Arise and Abide

Reading 1 Samuel 10:9-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Saul’s faith journey so far, becoming a new person. The surprise of the people when they see Saul prophecy. To be a good king, one needs the Holy Spirit of God. God disrupting our normal expectations to help us see He is at work. Saul was a changed person; it was recognizable that this was a different person. When the Spirit of the LORD comes upon you, there is a recognizable difference.  

Reading 1 Samuel 9:18-10:8 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Saul wanted to hear something that wasn’t about the donkeys. Saul showing some humility though he comes from a wealthy and influential family, was the most handsome and what head and shoulders taller than anyone else. God providing three signs of confirmation. The third sign being filled with the Holy Spirit and being changed into a different person. Becoming a new person. The call on Saul to “do what must be done” to be the light in the darkness extending a hand to the lost.  

Reading 1 Samuel 9:1-17 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Wrestling with why God chose Saul, who looked the part, while we know God does not look at the outward appearance, but at the person’s heart. God gives the people the type of king they are looking for, allows them to experience the consequences of what they say they want while remaining close to them. The humility of Saul to go to the seer when his plan was to go home. It’s hard to be king because God is supposed to be King. It takes a strong character to be ‘king’ and continue to follow God.

Reading 1 Samuel 8:10-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The people of Israel underlining 1 Samuel 8:7 by continuing in their request for a king after Samuel’s warning. Deut. 17:14, prophecy of Israel wanting a king and specifically wanting to be like the other nations. Israel being set apart as a holy people, they were to look like God’s way. Numbers 23:9. We still choose our king today. The temptation to look at the world and want to live and follow its ways is still real. Jesus is the King who conquered sin and death. We are to be a light reflecting the love of God, encouraging those whose faith is wavering and those who have yet to make Jesus their God and their King. The intimate presence of God is what people really need.

Reading 1 Samuel 8:1-9 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. A quick recap. It is important to be a Godly example to your kids and teach them God’s ways, but ultimately the children need to make God their own God, and parents cannot do that for them. The shift where the people were forgetting that God rules over them. It seemed as though the LORD abandoned them and now, they are abandoning the LORD. We may to fell the LORD’s presence, but He is near, turn from the idols and see. Looking for guidance or something to imitate apart from God.  Go to God when confronted with things that are displeasing to deal with. The people looking for a King, God knowing they needed a perfect king. He continues to not force His own way, but to provide a way for us to come to Him.

Reading 1 Samuel 7:3-17(NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. It took 20 years of the people feeling like the LORD had abandoned them before the call of repentance went out. Turning our whole hearts to the LORD. God doesn’t need our strategies. The call to repentance and obedience, is accompanied by a promise of deliverance. As the people are drawing close to God, as Samuel was sacrificing, God makes good on His promise. God’s protection, God’s victory, and the restoration that comes. Samuel’s leadership met people where they were. Samuel became Israel’s judge; the people make Samuel their judge and embrace God’s plan as they do. Take the time to investigate your heart and see if you have given God your whole heart.

Reading Psalms 68:1-16(NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The picture of life and the fear of the LORD. The two reactions, to flee, or to rejoice. Those who hate God run for their lives when they recognize His presence. The picture of being embraced into the family of God. The LORD gives the word, and a great army brings the good news. Jesus is the open door for all.

Reading 1 Samuel 6:13-7:2(NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Ark is back in Israel, in the town of Beth-shemesh. The people were overjoyed when they saw the Ark return. Israel began to experience similar discomfort with the Ark of God. The Ark belonged in the Tabernacle, but having Holy objects does not give you favor, it is about relationship. Fear of being too close to God and His holy presence. Failing to seek the LORD when it feels like you’ve been abandoned by the LORD. We still have the opportunity to seek the LORD.

Reading 1 Samuel 6:1-12(NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Philistines come up with a plan to see if it is really God afflicting the people with a plague of rats and tumors. God humoring people in the scenarios they come us with to see if it is really God or God’s will. God doesn’t take payment, bribes, or gifts to avert His judgement or wrath. The goal of Jesus gift on the cross was to restore the relationship between God and people. Don’t miss the opportunity.  

Reading 1 Samuel 4:12-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God shows His enemies how powerful He is. No god can stand next to the One True God. God has more of an impact on His own than when the Israelites try in their own strength.  The ridiculousness of idols that cannot see you, hear you, or help you. God is drawing others close to Himself. The Philistines needed to turn from their idols, but they never considered they needed to change the way they lived. All glory and honor belong to God. Sometimes God works in our lives in a way that will make us cry out to God for salvation. God is the God of the Jews and the Gentiles as well.