Pastor Marshall Ochs | July 2, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 23-24. These chapters include David saving the city of Keilah from the Philistines and David confronting Saul at Engedi. These wandering years were formative for David. They shaped his character, his friends, his family, and his view of God. As we study these chapters, our hearts are formed as well.
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Monday: Read 1 Samuel 23
David inquires of God, seeking guidance and direction in the face of uncertainty. God speaks to us in various ways, sometimes through His Word, sometimes through godly counsel, and other times through thoughts inspired by the Holy Spirit. One thing we can be sure of is if we are given counsel from a place of fear, that is not from God.
What steps can we take to discern whether the counsel we receive is rooted in fear or from a place of godly wisdom?
Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 23
This passage teaches us a valuable lesson: possessing a title does not automatically make someone a leader; their character truly matters. Despite Saul holding the title of King, he proved himself unworthy of true leadership. His self-absorption, bitterness, and delusions led him to misuse his position to punish the individual whom God had chosen as King.
Furthermore, the passage highlights the undeniable sovereignty of God over every aspect of our lives. It prompts us to reflect on our own tendencies to overlook the work that God is constantly doing around us. It is easy to attribute the minor occurrences in life to mere coincidences, disregarding the divine influence behind them. Therefore, may we set aside time today for meditation, contemplating the sovereignty of God over every intricate detail.
Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 23
In this passage, Jonathan offers words of encouragement to David. The English Standard Version says that Jonathan helped him find strength in God. Just as Jonathan helped David find strength in the divine presence of God, we are reminded that our Creator has designed us to live in a community with other believers.
As we embark on our own journey to follow Jesus, we are called to uplift and encourage our friends. How can we encourage and strengthen those around us as they pursue their walk with Jesus Christ?
Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 23:15-29 & 24
Have you ever found yourself in a space where your heart yearns for something so deeply that you start perceiving every opportunity as a pathway to fulfill your desires? How acquainted are you with the voice of God, enabling you to distinguish His guidance from your own inclination to manipulate or manufacture outcomes? Are you prone to interpreting every sign as divine provision solely to attain what you want?
In this passage, we see Saul offer blessings from the LORD to those who revealed David's location to him. At times, our desires can be so overwhelming that they overshadow our ability to discern God's will accurately. We may become susceptible to self-deception, convincing ourselves that every opportunity or circumstance is tailor-made to grant us our heart's desires. Recognizing the voice of God requires intentional effort and a genuine relationship with Him. It involves spending time in prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, and seeking His guidance wholeheartedly.
Friday: Read 1 Samuel 25-26