Scripture: 1 Samuel 10.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Samuel 10:26-27 (NLT)

26 When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a group of men whose hearts God had touched went with him. 27 But there were some scoundrels who complained, “How can this man save us?” And they scorned him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

It is nothing short of miraculous what God can do in a person’s life when they surrender their all to Him. Saul had been a trouble maker and was known among his people as one not to be trusted. God spoke through Samuel and spoke to Saul, causing a heart changing event in his life. As people witnessed this change, there were various reactions. In these verses we note that some were so touched by God through Saul that they went with him as co-laborers in the mission field. However, there were some who knew about Saul’s past and couldn’t see beyond that, so they refused to listen to or follow Saul. This reminds me of our world today. I know that God can use even me to speak through, and minister to, His people today. However, there are some who will be discerning of the power of God and His righteousness, realizing that I am only a messenger being used of God, while others will look down their pious noses and look at the human side of me and the limitations that might be contained in and through man, and because of that they will refuse to listen and even obey what I may have to say. A good lesson is taught in this scripture by Saul. We have the option of letting the ungodly have their way and distract us from our mission (work for the Lord), or we have a Godly obligation to carry on the work of the Lord even in these circumstances so that everyone will bear witness to the work of the Lord and be equally blessed by it. Let’s remember that what we do should be done for the glory of God and not for our popularity or promoting ourselves, and especially not to please others. People didn’t like Jesus when He ministered here on earth, so can we expect anything different? If we give in to the evil and negativity of those that complain (scoundrels – as labeled in verse 27), we are attributing more power to the work of Satan than to the mighty hand of God. I can’t think of anywhere in scripture where God said that everything we do will be easily and quickly accepted by the world. Instead, there are lots of times that God warns us that as we stand for Him and for what is right in His sight, we will receive opposition. So let’s learn from Saul about how we should proceed under such circumstances. He didn’t run like a dog with his tail tucked in behind him, instead he ignored the opposition and went on about the work of God. We must love those that persecute us and speak evil about us, but we must always remember that it is God that we serve and Him alone that we look to for His approval and encouragement to go on. I am reminded of that song ‘On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand’. Christ will lift us up and keep us safe on solid ground, others could very easily lead us into sinking sand!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

On Christ alone I take my stand, for I am reminded that any other ground could very easily lead to disaster or discouragement or failure. I must not let the vile of this world get to me, as I know in whom I trust and who I depend on daily for my strength, guidance and power. Please continue to grant me grace to carry on about Your work oh Lord. Let me be so focused on Your will and Your way that the side effects of this wicked world, or even those who claim to be Your followers, will have no effect on my commitment to follow You, and serve You all the days of my life. You are my Rock and my Sustainer. It’s You I depend on daily to see me through. Thank You Jesus for such an awesome privilege to know You as Lord and King and to be led by You in all walks of life.

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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