Scripture:
1 Samuel 28:3-11; 15:23
Wed, 24 November 2021

A Point of No Return

Observation:

What does Saul’s inquiring of a medium after his inquiring of God failed tell us about him?

Deeper Reflection
SAUL SOUGHT to “inquire” of a medium (v.7), because God “did not answer him” when he “inquired” of God (v.6). A relevant crucial question is: Can we reach a point where no matter how we inquire of God, God will not answer us? It was not that God had shut the door to Saul such that He would not open it to him again. But rather, it was Saul himself who had shut the door to God such that there was no way God could open it to him. The problem was not with God, but with Saul. The Philistine attack made Saul panic (vv.4-5), which made him seek God (v.6). What motivated Saul to seek God? The last time we hear of Saul is, when he heard that David had fled to Gath, “he no longer searched for him” (1 Sam 27:4). In his selfish ambition, Saul still wanted David dead. He inquired of God because he was in trouble. It was out of self-interest, rather than serving God. When inquiring of God failed, Saul turned to the next best alternative: a medium to call up the spirit of the dead Samuel (vv.8-11). Did Saul believe that it would work? Surely, he did. Saul embraced something that he believed was wrong in God’s sight, as seen in his removal of mediums and spiritists (vv.3, 7; Lev 19:31; 20:27). Saul had reached a point of no return, where his seeking of God would always be with the wrong heart. God sees the heart (1 Sam 16:7). And we must guard our hearts (Prov 4:23).
Application:

What does it mean for me specifically to seek God with the right heart?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for leaders:
  • Pray for The Next Generation: To seek God with the right heart
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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