Coffee and Devotions

A — What is this passage about? This passage describes Saul's private anointing by Samuel, confirming God's sovereign choice of Saul as commander over Israel, along with specific prophetic signs that validate God's calling before it is publicly revealed. B — Best verse to summarize this passage "Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: 'Is it not because the LORD has anointed you commander over His inheritance?'" (1 Samuel 10:1) C — What are we called to do? We are called to trust God's word and promises, believe His prophecies, and faithfully follow His appointed King, recognizing that all earthly anointings ultimately point us to Christ.

A — About This passage introduces Saul, a man outwardly impressive, whom God sovereignly brings to Samuel through ordinary events. Though Israel seeks a king like the nations, God is still directing history according to His purposes. B — Best Verse "Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel." (1 Samuel 9:16a) C — Called to Do We are called to trust God's providence, look beyond outward appearances, and ultimately worship and follow Jesus Christ—the true and perfect King who saves His people.

A — About Israel demands a king to be like other nations, revealing a deeper rejection of God's rule despite clear warnings of the cost. B — Best Verse "They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them." (1 Samuel 8:7) C — Called To Do Trust God's kingship rather than conforming to worldly patterns, resting in Christ as the true and self-giving King.

A — What is this passage about? Israel learns that God is holy and not to be treated lightly. After mishandling the Ark and suffering consequences, the people repent of idolatry, return to the Lord, and experience deliverance through God's power as Samuel leads them in repentance and prayer. B — Best verse to summarize the passage "Thus far the Lord has helped us." (1 Samuel 7:12) C — What are we called to do? We are called to repent wholeheartedly, put away idols, trust the Lord alone for deliverance, and remember that our help comes from God—not substitutes or counterfeit gods.

A — What is this passage about? This passage shows God's holiness displayed among both the Philistines and Israel. The Philistines acknowledge God's hand and return the Ark with fear, while Israel receives it with joy but without proper reverence, resulting in judgment. B — Best verse to summarize this passage "Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts?" (1 Samuel 6:6) C — What are we called to do? We are called to revere God as holy, not treating Him as common or casual, but honoring Him with obedience, worship, and lives set apart for His glory.

A — About: This passage shows God's supreme glory as the Ark is captured by the Philistines. Though treated as a trophy, God proves He is not defeated or contained. He alone judges idols and nations. B — Best Verse: "And the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod." (1 Samuel 5:6) C — Called to Do: We are called to worship God alone, never treating Him as common, controllable, or equal to anything else. His glory must not be shared.

A — What is this about? This passage describes the tragic aftermath of Israel's defeat: the Ark of the Covenant is captured, Eli and his sons die, and Phinehas' wife gives birth amid overwhelming grief, naming her son Ichabod to express that God's glory has departed. B — Best verse summarizing the passage "Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, 'The glory has departed from Israel,' because the ark of God had been captured." (1 Samuel 4:21) C — What are we called to do? We are called to trust God's purposes even in deep sorrow, remembering that His glory is not ultimately lost and that He brings redemption and hope through His sovereign plan.

A — About This passage recounts the arrival of devastating news to Eli: Israel's defeat, the death of his sons, and the capture of the ark of God, culminating in Eli's death and the end of his judgeship. B — Best Verse "Then it happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died…" (1 Samuel 4:18) C — Called to Do We are called to treat God with reverence, pursue holiness, and trust in Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest, rather than relying on symbols, positions, or flawed human leadership.

A — What is this about? God personally calls Samuel, revealing Himself in a time of spiritual silence and establishing Samuel as His prophet despite Samuel's youth and the difficulty of the message he must deliver. B — Best verse to summarize this passage "And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD." (1 Samuel 3:20, NKJV) C — What are we called to do? We are called to listen attentively to the Lord and faithfully speak His truth, even when the message is difficult or uncomfortable.

A — What is this passage about? Israel treats the Ark of the Covenant as a tool to secure victory rather than honoring God with reverence. By using the Ark like a mascot, they reveal hearts that trust in symbols instead of obedience, resulting in defeat and loss. B — Best verse that summarizes the passage "Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us, it may save us from the hand of our enemies." (1 Samuel 4:3) C — What are we called to do? We are called to worship God with reverence and obedience, trusting Him rather than relying on religious objects, rituals, or symbols for security or blessing.