KJB
Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Friday, March 25, 2015Chapters: 1 Samuel 13-16
Message Title: 1 Samuel: Better Than A Sacrifice
Hello My Friend,
All saved, born again Christians can rejoice knowing that their Saviour, Jesus Christ has ultimately saved them from performing the dead works many religions drum up to give them false expectations and hope of a life with God. We do not need to follow a special set of rules to be saved, we just need to believe in Christ, and accept Him as our Saviour. With that said, we should never use our salvation as a means to live any other way except by the word of God. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” - Hebrews 6:1-3.
Saul, had everything going for him, he was the first king of Israel, prosperous, and chosen by God Himself to reign over His people. Saul loved God and truly wanted to follow His will, yet quite often he disobeyed Him. Regardless of how much power a person had, no one was allowed to offer offerings to God, except a priest, who was consecrated of his sins first, the priest offered it on the sinners behalf. However, Saul took things into his own hands when he wanted God's attention as the Philistines attacked Israel.
“And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.” - 1 Samuel 13:9-13.
“I forced myself therefore,” Saul was too impatient to wait for Samuel and took it upon himself to offer sacrifices to God, this was against the law. We cannot get to God on our own, we need a priest, one who has been consecrated of sin, one who will stand before God on our behalf and plead for us. Only then will He listen to us and be pleased to help us obtain the things we need and desire. Today, our priest is Jesus Christ, when ask anything in His name, He takes our petitions to God for us, without Christ, God will not hear us. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” - Hebrews 9:11-14.
Now, instead of asking for forgiveness, repenting, and asking Samuel what he should do, like He should have, Saul takes things into his own hands again. This time, he ordered all of Israel to fast from eating or drinking anything during the battle, including the army, if anyone ate he would be put to death. Saul's son Jonathan, not knowing the order ate some honey and encourages fellow soldiers to do so also.
“And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground. And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.” - 1 Samuel 14:24-27,43-45.
“So the people rescued Jonathan,” Saul's severe order was very unwise, it kept the men from being able to fight the Philistines in the proper way. Employers or leaders need to be careful not to put such harsh demands on people and expect good results. Have you ever tried to do a job when you are tired and weak? Daily work cannot be done without daily bread, which God graciously gives to us. There are times where we should fast, but along with fasting needs to come prayer and supplication to God, it's a time to get closer to God. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:4-7.
Saul was quick to offer punishment for those who disobeyed his orders, but gave one excuse after another when he was caught disobeying God's. God declared a war on the Amalekites, Saul was commanded to destroy everything, people and livestock, and take nothing for themselves. Once again, Saul does what he wants, then blames the people when Samuel confronts him.
“And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” - 1Samuel 15:1-22.
“But the people took of the spoil,” Saul disobeyed a direct order from God, he then lays the blame upon the people, which they could not have done without his consent. Even worse, he tries to say that the animals were spared for God's sake to offer up sacrifices to Him. Okay, we can come up with as many excuses as we can to justify our reason for not following a command, but bring God into it and watch what happens. Saul not only got demoted that day, God removed His Spirit from him, (before Christ the Holy Spirit did not remain in a saved person). Of course, then he wanted to do what was right, but it was too late, God's decision was made. While we are saved by the grace of God, that does not mean that He does not want us to follow His commands, we should be doing everything possible to show God that we are grateful and thankful for what He has done for us. “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” - 1 Peter 2:15,16.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace, and fro the liberty You have given me when I accepted Your Son as my Saviour. You know that I want to live my life according to Your will, if you were to evaluate me right now I know You will find a willing heart, but I also know there are some things that I need to work on. There are no excuses for disobeying Your commands, especially when I learn of something You do not approve of. Lord, open my heart, reveal to me anything that I need to repent of, and forgive me of my sins, Give me Your power, lead me and guide me, help me to improve on my weaknesses and train me how to increase my skills to serve You with all my heart, mind, and soul. I love You, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Friday, March 25, 2015Chapters: 1 Samuel 13-16
Message Title: 1 Samuel: Better Than A Sacrifice
Hello My Friend,
All saved, born again Christians can rejoice knowing that their Saviour, Jesus Christ has ultimately saved them from performing the dead works many religions drum up to give them false expectations and hope of a life with God. We do not need to follow a special set of rules to be saved, we just need to believe in Christ, and accept Him as our Saviour. With that said, we should never use our salvation as a means to live any other way except by the word of God. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” - Hebrews 6:1-3.
Saul, had everything going for him, he was the first king of Israel, prosperous, and chosen by God Himself to reign over His people. Saul loved God and truly wanted to follow His will, yet quite often he disobeyed Him. Regardless of how much power a person had, no one was allowed to offer offerings to God, except a priest, who was consecrated of his sins first, the priest offered it on the sinners behalf. However, Saul took things into his own hands when he wanted God's attention as the Philistines attacked Israel.
“And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.” - 1 Samuel 13:9-13.
“I forced myself therefore,” Saul was too impatient to wait for Samuel and took it upon himself to offer sacrifices to God, this was against the law. We cannot get to God on our own, we need a priest, one who has been consecrated of sin, one who will stand before God on our behalf and plead for us. Only then will He listen to us and be pleased to help us obtain the things we need and desire. Today, our priest is Jesus Christ, when ask anything in His name, He takes our petitions to God for us, without Christ, God will not hear us. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” - Hebrews 9:11-14.
Now, instead of asking for forgiveness, repenting, and asking Samuel what he should do, like He should have, Saul takes things into his own hands again. This time, he ordered all of Israel to fast from eating or drinking anything during the battle, including the army, if anyone ate he would be put to death. Saul's son Jonathan, not knowing the order ate some honey and encourages fellow soldiers to do so also.
“And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground. And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.” - 1 Samuel 14:24-27,43-45.
“So the people rescued Jonathan,” Saul's severe order was very unwise, it kept the men from being able to fight the Philistines in the proper way. Employers or leaders need to be careful not to put such harsh demands on people and expect good results. Have you ever tried to do a job when you are tired and weak? Daily work cannot be done without daily bread, which God graciously gives to us. There are times where we should fast, but along with fasting needs to come prayer and supplication to God, it's a time to get closer to God. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:4-7.
Saul was quick to offer punishment for those who disobeyed his orders, but gave one excuse after another when he was caught disobeying God's. God declared a war on the Amalekites, Saul was commanded to destroy everything, people and livestock, and take nothing for themselves. Once again, Saul does what he wants, then blames the people when Samuel confronts him.
“And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” - 1Samuel 15:1-22.
“But the people took of the spoil,” Saul disobeyed a direct order from God, he then lays the blame upon the people, which they could not have done without his consent. Even worse, he tries to say that the animals were spared for God's sake to offer up sacrifices to Him. Okay, we can come up with as many excuses as we can to justify our reason for not following a command, but bring God into it and watch what happens. Saul not only got demoted that day, God removed His Spirit from him, (before Christ the Holy Spirit did not remain in a saved person). Of course, then he wanted to do what was right, but it was too late, God's decision was made. While we are saved by the grace of God, that does not mean that He does not want us to follow His commands, we should be doing everything possible to show God that we are grateful and thankful for what He has done for us. “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” - 1 Peter 2:15,16.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace, and fro the liberty You have given me when I accepted Your Son as my Saviour. You know that I want to live my life according to Your will, if you were to evaluate me right now I know You will find a willing heart, but I also know there are some things that I need to work on. There are no excuses for disobeying Your commands, especially when I learn of something You do not approve of. Lord, open my heart, reveal to me anything that I need to repent of, and forgive me of my sins, Give me Your power, lead me and guide me, help me to improve on my weaknesses and train me how to increase my skills to serve You with all my heart, mind, and soul. I love You, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Visit Our Website: I'm Following Jesus
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