1 Samuel 18:5-19:24
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This is a powerful verse in First Samuel 18:14 today: "David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him." I think that is so important to know - David succeeded in all he did because God was with him. And I believe this applies to us today as well. We will succeed in all we do if God is with us. Now - don't get me wrong - when I say succeed, I do not mean "succeed" as the world might define this word. I mean we will succeed spiritually in all we do if we are in a loving and growing and obedient relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son (who is God). This success might mean that we actually become "poor" in the world's eyes and serve overseas or in our own town in a ministry that won't make us a million. But - if we are living in right relationship with God than we have truly succeeded in life. Nothing else matters. Below's an image of a young David succeeding in saving a lamb from the jaws of a lion and offering up praise to God for the success!
It is great to see Jonathan asking his father Saul to not murder David in First Samuel chapter 19. I read a commentary that said Jonathan had really been won over by David after David killed Goliath. It is thought that perhaps David shared with Saul and Jonathan his faith in God and why he was fearless of Goliath early in chapter 18 or late in chapter 17 (in yesterday's readings), and that Jonathan believed David's faith was true. In any case, we do see in chapter 18 verses 3 & 4 these words: "And Jonathan made a special vow to be David's friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt." Jonathan is obviously living up to this pact here in chapter 19. (the images above and below are really from yesterday's readings, but I thought they were both quite good pictures of David - and Jonathan below. Oh, and Goliath too... :)
An image by Gustave Dore is below for First Samuel 18 verses 10 & 11: "The very next day, in fact, a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave like a madman. David began to play the harp, as he did whenever this happened. But Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David jumped aside and escaped."
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "David Joins Saul's Family" is at this link and commentary titled "David's Divine Deliverance" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "American Dream:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DumlIIHSrsQ
Are you chasing the American Dream? Click here and surrender to Jesus!
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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