MONDAY April 22, 2019

Intercessory Prayer

1 Samuel 15:10-11

Saul was no longer following the Lord, he was going his own way! He had the commandments––the Torah––but he was not obeying them. His behavior showed that he was not in God’s Word. God could have immediately judged Saul for His disobedience. However God is merciful, He is the God of second chances. I believe, as the Word of the Lord came to Samuel, there was still time for Saul to repent––he had the opportunity.

Samuel received the Word of the Lord; God was not pleased with Saul’s disobedience. Why did Samuel cry out to God? Notice the heart of Samuel, he was grieved. He stayed up all night to intercede for King Saul. The next day, as tired as he was, he went about God’s business.

When a person is willfully disobedient, I believe there are still times when God regrets placing such a person in a position of influence. Think about your own life for a moment. Are you a disobedient person who has turned your heart away from following God? It could be God has given you many opportunities to repent? Do not run out of chances! God sets people up but there will come a time when He will take people down (Psalm 75:7).

There are people in the body of Christ who will cry out to God for those who walk in disobedience, pride, and sin. They weep in anguish over a person who has turned back from following the Lord. Motivated by love, they will sacrifice their sleep to stay up all night to intercede for them. When was the last time you stayed up all night to pray for someone else, it could be one of your children or a close friends?

Can Jesus Christ see the agony of His soul in us? He can’t unless we are so closely identified with Him that we have His view concerning the people for whom we pray. May we learn to intercede so whole heartedly that Jesus Christ will be completely and overwhelmingly satisfied with us as intercessors.
~Oswald Chambers~

SUNDAY April 21, 2019

Easter

Matthew 28:5-6

Certain women, who loved Jesus Christ, came to visit the tomb where His body was laid, while the eleven remaining disciples hid in disbelief and doubt. As the women came to the tomb, there was a great earthquake. An angel had rolled away the stone from the tomb and sat upon it. The angel spoke to the women: “Do not be afraid, for I know who you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen…” The angel instructed them what to tell Jesus’ disciples “He is risen from the dead.” In awe and great joy they obeyed and became the first to spread the news of His Resurrection!

At Pentecost, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit gave an incredible sermon on Christ’s Resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Using Joel 2:28-32, Peter explained to the men of Judah and all who were in Jerusalem what had happened when the Holy Spirit had come upon them. He also expounded on the prophecy written about Christ in Psalm 16:8-11:

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:29-31).

The Resurrection is very important to a Christian. At the end of our lives we look forward to eternity in heaven. We trust in a real Creator––a real Savior. We need to look at the Cross every day and just believe in Him.

Death has two stages, first the separation of the body from the spirit… for a purely spiritual existence, and second, reunion with the body and a glorious resurrection....
~Billy Graham~

SATURDAY April 20, 2019

Disciples of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:57

There were two secret disciples of Jesus Christ among the 71 governing leaders of the Sanhedrin. Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night (John 3), and Joseph of Arimathea––a rich man. They both made their way to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. In doing so they knew their career was over. Those in the Sanhedrin would know Jesus had gained two converts from among them (John 19:38-41). Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea would become cast offs––rejected by the rulers of the Jews.

Understand, Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life (John 14:6). It really does not matter what religion you are: Buddhist, Taoist, Mormon, Jehovah Witness; Catholic or Protestant. A person must come to God through Jesus Christ or they will perish (John 3:16). It is not about religion; it is about relationship. The Gospel is so simple, yet so many people perish eternally. I believe it is because of their unbelief and lack of faith in truly believing in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Have you ever spoken to people who are non-believers? They always have doubt and questions in their minds about eternity. They wonder, When I die what really happens to me? According to the Scriptures, the body dies but our spirit goes on to live forever. Depending on your decision to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior, will determine where you spend eternity.

When you come to Christ, you are forgiven of your sins. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, and activates your life so you can be used by the Lord. You now belong to Christ––you are His disciple (Ephesians 1:7-13).

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

FRIDAY April 19, 2019

THE SON OF GOD

Matthew 27:54

While Jesus was dying on the cross, there were those who blasphemed Him, saying, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40). The chief priests with the scribes and elders also mocked Jesus, saying:

“He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God’ ” (Matthew 27:41-43).

Jesus cried out in Hebrew these on the cross, “Eli,Eli, lama sabachthani?” meaning, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” God the Father turned His back on Jesus. Imagine, He was totally alone. At this very dark moment in Jesus’ life, sin was placed upon Him until He would die and accomplish the purpose for why He came.

People watching Jesus’ crucifixion had no compassion and no love. They looked to see what He would do. Jesus cried out with a loud voice and died. The veil in the temple was rent in two, the earth quaked, rocks split open, and many saints were raised from the dead (Mathew 27: 50-53).

What reaction did the centurion and those guarding Jesus have towards all the things they saw? They declared: “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mathew 27:54) In your life, have you come to the same conclusion?

Don’t ever think that there are many ways to the Divine. Jesus is the One qualified Mediator, the only qualified sacrifice,
and the only qualified Savior.
~Erwin Lutzer~

THURSDAY April 18, 2019

JESUS CHRIST

Matthew 27:22-23

God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world. He submitted to His Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane. When He came and began His ministry, the Pharisees, the scribes and Sadducees had nothing but hate for Him. What did He ever do to anybody? He preached, taught, healed the blind and the leper, and raised people from the dead. Jesus never hurt anybody. All He ever did was to pour out His love, but so many more people poured out their hate towards Jesus Christ. Yet He gave to them the opportunity for eternal life!

The Pharisees and other religious leaders incited the crowds so they could be all of one voice. Pilate was trying to get out of the situation; he basically asked, “Do we release the murderer or the one who has made peace with man?” The multitudes asked for Barabbas. Yielding to their demands, Pilate then asked them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? In agreement they all said, “Let Him be crucified!” (Matthew 27:15-22)

It is very touching for me because Jesus was willing to die for you and me! He loved us! Understand, we serve a God who is real––a Savior who can save you, a healing who can heal you. Jesus, the One who is full of love, grace and mercy. If Jesus had not died on the Cross for our sins, we would be lost eternally––forever.

Jesus Christ became incarnate for one purpose ––to make a way back to God that man might stand before Him as He was created to do, the friend and lover of God himself.
~Oswald Chambers~

WEDNESDAY April 17, 2019

KING OF THE JEWS

Matthew 27:11

Judas, leading a pack of 600 men with torches, betrayed Jesus with a kiss. In the court of Annas, He would suffer at the hands of Caiaphas the high priest and the elders of the counsel. They brought false witnesses against Him, accused Him of blasphemy, spat on His face, and struck him with the palms of their hands (Matthew 26:57-67).

After a torturous night, Jesus was bound and delivered to Pilate to be tried. The Jewish religious leaders could not kill Jesus, so they began to manipulate Pilate; they knew only Romans could make judgment against Jesus. If they succeeded, these hypocritical leaders could wash their hands of His murder.

Notice the question Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He wanted to make sure there was no mistake in trying Jesus. The religious leaders were listening to Jesus’ words. Jesus answered, “Yes I am.” While Jesus was being falsely accused by the chief priest and elders, He answered them nothing. He did not waste His time with them. Jesus had self-control. His actions fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7: He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth….

Jesus would also be sent to Herod (Luke 23:6-12), and finally sent back to Pilate. The governor was going to have to think and make a decision, Do I release Jesus, or do I kill Him? Even though Pilate’s wife warned him not to have anything to do with Jesus because He was innocent, the governor was going to compromise (Matthew 27:19-26).

How come Jesus did not say one word to His enemies? Jesus trusted in the perfect will of the Father and aligned Himself with God’s plan. He knew that one day His enemies would be judged by God.

The man who loves and understands the will of God will not want anything outside of it.
~A.W. Tozer~

TUESDAY April 16, 2019

SON OF MAN

Matthew 26:2

The Son of Man is Jesus’ human title. Jesus, during His earthly ministry, had many enemies. At this time, there was a growing conflict between Jesus and the High Priest and many of the Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes. They hated Him and wanted Him dead. Yet He was the glorious Son of Man––the Master Judge.

Jesus mentioned the Passover to His disciples and that He was going to die. Just as before, His words went over their heads. At this time every year, the Jews would come from all over the world into Jerusalem for the Passover. There were about 2.5 million people in the city. During the Passover, it was recorded they killed 256,500 lambs for a sacrifice. Yet for Christians, Jesus is our Passover Lamb. John said of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Jesus prepared Himself for His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. The souls of mankind lay in the balance. He was going to take upon Himself all the sins of the world. Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to spend time with the Lord in prayer. He knew Judas would betray Him and that He would face extreme physical torture. He was sorrowful and said: “Stay here and watch with Me” (Matthew 26:38).

Jesus went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). He retreated in prayer to the Father for strength. If there was only another way for man’s salvation, but there was no other way but the Cross. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will.

We all need to have times alone in our Garden of Gethsemane to have communion with the Father. There are moments in our lives where we go through tremendous trials, and we feel empty and alone. Always know He loves you, and He will never leave you.

We remember Your love, O Jesus, as it was manifest to us in Your holy life, from the manger of Bethlehem to the Garden of Gethsemane.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

MONDAY April 15, 2019

BONDSERVANT

Philippians 2:6-7

The Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, reveals the person of Christ. The Bible tells us of His heavenly origin, His miraculous birth, His humanity, and His mission to willingly save the lost.

John 1:1-3 reveals Jesus’ preexistence. He is the Word, the One who was with God in the beginning. Notice, as God, Jesus is Creator:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Luke 1:35 tells us of Jesus’ miraculous birth:

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”

What is so incredible is that Jesus, “being in the form of God,” was willing to become a Man––God incarnate––deity wrapped in human flesh, “coming in the likeness of men.” Notice the word bondservant; this word literally means “slave.” In the King James Version, the word used is servant, “a man of servile condition.” Jesus became a willing Servant to mankind.

What mission did Jesus say to His disciples that He had come to fulfill? “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Paul began the book of Philippians with a greeting: Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ…. Christians must have the same mind as Jesus Christ. Have you grasped the truth that we are bondservants, called to serve others?

He who came in humility and shame will return in spectacular magnificence.
~John R. W. Stott~

SUNDAY April 14, 2019

SON OF DAVID

Matthew 21:9

Palm Sunday begins our journey into Passion Week––the final days leading to Jesus’ death on the Cross and His Resurrection. Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem humbly, riding on a donkey. This momentous event is known as His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem––an incredible moment in history which fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.

In power, Jesus cast out demons and healed the sick, blind and lame. He had taught the people and ministered to their needs. From five loaves of bread and two fish, He miraculously gave them food to eat (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus’ fame had spread widely. He had done so much for the people. For now, the multitudes loved Jesus. They lived in oppression under the harsh rule of the Romans who occupied the nation. Surely their Messiah had come to save them? Hopeful, as Jesus entered the holy city, they called to Him, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Others in the city asked, “Who is this?”

Earlier in Jericho, a blind man, Bartimaeus, called out to Jesus from the side of a road. Multitudes of people followed the Lord, but Bartimaeus, unhindered, shouted out to Jesus. What title did he use when he called out for mercy? By faith, he had called out, “Jesus, Son of David.” He used a title that acknowledged who Jesus was––the Christ––the One whom the Scriptures foretold to come from the royal lineage of King David.

Jesus stood still. He asked the blind man: “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus requested to receive his sight. Jesus healed Him, rewarding his faith, and made him well (Mark10:46-52).

Who is Jesus to you? Do you have faith in the Son of David? Do you realize what He can do for you? As sinners, we need His mercy.

Without faith we are not fit to desire mercy.
~William Gurnall~

SATURDAY April 13, 2019

MESSIAH

John 4:25-26

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. Almost 2,000 years ago, this was the day when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem to shouts of, “Hosanna, Hosanna.” The Jewish people suffered tremendous oppression under Roman rule, and they were desperate for relief. In hope, they cried out to the Man they believed to be their Messiah, “Hosanna––save now, save now.”

Many people in the world today are uncertain about who they believe Jesus Christ to be. Some hold to the belief Jesus was just a prophet. At first, the woman of Samaria came to this conclusion after speaking with Jesus. She said: “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet” (John 4:19). Later in the conversation, the woman came to know Christ: “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:25-26). Imagine, she came face to face with the Messiah!

Many individuals are skeptical about Jesus Christ. Nothing has changed––skeptics existed during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Even His brothers were skeptical of Him: For even His brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). Jesus was debated among the people: Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people” (John 7:12).

This Passion Week, it would be good to really contemplate who Christ is and what His first coming means to you personally. I pray you will find the answers you need in the Holy Scriptures. I believe with all my heart, if you recognize Jesus as the Messiah, you too will cry out, “Save now, save now!” Why? He is the only One who can save us from our sins.

“Now we believe, not because of what you [the Samaritan woman] said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
~John 4:42~

FRIDAY April 12, 2019

Willful Disobedience

1 Samuel 15:9

King Saul did exactly what suited him; in willful disobedience he had spared King Agag. “Agag” may not have been his name, but a title given to him as a ruler. I wonder if Saul was going to try and talk King Agag into giving him all his riches. It does not say in the Bible, but I question why he saved him.

Notice Saul’s men––they followed his example of leadership. They were also unwilling to destroy everything. They had the same willfulness as their leader and kept the best for themselves. God had to deal with the will of Saul and how he was influencing the will of his men.

How many times has God dealt with your will? He commands you to do something, but in your willfulness, you do your own thing. You already know in your mind what you are going to do. You may accomplish some of God’s command––but not all. As long as you have stubbornness and pride in your life, you are not going to accomplish God’s will. You have to obey the Lord one hundred percent.

God will not put up with disobedience. The grace of God will cover for a time to see if there is true repentance, but in the end, the Lord will judge you. He will say, “Enough is enough!” Never take advantage of the grace of God. If you disobey God willfully; He will judge.

Disobeying [God] is the same as telling Him to hold back all of the blessings that come with obedience, and bring on all the punishments that come with disobedience. That is not only stupid, it’s insanity.
~Joy Dawson~

THURSDAY April 11, 2019

Outward Appearances

1 Samuel 15:7-8

Saul went through all the emotions of leading his men into battle, and he put on a great show––“Charge!” As Saul attacked the Amalekites, as a leader, he looked so strong before is men; but notice, Saul only partially accomplished what God had told him to do. He took King Agag and kept him alive! On the outward appearance, Saul looked good, but inwardly he had a heart of disobedience. Saul was playing the part of a good leader, but he was a hypocrite. Before the Lord, his incomplete obedience was disobedience.

Outward appearances are one of the biggest problems within ministry today. Some people leave their homes and put on their sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are wolves. There are Christians who have a set of clothes in their closet to disguise themselves in any way they want to look––be careful of such people. Behind the great show they put on is the hidden sin of hypocrisy. It is important to stop the hypocrisy in your life.

People do not need reformation; they need transformation in their lives. If you reform yourself, you will be right back to where you were, and even worse than you were before. Anyone can do reformation; reformation does not work. Transformation does, because transformation makes you a new person; transformation brings true repentance. It changes your actions and attitude. If we are truly going to be men and women of God, the Lord has to deal with us. Transformation is not accomplished through man; it is achieved by God.

A man can be outwardly conformed to the Christian way of life while he is inwardly conformed to the spirit of this world.
~Sinclair Ferguson~

WEDNESDAY April 10, 2019

Mercy for Kindness

1 Samuel 15:6

Unlike the Amalekites who ambushed God’s people as they left Egypt, the Kenites showed kindness to them. Saul sought to return the kindness and warned them to leave before he attacked the Amalekite city. Interestingly, Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses lived in the territory of Midian. He was a Midian priest who was believed to belong to a Kenite clan. The Kenites eventually lived among the people of Israel:

Now the children of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up from the City of Palms with the children of Judah into the Wilderness of Judah, which lies in the South near Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people (Judges 1:16).

God would judge the Amalekites because they showed no mercy to Israel, but He showed His mercy to the Kenites in sparing them. In James 2:13, we find this truth: For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

God is merciful. His Word tells us how His mercy has saved us:

For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol (Psalm 86:13).

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit… (Titus 3:4-5).

God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, or make space too narrow than to diminish the great mercy of God.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

TUESDAY April 9, 2019

Ready the Troops

1 Samuel 15:4-5

Saul decided to put on a great show in his preparations to attack the Amalekites. Yet His heart was not with God. Saul was a master manipulator. His actions portrayed obedience to God, but in reality, it was all an outward appearance to look good in front of his men.

Saul had often tried to escape to a place of rest and relaxation. In the previous battle against the Ammonites, he was found relaxing under a pomegranate tree (1 Samuel 14:2). That was not the time to relax! Saul enjoyed the easy way out of things; he never had the heart of a servant.

The problem with Saul was his bad management of people. He brought the kingdom of Israel into bondage. How did he do this? He used the people for himself––they served the king, instead of him serving the people. Saul took from Israel the best of the men to fight his battles. Others took care of his horses, waxed his chariots, and cooked his meals––the people did everything for him (1 Samuel 8:11-13).

There are people in ministry and out of ministry who look for ways to relax and to get out of what they need to do. Then there are others who seem to keep themselves busy, but they actually have not accomplished anything––there is no visible fruit from their labor––they are wasting time.

A true leader feels responsibility for the work God has called them to do. There has to be accountability. We have to be servants, able to carry our cross. The Cross is the symbol of death to self. We all need to learn to die to self. I am telling the whole world, I have taken arms with Jesus Christ.

If you are renewed by grace, and were to meet your old self, I am sure you would be very anxious to get out of his company.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

MONDAY April 8, 2019

Obey All God’s Commands

1 Samuel 15:3

Most of the Amalekites were nomadic people; they moved from place to place in tents in the deserts. Everything and everyone in their camp was defiled before the Lord. God wanted everyone––men, women and children––killed. He commanded every animal––ox, sheep, camel and donkey––also to be killed. They were to destroy and wipe out everything the Amalekites had. Do you think God’s command to Saul was very clear? I think God gave Saul pretty clear instructions.

After King Saul received his orders from the Lord, he gathered his men together, while knowing in his heart he was going to disobey God. He was in leadership as King over all Israel, but he was self-willed and prideful. He was on a big ego trip. All he was concerned about was looking good in front of the people. In his life, he always tried to take the credit for things he did not do! He desired recognition, which is a sure sign of a poor leader.

Saul clearly did not know how to follow God’s orders; he never knew how to submit. He would end up being placed on the shelf––unusable. The Kingdom of Israel would be taken away from him and given to a better man. Understand, if you and I do not know how to follow orders, we will end up like Saul––on the shelf. Unusable!

If you are put on the shelf, do not rust there, but pray the master to brighten you up so that when He comes to use you again you may be fully fitted for the work which he has in hand for you.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

SUNDAY April 7, 2019

Heed God’s Voice

1 Samuel 15:1-2

Another clear observation I made about the character of King Saul was his disregard for what God instructed him to do. He did not heed God’s voice; neither did he give the Lord his complete attention. As the leader of the nation of Israel, Saul needed to listen to the voice of the Lord. It was crucial for Saul to listen and pay close attention to all the words of the Lord so he could be in tune with what God was planning to do.

God was about to punish Amalek––the nation of Israel’s archenemies. Why? They were the first nation to ambush Israel after their exodus out of Egypt. Saul had an incredible opportunity to wipe out Amalek, not only the archenemies of Israel, but they also represented his archenemy––the flesh. Saul, through God’s anointing, could rule over his flesh––his carnal desires––and have complete victory in his life! Saul was not heeding God’s voice, and he did not want to follow His orders.

Who is our greatest enemy? The flesh! Remember, Amalek in Scripture is a type of the flesh––our carnal desires––that we battle every day. The flesh is our greatest enemy. Sadly, many Christians like to baby their flesh; they yield to its temptations. How many times have you allowed this enemy to persuade you? The flesh is no good; it has to be killed––put to death––or it will kill you!

The problem with some Christians is they do not heed God’s voice through His Word. Honestly, if you do not listen to the Lord, then you are not going to grow and develop into the person God wants you to be.

Most Christians don’t hear God’s voice because we’ve already decided we aren’t going to do what He says.
~A. W. Tozer~

SATURDAY April 6, 2019

Great Opportunities

1 Samuel 15:1

The Lord had sent Samuel to anoint Saul as King. The horn of oil was poured upon Saul’s head. The oil became a type of the Holy Spirit in the life of Saul. God had anointed Saul, even though he was man’s choice. The Lord gave Saul a great opportunity to become a genuine man of God as he reigned over the people of Israel. Under God’s charge, Saul was called to lead them. What an incredible responsibility!

I believe with all my heart that not all men and women are born leaders. For some people, leadership does not come naturally, while in the life of others, leadership does. They were born with the ability to lead. Through God given opportunities, people without the natural ability to lead can learn leadership skills; God will allow them to be trained.

Even though some people may not be born leaders, over time, and with some experience, they can learn to become strong men and women of God. Understand, leadership abilities come through God’s anointing, humility and submission. If these men and women are willing to learn and submit to God’s lordship, then they can become great leaders.

Be aware of God-given opportunities to mold and mature you into the man or woman you are meant to be. Realize these great responsibilities will help you to grow spiritually. In the position where God has placed you, rely on His anointing and learn to lead faithfully.

Since God first called me years ago into the ministry, I have always felt accountable to the Lord. Everything I do is for the Lord. God has a master plan for my life, and that is what I want to accomplish.

This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege … Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.
~Elizabeth Elliot~

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

What Kind of a Leader Are You?

1 Samuel 15:1-2

I believe that 1 Samuel 15 is one of the greatest chapters in Israel’s history to teach from because we can learn so many lessons from all the different situations and problems. It has been one of my favorite chapters because it develops certain types, such as the Amalekites who are a type of the flesh. We must reckon the old man––the natural man––to be dead.

The main figure in 1 Samuel 15 is King Saul. I want to emphasize that Saul was man’s choice, not God’s choice. David would be God’s choice. Despite Saul being man’s choice, God still gave him an opportunity to prove himself. God allowed different situations in Saul’s life because He was looking to see if Saul would repent and prove himself to be a godly leader.

I believe that in the same way, God allows different situations in our lives to see how we respond and to show to us what type of character we have. I want you to examine your heart as I ask you these questions. Honestly, think about your answers. How do you see yourself as a leader? Do other people see you as a leader in the way you think you are a leader? What responses do people have towards your leadership?

As a leader, how do you deal with people, problems, situations and circumstances? Do you have God’s wisdom and knowledge to be a leader? Most importantly, do you have the anointing of God in your life to be a leader? Do you really have a call of God in your life to be a leader?

A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of the external situation.
~A.W. Tozer~

THURSDAY April 4, 2019

The LORD Saves!

1 Samuel 14:22-23

Remember the many men of Israel who had originally fled from the multitudes of Philistines gathered for war against them? They were hiding as cowards––fearful––like dogs with their tails between their legs. Yet on hearing the great commotion, these men came out of their hiding places from within the clefts of the rocks and joined Israel in the pursuit of their enemies.

God had used Jonathan and his armorbearer to begin the fight against the Philistines. He placed on Jonathan’s heart to attack the Philistine garrison. As they went by faith, trusting in God, the Lord intervened. He shook the ground, and an earthquake caused great confusion in the Philistine camp, and, in the end, God saved Israel.

What has the Lord saved you from personally? Review these Scriptures and thank the Lord for what He has saved you from:

For You have delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God In the light of the living (Psalm 56:13 NASB).

For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol (Psalm 86:13 NASB).

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13 NASB).

Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God.
~Billy Graham~

WEDNESDAY April 3, 2019

Caught in Confusion

1 Samuel 14:20-21

King Saul thought to inquire of the Lord concerning the great confusion throughout the Philistine camp. He asked Ahijah the priest to bring to him the Ark of God, but as he spoke to the priest, the noise of the battle increased. Saul, who loved to take the glory for victorious battles, stopped the priest from inquiring anything from God and asked him to withdraw his hand (Samuel 14:18-19).

Although the battle had been going on for some time, Saul quickly assembled his men; he desired to join in the battle, even though he would arrive late. Maybe Saul sought to take the glory again? Even those who had deserted to the Philistine camp and placed themselves under their enemies’ control saw the battle, and seeing that the battle leaned in their favor, they also decided to come and join Israel’s ranks.

However, when Saul arrived on the battlefield with his men, he saw for himself what was happening––the Philistines were caught in a great confusion. Every man’s sword was against his neighbor! Saul would not get any glory for the battle––God would get the glory.

There are people who will wait before they get involved and join in a battle when the battle is already going on. They want to help, but they are not fully in tune with what the Lord is doing. Sometimes it is better if they stay out of the battle. Why? They can bring even more confusion.

Confusion and impotence are the inevitable results when the wisdom and resources of the world are substituted for the presence and power of the Spirit.
~Samuel Chadwick~

TUESDAY April 2, 2019

Are You Sitting on the Sidelines?

1 Samuel 14:16-17

The watchmen of King Saul noticed multitudes of people, just melting away in a great confusion, and informed Saul, who was sitting under a pomegranate tree. Saul, along with his men and all the people of Israel, were left wondering, What is going on; how come all these people are running? King Saul, not in tune with God or with what was happening, decided to call roll. Jonathan and his armorbearer were not among them––notice how Saul really did not know too much about his son!

Jonathan was in the right place at the right time––in God’s perfect will. Saul and his men were not engaged in the battle. They were all kicking back, out of tune with what God was doing, completely bewildered and left out of the action. Imagine, God knew the heart of Saul––he was disobedient and rebellious. Saul always wanted to take the glory in battle, so God could not use him. More importantly, God knew the heart of Jonathan and used his life to the fullest. I love the way God works.

Seriously, when we are not in the perfect will of God, we feel as if we are on sidelines, looking at others who are actively serving the Lord, wondering, What on earth is going on? God is doing a great work! Sadly, many Christians are just kicking back on the sidelines, doing their own thing. They are observers, when they should be fully engaged with other Christians in the battle.

Do not be a Christian found sitting on the sidelines––engage in the work of the ministry. Serve the Lord, good soldier of Jesus Christ!

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
~2 Timothy 2:3-4~

MONDAY April 1, 2019

April Fools’ Day

Ecclesiastes 9:17

There are many voices in America today. Social media and liberal news channels often give voice to many individuals who shout their foolish words to the gullible who would listen to them. Some speak words of socialism, seeking to strip our country of its productivity and capitalism. One politician has chosen to voice words that are anti-Semitic.

Worst still are those who hold positions in government who recently joined voices together in a vote to kill newborns. They raised their voices and applauded their evil decision! In our places of government today, we have many who speak extremely foolish words––sad.

As Christians, our wise words are very important––even though not always appreciated. God’s wisdom, even quietly spoken, should not be drowned out by the shouts of foolish people––they should be heard––they are superior. Review these Scriptures and allow God to speak to your hearts individually:

Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech (1 Peter 3:10 NIV).

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31: 8-9 NIV).

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil (Proverbs 15:28 NIV).

God’s Word, if read and believed, will give a person salvation, light and great wisdom. If we have God’s wisdom in all the words we say, our voices can become of great influence.

The entrance of Your Word gives light; it gives
understanding to the simple.
~Psalm 119:130~

SUNDAY March 31, 2019

The Impossible Things God Can Do!

1 Samuel 14:15

Jonathan and his armorbearer were in the middle of the battle against the Philistines, when all of a sudden something miraculous happened. What impossible thing did God do? He began to shake the ground. A great earthquake brought such confusion among all the Philistines in the garrison, in the field, and among all the people. Israel’s enemies completely panicked and ran for their lives!

Remember what God had initially placed in Jonathan’s heart to do? Jonathan, by faith, had confidently proclaimed his God could save by many or few (1 Samuel 14:6). It had come to pass; the miraculous had happened; God had saved Israel! The Lord did an incredible work!

Miraculous events, just like this, have happened at other times in Israel’s history. When King Jabin of Canaan oppressed Israel for twenty years, God heard his people’s cries. Although Jabin had nine hundred chariots and an impressive army under the command of Sisera, they were no match for God’s mighty power (Judges 4:1-3).

God used a woman, Deborah, a judge and prophetess, and Barak, a hero of the faith, to gather Israel’s troops and fight in a battle at the River Kishon (Judges 4:4-10). What impossible thing did God do? He used the stars from their courses to fight against Sisera, and the Lord made the River Kishon a torrent––it swept Sisera’s army away (Judges 5:20-21). God completely routed Sisera, all his chariots, and his army with the edge of the sword before Barak (Judges 4:15).

Remember, nothing is impossible for God. Life’s battles become hard when we do not have the faith––trust God in the battle.

God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible.
~A. W. Tozer~

SATURDAY March 30, 2019

Be Flexible

1 Samuel 14:13-14

Jonathan had his dependence on the Lord. While waiting for direction from God, he remained flexible and left enough room for God to work. In case he was wrong about the battle, he was open for God to show him a way of escape. If God was with him, he would stand and fight; or if God showed him otherwise, he and his armorbearer would retreat to safety. Whatever way the Lord chose to guide Jonathan would be exactly what he would do.

Once Jonathan discerned God’s perfect will, he went for it––straight into battle––he wasted no time. Jonathan and his armorbearer climbed the high precipices, scrambling on their hands and knees! Imagine that! Talk about endurance!

Jonathan, as a strong man of God, took full responsibility in leading the attack. He acted as captain, taking a front position; he did not stay in the background giving orders as some captains like to do. Jonathan and his armorbearer worked as a team in the fight. When Jonathan took a man down, his armorbearer came from behind and finished him off––he killed him.

In ministry, I love to work with people who are guided by the Lord and those who are flexible. Many times God can change our plans, and He can lead us in another direction. Flexible people will not be broken; they bend with what God is doing. They flow. People who are rigid and stiff crumble under pressure; they do not like changes in plans.

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken.
~Chuck Smith~

FRIDAY March 29, 2019

Wait for God’s Surety

1 Samuel 14:11-12

Once Jonathan and his armorbearer situated themselves to be seen by their Philistine enemies, they waited to hear their response. At first, the Philistines had mistakenly thought these two men had deserted from Saul’s army. They believed they were among the many men in Israel who were fearful––those who had hidden themselves in the crevices in the mountains.

Then the Philistines called out to Jonathan and his armorbearer: “Come up to us, and we will show you something.” Excited, and knowing God was with them to give them the victory, immediately, the two Israeli warriors started running up the pass––straight up! There was no possible way they could climb such a high precipice unless God strengthened them. He was going to do an amazing work through them.

When God places a call on your life to go into the mission field, or opens the doors for you to be involved in a ministry in the church, it is very exciting. Understand, in these places you are on the front lines, and you will face many spiritual battles. However, God will do a tremendous work when you step out by faith. He will strengthen you and allow you to see His miraculous work as He uses your life to touch other people’s lives. They will be impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ––awesome!

Each of us has a call to do something for the Lord. What has God spoken to your heart about?

The power to proclaim the greatest news in heaven or on earth was not given to angels. It was given to redeemed men … Every Christian is to be a witness; every follower of Christ is to preach the Gospel.
~Billy Graham~

THURSDAY March 28, 2019

Confirmation of Faith

1 Samuel 14:8-10

Jonathan was a man of great faith, but he used godly wisdom. He did not walk right into the enemy’s camp with his armorbearer and say, “Here we are, let us fight.” Jonathan acted much like Gideon who placed a fleece before the Lord to have surety that God was with him in the battle (Judges 6:36-40). Jonathan allowed God to lead the battle. He waited for a sure sign from the Lord, making sure God was directing him in battle. Jonathan was young and courageous, but he never fought in his own strength; he left the battle in the Lord’s hands.

Jonathan and his armorbearer readied themselves to go all the way into battle. They would follow the Lord’s plan. They agreed, once they showed themselves to their enemies, they would wait to hear their response. If the enemy saw them and said the right words: “Come up to us,” then Jonathan and his armorbearer would know, without a shadow of a doubt, God was with them.

I believe with all my heart, it is good to place a fleece before the Lord to make sure He is leading your life. When God has spoken something to you from His Word, wait on Him. He will often give confirmation by two or three witnesses––other people will confirm what God had spoken to you.

When that happens, move forward by faith!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
~Hebrews 11:6~