A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

1 Samuel

This is a collection of devotional posts from the book of 1 Samuel. 1 Samuel records the history of Israel from the time of Samuel and throughout the life of Saul. It also introduces David and the conflict between he and Saul.

The Word of God Came to Samuel

The Word of God Came – 1 Samuel 3:21-4:1a

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The word of God came to his inspired prophets and apostles. And they have passed that word on to us through their writings in the Bible.

fruit of disobedience

The Bitter Fruit of Disobedience – 1 Samuel 4:10-11

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The story of Hophni and Phinehas is a sad one. Israel's spiritual leadership was currupt and the whole nation suffered the fruit of their disobedience.

failing to pray

To Sin by Failing to Pray for Others – 1 Samuel 12:23

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Samuel sets a good example for us in understanding our responsibility to pray for others. Failing to do so neglects that responsibility.

Nothing Can Hinder the Lord

Nothing Can Hinder the Lord – 1 Samuel 14:6

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We are all to often guilty of seeing why we can't do what God wants. When we should recognize that nothing can hinder the Lord.

to obey is better than sacrifice

To Obey is Better than Sacrifice – 1 Samuel 15:22

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Don't be satisfied with just the outward forms of worship. God wants our hearts more than empty worship. To obey is better than sacrifice.

God looks at the heart, not the outward appearances

Outward Appearances Are Deceiving – 1 Samuel 16:7

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Outward appearances are often deceiving and can mask the real person hidden within. Look to the heart instead to determine a person's worth.

The battle is the Lord's, David and Goliath

The Battle is the Lord’s: David and Goliath – 1 Samuel 17:47

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When you find yourself engaged in a spiritual battle, remember David's encounter with Goliath. And know that the battle is the Lord's, not yours.

far-reaching consequences of sin

The Far-Reaching Consequences of Our Sin – 1 Samuel 28:19

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Our sin is never just a personal matter. It has far-reaching consequences, impacting everyone who is a part of our lives.

strength in the Lord

Finding Strength In the Lord – 1 Samuel 30:6

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How do you respond to distressing situations. When David found himself overwhelmed, he found strength in the Lord, trusting in God.