Journal the Journey

1 Samuel 11 & 12

1 Samuel 12:22

“The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people.”

1 Samuel 11

No more hiding for Saul as we read in chapter eleven. One month since chapter ten, Saul is confronted with the Ammonites threats against the people and steps into obedient action immediately.  His leadership saves the Israelites from their enemies and in verse 15 they hold a solemn ceremony before the Lord and make him their king.

APPLICATION:

God requires obedience from each one of us. When we delay our obedience or have partial obedience it is all still disobedience.

If you have been struggling with what to do in any given situation, follow what the Lord instructs you to do through his commands in the Word and your prayers.

Be encouraged God blesses immediate obedience.

1 Samuel 12

In verses 1-5 we read Samuel’s lifelong testimony of truth and honor. Samuel has chosen to live for the Lord and serve the people.  We know he has a great testimony but not a perfect testimony. In verse 2 (and in previous chapters) it is apparent that Samuel’s sons were not living for the Lord with the same character and honor as his. Samuel had fallen short as a Father to his sons, just like Eli. Even though Eli and Samuel had made mistakes in their parenting, God still used them to make a difference for His Kingdom.

APPLICATION:

We can be encouraged to live for Christ and serve Him with all of our hearts. All of us make mistakes but when we repent and strive to continue the walk of a faithful follower of Christ we will be blessed. 

God has a plan and purpose for every person.

Reading verses 6- 22 we see a reminder of the history of what God has done in the life of the people of Israel. Every major leader for God in the Bible recalls and retells the works of the Lord. It is good to remember history and pass it on to the next generation. Samuel ends with a very encouraging verse:

1 Samuel 12:22

“The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people.”

APPLICATION:

May I suggest that you journal your life journey experiences with God. Your journey with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior needs to be written down so you can recall it and be encouraged.  Begin today writing what you are thankful for.

I’d like to suggest the following books: 

One Thousand Gifts  by Ann Voskamp

Choosing Gratitude; your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Intercessory Prayer:

Samuel spent his life interceding for others.

How about you? Are you remembering to pray?

We are instructed to pray without ceasing and when we do we will experience the presence of the Lord.

1 Samuel 12:23-24

“As for me, I will certainly not sin against the LORD by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.”

Now is the time to get on your knees and pray!