From Believers to Disciples
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
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A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray for all the children and young people who participated in Sunday’s worship service, and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for their willingness to use their gifts and talents in Jesus’ service!
Offer a prayer of encouragement for the teens you know. Ask God to strengthen them in their walk with Him.
God’s Word Today
Since Sunday was a children and youth Sunday at New Life, we will be taking a break from a specific teaching Scripture. We are going to look at our hearts (Valentine’s Day is on February 14th in the U.S.A.) this week.
1 Samuel 13:1-14
1 Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned for forty-two years. 2 Saul selected three thousand special troops from the army of Israel and sent the rest of the men home. He took two thousand of the chosen men with him to Micmash and the hill country of Bethel. The other thousand went with Saul's son Jonathan to Gibeah in the land of Benjamin. 3 Soon after this, Jonathan attacked and defeated the garrison of Philistines at Geba. The news spread quickly among the Philistines that Israel was in revolt, so Saul sounded the call to arms throughout Israel. 4 He announced that the Philistine garrison at Geba had been destroyed, and he warned the people that the Philistines now hated the Israelites more than ever. So the entire Israelite army mobilized again and met Saul at Gilgal. 5 The Philistines mustered a mighty army of three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and as many warriors as the grains of sand along the seashore! They camped at Micmash east of Beth-aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw the vast number of enemy troops, they lost their nerve entirely and tried to hide in caves, holes, rocks, tombs, and cisterns. 7 Some of them crossed the Jordan River and escaped into the land of Gad and Gilead. Meanwhile, Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear. 8 Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn't come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. 9 So he demanded, "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!" And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself. 10 Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, 11 but Samuel said, "What is this you have done? "Saul replied, "I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn't arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. 12 So I said, 'The Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven't even asked for the LORD's help!' So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came." 13 "How foolish!" Samuel exclaimed. "You have disobeyed the command of the LORD your God. Had you obeyed, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your dynasty must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already chosen him to be king over his people, for you have not obeyed the LORD's command."
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
Saul was anointed of God to be king over all Israel. In today’s reading we learn that he has been rejected by the Lord because of his disobedience and his failure to be a “man after God’s own heart.”
What did Saul do to be rejected by God?
God is still seeking men and women who have a heart like unto His. As believers in Jesus, how can we make certain our hearts are committed to doing God’s will?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
When we think of King David, his sins often come to mind first. He committed adultery, had the husband of his lover killed and took a census of the people against God’s will. Soooo … how could he be a man after God’s own heart?
1. David had an attitude of repentance. When confronted with his sins, he repented and sought forgiveness. Do we acknowledge our sins and confess them to God?
2. David had an attitude of worship. He understood that his purpose in life was to praise the Lord. Read Psalms 103:1-5; 117:1-2; 107:32 for examples of how David praised the Lord. Do we praise the Lord each day?
3. David had an attitude of service. He faithfully tended his father’s sheep and fought Goliath to save his people. What is your attitude of service?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
Take time to repent, worship and serve Jesus each day. Write an action plan below that will help you become a man or woman after God’s own heart:
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
Helping hands and hearts full of love are needed to assist in rebuilding the Gulf area. Here is one mission to consider:
Hurricane Rita Recovery Teams – Mercy Ships
Hurricane Rita blew through southeast Texas a year ago September. The hurricane caused major damage to many homes. There is still a great deal of work to be done and teams of 2-30 are needed to work on the many projects. Mercy Ships (one of New Life’s partner missions) is serving with Rita Recovery, the on-site organization managing the reconstruction efforts in the Beaumont, Texas area. There are more than 800 uninsured/underinsured homes needing immediate attention. The work consists of repairing roofs and walls. Ken and Janet Winebark (New Life missionaries) invite anyone from New Life who would like to serve on a team, to contact them at 903-939-7111 or Janet at mercyteams@mercyships.org.
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Growing and Going!
Today is Valentine’s Day. This secular holiday is a time for people to show their love for each other. Some will send fancy cards, some will exchange candy or other gifts, some will enjoy a meal in a restaurant.
As disciples of Jesus, let’s take time today to move from the secular to the sacred. Take time to tell God how much you love Him. Take time to repent and worship God. And, then, from a grateful heart – one that honors God – serve Him.