Finding STRENGTH in GOD

1 Samuel 30

Inspired thots

When David and his men returned from war, they found their city Ziklag plundered by the enemies. All their possessions and families were taken. They wept bitterly; the men were angry at David for taking them out to battle forgetting the good he had done for them in the past. "BUT David found STRENGTH in the Lord his God."

In difficult times, it is BEST to seek solace in God alone. Others may point fingers at you forgetting the good you have done for them in the past; only God remembers and will embrace you all the time to comfort. It is best to find strength in the Lord.

Favored Position in the Enemy's Camp

1 Samuel 26 - 29

Inspired thots

David kept running away from king Saul. As he kept his heart right before God, God granted him success in all his undertakings. Even his enemy king Achish allowed David to settle in one of his towns Ziklag and found no fault with David.

Truly the Lord's words as in Psalm 23 where the blessed ones of the Lord will feast in the presence of their enemies.

Blessed for Good Judgment

1 Samuel 25

Inspired thots

How wonderful to be blessed! There must be ONE in the family who must make GOOD Judgments to avert disaster from the family. Such was Abigail, wife of Nabal who slighted David when his men asked for food; she was wise to divert the danger on her household with her good judgment and actions.

She used reasoning and persuasive words to appease David of his intention to avenge on Nabal's arrogance towards him and his men.

v33 "May you be blessed for your good judgment..." 

Treating Others Well in Fear of God

1 Samuel 23 & 24

Inspired thots

These two chapters recount the pursuit of king Saul on David; while David had a golden opportunity to strike down king Saul, his conscience was stricken instead with cutting off an edge of king Saul's robe. It was David's intent that caused him to feel guilty; that he should harbor thoughts of revenge against the Lord's anointed.

Taking a RIGHTEOUS stand by allowing God to vindicate us in everything is the better path for God's people. As the bible says, "Vengeance is Mine" 
God will avenge or repay others on our behalf. (Rom. 12:19) We must overcome evil with good instead of being overcome by evil.

Keep Waiting Until You Learn What God Will Do For You

1 Samuel 21 & 22

Inspired thots

As David kept running from king Saul, his heart was still very much with God. He kept waiting on the Lord by seeking the priests to inquire what the Lord would have him do; and he was obedient to the Word.

He kept himself on the straight path ~ remaining righteous in all he does; not harming anyone unnecessary. He accepted and provided for others in need although he was in dire needs too.

God sustained him until victory came his way in God's time. Hence, it is GOOD to WAIT UPON THE LORD until you "learn What God will do for you" (22:3)

A Really TRUE Friendship

1 Samuel 20

Inspired thots

Here is an excellent account of the really TRUE friendship between two persons; David and Jonathan. They could love each other so deeply but not sin against God. They seem to be like soul-mates but many may think that their relationship could be perverted. But the bible would have been explicit if it were so; moreover, David and Jonathan's hearts were focused on God always. Hence, their relationship is truly a genuine friendship or brotherhood.

David and Jonathan "sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord".(v42)
True friendships allow both parties to be open and honest while sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings. They stand up for one another in love and protection. They were willing to let each other go when necessary.

Overcoming Sin Within

1 Samuel 19

Inspired thots

King Saul lashed out his jealousy and fear on David which grew in intensity until he was overwhelmed by it and he was motivated to kill David. Jonathan and others could see the illogical actions of king Saul except the 'deranged' victim.

Sound advice is constantly required to appease the bad spirit which must be subjected to God's control for victory. Just like how God counseled Cain before he killed Abel; Gen 4:6 ~ "sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you but you must master it." So, it is possible to have victory over sin .

Pettiness Brings On Jealousy & Fear

1 Samuel 18

Inspired thots

King Saul became jealous of David over the latter's victories. He took to heart the praises of the people who sang 'Saul killed thousands and David tens of thousands'. Pettiness over small issues lead to jealousy which is stemmed from self-centredness. Fear came over King Saul from a growing discontented spirit.

It is important to be 'generous' in EVERY circumstances by keeping focus on God alone. When HE is in Focus, all things become blur. There would be NO room for earthly attitudes.

Rising UP to the Occasion

1 Samuel 17

Inspired thots

David may have started off as a shepherd boy but there were many forms of good training during his tenure. Hence, he was able to rise to the occasion when it was required. He was willing to STEP UP to Goliath when he heard how Goliath defy God publicly. He was a useful vessel at the right time; he ROSE UP to take the challenge to safeguard God's honor.

How important for us to BE TRAINED so that we can RISE UP to the occasion as a USEFUL VESSEL for the Lord to defy the enemy as we choose to safeguard God's Honor.

The Lord LOOKS at the HEART

1 Samuel 16

Inspired thots

Samuel was instructed by God to search for another king for Israel as He has rejected Saul. When God rejected Saul, he was left aside and deemed 'dead'. Hence, Samuel 'mourned' for him. But God raised up David, shepherd boy, as the next king.

Samuel looked for the fine demeanor of Jesse's sons but  God looked at the heart. 
v7 "... the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart."

Saul was an impressive young man taller than others by a head (9:2) but he took matters into his own hands after being king; he forgot his humble background and did as he pleased while trying to please men.

Reasons for God's Rejection

1 Samuel 15

Inspired thots

One of my favorite verses in this chapter ~ v22 "To obey is better than sacrifice"

There are SO many great lessons from this chapter.

King Saul started off well in his kingly quest until the greed in his heart took over his devotion to the Lord. He deviated from the EXACT instructions of the Lord which cause him his downfall. He kept the best of the enemy's spoils and spared Agag the enemy; perhaps wanting to find favor with him as he viewed the enemy's riches.

King Saul also erred in blaming others for his own wrongful desires; v15 ~ he claimed that the soldiers were the ones to bring back the unlawful spoils.
He insisted on obeying the Lord, v20 but it was not a TOTAL obedience. He began to choose the Better portion of materialistic gains for himself. 
He sought the favor of men, v24 as he gave EXCUSES on his own wrong doings.

Everyone is accountable to his or her own actions. The truth lies deeper within.

Interceding For One Another

1 Samuel 14:24-52

Inspired thots

Jonathan was brave in the wars against the Philistines; he was also a very logical young man, doing what he deems best. He went alone to fight the Philistines and he ate the honey for strength; he even concluded that his father was foolish in his ways as in cursing the people should they eat before the enemies were subdued.

When Saul found out that Jonathan defied his instructions, he wanted to put Jonathan to death according to his curse. It was a big thing to curse or bless from an established authority like a father or king in those days in the sight of God.

However, the people interceded for Jonathan to prevent Saul from killing Jonathan as they recognized and acknowledged Jonathan's valiance in wars.

How important it is to intercede for one another to avoid unpleasantries for one another.

Committing it ALL to the Lord

1 Samuel 14:1 - 23

Inspired thots

Jonathan was brave and heroic to fight the Philistines on his own; he did not inform his father Saul who was hiding from the Philistines. Jonathan committed his venture to the Lord and gave God the honor as he desired to slay the Philistines. His heart was right with God as he approached the task in mind. He waited for a sign from God on the task as he committed it to God. Thus, God honored him. Jonathan had declared (v6) "nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few."

The rest of the Israelites went out to plunder and join in the already victorious attack later.

Waiting for God's RIGHT Timing

1 Samuel 13

Inspired thots

King Saul became arrogant as he won battles although some victories belonged to his son Jonathan. He reacted  foolishly to the seemingly troubling situation around him by offering the sacrifice to God personally rather than wait for Samuel. Hence, Saul lost his kingship.

It is important to wait on God for HIS right timing; though we are desperate and compelled to take the 'right' action, it must be God's timing.


Waiting for God's timing = acting in obedience even if it is doing Nothing at that point in time. No wonder Patience is a Virtue.

Serving God With ALL our Hearts Until the End

1 Samuel 12

Inspired thots

Samuel comes to the end of his service for the Israelites and God. He has been righteous in all his ways without causing loss to anyone. His heart was always focused on God alone.

God does give us the desire of our hearts but we are to fear, serve and obey Him. Though Israel did an evil thing in the EYES of the LORD by asking for a king, the Lord does not forsake them; However, Israel will realize the folly of their requests when their earthly king fails them. Idols cannot help them.

v24 Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, consider what great things He has done for you.

Do not persist in doing evil.

Living in the Spirit's Power

1 Samuel 11

Inspired thots

Saul was anointed king of Israel by Samuel but went about his usual chores until the opportunity arises to deliver Israel from her enemies.

When it was time, the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon Saul and he had the wisdom and might to strategize war plans to attack the enemy and won.

His success subdued Israel in accepting him as king. Saul gives glory to God for his success.

The Spirit's Anointing

1 Samuel 10

Inspired thots

When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Saul, there was a strong anointing; Saul became changed and the gift of prophesying came on him. Yet, he was still afraid and hid away when Samuel came to appoint him as king in the sight of the people.

It takes time to walk in God's ways. One must learn to yield to God's anointing and be constantly filled. This is what is said in Ephesians 5:18 

Starting Out Right With God

1 Samuel 9

Inspired thots

The calling of Saul is very interesting. Saul went out to look for his father's donkeys being obedient but was appointed by God through Samuel to lead Israel as her first king.

Saul started off very well;
> he was obedient to his father's instructions to look for their lost donkeys
> he was diligent in seeking the donkeys in several places
> he was open to good suggestions (his servant suggested seeking a man of God to inquire)
> he was familiar with traditions (a gift for the man of God)
> he was initiative in asking for directions to find the man of God
> he was humble about his background when informed by Samuel of his future
> he was ready to hear the message from God

It was a great start for Saul as he was chosen by God to be Israel's first earthly king. However, things turned out differently in the end for Saul...

Take It to the Lord in Prayer

1 Samuel 8

Inspired thots

When the Israelites requested for a king to rule over them, it displeased Samuel and he took the matter to the Lord in prayer.  (v6) That is the wisest move one can take with ALL matters. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Let Him settle it on our behalf.  It is usually a sad case of people rejecting God.

His sons, Joel and Abijah, did not follow their father's footsteps in diligently seeking the Lord and serving Him; how sad!

One must really discover God personally to establish a personal relationship with Him. Then God will speak and reveal Himself.

Samuel faithfully represented the people before the Lord communicating between both parties. Even having been warned of the dire consequences of an earthly king, Israel chose to reject their Heavenly King! How sad!

Building An ALTAR to the Lord

1 Samuel 7

Inspired thots

Samuel rose up to judge Israel when it was time; he called Israel to return to the Lord confident of the Lord's calling to him. He took up his role to intercede for the people of God; God answered him and delivered Israel from the Philistines.

But home is where the heart is; Samuel always goes back to his home and BUILT an ALTAR to the Lord. (v17)
How important to have God in our hearts and build an altar there for Him, acknowledging that He is our God and on the throne of our lives.

Know & Fear the Great & Awesome God of Israel

1 Samuel 5 & 6

Inspired thots

God is Sovereign! He does not need anyone to fight for Him. He is able to cause fear in the Philistines until they acknowledge and submit to His greatness and power. Fortunately, the Philistines were wise to release the ark of God back to Israel. How sad that they did not acknowledge Him as God! They have heard all about His greatness to Israel since Egypt days but they prefer their own gods. 

God is Holy! He must be respected in all ways; even among His own people. Those who looked into the ark died for they did not exercise a reverence for God.

Taking Matters into Your Own Hands

1 Samuel 4

Inspired thots

Israel was defeated by the Philistines. They were in disbelief and hastened to take the ark of God up from Shiloh for the next round of battle but the Lord was not with them. Hence, they lost badly and Eli's sons died with the ark of God captured.

The Philistines were actually worried about the ark of God with the Israelites but they encouraged themselves to be strong and courageous against the Israelites. Their determination to win was very strong and they defeated the Israelites.

Eli died when news of his sons' death came back to him as well as the capture of the ark of God. He should have prevented the people to do as their like. As high priest, he should have inquired of the Lord on their behalf  regarding the battle.

No one bothered to consult the Lord; everyone did according to his own ways as Judges 21:25 mentioned, "everyone did as he saw fit". But we fail to remember Isa 55:8,9 "His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways".

HERE I AM...

1 Samuel 3

Inspired thots

Samuel ministered at the Lord's temple going about with menial tasks such as "opening the doors of the temple every morning". He did his assigned tasks diligently. Hence, it was easy for Samuel to utter just three words whenever he heard his name called; "Here I am". It was an immediate and willing response to offer himself for the task to be performed when his name is called.

Samuel did not tire with giving the same answer whenever he heard his name called. He knew it was to a task that he was called. He had a willing heart. He proceeded further only when Eli taught him to respond correctly to God (v9).

How important to teach our young ones to hear and respond to God appropriately. God will use them greatly. Just start them off with three simple words whenever they hear their name called; "Here I am..." 

A God Who REVEALS

1 Samuel 2:27-36

Inspired thots

Our God is Mighty AND Awesome; He REVEALS His thoughts and ways to His children. He is always near.
He chided Eli on his lack of firmness in disciplining his sons and expresses His heart's desire.
What does God want?
> to be Honored 
> acknowledge His holiness

God wants us to be His faithful priest (v35)  ~ those who would do ALL that is in His HEART and MIND!
~ one who will MINISTER BEFORE HIM ALWAYS!

Eli and his household were chosen as Levites to minister to the Lord; He gave them the best portions from the sacrifices of the people BUT Eli's sons DISHONORed God by grabbing the best of sacrifices for themselves instead of allowing God His portions from the people.

We should be waiting for God to pour out His blessings on us and not be demanding or striving for them.
Those who Honor Him, He will honor. Those who despise Him will be disdained.(v30)

Growing IN FAVOR or DISRESPECT with God

1 Samuel 2:12-26

Inspired thots

A great CONTRAST in two styles of living; Eli's sons who lived disregarding God's laws and Samuel who honored God even at a young age.

Eli's sons:
> had NO regard for the Lord (v12) This is DISHONORING God. It is when they did as they pleased to satisfy themselves.
> treated the Lord's offering with CONTEMPT (v17). This came through NO RESPECT for God and His things. It was Self at work.
> did not listen to their father's rebuke (v25)

Samuel:
> ministered before the Lord in proper attire (v18). Followed the ways of God in serving Him.
> grew up in the Presence of the Lord (v21). God was with the priests as they were to serve Him but Eli's sons missed that. They forgot that and went about their own ways.
> continued to GROW in STATURE and in FAVOR with God and men (v26)

What a DIFFERENCE with men! You have to choose where your FAITH is. You will choose wisely when you remember that God is with you and deserves all Honor, Glory and Respect. How can we sin against Him in His presence when He is with us? Joseph knew it when he rejected Potiphar's wife's advances.

GOD's PRESENCE is WITH US!

Exalting God is Acknowledging Him

1 Samuel 2:1-11

Inspired thots

Hannah gave praises through a prayer for God's blessing of Samuel in her life.Hannah acknowledged that God is above all else on the earth. He is in control of EVERYTHING! 

Praising God is acknowledging His greatness and character; it can only be done if one is truly convinced of His being and might with appreciation of His blessings upon one's life.