The 
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for making surprising dreams come true in our lives. I thank You for a dream like David, the shepherd boy, becoming the greatest king in the history of Israel. Help me to recognize that You have great dreams for me, as well. Use me to glorify Yourself today and always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
1 Samuel 16:4-13
4So Samuel did as the LORD instructed him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the leaders of the town became afraid. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?”
5“Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them, too.
6When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the LORD’S anointed!” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.”
8Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the LORD has chosen.” 9Next Jesse summoned Shammah, but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the LORD has chosen.” 10In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” 11Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep.”
“Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”
12So Jesse sent for him. He was ruddy and handsome, with pleasant eyes. And the LORD said, “This is the one; anoint him.”
13So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David’s head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.
Reflecting on God's Word
What is the most unlikely dream that God ever offered You?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Who did Samuel think God would select as king? Why? (16:4-7)
What happened when David was anointed by Samuel? (16:13)
Understanding God's Purpose
What do we see of God’s purpose for humanity in His selection of David as king over all his other brothers?
What encouragement is there for you in the reality that God selected the “runt” of Jesse’s family to be the next (and ultimately greatest) king of Israel?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
How does God’s reminder to Samuel to not think from a human perspective apply to your life right now?
Thoughts...On Not Judging By Appearance...
When the prophet, Samuel, showed up at Jesse’s home to anoint the next king of Israel, he was thinking the same way he had thought when God selected the first king—Saul. Saul was tall and handsome. In fact, Saul’s physical stature was the most noticeable trait about him. So, when he looked at Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab, who was apparently tall and handsome, Samuel assumed that this was surely the one. But God told Samuel not to judge by appearances, because He had already rejected Eliab. It was the same with all seven of Jesse’s sons who were present for the selection process. Finally, Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” (There was a DELAY even in the selection process!) Jesse, mentioned that youngest one was out in the fields tending sheep. Samuel called for Him and David was selected. He was the shortest and youngest of the lot. He was also filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of His anointing. Sometimes delays come in fulfilling God’s dreams because we judge on human appearances, rather than listening to God’s will and plan. May God grant us discernment in our pursuit of His dreams to select what He has chosen—thus keeping us from any unnecessary delays as we pursue them!