"What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offering and sacrifices or our obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."
1 Samuel 14:22
1 Samuel 14:22
My Take Aways
Something Old:
God will "settle" our accountants whether we live to see it or not. He is the Attorney, Jury, and Judge! Thank you God that you don't forget the wrong done to your children.
Obedience pleases God. Wow-that is a revelation! If I know what pleases Him then why don't I please Him all the time?
Something New:
David served as Saul's armor bearer. I thought he only played the harp for him. I found it interesting that one of Saul's servants described David as a brave warrior, a man of war, and have good judgment. (16:18) This it is stated in the KJV:
"Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him."
Something to Do:
Stop giving God excuses and just obey Him, eliminate the obedience clause.
Matthew Henry
"Repentance is not a change of mind, it is a change of method.
"It is much easier to bring a bullock or lamb to burned upon the altar than to bring every high thought into obedience to God t0 make our will subject to His will."
19 Comments:
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Good stuff today Wendy!
Did you notice that Saul called God "your God" in 1 Sam 15:15 and 20? What's up with that! The LORD was not Samuel's God, He is the Almighty God, the Holy One of Israel, the Glory of Israel, the LORD of Heaven's Armies, and the one who appointed Saul to be King! Talk about having turned away!
1 Samuel 15:29 also struck me:
"And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!”
This is something that both John Piper and Jennifer Kennedy Dean taught me; God does not change His mind. He is not human to do so. We cannot influence His mind. He has it all planned out. He knows when and how things will happen and He sets up situations to train us, to strengthen us, to show us His will and what life would be like outside of His will. He desires for us to be participants in His will. He desires for us to pray prayers of intersession and to stand in the gap and plead for His action because He loves us and in our weakness, our fear, our struggles, He can show His strength and be glorified.
This is a lesson that is hard for me to learn because I see so much in the Bible that I don't understand and that looks from the outside like God changed His mind. In such cases I need to remember:
Deut 29:29 - 29 “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.
Romans 11:33-34 - 33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
And 1 Corinthians 13:12 - 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
My God is everlasting, all knowing, unchanging, and completely consistent. I am not in charge of the world (although sometimes I think I am). The kingdom, the power and th glory are His forever and ever. Amen
Prayers being lifted up for all today. Brandee, it's a good idea you have about protecting your blog. Lori, you always light up my day with your hope, your encouragement, and your enthusiasm! Morgen, I'm glad to hear your son is okay and I imagine your house is looking good! I prayed for your 13 year old friend. Jodi, I am praying for your family and your health.
Have a good Tuesday!
Karen, Basel
Good Vlog today Wendy. And your dog was so cute behind you in the video! Cracked me up.
Old: God gave a specific command; Saul disobeyed and did it his way.
New: My new was your new too; I hadn't realized that David was Saul's armor bearer...but also kept busy tending the sheep - going back and forth between the two jobs.
Nugget: I too was convicted by Samuel's reply to Saul: "what is more pleasing to the Lord, your offerings or your obedience?"
It is easier for me to put my offering check in the plate than to obey and submit to His voice and His will. I am rebellious and stubborn. Forgive me Lord, and give me a repentant heart.
Praise Him!
Morgen
Good morning, GIG's,
Over the past one or two weeks of reading, I've had this nagging discomfort and lack of understanding about how we have seen God punish whole tribes to the point of wiping them off the face of the earth through battles.I'm sure there were many in those tribes who were obeying God, yet they all suffered. Today we see God, via Saul, bring "justice" hundreds of years later for the "sins of the forefathers". I'm sure I'm sounding like the New Testament newbie that I am, but can someone enlighten me as to whether the coming of Jesus Christ ended the kind of "justice" we see in the OT? I sure don't want to be judged on the behavior of my forefathers, or even my mother or father for that matter. I want to be judged for myself and how I choose to obey or not obey God.
Off to recess duty - I'll check in later. Prayers for all requests.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Oh my goodness, dear GIG ~ I was just reading away yesterday and read through today’s reading… I started reading the 13th today, and thought this sounds familiar! Sorry about that, ya’ll probably were wondering, ‘what is SHE writing about?’ yikes!
So, I just copied-pasted yesterday’s post on for today! Maybe today it’ll make better sense!
Today, we see where pride and wanting to please people draw Saul's heart away from obeying God (15:24). He pleased people rather than pleased God. I do believe, without a doubt, that there is nothing so sneaky or destructive to our walk with the Lord, as pride. "clothe yourselves with humility toward one another...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (I Peter 5:5).
David the shepherd boy!
I loved reading, “for he is not human that he should change his mind!” 15:29 –what a promise from God that we have to hold on to in this ever-changing world! Thank you for extra notes on this verse, Karen! Sometimes, we don’t understand why God does what He does, but the important thing is that we do know He is sovereign, and He does have a plan, and thank goodness we are his protected children.
My To Do: Help me Lord, not to do what I desire. I want to do what you tell me to do, 100%. I want to be filled completely with your Holy Spirit and abide in you and not lean towards what, “appeals to me” (15:9). It is easy to go with the flow of the world and allow myself to get side-tracked on the attractiveness of the idols that take the place of Your territory in my heart. Oh, You, dear Lord, are my precious Father, and I want to give all of myself to you. Thank you for even wanting me, the sinner, that I truly am! Thank you for the power you’ve placed inside of me, for when I am weak, I have your strength. Amen.
Ladies, and VERY quiet Gent’s ~ ENJOY! It’s another day to PTL! Love u, Lori
oops, I just realized I started writing about David the shepherd boy and...ok, will write more about him tomorrow, oh I love precious David!
hugs, lori
Hi Everybody,
Wendy…..That was great!! Repentance is not a change of mind, it is a change of method. Will be letting these words seep into my “mind:” today.
Disobedience….Saul was rejected as King:
…15:10, Then the LORD said to Samuel,
…15:23, Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshipping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
**Stubbornness…Wow!! Have to say I’m guilty of this. Just doing some pondering here to myself (What idols am I worshipping?).
Upon arrival he has the sons of Jesse pass “for review”……but the obvious choices are not the person that the Lord has in mind…instead, the youngest son of Jesse is selected, one considered to unqualified by his family that he was left tending the sheep.
16:11.…Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.”
The words of the Lord to Samuel. What are they telling us:
…16:7, Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.
What a lesson for Samuel that day!….Jesus also speaks about this same truth…… to be the same lesson for me today:
Matt 6:1, [But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense form your heavenly father.
Matt 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.
Lots to Ponder: Do I do this?
Jennifer Renee….Your excitement was felt yesterday…You impress me with your talents. You make me see so much.
Karen…I always love your insight…..more than words can describe. Thank You.
Anonymous yesterday at 9:50 AM … “a new heart” loved that message “she will be more glad to get there (heaven) so she will have a pure heart. Thanks!
Jodie…I prayed Michelle’s prayer over you. Thanks Michelle…your thoughtfulness is your gift. Jodie hang in there…(teething is not a pleasant stage). it is worth it to hold on. A bible verse that keeps me going is: Gal 6:9, Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.
Lori…Thanks for the reminder “pride.” ….That always sneaks up on me.
Grace & Peace….your message “baggage”….Had me do a lot of thinking yesterday. …this here too : “The race we run as believers isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon and God knows how desperately we need endurance. (Back in my high school days I ran track….I always prefer sprints vs. the long runs. Do I perfer sprints also as a believer??
Morgen …Prayers went up for your friend’s 13 yr. old daughter.
Thanks to All!!
Forever in Him,
Rhonda
Morning GIGs,
WOW! What a GREAT lesson today Wendy and you look so pretty, BTW :)
I really don't know what else to say than what you already said Wendy, it is what I had written in my journal plus I added more from your teaching. Love what Matthew Henry said, "a change of method." True repentance is a turning from something, not just saying sorry and going through the motions. You turn from that sin and choose to walk in God's ways.
Karen, I loved what all you have written! Very good things to think about.
Linda, I am going to the Beth Moore Simulcast on the 24th. I know it is going to be fabulous! There is a church right here in town that is going to be showing it.
Jodie and others, prayers coming your way today for strength.
G&P, I loved what you said yesterday about our baggage. I totally agree with you that so many times we hide in our own baggage. It can hinder us in so many ways if we don't let God heal. I am still waiting on my commentary. I have the other two but the one I need now I don't have. When we get to Psalms and the second part of the OT I am ready :)
Last night I had posted something about my blog being private. I had some emails this morning that some were having trouble logging on. I also got all yours that sent me one last night. What I ended up doing was going in and changing the setting to public but making sure that you can not find it via a search engine or be a part of bloggers blog list. You guys can all still access both of them without having to log on but it will not come up in any searches. I feel fine with that. That is how it has been for a while now.
My son is home sick today. He feels ok but his nose is all gunky. I think one day at home should do the trick and he probably will be able to go back to school tomorrow. Hope you all have a blessed day!
Brandee
Good morning,
I just wanted to stop in and say thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. Michelle - I will be copying that prayer into my journal - thank you so much!
Thanks to those who offered to try and help me - I actually live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. So a bit out of the way :) But your thoughtfulness and compassion made me smile. I love my son dearly but March was tough, he got 3 new teeth and 2 more are coming in to make 8 total at just 7 months. The teething seems never-ending. I just hate seeing him in pain.
Your prayers certainly made a difference. I am feeling less in pain and my son slept through the entire night - it's maybe the second time ever in 7 months!!
I have been battling pain in my shoulder and hip for a number of years. I banged myself up pretty good in sports when I was younger (how I wish I could tell my younger self that it was sooo not worth the price). I have seen doctors, massage, physiotherapists, chiropractors - nobody can offer an explanation as to why I don't heal faster or completely or what these attacks are. I will say God has used this situation to draw me closer to him. On my good days, I know he has promised me healing and restoration. I pray God helps build my faith to receive that gift in it's entirety :)
I have the funeral this aft...it's a tough space because my dad passed away in May almost 4 years ago from cancer as well. And my poor SIL (almost - 2 months to wedding) - her dad died last year and now her mom. For my brother - it has just never ended. He went from my dad's death to helping his finacee deal with her sick mom. We were actually helping them clear the house to move in with her that week when she got sick and died suddenly. I would appreciate your continued prayers for everyone today.
Will try to catch up on readings, vlog and comments later tonight.
Thank you to all,
Jodie
Hello Friends
I am catching up, and lifting up everyone’s intentions to our caring Father. Jodie, your health is challenged with all the sadness and pain right now, and so I pray for you and your family's comfort. Gaylene, your new path is just around the corner, all in God’s hands.
G&P your story about how your husband picked out a bible just made me smile! One big baby step! And, yes “baggage” is everywhere in this old house, with some of it packing little idols!
Rhonda- thank you for praying for a new heart for Michael…. I need to keep believing.
The story from your bulletin— I was in tears. My oldest son Andrew is a resident in anesthesiology, and last month he had the privilege of saving the lives of a failing mother and baby during an emergency c-section. He has always been the controlled, objective, analytical type, not outwardly emotional- good traits when you are in such a line of work. Anyway, this incident forced him to act alone and quickly, and he really felt fear. It touched him in a very special way, and I think he has a new reverence for his work. The ability to think critically, manage body systems, and alleviate pain during surgery is a precious gift. I will send him your story because it will give him encouragement. He has spent many years so focused on his education and training, that now he needs to see the work of his mind and hands in the light of God’s service. Thank you for giving me a way to introduce this to him!
Michelle New E, what a beautiful prayer about God’s light. Thanks for sharing that with us.
I was thinking about Saul, and being “king” over the people. Do you think that power gives some a false sense of security and self-importance? -- delegating and shirking responsibilities rather than being accountable.
In 14:37 Saul received no answer from God. When we ask for an answer and there is no response-- how do we know?
David’s harp! I didn’t know he played the harp! Twice it mentioned that David would play and Saul would be relieved and feel better. I started playing the harp a few years ago, not only to stimulate my brain, but to use it for music therapy for my family, sister with cancer, baby grandchildren, and myself of course. It is so soothing-- not only the sound, but also the vibrations. I loved reading about the effects of harp music in the bible!
One more thing. Older brothers. I noticed in the story of Joseph and again in David, that it is the youngest son who is favored by God, and who is destined to be great. When the “law” seemed to usually favor the oldest son, God chose the youngest. Do you think this is because the heart of the youngest has been so subject to the older brothers’ tactics, that his heart is humbled and obedient, not prideful or manipulative? 16:7 “…but the Lord looks into the heart.” I need to share this thought with youngest son Michael, who is having such a hard time fitting into God’s plan, and can’t seem to get it right. 17:29 (David to older brother) “What have I done now?” !!!!!
Loving prayers for all,
Jacque
Amen sisters in Christ!
The only thing I can add is 1 Sam.17:26-
David asked the soldiers standing nearby,"What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?"
They only answered the first question, not the second question.
Goliath defied-challenged the armies of God, which was the same as challenging God Himself.He got his head cut off for it.
Lord, help me never challenge You nor question You, but obey and submit to You.
David was a mighty man of valor, a man after God's own heart, yet a sensitive and loving shepherd.
God directed that stone and with missle power to bring down a 9 foot giant. (He had a big head, more ways than one.)
Help us Lord to stand tall when You fight our battles, yet on our knees praising and worshiping You.
Have a great day.
Linda from Ark.
Jodie, It looks like it has been tough for everyone all around. I'm sorry for your Dad. We know what you're going through and death and funerals always bring those memories to the forefront. (((HUGS)))
Brandee, I sent you an email a few minutes ago requesting access - that was before I read your comment. So just ignore that then. I pray that Will gets better! My son was wheezing when I picked him up from school but the inhaler did the trick.
Wendy, I also picked up the same nuggets you did. In fact when I first started reading the bible, your main verse was one that spoke to me so much I wrote it down. The Lord desires obedience more than sacrifice. I agree with the others who said it is much easier to put a check in the collection plate than to give God our 100% obedience. I can do 50%, sometimes 80% on a good day but 100% is difficult. We see the result of Saul's partial obedience in the destruction of the Amalekites in the Book of Esther in the form of Haman.
Also I found this interesting in reading Jon Courson's commentary re the Amalekites.
"In the bible, Amalek is a picture of the flesh. In Deut 25, we are told that the Amalekites would attack the back of the pack...[they] would pick off those who were sick, feeble or elderly. That's exactly how the flesh works. It exploits the areas of our lives where we are weak, feeble or holding back...God said, 'It's time to deal a death blow to these people.'"
"...To some who read this story that may sound mean or cruel 'How could God call for the destruction of an entire civilization?' they ask. But the Amalekites were so corrupt and so polluted that they were actually destroying themselves in their perversity and sin..." (p. 859)
And combining Saul's partial obedience of not destroying the Amalekites (our flesh): "Sometimes we fall into the folly of Saul, thiking we have our flesh under control. But we fail to realize that our failure to deal with it completely will have ramifications on our kids and grandchildren, our friends, neighbors, and the church family - perhaps even years later." (p. 859)
Last one! re David's anointing.
He was anointed 3 times, 1st in 1 Sam 16:13, then #2 in 2 Sam 2:4 over the tribe of Judah, the last is 2 Sam 5 over all Israel.
"Sometimes a man will think he's anointed for ministry. His [family]might agree. A few others might even recognize his anointing but he'll wonder why everyone does not. Most likely it's because it's not time. There is an unfolding of God's plan for a man or woman in service or ministry. You cannot rush it. Anointing is recognized by others in stages. It doesn't happen quickly. As it did with David, it comes when you fight battles on behalf of others, when you gain victory for others by caring for them, standing by them, helping them. David was an incredible man - a man after God's own heart, unlike any one the world had ever seen - yet it took many years before his anointing was recognized. Saul was impatient. David, on the other hand, patiently waited. So must we." (p.862)
Have a blessed day, everyone!
Jacque, love the insight re the older brother/younger brother in David's situation. That's right it is Joseph-like. Oh and you play the harp? That is so cool. I only know one person who can play the harp. When I hear her play I can picture myself in heaven with the angels playing in the background.
In 1 Samuel 15:3 Saul was instructed to go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation. Saul did not do this but Saul and his men spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the animals and everything that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality (15:9). Saul was disobedient to God's instruction.
Even though this passage is talking about how Saul was instructed to destroy everything in the Amalekite nation It got me to thinking. When God tells us to give something to someone or we're asked, from our churches, to donate clothes, food, etc. do we give things that are of good quality or things that are worthless or of poor quality that we don't want anyway.
Saul not only was disobedient to God's instruction but when Samuel found him Saul lied and said he carried out the Lord's command (15:13). I think he was then making excuses as to why he did not destroy everything like he was instructed (15:15).
I noticed again in verse 20 Saul said he did what the Lord commanded. I have one question. In 15:15 and 15:21 Saul said that the army spared the best of the sheep, goats, and cattle because they were going to sacrifice them to Samuel's God. He used the phrase, "the Lord your God." Wasn't Samuel's God also Saul's God?
One of my favorite verses in our reading today is 15:22 But Samuel replied,
What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
My pastor often says, "Obedience is better than sacrifice".
Boy Jen-Ren...you really spoke to me today. I loved your analogy of getting rid of what we consider "worthless"....and do we, when asked, give or donate our best or our throwaways? Ouch!
I think Saul was distancing himself from God by calling Him "your God". Don't we sometimes do that? When we know what God expects of us in obedience...but we don't want to do it?
Thanks for the thinking points!
Morgen
I'm runnin' behind today and the kids are already wakin' up, so I have to type fast ....
1 Sam 15:10 Saul obeyed the part of the commands that was convenient and 'worked' for him and ignored the rest. How often does God command me to do something - love my neighbor (feed the homeless), tell the truth (how's this shirt look?), or be patient (take your time, kiddo) - and I ignore the parts that are uncomfortable or don't make sense to me (drive past the man with the sign, it's a great shirt, hurry up!) I don't want to be like Saul.
Same verse - Samuel so cares for Israel, God, and Saul that when God expresses His displeasure, he stays up to pray ALL NIGHT. What love that must be!
Same verse - God talked to Samuel about His feelings. I want that kind of relationship with Him! To be loved and trusted that much ....
1 Samuel 16:14 The spirit of depression and fear ... does anyone know anymore about that??
Gotta get the short ones! Am praying for our list ...
Lots of great, insightful comments today that have helped me in my understandng of the reading and my appreciation of it's messages and lessons for me.
My sister Denise is grappling with "the spirit of depression and fear" right now, and is facing more painful and dangerous tests and procedures over the next few days. She has even asked her husband to stay overnight at the hospital with her. I know many of you are praying for Denise and I told her this. We appreciate your continued prayers.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Wendy, your excitement today made me smile. I also smiled because as I read today my mind was focused on the verses you talked about. I thought about some of the same things you brought up. Even though your teaching went deeper than what I thought about I don't feel as dumb as I did a few weeks ago when I felt like I couldn't understand what I read and felt like I couldn't make any comments.
Wendy, I enjoyed hearing the birds and even the dog barking in the background. Especially on this rainy Tuesday we're having here in D.C.
Hi everyone
Please pray for my you daughter wangui, who has just joined year seven which is the first year of high school here in melbourne. she is struggling to make friends and cries every morning before heading to school. pray with me that the Lord will bring good girls along her way, that she will find joy in attending school and will settle in for the next 6 years in her new school. it kills my heart to see her tears every morning.
thanks for your prayers.
loice-melbourne
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