Coffee and Devotions

A — About: God sends Samuel to anoint a new king after rejecting Saul. Though Jesse's older sons appear qualified, the Lord chooses David, the youngest shepherd. The focus is not outward appearance but the heart, as God continues His covenant plan. B — Best Verse: "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) C — Called to Do: Trust God's sovereign choice and His greater King. Do not judge by appearances, but walk faithfully, believing that the Lord sees the heart and fulfills His redemptive purposes.

A — About: This passage is about Saul's disobedience to God's clear command and how partial obedience, excuses, and pride led to his rejection as king. B — Best Verse: 1 Samuel 15:22–23 — "To obey is better than sacrifice… For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft… Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king." C — Called to Do: We are called to fully obey God's Word without excuse, without pride, and without shifting blame, trusting in Christ as our perfect King.

A – What is this about? This passage summarizes Saul's consolidation of power through continual warfare, highlighting his military success, family line, and growing sovereignty—yet foreshadowing that his reign will not ultimately endure. B – Best verse to summarize this passage: "So Saul established his sovereignty over Israel and fought against all his enemies on every side…" (1 Samuel 14:47a, NKJV) C – What are we called to do? We are called to trust and follow the greater and perfect King, Jesus Christ, whose rule is righteous, faithful, and eternal—unlike earthly rulers whose power fades.

A — About This passage shows how King Saul's rash oath weakened the people, led them into sin, and nearly cost Jonathan his life, while God still worked through Jonathan for Israel's deliverance. B — Best Verse "Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not!" (1 Samuel 14:45) C — Called To Do We are called to avoid extra-biblical rules, seek God's wisdom before acting, and ensure our intentions and actions truly align with God's Word and bring Him glory.

A — What is this about? This passage shows how the Lord delivers His people through faithful obedience, even when circumstances appear impossible. Jonathan acts in faith, while Saul hesitates, and God overturns the battle by His own power, not Israel's strength. B — Best verse to summarize this passage "So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle shifted to Beth Aven." (1 Samuel 14:23) C — What are we called to do? We are called to walk by faith, not by sight—trusting God's power rather than human strength, plans, or numbers, and resting in His mercy even when we have been fearful or faithless.

A — About This passage shows Israel's growing weakness under Saul's leadership as the Philistines strip them of weapons, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and spiritual decline. B — Best Verse "But there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel…" (1 Samuel 13:19) C — Called to Do We are called to trust and obey the Lord fully, recognizing that disobedience leaves us spiritually unprepared, while faithfulness keeps us dependent on God's strength, not our own resources.

A — What is this about? This passage shows Saul facing fear and pressure as the Philistines gather for war. Instead of waiting for Samuel as God commanded, Saul takes worship into his own hands, acting out of fear rather than faith. His disobedience costs him the lasting establishment of his kingdom. B — Best verse to summarize the passage "Samuel said to Saul, 'You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you.'" (1 Samuel 13:13) C — What are we called to do? We are called to trust God's timing, obey His commands, and resist fear-driven decisions. Faith waits patiently on the Lord rather than forcing outcomes through human effort.

A — What is this passage about? Samuel publicly affirms his integrity, recounts the Lord's faithful deliverance throughout Israel's history, and confronts the people for their sinful desire for a king. Though God grants their request, He reminds them that obedience to Him—not trust in human rulers—determines blessing or judgment. B — Best verse to summarize the passage "Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart." (1 Samuel 12:20, NKJV) C — What are we called to do? Fear the Lord, serve Him in truth with all our heart, and place our trust in God alone rather than in human authority or power.

A — What is this about? This passage shows Saul's transition from a hesitant, hidden figure into a Spirit-empowered king who delivers Israel. God uses Saul to rescue Jabesh Gilead, uniting the people and confirming Saul's kingship through victory and worship. B — Best verse to summarize the passage 1 Samuel 11:15 — "There they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they made sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly." C — What are we called to do? We are called to recognize that victory comes from the Lord alone, submit joyfully to His appointed King, and walk faithfully in His kingdom—ultimately following Jesus Christ, the true and greater King who delivers His people.

A — About This passage shows Saul's public selection as king and reveals Israel's deeper issue: rejecting God as their true King in favor of human leadership. B — Best Verse 1 Samuel 10:19 — "But you have today rejected your God… and you have said to Him, 'No, set a king over us.'" C — Called To Do We are called to trust God's kingship, submit to His rule with humility, and look beyond outward appearances to faithful obedience.