Reading for today
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 14, 15, 16
New Testament: John 16
Thoughts from today’s reading
1 Samuel 15. Saul is rejected as king over Israel because he failed to carry out the instruction that God had given to him. We see that he was more concerned about pleasing the people and even when Samuel told him he had been rejected, he was begging to be honoured in front of the people rather than mourn for his disobedience.
The peoples advice to spare the best sheep and to destroy the worthless ones is a form of showing respect of persons or partiality, this thing God hates. We should not respect the rich and despise the poor as as revealed in the book of James 2.
We learn that partial obedience is no obedience, and to obey is better than any form of sacrifice we can bring.
John 16. Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to the believers. His work helps us to grow deeper in faith and relationship with Christ. He guides us into all truth and is the bringer of revelation on the the things that Jesus has said.
The spirit of the world is tribulation and trouble, but the Spirit of God is life and peace. In the world, tribulation is guaranteed but Jesus said we should rejoice because He has overcome the world and given us peace in the midst of trouble.
Prayer
1. Lord we yield to your instruction in full obedience. You said that your commandments to us are not grievous and you supply grace for every thing that you expect us to do. You said you will not put a burden on us that we cannot bear. Thank you for your faithfulness. We repent of the respect of persons and showing partiality which can distract us from fully obeying what God requires. Thank you for by mercy we are able to make a fresh start with You and you guide us by your Spirit to get it right.
2. Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are grateful that He leads us into all truth and helps us to grow in faith and to be all you have desired for us to be. We thank you that in the midst of the trouble in the world today, we have peace. Nothing shall be missing, nothing shall be broken in our lives and in our family as we go through this period of lockdown, COVID-19, economic standstill, fear and uncertainties. You have overcome the world and we have overcome the world in you. We give you praise for victory in Jesus name, Amen.