Saul‘s army is completely exhausted after their battle with the Philistinesbecause they did not eat any food. - P102
At the end of the day they kill someof the animals they had plundered and eat the raw meat. This displeasesSaul because the law prohibits the Israelites from eating meat contain-ing blood. - P102
To avert the situation Saul orders that they slaughter themeat properly then he builds an altar to the Lord. This is the first timehe does this. - P102
As believers, we need to put God first. - P102
He should not be the last resort when everything else has failed. - P102
When we build a habit ofseeking the Lord‘s will in everything, it will save us from making foolishand costly mistakes. - P102
"With unshakable confidence in God alone, we remember that our authority asleaders is a gracious gift from him."-Kaitlin Miller - P102
Lord, You are sovereign in all things. Please forgive me for those instanceswhen I have come to you as a last resort instead of turning to You first. - P103
Teachme to trust You in everything that I do. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P103
37 So Saul asked God, "Shall I go down and pursue thePhilistines? Will you give them into Israel‘s hand?" ButGod did not answer him that day.
38 Saul therefore said, "Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has beencommitted today. - P104
42 Saul said, "Cast the lot between me and Jonathan myson." And Jonathan was taken.
43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you havedone." So Jonathan told him, "I tasted a little honeywith the end of my staff. And now I must die!"
- P105
Saul asks God if he should pursue the Philistines, but God does not answerhim on that day. Saul thinks this is because of someone‘s sin, so he casts lotsand Jonathan is taken. - P105
Jonathan tells Saul that he tasted a little honey, butwhen Saul says he must die, the men stop him. The Philistines withdraw totheir own land, and Saul defeats many of Israel‘s enemies. - P105
Godly leadership is manifested in our relationship with God and others.
- P108
When it isdiscovered that Jonathan failed to honor that oath, Saul is determinedto put his son to death. But his own men, those Saul is called to lead,
oppose his decision and convince him to spare Jonathan. - P108
Saul is out of touch with both God and the army he leads. What shouldhave been a great victory over the Philistines is significantly diminishedby Saul‘s rash oath prohibiting his soldiers from eating. - P108
Saul‘s weakand foolish leadership is revealed, and it is only a matter of time before God completely rejects him as king. - P108
As we look to God and walk withhim, we can be certain our leadership will be established. - P108
Saul‘s reign as king appears firmly established by his leading Israelvictory over their enemies and having family members around him whhold vital positions in the kingdom. - P108
His sons can succeed him as kinafter his reign, and his daughters can potentially secure the allegiancof worthy allies through marriage. - P108
And yet, as history unfolds, we learnthat Saul‘s own disobedience and foolish leadership will be his undoing. - P108
His jealous obsession with David‘s success will turn his son Jonathanand his daughter Michal against him in support of David. - P108
Submissionto God‘s will provides the integrity and moral character we need toaccomplish God‘s purposes in our lives. - P108
Without them, our lives mayappear secure, but in reality, we are building on sinking sand. - P108
Lord, lead me in the decisions I make and the relationships l establish with others.
- P108
Help me to maintain my integrity before all. May Your light shine through me sothat I can be a faithful witness for You. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P108
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