1 Samuel 26:1-25
David said to Abishai, "Don't harm him. No one can touch the Lord's anointed and be guiltless" (v.9). "The LORD forbid that I should harm His anointed, but take his spear and flask of water, and let us go" (v.11). (My paraphrase).
I believe that every saint of God, that is, every one who has received cleansing from sin by having them washed away in the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, has been anointed by having the presence of Almighty God in his heart. It is true that many believers do not experience an outpouring of His power through their lives, limiting God's use of them by a lack of expectation. Nevertheless, they are anointed, and those who dare to harm any believer will, sooner or later, be dealt with by God. Hopefully they become believers themselves, but if not, they will know the severity of God's displeasure.
1 Samuel 27:1-12
"David said in his heart, I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul; : there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines" (v.1).
There are times when even the most fervent of believers tires of daily battles for survival, and looks for an escape. Weary of being chased by Saul, David goes to live amongst his enemies, the Philistines. With a 'friend' like Saul, he saw no problem with this arrangement.
Usually David asked God for guidance before making any moves, but on this occasion there is no mention of such a request. He seems to have made the decision to move 'in his heart', that is, on his own. This does happen to believers; it's as if they don't ask for guidance because they think that either God is not going to help, or will expect them to continue struggling. They think they have found a solution themselves. Fortunately, God is aware when we do not mean to rebel. Knowing what the future holds, He will use our deviations to teach us lessons that bring about a return to His will.
Thank You, Father, for Your understanding!
1 Samuel 28:1-25
Then said Samuel, "... the LORD has left you and become your enemy" (v.16).
For our faith in God to be effective for our guidance it needs to be consistent. We can see that this was not the case with Saul. He starts off well enough, then disobeys some of God's commands given through Samuel. Then, after the slaying of Goliath, comes his blessings upon David. But when the people began to praise David more than they did Saul, he became jealous, and his vendetta against David took off. After the Spirit of the Lord departed from him, Saul became unpredictable. He killed off the priests of God, yet prayed for blessings on those who served him well; he rid the land of sorcerers and mediums, yet sought one when his prayers to God were not being answered. He was like a yo-yo!
When believers are in trouble their ways can be like those of Saul. Then it is time to turn humbly to God again, confess their sins and start from square one with the buildup of their faith. It is important to approach God humbly, placing no reliance on previous service for God or knowledge of the Bible. We must see ourslves as 'new' believers, just beginning to learn how to walk with God. When we approach Him in sincerity and with purposeful intent to serve Him, He will give us guidance. Believe me; I have been there!
It's like someone who has had an accident, broken legs and bones, and has to learn to walk and function normally again.
John 11:1-53
Jesus said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (v.4).
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he dies, is still alive, for whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (vv.25,26). (My paraphrase).
Jesus wept (v.35).
Normally I select one thought from a passage to chew on (we are to feast on the Bread of Life!), but I just had to dwell on these three thoughts:
- 1. Our lives - through sickness or trials, as well as when things go well - are intended to glorify God, in this way glorifying Jesus. I cannot express it better than in these beautiful words from Annie Johnson Flint, who suffered with an incurable illness:
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labours increase.
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy.
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace. - 2. It is not enough to know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. If we believe this, then we must show the proof by living these words out in our lives.
- 3. 'Jesus wept'? Does it not surprise you that Jesus, Almighty God, Who had the power to raise the dead, should weep? After all, He knew He was going to raise Lazarus to life!
Well, Jesus was not weeping over the death of Lazarus; He wept for He empathised with the pain and hurt that was felt by Lazarus' family and friends. Know this: when we have lost someone we love, Jesus weeps for our pain and sorrow, and prays for strength for us from His privileged position at the right hand of God (Hebrews 4:15; 8:1).
All of this adds up to believers having a wonderful Saviour and Friend.
Psalm 117:1-2
O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
These verses are at the midpoint of the Bible. I see this as a reminder that whatever in life has gone before, and whatever lies ahead, we must make it our business to praise the Lord!
Proverbs 15:22-23
22. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Those who go through life trusting only in their own reasoning might do well enough, but will not achieve the greater success that will come from having access to the wisdom of many other counsellors.
23. A man feels satisfaction from his own good counsel, and a timeous word of wisdom gives much pleasure. (My paraphrase).
As a counsellor for others, it feels wonderful when God inspires us to give sound advice that we know will greatly benefit those we are counselling.
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