Today I read in 1st Samuel for my Bible reading, and I read a couple of familiar passages. The first deals with Saul after he had defeated the Amalekites. God had told them to utterly destroy the Amalekites, but then Saul thought he knew best and spared the King and also kept the best animals "for a sacrifice" to the Lord. Samuel was sent to tell Saul God disagreed. He actually said that God regretted making Saul king. "Why did you not do what God asked?" Samuel asked of Saul. "I did..." and I love this... so like us, making excuses and rationalizing. "Then why do I hear all the bleating of the sheep?" Samuel asked.
Point number one- you can't hide things. Whenever you try to, there's going to be a sheep bleating telling everyone of your situation.
Samuel then asks Saul which is more important, obedience or sacrifice. This may seem like a trick question, because a lot of times obedience MEANS sacrifice... but Samuel was trying to stress that sometimes sacrifice isn't necessary, or even desirable to God. Sometimes He has a different plan; yet we cling to our sacrifices. He actually points out that sacrifices at the wrong time, with the wrong heart, can be stubborn pride, which God hates.
Point number 2- Make sure your sacrifice is something God wants. Otherwise, it's just for you and is doing noone any good.
This section goes on to show that God rejected Saul as King and sent Samuel to hunt out one of Jesse's sons. This is probably one of my favorite passages in the Bible, even though I don't think of it much, because it can give us so much encouragement.It can also be a little scary "For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
Point number 3- No matter how ugly or fat or worthless you feel, you're not. You're beautiful. God made you. He knows how you look on the inside and out. Lord, help me be beautiful... a heart worthy of You.
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