1 Samuel 8:1-22
How unfortunate that a God-honouring man like Samuel had sons in the ministry who 'walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre' (8:3). Every person must choose whether or not to serve God, regardless of what their parents, friends, or families do.
God did not blame Samuel for the people wanting a king, saying they had rejected Him because they did not want Him to reign over them (8:7). Nothing has changed; most people do not want God to rule their lives, preferring to choose a way not 'restricted' by His commands, a way that always ends disastrously.
1 Samuel 9:1-27
In looking for a king, Samuel was led by God to Saul, 'a choice young man' (v.2). Nothing happens by chance; God had told Samuel he would meet Saul coming into the city (v.15). The temporary loss of the asses was part of God's plan to bring Samuel into contact with Saul.
In Psalm 139:16 David says that every day of his life was recorded before he was born. This cannot be about David only; it has to apply to everybody who has ever lived. In that case, every letter in the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) has significance. Whichever way the Hebrew is 'read'- every second or every third letter; backwards; forwards; in fact, in every direction possible - our names and details of our lives are recorded. Applicable research presents a credible case for believing David is right!
Now think on this: if everything we have ever done was recorded before we were born, does anything ever happen by chance? I can't see how!
John 6:22-42
People are still looking for Jesus today; the true Jesus; the Son of Man; the Jesus Who is King of kings and Lord of lords; Who is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world; Who is the Bread of Life (v.35); Who gives everlasting life to those who believe on Him (v.40,47)? Are we able to help them find Him?
Psalm 106:32-48
For believers to choose to find entertainment in questionable company and settings is spiritually dangerous (vvv.35,36). Their influence will likely be stronger than that of the believer. Believers might drift away from God and create even worse defilement for themselves (v.39).
Proverbs 14:34-35
The United States government, once very strong financially, has lately been struggling with budget problems. This is not surprising to a believer.
Nations that have reduced or eliminated the worship of God in public life and government have experienced a rise in corruption in business and government, murders in schools, and natural disasters, to name just some of their growing problems. The answer to any nation's problems lies in the hands of believers and no one else:
'If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land' (2Chronicles 7:14).
God listens to individual prayers.
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