I want to be able to face my fears or difficult times with faith. Gods got this!!! I can keep moving forward in faith and trust even when things don't look like they're going good. God can take a bad situation and make it a successful one for his glory.
I want others to see my faith and believe in me as a spiritual leader just like the armor barrier did with Jonathan. Such loyalty brings about great support of a God-given vision.
God help us all be good at what we do by your strength. Help us all to trust you even when things get difficult. Let fear not be a factor that keeps us from following you in faith.
Today's Motto is: GOD'S GOT THIS!
One bad decision after another is how Saul’s leadership seems to be going so far from what we have seen with him. We just read in the previous chapter about how Saul took matters into his own hands and now in this chapter he makes an oath that jeopardizes his son who had bravely started the fight against the Philistines that day. I guess we shouldn’t expect differently from a king who was desired by the people as a replacement for having God as their king.
There are three principles that I’m calling ABC principles that I think could be learned from seeing Saul’s mistakes.
A – Always seek the Lord’s guidance BEFORE starting into something. (Matthew 6:33)
B – Be united and part of that is making sure that communication reaches everyone that it is supposed to include in your group. (1 Peter 3:8)
C – Choose to use words wisely. (Psalm 19:14)
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.