May 4

2 Corinthians 11:5, 7-8 ESV

Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.

Psalms 106:7-8, 13-14 ESV

Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works; they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.  Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power.  But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel.  But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert;

1 Samuel 26:19 ESV

Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the Lord who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the Lord , for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the Lord , saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’

1 Samuel 27:10-12 ESV

When Achish asked, “Where have you made a raid today?” David would say, “Against the Negeb of Judah,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites,” or, “Against the Negeb of the Kenites.” And David would leave neither man nor woman alive to bring news to Gath, thinking, “lest they should tell about us and say, ‘So David has done.’” Such was his custom all the while he lived in the country of the Philistines. And Achish trusted David, thinking, “He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant.”

April 24

1SA 11:6-7, 11-13 ESV

And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!” Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man. And the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.  Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.”

I Samuel 23:7 - 24:22

Nine: It was very nice of David not to kill Saul when he had the chance. It shows that David was worthy to be kind. I should not go after my enemies even when I have the chance.

Twelve: David knew he was not supposed to kill Saul and the lesson is not to hurt your enemies when you have the chance.

Forty-seven: I have a hard time understanding why Saul knows David will be king and that David is not in rebellion against Saul and yet continues to pursue David. It makes me wonder if I have similar irrationalities in my life. 

I Samuel 16:1 - 18:16

Nine: Maybe the rock David threw was too high and went over the shield because Goliath was so tall his shield bearer couldn't block it that high. I'd like to be like David because he was very brave when he fought Goliath.

Twelve: This passage shows that God was with David. Even though Goliath was a lot bigger and stronger, David was able to defeat him with God's help. You shouldn't be like Saul and get jealous over other people's success.

Forty-seven: David is so sure and confident in this passage. Yet even his own brother treats him with disrespect, but David persists in his concern over why God's army is allowing itself to be placed in terror by this one man. 

I Samuel 8:1 - 10:27

Nine: It was good Saul held his temper with those guys who did not bring him presents. I should keep my temper.

Twelve: God chose Saul even though he was from the weakest of families. God would choses people from unusual situations to do His will. If God calls you, you should answer. 

Forty-seven: It's funny how I always think of Saul as the old Saul without God's spirit in him, but in the early chapters of his life we see him so different: filled with God's spirit, humble to the point of shyness. 

I Samuel 1:1 - 3:21

Nine: It is amazing God was able to speak to Samuel like that, but everything about the Lord is amazing. I should answer the Lord when He calls me.

Twelve: Eli's sons sinned greatly against the Lord. You need to listen to God when He tells you something. If you sin against God you will be punished.

Forty-seven: This story has such an amazing contrast in parenting between Hannah and Eli. The sad thing is knowing that Samuel will learn more from Eli than his mother when he becomes a father.