TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3
Read: 1 Samuel 7:1-4
Listen: 1 Samuel 7
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Samuel’s gathering of Israel’s leaders catches the attention of the Philistines. A continual enemy of Israel, the Philistines are a warlike people known for advanced weapons and their practice of holding on to conquered lands. Once, following a military victory, the Philistines had even captured Israel’s symbol of God’s presence, the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4). The Philistines again gather to attack—and knowing the probable result— the Israelites are overwhelmed and undone. As war approaches a desperate nation, God issues a “wake-up call.” It’s time for the Israelites to pay attention.
Sometimes “wake-up” calls cause Israel to turn to God. Or they cause them to turn further away. Our wake-up calls are often significant challenges filled with pain like a cancer diagnosis, ending a relationship or a child’s poor decisions. But they can also be times of accomplishment and joy like the birth of a child, job promotion or college graduation. God is trying to get our attention to call us back to himself. God calls us to throw away our counterfeit gods and renew our relationship with him in all of these situations.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Pray for a willing heart in response to the “wake-up calls” in your life. “Father, thank you for getting my attention through this wake-up call. Show me the counterfeit gods I need to get rid of. I again desire to follow you with all of my heart. Help me to serve you today. Amen.”
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse!
PSALMS 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
