Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 14, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 9-10. These chapters follow a young man named Saul who is searching for his father’s donkeys. While searching for the lost livestock, Saul meet the prophet Samuel and his life takes an unexpected turn. Samuel greets Saul with hospitality and a message from God — Saul will be the new king of Israel. This story highlights the miraculous ways God works in our lives and invites us to consider how God is working today.
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Monday: Read 1 Samuel 9
In the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 8, we witness a significant event where the elders of Israel come together and tell Samuel to appoint a king to lead them, just as the other nations had. In response to their plea, God grants them their desire and provides them with a king who resembles those of other nations. This king is Saul, a man of impressive physical stature, good looks, and wealth but lacking in spiritual understanding and the heart of a shepherd.
This story prompts us to reflect upon our own prayers and cries to God. Are we merely seeking to conform to the ways of the world and be like everyone else? Or are we genuinely and earnestly searching for God's guidance and His purpose for our lives?
God has unique plans for each one of us. He has equipped us with individual talents, passions, and opportunities to fulfill His purpose. Therefore, we should focus on deepening our relationship with God, seeking His guidance through prayer, and surrendering ourselves to His divine will.
Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 9
It may often seem like the events in our lives are simply random coincidences, but if we reflect on the story of Saul, we realize that God has the power to use ordinary occurrences to direct our paths. Let's pause for a moment to contemplate the recent positive and negative experiences that have influenced us. God is actively at work in every aspect, in complete control of every detail. It's conceivable that He is nurturing certain qualities within us or leading us down a specific path for a purpose that remains hidden.
Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 10
When Saul's friends witnessed his prophetic utterances, they immediately recognized a remarkable transformation within him. It became evident that God had profoundly changed Saul's heart. God conveyed a message to him to engage in whatever tasks come his way. The divine ability to transform our hearts belongs solely to God. Yet, our duty remains to respond obediently to His calling and actively pursue His will. We should not harbor any fear, for the power lies not within us but within God Himself.
Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 10
As Pastor Marshall concluded our Sunday service, he urged us to contemplate the ways in which God is working among us. He encouraged us not to overlook the ordinary or inconvenient aspects of our lives but rather to implore God to unveil His intended purposes and grant us the courage to follow His guidance faithfully.
Friday: Read 1 Samuel 11-12