9 April 2024 – Give God The Honour Due Him
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Samuel 9:1-27; 10:1-8 and Psalm 50:1-15 (NIV)
(Sandra Choi, CIC Facilitator)
READ:
“The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you… do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” 1 Samuel 10:6-7
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14
OBSERVE:
God anointed Saul, empowered him, and assured him that He was with him, and that He would bless him. As I reflected upon the reading, I noticed there was nothing that Saul had done to earn this anointing; God had chosen Saul and blessed him with the power of the Holy Spirit. As the story of Saul’s life unfolded in 1 Samuel , he grew powerful and so did his pride. But eventually, his refusal to seek God caused the Spirit to leave him (1 Samuel 16:14).
I can’t help but notice the Saul in me when I become prideful about my own achievements and accomplishments, and forget that it is not about my work or ability but God who empowers and enables me to accomplish them. It is His divine intervention in the hearts of others and my relationships that produce these achievements. I did not earn this power but it is given to me in His permissive will.
I also notice that when I am far from achieving my goals, I will cry out to God for his miraculous intervention even though I am unable to see the meaning of achievement from His perspective.
APPLY:
In Psalm 50, I am reminded that God desires sincere sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, not just as an outward act but as an act of worship from my heart. I am drawn to verse 14 which reminds me that giving thanks is an intentional discipline, to sacrifice time and effort to be quiet and reflect on His goodness, whether experiencing achievements or challenges. I am to be grateful for his boundless grace and unfailing love, finding peace in His quiet presence and trusting that He is with me .
DO:
I want to be disciplined in offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving in my daily devotions, acknowledging His presence in my life and giving thanks for His presence in my life.
PRAY:
Dear merciful God, thank You for being in my life. Have Your way in me, dear Lord as I choose to walk this faith journey with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
