Arise and Abide

Reading 1 Samuel 25:1-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Going through God’s plan can be rough as we learn to know and trust the LORD. David was seeking compensation for doing what he should have been doing anyway, not harassing his neighbors or stealing from them. David decides to take things into his own hands. Nabal being described as hot tempered, unapproachable and unreasonable. God moving in Abigail to be a peacemaker. It is after Samuel’s death that David begins to take vengeance into his own hands. Luke 17:7, Nabal didn’t owe David anything contractually. It is hard to show the love of Jesus to people how repay good with evil. Call on the Holy Spirit to help you show the love of God to the people who treat you poorly.

Reading Psalms 71:1-6 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Psalmist asking for protection, support, and rescue. The Lord sees all you are going through. God is sovereign to rescue when things are not going well for you. “Give the order to save me” reminiscent of the Roman officer’s faith in Matthew 8:8-9. God allows us to go through things that teach us to go to God. The things we hope for and where we put our hope. Needing the LORD to reflet love. Trusting God from your childhood.

Reading 1 Samuel 24:1-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Just because opportunities present themselves, it doesn’t mean it is God’s will. We have free will with every opportunity, to either seek the LORD, or our own agenda and judgments. David did not take killing Saul lightly. Asking Saul why he listened to the voices that were saying David was after him or the throne. David’s question offered Saul a lot of grace. Sometimes bad information comes form within. Who are you listening to and why we let those voices in. Letting go of the judgment seat. God gave David everything he needed to show himself righteous. Saul will not let go of being king, even though it was clear he was being replaced and how would replace him. David surrenders to the LORD and relies on God to be his advocate. We have an advocate too, praise the LORD!

Reading 1 Samuel 23:15-29 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Saul’s relentless pursuit of David. David runs further into hiding. David gets a visit from Jonathan and they again renew their vows to one another, and the encouragement David received. The Philistines come at just the right time to keep the conflict between Saul and David from getting bloody. Saul’s pursu it of David has been keeping Saul from focusing on Israel. When we focus on one person we lose sight of the bigger picture.  God did not want the change of leadership to get bloody.

Reading 1 Samuel 23:1-14 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David goes to God immediately seeking direction when he hears of trouble in Keilah. David’s men didn’t want to go, so David again seeks the LORD and follows God’s direction. After the victory, David goes again, asking God what will happen and what he should do. David’s response was not revenge. God showing David what to do, day by day, step by step, David walks in faith. We don’t have ot know the whole path or the future, we just need to be present where God has us now and seeking His instructions. All people must make the choice to trust God. Praise the LORD!!!

Reading 1 Samuel 22:11-23 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The possibility that everyone really wanted David as king, tiring of Saul’s mood swings. None of Saul’s men wanted to kill the priests except Doeg.  God showing David he cannot run away from this calling. The prophetic judgment against Eli and his family. Doeg wiping out everything at Nob reminiscent of Saul failing to wipe out everything of the Amalekites. Saul fully at war with God now. The enemy comes to kill steal and destroy and encourages people to live selfishly. God has another way for us, and He is the same God. Every day God is telling His children, “Stay here with me, do not be afraid, I protect you.”

Reading 1 Samuel 22:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David waiting on the LORD. The LORD begins to build a following around David. David’s grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabite. The rabble of people following David, foreshadowing Jesus. Saul, really losing it, accuses his closest men of conspiring against him. Saul wanting everyone to like him, be on his side, and feel sorry for him. Two kings and how they approach their problems. Encouragement to wait on the LORD.

Reading 1 Samuel 21:1-14 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David showing fear and operating in survival mode. Gath, Goliath’s hometown, was a dangerous place to seek refuge from Saul. Psalms 56 was written about this time. Matthew 12:1-8, Jesus references this moment in history when confronting the Pharisees who accused the disciples of breaking the sabbath by picking grain and eating it. Leviticus 24:9 is the law regarding the Holy Bread. When we run around make decision in self-preservation mode, we can find ourselves in worse situations than we started in. Go to God for guidance always in faith that He will deliver.  

Reading Psalms 70:1-5 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David often asks God to destroy his enemies but here he asks for them only to be unsuccessful, humiliated, and put to shame. David’s psalms are often balanced with requests and praise. God is our helper and savior. This Psalm is almost identical to Psalm 40:13-17, the encouragement to keep going to God with you request. The truth in verse four of the joy that fills those who search for the LORD which leads us to shout God is great!

Reading 1 Samuel 20:1-42 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jonathan just wanted everyone to get along. Jonathan’s heart of humility and surrender. Saul is thinking about his own honor, Jonathan is wanting to honor God and his friendship with David. David has Jonathan test Saul’s response to see what is stored up in Saul’s heart. Surrendering our hearts to God daily.