Reading for today: 1 Samuel 9:18-26 and Romans 8:12-17

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of
adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15

What an assurance!  The Lord has offered a way to be free of bondage and fear.  God has become our “Abba, Father,” and we are His precious children.  He tells us to call on Him as a little child would call to his daddy.

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 9:11-17 and Romans 8:5-11

“Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came…  So when Samuel saw Saul,the Lord said to him…” 1 Samuel 9:15a & 17a

How beautiful is the relationship between Samuel and the Lord.  From the very beginning of Samuel’s life (see Samuel 3:10) God is whispering in Samuel’s ear and Samuel was ready to do the work of the Lord.  Oh Lord, give us ears to hear!  We desire to serve you.

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 9:1-10 and Romans 8:1-4

Focus on 1 Samuel 9:3-6
(Saul’s father sends him on a 3 day trek all over the land looking for his lost donkeys.)

Wow, I am worn out just imagining chasing after these elusive donkeys!  This had to be frustrating.  Remember, our God does not waste time.  Saul thought he was looking for his father’s donkeys, but God’s plan was for a divine appointment that would define Saul’s future.  Where is the Lord leading you?  On that next tedious task you could be en route to a divine appointment.

Reading for today:  I Samuel 8:19-22 and Romans 7:13-25

“I do not know what I am doing.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”  Romans 7:15

It is true, no believer should settle into this lifestyle.  But the point is, when it happens, face up to it.  Pray God gives us the honesty and humility of the apostle Paul.  Romans 7:13-25 is part of the believer’s experience… not the ideal, but real.  Put on Jesus’ righteousness (Philippians 3:9) and fight to treasure Him above all things.

Reading for today: I Samuel 8:10-18 and Romans 7:7-12

“Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang
to life and I died.” Romans 7:9

Do we really understand the purpose of the Law of God?  It is to reveal sin and teach what is right.  Our only hope is that by faith the Spirit of Jesus will take up residence in our hearts, and deliver us from our old nature.  This is why we need a Great Physician.  “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus… O’ for grace to trust Him more.”

Reading for today: I Samuel 8:4-9 and Romans 7:1-6

“But now, by dying to what once bound us…we serve in the new way
of the Spirit…” Romans 7:6

If you are a child of God by faith, you are inhabited by the Spirit of Jesus and He is not just sitting quietly in your life.  He is at work in you (Phil 2:13) to create a newness of mind and heart that desires to serve Him.

Reading for today: I Samuel 8:1-3 and Romans 6:19-23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

How can sinners like us hope to receive the gift of life and not the wages of sin?  Answer: we are “in Christ Jesus.”  In Him we are righteous.  In Him we are forgiven.  In Him we are loved (Ephesians 1:3-8).  How do we get in Him?  By faith - faith that receives the Gift as a treasure.  You receive Jesus as a treasure and you have Eternal Life.  Amen.

Reading for today: I Samuel 7:10-17 and Romans 6:15-18

“…yet you obeyed from the heart to that form of doctrine to which you were entrusted.” 
Romans 6:17b

Your obedience to God’s Word is not to be forced or debated, but comes out of a child-like heart that is listening and responding to the Father’s voice without hesitation.  Pray for spiritual ears that can hear and answer, “Here am I!  Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Reading for today: I Samuel 7:7-9 and Romans 6:8-14

“…but present yourselves to God…your members as instruments of
righteousness to God.” Romans 6:13b

Yesterday God’s Word challenged you to walk out your new life in Christ by making right choices.  The next step in experiencing what God has for you is to present or surrender your body, mind, and soul to God as an instrument to be used in His service.

Reading for today: I Samuel 7:2-6 and Romans 6:1-7

“…so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4b

As a child of God, you are no longer under sin’s control; you have a choice as to how you are going to walk out this new life with Jesus.  You can choose to sin and be entangled in the world or do what is right and experience what God has for you.  It’s your decision, your responsibility (Philippians 2:12).