Reading for today: 1 Samuel 17:48-51 and Romans 13:11-12

“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him.  But there was no sword in the hand of David.  Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.  And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.”  1 Samuel 17:50-51

The Lord used a sling and a stone and a willing servant.  Allow the Lord to use you today.

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 17:40-47 and Romans 13:9-10

“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.  But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you.’” 1 Samuel 17:45-46a

David’s strength was in his reliance on the Lord.  Where does your strength come from?

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 17:31-39 and Romans 13:8

Focus on 1 Samuel 17:36-37

We must follow the example of David.  We must rely on God’s strength and not our own, for we are nothing without Him.  Ask the Lord to fill you with His strength today.

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 17:19-30 and Romans 13:6-7

“Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, ‘What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel?  For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?’”
1 Samuel 17:26

What is it that sets David apart from Saul and the other Israelites on the battlefield?  His faith in the Living God - not man!

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 17:12-18 and Romans 13:2-5

“David was the youngest.  And the three oldest followed Saul.  But David occasionally went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.” 
1 Samuel 17:14-15

David was faithful in tending and protecting his father’s sheep.  When a wild animal stole a sheep from the flock, he went after the animal to save the sheep.  David’s faithfulness to his father’s flock is a picture of Jesus’ faithfulness toward His Father’s flock.  Our Lord sent His Son to save us, and He continues to protect us and tend to our every need.  All we have to do is ask!

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 17:1-11 and Romans 13:1

And the Philistine said, ‘I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.’  When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.” 1 Samuel 17:10-11

The Israelites were afraid.  They had put their trust in a man and not the Lord.  Are you afraid in the face of your challenges today?  In whom are you putting your trust?

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 16:14-23 and Romans 12:17-21

“Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.”
Romans 12:17

What kind of testimony would we be to non-believers if we took vengeance on those who hurt us?  Because we are children of Christ, we should love and forgive as He has commanded us to, for God will bless the peacemakers (Deut. 32:35).

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 16:8-13 and Romans 12:14-16

“And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!’” 1 Samuel 16:12b

Saul and David were very different in physical qualities and appearance, but God judges by faith and character; only He knows our hearts.

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 16:1-7 and Romans 12:10-13

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another;…” Romans 12:10

We need to honor one another, not for recognition or reward, but out of genuine love for and obedience to Jesus Christ.  We should always be willing to meet each other’s needs, for we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Reading for today: 1 Samuel 15:24-35 and Romans 12:9

“Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil.  Cling to what is good.”
Romans 12:9

Paul is saying to love with a sincere heart without hypocrisy.  Truly hate evil and strive to do what is good (Psalm 97:10).