Samuel recedes to the background while the exploits of Saul and Jonathan against the enemies of God’s people come to the fore. The rash oath that Saul inflicts upon his people and his hoarding of the spoils of war instead of dedicating them to the Lord, prompts God to intervene again in the night to Samuel. Contrasted with the first nightly visit of the Lord to Samuel as a boy, this encounter brings anguish to the heart of Samuel and to God; God repents of having chosen Saul to be King. Listen in on the words of Samuel to Saul in 15:22–23; they are addressed to you and to me.

As the peace that comes out after a hurricane, so is chapter 16 with the beginning of the story of David. Samuel must have found some of that early joy as a boy return, as he sees God doing something similar to David as was done to him many years before. Return in prayer to the times when God spoke to your heart when you were a child.

1 Samuel 14—16

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: May Your Spirit rush on me. 16:13

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Proverbs 13 and 14 and 1 Samuel.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

Isaiah’s list of cities proclaimed for downfall concludes with the cities of Tyre and Sidon, merchant centers for ancient Phoenicia. This country, to which we owe the alphabet, becomes bound in persistent pride and arrogance in their worship of false gods. It will mean their destruction.

Pride is at the head of all sin—a deadly hurricane that sweeps destruction in its path. Continue the selfexamination suggested in yesterday’s approach to “The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.” Allow the power of the Holy Spirit to sweep through you and make your house clean with the strong winds of the Spirit.

Is worship and dedication to God and God’s will absolutely at the center of your inner house? If it is not, your house is one built on the fickle, shifting sands of the world; the winds will blow it away.

Isaiah 23

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Isaiah 13 – 27; Lamentations 1 and 2 in the Ninth Week.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Being still, for You are God v. 2

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.