REACTIONS
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 30-31
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Around 1100 BC, the Canaanite city of Beit She’an (modern name) was conquered by the Philistines, who used it as a base of operations for further penetrations into Israel. During a battle against King Saul at nearby Mount Gilboa, the Philistines prevailed. 1 Samuel 31:10 states that the victorious Philistines hung the body of King Saul on the walls of “Beth Shan.” Historians believe that event took place in 1004 BC. The ruins seen here are from the Greco Roman period. The hill in the background is the tel of Beth Shan. The fortified city centre was built on the highest ground, and the destruction of the city, again and again through the centuries, raised the hill as they rebuilt the cities many times on top of the ruins of the old cities.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Samuel 30:6b, 24
But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God…For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, please guide me in my decisions. I need You so very much to show me how to react in a way that would please You and bless others. Holy Spirit, I ask for You to fill me for this new day with Your wisdom and with the manifestation of the character of Jesus, in whose Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve read several lines written by Hilda Schnell, which expresses how I’m feeling just now. Here are the last lines: “Your unfailing, unconditional love compels the eyes of my spirit to look up, beyond my faltering steps, and gross weakness, to Your indomitable strength.” I need God’s strength, not just for big challenges but for the little things as well. I was disturbed as I exited the parking lot, following the service at a large church we attended. While I was waiting to get in line, I heard a lady yelling at the man in the car in front of her. He was very patiently waiting for other cars to pass in front of him, and her reaction may have indicated that she needed to go back into church and pray a little longer. I should’t be so judgemental, I know. I’ve been tempted to do the same from time to time. She may have been under pressures that I know nothing about. As I sat there waiting, I prayed for her for the growth of that fruit of the Spirit known as “patience,” and then, thinking about my own reactions, I prayed for myself too.
Yours for becoming more like Jesus in our reactions,
David
And now we’re at the end of 1 Samuel. What a story! The Bible is so honest and straightforward and doesn’t gloss over things but exposes error as well as displaying the positives. We do need the Lord and He is near to help us in our time of need. This is a time of deep need for me and my family – pls join me in praying for my daughter Jenn who is in a coma and not coming out of it…I’m praying for her two sons, 18 and 20 years, to be able to deal with this traumatic situation. Thank you friends and Crossroads communication for this avenue of encouragement. May God richly bless you and all listeners and followers of Jesus. “But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession…” 2Cor 2:14
Alice,I am also very sorry for this discouraging news.’I pray,holy Spirit,for Your intervention for a a miraculous outcome for Jenn,that she may be a second chance by the God of second chances.In Jesus’ mighty name I pray.Amen’
Alice, I am sorry to hear about your daughter. I will be praying for her, for your grandsons, yourself and the whole family
May our loving Heavenly Father fill all of you with His comfort and peace. 🙏🙏
Alice I will pray for your daughter and grandsons. God in Jesus Name heal our sister Jenn Amen.
Amen to the prayers above 🙏🏼 Prayer for Jen and family .🙏🏼
Amen. I stand with everyone in prayers for Jen. I pray for her to awaken from that tumour and be healed as only God can do.