Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+030

 

CHAPTER 30 (ESV)

21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” 23 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 25 And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day.

 

REFLECTION:

1. When David led his troops to rescue his people captured by the Amalekites, four hundred men went with him. Two hundred exhausted men stayed behind. When they returned victoriously with their people and booty, David perceived that some of the four hundred didn’t want to share the spoils of war with those stayed behind.
2. David recognized and acknowledged to everyone that God was behind their victory including preserving their lives and handing their enemies to them. Therefore, David announced that everybody, both those went to war and those stayed behind, were equal and would share everything equally.
3. The closeness we cultivate with God will result in our acts in love, compassion, justice and righteousness. How do I react to news of disasters? To the oppressed?

 

PRAYER:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)

Lord, I want to be like David, to love You and to be close to You; and to love others as I love myself.
 

HYMN:

Love the Lord – youtu.be/EAbeFfsqLdc

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+029

 

CHAPTER 29 (ESV)

1 Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. 2 As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear with Achish, 3 the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.” 4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? 5 Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,

‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands’?”

6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. 7 So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”

 

REFLECTION:

1. David was in a dilemma. The Philistines were preparing for a major assault against the Israelites, and Achish wanted to bring David along. If Achish discovered David’s true identity – Israel’s king, he would kill David. If David fought for Achish, he would repudiate his true identity. Once again, God rescued him. The other Philistine rulers refused to allow David serve with Achish. So David was sent home and his life and integrity were both saved.
2. In my life, have I ever been caught in the middle of a course of action? What did I do? How does my Christian faith affect my decision now if faced with similar situation again?

 

PRAYER:

Use this song GOD WILL MAKE A WAY by Don Moen as a prayer:

God will make a way where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me

He will be my guide hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness He’ll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade but His Word will still remain
He will do something new today

 

HYMN:

God Will Make A Way – youtu.be/bc_YDNMVQKk

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+028

 

CHAPTER 28 (ESV)

3 Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the necromancers out of the land. 4 The Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”

8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.” 9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the necromancers from the land. Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my death?” 10 But Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.” 11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” He said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”

 

REFLECTION:

1. The Old Testament forbids the use of sorcery, divination, or other occult practices (Lev 19:31, Deut 18:10-11). Saul himself had tried to rid the land of occult practitioners. Yet Saul’s long disobedience and David’s steady rise had taken their toll and he was at the end of his rope. Out of touch with God and out of touch with his true self, Saul grasped at anything, even a woman medium.
2. This is a sad chapter in Saul’s life. It shows us that even though we have the anointing of God, our hearts can be far from Him. It is possible for a person to wander so far from God that there is no way back to the place of blessing.
3. Where am I along this spiritual journey? How close or far am I from God?
4. What “great stress” in my life have I been seeking God’s will in earnest? Where am I looking for answers? Whom am I consulting? Do I ever read my horoscope, seek out a fortune-teller, and other such practices? Is that acceptable to God?

 

PRAYER:

Find a private space for 5-10 minutes. Lie face down on the floor. Listen to what God wants to tell me and have a conversation with Him. End the time with a prayer of dedication by reciting Rom 12:1-2 or reading:

“Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (The MSG)”.

 

HYMN:

Thy Word – youtu.be/a6LC8cu03Ig

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+027

 

CHAPTER 27 (ESV)

7 And the number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months.

8 Now David and his men went up and made raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, for these were the inhabitants of the land from of old, as far as Shur, to the land of Egypt. 9 And David would strike the land and would leave neither man nor woman alive, but would take away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the garments, and come back to Achish. 10 When Achish asked, “Where have you made a raid today?” David would say, “Against the Negeb of Judah,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Kenites.” 11 And David would leave neither man nor woman alive to bring news to Gath, thinking, “lest they should tell about us and say, ‘So David has done.’” Such was his custom all the while he lived in the country of the Philistines. 12 And Achish trusted David, thinking, “He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant.”

 

REFLECTION:

1. David, feeling depressed and deeply disappointed after months and years of narrow escapes from Saul, decided finally to give up and move to Philistia. Living among the Philistines, David was forced to deny who he was – the future king of Israel. David lived a double life there, pretending to be a faithful servant of the Philistine king, when really he was raiding Israel’s enemies and “saying” that he had raided Israelite towns. While others might have chosen survival over honouring God and preserving His people, David chose to do both while under stress.
2. In life there are times when we find ourselves in the company of those whose ultimate goals and desires go counter to the will of God. David, both to keep his people and himself safe in the land of the Philistines and to preserve the people of God, chose to be subversive to the king of the Philistines. Today, we may find ourselves in a company that does business unethically. Our spouses may loathe the name of Jesus. We may be in an economy that exploits the poor and not caring for the oppressed. We may be doing our best to honor parents who dishonor God in thought, word and deed. However, even in situations such as these, God is still faithfully working out our salvation and His purposes in our lives.

 

PRAYER:

God, sometimes I find situations overwhelming and I cannot cope with. The Psalmist encouraged me with these words: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my help and my God. By day the Lord commands His steadfast love, and at night His son is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42: 5, 8)

Thank You, God, for being my help and my hope.

 

HYMN:

Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) – youtu.be/qOkImV2cJDg

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+026

 

CHAPTER 26 (ESV)

21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” 22 And David answered and said, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. 23 The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. 24 Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.” 25 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Once again, David had an opportunity to kill Saul. Saul promised to stop pursuing David and admitted that David would “do great things and surely triumph”. The king might well have been sincere – for the moment. But sincere words are not sufficient evidence of reform.
2. Sometimes we are sincere when we make commitments. It is not enough. Sincerity moves us to make commitments. But it takes integrity to keep them. Paul said in Rm 7:18: “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Jesus encouraged His disciples: “Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”(Matt 26:41, MSG)

 

PRAYER:

I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

 

HYMN:

I am weak but Thou art strong – www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4mu5PsUa2g

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+025

 

CHAPTER 25 (ESV)

23 When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. 25 Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. 26 Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, because the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. 27 And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. 28 Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. 29 If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the Lord your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. 30 And when the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed you prince over Israel, 31 my lord shall have no cause of grief or pangs of conscience for having shed blood without cause or for my lord working salvation himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.”

 

REFLECTION:

1. Abigail’s wisdom defused David’s anger over Nabal’s insults and rescued David from the needless bloodshed on his conscience. She admitted that Nabal had done wrong to David, brought the provisions that Nabal had refused to provide, and asked David’s forgiveness.
2. When we have wronged people, it’s wise to take the three steps taken by Abigail to seek reconciliation.
3. Who is my Abigail? How did he/she help prevent me from making a terrible mistake? Would I be an Abigail to someone when the situation comes?

 

PRAYER:

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you

 
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy

 
*Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

 
Make me a channel of your peace
It isn’t pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men let we receive
And in dying that we’re born to turn around

 

HYMN:

Make Me A Channel of Your PEACE – www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE9std-lwXQ

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+024

 

CHAPTER 24 (ESV)

3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

8 Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? 10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David certainly has reasons to take Saul’s life. He instead chose to forgive and reconcile. Although he too is the Lord’ anointed, David always maintained his attitude of treating Saul as his king.
2. David’s response teaches us how we as believers are to deal with those who victimize us. (1) We turn them over to the Lord, asking Him to avenge any wrongs they may have done to us. (2) We make a personal commitment not to take revenge.
3. In what relationship do I need to apply the lesson of this incident?

 

PRAYER:

Prayerfully read this quote from St. Jerome written when he faced a great number of powerful enemies. Listen to what God is telling me regarding this quote.

“You are deceived if you think that a Christian can live without persecution. He suffers the greatest who lives under none. Nothing is more to be feared than too long a peace. A storm puts a man on his guard, and obliges him to exert his utmost effort to escape shipwreck.”

 

HYMN:

Way Maker – www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQGTInPpZU

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+023

 

CHAPTER 23 (ESV)

19 Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? 20 Now come down, O king, according to all your heart’s desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king’s hand.” 21 And Saul said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me. 22 Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. 23 See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah.” 24 And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul.

Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. 25 And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. 26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, 27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land.” 28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David, though running for his life, volunteered to aid the Israelite city of Keilah against the Philistines. Yet the people remained loyal to Saul, perhaps out of fear (v12). David had to go into wilderness areas where he might hide from Saul’s army. Just when Saul’s army was closing in, news about the Philistines’ attack drew Saul away.
2. David and his men look like goners, but God’s plan could not be changed by Saul. The irony is while Saul is David’s enemy, the Philistines unwittingly became David’s allies. Their attack is God’s means of deliverance of David, from the grasp of Saul.
3. Review #2 of Ch 17, what giants (challenges or difficulties) am I facing right now? How do I face them?

 

PRAYER:

Psalm 54 reflects David’s fears and his faith in this critical situation. Pray with David:

Save me, O God, by Your name; vindicate me by Your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me—people without regard for God. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in Your faithfulness destroy them. I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You; I will praise Your name, LORD, for it is good. You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. (Ps 54)

 

HYMN:

You Cannot Be Stopped – youtu.be/ygcyxpvo0zI

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+022

 

CHAPTER 22 (ESV)

11 Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. 12 And Saul said, “Hear now, son of Ahitub.” And he answered, “Here I am, my lord.” 13 And Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?” 14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, “And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house? 15 Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little.” 16 And the king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house.” 17 And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord. 18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. 19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Saul didn’t obey God’s command by refusing to destroy the Amalekite king Agag, and the best animals, everything that was “good” (cf 15:7-9). But here, because of his own jealousy and hatred, he wiped out 85 priests and their families. This shows clearly the decline and inconsistency of Saul’s reign.
2. When, if ever, have I been consumed with a desire for revenge? If looks or thoughts could kill, how many of my friends would be dead by now? Am I still bearing any hateful grudges?
3. What are the things or people that would easily trigger my anger? Ordinary things such as driving, workplace, family… How can I handle it in a Christian way?

 

PRAYER:

Confess to God the emotions inside me: hatred, jealousy, anger, bitterness…. Stay quiet for a while, then begin to read this passage. Read it as if God is speaking to me right now. Listen quietly, meditate on it, have a conversation with God:

Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon.

Quiet down before God, be prayerful before Him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top. Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes—it only makes things worse. (Ps 37:5-8, MSG)

 

HYMN:

Refiners Fire – youtu.be/SQclw7Ptxwc

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+021

 

CHAPTER 21 (ESV)

1 Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” 2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, ‘Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.’ I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. 3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here.” 4 And the priest answered David, “I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread—if the young men have kept themselves from women.” 5 And David answered the priest, “Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?” 6 So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The “bread of the Presence” which was placed in the Holy Place in the tabernacle was used for a thank offering to the Lord on Sabbath. Although the bread was to be eaten only by the priests, Ahimelech agreed to give it to David and his men on the condition that they were ceremonially clean.
2. Jesus used this incident to illustrate the principle that the ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner (Mt 12:3-4). He also teaches that it is always lawful to do good and to save life. Such compassionate acts are within the true spirit of the Law, though they appear to contradict the letter of the Law.
3. Have I ever used certain “Biblical teachings” to criticize others? Have I ever upheld “Biblical principles” but hurt others in the process?
4. Have I ever received the “bread of the Presence” from God to help me through difficult times? What was it? Was there anything special about it?

 

PRAYER:

Lord, teach me to truly understand the Bible and Your will. I don’t wish to blindly become a legalistic Pharisee, but to love God wholeheartedly and love others as myself. In this way, I may live a life that follows Jesus’ example.

 

HYMN:

Build My Life – www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZW4_8_zCBE