First Samuel is one of my favorite Old Testament books. I love the story and adventures of David and Saul and being able to see God's hand through it all. The text is just rich with examples of godly living from David (David wasn't perfect, though, and certainly had some downfalls) and examples of pitfalls to avoid, mostly from Saul. Every time I read 1 Samuel, I find more and more that I can take away and work on in my own life.
There are so many things about David that impress me, but one of the biggest is his patience. Even though he knew he was gong to be king, he didn't try to rush things. Considering the awful circumstances with Saul, that's impressive to me. I struggle with patience. I want to accomplish much, and I want to do it sooner than later (there's that type A personality coming through again). That can be a good thing except when God's timetable and mine aren't in alignment. When that happens, I really struggle. So as I'm reading in 1 Samuel, I am looking at David's repeated responses of patience and then asking myself, why aren't you responding that way? or what can you learn from that and how can you make some changes? Sometimes the process of answering those questions is tough--uncomfortable, too, because I discover I need to change some of my selfish habits. That's never an easy task. In fact, I'd say it's a work in process for me. Hopefully you can relate?
So, what examples have you seen from David, Jonathan or even Saul that have been helpful for you? There are tons, so let me know your thoughts! Tami W.
P.S. One more thing, when you respond to the blog this week would you tell us how long you've been part of Powered by 4? Just curious. Thanks.
You asked us to tell you how long we've been a member of Poweredby4.
I have been involved for some months now. It really means a lot to me. The Bible challenges and the video blogs are my favorites. Working in San Francisco is tough sometimes. I do attend church near my home in Redwood City. However, it's nice to have a daily connection to another Christian and God's word during the week. Thanks for all you're doing.
Carol
Hopefully I can relate? What...you actually want me to have your struggle :)
Well, I am not a type A personality, but I am about a B+ personality, so I can relate a little bit. The first thing is to never pray for patience. That's just crazy.
I'll get back to you on the examples thing. And I'm not sure how long I've been a part of Pb4, but it's been a few months.
Well for me i have been a member maybe 4 months off and on..knowing what i need in my life. but not doing it.but seeing the poweredby4 in my email every day.i know its God showing me a way and its up to me to take it..right now in my life.I relate to Saul and his jealousy of David..because of how he knows God and how he has God in his life.just like when i see Christians that knows God and knows what God wants for their life..I feel jealousy like Saul and i want what they have..
am already a listener in radio braodcast in dybs for ten years ,...
i want to get a COPY IN EVERY SERIES in radio inform... they saying in free.. am also christian since 1996,... am as a church working started in sunday school teacher in preschooler but now am working for the tribal community.... may lord bless you...
I signed up for poweredby4 maybe 3-4 months ago. After seeing the messages in my email every morning I finally got convicted and stared the study. I love it. What a great beginning to my day, no more CNN before work.
Curt ... Here's a verse that helps me... James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." I've been a member for awhile now, and I want to thank all the people who've touched me by sharing God's love through their encouraging comments!
Hi Tami, While reading in 1Samuel 16 verse14 it states that the Spirit of The Lord left Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. Right away I was alerted in my mind that there is no evil in God. He cannot be evil, so where does this evil spirit come from. Am I too literal, but this has been bothering me ever since I read it. At first glance there can be many contradictions in The Bible but upon further study they are usually disspelled. I would like a comment or direction, thank you.
There are so many things in this book, but one part that keeps catching my attention each time I read it is how David's and Jonathan's hearts were knit together. David could trust the king's son with his life because of this mutual love. Jonathan could recognize that David would be the next king, not he himself, but know that David was God's choice; and it was good, because of their hearts knit in this fashion. And I can see that God wants to knit His heart with mine, and all of yours', so we will have this type of love/trust/reliance on Him. It's something to ponder when I feel a little distant--because I'm the one creating the distance.
I joined P4 within a week or two of its beginning in January. It's been a great blessing to me. Thank you all!
I love what Dona said about no more CNN. We have CNN going a lot here in the Fitness Center where I work. It can be pretty depressing hearing all the bad news especially now since we're having such terrible economic problems. I'm glad we know who is in charge and who is going to win in the end.
Debby, thanks for your question. I'm writing on behalf of Tami. Mike asked a similar question last week, so I'll pass along my answer in this blog as well.
The Bible teaches that God is holy and righteous. How, then, could He send an "evil spirit" upon Saul? It doesn't seem consistent with God's character.
First we need to note that an "evil spirit" would be better translated as a "distressing" (some versions have "tormenting") spirit. So it is not "evil" or "wicked" in the sense that Satan and his angels are. God has no spirits of that type.
Furthermore, it is sent in response to Saul's behavior. Twice (that we know of) Saul had defied God's commands (1 Samuel 13:13-14, 15:11, 19). The Bible has many instances where God justly sent punishment upon the wicked including the Flood in Genesis 7 and multiple times upon Israel when the nation turned its back on Him. This no more makes God a source of evil than a just judge today would be evil because he or she sentences a guilty person to prison or death.
Finally, we need to realize that Saul opened himself up to this kind of spirit of a "distressing spirit" when he gave in to jealousy and bitterness. When we sin, and reap the consequences, we should not put the blame on God.
Allen Bean
Biblical Correspondent
I've been a part of Powered by 4 since January or February, and it is so great to have the scripture and questions all ready for me in the morning. Especially on those days when I'm not quite awake! God speaks much more clearly to me in the morning...well, I guess I just hear better in the morning...so I really treasure those times with P4 & God's Word. Thanks to everyone who comments. You inspire me!
A note to Debby and anyone else who seems to be like me, noticing those strange sections. I like to read different translations when that happens. Since I don't have a bunch in my house, I usually go to biblegateway.com and compare them. Of course, Allen's answer is so helpful! Thanks Allen!
Young's Literal Translation helps me in I Samuel 16:14. It reads:
"And the Spirit of Jehovah turned aside from Saul, and a spirit of sadness from Jehovah terrified him;"
That is much more consistent with what I know to be true of God's character.
Hi;
I have been part of P4 for about 3 months, and am loving it. It helps to keep in the the Word, accountable for my time and most importantly drawing me closer to my Lord. Thank you for being obedient to His calling of P4.
I have been out of town and starting back with P4. I must confess I failed miserably at reading my bible. But, I am thankful for the Lord's forgiveness. Reading about David helps me to see the importance of seeking the Lord daily.
This is just a little insert/comment regarding Curt and Mike's question...I heard someone explain a similar passage this way: In Exodus 9, the Bible says that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. In the Hebrew text, the term "hardened" is used to denote "twisted the rope". In other words, God "twisted the rope" that forced what was already in Pharaoh's heart to come out. I don't want to broach doctrine, but I believe we have a free will and that Saul, like Pharaoh, chose to rebel and God just finally gave them over to it.
(Romans 1:22-32) hope that sheds a little light. :-)
Hi. I have been part of P4 for 2 months now and I really appreciate the questions at the end. In fact I have a notebook where I write the answers in. It is such a good way to start the day and mull over the questions in my head during the day. Thank you so much. I also forwarded the Bible study to my sister who was looking for something like this and she signed up as well. Keep it up.
Hi, I have been a part of P4 since June and it has been wonderful. I find it hard to express how much I enjoy having an encourager to stay focused and making the main thing the main thing. Thank you. The lesson I take from Saul is that we will sin but we are to take the blame and ask forgiveness and not blame others. From Jonathan, to be faithful to a true friend no matter the cost. From David, always have a repenting heart. Sin always starts with first asking God to forgive you then others.