1 Samuel 23:13-29; Psalm 54; 1 Samuel 24-25:44
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I love the mini-reunion of Jonathan and David in First Samuel 23 verses 16 & 17 - "Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. "Don't be afraid," Jonathan reassured him. "My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father is well aware." What great words of encouragement from Jonathan! Who is the last person you encouraged? Do you make it a habit to encourage people around you regularly? Who is someone you can encourage big-time today or tomorrow?
I like Psalm 54 verse 4 a lot - "But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!" Is this true in your life? Is God the one who keeps you alive? Or are you trying to lean on other things as your source of life? I believe it is such a blessing to surrender more and more to God until we get to the point where truly this true for us - God is the one - and only - who keeps us alive. I am not saying I am there yet - but I'm trying to get there. I'm trying to surrender more and more each day to Jesus and the Father - all that I am - all that I am living for. I pray that in your life and in mine God will be the one who keeps us alive!
Interesting chapters today! David is essentially put to the test by God over the next 3 chapters - 2 tests today and 1 tomorrow. And the test is this - obedience. You'll recall that Saul fails the test of obedience early in his kingship. David passes the tests - he does not kill Saul and he does not kill Nabal. He could have killed both. First Samuel 24 verses 5 through 7 are a great look at David's character when Saul was in the cave - "But then David's conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe. "The LORD knows I shouldn't have done it," he said to his men. "It is a serious thing to attack the LORD's anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him." So David sharply rebuked his men and did not let them kill Saul."
How impressive is Abigail in First Samuel chapter 25! Her speech to David in verses 24 through 30 is awesome. She takes all the blame. Calls out Nabal. Gives David gifts. And smartly lets him know he doesn't need this blood on his hands. David is clearly impressed. Below is Dutch artist Jacob Willemsz de Wet's painting from the 17th century titled "The Meeting of David and Abigail":
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "A Friend Indeed" is at this link and "A Time to Kill, or Not" is at this link and "Dear Abby" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings in 1 Samuel and the Psalms reminded me of Rebecca St. James' song "You Are Loved:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq0gtxumSrU
Do you know that you are loved? Click here and receive His Great Love!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." Psalm 54:4 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that God is your help. Pray that you will receive God's gifts of sustaining you on a daily basis and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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