Scott Lane

Courage

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 17:1-11, 26-32, 38-51 (day five)

When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. 17:11

We all lack courage to some degree. Underneath our outer appearances are varying degrees of doubt and insecurity that turns to fear; e.g. what others think about us, sharing our faith, relationships, sickness, the future. From the beginning in Genesis, we see the effects of human insecurity and doubting of God’s Words and His promises.

David had a courageous heart- trusting God’s Word and promises. “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Fear kept the Israelites from trusting God’s promises and His power. Fear does the same to us. We must ask God for courage. If we don’t, then the giants will always seem too big and the voices (internal and external) of doubt and fear will cause us to hide and keep us from the work of God.

Grant us wisdom grant us courage: For the facing of this Hour, For the living of these days, Lest we miss Your Kingdom’s goals, That we fail not them nor Thee, Serving You Whom we adore.

Preparing in the Pasture

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 16 (day five) ¹³Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

It was a momentous occasion. Anointed to be king! As the oil rushes over David’s head, the Spirit of God rushes on him. What comes next? Robe and crown fittings? Elite leadership training? No. Samuel goes back to Ramah and David returns to tending the sheep. David must wait and trust in God’s timing. And we know that God used the time in the pasture as preparation for David’s future. Skills to be learned. Attitudes to be formed. Character to be developed. God uses our regular everyday routines and tasks to prepare us for His planned future. School, singleness, marriage, parenting, and work (just to name a few) are all “pastures” that the Lord will send us to and through to develop character, patience, integrity, discipline, devotion, and servanthood. If God is developing those things in us, what could God’s future plan look like?

Unchanged Heart

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 15 (day five)

It is not the name of the deity but the heart of the worshipper that creates idols. – Alexander Maclaren

Saul’s heart was unchanged when he was confronted with his own sin. Samuel challenges Saul’s disobedience. God meant for the battle to be about justice (God focused). Saul saw it as an opportunity for his own status and wealth (self focused). Verse 25- “Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me, that I may worship the Lord.” The fact that he wanted to return to ”worship” showed that his heart had not changed. He remained more concerned about his own standing and popularity than obedience to God. Saul is asking Samuel to endorse the celebration so that Saul might appear strong and mighty in the eyes of the people. He never learned this important lesson- The alternative to full surrender is rebellion. Sound harsh? No. Sounds Holy!!

Want to see a clear picture of a king’s heart changed through repentance? Look at Psalm 51

A Very Present Help

Easter Re:Verse reading–John 20:1-18 (day five)

“They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

I love the unchangeable nature of God in this passage. Jesus- “the image of the invisible God” says and does exactly what is described and promised in Psalm 46. “God is… a very present help in trouble.”

‭In the midst of pain, sorrow, confusion, and uncertainty, Jesus comes close. He begins a conversation, and reveals Himself to Mary.

This is such good news: for those in need, for those who are troubled, for those who are confused, and for those who are burdened. Start the conversation with Him, search the scriptures, pour out your heart, listen and feel His promised presence and help. He is faithful! He is Risen!!

Re:Verse reading – 1 Samuel 13:1-14

Touch

Re: Verse reading—1 Samuel 9 & 10 (day five)

10:26 “Saul also went to his house at Gibeah; and the valiant men whose hearts God had touched went with him.”

Don’t overlook the miracle. God touched their human hearts. God touches human hearts. Remember the testimony of the disciples on the Emmaus road? “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us?” It was not a holy persuasion. It was the Living Savior touching their hearts. He was that close.

Through His Holy Spirit, the Lord desires to touch us in that most personal, intimate and secret place- the core of our being, the location where values, priorities, and passions are formed- past all the layers to the center of our soul. He promises to be that close. We don’t need a just word or a glimpse. We need a touch! What if He did touch your heart? What would be the result? Will you pray, “God touch human hearts, beginning with mine”.

“Repentense”

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 7 (day five) vs. 12 Then Samuel took a stone…and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” True repentance helps us see and understand God more accurately in the three tenses. It’s in the name of the stone- Ebenezer “Thus far the Lord has helped us”. Only after they repented, the Israelites recognized: 1- God was helping in the past (thru sorrow, defeat, depression) 2- God is helping in the present (joy, deliverance, nearness) 3- God will help in the future (His nature, character, promises are un-changing). There was gratitude for the past. There was joy in the present. There was hope for the future.

Romans 2:4- The kindness of God leads you to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9- not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. Psalm 46:1- God is a very present help.

Anyone want/need that kind of perspective and hope? Repent and believe!!

Encourage and Empower

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 3 (day five)

Then Eli discerned that the Lord was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’“. Samuel comes with confusion and questions. Eli discerns that it IS the Lord. Yet doesn’t do the work for Samuel. He doesn’t shortchange Samuel by over explaining the situation. He doesn’t give him the answers. He doesn’t tell stories about his own glory days. He simply encourages and empowers Samuel to correctly listen and respond to the voice of the Lord.

This is a great example for parents and grandparents to follow. We must create a relationship and climate where there is freedom and opportunity for our kids and teenagers to ask questions. Then, we can empower and help our children to do the work of understanding and discovering the voice and guidance of the Lord. It could be a spiritual turning point for them as they grow and mature and begin to own their own faith. (See 1 Samuel 2:26)

Learning about Prayer

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 1 (day five)

Hannah’s faithfulness to pray and her approach to prayer can be helpful to us all.

There is praise in her prayer. She prays to the “Lord of Hosts”. Remember the scene in Luke 1 where the shepherds see and hear the Heavenly Host? (The Angel Armies of the Lord) In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah is praising God for His power and authority, the Lord of Hosts.

Hannah’s example is that praising God in prayer is needed and necessary. I sometimes leave that out in my personal prayer time and just share my heart. Big mistake. Praise helps calibrate my heart. Praise helps put me in my place and helps me see God in His proper place. Praise also fills me with awe- to think that I can talk with an all-knowing and all-powerful Father who invites me into relationship and communication with Him.

Try spending as much time and attention in praise as you do other parts of your prayer time. God will use it to help you.

Terrifying Thought

Re:Verse reading–Luke 24:1-12, 33-49 (day five)

There are several times mentioned that the disciples were scared, troubled, afraid, and confused. However, the most terrifying thought comes at the end of this passage in verse 45 (Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures). These were not new converts or people mildly interested in Jesus and His teaching. These were the close followers, the ones who didn’t drift away, the ones who left their nets. Yet, they still had not understood the scriptures and words of Jesus, even after three years of watching, listening, and walking with Jesus.

If their understanding was lacking and needed supernatural help and encouragement, then our own faith and understanding probably does too. Each and every time we read the scriptures, hear a sermon, or pray, we must ask and beg the Lord through the Holy Spirit to help us understand and apply the truth(s) God would have us realize and practice. “A humble and prayerful spirit will find a thousand things in the Bible which the proud self-conceited student will utterly fail to discern”- J.C Ryle

Hearts Ready to Respond

Re:Verse reading–Luke 23:1-27, 32-49 (day five) There is an interesting similarity and a dramatic contrast between Herod and the second thief on the cross. Both had heard the stories and testimonies of who Jesus was. Vs. 8 Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. Vs. 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” The words about Jesus had differing effects on their hearts. One’s heart was hardened and prideful, while the other’s was open and humbled. Jesus’ response to each of these men was drastically different. Silence to Herod. Salvation and promise to the thief.

As we engage and interact with our friends, neighbors, and others, we must look for hearts ready to respond to the testimony and gospel of Jesus. When we encounter those ready to respond, may we point them to the power and promises of salvation in Jesus Christ.