Sunday, 18th September, 2022
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25 KJV)
In 1 Samuel 15, we read about Saul and how God led him to victory over the Amalekites. God gave him specific instructions to completely destroy the Amalekites, including their livestock. But Saul and the people destroyed the things that they didn’t want and then kept some choice spoils for themselves. They even kept the king alive.
Displeased with Saul, God said, “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments…” (1 Samuel 15:11). How regrettable! Saul was the king, and the people were supposed to follow him, while he was expected to follow the Lord. But he disobeyed God’s direct instructions repeatedly. When Samuel the prophet confronted him about his error, he blamed it on the people. He said, “...For the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed” (1 Samuel 15:15). Bad enough that he didn’t follow the clear instructions God gave him, he also refused to take responsibility for his actions, blaming the people instead.
Of course, Saul lost out on God’s plan following his wilful disobedience. Subsequently, the Bible says “The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit troubled him” (1 Samuel 16:14). Always follow God’s instructions; follow His Word, His plans and His guidance.
Some people pursue ambitions that have no connection with the purpose of God for their lives. They’re not yielded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Don’t live like that. Follow what the Spirit tells you to do. He’s the One who unveils mysteries and divine secrets to you and helps you to discover yourself in God’s dream.
Whatever idea or plan you have, be sure it’s consistent with His Word—His perfect will. Yield to the lordship and guidance of His Word. His Word is light, and if you follow Him in the Word, you’ll not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life! You’ll be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"I’m fully yielded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and His Word, for His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path by which He leads me in the paths of success, victory, and boundless joy! Hallelujah!"
FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 2:10 AMPC; Jeremiah 7:23
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Galatians 3:15-25 & Songs of Solomon 6-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Timothy 4:1-8 & Jeremiah 36
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