1 Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and pouredit on Saul‘s head and kissed him, saying, "Has not theLORD anointed ruler overyouhis inheritance? - P58
7 Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your handfinds to do, for God is with you.
7 After these signs take place, do what must be done, for God is with you.
- P59
8 Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely comedown to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowshipofferings, but you must wait seven days until I come toyou and tell you what you are to do."
- P59
10 When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a proces-sion of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came pow-erfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.
10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets comingtoward them. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, beganto prophesy. - P60
16 Saul replied, "He assured us that the donkeys hadbeen found." But he did not tell his uncle what Samuelhad said about the kingship.
16 "He told us that the donkeys had already been found," Saul replied. But Saul didn‘ttell his uncle what Samuel said about the kingdom. - P61
Samuel pours oil on Saul‘s head and says that God has anointed him ruler overHis inheritance. - P59
When Saul leaves Samuel, God changes Saul‘s heart, and allthe signs prophesied by Samuel are fulfilled. - P59
When Saul meets a group ofprophets, the Spirit of God comes powerfully upon him, and he prophesies. - P59
Samuel proceeds to anoint Saul and immediately prophesies a detailedseries of events that will be transformative for Saul‘s new life of leadership. - P62
While these events are unique to Saul and his role as the first kingof Israel, there is a lesson for those who might be sensing God leadingthem to vocational ministry or a major life transition. - P62
When we face a life-changing decision,
we need special and specific guidance that willprovide the kind of clarity and motivation required to take a great leapof faith. - P62
If you sense God leading you in this direction, take time toseek Him in prayer, allow God‘s people to speak into your life, and walkthrough the doors that open for you. - P62
Saul‘s kinsmen are surprised that he is seen prophesying, for this ordinary man
has suddenly been raised to the level of a prophet. - P62
It is alife-changing moment for Saul
that prepares him for a life of serviceunto the Lord. - P62
When God calls us to His work, He will equip us withHis Spirit to accomplish the task. - P62
This gift of God‘s Spirit is not merelya tool in our hand but a transformation from deep within. - P62
Also, it isnot a one-off event,
but the beginning of a new life submitted to theLord. - P62
If we want God to use us for effective, long-term ministry, wemust not
rely on past spiritual experiences but be continually filled withHis Spirit every day. - P62
Father God, You have delivered me from darkness and seated me with Christin heavenly places. - P63
Help me to take hold of who You have called me to be andstrive to become more like Jesus every day. In His name, amen. - P63
"What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happensinside you. Your circumstances are temporary, but your character will lastforever."- Rick Warren - P62
Scripture shows us that when God calls someone, what He primar-ily equips them with is not financial support or supernatural power.
What He offers, first and foremost, is Himself. - P63
When God sends Moses to Pharaoh,
He promises: "I will be with you" (Exod. 3:12). - P63
Whena young Jeremiah tells God his insecurities, God replies, "I am withyou and will rescue you" (Jer. 1:8). - P63
When Jesus sends His disciples totake the gospel to the whole world, He concludes His commissionwith the words: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end ofthe age" (Matt. 28:20). - P63
Iflike me, you often find your fears eclipsing the joy you should havein God‘s presence, I invite you to slow down and say to your anxiousthoughts: - P63
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you;he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not bediscouraged (Deut. 31:8). - P63
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