Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday April 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 8-11 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Samuel%208-11&version=9

Today's Message: Know The Truth
There are many deceptions in this world that look like the will of God. Only by reading through our Creator's only Guide to life will we know what is the truth

During the history of the judges, Samuel accomplished more as a spiritual leader than any other judge. Sadly his two sons never followed his direction, " And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment." (I Samuel 8:1-3).

Eventually, the elders of Israel confronted Samuel about his two sons, demanding a king to rule over them. "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." (8:4-7). Samuel wanted only the best for Israel, but the nation continued to blindly insist on a king like all the other nations. Their decision was a failure of faith and rebellion against God.

Then Samuel anointed Saul king in Ramah as the Lord had directed him. "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.........Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?....... And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee." (9:17,10:1,6-7). Saul began with a humble spirit, but soon pride and self-will became his way of life and resulted in a succession of failures.

Desiring to be like the majority has caused some Christians to ignore the Bible and seek counsel elsewhere. There is an assumption that we have the ability to make decisions as to what is best for our lives without seeking God for guidance. God leaves the choice for us to accept or reject His leadership and each day that goes by we are faced the decision of choosing or refusing to live for Christ. However, Jesus reminds us that we can not doa anything without Him. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:1-5).

Today's Psalm: 1:3
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Even as the water, sun, and nutrients from the soil make the plants flourish in the summer we are reminded that as we are faithful in reading Your Word and applying its Truths to our lives we, too, will produce fruit. Our roots will go deep into the fertile soil of faith and our tendrils of spiritual life will reach heavenward as we keep our hearts and eyes focused upon Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, that You are the One who establishes our faith through Your redemptive work on the cross of Calvary. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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