March 17–1 Samuel 9-12

“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man”(10:6).

Saul is a puzzle and a warning. His sad story is more relevant to our lives than we usually recognize. He experienced the power of the Spirit but never preferred it. He was called and qualified for a God-given life but resisted the required steps forward. Was he changed? Yes, but never to the extent God desired to change him. Throughout his life, in his inner man, Saul was double-minded. See James 1:8.

He had every appearance of success. Handsome. Tall. Chosen by God. Successful in battle. Forty years as ruler of Israel. Many victories. Much honor. Internally, however, Saul was empty and anxious. Early in the story we see him hiding by the baggage. As he aged, these unresolved insecurities surfaced in jealousy and anxiety. Could Saul SEE the desperate condition of his own heart? Probably not.

The gifts of God to Saul were real. Called and qualified, he had a changed heart (10:9) in the sense that he genuinely experienced the work of the Spirit. Like people described in Hebrews 6, Saul, “tasted the heavenly gift and was made a partaker of the Holy Spirit.” However, after each of these significant experiences, Saul drifted back to the material world as his center and confidence. Unconverted, he never shifted (in identity or priority) from self to Spirit. His inner man remained focused on politics, personal success and the approval of people.

Friend, do you hear a warning from the Spirit in Saul’s tragic life? Like Saul, are you satisfied to clean the outside of the cup (the appearance), leaving the motivations and intents of the heart contaminated and compromised? Will you gladly receive the FILLING of the Spirit as He drives out all other loves?

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,” cried David. Saul would have benefitted by praying the same. The rest of us, as well.

“He gives us more than we request by going deeper than we ask. He wants not only your whole heart; He wants your heart whole” (Max Lucado).

“Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they did also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard”(Hebrews 4:2).

March 16–1 Samuel 4-8

“If you return to the Lord with all your heart, remove the foreign god and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him alone: He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines”(7:3).

Samuel lived for God in a time of conflict. The Philistines were dominant and dangerous. Against this threat, Samuel stood with strength and courage. God is able to deliver! He calls us to be soldiers. Fearless and wise in conflict.

Samuel was unbending in his preaching. He declared true repentance as the predicate to blessing. Faith, in Israel, had decayed into a superstition. Samuel called the people back to a vibrant and real relationship with God. The true cure! When God is near, problems are not problems.

Samuel was an example. His life reminded the people of the possibilities of true godliness. “The Lord appeared again at Shiloh, because the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel” ( 3:21). Sometimes, a whole church or nation or family can begin to hear the Lord because a single believer dares to listen and lead.

Samuel’s life displayed the power of prayer. When the Philistine forces gathered, “He cried out to the Lord. . .and the Lord answered him”(7:9). We can fight after we pray, but we dare not fight until we have prayed. Samuel’s strength was his time spent alone with God.

As a true soldier, Samuel had patience. Spiritual life is a marathon not a sprint. One enemy to face and conquer, then another. After a great victory, Samuel put up a marker (a reminder). He called it Ebenezer, “thus far hath the Lord helped us”(7:12). Presumption is prohibited. Patience is required.

Sadly, at the end of Samuel’s life, the people rejected the possibilities of life in the Spirit. His example was ignored. They opted for a secular solution, a king.

Do we the same? Do we look for easy solutions, put our trust in leaders and political parties? True freedom is available only in a vibrant relationship with God. To know this blessing, however, we must be soldiers. Unless we are willing to carry a cross, we will never understand the One who did.

“Rise up O men of God, have done with lesser things. Give heart and soul and mind and strength, to serve the King of Kings”(William Pierson Merrill).

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day”(Ephesians 6:12-13).

March 16–1 Samuel 4-8

“If you return to the Lord with all your heart, remove the foreign god and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him alone: He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines”(7:3).

Samuel lived for God in a time of conflict. The Philistines were dominant and dangerous. Against this threat, Samuel stood with strength and courage. God is able to deliver! He calls us to be soldiers. Fearless and wise in conflict.

Samuel was unbending in his preaching. He declared true repentance as the predicate to blessing. Faith, in Israel, had decayed into a superstition. Samuel called the people back to a vibrant and real relationship with God. The true cure! When God is near, problems are not problems.

Samuel was an example. His life reminded the people of the possibilities of true godliness. “The Lord appeared again at Shiloh, because the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel” ( 3:21). Sometimes, a whole church or nation or family can begin to hear the Lord because a single believer dares to listen and lead.

Samuel’s life displayed the power of prayer. When the Philistine forces gathered, “He cried out to the Lord. . .and the Lord answered him”(7:9). We can fight after we pray, but we dare not fight until we have prayed. Samuel’s strength was his time spent alone with God.

As a true soldier, Samuel had patience. Spiritual life is a marathon not a sprint. One enemy to face and conquer, then another. After a great victory, Samuel put up a marker (a reminder). He called it Ebenezer, “thus far hath the Lord helped us”(7:12). Presumption is prohibited. Patience is required.

Sadly, at the end of Samuel’s life, the people rejected the possibilities of life in the Spirit. His example was ignored. They opted for a secular solution, a king.

Do we the same? Do we look for easy solutions, put our trust in leaders and political parties? True freedom is available only in a vibrant relationship with God. To know this blessing, however, we must be soldiers. Unless we are willing to carry a cross, we will never understand the One who did.

“Rise up O men of God, have done with lesser things. Give heart and soul and mind and strength, to serve the King of Kings”(William Pierson Merrill).

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day”(Ephesians 6:12-13).

March 15–1 Samuel 1-3

Readers Notes: If you need a hero in this dark and defeated age, Samuel may be your man. Called and equipped by God, Samuel led the nation of Israel out of decline and into a period of spiritual and political progress. A transformational leader, Samuel influenced David and exampled for Israel the effective power of a prayerful, obedient life. God bless you, friend, as you read Samuel’s story and hear God’s call to you.

“It came about in due time, after Hannah conceived, that she gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I have asked him of the Lord’ “(1:20).

“God hears,” that’s what Hannah named her son (Shema el. Hebrew, shema, “to hear”, El, “God”). Samuel’s name was her testimony. It was also his! Walking faithfully in Spiritual power, he became a turning-point for Israel. A bridge between the darkness and defeat of the Judges and the light and victory of David’s kingdom.

Prayer is not easy work. In a moment of desperation, “Hannah resolved to cast upon the Lord the burden she could not bear” (Edersheim). Despite the pain of her disappointment, she poured out her heart to the Lord. Nothing retained. No privileges held back. Like Jesus in Gethsemane, she EMPTIED herself. Do not shrink back from suffering, dear one. Face it. Carry your weakness to the Lord in honest prayer.

There is great power in it! When Hannah stood from her prayer, she knew that she had been HEARD. Eli saw it on her face. “This is the confidence we have before Him, if we ask anything according to His will (both in what we ask and how we ask it), He hears us. And if we know that He hears us. . .we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

Years later, while still very young, Samuel was waked in the night by the VOICE of God. The same God who hears also speaks! He calls. He communicates. He leads. “Word from the Lord was rare in those days,” says 3:1. Rare in our day, too, I fear. Samuel’s life is a lesson for us. A needed reminder and encouragement. If we will seek Him, He will be found. He will hear us. We will hear Him.

“Men and women are needed whose prayers will give to the world the utmost power of God; who will make His promises to blossom with rich and full results. God is waiting to hear us and challenges us to bring Him to do this thing by our praying” (E. M. Bounds).

“Ask and it will be given you” (Luke 11:9).

March 14–Ruth 1-4

Readers Notes: Conservative scholars believe the book of Ruth was written by Samuel in the time of Judges. As the book of Judges records the drift and decline of the nation into sin and self-rule, the book of Ruth narrates a beautiful and balancing hope. Even in our worst times, God is still graciously guiding His people forward, still calling people to discover the blessings of walking with Him by faith. Ruth’s story is a testimony of God’s redeeming love.

“Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today”(4:14).

It is a truth that only faith can see. “My Father is working,” said Jesus in John 5:17. Even in our stress and struggles, perhaps most of all in these moments, God is silently and powerfully at work. Do you believe, my friend?

The Book of Ruth shouts this story. In a time of heartbreak and loss, God was aware, present and involved in the lives of His people.

Over years and circumstances, Naomi and her family drifted from Israel and from vital faith. Step by gradual step, she became a grieved and broken woman. Despite her depression, God used her imperfect testimony to touch/inspire her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Partly for love of Naomi, partly in pursuit of the God of Israel, Ruth left her homeland and returned with Naomi to Bethlehem. Amazing Spiritual courage! Inspiring hunger for God! In many ways, this gentle Gentile woman was more spiritually aware than any of her Jewish acquaintances. God is at work!

It is a story of God-guided coincidences. Ruth happened into Boaz’ field. Boaz happened to be a close relative. He happened to hear Ruth’s story and be impressed. Like a river, the story flows forward on a Heaven-determined course. God is at work! In the end, even Naomi saw it.

God is at work in your life, too! Your sorrows and struggles are “not even worthy to be compared” to the larger and better story to which God is leading you. He is faithful to those who love Him, those whom He has called. See Romans 8:28.

Friend, do you believe this great God? Will you walk with Him, trusting Him as He reaches to you in redeeming love?

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps”(Proverbs 16:9).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. . .He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

March 13–Judges 20-21

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes”(21:25).

Humans need to be governed. “No king” equals no ruler to check human appetite and protect the weak. No decision maker to point forward, to define the next steps of united achievement. Authority is a beneficial principle established by God. See Romans 13.

“No king” points to the dangerous human tendency of self-rule. It is the default position of fallen flesh. “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Unrestrained. Self-referenced. Each person lives “his own truth.” It is a formula for failure.

God in His kindness never leaves us ungoverned. “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus as Lord. . . You will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Jesus is LORD. Those who desire independence neither understand Christ nor freedom.

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me”(Jesus, Matthew 16:24). Self must be dethroned. Apart from this cure, chaos comes.

Friend, do you know the foolish “self” that still dwells in your life, emotions and decisions? Do you recognize the inner man who insists on being in control and always wants to be right? In what ways have you learned to say NO to him, to DENY him the opportunity to set the course of your life? Have you confessed Jesus as LORD?

“King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, lead me to Calvary”(Jennie Evelyn Hussey).

“The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want” (Galatians 5:17, NIV).

March 12–Judges 17-19

“In those days, there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes” (17:6).

In theater, a farce is a comedy developed around absurd situations. A form of ridicule, a farce makes fun of humans and our tendency to “mess things up”.

Judges 17-19 is a farce, but without any humor. As Israel drifts from God, her “moral” decisions are anything but! Silver stolen by a son (then returned) is made into an idol by his grateful mother. How is it possible for one sentence to contain so many mistaken attitudes and actions? The same man “hires” a personal priest in his pursuit of prosperity. From theft to violence, the whole story stumbles downward in moral absurdity. Where is God’s law? Where is Israel’s reverence?

Chapter 19 is the lowest point. A concubine is offered to a gang and subsequently raped and murdered. Her body is then cut into pieces and sent to every tribe in Israel as expression of outrage! Sad. Even the outrage is immoral! Lost humanity trying to wipe things clean with a dirty cloth.

Do you ever wonder to yourself, “How did our nation get to such a low point of morality?” “What happened to us?” The people of Israel must have asked themselves the same question.

No nation (not Israel, not America) lives long or well without God. A secular society is a formula for disaster. “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became as fools”(Romans 1:21-22). Human lostness is the truest fact of history. When we substitute human wisdom for God’s truth, it becomes a farce.

Friend, are you articulating truth in this age of absurdity? Do you verbalize the conviction that nations without God are doomed to a downward spiral of irrational and immoral outcomes? Some will accuse you of intolerance. Even so, sanity can be found only in the truth of God. Speaking this truth is patriotism. Speaking it is love.

March 11–Judges 13-16

“Did you ever have to make up your mind? Pick up on one and leave the other one behind. It’s not often easy, and not often kind. Did you ever have to make up your mind?” (The Lovin’ Spoonful).

With apologies to those who didn’t grow up in the 60’s, John Sebastian asks an important question. Did you ever have to make up your mind?

The life of every believer is a choice between two great forces colliding in the universe. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit”(Galatians 5:17, KJV).

Flesh is a reality in every person. Dishonest. Insecure. Proud and self-determining. The flesh is the old me that competes with the Spirit for control of decisions and attention. “The mind set on the flesh, does not subject itself to the law of God, it is not even able to do so”(Romans 8:7).

In the believer, however, the Spirit is ALSO a reality! A new life from Heaven. Animating presence. True and real and eternal. In me, creating a new me. “If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Samson (today’s reading) is a picture of the inner warfare that comes when both forces collide in unregulated contest. A man with divided loyalties, Samson is, at times, consciously and courageously obedient. At other times, he is self-referenced and immoral. Back and forth he goes. Undecided. Unstable. He will not make up his mind! See James 1:8.

Like Samson, those with divided hearts always come to a tragic reckoning. At some point, an invisible line of God’s forbearance is crossed, and without further warning, judgment comes. “The Lord departed from him”(16:20). Samson was not even aware when the Lord’s protection was removed.

Friend, will you look honestly at your own heart today? Will you agree that, even now, a selfish and foolish man lives inside of you, struggling for control? What possible loyalty do you owe this self-seeking, God-ignoring man? Why do you give this old man any of your confidence or attention? “We put no confidence in the flesh,” says Paul in Philippians 3:3. Will you turn in confession and repentance to God? Will you make up your mind?

“A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy”(Proverbs 29:1).

“How long will you waver between two opinions?”(1 Kings 18:21).

March 11–Judges 13-16

“Did you ever have to make up your mind? Pick up on one and leave the other one behind. It’s not often easy, and not often kind. Did you ever have to make up your mind?” (The Lovin’ Spoonful).

With apologies to those who didn’t grow up in the 60’s, John Sebastian asks an important question. Did you ever have to make up your mind?

The life of every believer is a choice between two great forces colliding in the universe. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit”(Galatians 5:17, KJV).

Flesh is a reality in every person. Dishonest. Insecure. Proud and self-determining. The flesh is the old me that competes with the Spirit for control of decisions and attention. “The mind set on the flesh, does not subject itself to the law of God, it is not even able to do so”(Romans 8:7).

In the believer, however, the Spirit is ALSO a reality! A new life from Heaven. Animating presence. True and real and eternal. In me, creating a new me. “If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Samson (today’s reading) is a picture of the inner warfare that comes when both forces collide in unregulated contest. A man with divided loyalties, Samson is, at times, consciously and courageously obedient. At other times, he is self-referenced and immoral. Back and forth he goes. Undecided. Unstable. He will not make up his mind! See James 1:8.

Like Samson, those with divided hearts always come to a tragic reckoning. At some point, an invisible line of God’s forbearance is crossed, and judgment comes without further warning. “The Lord departed from him”(16:20). Samson was not even aware when the Lord’s protection was removed.

Friend, will you look honestly at your own heart today? Will you agree that, even now, a selfish and foolish man lives inside of you, struggling for control? What possible loyalty do you owe this self-seeking, God-ignoring man? Why do you give this old man any of your confidence or attention? “We put no confidence in the flesh,” says Paul in Philippians 3:3. Will you turn in confession and repentance to God? Will you make up your mind?

“A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy”(Proverbs 29:1).

“How long will you waver between two opinions?”(1 Kings 18:21).

March 11–Judges 13-16

“Did you ever have to make up your mind? Pick up on one and leave the other one behind. It’s not often easy, and not often kind. Did you ever have to make up your mind?” (The Lovin’ Spoonful).

With apologies to those who didn’t grow up in the 60’s, John Sebastian asks an important question. Did you ever have to make up your mind?

The life of every believer is a choice between two great forces colliding in the universe. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit”(Galatians 5:17, KJV).

Flesh is a reality in every person. Dishonest. Insecure. Proud and self-determining. The flesh is the old me that competes with the Spirit for control of decisions and attention. “The mind set on the flesh, does not subject itself to the law of God, it is not even able to do so”(Romans 8:7).

In the believer, however, the Spirit is ALSO a reality! A new life from Heaven. Animating presence. True and real and eternal. In me, creating a new me. “If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Samson (today’s reading) is a picture of the inner warfare that comes when both forces collide in unregulated contest. A man with divided loyalties, Samson is, at times, consciously and courageously obedient. At other times, he is self-referenced and immoral. Back and forth he goes. Undecided. Unstable. He will not make up his mind! See James 1:8.

Like Samson, those with divided hearts always come to a tragic reckoning. At some point, an invisible line of God’s forbearance is crossed, and judgment comes without further warning. “The Lord departed from him”(16:20). Samson was not even aware when the Lord’s protection was removed.

Friend, will you look honestly at your own heart today? Will you agree that, even now, a selfish and foolish man lives inside of you, struggling for control? What possible loyalty do you owe this self-seeking, God-ignoring man? Why do you give this old man any of your confidence or attention? “We put no confidence in the flesh,” says Paul in Philippians 3:3. Will you turn in confession and repentance to God? Will you make up your mind?

“A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy”(Proverbs 29:1).

“How long will you waver between two opinions?”(1 Kings 18:21).