A Turning Point
Read: 1 Samuel 31:1-13 Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together. (v. 6) I can’t help it: I love to read a story with a good happy ending. I like smiles and growth, maybe a big sigh of relief, or the recognition that wisdom […]
Saying Yes to Jesus
Rev. Nancy Boote penned the words, “Here I am,” in her journal early one morning during her devotional time. “I journaled those words in a prayer,” she says, “expressing my availability to the Lord and my desire to be used by him.” She was not expecting God to take her up on her offer quite […]
God’s Generosity
Read: 1 Samuel 30:16-26 For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike. (v. 24) Children like all things to be fair. My son feels he should only have to practice violin if his sister also practices. Likewise, he does […]
A Heap of Hardship
Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-10 David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. (v. 6) For spring break one year, my family had a three-day window to travel. Immediately, our 5:00 a.m. flight was delayed for several hours by mechanical problems, and then problem after problem followed. Ultimately, we did not arrive at our final destination until […]
Wise in War
Read: 1 Samuel 29:1-11 The commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” (v. 3) I’ve learned that in any and all of life’s squabbles, having the right person on my side makes all the difference. In a battle of wits I would choose my brother; in a verbal altercation I would pick […]
God’s Word Stands
Read: 1 Samuel 28:3-18 The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. (v. 17) Who do you go to when you need some wisdom or direction? Moms and dads naturally fit the bill—especially after the teenage years. Grandparents, of course, provide this. Many of us have a […]
November 2023 Prayer Guide
IRAN — A teenage girl in Iran is in a coma following what many believe to be another example of a deadly encounter with officers over the hijab rule in Iran. The girl has now been declared to be brain dead. Women in Iran are required by law to cover their hair and wear long, […]
Prophetic Words
Read: 1 Samuel 26:12-27:1 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place. (v. 25) I never anticipated how complicated neighborly relationships would be until my husband and I bought our first house […]
Awesome Blessings
Read: 1 Samuel 25:23-35 If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God. (v. 29) Once, at the end of a summer camp backpacking trip, I received an awesome blessing. I […]