Obedience to God's Will 03.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday April 4, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 12-14:23 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Today we will read and learn about the people receiving their king; other battles with the Philistines; and the office of the priesthood is seized by Saul.Today's message focuses on the importance of being obedient to God's Will.

Saul, became the first king of Israel, "And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you."(I Samuel 12:1). Samuel warned the people, "If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes." (12:14-16).

Saul had been commanded to remain in Gilgal until Samuel arrived, and he was warned not to offer sacrifices until Samuel returned. These sacrifices were to be offered before the beginning of a battle. God's purpose in delaying Samuel until the last day of the appointed time was to test Saul's faith in God's Word, as well as to test his character and humility in waiting for God's appointed man to perform the sacrifice. But Saul feared being defeated by the Philistines, and he knew a burnt offering should be performed before the battle; therefore, he justified his actions since war appeared imminent and his army was fearful and many were deserting him. Saul presumed that, under the circumstances, by violating one spiritual principle and performing another he would bring success to the nation of Israel. He thought that obedience was less important than sacrifices. "When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering." (13:6-9)

Obedience to God's will is giving up one's will to the will of another, it is therefore the sacrifice of the whole man. Even in Israel there were many people who were too poor to bring the least costly offering to the altar of the Lord, but no one is ever too poor to tithe in recognition that we are not our own. Our utmost desire should be to do the will of God, to seek His guidance and submit wholly to His commands. It is this principle of faith which alone can make a sacrifice acceptable. "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:38).

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen....But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:1,6).

In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Samuel the intercessor (I Samuel 12:23). Right now Jesus is interceding for believers. "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)

Today's Psalm: 31:23
"O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon You, Jesus. Because I take refuge in You my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Your mighty name, Jesus, I pray.....Amen.

Have a fantastic Friday! TGIF! HAve a great weekend also.
God Bless,
Christina

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