Oct2019
He didn’t look like much
So Jesse sent for him. He was a handsome, healthy young man, and his eyes sparkled. The Lord said to Samuel, ‘This is the one-anoint him!’ Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the spirit of the Lord took control of David and was with him from that… Read more
Oct2019
Thankful yelling
He was going into a village when he was met by ten men suffering from a dreaded skin disease. They stood at a distance and shouted, ‘Jesus! Master! Have pity on us!’ Jesus saw them and said to them, ‘Go and let the priests examine you.’ On the way they were made clean. When one… Read more
Oct2019
Don’t forget
The LORD does not let us forget his wonderful actions; he is kind and merciful. He provides food for those who honour him; he never forgets his covenant. He has shown his power to his people by giving them the lands of foreigners. (verses 4-6) Read Psalm 111 Embarrassment and frustration often loom large for… Read more
Oct2019
Unswerving resolve
Then Samuel turned to leave, but Saul caught hold of his cloak and it tore. Samuel said to him, ‘The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today and given it to someone who is a better man than you. Israel’s majestic God does not lie or change his mind. He is… Read more
Oct2019
Living the call
‘But my men did not kill the best sheep and cattle that they captured; instead, they brought them here to Gilgal to offer as a sacrifice to the LORD your God.’ Samuel said, ‘Which does the LORD prefer: obedience or offerings and sacrifices? It is better to obey him than to sacrifice the best sheep… Read more
Oct2019
Kicking against authority?
‘That was a foolish thing to do,’ Samuel answered. ‘You have not obeyed the command the LORD your God gave you. If you had obeyed, he would have let you and your descendants rule over Israel for ever. But now your rule will not continue. Because you have disobeyed him, the LORD will find the… Read more
Oct2019
Imparting your heart to others
‘The LORD has made a solemn promise, and he will not abandon you, for he has decided to make you his own people. As for me, the LORD forbid that I should sin against him by no longer praying for you. Instead, I will teach you what is good and right for you to do…. Read more
Oct2019
Freedom, oh freedom!
That night Saul divided his men into three groups, and at dawn they rushed into the enemy camp and attacked the Ammonites. By midday they had slaughtered them. The survivors scattered, each man running off by himself. Then the people of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Where are the people who said that Saul should not… Read more
Oct2019
Ordinary servants
‘Suppose one of you has a servant who is ploughing or looking after the sheep. When he comes in from the paddock, do you tell him to hurry and eat his meal? Of course not! Instead, you say to him, “Get my supper ready, then put on your apron and wait on me while I… Read more
Oct2019
Noonday intensity
Trust in the LORD and do good; live in the land and be safe. Seek your happiness in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the LORD; trust in him, and he will help you; he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun. (verses 3-6) Read Psalm… Read more
