1 Samuel 16:11-12 - My Time Has Come

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Exposition

God instructed Samuel to go and see Jesse the Bethlehemite for He the Lord had made one of Jesse’s sons, king over Israel. Samuel made the journey, met with Jesse and told him to bring his sons for a sacrifice. Jesse obliged him and came along with his sons to the parade. As they stepped in, Samuel saw Eliab and thought; this must be the one for he had the appearance of a king.

Immediately God told Samuel, he wasn’t the chosen one. Samuel the foremost Prophet made a mistake. How many times do those in authority, spiritual and otherwise make mistakes in choosing leaders for different positions? Six other sons came forward and the result was the same. These guys were not the reason that Samuel came all the way from his home. Men tend to be carried away by stature, beauty, wealth, experience, ethnicity, poise, spoken language and much more. The Almighty God who knows the end from the beginning has different criteria. God looks at the heart.

We make decisions affecting marriage, lifelong relationships, business and even in Church. If men are naturally inclined to making a judgment by appearance as we can’t see into a man’s heart, then the proper thing is to seek divine direction before such decisions are made.

Samuel was forced to ask, do you have another son as God had told him the new king was a son of Jesse. Yes, was the response. This last son was keeping the sheep. He was so unimportant that his father didn’t mention his name. It is possible for parents to favour a child compared to other children which could negatively affect destiny.

Men might see you as insignificant but God certainly sees you differently. You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a peculiar people. You are significant in God’s eyes. You matter dearly to your Maker and your blessings will not pass you by.

King Ahasuerus lost his sleep because it was time for Mordecai to be blessed. May your channel of blessing be steered up today in Jesus name.

Samuel said everyone would stand until David arrived. May the welcome party to your uplifting keep standing until you arrive in Jesus name.  

Prayer

Help me to seek you before making any decisions. Let me not rush into any judgment.

My time will not pass me by in Jesus name. My position will not be taken up by another person in Jesus name. By God’s special grace, I will be in the right place and at the right time in Jesus name. I thank you, for I step into my blessings in Jesus name.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 42

Exodus 12-13

Judges 18

Job 42

Jeremiah 42

Mark 14

1 Corinthians 14

1 Kings 3:9 - Give me Wisdom

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Exposition

Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours? -  The earlier verses state that God visited King Solomon in a dream and He, God gave him a blank cheque to ask for anything. He could have asked for wealth and peace which are not bad in themselves but he asked for an understanding heart and an ability to discern the difference between right and wrong. Solomon certainly asked the right source as Proverbs 2:6 says for the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

I believe every person needs wisdom to succeed in life, in all our relationships, on the job or business, and in the Ministry to mention a few.  James 1:5 tells us that if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Paul praying for the people of Ephesus in Ephesians 1:18 asked that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened. Just as Solomon asked, you’d be better off to ask for the same gift so that you’ll be able to differentiate between lies and truth so that you will make the right call at all times. Adam and Eve lost it in the Garden of Eden when they could not detect that the serpent was lying to them, thereby falling into temptation.  

Although not part of our text today, Verses 10-12 tells us that God was pleased with Solomon’s request and apart from giving Him what He asked for, the got riches and honour to top it up. You can say the same type of prayers and in faith receive wisdom from the One whose wisdom created the heavens and the earth.

Prayer

I know that I need wisdom to survive in the world today, grant me wisdom O Lord. Help me Lord to use your wisdom not the wisdom of the world in the name of Jesus. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 14, Genesis 15, Genesis 16

New Testament - Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 6:1-24

Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 6

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Matthew 24:4-5 - I will not be led astray

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PRAYER

Help me father by your spirit to discern agents of the devil out to lead me astray. Help me to see through the sweet words and the fake miracles that are designed by them.

It is my responsibility to discern good from evil. Help me to develop a lasting relationship with you such that I will not be snared by the enemy.

Help me father to weigh everything I encounter by your unfailing words in Jesus name. Amen

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Matthew 24:5 - I will not be deceived

PRAYER

Help me Lord to distinguish those you have called from those unleashed from the camp of the enemy.

Help me Lord to discern those men who speak the truth of the gospel from those who are out to lead people astray and into hell.

Help me to be alert at all times making the right decisions as a result of what I hear and see in Jesus name. Amen

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Matthew 24:24 - I refuse to be deceived

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Prayer

Help me Lord so I am not deceived by the miracles of false prophets for they act the script of the devil.

I ask for a discerning spirit that will discern the counterfeit miracles unleashed on the unsuspecting Christian.

Help me Lord, open my eyes for I refuse to go astray in Jesus name. Amen

Acts 9:23-24 - Give me insight into the plans of the enemy

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Prayer

Let every evil counsel against me be nullified by fire from heaven

Let every judgement against me be washed away by the blood of Jesus.

Let me know what is planned in the bedroom of the enemy. 

Help me take evasive action to shame the enemy.

In their evil gathering release confusion into their midst; as they are planning to kill me, let they kill each other and their future generations in Jesus name. Amen.