Tag: saul

Daily Word

Acts 9

judyinthesky91

Read Acts 9 – Calling all skeptics (as I once was).  Saul has been our silent villain for a few chapters now.  He was first introduced in 7:58, as Stephen was being stoned, the accusers laid their coats at his feet.  In 8:1 he gave approval for Stephen’s murder.  Now in chapter 9, the Lord deals with him in an incredible way. 

Saul is all set with letters permitting him to persecute Christian men and women when Jesus meets him on the road to Damascus.  Jesus asks, “Saul!Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” :4  Beloved, when a believer is hurt for their faith, it is Jesus who is hurt.  We do not suffer alone.  They have a chat, Saul is blinded and told to go into town.  Then Jesus speaks with a believer named Ananias (different from Ananias and Sapphira from chapter 5) in a vision and tells him to go to Saul.  Ananias has heard about Saul and questions Jesus (:13).  Beloved, questions are not disobedience.  Ask your questions,  but like Ananias, be obedient to follow Jesus when he confirms. 

Meanwhile, Peter is going about the Lord’s business in Lydda.  He healed a lame man, Aeneas, by telling him, “Aeneas, Jeusu Christ heals you!  Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!”  Notice that Peter takes no credit for the work of Jesus through him.  Beware of anyone who does! 

Then Peter raises a woman named Tabitha/Dorcas from the dead, and many believe as the news spreads.  We are told he stayed there a long time with Simon the tanner… this was a step in the right direction of uniting jews and gentiles.  A devout jew would not defile himself by staying with one who handles dead animals.  Beloved, we are to lay down any prejudices against people and simply love well, as Jesus does.  Love without boundaries. 

Daily Word

Acts 8

judyinthesky91

Read Acts 8 – Stephen has just become the first Christian to be martyred.  He is the kernel of wheat – and now persecution is breaking out, scattering believers from Jerusalem in Judea and Samaria (:1). 

Philip begins to preach in Samaria and great crowds gathered and believed.  One man, a sorcerer named Simon, believed and was baptized.  He followed Philip in amazement.  Such great work was taking place that Peter and John were sent.  They laid hands on the people and they received the Holy Spirit.  Simon wanted this ability and offered to pay for it.  Yikes, bad motives.  He wanted the gift for the show of it.  He wanted to continue to amaze people as he had as a sorcerer, but with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Peter rebuked him and told him to repent. 

Beloved, you may get caught up in jealousy, bitterness, or the like.  It happens (especially in parking lots this time of year).  Be quick to confess and surrender to Christ’s care and control.  The law is there to show you your need for a Savior more than to condemn you. 

Next Philip comes upon an Ethiopian Eunuch who is reading from the book of Isaiah (in the old testament).  It is the portion of prophecy that speaks about Jesus.  Philip explains everything and the Eunuch wants to be baptized on the spot!  As soon as this happens the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away – MIRACLE ALERT!  The Eunuch goes on rejoicing. 

This Eunuch was the queen’s treasurer.  He was a powerful and influential man and he carried the Good News into Ethiopia.  The Coptic Christians today trace their spiritual heritage to him (according to a commentary by David Guzik).  Beloved, be alert and obedient to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.  Whether you are addressing a crowd or a single person – be obedient and trust the Holy Spirit with the outcome.

Uncategorized

2 Samuel 21

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 21 – The Bible amazes me time and time again.   It all adds up like a divine mathematical equation. 

Today,  David avenges the Gibeonites, but to fully understand why,  we need to jump back to Joshua 9!  The Lord told the Israelites not to make any covenants with the locals, but these Gibeonites tricked them by dressing as if the came from a far off land. Joshua made the treaty for their safety (see Joshua 9:15). 

Saul violated the treaty in his zeal to for Israel and Judah(21:2), and its up to David to right the wrongs.

Vows, oaths,  treaties matter to God, even those made without consulting him.  May we all be wise to be prayerful and prudent with our promises. 

Uncategorized

1 Samuel 31

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Samuel 31 – Saul, his three sons (including David’s best friend, Jonathon) and his troops are conquered by the Philistines. Saul actually sees that there is no escape,  and falls on his own sword, as does his armor bearer.  The Philistines go to barbaric measures in celebration of their victory. Jabesh-gilliad, from the tribe of Benjamin, rallied their warriors, retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons, and gave them an honorable burial. Then they fasted for seven days and 1 Samuel ends.   Kind of.  The book of Samuel was originally one, but later divided due to its length. 

 We will pick up 2 Samuel tomorrow.  For today though, reflect on what the Lord wants to teach you through the life of king Saul.  He had the Lord’s favor, and rejected Him, and the Lord removed His favor. Saul’s life was a wreck from then on, ego,  paranoia, and pride ruled Saul’s heart.   Is anything standing between you and the Lord?  Are you trying so hard to be king of your world – that you are rejecting the true King, Jesus?  Don’t be like Saul.  Repent and return, Jesus is right there with so much LOVE to pour over you! ☝️🙇‍♀️🙏🏻❤🙏🏻🙇‍♂️☝️

Uncategorized

1 Samuel 28

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Samuel 28 – David is called into service by king Achish.  He puts David over his entire security detail, as the kings personal body guard for life.  Saul learns of this impending threat, and makes one more foolish choice.  He continues rejecting the Lord.  Instead of seeking the Lord with repentance, he seeks out a medium to summon Samuel from the dead!  The medium is reluctant and then downright fearful when she realized what she had done.  Samuel is not pleased, but delivers the dismal truth. Have you ever been in trouble and looked everywhere but up? Jesus is RIGHT THERE just waiting to hear from you. ☝️🙏🏻☝️❤🙏🏻☝️🙏🏻

Uncategorized

1 Samuel 26

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Samuel 26 – Can you picture it?  If it was a movie, would the director give it a comedic flare or cue in the dramatic music?  David and Abishai slip into Saul’s enemy camp – through 3,000 sleeping soldiers, to Saul and Abner who were in the center.  This is what God’s favor looks like (26:12).  David and Abishai whisper over what to do next.  David forbids the killing of Saul, again because he is God’s anointed, but instead takes his spear and water jug, and moves a safe distance away, and begins taunting Saul and his troops.  King Saul responds, calling him, “David, my son” (26:17)  Talk about a dysfunctional relationship!  Saul repents to David, asks him to come home and says he will not harm him (26:21).  This sounds a lot like the cave scene in chapter 24.  Have you ever shown grace to a difficult person?  It will reveal your true heart.  I am awed by David’s lead.  His men did not take matters into their own hands even though their lives were also in jeopardy.  Patience, courage, loyalty and faith are revealed in our chapter.  ⏳🛡🦁📖🦁🛡⏳

Uncategorized

1 Samuel 24

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Samuel 24 – Humility is strength restrained.  Humility is a fear of the Lord God Almighty that comes before ones human responses.  David’s men interpret Sauls selecting the very cave they were hiding in to relieve himself as a sign from God.  It can be tempting to want something so much that you read circumstances as the Lord’s favor, without giving the matter prayerful discernment.  David doesn’t kill Saul out of reverence for God; Saul was chosen by God and to harm him would be to dishonor the Lord.  David did cut a piece of Saul’s robe – which was culturally considered an extension of a ruler’s royal essence, and this simple act gave David great remorse(24:4-5).  After the king was out of the cave, David called out to him and made him aware of his mercy.  Saul seems to experience true remorse and understanding that David will be king after him.  Does your heart align with David?  Will you live humble?😸🙊💖🙏🏻💖🙊😸

Uncategorized

1 Samuel 23

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Samuel 23 – David hears of persecution in Keilah, asks the Lord if he should go, and goes(23:1-2).  Learn. Pray. Move.  It’s a great pattern for life.  David is a fearless protector.  His men feared (23:3), and David did not dismiss their fears, but reconfirmed with the LORD(23:4).  They were successful in rescuing the people of Keilah, and Saul learns of their location and brings his entire army.  Notice Saul says, “God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped him in a walled town.”  Some people are prone to invent what God is thinking or doing to suit their own interests.  Later, in 23:21, Saul offers the Lord’s blessing for the men who betrayed David, adding, “At last someone is concerned about me!”  Pathetic, right?  Have you ever made up what God thinks without actually praying about it?  Be cautious of throwing your own pity party; rather, let gratitude and prayer lead you through life.🙍‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙆‍♀️🙌🙆‍♂️🙅‍♂️🙎‍♂️

    Uncategorized

    1 Samuel 22 With Bonus

    judyinthesky91

    Read 1 Samuel 22 – King Saul is a maniac.   He reminds me of the rock stars of the 70’s, living like they had no one to answer to,  full of abandon, destruction, and ego… except Saul takes his aggressions out on people, not just hotel rooms.   David is still in hiding, and many join him (22:2).  Saul questions the priests and orders his men to slaughter the them, but they refuse (22:15-17).  He orders Doeg, his chief shepherd to do it (we met him in 21:7).  Doeg kills 85 priests,  then seeks out their families and livestock.  Only one escapes, Abiathar, who runs to David and is offered protection(22:20-23).  My blood is boiling with outrage at the atrocities! 💔😡😭✝️😭😡💔 

    Bonus edition:   SHEPHERDS

    Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd.   He says the sheep hear His voice and follow Him. See:  Matthew 10, John 10, Revelation 7.

    King David was a shepherd.   Those days and nights in the field taught him to fight off attackers,  to rescue, to care for a flock and to ponder the mysteries of God. See 1 Samuel 16:11, 17:34-37, Psalm 23 

    Doeg was a shepherd.   The same skills David used for good,  he used for evil when he slaughtered the priests and their families.   Evil will always try to imitate God. See 1 Samuel 21-22

    Uncategorized

    1 Samuel 16:14-23

    judyinthesky91

    Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23 – Things continue to spiral for king Saul.  He is tormented by depression and fear (16:14).  When a person rejects God by their freewill, things get confusing and depressing really fast!  Young David is called into service because,  among many talents,  he plays the harp.  He is soon king Saul’s right hand man,  the armor bearer.   The Lord orchestrates gifts, talents, hobbies, even struggles and tragedies to work together,  preparing you for a purpose he will reveal in time.  Today,  we see an inkling of Romans 8:28 in the life of David.  How has this verse proven true in your life?   AND WE KNOW THAT GOD CAUSES ALL THINGS TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND HAVE BEEN CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.  Romans 8:28💖🎶😇🙏🏻😇🎶💖