February 1: I Samuel 2 -This begins with Hannah’s prayer and then it gives us an honest assessment of Elias’ family, especially his wicked sons. What part jumps out at you? Why? Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. (verse 30) I remember this phrase being used in the movie “Chariots of Fire.” This is a spiritual principle that Jesus even presented when he said, “If you acknowledge me before men I will acknowledge you before the Father. But if you disown me before men I will disown you before the Father.” (Matthew 10:32 & 33) Are you submitted to the Lord? Is God your first priority? How?

We have already started reading about an important time in the history of God’ people. We are introduced to Samuel the Prophet, and this week we will learn about how Israel wanted a king whose name is Saul. Samuel is born in approximately 1,100 BC and we will progress to David, with his birth coming about 60 years later. The contrast between Samuel and Elias’ sons is very stark. Samuel had a right heart before God and Elias’ sons portrayed selfishness and sin. This would affect many lives. Samuel sustains a connection with God and would be used by him to speak the word of truth to all Israel.

February 2: 1 Samuel 3 -What stands out to you in this chapter? Why are you impressed by the story of Samuel? “The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” (verse 10) God reveals himself to Samuel. It says that all Israel recognized that Samuel was a prophet of the Lord. Samuel had a special calling on his life. Even though you might not consider yourself to have that kind of calling, nonetheless the Lord has a plan for you. You can envision God calling your name, because he has set you apart for a reason. How would you describe your calling from God? What are you doing about it?

February 3: 1 Samuel 4 -This is a discouraging event in the life of Israel. The Philistines steal the Ark of God. What impresses you about the story? What kind of warning do you receive from this story? “She named the boy Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory has departed from Israel’ -because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband.”(verse 21) This incident illustrates the spiritual darkness and decline of Israel. This young boy was the grandson of Eli, who was considered a great priest in Israel. But Elias’ sons disobeyed the Lord and God withdrew his blessing from his people. Even the joy of a grandson being born is not a pleasure when sin dominates our lives. What does this story teach you? How might God be asking you to apply it to your life?

February 4: 1 Samuel 5 – This short chapter says so much. We learn about the power of God and a sense of his judgment on people that reject him. “So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, ‘Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people.’ For death had filled the city with panic; God’s hand was very heavy upon it.” (verse 11) The Philistines worshiped many gods. They thought the more gods they had on their side the more secure they were. But the one true God demonstrated his power towards the nation with many gods. What does this teach you about God? How does this demonstrate his greatness? What do you feel led to apply to your life?

February 5: 1 Samuel 6 – The Philistines continue to base their understanding of spiritual life with superstition. But God in his sovereignty shows that he is in charge. The Philistines acknowledge the existence of the Hebrew God, but not to worship him as God. What does this chapter say to you about the Lord? How have people in our society acknowledged God but not really worshiped him? Are you ever in danger of doing that? “Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight.” (verse 13) The Israelites did nothing to rescue the Ark of God. God is totally capable of doing anything without our help. He often chooses to use us but he does not need us. What does that mean to you? How does that make you more thankful for the gracious gift of life God has given you?

February 6: 1 Samuel 7- There are 20 years between I Samuel 6 and this chapter. Samuel challenges the Israelites concerning their devotion to God and the things that distract them from a wholehearted commitment. What catches your attention in this chapter? Why? “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying,’˜Thus far has the LORD helped us.’” (verse 12) I thought you would recognize Ebenezer and it means “stone of help.” The Israelites had great difficulty with the Philistines but God rescued them. God used the Prophet Samuel to build their faith and to cry out to God for help. Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and we can trust in him. How do you need the Lord to help you? How does this story build your faith?

February 7: 1 Samuel 8 – This is the story of when Israel longs for a king. This is an interesting chapter because it seems that the people want a king even if this isn’t what God wants. And, even more interesting to me, they end up getting a king. What does this teach you? How might you apply this to your life? “Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” (verse 20) The Israelites motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them. This was in opposition to God’s original plan. Often we let the values and actions of others dictate our attitudes and behaviors. Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else? How?

February 8: 1 Samuel 9 -This is the chapter about Saul and how he is chosen to be the king of Israel. The story of Saul is an interesting one with such a promising beginning. We will read about his decline every chapter after he becomes king. However, at this point he is God’s choice. What do you learn from this chapter? How do you want to apply it to your life? “When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, ‘This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.’”(verse 17) Saul was not looking to be king at this point. God’s choice had to be surprising to him. But Saul would not stay humble. Why is humility such an important part of God’s call on your life? It says in the Bible that Moses was the most humble man in the land. What does humility look like to you? How humble are you?

This may be a hard week to read about a man who slowly but surely drifts from the Lord. His name is Saul, who I have previously told you had so much potential. I like how the Life Application Bible puts it, “Runners, take your marks . . . get set, go!” Often the fastest runners begin with a burst and lose strength and fade to the middle of the pack in no time. This is the tragedy of the brilliant beginner who sets the pace for a time and does not even finish. He quits the race, burned out and exhausted . . . only a fading reflection of what had been his hopeful outcome.

February 9: 1 Samuel 10 – What impresses you from this chapter? What do you learn from Saul and why is his response somewhat hopeful? “And the LORD said, ‘Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’ They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others.” (verse 22 & 23) Was Saul humble, or was he just afraid to fail? Was he too conscience of himself and not confident in God’s choosing? It looks like humility in the beginning, but we know that it was more feelings of inadequacy and inferiority that really governed Saul’s inner being. How secure are you in the Lord? How confident are you in his purpose for your life? What is the difference between humility and inferiority?

February 10: 1 Samuel 11 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “But Saul said, ‘No one shall be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel.’”(verse 13) We see Saul giving credit to God. His kingship was reaffirmed in this chapter. He showed a strength and determination as a leader who believed that God would take care of them, even in the face of a great enemy. Why did God honor Saul in this case? What do you learn about courage in this chapter? Why is strong leadership so important?

February 11: 1 Samuel 12 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Is there anything that you want to apply to your life? Why? “Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day.”(verse 2) This is called Samuel’s farewell speech. He challenges them about the wrongs they have previously done and how to respond to God out of trust and obedience. Samuel is like other prophets who point to the past for lessons to be learned. What lessons are presented by Samuel in this chapter? What lessons from the past have you learned? We are not to dwell in the past but learn from the past. How have you done that?

February 12: 1 Samuel 13 -We quickly arrive at Samuel’s rebuke towards Saul. What do you take from this chapter? What impresses you? How do you want to apply this to your life? “But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”(verse 14) Saul was full of excuses. God knew his true motives. What does this teach you about the Lord? Why is it futile to hide things from God? What do you take with you from this chapter so that you might live in honesty and humility before the Lord?

February 13: 1 Samuel 14 – We learn more about Saul’s poor leadership in this chapter, but we are also introduced to his son, Jonathan, who will play an important role in the life of God’s people. What impresses you from this chapter? Why?”In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.” (verse 14) This is a thrilling story about Jonathan and his courage. We like Jonathan from the first time we meet him. Here he is trusting in God and courageously confronting the enemy. What do you learn from Jonathan? How do you want to be like him?

February 14: 1 Samuel 15 – I was hoping to find something about love in this chapter, but it is hard to come by. The Lord does not delight in sacrifices, but he wants a genuine love that leads to obedience. (Hows that for a thought on Valentine’s Day?) The New Testament says, “If you love me you will obey me.”That message is found in this chapter, but that is about it. What do you want to apply from this chapter to your life? “Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the LORD was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.”(verse 35) That is a very sad statement. There is another one in the New Testament like it, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” Grieving the heart of God is a very heavy spiritual concept, but I think we become rather casual about our allegiance to God. Saul was begging the Lord for a second chance, but God knew that his heart was not sincere. What Saul really cared about was what the people thought of him. God saw right through it. Why is this such a sad story? What do you learn from it?

February 15: 1 Samuel 16 – We have been looking forward to this chapter as we are introduced to a man after God’s own heart. Which verse stands out to you? Why? The verse that I thought of is one that I am sure you have heard quoted many times. “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”(verse 7) We know that God knew what was true in Saul’s heart. He was not pleased with the deception in Saul’s heart, but now we read about the Lord’s pleasure in the honesty and purity of David’s heart. God evaluates us from the inside out. We oftentimes use all our strength and attention to fix the outside appearance. God is about the development of inner character. How is your heart? How are you guarding your heart? What steps are you taking to improve your heart’s attitude?

This will be an inspiring week of reading God’s Word as we meet David. He has already been described as a man after God’s own heart. Last week we concluded our reading with David being anointed as the future king of Israel. But he doesn’t automatically become the king. There was the upsetting conflict with Saul. Saul actually tries to kill him. May these words be encouraging to you as you are introduced to this young man who had a heart for God.

February 16: 1 Samuel 17 – This is one of the most famous stories in all the Old Testament. If I asked you what is the most well-known story about David, there is no doubt you would choose this story. What stands out to you in this event? What impresses you the most? How does it encourage or challenge your life? “This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” (verse 46) David had a vision about what God was going to do. I am drawn to his faith. Verse 46 shows me the power of envisioning what God can do. How does the faith and courage of David inspire you? What giants do you need faith to slay in your life?

February 17: I Samuel 18 – The part of this chapter that I am drawn to is about Jonathan. David meets the son of Saul and they become friends. Their friendship is very deep. What catches your attention as you read this chapter? How will it affect your walk with God? “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” (verse 1) Their friendship is one of the deepest and closest recorded in the Bible. God was the center of the relationship. Their friendship was bigger than their family problems. They remained faithful to each other as friends until the end. What inspires you about their friendship? What did they do to symbolize the fact they would be loyal to each other? How are your friendships?

February 18: I Samuel 19 – This is the beginning of a long story about Saul’s animosity towards David. Jonathan shows his support of David and tries to convince his father to think differently. What stands out to you from this chapter? Why? “Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly.’” (verse 4) Jonathan’s honesty with his father is an unusual trait in that day. The Bible is clear that sons are to honor their fathers. But when a father is deceived a son should try to do everything he can to help his father understand the truth. That is what is happening here. What do you learn about Jonathan from this story? What do you learn about Saul? Why is Jonathan led of God?

February 19: I Samuel 20 – This is the longest interchange between David and Jonathan. What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you learn about friendship? “So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘May the LORD call David’s enemies to account.’ And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.” (vv 16 & 17) When life gets challenging and friendships are under a strain, the best friendships become stronger. Jonathan and David reaffirmed their love and commitment to each other as brothers in the Lord. Don’t let the challenges of life ruin a friendship. What do you learn from Jonathan and David in this chapter?

February 20: I Samuel 21 – David took these words to heart and was very afraid of Achish, king of Gath. “So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.” (verse 12 & 13) David was alone and he used all his ingenuity and resources to survive. He had faith in God, but he didn’t “sit on his hands.” Rather he went to extreme means to protect himself. God will do his part, but what is your part? How are you called to survive and thrive?

February 21: I Samuel 22 – Most of this chapter is about Saul, but I am drawn to David. David is the kind of man I want to be. What gets your attention in this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.” (verse 2) David’s leadership over these men shows again his resourcefulness and ability to motivate others. It is difficult enough to build an army out of good men, but it takes even greater leadership to build one out of the kind of men that follow David. This group would eventually form the core of his military support. What does this teach you? What kind of man was David that he would build connections with the down and outers?

February 22: I Samuel 23 – Notice how many times David inquire of the Lord in this chapter. What impresses you about this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? “O LORD, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant.” (vv 10-11) David wants to follow the Lord. He is seeking the Lord for guidance. What does this teach you about David? How is Saul different? In what area of your life do you especially need the Lord’s guidance? Why not ask him!?

We are dealing with the conclusion of Saul’s life and his continued opposition towards David. It is not only disappointing to see how far Saul had drifted from God, but he would then inquire of a witch to try to figure out the future. But at the same time, we see David also struggling. It reminds us that in this world we will have opposition. Things do not always go the way we would like. David is a helpful example to us. I think the theme verse could be found in I Samuel 30:6. “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”

February 23:  1 Samuel 24 -What stands out to you in this chapter? What is God’s message to you? “‘You are more righteous than I,’ he (Saul) said. ‘You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.’” (verse 17) David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life. Saul wanted to kill him so why shouldn’t he do the same action toward Saul. David’s refusal to kill Saul, even though his men urged him, was an example of courage, not cowardice. How do you want to be like David? What does David teach us?

February 24:  1 Samuel 25 – What catches your attention in this chapter? What do you learn from David in this story about Abigail and her husband? “Praise be to the LORD, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” (verse 39) Nabal treated David and his men harshly. Nabal was arrogant and selfish. David was going to avenge his disrespect, but Abigail convinced him otherwise. The Lord avenged David’s wrong by taking Nabal’s life. The New Testament reminds us to leave wrongdoing in the hands of God. How does this apply to your life? What does the Bible mean when is says, “‘It is mine to avenge. I will repay’ says the Lord.”?

February 25:  1 Samuel 26 – What impresses you in this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won’t strike him twice.” (verse 8 David is determined to follow God and this carried over to his decision not to murder David’s anointed king. David’s men challenged David to get even because Saul kept on dishonoring his word, but David refused. Who would you have been like in this situation – David or David’s men? Why does the way David responds to Saul show such great strength?

February 26:  1 Samuel 27 – What stands out to you in this short chapter? How might you apply it to your life? ” One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” (verse 1) David sought refuge from Saul in the Philistine territory. He lived under the protection of King Achish of Gath. It appears that David was falsely reporting his activities to King Achish. This is a confusing chapter. Do you think what David did was right? How do you understand this chapter for yourself?

February 27:  1 Samuel 28- This is one of the more upsetting chapters because Saul stoops to inquire of the witch of Endor. He disguises himself so that this wicked woman will tell him what he wants to know. What stands out to you in this chapter? “When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’” (verse 12) This is a confusing scene about Samuel coming from the dead to speak to Saul. The woman screams because she knows he is a holy man. All of her previous work had been done through satanic means. I have to admit I am not sure what all of this actually means to us today. I know for sure that God does not want us to try to communicate with the dead or seek spiritual contact with those who have passed away. However, Saul had fallen so far that a rebuke from Samuel could possibly shake Saul to the core. Why do you think this story is in the Bible? How far has Saul drifted from God? What can you apply from this chapter?

February 28:  1 Samuel 29 – What does this chapter teach you? What impresses you the most? “Achish answered, ‘I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders have said, “He must not go up with us into battle.”‘” (verse 9) Stories about David did not die easily. David was the one who killed the champion Goliath, who was a Philistine. The Philistine commanders would remember this about David and did not trust him. Sometimes there is almost nothing we can do to cause people to think about us differently. Did David do anything wrong? Did the Philistine rulers trust him? What does that teach you about everyday life?