Tag Archives: king saul

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Good Judgment

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Prudent, shrewd and discerning – choice words to describe Abigail found in I Samuel 25. Her husband Nabal was a wicked and harsh man. Soon-to-be-king David had fled to the wilderness to escape from jealous King Saul. He and his 600 followers helped Nabal’s shepherds care for 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats so that none were lost to predator or robber. The men asked only for some food in return, but Nabal insulted them and sent them away with nothing. David’s first instinct was to fight and kill the foolish man.

Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received…and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing.

I Samuel 25:39

But Abigail intervened. Her good judgment helped David avoid undermining his reputation. She understood a difficult situation and made an immediate and wise decision to help David reject revenge. Her discernment helped her speak to David intelligently and persuasively. Abigail was an expert peacemaker – and eventually won David’s favor and love (I Samuel 25:40-42).

Like Abigail, be wise in your dealings with others. Seek to be discerning in your responses to those who might oppose you. Then intercede for this nation’s leaders – that they would govern with prudence.

Recommended Reading: I Samuel 25:13, 23-35

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Loving Boldness

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There was a time David hid in fear for his life from King Saul. In his prayer, he lamented that no one took notice, much less cared about him.

No refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.

Psalm 142:4

As you look up and down the streets where you live, how many of those folks do you even take notice of? Are there any you truly care about? Thankfully, in America today it is still possible to share what Jesus has done for you with people you meet. You know that God cares, and He has commissioned you to witness for Him. Why are Christians in the United States often reluctant to share? Some are fearful; others lazy. Yet to not speak up is disobedience, and Jesus said if you love Him, you will keep His commandments. Soul winners not only follow Christ, they abide in Him…and the time is coming when sharing His love will no longer be possible.

When praying today, think of specific people that need to hear His truth. Ask God to prepare their hearts in advance – and then share Christ with them with loving boldness. Then remember Christian men and women in government, and pray for doors of opportunity to open for them to witness.

Recommended Reading: I John 3:11-22

 

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Mortimer Mouse?

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“‘As for Mephibosheth,’ said the king, ‘he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.'” —2 Samuel 9:11

Maybe you have had some serious setbacks in life. As a child, you were mistreated, neglected, abused, or even forgotten. You, like so many kids today, were just left to yourself. Maybe people haven’t given you much hope; you’ve been written off by your parents and teachers.

The Bible tells the story of a young man named Mephibosheth, who literally was dropped in life (2 Samuel 9). His grandfather was King Saul and his father was Prince Jonathan. After they had been killed in battle, in her haste to hide him, his nurse dropped little Mephibosheth, who was only five, and as a result he lost the use of his legs.

She feared that the king-elect, David, would seek him out and kill him, as was the custom of kings of that time. But later King David, who ascended to the throne, sought Mephibosheth out and welcomed him as a member of his own family to live in the palace.

It reminds us of how Jesus reached out to us and calls us to be a part of His family. I have some good news for you today! God specializes in taking people who have been “dropped in life” and picking them back up again!

I read about how as a young man Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper. When Disney asked why, they responded, “Walt, you’re not creative enough. You never have any new ideas. We’re sorry, but we’re going to have to let you go.” Disney got dropped in life.

So, he moved to California, borrowed $500 and started a graphic arts company. Shortly after, he came up with a little character he named Mortimer Mouse, later to become Mickey Mouse, and the rest is history.

You can’t control what happens to you in life. But you have everything to say about how you react. Perhaps that setback in life can help you move forward like never before.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – A Singing Heart

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“And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp and Saul would feel better, and the evil spirit would go away” (I Samuel 16:23).

King Saul had disobeyed God and the spirit of the Lord had left him. Instead, the Lord had sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear. As a result, some of Saul’s aides sent for David, who was not only a talented harp player but was handsome, brave and strong and had good, solid judgment. What is more, the Lord was with him.

Every believer experiences warfare between flesh and spirit. As an act of the will we decide whether we are going to allow the flesh or the Spirit to control our lives. One of the best ways to cause an evil spirit to go away is to listen to music of praise and worship and thanksgiving to God. The language of heaven is praise. Listen to music that causes your heart to sing praises to God. Also, saturate your mind with the Word of God. The psalms especially exalt and honor God and express the praise of the psalmist.

I like to begin the day praising God on my knees. During the course of the day, I listen to cassette tapes of praise music as well as recorded portions of Scripture that are appropriate and sermons that are helpful.

Are you discouraged, depressed, frustrated? Have problems in your life caused you to feel that God has left you? If so, may I encourage you to begin to praise the Lord. Purchase cassettes that honor our Lord, that cause your heart to sing and make melody to the Lord, and play them over and over again.

Bible Reading: Psalm 92:1-5

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Today I will make a special point of praising the Lord not only through the reading of psalms but also by listening to music of praise. I will remember that praise is one of the expressions of a life that is lived in the supernatural power of God.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Attitude Change

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Charles Stanley, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, once talked about making a road map of your life – documenting the significant crossroads in your life and seeing how God carried you through and guided your steps.

I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:6

David recognized the Lord’s help and direction, and it gave him the strength to go on. Pursued by King Saul for years, the young shepherd felt he could not endure any further and cried out in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord?” He supposed God to be indifferent to him, but realized that the Lord does not forget His own. David’s lament shifted from despair to a song of praise and confidence that his enemy would be defeated. His circumstance wasn’t changed, but his attitude was. He began to worship the Lord, trusting in God’s steadfast love and rejoicing in His salvation.

Bible commentator E.C. Olsen believes that sorrows in your life train you for future glory. Even more, “the Christian is driven to his knees in order that God may reveal Himself strong on behalf of those who trust Him.” Intercede for America’s leaders. God can work wonders through your prayers. Then rejoice – for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:18-30

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Amani

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Our Daily Bread

1 Samuel 16:14-23

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. —2 Timothy 1:7

Amani, which means “peace” in Swahili, is the name of a Labrador retriever pup that has some special friends. Amani lives with two young cheetahs at the Dallas Zoo. Zoologists placed the animals together so the cheetahs could learn Amani’s relaxed ways. Since dogs are generally at ease in public settings, the experts predict that Amani will be a “calming influence” in the cheetahs’ lives as they grow up together.

David was a soothing influence in King Saul’s life when a “distressing spirit” troubled him (1 Sam. 16:14). When Saul’s servants learned of his problem, they thought music might ease his affliction. One servant summoned David, who was a skilled harpist. Whenever the king became troubled, David would play the harp. “Then Saul would become refreshed and well” (v.23).

We crave refreshment and well-being when we are plagued by anger, fear, or sadness. The God of the Bible is a “God of peace” (Heb. 13:20-21), One who gives His Holy Spirit to everyone who believes in Him. When we’re agitated or anxious, we can remember that God’s Spirit produces power, love, and self-control (2 Tim. 1:7). God’s influence in our lives can create a calming effect—one that leads to comfort and wholeness. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

We’re grateful, Father, for the peace that You

offer for our hearts. Nothing has the power

to take that away. Thank You that Your

peace has come to stay.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” —Jesus

Bible in a year: Ezekiel 33-34; 1 Peter 5

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — A Genuine Friend

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Our Daily Bread

1 Samuel 20:32-42

Two are better than one. —Ecclesiastes 4:9

In the novel Shane, a friendship forms between Joe Starrett, a farmer on the American frontier, and Shane, a mysterious man who stops to rest at the Starrett home. The men first bond as they work together to remove a giant tree stump from Joe’s land. The relationship deepens as Joe rescues Shane from a fight and Shane helps Joe improve and guard his farmland. The men share a sense of mutual respect and loyalty that reflects what Scripture says: “Two are better than one . . . . If they fall, one will lift up his companion” (Eccl. 4:9-10).

Jonathan and David modeled this principle as well. Circumstances tested their friendship when David suspected that King Saul wanted him dead. Jonathan doubted this, but David believed it to be true (1 Sam. 20:2-3). Eventually, they decided David would hide in a field while Jonathan questioned his father about the matter. When Saul’s deadly intent became clear, the friends wept together and Jonathan blessed David as he fled (v.42).

You have a genuine friend in Jesus if you have accepted His offer of salvation—a friend who is always loyal; one who lifts you when you stumble. He has shown you the greatest love one friend can have for another—love that led Him to sacrifice His life for you (John 15:13). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer! —Scriven

Jesus is your most trusted Friend.

Bible in a year: Isaiah 53-55; 2 Thessalonians 1

Insight

Jonathan’s friendship with David was marked by brotherly affection, but it also displayed Jonathan’s self-sacrifice. The throne that would have been his destiny as the son of King Saul had already been given to David (1 Sam. 16:10-13).

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — An Emergency Of The Spirit

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Our Daily Bread

2 Samuel 1:17-27

David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son. —2 Samuel 1:17

In March 2011, a devastating tsunami struck Japan, taking nearly 16,000 lives as it obliterated towns and villages along the coast. Writer and poet Gretel Erlich visited Japan to witness and document the destruction. When she felt inadequate to report what she was seeing, she wrote a poem about it. In a PBS NewsHour interview she said, “My old friend William Stafford, a poet now gone, said, ‘A poem is an emergency of the spirit.’”

We find poetry used throughout the Bible to express deep emotion, ranging from joyful praise to anguished loss. When King Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle, David was overwhelmed with grief (2 Sam. 1:1-12). He poured out his soul in a poem he called “the Song of the Bow”: “Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided. . . . How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! . . . I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me” (vv.23-26).

When we face “an emergency of the spirit”—whether glad or sad—our prayers can be a poem to the Lord. While we may stumble to articulate what we feel, our heavenly Father hears our words as a true expression of our hearts. —David McCasland

Sometimes I do not pray in words—

I take my heart in my two hands

And hold it up before the Lord—

I am so glad He understands. —Nicholson

God does more than hear words; He reads hearts.

Bible in a year: Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

Insight

Although Saul had treated David as his enemy, David did not treat Saul as his. When Saul and his son Jonathan died in battle, David honored them in the song in today’s passage, which opens and closes with the refrain “How the mighty have fallen!” (vv.19,27).

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Listening Obedience

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In I Samuel 15, King Saul looked dedicated and pious, offering up sacrifices to the Lord – but his downfall was assured because of his disobedience. The prophet Samuel told him “to obey is better than sacrifice.” (I Samuel 15:22) In the next chapter, when Samuel anointed David as king, the prophet pointed out how “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)

If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Proverbs 28:9

Today’s verse in The Message soberly reads, “God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him.” If you expect the Lord to hear you, you must hear Him. Prayer is talking to God, but it’s a two-way conversation. You must also listen to Him by reading and obeying His Word. And with the greatest commandment being to love God and love others, examine your love life to ensure your prayers don’t bounce back from the ceiling.

Think about the practical ways you can hear and obey the Lord, and put them into practice. Then with confidence, and in the name of Jesus, pray often for the nation’s leaders, troops and citizens.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:13-26

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Stronger Together

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“You’ve gotta know someone.” Whether you’re trying to break into the music industry, get a contract for your book, or just want a new job, you may hear this phrase. When friends are willing to vouch for you, doors are more likely to open.

I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. I Samuel 19:3

True friends don’t expect benefits from a relationship, but are certainly willing to help when they can. David and Jonathan had that type of friendship. King Saul was wildly jealous of David and ordered his attendants and even his own son to kill David. But Jonathan willingly stood up for David to Saul, telling his father, “His deeds have brought good to you.” (I Samuel 19:4) As a result, the envious king backed down and allowed David back in his presence.

This nation is in desperate need of people who will stand alongside national leaders who choose to follow Jesus. They are stronger with your help. Pray for the courage to stand beside Christian leaders in political offices. As you speak out to bring them encouragement, reach out to lift each other up as well.

Recommended Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Pain of Bitterness

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Charles Stanley

1 Samuel 13:5-14

Bitterness is never a proper response for a child of God. It poisons the mind, emotions, and spirit. When did this resentful attitude take root in Saul? Let’s look at two events in his life for clues.

Saul couldn’t go to battle until Samuel arrived to offer the burnt sacrifice as God had commanded. Before the prophet arrived, though, Saul’s men became scared of the enemy and started to leave, so the king took action and made the sacred offering himself. He may have thought, This has to be done right away. Why shouldn’t I do it? He failed to see the necessity of obeying divine commands to the letter. God saw this as a serious act of rebellion, which brought judgment: Saul’s kingdom wouldn’t endure. God would one day appoint someone else to take over as ruler instead of Saul’s descendants. Imagine Saul’s reaction to hearing the kingdom would not belong to his family.

During the war against the Amalekites, King Saul once again failed to follow the Lord’s instructions fully. When Samuel confronted him about his misdeed, he lied and claimed that he had obeyed. Later, however, Saul attempted to justify his disobedience. His unrepentant heart grieved the Lord and resulted in further judgment: he, the king, was now rejected by God (1 Sam. 15:10-11, 26).

I believe Saul’s descent into bitterness began with the news that his disobedience would cost him the kingdom. Be sure to take your disappointments and anger immediately to the Lord. Pour them out before Him, and ask that He help you let them go. Your spiritual health depends on it.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Danger of Bitterness

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Charles Stanley

1 Samuel 18:1-30

King Saul had it all: God’s anointing on him as ruler; the prophet Samuel to guide him; the power and wealth of the kingdom of Israel; the applause of the people. Yet he died a bitter man. What steps led to his downfall?

• Anger. When Goliath was defeated, the crowds praised Saul as a killer of thousands but David as a slayer of tens of thousands. Instead of rejoicing that God had raised up someone to slay the giant, Saul grew angry with David for receiving more praise than he did.

• Wrong thinking. Saul’s flaring temper affected his mind, and he became suspicious of David’s motives. He started thinking that since the Lord was with David, the young man would want to take over the kingdom right away.

• Fear. Saul’s fear led to plotting against David and throwing spears at him.

• Rejection. The king sent David away from his presence.

• Dread. Saul’s fear grew stronger with David’s military success and the people’s growing love for the younger man.

• Deceitful action. Twice the king tried to manipulate David by offering one of his daughters in marriage. Both times he plotted to get David killed by the Philistines, and each attempt failed. Saul’s response was to become David’s enemy for the rest of his days. From then on, bitterness reigned.

Although the details of our lives differ from Saul’s, the steps to bitterness and ruin are the same. What unresolved anger do you allow to fester? Whom do you avoid because of ill will? Won’t you confess your sin, turn to God, and be set free?

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Conquering Faith

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Charles Stanley

1 Samuel 17:1-37

David, the shepherd boy, faced Goliath, the Philistine giant. By trusting in God’s power to deliver, David was victorious over his seemingly invincible opponent. We, too, will face trials that are bigger than we are. The Lord wants to build conquering faith in us so that we, like David, can overcome. What are the components of such faith?

• Godly motivation. David’s desire was to defend his people and God’s name. We must examine our rationale to be certain it is Christ-centered, not self-focused.

• Recognition of the battle’s nature. In the lives of born-again believers, every single incident is a spiritual matter. David’s struggle in the physical realm was against Goliath, but the real battle was spiritual (Eph. 6:12).

• Memory of previous victories. David’s confidence was not based on what was happening right then. Instead, he recalled what the Lord had done before: helping him fight off lions and bears. Imagine a film that highlights all the moments when God provided you with strength and stamina. Replay it until you are ready for the fight.

• Rejection of ungodly counsel. David was certain of God’s purpose for him, so he refused to listen to his brother’s accusations of impure motives. He also rejected King Saul’s assessment of his youthfulness. Instead, the young shepherd boy inclined his ear to hear from the Lord and any counselors He might send.

What “Goliath” is standing before you? Remember that in Christ, we can be overcomers (1 John 5:4).