A MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 13
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
A rectangular ritual bath (mikveh/baptismal tank) has been recently uncovered just beneath the southern wall of the Temple Mount in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park. You can see the Mount of Olives in the background.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Samuel 13:13-14
And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Understanding and obeying God’s Word is of eternal importance. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). God’s Word is forever! God’s Word has the power to do good, to heal, bring judgment, and to save. The Word is like the laws of nature. King Saul failed to obey what he knew were God’s instructions, and now he must suffer the consequences. God would choose another King who would be careful to obey both the letter and the spirit of the instructions he received. By believing and doing God’s Word, we, like David, who is yet to come onto the scene, will experience the blessing of God. David would keep God’s Word and the result was that he became the father of an eternal dynasty through his Descendant, Jesus Christ.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that You’ll help me to wait for You. My natural tendency, like Saul, is to be impatient and to run ahead of You, but Your supernatural grace to do what is right is available to me when I wait upon You. You meet me every morning as I read Your Word and pray. I can always count on Your timing. Thank You for the peace and joy this brings me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Yes Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so!!! “FACT!!!” One day last week I read the entire book of Matthew over a period of three hours. Forty-one times either Jesus or Matthew quote from their Bible, the Hebrew language Scriptures. This is true Kingdom of God teaching/preaching!!! Oh, how I long to be a man after God’s heart. This is just another reason for this blog! I need to focus more and more on the “More sure Word” (2 Peter 1:19) and less on the thoughts of mere men which are not solidly and clearly founded on God’s revealed written Word!!!
My New Testament reading for today is Philippians 4:4-9.
Yours for grace to “meditate on these things,” (Read Philippians 1:15-18),
David
P.S. Norma-Jean and I have become Great-Grandparents for the tenth time. Our granddaughter Elena, and her husband Justin Gilmour, are proud first-time parents of Chelsea Grace (see photos below). It’s amazing that Elena, my smallest grandchild, gave birth to our biggest great-grandchild…10 lbs 6 oz! One of the most remarkable stories in my latest book, This Far By Faith, is the story of Elena…adopted from Russia as a six-year-old by Bruce and Elaine Stacey, our oldest daughter and her husband (to order a copy of the book, call 1-800-265-3100).
Justin & Elena Gilmour with new little Chelsea Grace…10 lbs 6 oz.
Chelsea Grace Gilmour.
Congratulations, David & Norma-Jean on the birth of your tenth great-grandchild! Beautiful name–Chelsea Grace, and baby! Congratulations to her parents–Justin & Elena!! I remember the story in your book–what a miracle–praise God!
Thank You, Lord, for the birth and gift of this new day! Thank you saints, for your prayers–I feel them–being lifted up with gratitude and hope. I trust God’s will and know that all will be well–amen!
Have you learned this lesson yet? Not simply to endure God’s will, nor only to choose it; but to rejoice in it with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
–Tried as by Fire
I will be still, my bruised heart faintly murmured,
As o’er me rolled a crushing load of woe;
The cry, the call, e’en the low moan was stifled;
I pressed my lips; I barred the tear drop’s flow.
I will be still, although I cannot see it,
The love that bares a soul and fans pain’s fire;
That takes away the last sweet drop of solace,
Breaks the lone harp string, hides Thy precious lyre.
But God is love, so I will bide me, bide me–
We’ll doubt not, Soul, we will be very still;
We’ll wait till after while, when He shall lift us
Yes, after while, when it shall be His will.
And I did listen to my heart’s brave promise;
And I did quiver, struggling to be still;
And I did lift my tearless eyes to Heaven,
Repeating ever, “Yea, Christ, have Thy will.”
But soon my heart upspake from ‘neath our burden,
Reproved my tight-drawn lips, my visage sad:
“We can do more than this, O Soul,” it whispered.
“We can be more than still, we can be glad!”
And now my heart and I are sweetly singing–
Singing without the sound of tuneful strings;
Drinking abundant waters in the desert,
Crushed, and yet soaring as on eagle’s wings.
–S. P. W.
P.S. Happy Belated Birthday, Donna! Sorry I wasn’t on the blog on your special day. Wishing you a year ahead with all doors wide open to receive God’s bountiful blessings, which you so richly deserve!
Congratulations on that new baby girl. She is absolutely beautiful………
Congratulations!! to you as great great grandparents and Elena, and Justin on their
first baby she is adorable.
Lianne Hogg
Congratulations!!
Beautiful baby, and big! Bigger than all my 5, my grandkids and my great-grands, but not bigger than my husband was at 12 lbs (father weighed 96 lbs)! What a blessing for you, 10 greats! I am always afraid I might not be following every direction/command of the Lord. It is so easy to “help out”, maybe when I should not. Not sure about that. Continuing to pray for Carole in hospital.
Congrats Great Grandpa & Great Grandma!!!! She is beautiful and what a lovely name!!!!! You are blessed!!!!!
I am continuing on my journey through the Bible with you for the second time. I have been with you since Day 1. Praise God!!!! Thank you for your dedication and devotion to God’s Word and for all your insights!
Wow! Does she ever look bright for a newborn! Truly beautiful! Congratulations David and Norma-Jean! Congratulations Justin and Elena! Congratulations Bruce and Elaine!
Congratulations Rev. M. on the arrival of a new great granddaughter Chelsea! Hope mother and father are doing well.
Enjoying getting to know God’s Word on this daily basis. Thank you.
Dolly Parton – In the Sweet By and By: https://youtu.be/IMF55fgHyOc
What a beautiful baby…she has a good start on life
U must feel so blessed..she has a wonderful life ahead of her
God bless
Your book “This Far by Faith” is definitely a great read. There are many many miracles shared in your book. I enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to your next book – should you feel prompted to write again…
Praying for miracles today… God Bless blog friends!
WOW!
What wonderful photos and encouraging words, especially your prayer and 100 personal words.
Shalom,
Graham,
2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus.
Congratulations!
Congratulations, what a beautiful baby!!!
Blessings to all!
How marvelous and wonderful our God is…how beautiful you tenth
great-granddaughter is!!! precious in God’s sight. What a blessing!!!
Today’s reading…the importance of being in tune with the Holy Spirit’s leading…and staying in the Word, to hear and do what He is saying!
Lord Jesus keep my heart in Tune with you I pray this day and always.
This is the Day The Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in Him!!!
Congratulations to you all on the birth of “Chelsea Grace”! She’s a beauty!
We had the pleasure of meeting Elena and Justin on the Israel trip in 2013.
They will be wonderful and loving parents.
God Bless you All,
Margaret and Darren
Congratulations to everyone and what a precious miracle from God. May she be surrounded by God’s protection and come to know The Saviour at an early age. You are blessed.
I too sometimes have to STOP or I would barrel ahead without thinking of the consequences. I am glad to be led by The Spirit.
Praying for all those who needs a fresh touch of HIS hand.
Praise God, our son Neil has been released from hospital and is doing well. Thanks for those of you who prayed. Blessings as we start Springtime.
Congratulations to you all .What a beautiful big baby she is so bright and
alert for being a new born ,Bless you all …R…