May 11

1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3  

Pray: There’s one in every crowd. You know how it goes, don’t you? Something great happens, and everyone is excited, including you. Then, that one brings down everything and everyone around them. Saul was just anointed and celebrated as king. Remember, it was the people, not God, who wanted a king for Israel. God gave them what they wanted! Yet, as Saul was returning home, we find “some scoundrels who complained.” Even when God gives us exactly what we asked for, there’s always that one. I’ve found that when things are going on in my life and I feel like I’m losing control, I’m unhappy, I’m uncertain, etc., that’s when I’ve become that one. Have you ever been that one? Seek the Lord’s forgiveness when you pray. Ask Him to help you see all the good He is doing and to rebuke the negativity of the enemy.

Read: Score 1 for Simon Peter. Jesus has been teaching in John 6. He has been challenging people. He knows some have just come along because this new movement of God is exciting, but they’re not really sold out to the mission of Jesus. When they hear these challenging teachings of Jesus, “many of His disciples turned away and deserted Him” (v. 66). But when asked if the original 12 would also go away, Simon Peter says, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God” (v. 68-69). Is God challenging you today? Will you turn and go away, or will you make the proclamation of Simon Peter? 

Edify: What defines you? What limits you and your success in life? Saul’s father was not an important person. Jesus’ earthly daddy was a simple carpenter. Their family origins did not limit them, especially when it came to their divine appointment. One person standing and watching Saul prophesy for the first time asks, “Can anyone become a prophet, no matter who his father is?” (1 Samuel 10:12). Yes! Anyone can become anything when God is on the scene. Reread those first two questions and maybe consider how God wants to change your original answers…

Practice: “At that time, the Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you…You will be changed into a different person…do what must be done, for God is with you” (1 Samuel 10:6-7). Samuel speaks these words to Saul as he is anointed in preparation for his kingship over Israel. If you’re a follower of Jesus, a Christian, I believe the same is being spoken to you. “The Spirit of the Lord has come powerfully upon you. You are a different person than before. Now, do what must be done, and remember I, the Lord, am with you.” You may not be the king of a nation, but the Lord is leading you to do great things in His name and for His Kingdom. What will you do?