1 Samuel 12
Samuel anoints Saul as King - doing what the Israelites wanted and what the Lord allowed. God is in control - but we are not puppets - He gives us free will and He wants us to willingly love and devote ourselves to the Lord. Here Samuel warns the Israelites that they should not stray from the Lord.
This warning applies to us just as well. We may want an earthly king (or any kind of idol) but we must remember that first and foremost we must serve the King of Kings and Lord of All.
You shall have no other gods before me.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God worthy of my full attention - You deserve to be the highest priority in my life. You are all powerful, all knowing, and You love me and provide for everything I need. I don't need anything else but You. Thank You Jesus for how You provide for all of my needs. I am grateful. Yet I often worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish. v24-25
Samuel anoints Saul as King - doing what the Israelites wanted and what the Lord allowed. God is in control - but we are not puppets - He gives us free will and He wants us to willingly love and devote ourselves to the Lord. Here Samuel warns the Israelites that they should not stray from the Lord.
This warning applies to us just as well. We may want an earthly king (or any kind of idol) but we must remember that first and foremost we must serve the King of Kings and Lord of All.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:3-6
