JanMary

Q3. (2 Samuel 5:17-25) Why does David inquire of the Lord before he attacks the Philistines the first time? David never presumed anything! He wanted to know that the Lord was with them if they did attack, or he wasn't going into battle! What would have happened if he thought he knew how to attack the Philistines, and didn’t inquire of the Lord the second time? David's army may have been defeated, without this surprise attack, and God's perfect timing, where He went before them to "smite" the Philistines. Why do we often want to figure out the process so we can act independently, rather than wait on God as a way of life? Pride, confidence in ourselves and our plans, our fallen nature which wants to "do it myself" rather than depend upon the Lord. What does that say about God? He is Sovereign...He knows the future and what we will face before we get there, and has a plan for our welfare. He loves us and wants what is best for us, but allows us freedom to decide whether to seek Him or not. What does that say about us? It says we not only don't trust Him very much, but that we don't truly know Him when we want to depend on our own frailty and ignorance!

Q2. (2 Samuel 5:1-5) Approximately how long has it been since David had been anointed king by Samuel? (See Appendix 4. Chronology of the Life of David). It has been about 15 years since David had been anointed King. Why did the fulfillment of God’s word take so long? I believe that the 15 years was preparation for David to be able to wear the crown. He learned how NOT to be King by watching how poorly Saul governed, in the flesh, disobedience to God's word, rage, personal vendetta's, rash death threats, etc. Sometimes we learn more from negative examples and by watching the mistakes and consequences of those mistakes than we do from a positive example. The trials and testing's, deepened David's trust and dependence upon the Lord, as Joseph's trial's prepared him to be Premier of Egypt. How would you evaluate David’s patience concerning this prophecy that he would be king? I would give David an A! He held onto God and the promise and prophecy and never wavered! I loved that he didn't kill Saul when he had the chance in the cave, or when his men took the water jug near Saul's head while he was sleeping, and could have killed him and didn't because they knew David would not allow it! How would you measure your own patience concerning what you believe God has promised you? I've been waiting for 40 years for one promise and 33 years for another, and lesser years for others. In the early years of waiting, I actually shook my fist at God and demanded "why is this taking so long?", in my impatience and immaturity. I wanted things done NOW. As the years have gone on, and my faith has matured, patience has been developed, wisdom gained, grace imparted, I've learned to be content as things are. In the early years I checked quite often to make certain I'd "heard" correctly from the Lord, and He always reassured me. As time passed I learned the pattern: The promise is given, then a problem comes, then the provision. The bigger the promise, the bigger the problem and the longer the wilderness. I've experienced what the Israelites experienced in their wilderness....we've never missed a meal, our clothes and shoes have not worn out, the Lord has moved us about here and there, from hither and yon as the cloud lifts, but we've always had warm shelter, a bed...all that we've needed. When my husband and son needed surgery, though we no longer had insurance, they received miraculous provision and healing. When I have become weary in the waiting, He refreshes me with some delight and freshness in His Word. The biggest blessing is that He has been developing perseverance, which I've learned only comes through long, hard, trials and waiting. The provision for all promises will come, because He cannot lie, and is alert and active to perform His Word. (He gave me that "refreshing" yesterday in Jeremiah 1:11. How I love Him and appreciate His wisdom and faithfulness!

Q1. (2 Samuel 3:22-39) Why does Joab slay Abner? Is he justified in doing so? Joab doesn't see that Abner didn't intentionally kill his brother Asahel, who apparently impaled himself on Abner's spear. Joab killed Abner, then for revenge. No, avenging his brother's death was not a justifiable act of war...it was person vindication. How does this affect his king’s unification plans? It could have derailed the plans, but because David acted wisely the plans went ahead. Why do you think Joab is so blind? Revenge didn't remove Joab's rage...he was still "seeing red" over his brother's death. He was more focused on his own grief and pain than on the King's business, which was also the Lord's plan and purpose in the matter. In the days and weeks following the death of a loved one, grief can so envelope, that life as we know it seems to stop, and the loss and grief are all one can cope with, especially if it was a violent death, suicide, or painful accident. How can our spiritual blindness get in the way of God working out His plan in our lives? When we are spiritually blind, we cannot "see" or perceive what the Lord's will is for our lives. We are literally BLIND and are left to stumble in darkness until we desire to see the LIGHT. Until then we follow our fallen nature, our own instincts, and react to life rather than respond to God's leading.

Q3. (2 Samuel 1:19-27; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14) David is gracious in his memorial psalm. How does he remember Saul’s life? David recounts Saul's and his life as "Your glory, O Israel is slain upon your high places, How the mighty have fallen"....David is not bitter or demeaning, and has moved to the place of forgiveness, perhaps realizing that Saul was his school room for learning how to be king ..... by doing the opposite of Saul's behavior and actions. He remembers him with dignity and as God's anointed king over Israel, and with sadness. How does the Chronicler remember Saul’s life? The Chronicler remembers him with the facts, as stated by the Lord: So Saul died for his trespass against the Lord in sparing Amalek, for his unfaithfulness in not keeping God's word, and for consulting a medium/witch, a spirit of the dead to inquire pleadingly of it....and did not inquire of the Lord in earnest penitence; Therefore the Lord slew him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." He is "painted with an honest brush", as a fallen, disobedient, ungodly king, who was unworthy of the high office! How do you think God evaluates Saul’s life? In the same way as the Chronicler....as an unremarkable sinner who did not repent and had to be removed, for the sake of the Kingdom of Israel. What do we learn from this? We are all sinners, saved by grace. Live a surrendered life in close fellowship with the Lord, and He will direct our paths. We each have a destiny to fulfill, as Saul did, had he followed the Lord. Seek Him early, follow Him eagerly, love Him above all others!

Q2. (1 Samuel 30:6) From the Psalms of David, how does David seem to strengthen himself in the Lord when things are going bad? David gets quiet, pours out his heart to the Lord, honestly and respectfully; he cries for help and comfort; then speaks what he knows of and has experienced in the Lord's goodness and faithfulness to him. Then he gives thanks and worships his Lord in expectant hope and assurance the the Lord has heard and the answer is on the way! What devotional exercises does he adopt? It seems that "Asking, seeking, knocking" would apply. Also, he sought the Lord with his whole heart, as one who is "up to date with God", not as a stranger who only comes when he needs something. David was a worshipper, and offered praise and worship, no matter what was going on....he always prayed from the perspective that God is Good all the time, is always faithful, and loves me as his own child. What is the focus of his faith? Always in the Lord, and the desire to be obedient, rather than in his own ability or wisdom.

Q1. (1 Samuel 30:1-6) Why do the men blame David? Typical behavior in crisis....figure out who to blame then focus the anger there. Somehow, focused anger makes us feel less impotent. David was their leader, and in their grief they may have thought: David "should have known better", "should have sought the Lord first in order to avert the crisis". Why is the situation so explosive at this point. What does David do in the situation? If the men had sought to avenge their rage on David, they'd have killed him. Being the lover of God that he was, he got alone with his God and sought His guidance, "encouraged himself in the Lord". Then sought Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod in order to "hear" what the Lord would tell him to do. What is David feeling? He and the men wept until they had no more strength to weep. Exhausted, frightened, angry, vulnerable, grieved, confused, responsible, perhaps abandoned by God, in the moments before he sought His guidance, but not hopeless, or in unbelief, or he wouldn't have sought the Lord. Why doesn’t he act immediately? I love that he didn't react, but waited until the Lord answered, so he could respond with wisdom and assurance. He didn't know what to do...pursue and perhaps run into an ambush where he and his men would be killed, or rush off without the Lord's strength and make things worse, fail to find and recover their precious families. David was a man who knew the Lord and almost always sought guidance before acting (except in the situation with Bathsheba, and when he took the census).

Q4. (1 Samuel 28:7-14) Why do you think God condemns occult practices of communicating with the dead and channeling spirits of the dead? God is the ONE and ONLY God, the source of ALL wisdom and truth. Seeking guidance from any other is idolatry and witchcraft....whose source is our enemy and God's. How might such practices open Christians to victimization and oppression by evil spirits? By consulting them, the door may be opened to them to come in and oppress, confuse, depress, mislead the believer. They are seducing spirits, whose aim is to mock God and destroy His children. To consult them is as good as an invitation....it's like saying, God's guidance isn't enough for me, what say you? (and expecting to hear anything with value or truth!) What should you do if you’ve been involved in such practices in the past? Before I became a believer I was being seduced by a spirit of divination....(I thought I just had amazing psychic power, pretty heady stuff for a 17 year old!) I knew who was on the phone when it rang and told my family, and was always right. I told a friend's mother the siren was an ambulance coming to my house a block away...however there was as yet no sound of siren....but a bit later she heard it and we went outside and saw the ambulance pull up in front of my house. I ran home to see my oldest brother being taken to the hospital with polio. I predicted my own death before age 40, when I was 5 years old, as had been "revealed to me". (I'll be 70 on Christmas Day). Satan himself woke me one night appearing as an angel of light, and told me things about the future, which thrilled me so much that I told others, only they were all lies! (I thought it was Jesus appearing to me, and when the lies were discovered, I thought Jesus had lied to me!) On a 2 day trip for two to Las Vegas which I won in a radio contest at age 17, my mother went with me. While alone sunbathing by the pool, a well dressed, suave man approached me and invited me to come to work as a dancer at the Tropicana! (I shudder now to think what I would have become had I accepted his offer) There was an all out battle for my soul, in many areas. I was constantly whispered to "why don't you end the pain now and kill yourself", which my older brother had done at age 28, and which was a very appealing way to escape the abuse and terror of my childhood! I never SOUGHT nor invited these "advances", but they came, none the less. When I became a Christian at age 30, I experienced PEACE and JOY for the first time in my life, but the taunts to kill myself continued until 6 years ago when I went through deliverance. I learned about renouncing the ties to the occult and of worshipping the "angel of light" which I had thought was Jesus that long ago night. There was much to deal with in that hour, but the oppression left, the desire to die or to commit suicide left, the spirit of heaviness which hung over me day and night, left, the debilitating terror and horror which often attacked me, leaving me shaking and with panic attacks, ended! I praise God for setting me free, and for snatching me like a "brand from the fire" and for saving me! I praise Him for those who are fearless in standing in the gap for those who are bound, and helping to set me free and deliver me from Satan's vicious oppression! HE BROUGHT ME OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS GLORIOUS LIGHT!

Q3. (1 Samuel 25) What do we learn about David’s character in this incident with Nabal and Abigail? Abigail's "soft words" turned away David's wrath. David softened his heart at her words, and gave up his plan to seek revenge against Nabal, even though he felt justified at being repaid evil for the good protection and kindness he provided for Nabal's shepherds. What do we learn about Abigail’s character? Abigail took responsibility for her dunce of a self centered husband's words, and stood in the gap between he and David and David's men. She was a generous woman, providing liberally in payment for the kindness David had shown the shepherds. I see her wisdom also, in the words she spoke to David, and her humility. She was bold and quick to respond to the threat of danger, and may have been fearful but didn't let that stop her from doing the right and needful thing to avert a slaughter. She was decisive and courageous. Nabal’s character? Nabal was a "train wreck"....the scripture calls him "rough and evil" in his doings. He was stingy and unconcerned about what was the honorable thing to do, and concerned only about himself. It seems as if he left Abigail to fend for herself, and the shepherds as well, with no protection if David had chosen to repay with revenge. Why do you think this story was included in 1 Samuel? I think it was included in part because it's the beginning of the love story between David and Abigail....and her rescue when Nabal falls dead from a stroke. It also shows that though a warrior, David also had wisdom and restraint, and was willing to receive Abigail's "advice and petition"....a difficult thing for many men. As when Jonathan came in the love of a true and loyal friend, to David to encourage and remind him of his destiny as King, the Lord used Abigail in the same way to remind David of God's promises and future destiny! she also reminded him of WHOSE David was.....the Lord's....that he was not free to run helter skelter killing over a slight, for the sake of a few meals for he and his men; that his was a high calling which needed to be heeded. What important knowledge does it add to our understanding? It's a reminder to me to remember to WHOM I belong...I am God's representative on earth and though tested and tried, I'm not free to yield to the flesh in resolving issues...no matter how justified or how angry. Vengeance is His, not mine to repay. It's also a precious reminder of the lengths the Lord will go to teach and train us in order to fulfill our destiny....to prepare us for what lies ahead. I love that the Lord shows us the "good the bad and the ugly" in our forefather's who needed a Savior, as we do!

Q1. (1 Samuel 24:1-15) Why doesn’t David kill Saul when he has the chance? David loved the Lord and had utmost respect/honor for His anointed. His conscience was stricken for even cutting off the corner of Saul's robe! What motive do he and his men have for killing a king who is trying to kill them? They are all hunted men, enemies of the King. Their motive is self defense...Kill or be killed! The men remind David that the Lord said: "Behold the day of which the Lord said to you, Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hands and you shall do to him as seems good to you." Their rationale was that Saul had been delivered into David's hand and that it must be God's will for David to kill him. What is David’s rationale for sparing Saul? He spared Saul because he was the Lord's anointed. What does this tell us about David’s character? David wasn't perfect by any means, but he loved the Lord and wanted to honor Him and not intentionally sin against Him. He still recognized Saul as his Master and King and seemed content to wait for God's timing to wear the crown, and not hasten it through killing Saul. About his faith? I love David's faith! The Lord was first and foremost in David's heart and mind. What does it say about David’s leadership ability that he is able to dissuade his men from killing Saul? This speaks highly of his leadership skills! They obviously respected him and obeyed his command. They had heard about how he killed Goliath with one smooth stone, and knew David was a warrior, yet trusted his wisdom and judgment.

Q4. (Psalms 18, 34, 54, 56, 58, 59, 142) In these ascriptions to these psalms, how many celebrate happy occasions? None How many arise from struggles? All of them. What does this tell you about David’s relationship with God? I love David's relationship with God! I've endeavored to do the same in mine, in that he was transparent, honest, trusting, and full of love for His Father! I believe scripture shows us the pattern He desires...that of an only child of the Perfect Heavenly Parent/Father, able to come with skinned "knees", heart break, trouble, fear, needing deliverance, able to express anger and outrage, and dancing and singing jubilant praise when He blesses us, and yet continuing to praise Him in the midst of whatever befalls us, always knowing we are His beloved child. What does this tell you about his faith during trials? David clung to the Lord, no matter what was going on. His faith never waivered. I can't think of a time when David was in unbelief. He never blames God for trouble, but runs to Him when there. Which is your favorite among these Psalms? Why? Each Psalm has been my favorite at one time or another. Psalm 18 has encouraged me a number of times in the middle of the night when I was feeling desperate for the Lord's help...and love the majestic and powerful way David described the Lord delivering him and bringing him "forth into a large place, because He delighted in David. (I've discovered the "large Place" is God Himself as a result of waiting, humiliation, trials, loneliness, betrayals......) In Psalm 34 It comforts me to be reminded The Angel of the Lord encamps around me, and His eyes are always toward me, His ears to my cry! Psalm 54 comforted me greatly when I was slandered by lies when 2 believers allowed Satan to use them, "The Lord delivered me out of every trouble when evil rose up against me", He vindicated me and disciplined His wayward son and daughter. All that said, I LOVE His Word...it is my food every day and night. The longer I've walked with my Lord, the more precious has His Word become. How I praise and glorify Him! I long to see Him face to face!

Q3. (1 Samuel 23:14-18) Why does Jonathan visit David in the wilderness? Jonathan went to encourage David, and to "Strengthen his hand in God", by saying "Fear not: the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel and I shall be next to you. Saul my father knows that too. Then they made another covenant before the Lord." v. 16-18 What risk is there for David? What risk is there for Jonathan? The risk to David never changed...Saul was determined to kill him as further demonstrated through his massacre by sword of the entire city of Nob, just because Ahimelech "inquired of the Lord" for David. If Saul had known of Jonathan's visit to encourage David, it would only have added fuel to his fire of hatred. The risk to Jonathan, would have been certain death! He had already sentenced Jonathan to death for having eaten a little honey, after Saul decreed death to anyone who ate food and having forced the men to take an oath regarding the order, in I Sam 14. The people stayed Saul's hand in defense of Jonathan, who hadn't heard his father's crazy order, and because the Lord used Jonathan and his armor bearer to cause the Philistines to scatter. This would have surely been the nail in Jonathan's coffin! What do you think it meant to David? Have you ever received a visit from a friend when you needed it most? I can only imagine what a blessing this was to David (and to his beloved friend to be used of the Lord), who may have felt totally abandoned! To see the face of one who loved him and only wanted God's will and best for David, must have moved him greatly! I can almost see David's tears as Jonathan conveyed and reaffirmed God's word to David. The Lord has sent his messengers to me during a number of crises! In the early days of my walk when trouble came, my first reaction was to feel that God had abandoned or forgotten me. (He has healed that old wound from childhood abuse and neglect which was the familiar "fallback" emotion, to now, thankfulness that He trusts me to go through trials) The first time was as a brand new believer, when a Dr. told me it "looks like cancer", took a biopsy, which was then lost for 3 weeks, while I agonized in terror, having been told by my mother at a young age that I would probably die of cancer. The Lord sent a lady named Mary (she may have been an angel, since I didn't know her who came to my house every day to support, encourage, pray with me, feed me God's word, and to just "sit on the ash heap" of terror beside me, while waiting to hear the verdict, which in my mind was "Cancer: I die, no cancer, I live to continue caring for my two little ones. When the report came back "no cancer cells", Mary disappeared. I've had so many "encouragers" too many to count, over the years, but every one a precious gift of God's love and comfort to me.

Q2. (1 Samuel 22:20-23:12) What did Abiathar and the ephod have to do with “inquiring of the Lord?” The ephod containing the Urim and Thummin was the method had God given the priests to seek his guidance through prayer and Abiathar was the lone survivor from Saul's slaughter of the priests. Why did David inquire of the Lord? David's life was threatened once again by Saul who was on an insane rampage after wiping out the entire city of Nob, including priests, men, women, children, and all animals with the sword. When David was told the Philistine were attacking Keilah and robbing the threshing floors, he inquired whether to go and fight them or to run for his life from Saul. His army of men were terrified and didn't want to fight. So David inquired a second time and the Lord said to go and I will give them into your hand.The second time gave his men assurance and they went to fight. He inquired a third time after they won the battle, believing Saul would hear and then come to Keilah to kill him, and asked whether the people would favor their king and deliver David up to him....the Lord said, yes, they will, so David and his men escaped, then ran "wherever they could go." What huge advantage does the person have who seeks God’s will before acting? The advantage of knowing God will fight for the individual, and the peace and assurance of knowing one is in the perfect will of God and that He will order the steps in the direction of God's choosing. How can you find God’s will at key points in your life? I seek His will every morning before the day begins, rather than waiting for the crisis times.I see this life as an adventure in following Him, of being led by His Spirit. I ask Him to order my steps (He always goes before me, but that's my way of reminding myself Who is leading, and that I'm to be on the lookout for course changes, encounters, insights, something to delight my eyes in His creation, etc.) I seek Him in prayer and in His Word. When a crisis arises and I'm afraid, I simply cry HELP ME LORD, because I know He's there and knows all about what is happening. I ask often for Wisdom. When faced with life altering decisions, I get very quiet, spend time alone and lots of listening for His still, small voice. In most of those times, His Word has spoken, such as one time we were tempted to leave the area, and had been offered help in going back to our former state.We were in crisis, losing our home and having lost our business. We only had hours to decide, and I said Lord, You know where I'm reading right now and I don't know what you can say to me in Numbers but I believe you will speak! I opened to where I had been reading, and several sentences later I read: "You are not to go back that way again." We stayed put and told those offering help that we are to stay here and allow Him to take us through the crisis, rather than escape and leave the place He has promised to bless us, and He has blessed us!

Q1. (1 Samuel 22:2) Why were David’s men attracted to him? They were a wild, disconnected group of men looking for a leader and a common cause, while David was a rugged, warrior and a true leader but with the heart of a shepherd. v 2 : everyone in distress or in debt or discontented comprised this "army" of men. (v1:his brothers and all his father's house went to him also.) They were an army "waiting to happen", and having heard of his exploits and the women chanting: "Saul has slain his 1,000, and David his 10,000", they flocked to David to become their commander. What did they have in common? They were all disenfranchised (today's term), on the run, in trouble, in debt, needing help, away from family and security of homes and family....all needing protection. What kind of men were these? Rugged, probably with an itch to fight and settle scores, unruly, lawbreakers, wild...the rabble of society. What difficulties do you think David probably had in leading them? I would imagine there were many who thought of themselves as leaders, but lacked the skill to lead, who had difficulty submitting to his authority. Just the magnitude of taking responsibility for 400 of societies outcasts is unimaginable! Finding food and other necessities would cause most to be dismayed! In every group there are always factions, disharmony, grumbling, murmuring, passive aggressive anger,....they were already discontented to begin with, and I'm almost certain David's band would be no different. There are always those with the victim mentality, who are so easily offended. There may have been some who watched to see if his family received favoritism. (Think of the groups that come together in churches!) He undoubtedly used his shepherding experience.....that of kindness and building loyalty and trust so they would want to follow him, rather than being "whipped" in order to do so.

Q4. (1 Samuel 20:35-42) What is the nature of the covenant between David and Jonathan? It's a bond of friendship, an oath of loyalty, sworn before Almighty God; A true alliance, in spite of Jonathan's blood relationship with his father Saul, who despises David and wants him dead. What does David receive? A true friend and ally, comfort in the midst of an unjustified attack of hatred, while having to run for his life into the wilderness. It speaks of God's faithfulness toward one of His own, just as He provided the comfort of a new believer hanging on the cross next to Jesus in His most horrifying, dying moments while separated from His Father. What does Jonathan receive? Jonathan receives besides an ally and friend, a promise of favor in the future for his descendents when he knows his father will be dethroned and David will finally wear the crown. In Bible times, the new King often killed the family members of the previous king to protect the new kingdom and to ensure his reign. Who benefits the most from this covenant? Is it self-serving – or not? Up front, It appears that David benefits most, but one's posterity meant everything in those days, and being promised that Jonathan's children will have a place at David's table was huge! David was true to the covenant and found Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son and cared for him after Saul and Jonathan were dead.(II Samuel 19) So, No, I would say it was not self serving as both benefitted equally. What is the significance that God is witness to the covenant? Both David and Jonathan honored God, and chose Him as witness, so that He would hold them accountable if either failed to honor the covenant.

Q3. (1 Samuel 19:18-24) What does it tell us about Saul’s faith that he pursues David even when he has sought the sanctuary of the prophet Samuel? I don't see faith at all....just arrogant self absorption, and rebellion against God's purposes and God's chosen man to replace him as King. Why do people prophesy when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? The Holy Spirit's Presence is so powerful that the person speaks what is given him/her. When He has given me a prophecy, the words have just come out of my mouth, and there is a peace...no awareness ahead of time that I'm going to speak or of what to say, and I'm aware that He is in control, and there is never any question about Who is the author of the message....but it has always been a word in due season, and on time. What is the relationship between this incident and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)? In both incidents the Holy Spirit gave utterance through the individuals who were in His manifest Presence. The purpose is always to bring Glory to God. In this situation I believe the Lord was demonstrating to Saul and his messengers, and reaffirming to Samuel and to David, that God is Sovereign, He brings down one and raises up another, and Saul's reign was over even though he was still wearing the crown.

Q2. (1 Samuel 18:18-22) Which of the following is David’s chief motive for marrying Michal, in your opinion? Argue for the motivation that makes the most sense to you: (1) pride in his military prowess, (2) obedience to Saul’s desires, (4) enjoyment in killing Philistines. (3) love or desire for Michal, V 20 swayed me: "Now Michal, Saul's daughter, LOVED David; and THEY told Saul, and it pleased him.They obviously had a relationship, to have spoken of love, so I think that is the main reason, but V 26 says "It pleased him well to become the King's son in law, so perhaps David had a 5th reason not mentioned....becoming a son in law just might cause Saul to "bury the hatchet", and there would be peace between he and Saul.

Q1. (1 Samuel 18:13-16). Why does Saul send David into battle? That was kind of eerie to think about! The same reason David later sent Bathsheba's husband Uriah into the front lines...the likelihood of being killed. Saul was jealous of David's fame from his success in defeating the Philistines and the women's dancing and singing praise about David made Saul angry, as in his mind he was diminished as King and military commander. ("What more can he have but the kingdom?") Additionally, Saul was afraid of David because he knew the Lord had departed from him and was with David. v 12. What is the result? David acted wisely in all his ways and succeeded. (When Saul saw how capable and successful David was, he stood in awe of him.) v 14,15. To what does the narrator attribute David’s success? V.12, 14: The Lord was with him.

Q3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that “the battle is the Lord’s”? I can only speak for myself, and my reason is that for half of my life I didn't know the Lord! I grew up in a neglectful abusive home and believed that I was on my own, that there was no one who would or could help me, and that as a child (and into adulthood), I had no resources. It has taken a number of years as a believer to 'renew my mind", and erase the old messages. But when in a crisis it's almost always a knee jerk reaction to go back to what I knew....it still happens, but now only for a minute or two, then I engage with the Lord and know that I'm never alone, He is my shield and buckler and owns all the resources I could ever need.....Once I get to that place, I can relax and trust Him to handle the situation.... without me or intervening on my behalf and guiding and giving me wisdom for the next step. What does that phrase actually mean? It means to me that God is Sovereign and as in Ps 199:91 "All things serve God", which includes Satan. So whatever the battle I'm in or is coming against me, He is the victor, and will bring victory and the outcome will serve His purposes and my good. It means He has unlimited resources, including thousands of angels He can dispatch if He desires, to enter the fight and subdue evil forces. It means that I'm to remember that the war is not with flesh and blood but with unseen powers and principalities who hate Him and hate me, and I'm to cry "Abba, Help", and "He comes running." It means when I've called out to Him and no guidance or the next steps to take have been given, I'm to STAND! If it's an inner battle with sin or subduing the flesh, I've learned that my will power is zilch! But He does "all things well", and delights in being asked to help me! That way I don't depend on my strength alone, and He gets the glory for every victory! How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles (“God is on my side”), rather than engaging in His battles (“I am on God’s side”)? I would say, Stop and ask Him before being pulled into a battle! "Father, is this something worth fighting for? Something You want me to be involved in? If so, How? Please show me! If not, I put it in Your capable hands and I'll stand on the sidelines and pray, or in some cases, detach and disengage and let go of wanting to have a say in the outcome!

Q2. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) What does David’s explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David’s faith? It shows that David's faith was entirely in His God's ability to do battle...he just had to "show up", and allow God to use him. It says that David had personal experience in God's faithfulness. His faith had been tried and tested, and he was unwavering in his belief that the Lord would bring victory...... again. How lethal is David as a warrior? VERY! He had courage, boldness, was not intimidated in the least by this huge, loud, prideful, boastful enemy, and the willingness to go into battle. David knew this was a "right" or "righteous" battle, so didn't waver. Most of all, his strength was not in his own abilities. He knew that he knew that he knew that his God would deliver him, and therefore, the nation from the Philistines. Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? Saul was a coward and was too intimidated to act. He was desperate and David seemed like the only option. Perhaps David's faith inspired him to allow him to go forward. (Just as fear is contagious, so is faith!) Does Saul have faith? Saul had some faith, but not much personal relationship with the Lord....he had prophesied when the Holy Spirit came upon him when Samuel had anointed him with oil as King. He'd experienced victories, and his own failure when he feared what the people thought more than what the Lord had spoken to him to do, and admitted his sin and weakness. If so, what is the source of it? Apparently because of his awareness of his own weakness, he saw that David's trust was in his God, and not in his own strength...and on that basis allowed him to face Goliath on behalf of the nation.

Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26-30) Why is David so upset about Goliath’s taunt? I think it's because of David's love relationship with the Lord, and his trust and faith. He KNEW the Lord, and I believe wanted to silence the ignorant, evil enemy of God. I also think some of his anger was directed at the impotent, cowering King Saul and his army who had been intimidated into paralysis by this loud mouthed giant. Why is Eliab, David’s brother, so upset with David? I think Eliab was embarrassed by his own fear and impotence, and that this young "upstart" little brother, whom he disdained as a useless shepherd, had the nerve to speak up with eagerness and courage to trust His God to do battle on their behalf. What does this teach us about David’s faith? David's faith was in His God, not in his own ability. He'd experienced God's strength in using him to kill a lion and a bear who were attacking his father's sheep, and he saw Goliath as another "gnat" to be faced and conquered, in the power and might of His God, once again using his sling and stones. What does it teach us about Eliab’s character? Eliab was a coward (as was the rest of the army, including Saul!). He was waiting for "orders" which didn't come. Because of his own insecurity and pride, he chose to taunt, shame and humiliate his own brave little brother, instead of where it should have been directed...attacking the enemy of Israel. The fact that he attacked David in front of the men further demonstrates his lack of character.

Q4. (1 Samuel 16:14-23) From Saul’s perspective, why is David summoned to court? God had removed His presence and anointing from Saul, and he was now vulnerable to the torment of an evil spirit who filled the vacancy of the Lord's Presence now gone from him. We are instructed to sing unto the Lord, to give thanks and praise and dance in worship to Him. David and his musical skill was summoned as a substitute "comfort" for the comforter now gone from Saul and who no longer had a song to sing or worship to offer the Lord. From God’s perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul’s court? I believe the purpose was for David to learn "how NOT to be king" by learning from Saul's behavior. It was also to train David through trial and hardship...a "Kingly Boot Camp" for the time he would reign. What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? I can only speak for myself. In the early years, it was impatience, immaturity, wanting my own will (had to learn gradually that is not an option most of the time), self pity, fear that God had abandoned me (childhood wounds, unhealed), pride, and ignorance. In later years, the one that crops up, especially if I'm weary and the trial has been long, is discouragement. I get over that pretty quickly, from the years of learning that He is absolutely trustworthy and always knows what is best for me. What might make us more teachable? A pastor once told me to follow the F.A.T. principle: remain faithful, available and teachable. I think "a surrendered spirit, soul and body sums it up for me.

Q3. (1 Samuel 1:13) What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? Anointing was an outward sign signifying that David was God's chosen vessel for Kingship. Anointing also brought the presence and power of God to the life of the anointed. (Did not remove the free will, however) What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming upon David? David needed the power and presence of God to perform the duties of king over Israel, as we do to walk with the Lord in a fallen world. The anointing was David's assurance that he had indeed been chosen by God (not a whim of Samuel). How does this explain his success? From that day onward, David knew and recognized "his place" in God's plan for Israel. He had developed a love relationship of intimacy and honesty with he Lord in his days of shepherding his father's lambs, with only the Lord for companionship, so with the anointing he was equipped for the job, as long as he walked with and sought the Lord in all things. He was human and failed a number of times, but the Lord was faithful to honor David as King until his death. How is the Holy Spirit upon us vital for our own success as disciples? I've learned, then relearned (I'm a slow "learner" that I can do nothing of lasting import without Him. I've come to the place in my life that I recognize that He gets the glory, credit and honor for anything which has been or will be accomplished in my life. I was once asked years ago what I wanted my legacy to be.....or my tombstone epitaph. I said " A woman of faith who loved people", thinking that having great faith and great love would be MY achievement. But after years, and hindsight, I can say that He has carried me through the 40 years of waiting for promises which are yet to be fulfilled. Even my faith is His to claim, even though I've cooperated with Him in developing it, by leaning into Him and trusting Him....but first He had to train me to trust Him, to undo the years of abuse and mistrust in anyone! Then He's had the job of healing a broken heart which had no clue how to love, then filling it with His love to give back to Him and to others.

Q2. (1 Samuel 16:3-12) How does this story teach us the importance of listening carefully to God’s voice? It teaches me that God always knows what He is doing, and that most times I'm clueless! Samuel would have anointed the tallest, most handsome son, rather than God's choice. It also shows me that God wants me to be dependent on Him, step by step, as He reveals His plan, so that I don't run off half cocked and do what I think He wants when I hear His first words.....my life has been one of WAITING, and all of it has had His purposes in mind. So now I do the first thing, then wait for the next thing... What is our instinctive way of discerning? For me instinct is to look at the circumstances or appearances and try to make a decision......so far that has never worked out! How is God teaching us to discern? He's teaching me as He did Samuel...He speaks and gives me just enough to know I've heard from Him, then when I begin to move in that direction, He gives me a little more as I "listen" and stay alert to His leading. I've learned over the many years I've walked with Him, that He's not holding out on me as a joke, or to keep the upper hand or anything else, but to teach and train me to listen for His leading and to follow Him only. He's after my dependence, for my benefit so that I can walk in His light which has built our relationship and added to my joy! An experience several years ago affected me in a profound way regarding how He leads. At a retreat with a dear friend, another woman was holding the flashlight to lead us back through the pitch black night at the campground after the evening session. When she shined the light several feet ahead, we stumbled, as we could not see that the path was winding, bumpy and going down hill. She then shined it right in front of our next step, and even though that's all we could see, the way was certain, and we found our way "home" one step at a time. I blurted out, half kidding "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path".....but He taught me a profound lesson in His guidance technique! How do we learn to listen to the Spirit? Desire and practice! Sometimes long years of practice, and sometimes through mistakes such as hearing my own "voice", because that's what I want at the time, or "hearing" from others who think they know best, or in one case for me, "hearing" and "seeing" a beautiful angel of light, who spoke to me...but who lied. It was only then I learned that even Satan and demons "speak", so it's imperative that we learn to hear the Shepherd's voice and then follow only Him. I hear best when my need is great and I am focused and listening. I read one time that He is speaking all the time, but we don't "hear" because we are not listening.

Q1. (1 Samuel 15:22-23). What is rebellion? It is doing the opposite of what I know I'm to do! I've rebellled a time or two, and recall that it is the ultimate in stubborn willfulness! In what way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft or occult practices? Rebellion is rejecting the word and direction of the Lord....or choosing to oppose Him. It's joining forces with God's enemy and his evil purposes. What does rebellion have to do with arrogance? Arrogance and pride are putting my confidence and trust in my own wisdom and ability or strength. What can we do when we find rebellion against God in our hearts? I wave the white flag of SURRENDER, and humble myself before Him, acknowledging my desire to do my own thing, and ask Him to help me to fit into His plans and desires. What happens if we do nothing? That seed of rebellion will grow and produce a crop of sin and bad "fruit".

Q5. (Galatians 6:16) Who comprises “the Israel of God” today? Everyone who is "in Christ"...who has been born again, whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, rich or poor from every tongue, kindred, & nation! Isn't Heaven going to be a colorful, glorious, place??? Who is excluded from this group? Everyone else! How is Romans 11:17-25 designed to temper Gentile pride? Every believer has been saved by grace ALONE....our faith in Jesus' sacrificial death grafted us as wild branches into the Olive Tree, and we stand in awe and reverential fear of this astonishing privilege! The Jews as a nation (the cultivated branches) were cut off and set aside for the time being due to their rejection of Messiah Jesus, but in "that day" they will mourn both corporately as a nation and as individuals for their unbelief and rejection of Jesus and will be grafted in again, in faith...and we will be one unified "family (Olive) tree" to the Glory of God!