Today's Verse: 1 Samuel 12:20

Friday, December 20, 2024

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart."
— 1 Samuel 12:20
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Israel wanted a King. This rebellion against God as Lord and King crushed Samuel's heart and angered God at the people's lack of faith. Samuel reminded God's people that while they have stumbled and fallen because of their political concerns, they must not abandon the Lord himself. Instead, their political concerns must give way to their total allegiance to God and a willingness to serve him fully as Lord and King. In the middle of their politically fueled fear, anger, arrogance, disappointment, triumph, defeat, conflict, confusion, confidence, rivalry, and self-will, God wanted them to turn to him - not their political parties and political champions. Their hope must lie with God! I believe this is a lesson from history that we should heed.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Forgive us, dear Father, for our sinfulness, short-sightedness, and silliness that we have, at times, shown regarding rulers, nations, and our source of hope. We want to serve you with an undivided heart, cleansed by your forgiveness and enabled by the transforming power of your Holy Spirit as we trust in you as our Lord, Savior, and King. We thank you and ask for this grace in Jesus' name, Amen.

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Do Not Be Afraid
Illustration of 1 Samuel 12:20
Inspirational illustration of 1 Samuel 12:20 -- "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied [to the people of Israel]. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart."
The King Who Shares Our Wounds
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
As we come to understand God as the King willing to show us his wounds, then share our wounds, the birth of Jesus takes on a fresh and powerful new meaning. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos and invite us to welcome Jesus, God who came to us to share our wounds and we see this in his manger and cross, the thrones on which he was exalted and

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Samuel 12:20 — "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, December 20, 2024

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Letter to Governor Felix' (Acts 23:23-26)
"[After hearing of the plan to kill Paul,] the commander called two of his officers and ordered, "Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Speaking in the Spirit' (Ep. 5:15-20)
"Dear Father, Help me speak to my spouse, my family, your church, and the world about you and your grace. Let my heart and my mouth overflow with the...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Returning to the Same Sin Hinders Our Prayer'
"[The Lord has said:] "They have returned to the sins of their ancestors. They have refused to listen to me and are worshiping other gods. Israel and....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Supreme Over All the Earth' (Ps. 97:9)
"For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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