Saul continues to lie, insisting that he has carried out God‘s will. - P118
Bypointing to the animal sacrifices made to the Lord, he reveals a basicflaw in his faith: it is an empty faith that focuses on what he does ratherthan who he is. - P118
However accurate our beliefs and doctrine may be andhowever many tithes, offerings, and services we render, all these thingsare empty apart from a life fueled by a passionate desire to obey andplease our Lord. - P118
Self-righteousness and pride are
fanned into flame inthose who prioritize doing over being. - P118
The truth is that being in Christinevitably leads to lives of fruitful obedience and protects us from hollow and empty faith. - P118
Jesus, may my sacrifices and service to You be fueled by a passionate desireto become the person You have called me to be through the power of Yourresurrection. - P119
Fill me with Your Spirit, and lead me as I follow You. In Yourname, amen. - P119
26 But Samuel said to him, "I will not go back with you.
You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORDhas rejected you as king over Israel!" - P120
29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or changehis mind; for he is not a human being, that he shouldchange his mind." - P120
30 Saul replied, "I have sinned. But please honor mebefore the elders of my people and before Israel; comeback with me, so that I may worship the LORD yourGod."
31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshipedthe LORD.
dwont back with him, and Saul worshiped the LORD.
- P121
35 Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saulagain, though Samuel mourned for him. And the LORDregretted that he had made Saul king over Israel. - P121
Saul admits that he has violated the Lord‘s command. He begs for forgivenessand asks Samuel to go back with him, but Samuel refuses. - P121
He says that theLord has given the kingdom of Israel to one who is better than Saul. Samuelkills Agag king of the Amalekites and leaves for Ramah. He does not see Saulagain until the day of his death. - P121
There is a line we can cross in our hearts that results in a life differentfrom that which God wanted for us. - P122
Saul finally acknowledges his sinbefore the Lord and His prophet, Samuel. It would appear that Saul isexperiencing what the apostle Paul refers to in the New Testament as
"worldly sorrow" (2 Cor. 7:10). - P122
Saul will remain king for many years tocome, but he will never be the man or king God called him to be. - P122
Hewill continue to sink into a life of disobedience and sin, ending in histragic demise. - P122
His failure should serve as a warning and reminder to usthat there are painful consequences that result from sin and rebellionin our lives. - P122
God‘s instructions to kill wicked King Agag are eventually carried outby Samuel, and sadly, he and Saul part ways, never to meet again. YetSamuel mourns for Saul. - P122
We ought to take no pleasure in the sins andfailures of others. Our hearts should be broken, both for those who falland for the consequences their mistakes create for God‘s household. - P122
Butwe can be certain that God‘s plans will never be thwarted. - P122
This is themessage of the Bible, seen most clearly in the death and resurrectionof Jesus Christ, our Lord. - P122
As Christians, we can be certain that thedarkness of sin and death will pass, and the light of God‘s kingdomwill shine! - P122
"The first step to a renewed vision of our mission is to see the kingdom of God, inits future glory and in its present reality." - Russell Moore - P122
Dear God, help me to not focus on the failures of others in the church. - P123
Renewin me a faith that looks to the future with hope, certain that Your kingdom willcome and Your will shall be done. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P123
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