Who is This Giant?

O. T. #612  "Who is This Giant?"
October 12, 2015
1 Samuel 17-Part 2
Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
1 Samuel 17:26

LET IT GLOW

Got any giants in your life, trying to take over? Israel did and it had a name. Who is this giant?

Forty days the gigantic Goliath taunted Israel and Saul did nothing about it. Meanwhile, about 1-15 miles away, in the Judean mountains, near little Bethlehem, a teenager name David was keeping watch over his father's sheep.  He was too young to fight in Israel's army. David's three older brothers were off fighting in Saul's army. David's father Jesse was concerned about his sons and sent David on an errand.

What was happening on the front lines at the battle field?

• David was sent with refreshments and to make sure his brothers were all right. No one knew this would be Goliath's last day, nor David would be a hero. While David was there, he left the food with the keeper of the supplies and ran to the battle lines where his brothers were.
• As the brothers talked, the Philistine giant, Goliath, came forward and shouted his usual defiance in a loud cry across the ravine. David heard it, yet had never seen this giant or heard his challenge before.
• The Israelis ran from Goliath in great fear.
• David wasn't impressed nor intimidated.

Did David think, "No one talks that way about the God of Israel? Why is everyone running away?"

Isn't it interesting how hindsight gives a lot of insight? Have you ever faced a Goliath, and then three days later you look back and said, "Man, I wish I'd done such and such?" That's hindsight perspective...and it's usually infallible! When you look back you always know a better way, but at the time it happens you sort of shoot from the hip. Unless you're a David.  (Swindoll)


LET IT GROW

David asks a question rather strange,(so I think), "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel?"
The reward offered by Saul is:

• great riches,
• his daughter's hand in marriage,
• and his father's house exemption from paying taxes. (verse 25)

Do you see between the lines? This chicken of a king, Saul, is enticing his soldiers to kill the giant for him. However, even all those incentives were not enough to motivate any man.

Then David gets down to the point, and asks, "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"   (verse 26b)

Remember that Goliath's challenge was for Israel to choose a man to come down to fight him, back in verse 8? So David asked if anyone had seen this man who is coming up. (verse 25)

In his book, David, A Story of Passion and Destiny, Charles Swindoll explains:

Goliath has now crossed the ravine at the base of the valley and is coming up Israel's side. If you tolerate a Goliath, he'll take over your territory. He'll move into your camp. He'll take your thoughts that normally ought to be on God, and he'll put them on himself. That's why you can't afford to tolerate giants; you kill them.

All right folks, there we have it, plain and simple-destroy, kill, get rid of those giants that taunt us. Got any giants defeating your joy, your love, your confidence as a child of the King, Jesus?
It's time we Christians take back our family, our reputation, our church, our nation from Satan and let Jesus reign as King.

I'm referring to those giants of temptations, sin, lust, adultery, porn, materialism, pride that attack our minds and hearts, which draw us away from serving our God.

LET IT GO

Surrender to Almighty God, El Shaddai, and His reigning in my heart.

Recognize the giants who attack and want to run my life.

Stand against those giants in my life in Jesus' name.

That Intimidating Giant

O. T. #611  "That Intimidating Giant"
October 9, 2015
1 Samuel 17
And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 1 Samuel 17:4

LET IT GLOW

I can let the silliest little things grow in my life and become that intimidating giant. Fear comes in various forms, doesn't it? I fear the unknown about situations.  Most of those things don't even happen, so they say. Yet, I find myself dwelling on them, day after day, and throughout the day. Anyone with me? Worry, worry.Then a word in a song yelled at me-RELEASE. If only I would learn: to God I release, I would have more peace. So that is going to be my word to live by the rest of this year and next year. Release for peace. Give it to God to work out. Take it all Jesus. I surrender it. Now that is quite an assignment! Are you with me?

Before we get into this story, which actually happened, let's review.
When Israel had first approached the Promised Land, most of the Israelites had been afraid to enter because of the giants living there (Num. 13:32-33). (Joshua and Caleb were the only spies to say they could capture the land. Others focused on the giants in the land, not their giant God.) King Og needed a bed 13 feet long (Deut. 3:11). (Life Application Study Bible)
These Philistine giants continued to live up to this time.

Looking at the scenery, we find the Philistine and Israelite armies are camped on opposite hills with a valley between them. The Valley of Elah  had steep walls, was a vast canyon, about a mile wide. (This may have been where David picked up his 5 stones.)
The towns of Sochoh and Azekah are in Judah, about 15 miles west and 17 miles northwest of Bethlehem., and 15 miles southwest of Jerusalem.

This is probably the most well-known battle of the Bible-David and Goliath. But then, I think of Gideon and his small army of 300. Whether it is a one-on-one or a small army, the size does not matter when God is on your side.
No matter how big the giant might be, God is greater. (Swindoll)

Why was this all taking place? Goliath issued a challenge to Israel to send out their man to fight him. Whoever won, the loosing army would be the victor's slaves. This prevented so much bloodshed. This occurred day after day, for 40 days (verse 16).

In the ancient world, wars were sometimes decided in a head-to-head battle between two champions. People believed that the gods determined the matter through those two warriors. (Jeremiah)

How do we react when our faith is challenged? Do  we stand for our God or turn away?
It caused fear in Saul and Israel, the challenge of Goliath (verse 11).
Probably Saul expected that his people expected him to fight Goliath. Remember, Saul was a head taller than the Israelites and he was their leader, the king.

How do we react when others expect us to fight? Do we seek God's will first?


LET IT GROW

Have you ever read such a detailed description of an enemy as if found in this chapter about Goliath?
Goliath:

• was a champion in the army of the Philistines. Champion means the space between two armies; the middle man who represented his army.
• was 6 cubits and a span in height, which is 9 feet and 9 inches in our terms. quite a ginormous man! (Modern term) The NBA would have loved him.
• had some armor, called a coat of mail-a bronze helmet, coat of brass (covered shoulder to knee), which weighed 175-200 pounds, bronze leggings to protect his shins, and carried a bronze javelin or spear (head weighed 20-25 pounds).
• had a man carrying a shield in front of him (shield the size of a full grown man).

So, every morning and evening for over a month, this gigantic warrior marched out, flaunting his size and his strength, daring an Israelite to come take him on. His yelling across the ravine was intimidating.

Do we have any giants of fear and worry? Are they coming morning after morning, every night, and day after day? They may come in the form of a person, a pressure, a fear, a worry, or in the mail, a lawsuit, unemployment, a job, a roommate, a family member. Do they yell across our personal ravine, challenging us?

What do we do? Do we take the challenge face on clothed in the full armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6? Or do we hide, cower down?
Our Goliath may appear small to others, but a giant to us. That is when we need to get our perspective from God. All things are small to him, so He can handle them all for us.

Put on our spiritual armor-helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, boots of peace, spear of the Word, and shield of faith. They are provided by Jesus and free of charge to us.

1 John 4:4 says, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

May I challenge you to memorize this verse with me?

LET IT GO

When facing a giant in my life, release it to my God.

Trust Him, love Him, depend on our Savior who defeated the grave and death, so He can defeat anything.

All right, Linda, put these words into practice today-release it.

A Refreshing Friend

O. T. #610  "A Refreshing Friend"
October 8,2015
1 Samuel 16-Part 5
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.  1 Samuel 16:23

LET IT GLOW

Do you have a friendship that is refreshing to you? On the other hand, are you the kind of friend that one can say refreshes them? David was that kind of friend.

David was summoned by the king. Saul had heard that David could play the harp. The king's servant suggested music would soothe his soul. David was a music minister before he became king. Obviously,  the music did soothe the king.
Falwell suggests that David played for Saul for a short time, then when Saul recovered, he returned to Bethlehem. The evil spirit on Saul was evidently a mental affliction next to insanity. Probably David's becoming the king's armor bearer did not happen at this time.

Anyway, the king was pleased with David. They probably talked and shared with each other during the times David was there playing music for Saul. Verse 21 says that King Saul loved David greatly. Now that was a relationship developed.

In Hebrew, this word loved is ahab (aw-hab') means to have affection for, like a friend.

Do we have friends that we love? Do we show that we care about them? Do we tell our friends that we love them, or do we take it for granted that they know? How encouraging are we to our friends? Are we there when they need a listening ear?

Saul loved David for his abilities, but later grew to hate him because he knew he (David) was blessed by the Lord (18:29). (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

When the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took his harp and played with his hand. It refreshed Saul and all was well once again. The evil spirit departed from Saul. (verse 23)

Refreshed means to breath freely, revive. (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance)

In verse 22, Saul sent word  to Jesse, David's father, requesting David to come to the palace. David found favor in the king's sight. What better thing can be said of a person?

When Saul asked David to be in his service, he obviously did not know that David had been secretly anointed king (verse 2). Saul's invitation presented an excellent opportunity for the young man and future king to gain firsthand information about leading a nation. (David kept going back and forth from Saul to tend his father's flock in Bethlehem (17:15). Sometimes our plans-even the ones we think God had approved-have to be put on hold indefinitely. Like David, we can use this waiting time profitably. We can choose to learn and grow in our present circumstances, whatever they may be.  (Life Application Study Bible)

Do we want to find favor in King Jesus' sight? Isn't it all that we need, to be assured that our King loves us greatly?

In Jeremiah 31:3 the Lord says, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love...

LET IT GO

Show my friends that I love them, as well as telling them.

Tell the Lord Jesus that I love Him.

Show my love for Jesus by loving others.

A Country Girl and a Shepherd Boy

O. T. #609 "A Country Girl and a Shepherd Boy"
October 6, 2015
1 Samuel 16-Part 4
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.  1 Samuel 16:19

LET IT GLOW

Ok, you have probably realized by now, if you have followed this blog for very long, that I am a country girl. Daughter of a cattle and poultry farmer, I still live in the country after all these years. And I love it! I have lived in big cities, which I so desperately wanted, only to realize that was not where my heart is. There is nothing like a brisk walk in the fresh, cool, fall air on a quiet country road, singing to the Lord.
Then God opened the door of opportunity.
This country girl shared an insignificant part of my past, an unpleasant event that happened in my childhood, which I locked up behind a door in my mind, to not be share with anyone, let alone with over 100 females (and church members). Even though it was painful to share, God used my testimony to touch hearts at our Princess Retreat held at our church. I know of seven girls that were saved that day, and more are coming to know Christ as their Savior. I like to think I had a small part in hearts being changed.
David probably considered his life insignificant as he sang and played songs on his harp to sheep out in the fields. Yet God heard and had a plan. Shall we find out what it was?

We begin today's lesson with verse 14, which is a rather strange one. First, we knew the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul since we are told in verse 1 that God rejected Saul as reigning over Israel as king. Now we read that an evil spirit from the LORD troubled Saul. Do you see the progression? Saul rebelled, offering a sacrifice instead of waiting for Prophet Samuel to arrive to do so, then he was rejected, and an evil spirit came upon him.

Before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2), the Spirit of God never permanently rested on any believer except David and John the Baptizer. those were the only two. It was not uncommon for the Spirit of God to come for a temporary period of strengthening or insight or whatever was the need of the moment and then to depart, only to return again for another surge of the need of the moment, then to depart, once again. However, at Pentecost and fro that time all the way through our present era, when the Spirit of God comes into the believing sinner at salvation, He never leaves. We remain sealed by the Spirit from that time on. (Eph. 4:30)  (Swindoll)

In the Commentary on the Old Testament, the authors Keil and Delitzsch suggest the evil spirit from Jehovah upon Saul:

• wasn't merely an inward feeling of depression at the rejection, which grew into melancholy, and occasionally broke out in passing fits of insanity,
• a higher evil power deprived him of peace of mind,
• it stirred up the feelings, ideas, imagination, and thoughts of his soul to such an extent that at times it drove him even into madness.
• The demon was sent as a punishment.

Falwell suggested that the evil spirit was evidently a mental affliction next to insanity and Saul was unable to function with it.

MacArthur says this spirit was a messenger from Satan, to be distinguished fro a troubled emotional state brought on by indwelling sin, or the harmful consequences of the sinful acts of others. This demon spirit attacked Saul from without, for there is no evidence that the demon indwelt Saul. He experienced depression, anger, delusion, initiated and aggravated by the evil spirit assigned to him.

As I read the rest of this chapter, I realize that God created a need in Saul's life that David could meet and would come to the king to learn how to be a future king.
From this I learn that I need to stay close to my God, obeying Him. I sure don't want to have such a thing happen to me. I'm sure you feel the same way.

LET IT GROW

Who wants to be around such a guy as what King Saul had become? His predicament was so visible to those around him that even his servant recognized that he needed help. What is suggested as help? Bring in a skillful player on the harp so Saul can be well.

So they sought him, this harpist, or whatever he is called, the one skillful on the harp. I wonder as the people heard of this request sent out from the palace needing a harpist for the king, if someone knew a fellow, who knew a guy, who is acquainted with David who plays soothing music.
"I know a guy who can do that," and word travels quickly.

Isn't God creative in His ways to carry out His sovereign plan? David's resume is found in verse 18. Listed first is a skillful musician, and last is that the LORD was with him. Hmm. Now we know that David had spent his whole live put in the fields of Judea. Although, his main audience was sheep. We don't even know if he played for the family on a Saturday night get together. David had not even met Saul, yet he is going to be Saul's replacement. What does God use to bring these two together but music.

Then David gets the message-the king wants to see you. He wasn't even told to bring his harp, the main reason for the visit. David's father gets excited and send along with him bread, a jug of wine, and a young goat as gifts for the king.

So don't discount anything in our past. God can use the most unusual things and abilities in the most incredible ways we may never have an inkling could be used for His purpose.

You never know when something that happened years ago will open a door of opportunity into the future. You may think some skill you learned or used years ago is lost, or that you've wasted all your time doing such and such, but don't you believe it. God can draw what may seem to be a most insignificant part of your past and put you in exactly the right place to use that particular gift or skill.(Swindoll)

And to think, a shepherd teen is summoned to appear before the king. That in itself is amazing. Of course, our God can do amazing things! Sweet friends, don't think you are insignificant in God's kingdom work. Hey, if He can use a shepherd boy and a country girl, He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. We just need to be surrendered and faithful, ready to say," Yes, Lord."

Are we ready to be used by a king-King Jesus?

(Keep in mind, Samuel's anointing David as the next king of Israel was not announced, but kept in the family.)

LET IT GO

Be willing to let God use me in whatever way He chooses.

Look for open doors of opportunity to serve Christ.

Watch Him work.

Trust the results to Him and give Him the glory.

Being Quite a Character with Character

O. T. #608  "Being Quite a Character with Character"
October 5, 2015
1 Samuel 16-Part 3
...and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. 1 Samuel 16:13b

LET IT GLOW

Do people describe us as quite a character? Do our bad qualities outweigh our good ones? Do people mention our bad qualities when asked about us? Or do they describe our good character qualities when someone asks about us? David was quite a character all right. However, he was real and not fake. He had character, which is good qualities. Yes, indeed. I describe David as quite a character with character.

In verse 13 we read that the Spirit of the LORD came upon David after Samuel anointed him with oil, symbolizing David as the next king of Israel. It was a quiet ceremony, with only David's family present.
How is this teenaged shepherd boy described? This "baby of the family" was an obedient son, came when he was called by his father, protected the sheep from harm in the fields. Verse 18 gives 5 more descriptions of David, the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite:

1. a skilled musician,
2. a mighty warrior,
3. a wise man (prudent in speech),
4. a handsome man,
5. a godly man (the Lord was with him). (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

Let's take a closer look at these qualities, shall we?

While David was in the fields tending to his father's sheep, he sang and played the lyre. We read 150 of his songs recorded in the book of Psalms (others wrote some, too). This small harp was a stringed instrument made from the small intestines of a sheep, stretched over a piece of wood. It had a hollow chamber and multiple strings stretched to different tautness, very similar to a modern guitar. (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

David is described as a warrior? But fight with Goliath the giant had not occurred yet. So I thought about the duties of a shepherd-kill the lion or wolf when they came to attack and kill the sheep, fight the elements of weather to herd the sheep to protection. Perhaps he had to fight against jealousy toward his brothers, with them going off to war when he stayed behind to care for the sheep, even though we aren't told of such.

David was a wise man in his speech. We pick up on that character trait as he deals with Saul during his depression.
We were previously told that David had red hair and a beautiful countenance (handsome).
David was a godly young man. It would have been hard for a young man to get into trouble while away from town and people, out in the fields, right? Perhaps he learned to be a listener since he had 7 other brothers.

How would people describe us? Do we use our God-given talents and abilities for honoring our God? Are we a spiritual warrior-praying for others, standing up for the Word of God? Does our appearance honor God or draw attention to our self? Are we a godly person?

LET IT GROW

Remember, God described David as a "man after His own heart."

In his book, David, a Man of Passion and Destiny, Charles Swindoll describes David with these quality words:

• David was spiritual. His life was in harmony with the Lord; what is important to God is important to David; what burdens God burdens him. David followed the Lord's directions and commands. David's heart was sensitive to the things of God; his heart was completely God's (as in 2 Chron. 16:9). He was authentic in his spiritual walk, not faking it. (After all, who did he have to impress out in the field?)
• David was humble. He had a servant's heart, tending his father's smelly sheep. A servant obeys, not rebels, respect those in charge, serves faithfully and quietly. He gets the job done so another succeeds.
• David had integrity. (Ps. 78:71-72) He was a honest-to-the-core servant with integrity. David was bone-deep honest. Making a good impression was not his concern.

Spiritually, humble, with integrity. Now that makes for a good resume, doesn't it? Who would not want that type of person on their team? Especially running a nation, God's chosen people, Israel.

All right, dear ones, you know it's time for self-inventory. What kind of person are we? Are we spiritually, humble, and have integrity? If we want to please God, then we will be developing those character qualities, all mentioned above.

LET IT GO

Get to the point where I submit to what God wants me to do, even if the thing is hard and not my first choice.

Develop a heart for God that is always talking to Him, praising Him, loving Him throughout the day.

Kick out that "pride" and stay humble before my God.

Don't compromise my integrity for self pleasure.

Be a wise, godly prayer warrior.

Strive to be a woman after God's own heart.

*May I recommend you seeing the movie War Room. It is a very good example of God answering prayers when we seek Him with all our heart.

Just an Ordinary Day on the Job

O. T. #607  "Just an Ordinary Day on the Job"
October 2, 2015
1 Samuel 16-Part 2
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
1 Samuel 16:11b NIV

LET IT GLOW

Last year, our Christian radio station ran a contest for  giving away a free ticket to see one of my favorite authors speaking only 20 miles away from my house. I had almost all of her books. Our ladies Bible study group studies her books, too. All that was required was to be a certain number of caller that day when they mentioned it on the air. I tried calling once, with no results. Then the next time they announced it, I tried again. I dialed in the station's number, then hitting send when it was time. Awh! I won. I was so astounded that I could barely say thanks to the D.J. I did a happy dance right there in my house! What started out as just an ordinary day became extraordinary for me!
So I ordered two extra tickets and took two of my friends with me. We got to sit in the audience and listen to Lysa TerKeurst speak. Her book The Best Yes was on the top sellers list for a while. I was so  blessed that I wanted to share it with friends. (I even gave Lysa a small gift while she was rushing down the hall to leave.)
What about David, when he was anointed king of Israel?


It was just an ordinary day like any other. David was out in the field taking care of his father's sheep. That was his job-shepherd of the sheep, tasking care of them. Little did he know that his life was about to change. David, the youngest of the smallest tribe of Israel, Benjamin, was going to be anointed the next king of Israel. He was destined to be on the throne, yet he did not have an inkling.

Meanwhile, back home, David's father Jesse, grandson of Boaz and Ruth, brought his 7 brothers to appear before the Prophet Samuel. What an honor to have Samuel there in the region, let alone talking to one's family. (Kind of like the Pope visiting U.S., but I'm not one of his followers.) Although David did not know any of this was happening.

Samuel was looking at the appearance of those 7 young men. Was he looking for a tall one like Saul? Did he want the next king to be dark and handsome? What was Samuel looking for in a king? Evidently Samuel was looking with the wrong things in mind. The Lord set him straight.
Look at the instructions: Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Samuel needed to be reminded that God's anointed was not chosen because of physical attributes. The Hebrew concept of heart embodies emotions, will, intellect, and desires. The life of the person will reflect his heart (Matt.12:34, 35)
God's favor/choice often fell on the younger and the least, such as Jacob, Joseph, and Gideon. Although David was the youngest, he was considered the first-born over Israel (Ps. 89:27). His humble beginnings was a shepherd, then later to rule as a king. It typified Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd and King of Israel. (MacArthur)

In John 10, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd that:

• gives His life for the sheep,
• knows His sheep, is known by His sheep,
• lays down His life for the sheep,
• is known by His sheep.

Do you know the Good Shepherd? Is He your provider, protector, Savior? He can be today, dear one. Ask Him.

David was evidently not as handsome as Saul, less impressive by human standards, and even less than his brothers. However, David had a heart as big as his kingdom.
It would be good for us to remember that appearance doesn't reveal what people are really like or what their true value is. Only God and you can know what your heart really looks like.
God already had David destined as Israel's next king, though it took a while for Samuel, David, and others to know the heart of God.


LET IT GROW

Obviously there was favoritism going on in Jesse's family. He didn't even bring David home when he gathered up his brothers as Samuel requested. (opposite of Joseph's situation)

"Are these all the children?" Samuel asked Jesse. Did you deduct that Dad wasn't going to bring teenager David to the meeting? Samuel had to demand that he be brought in. In fact, they were not going to sit down until he arrived. I wonder what thoughts were going through Samuel during that wait. Did he have it figured out by the time David got there, that David was the one? No time for interviews or reading of resumes, not needed. The boss chose him and that was that.

"Hey, David, they want you back at the house." I hope he didn't dilly dally around and hurried home. Everyone was waiting on the king to enter. (thought David didn't know it)
Can you see him, ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features, running through the fields, hair waving in the wind? (verse 12)

Ruddy means reddish (of the hair or complexion).

Then the Lord told Samuel, Rise and anoint him; he is the one.

Here enters a redheaded teenaged boy, smelling like sheep, dressed humbly in shepherd's clothing, perhaps needing a shave and a hair cut.
Samuel didn't ask if God was sure. Samuel obeyed immediately. Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. From that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.

Wow! What a coronation. No television coverage, no cameras flashing, no cell phone snaps. Not even a picture of David and Samuel or David with his family on "his day."

Did the aged Samuel whisper in the ear of the young David, "You will be the next king?"
What did David do? Build a castle to live in, set up an office, try on crown at the nearest department store, have business cards printed up, typed a badge saying King of Israel? Not. There wasn't even a shining new chariot awaiting him. He went back to tending sheep. We read it in 17:14-15.

Today, the most surprising moment, the most magnificent things could happen in our life. How will we react? With an attitude of "it's about time!" or a humbly "me?"

Swindoll says, "God's promotions are usually sudden and surprising, so be ready."
He knows where we are and how to find us. Are we ready to carry out the job He has for us?

What have I learned from this?

• God can take the ordinary and change it into His extraordinary.
• He can change a nobody into a somebody.
• God looks inwardly into the heart, not outwardly at the appearance.

LET IT GO

Keep serving God faithfully where I am, doing what I know He wants me to do.

Wait on the Lord to change my direction.

Remember I am a somebody with Jesus.

Don't judge others by their appearance.

Go, Be On Your Way

O. T. 606 "Go, Be On Your Way"
October 1, 2015
1 Samuel 16
The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."  1 Samuel 16:1 NIV

LET IT GLOW

Go where, Lord? What way? I know the answers. Where ever this country road of faith leads me as You point out the direction and whisper the instructions step by step.
Friends, sometimes this is easy to say, but difficult to do. There are days that I want to stay safe in my little house, doing what I want to do. But if that is not God's plans for me today, then I rebell and disobey by staying. Samuel had that choice-go, be on his way. Want to know what he did? Read on...

There was time which lapsed between 15:35 and 16:1. How much time we are not told. Samuel had been mourning the situation with Saul. The king of Israel had been anointed, failed, then was rejected by God. The Lord asked Samuel how long he was going to mourn for Saul. (verse 1)

Who can say how long we need to mourn a situation lost, a loved one gone on, a change in our life which we did not want? The Lord knows when enough is enough for us. Some take longer than others to accept the loss. Don't let a person determine your length of grieving. It is not for them to determine how long it takes for you to heal. God knows and He can bring healing when we turn to Him.
We realize that there is a time to mourn, according to Ecclesiastes 3:4. Apparently Samuel's time of mourning was up. God had something for him to do.

LET IT GROW

God knows exactly what He's going to do, and nothing can restrain His bringing it to pass. He knows what He is doing, even before He created the earth. He knows what is best.
God gave Samuel a mission-go to Bethlehem and you'll find the man I have already chosen. No address, no name, not even a description. Now is that walking by faith or what?
The new king which God has chosen to replace Saul is one of Jesse's son, but which one?

This new king was a man which God selected, not the people. It was David's destiny to be king of Israel. Like Esther's destiny to save her people the Jews from annihilated, so it was David's destiny to be king, later on, of course.

Destiny. It is not found in the Bible, for I looked in two concordances for it. Suppose it is man's word. This word-nerd had to look it up. Destiny is something to which a person or thing is destined; a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency. (Fate is a synonym.)
(Merriam Webster's collegiate Dictionary)

However, God would use Saul to shape David's life in the in-between years between the sheep and the throne. Is there somebody who irritates and rubs and files and scrapes and bothers you? God knows all about it. That person is all part of His plan, strange as that my seem (Swindoll)

When God tells us to go, how do we react? Do we question how we are going to accomplish His will? Samuel did in verse 2. Mostly, Samuel was panic-stricken, just plain scared. When Saul hears about this, he will kill me. Wait a minute, Samuel. Just who are you talking to? Did you forget that God could snap his fingers, blow a puff of wind, and kill Saul at any time? Come on prophet, where is your faith and trust in our powerful God? (Guilty. I hear myself saying the same to me. Where is your faith, Linda, in this situation?)

So God, who is patient and understanding, gave Samuel a plan. He was to take a heifer for a sacrifice and invite Jesse, David's father, to join him.

When a person fails God, God doesn't fail. God knows where He is leading us, and for what purpose.

The same Christ who lived a perfect, obedient, and sinless life stands prepared to live it again through you (Gal. 2:20).

Henry and Richard Blackaby say in their devotional, Experiencing God Day By Day:

God's will is not hard to discern. He has given us the Scriptures, which reveal His will, and He has placed His Holy Spirit within us to guide us to His perfect will in every situation (John 16:13). Our greatest challenge will be to wholly commit our lives to follow God's will obediently as He reveals it. If we choose to disobey His commands, we will face His wrath. If we choose to obey, we will receive His blessing. His Holy Spirit will always give you sufficient revelation and strength to take the next step with Him.

Do we choose to go with God today? If yes, then be on your way.

LET IT GO

Mourn til time is up, then go with God.

Trust God step by step.

Leave the results to Him.

(Excuse me, but I got to hurry up and get ready, so I can be on my way today. Going with Jesus, no better way. Have a great day, ya'll.)