Arise and Abide

Reading 1 Samuel 19:11-24 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Michal lies to save David and then again to save herself. A picture of our natural human response of self-preservation and the response God wants to see in all of us, to run to God when everything falls apart. Three times the Spirit of God falls on men sent after David, and then even Saul prophesied. Reminiscent of the beginning of Saul’s story, the people saying “What? Is even Saul a prophet.” The way God protected David showed Saul a lot of mercy. Psalms 59, during the time Saul sent soldiers to David’s house to kill him. Psalms 59 verses 14,16&17 also 11. God is the same God and is faithful to save.

Reading 1 Samuel 19:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David’s journey and experience with Saul. Saul’s mental state even when the tormenting spirit is not antagonizing him, no peace. Saul doing everything he can to kill David quietly, after having thrown a spear at David himself. The third attempt came again after military victories. Saul was powerless because the LORD was in control of David’s life and death. David showing Saul the love of God, loving your enemy and praying for those who persecute you. God’s power is greater than the strongest enemy. David was never threatening Saul. Psalms 27:1, 3, 13, and 14, David learning God’s goodness through all his trials.

Reading 1 Samuel 18:17-30 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Saul tries to send David out against the Philistines so he wouldn’t have to kill David himself. Reminders of Psalms where David’s enemies scheme against him. Saul’s Son and Daughter loving David. The more Saul tries to hold on and manipulate the situation the more it gets away from him. If you are putting your trust in God, your enemies coming after you will not succeed. Letting go of the things God is pruning out of your life.

Reading 1 Samuel 18:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jonathan and David’s bond, Jonathan making David look just like the king’s son. The women singing songs that elevate David’s victory over Saul’s. Saul actions are driven by gaining and keeping the people’s favor. David’s concern was God’s name and purpose, over his concern for his own life. Jonathan’s humbleness. Saul keeping a jealous eye on David and attempted murder. Exodus 34:14, God’s name is Jealous. God was jealous for his relationship with Saul, Saul was jealous that David was gaining all of God’s favor and the people’s favor.

Reading 1 Samuel 17:32-58 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David’s display of faith that God is going to rescue Israel. David’s boldness of speech pointing to God’s greatness and that everyone will know the LORD’s greatness through His mighty works. God does the work, it is not in our own strength. Goliath calling Saul out, showing Israel that their hope is misplaced as Saul does not go out to face Goliath. God opening doors of opportunity for David to take the position of king. God provides the way for our future.  

Reading Psalms 69:19-36 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Psalms 69 has a lot of prophetic writings from David about Jesus. David suffering, sharing in the suffering of Christ like Peter writes about in 1 Peter 4:13, partners with Christ in His sufferings. John 19:29 accounts Jesus being given sour wine for his thirst. Jesus sacrifice was for all of us because we all fall short and need a savior. God desires obedience over sacrifice, praising and singing songs to the LORD is more pleasing than any sacrifice or offering.

Reading 1 Samuel 17:1-31 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Philistines gather an army and Saul responds. Goliath’s defiance. Defining the people of Israel as “servants of Saul.” Goliath’s pride comes from his statue, in himself. David is the only one with boldness and confidence in the LORD. Saul’s reward for someone to step up and fight Goliath. The People allowed themselves to be immobilized by the words and appearance of Goliath. David’s youthful perspective, the child of God relying on the Father.  

Reading 1 Samuel 16:14-23 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  1 Samuel 15:35. Saul well along the road of vanity. Making popular opinion your god will leave you depressed and afraid. Saul’s choices have led him to this place and opened the door for David to become king. The one who comes to bring relief is God’s chosen replacement. David’s musical giftings. Music helping us recognize God’s presence. Ephesians 6:11-18, the enemies we face and the armor of God. God sends the tormenting spirit and then gives him relief thought the one who is to replace him. The one Saul needs to surrender to, is bringing him some peace in the torment.

Reading 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Samuel publicly retired from leading Israel, but he is not done serving the LORD. Samuel sure Saul would kill him for anointing someone else. God tells Samuel to find a man named Jesse but doesn’t tell him the name of the son to anoint. The opportunity for Samuel to learn that God doesn’t see things the way we see them. Our perspective is limited. Our need for God to help us in the big decisions. Not giving up when you hear the “no” answer and continue to listen for the right direction.

Reading 1 Samuel 15:24-35 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Saul blaming his fear of what people thought or might do.  Saul confessing and asking for forgiveness and to worship the LORD. Saul has been wanting the people to like him and still wants to be honored with Samuel’s accompaniment. Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, so He does not lie, He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Make Jesus the King of your life. God is the Good Fathers who knows what is going to be best for your life.