1 Samuel: Standing Up To Intimidation

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2016
Chapters: 1 Samuel 17-19
Message: 1 Samuel: Standing Up To Intimidation

Hello My Friend,

As strong as our faith in God or even our ability to stand up to those who intimidate us, our biggest defeat is fear. Fear can stop the strongest person in their tracks, it is fear that keeps us from doing many things we should be doing. And it is fear that keeps us from living the God given dream that He has for us. We do not need to live in fear, we have a Saviour that gives us the strength to not only stand up to intimidation, but stop fear in it's tracks. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13.

After Samuel anointed David to be the next king to rule Israel things changed dramatically, first, David became Saul's armourbearer. Can you imagine working for the very man that you are going to replace? Once God took His Spirit away from Saul, the devil decides to move in, and he was going to make sure that Saul despised David. It all starts when David comes to Saul to join the army. Now, the Philistines were in constant battle with Israel, this time they had a leader, Goliath, and talk about intimidation, this over nine foot tall giant was very good at it, he challenges Israel to bring one man to defeat him, and if they did Israel would be set free from their control. David, a mere shepherd coming to check on his brothers took the challenge and Saul allows him to.

“Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” - 1 Samuel 17:36-40.

“he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” David did not fear Goliath because he knew that God was with him and would give him the strength to do exactly what Goliath said he would do to him. God gives you strength that you cannot believe given the right timing and faith. I have never had kids, but I have very protective motherly instincts when a child is in danger, God is the same way with us, His protective instincts kick in when we trust Him in our own strength and abilities. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.” - Psalms 144:1,2.

After David defeated Goliath the rest of the Philistines fled, and a great slaughter took place, Israel became a great army. The people rejoiced and something happened that would change his attitude toward David, as he was walking through town he hears the women praising David with a song.

“And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.” - 1 Samuel 18:8-14.

“And Saul was afraid of David,” Saul knew that God was with David and that scared him to death. God does not put fear in us, the devil does that, he can put so much fear in us that instead of being protective we become possessive, and will do anything to have that control again. We can overcome fear, but we must look to God, He is our strength, and He will show us how to handle intimidation to correct way. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” - Proverbs 3:5-8.

Saul was so envious and jealous of David's success and relationship with God that the only solution he had to overcome it was to kill him. He sends him to battle the Philistines, got him to marry his own daughter, and even tried to get his son Jonathan, who was a great friend to David to kill him.

“And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night. Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.” - 1 Samuel 19:1,2,10-12,18.

“So David fled, and escaped,” It will not be easy for David to escape Saul, in fact, he will face many attempts on his life, but God will see him through. Of course, we are going to get discouraged and face some difficulties by walking with God, but in the end we have nothing to fear, but fear itself. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 1:7,12,13.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Jonathan, who stripped himself of his royal robes and made the soul covenant with David, (18:3-4). Knowing the will of God, Jesus stripped Himself of His royal robe to be a servant for us. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” - Hebrews 2:9.

Today's Prayer: God, It seems like Christians are being persecuted more than ever and it is intimidating to live our lives in Your will without offending others. Lord, give us Your power to keep living by faith and not in fear of the enemy. Give us Your strength to stand up to those who intimidate us, and not be afraid to confront them. And give us the wisdom, guidance, and love that only You can give us to handle the situations we are faced with. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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1 Samuel: Better Than A Sacrifice

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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1 Samuel: Only One God

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Chapters: 1 Samuel 4-6
Message: 1 Samuel: Only One God

Hello My Friend,

The more you get into the word of God and the more you learn about history, the more you discover that every nation has a god they worship. Some gods are people, some statues, some animals or objects, but they are all man made, there is no life to them, yet they are faithful to their god. Okay, say what you will about the Jews and Christians, one thing they have in common, they know there in only one God to worship and He is the Almighty, and only living God. Call Him what you will, I Am, Jehovah, Jesus, He is all one God, the Creator of all things, and every person. You can worship another god or even try to pretend God does not exist, but no one can change that fact.“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” - 2 Timothy 2:13.

You know, when you stop to think about creation and through two people we are who we are today, it is pretty incredible. How could anyone, knowing they were created by a living God not believe in and worship only Him? The truth is, we are all born with some kind of knowledge that there is a higher power out there, and people want that higher power to help them along. It was no wonder God chose a person He could use to show who He is and let every other nation know that there is really only One God. Unfortunately, Israel was no different than the rest of the nations, oh, they knew God, but they worshiped Him on their terms, which never went well. As we continue learning about Samuel, we learn about the Philistines attacking Israel and first prophecy given to Samuel coming to pass, and just like He warned, Eli's sons died that day, but something else happened as well.

“So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp. And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight. And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.” - 1 Samuel 4:4-11.

“who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods?” These people, including Israel, thought that God's power came from the Ark. Of course, that had nothing to do with it, but tell that to those who swear God must be an object to worship. Do not let other nations fool you, they all know God existed, and that He is powerful. Why do you think so many Jews were killed over the centuries? And what about Christians, they are being killed in record numbers today? People will always try to destroy truth to keep from being found out as frauds. There is only One God, and He is in the form of Jesus Christ. He might allow us to choose what god we worship, but every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Christ as God one way or another. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:10,11.

The Ark was taken by the Philistines, they knew the power of God, and what He did for Israel in Egypt. They thought that because they had the Ark in their possession that they would be more powerful and blessed. They foolishly placed the Ark next to their idol god, Dagon. Dagon was a statue with the upper body of a woman and lower body of a fish, must be where they got mermaids from.
“When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof. So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.” - 1 Samuel 5:2-6,11.

“Send away the ark of the God of Israel,” Since only Levites were able to touch the Ark, I imagine this was done to show them that God will have no other gods before Him. They begin passing the Ark from one place to another, and every where they took it something bad happened. They realized they had to get it out of their possession, so they came up with a plan to get it back to Israel.

“And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months. And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place. And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you. Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them: And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go. And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.” - 1 Samuel 6:1-3,7-9.

“it was a chance that happened to us.” Nothing happens by chance, it's all from God, no matter what god we believe. The Philistines made the mistake that many people who have no ideal what it really means to worship God do, they thought they could get to Him no matter what they were doing. Did you ever notice that all religions follow a pattern from the Law? This is the exact reason false religion starts, they know that something they are doing goes against the word of God, but they want that higher power over them so, they get rid of the Almighty and replace Him with a god they made up. Changing God in the image we want never changes God, He still is the same, and will be the same for eternity. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” - Hebrews 13:8,9.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Ark. Jesus is a reflection of the Ark, He is the Word made flesh, and nothing is more powerful than the word of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.

Today's Prayer: God, There is nothing more exciting to see Your power come pushing through the most unbelievable things, but is also comes through the little things we do every day. It can be easy to lose sight of Your power as every day life seems to get more and more of my attention and less of Yours. Lord, give me Your power, keep me in Your Word, keep me in the joy of Your presence as I not only read Your Word, but follow it. Help me to understand the things I am not sure about and seek Your guidance to make the right decisions in all that I do. Open my heart, reveal anything that keeps me from giving myself to You wholeheartedly and show me what I need to do to overcome them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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1 Samuel: Lent By God

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Monday, March 21, 2016
Chapters: 1 Samuel 1-3
Message: 1 Samuel: Lent By God

Hello My Friend,

`The Book of 1 Samuel is the ninth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-one chapters. The author of the book is Samuel and it was written to Israel. The book records the history of three people, Samuel, the last judge of Israel, Saul, the first king, and David, who succeeds Saul as king. The timeline for these events took place approximately 1171 BC to 1056 BC. The purpose of the book was to continue to record how God dealt with Israel. What we are to learn from the book is the that being obedient to God is better than any sacrifice. “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.” - 1 Samuel 15:22.

Parent, That which produces. Every parent produces, teaches, protects, and rears their child in hopes that they will grow up succeeding in life. Now, there is a difference between a parent and someone who procreated, not everyone who brings a child into the world is a parent. Just take a look around the world at the youth today and you will see that many have rebelled against their parents or worse were taught from their parents. Eli was was a priest in the temple during the time of judges, he had two sons that he tried to raise up godly, but they rebelled. God was about to use Eli and a woman named Hannah to a judge, priest, and prophet. As Eli sat outside the temple he noticed Hannah staggering about, she was moving her lips, but no words were coming out.

“And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.” - 1 Samuel 1:14-16,19,20,25-28.

“Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD;” Perhaps one of the most difficult things to do as a parent is give up their child, let alone their only child. Hannah kept her promise and set him aside for God, but think about this, all of God's creation are lent by God. Every child born is a gift to be used for God, but in a world full of wickedness, only a few will be given to Him for His use. “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” - Matthew 22:11-14.

It is not the family that we are born into that defines us, but who we get around. We do not know much about Eli, but his wife must not have been much of a godly influence on their children because they had no respect for Eli, or themselves, and even though they were Levites they did not know God. We learn a little about them.

“Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD. But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.”- 1 Samuel 2:12,17-20,22-24.

“they knew not the LORD.” Belial, Satan, the source of all that is evil, worthless, wicked, and unprofitable. While Satan cannot produce life, he can produce evil in every life that God creates. The truth is, Satan cannot make us do anything no more than God can, but he can keep nudging us in the wrong direction if we do not keep a strong hold on God. Our flesh cannot comprehend right from wrong on its own, it must be taught that from birth, and we must remain teachable, anytime we think that we know everything, that is when we will fall. And that is why we need Jesus, without Him we are all sons of Belial. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” - Romans 3:10-12,22-24.

The entire time of judges no one knew the Word of God, it was not even present in the temple, which is why they did what was right in their own eyes. If by some chance they believed in God and wanted to follow Him they did what they were taught by their parents or through their own reasoning. God did not waste any time with Samuel, three times He called him, but went to Eli thinking it was him because he never knew God could speak like that.
“That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.” - 1 Samuel 3:4-9.

“Speak, LORD;” God revealed Himself to Samuel only when he acknowledged Him, but he also needed a guide to tell him who was talking to him. How often does God reveal something to us through His Word, prayer, a song or even in other people, yet we do not acknowledge Him? How often does God call out to people, yet they ignore Him? How many people do you think end up in hell because they did not acknowledge God's voice to receive His Son? Even when living for God we can be unaware that He is calling us because we simply do not recognize it as Him. We need to pay attention, especially when things do not make sense, and be ready to say, “Here I am.” when He calls. God has much to give and show all of us, if we would just answer Him when He speaks. “We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.” - Psalms 20:5,6.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Samuel who grew in favor with God and man (2:26) When Jesus was a child He grew in favor with God and man also. “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” - Luke 2:40.

Today's Prayer: God, You have so much to show me, teach me, and have great things just waiting for me, but I admit I often get distracted and do not hear You when You are calling me. God, forgive me for being too distracted to notice You, I know You will even help me if I just acknowledge You. Here I am, Lord, help me to pay attention, to see the signs, to listen for Your voice, even when I have a thousand other voices in my head. Help me to have faith that not only moves mountains, but crushes them. Help me to never cease from praying and to always pray believing. Let me not let any person or desire hinder me from hearing You, and give me the wisdom and guidance I need to study Your Word so I know who's true. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Ruth: Not Defined By Your Past

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, March 20, 2016
Chapters: The Book of Ruth
Message: Ruth: Not Defined By Your Past

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Old Testament/Bible, the author of the book is unknown, but was probably Samuel, and was written to the Israelites. The timeline for theses events is approximately 1300 BC, during a time of famine when judges ruled over them. The purpose of the book was to show that God is not a respecter of persons, He will accept anyone who believes in and follows Him. What we are to learn from the book is that true rest only comes from a kinsman-redeemer relationship with God. “And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.” - Ruth 4:14.

Ruth was a Moabite, if you study Bible history, a Moabite is descendant of Lot, Abraham's nephew, with whom he had sons with his own daughters. The Moabites despised the Israelites, and the feelings were mutual. Moab was full of idolatry, and known for sacrificing children to their god so, when Elimelech, an Israelite, decided to dwell there with his wife Naomi, and two sons during a terrible famine in Judah, you can imagine what it might have been like. The sons managed to find wives, and Ruth was one of them, in the process of ten years Elimelech and his sons died, leaving Naomi alone with her daughter-in-laws. Naomi decided to head back to Bethlehem, Ruth chose to come with her. Her reason, your God shall be my God.

“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” - Ruth 1:16-21.

“thy people shall be my people,” You know, no matter what family we are born into, if we believe in and receive Christ as our Saviour we become a people of God, peculiar people, set apart from the world. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:9,10.

Contrary to what people think, God does not choose favorites, and while He did choose Israel to be the people known as His people, He will accept anyone who accepts His Son. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem Ruth went right to work, gleaning barley in a field owned by a man named Boaz, kin of Elimelech, it was there that she discovered the grace of God.

“Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” - Ruth 2:8-12.

“and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother,” Loving God and making Him a part of our lives through Christ is not something that anyone can give us, choosing Christ might mean that we are all alone. No one can make us come to Christ, we must come to Him personally on our own, and we must believe in and accept Him in order to find the grace of God and become a people of God. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” - Romans 10:9-12.

Since all arrangements for marriage were made by the parents in those days, it was Naomi’s duty to provide a husband for Ruth, and since Boaz was of kin to her husband, that could mean their lineage would be preserved. By Naomi’s instructions, Boaz awakens in the night to find Ruth lying at his feet.

“And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.” - Ruth 3:7-13.

“for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning,” The laying down at his feet was as act of submission, meaning Ruth wholly submitted herself to Boaz. Ruth was seen all around town as a virtuous woman, respectable to her body and remained pure. While this may have seemed like a strange request, it was one that proved respect and honor, and even found to be of a great comfort to Boaz. No matter where we come from or what the circumstances, it is never an excuse to behave badly, everything happens for a reason, and while we may not always understand the purpose of God's plan, the result will always come out good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
Boaz made his promise conditional because there was a man of nearer kin to Elimelech and if he chose Ruth there was nothing he could do about it. Boaz stood before the elders and man, he would have to purchase Ruth to make her his wife. He stood before the counsel and the man was about to make him her wife until he found out she was a Moabite. He quickly took off his shoe (like an oath back then) and allowed Boaz to buy her redemption. “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” - Ruth 4:13-17.

“which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman,” The thought of a man loving a woman so much that he would buy her for her freedom shows incredible love. Jesus showed the same love for us when He purchased us with His own blood to save us from hell. Now, anyone who believes in His death, burial, and resurrection for the redemption of their souls and accepts Him into their lives becomes His bride, it is perhaps the greatest love story ever. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.” - Revelation 21:7-9.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer. Jesus became our kinsman-redeemer when He gave His life to redeem the soul of all sinners, when we receive Him as our Saviour we are adopted into the family of God. “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” - Ephesians 1:5.

Today's Prayer: God, I know and believe with all my heart that Jesus is Your Son, who died for my sins, was buried, and arose again on the third day, and I accepted Him as my only way to You and Your Kingdom. To acknowledge this truth comes so naturally with great enthusiasm, boldness, and conviction, but the real test is when I publicly acknowledge these truths among those who do not agree with me. Lord, where You go, I go, no matter where you place me or what test You give me, by Your grace, I know I can and will endure the things before me, and I will see victory. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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