Bad day for Saul

Spiritual insight

All in a short time; Saul went from being the king of Israel to being rejected as the king. He chose to be disobedient to God and for that, God said this. 1 Samuel 15:11 I regret that I mad Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions. When Saul herd this from God's man, Samuel, Saul immediately started to back pedal, bringing God offerings for his mistakes. But in rebuttal, Samuel said this: Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as mus as in obeying the LORD? Look to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams. One has to ask, what happened? Answer is simple. Saul chose to obey the advice of the people around him rather than follow the will of God. Sounds just most of us doesn't it?

Application to my life

Today, as God speaks to me and I meditate upon His Word, I want to be His obedient servant. I want to honor God in every situation, circumstance and claim the words of David when he said, I will observe your instructions with my whole heart.

Prayer

Father, you have been so good to me! In your word I find that you are faithful and today I want to be your faithful servant. I want to bring you honor and glory, I want to be the man you've called me to be. Please guard my life and heart when other's tempt me to stray away from you; in Jesus name... Amen.

Pastors heart

Spiritual insight

The people of Israel sinned against God by wanting a king to lead them. They forgot that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords was with them, so why need a king? Samuel, Gods anointed High Priest, gathered together all of Israel after God appointed Saul to become their King the evil they did in the sight of God. They asked Samuel to pray to God for Him not kill them for this act of evil. I love what Samuel said - don't be afraid, even though you did this evil - don't turn away from following the Lord! It's my prayer for all who have shame and guilt - Don't be afraid and let shame and guilt keep us from following the Living God! And it's here I claim this verse; 1 Sam 12:23 As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way.

Application for my life

As I study the Word of God today, I seek the Holy Spirit during my study to show me application to teach His people in HSMBC. I will obey God by praying for His people in the city of Hughes Springs. Praying for God to lead as He strengthens us to follow Him and share the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who need to be freed of guilt and shame.

Prayer

Father, as I study your Word, I pray that it will come alive in my life. I pray that you will teach me so in turn I may teach your people what is good and what is right. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

This little light of mine...

Spiritual Insight:

Bringing punishment to the household of the Eli, the high priest of God in Israel because of his wicked sons, God promised to raise up a faithful priest unto himself (1 Samuel 2:35). And in the midst of this promise God called Samuel who was about to be used to do something awesome in the land of Israel. Naturally, Samuel was concerned... Am I doing the right thing? But God came through in His promises and in His Word. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 3:19,20 Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let nothing he said prove false. All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the Lord.
What and captivating and compelling verse. The promise of the gospel living in me, as I've given my life, continuing to confirm Himself in my life. Promising that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me!

Application to my life:

I stand amazed of how God takes care of me and my family! Even when I wonder... Am I doing the right thing? As I live my life for Jesus my prayer is for others not to see me just as a preacher / pastor, but as a man totally committed to God, trusting in Him when I fail to understand. I want the city of Hughes Springs to see God in me and confirm that He is real!

Prayer

Everyone needs compassion, Love that’s never failing, Let mercy fall on me, Everyone needs forgiveness, The kindness of a Saviour, The hope of nations
So take me as you find me, All my fears and failures, I give my life to follow, Everything I believe in, Now I surrender
Savior, YOU can move the mountains, my God you're mighty to save! You are mighty to save!
Forever, Author of salvation, YOU rose and conquered the grave, Jesus you conquered the grave! I live to serve you! Let others see Jesus in my life. In His name I pray... Amen.

Desiring God

Spiritual Insight
Sometimes in my life I think I want something more than what God has for me. And I know that's my flesh wanting something outside of the will of God. I think that it will bring me satisfaction and pleasure and I'm sure that it will. But God, through His Word has a way of reminding me of the harm it may do to my life. Proverbs 13:19-20 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste, but fools hate to turn from evil. The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. I'm so thankful God has given us His local church to find a resource of other Christian who face the same issues I face. Giving us the strength and comfort to encourage and pray with one another, studying the Word of God together and challenging each other to become the man or woman God would have us to become.

Application for my life

My ambition is to desire God with all of my heart and soul. I want the fulfillment in my life God's Word promises!

Prayer
Father, I desire you! I want to walk with you! I want to be the man you want me to be. I want to be the husband and father you know I can be. And I want to be the pastor you need me to be. My desire is that you will fill me with your Spirit and word. I Jesus name... Amen.

**** I want to say, "Thank You!" for all of your visits, phone calls and prayers during my recovery from having my gallbladder removed. You guys are awesome and I thank God for each one of you.
This is a picture of a group from our church sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the city of Loveland Colorado.

Seeing Clearly

Spiritual Insight

It's only human nature to want to accomplish goals based on will power. But we have the choice to either accomplish those goals based on will power or with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 13:10 by insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Application to my life

Man, I've been here before! The whole pride issue - what's it get me? Lot of dead ends has been my experience. But as a Child of God, I don't have to live with dead ends. I can have a clear sight picture of understanding!

Prayer

Father, thank you for guiding me. Help me to not live my life based on my own will power alone. I want you to be in control. I want to surrender to you today and hear you as you guide me and point me in the direction that would bring you honor and glory. In Jesus name, the name I serve. Amen.

Not Ashamed

Spiritual Insight

In the midst of Jesus Christ being arrested and betrayed. Peter finds himself in the distance of my Lord. A prominent follower of Jesus willing to go the distance and give his life for Him finds himself saying these words. Luke 22:60-62 "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times." and He went outside and wept bitterly.

Application to my life

I don't want to be ashamed of Jesus! He's not ashamed of me in spite of my faults and failures. My goal is follow Jesus Christ and proclaim Him in my thoughts, speech and life.

Prayer

Father, You gave your all for me and you we're ashamed to. Jesus died for me and rose from the grave! You're so awesome! I want to proclaim you in my life. I don't want to be ashamed to say that I am a follower of Jesus, today! Give me the opportunity to share Jesus with someone today. Amen.