I'm reading the entire Bible cover to cover for the first time this year & just finished 1st Samuel!
It's better than any movie I've ever seen!!
Here's a few verses & top takeaways from my notes:
1) God judges the heart not our accomplishments, resume, or physical gifts.
External metrics don't impress God.
Character, humility, & devotion do.
"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’
1st Samuel 16:7
I want my heart to be pure & always aimed at growing closer to God.
2) KING DAVID slays a giant!
He had the confidence to do so because before the battle he was in tune with God. He sang, obeyed, was still, & when he had little was faithful! He knew his ultimate strength came not from himself, but from GOD IN HIM!
“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty… the battle is the Lord’s.”
-1st Samuel 17:45 17:47.
I want this courage!
It comes from obedience & being in constant harmony with the Holy Spirit.
3) Obedience beats sacrifice, good intentions, & appearing holy.
Saul kept the best livestock “to sacrifice to the Lord.”
Samuel’s reply is straightforward,
God wanted complete obedience, not a religious workaround.
Partial obedience plus excuses is still rebellion. Samuel repeatedly contrasts ritual (Eli’s corrupt sons, Saul’s unauthorized sacrifice, the ark treated like a lucky charm) with actual listening & doing what God said.
God is not looking for more "religious people". He is looking for people who will do what He asks. No expectations. No, well our culture says.....
Gods ways are right. Period. No gray.
I can justify almost anything in my human mind if I'm not CONSTANTLY SEEKING THE LORD, in His word, prayer, & fellowship with Him.
A question I keep asking myself lately is who do you want to be, Saul (reigned for a while but ego killed him) or David, a man after Gods own heart.
Excited to turn the page into 2nd Samuel tonight!
Fellow Christians, READ & STUDY YOUR BIBLES!!!
God wants to speak to you thru His Word!!! Let Him!! 📖 🙏