1 Samuel 10, Ecclesiastes 11, 1 John 1

Samuel gave Saul signs to look for so Saul would believe God had indeed chosen him. The chief sign was that Saul would "be turned into another man." (v.6) And "So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart . . ." The people saw Saul's tall, commanding stature. God saw Saul's heart. The power of the Holy Spirit would make Saul an effective king, not his physical prowess.

All along, Saul was clearly God's Plan B. Of course, He knew the people would reject Him and prepared Saul for his role. But a human king wasn't God's ideal plan.

The Israelites were so focused on what they could see that they rejected all else.

Solomon knew that if our focus is on ourselves and our happiness, based on circumstances, we'll end up miserable and under God's judgment. But if we focus on giving and serving others, we will see a return. It may come as material goods, and it may come by knowing we've pleased God. But if our focus really is on God and others, our greatest treasure will become having God's pleasure.

John wanted his readers to have no doubt that he wrote what he had seen, heard, and touched: Jesus Christ. That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, eternal in nature. And that others can have fellowship with Him. John makes clear the test to know who is living in fellowship with Christ--only those who practice truth. That means living it out in our behavior. Once again, it's about focus, this time on Christ and living like Him.

1 Samuel 7, Ecclesiastes 8, 2 Peter 1

If you ever wondered where the phrase, "Here I raise mine Ebenezer," in that old hymn came from, now you know. In verse 12, the stone memorial was built to remember, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."

The key for the Israelites was worship. When they worshipped right, their enemies stayed at bay and there was peace. It took a leader to show them what to do. They followed Samuel's admonition, and peace ensued.

How we worship determines whether our enemy stays at bay. If we feel overcome by evil, stop. Check our worship practices. Cut out anything in our lives that competes with God. Focus on Him. Praise Him. Thank Him. Meditate on scripture. The enemy will flee.

Solomon speaks of the need to live a righteous life. Not to live longer, but to please God, that "it will be well with those who fear God . . " referring to life after death. In the meantime, he recommends we not take ourselves too seriously. Verse 15 implies the value of enjoying the life we have. The chapter ends with the reminder that we as humans cannot understand all the workings of God. So, our job is to worship right and leave the rest to God. The peace that comes will help us enjoy living.

Peter points out the need to not only trust Christ, but go through a process of character development. (v. 5-9) An intentional focus on living for the Lord parallels worship and produces confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we trust Him and live for Him and worship Him, we need not fear our outcome. Peter knew his life's end was close. He wanted others to be encouraged by his faith and pay attention to the prophecy of scriptures for their own assurance of life with Christ after death.

1 Samuel 2, Ecclesiastes 3, 1 Peter 1

Reading 1 Samuel 2 is like looking into a camera lens while it zooms out to a panorama. This is the big picture God had in mind when He withheld a child from Hannah. He needed her to come to the point of willingness to give her first-born son to the Lord. The priesthood was in tatters. Eli's natural sons could not carry it on. The whole nation's future was at stake. God needed the man He would create as Samuel. Compare verse 26 with Luke 2:52. This chapter points straight to Jesus. The sins of Eli's sons were as grievous as those of the Pharisees in Jesus' day. Samuel became a priest. Jesus became both our High Priest and perfect sacrifice.

Solomon is right when he says there is a time for everything. He also makes the point that humans can't see the big picture of what God is doing. So we need to trust Him and enjoy what He gives us. It can seem that evil prevails now, just as it seemed in Eli's time and Solomon's. But God doesn't allow evil to go on without end. He brings all to justice.

Peter's words echo Solomon's and highlight the arrow pointing from the Old Testament to Jesus Christ. We, who live with the benefit of reading the Bible as a whole, should heed Peter's instructions readily. Treasure our inheritance in heaven and live our lives in a manner worthy of the Spirit who dwells in us.

Ruth 4, Ecclesiates 1, James 4

The story of the redemption of Ruth is powerful. The whole concept of the rite of redemption was instituted by God to show us what Jesus Christ would do for us: buy us back. Boaz bought Naomi's property back, and that included Ruth. He was not the closest relative, so he was not obligated to do it. But he wanted to. I think he loved Ruth. Jesus Christ didn't have to redeem us either, but He wanted to because He loves us. Boaz and Ruth became the great-grandparents of King David, who was an ancestor of Jesus.

Solomon's perspective as he wrote Ecclesiastes sounds hopeless. And it was, as long as he focused on earthly pleasures and systems. Only in looking above and beyond what we see and experience on earth do we find purpose and meaning. Ruth found purpose in following God. Solomon should have followed her example.

James draws the conclusion Ruth drew and Solomon ultimately did. Focus on the world and ourselves leaves out God and is worthless. Waiting on God and trusting Him for the outcome is priceless.

Judges 17, Proverbs 25, Hebrews 10

Wandering in Sin. The scripture doesn't tell us how many years passed between Samson and Micah. Because of Micah's complete failure to realize his idolatry, we may assume it was a long time. Not even the young Levite understood the situation. Without a leader, the people, just like a flock of sheep without a shepherd, wandered away from the pasture of good grass to a weedy, rocky place. Although it looked good to them, it was the wrong place. The mixture of Judaism with pagan idolatry was a sin.

Today, Christians can run into the same situation when we allow the concerns of the day, or our desires for things or leisure, to dilute our passion for Christ.

Spiritual Self-Control. Don't you love a good mystery? So does God. (By the way, that's why we do. We're made in His image.) He plans for us to seek: to seek a relationship with Him, to seek truth. The book of Proverbs is rich in truth. Proverbs 25:28 stands out today because it explains what happened with the Israelites, particularly Micah and the young Levite. They failed to rule over their own spirits in the matter of worship, doing what felt right instead of what was right. Then they became like a city broken down with no walls. They had no sense of restraint or security.

The Right Leader. Jesus Christ's death on the cross provided us with the only sufficient sacrifice for our sins. At that moment, He became our perfect priest. The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that holding onto our faith with endurance assures us of receiving the promise of heaven. Failure to do so guarantees the fearsome judgment of God.

Let's avoid the company of Micah and the young Levite and follow our Perfect Priest.

Judges 15, Proverbs 23, Hebrews 8

Height of Influence. Chapter fifteen records the height of Samson's influence. He didn't get off to a great start, and his service to God cost him everything. But he judged Israel for twenty years after he defeated the Philistines. When we surrender our lives to be used by God for His purpose, it does cost us. Many times it costs those we love even more, like it did Samson's wife. Our loved ones may not die, but we may have to move far away. Whatever the cost, it is worth it all when compared to the price Jesus Christ paid for our salvation. When we remember the cross, it puts everything in perspective.

Reward for Living Well. Proverbs 23 says much about eating and drinking. Eating too much meat and drinking sparkling red wine are both problematic for the wise and righteous. Teaching the truth to our children causes parents to rejoice. And we can look forward to the here-after when we live well.

Mercy Covenant. I'm so glad Jesus Christ made the first covenant, and the laws it was based on, obsolete. In His great mercy, He remembers our sins and "lawless deeds" no more. We do still need to live wise, righteous lives--and when we do, it helps us anticipate going to heaven with joy. But Hebrews eight is straightforward. The writer confirms that this new covenant is not based on works of righteousness on our part. It is based on the mercy of God and the work of Jesus Christ.

Judges 14, Proverbs 22, Hebrews 7

In case we forget that God is always at work around us, and that He always accomplishes his purposes, the fourteenth chapter of Judges is in the Bible. What looks like another slide away from the Lord on Samson's part, capitulation on his parents' part, and deviousness on the part of Samson's wife, is all part of God's plan. He knew how it would play out, and used the events to set up the Philistines. No matter how things appear to us, we must remember that God is in charge and will not be thwarted.

The writer of the Proverbs reminds us that the reason he wrote them was to teach us truth and so that we will trust in the Lord. This is the way we should approach the reading of all scripture. So that we can learn truth and to trust in the Lord.

The truth about the Lord Jesus Christ is told to us in Hebrews 8. He is our priest, the only one we need, the only one who can save us. He is better than the Levitical priests and brought to an end the need for them. And He ever lives to intercede for us. (See verse 25.)

Back when Abraham offered His tithe to Melchizedek, God was working on His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. When Samson married a Philistine woman, God was working on His plan to save Israel and when Solomon wrote Proverbs, God was at work to teach all his readers how to live godly lives.

You are part of His plan. Watch for His work around you.

Judges 13, Proverbs 21, Hebrews 6

What a beautiful series of events! Even though, as a whole, Israel did evil in the sight of the lord, one couple remained faithful. Mrs. Manoah knew the Angel of the Lord (the pre-incarnate Christ) when she saw Him. She and her husband, Manoah, believed what He said, eagerly sought another visit form Him, and worshipped Him.

Do I believe God even if what He says is most unlikely in human terms? Am I always on the lookout for Him, anticipating His presence wherever I go? And do I remember to worship Him when I find Him?

Reading through the book of Proverbs reinforces, day after day, the practical details of how to live out who we are. The righteous, godly person behaves in these ways. But we can never forget that behaving this way doesn't make us who we are. Jesus Christ did that. Upon the basis of salvation, let's live godly lives so we're prepared for God to show up and do marvelous works through us.

As we persist in godliness, we grow in understanding. The wise person clings to the Lord, seeks His counsel through His word, and holds the hope, the certainty of heaven. The anchor of the soul.

Judges 12, Proverbs 20, Hebrews 5

Leaders Without Influence. Japhthah was a great warrior and the Lord used him to tame the cranky Ephraimites. But afterward, he only judged Israel six years before his death. Jephthah was followed by a series of three men who each judged Israel less than ten years. No comment is made about any of them other than the incredible number of children they had. We can infer, then, that these men each had more than one wife and several concubines besides. They must also have had great wealth in order to provide for so many. And immediately after the death of the third one, Israel "did evil in the sight of the Lord." (13:1) Again, we can infer that their spiritual influence was minimal. Physical desires and prowess kept them from being who God needed for Israel's benefit. It seems that these "judges" were more interested in personal glory than God's glory.

Leadership Qualities. A real leader is a wise man or woman who trusts the Lord for direction and understanding. One who speaks less and listens more, who works hard and is honest in business dealings. This person has good relationships with family and is known as a peace-maker. This is the type God can use for His glory.

Real Leaders are Called by God. Human priests also needed to offer sacrifices for their own sins. But Jesus Christ, the supreme example of leadership, and called by God as our great High Priest, (v.10) never sinned. However, He did "learn obedience by the things which He suffered." (v.8) By this we learn that real leadership includes suffering. If we never go through difficult times, others cannot relate to us and will not follow.

Jesus Christ, the One We Need. However, the larger point of Hebrews 5 is that Jesus Christ is not simply the best, but the only, High Priest we need. He is the Son of God, but He also suffered and by His death brings us salvation. That's what Israel needed, but human leaders could not deliver. Israel needed God, but they kept substituting men.

We need God as the Leader of our lives. But we keep substituting ourselves.

Judges 10, Proverbs 18, Hebrews 3

Judges 10 says as much about God as it does about the Israelites. Their fickle nature is well-known to us and we recognize both their almost unbelievable lack of sense and the same tendency within ourselves. But God, although He needed to punish their waywardness, could hardly stand it. The cries of His people, no matter how just their suffering, tore at His heart. And so He prepared to save them. Just like He prepared to save us when He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (v 10) The name of the Lord is the only name by which people are saved. And that only happens because of His great mercy and love.

Unbelief is the one thing that will keep us from being saved by the name of the Lord and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We must cry out to Him, run to Him, trust Him, and believe that He is Who He said He is. Then He will come to our aid and save us. Even though we don't deserve it.

Joshua 23, Proverbs 7, 1 Timothy 6

Don't let your guard down. Joshua reminded the people of all the mighty things the Lord had done for them. Then he said, in essence, "Don't let your guard down in the future." They had fought battles and the Lord won them. But it wasn't over. Because it's never over. There are always temptations. The only way they witnessed God-sized miracles like the parting of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho was because they listened to God and obeyed what He told them to do. The key to obedience and hearing God speak is a relationship with Him. Joshua knew this. That's why he told them to remain faithful to the Lord and never follow other gods. When we are in a close, personal relationship with God, when we listen to Him and obey what He tells us to do, we'll see Him accomplish God-sized things through us, too.

Don't let your guard down because it is never over.Proverbs 7 reads like a story. A cautionary tale. The chapter begins by telling the reader the secret for avoiding the scenario that follows. It is never over. Temptation is everywhere. Only keeping and treasuring God's words will prevent falling.

Keep fighting and don't let your guard down. Another kind of temptation is money. Keeping the words and doctrine of Jesus Christ produces godliness (v 3) but failure to do so produces chaos and haughtiness. Staying pure and in right relationship with the Lord is described here as a fight. (12) So no matter who we are, or what century we live in, we must stay on guard, fight off temptation, read the Bible and pull in close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Then we can say, along with Paul and Joshua, that as our days on earth end, we are content, remembering all the God-sized work accomplished by Him through us.

Joshua 18, Proverbs 2, 1 Timothy 1

Joshua's question to the remaining tribes tells on them. "How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?" Here they were, at last, in the Promised Land. And yet seven tribes watched their fellow Israelites take charge of their inheritance while hanging back and waiting. Waiting for what? That was what Joshua wanted to know. As God's mouthpiece, we can be sure Joshua voiced the question for God.

Were they afraid? Maybe. Lazy? Mm. Maybe. We don't know why they waited. But when Joshua broke it down into instructions, they obeyed. They conducted a survey, wrote the results in a book, and cast lots. Sounds very modern to me. "Conquer Your Enemies in Three Easy Steps."

Wisdom equals receiving God's words and treasuring His commands. When we do these things, God is our shield, guard and guide. Proverbs 2:21 says, "For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it." Maybe the seven tribes needed to deal with a sin problem. Failure to receive God's words and treasure His commands leads one down a dark road. The seven tribes stood at the intersection. It was time to choose.

Paul instructs Timothy to teach sound doctrine: the reason for the law was to show sinners the truth about themselves, and the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ saves them from their way. Two, Hymenaeus and Alexander, stood at the intersection and chose the wrong way. Paul and Timothy chose the right way.

Is God calling you to choose His path? Is He leading you in a direction you hesitate to follow? Be like the seven tribes and stop procrastinating. God will break it down for you, step by step.

Joshua 15, Psalm 149, 2 Thessalonians 1

Joshua 15 details the borders, and cities within them, that outlined the land Judah would inherit. This was a huge area and included the city of Jerusalem. It was up to the people to take the land for themselves. Caleb's land lay in part of this area and he drove out three real giants. He put muscle where his mouth was. He acted on the faith he had already verbalized. Faith is only as good as the actions based on it. Faith is the glove on the hand.

Judah was not able to drive out the inhabitants of Jerusalem with the result that they had to share space. The Bible gives no reason for this failure, nor does it outline specific, serious consequences. The situation apparently was simply not as ideal as it could have been. The Judah-ites may never have known what could have been. When we fail to act in full faith, we miss opportunity and may never even realize it. But that doesn't excuse our failure or negate it. God knows.

Psalm 149 describes the pairing of faith with action a little bit differently. When the people are full of praise and worship, when their joy overflows, then they are prepared to go out with the sword. "This honor have all His saints." This verse (9) refers to us even now. Verse 3 describes being filled up completely with praise; our bodies overflow with it in dance and song. Only at this point do we have what we need to fight and win. I believe this describes the filling of the Holy Spirit and the power He provides.

Here is another example of faith and working power. The Thessalonian Christians suffered persecution, but Paul reminds them of the power of God  to overcome and destroy enemies. It is Jesus Christ who actually does it for us. We just have to engage.

Verse 11: " . . . That our God would . . . fulfill . . . the work of faith with power."

Joshua 11, Psalm 145, 1 Thessalonians 2

The last battle Joshua fought may have been the most intimidating to him as he faced it. The enemy army was "as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude . . ." (verse4). Why was Joshua anxious? One might think each victory would make the following battle easier for him. But when God begins to work, the enemy realizes things are serious and goes to work, too. Each battle thus becomes more intense than preceding ones. However, what Joshua and his army knew from experience was that God would win. He was their General. Only this certainty could have given them the courage they needed to fight.

We have the same certainty. And we also face escalating battles as God's victories become more numerous in our lives. But this chapter ends with the end of wars. Peace came when all the enemies were dead. We are headed toward an end of wars, too. Heaven is our reward for fighting until the last enemy is dead. But we have to remember Who our General is so we will ". . . not be afraid of them . . ." (verse 6).

Psalm 145 describes the peace after wars are over. God is the Victor and His kingdom is glorious. It is also the description of the warrior's heart. Calm can reign in the middle of chaos because of what the Lord has done. This is where our mental and spiritual focus needs to be.

Joshua and his army took the spoils of war for themselves--gold, silver, precious gems. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he has fought battles, a war even, to tell them the gospel and that they are the spoils of war for him, the great reward.

This is why we fight--to win souls who will be our joy, our "crown of rejoicing" when they are "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming." (verse 19)