Today's Verse - 1 Samuel 10:27 (KJV)

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

—1 Samuel 10:27 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

Some folks didn't want Saul to serve them as King because of his simple background and non-aristocratic family history. So often, we tend to do the same thing today — label people and discount their ability to lead God's people or serve in God's Kingdom because of their heritage or past. God, however, doesn't look at a person's pedigree. He searches their heart. So, dear leader, please stick close to the LORD, because you will be criticized. But please, don't react to every little criticism or slight; devote yourself to serving the LORD boldly. And to those of us called to follow God's leaders, let's refuse to dismiss someone as God's leader because she or he lacks some noble pedigree. Remember the vast variety of people God used in the stories we find in the Bible. Trust that our God will be just as creative in his choice of people he wants to lead us in our day.

My Prayer...​

Dear God, please forgive me for the times I doubted your selection of leaders. Please give me, along with the congregation, the ability to discern who your leaders are in our midst and not judge them on surface issues. Please provide them with the courage to lead unselfishly and faithfully. In Jesus' name. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Continue reading...

 

[Altoona]

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

—1 Samuel 10:27 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

Some folks didn't want Saul to serve them as King because of his simple background and non-aristocratic family history. So often, we tend to do the same thing today — label people and discount their ability to lead God's people or serve in God's Kingdom because of their heritage or past. God, however, doesn't look at a person's pedigree. He searches their heart. So, dear leader, please stick close to the LORD, because you will be criticized. But please, don't react to every little criticism or slight; devote yourself to serving the LORD boldly. And to those of us called to follow God's leaders, let's refuse to dismiss someone as God's leader because she or he lacks some noble pedigree. Remember the vast variety of people God used in the stories we find in the Bible. Trust that our God will be just as creative in his choice of people he wants to lead us in our day.

My Prayer...​

Dear God, please forgive me for the times I doubted your selection of leaders. Please give me, along with the congregation, the ability to discern who your leaders are in our midst and not judge them on surface issues. Please provide them with the courage to lead unselfishly and faithfully. In Jesus' name. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Continue reading...

Only Jesus can save us from sin and evil. He promised us an eternal home in glory.

 

[Boyfred]

This verse really speaks to how God’s view of leadership differs from ours. It’s a great reminder that while we may look at someone's background or status, God looks at their heart and character. Saul’s example shows us the strength in humility—he held his peace despite the criticism. It’s a reminder to not only respect those God places in leadership but also to examine our own judgments. I love the prayer at the end, asking for discernment and courage for leaders. We could all benefit from remembering that God uses all kinds of people to fulfill His purpose!