Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 21-24 NIV

Psalm 27 NIV

In today’s chapters of 1 Samuel, David is again fleeing for his life. David continues to turn to God for guidance and direction as he flees. In Psalm 27:5 David writes — For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

When David refers to God’s “sacred tent” he is referring to the Tent of Meeting which in Old Testament times is where the presence of God dwelled. David desires to dwell in the presence of God. Do you? What is your response when you are in the throes of the hustle and bustle of life, when obstacles and giants stand in your way of progress, or when you are fleeing for your life? Do you desire to dwell in the presence of God? On this Fruit Friday, let’s remember Galatians 5:22-23 — the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  

Are you allowing God to develop the fruit of the spirit in you by abiding in His presence? 

Pray with me. Dear God, thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit. May I always desire to abide in Your presence and allow You to develop the fruit of the spirit in me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 18-20 NIV

Psalm 59 NIV

Today’s featured scripture in 1 Samuel tells of David being sought after by his enemies. David wrote Psalm 59. In verse 8 David says God “you laugh at them” and “you scoff at all those nations.” David had complete trust in God, even when he was fleeing for his life. Can you say the same?

You and I may not be fleeing for our lives in the same manner as David. However, in some ways we are fighting to stay focused on God and not be distracted by the evils of this world. How do you stay focused on God and trust His path? On this Thankful Thursday, thank God for His guidance, direction, and protection.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for Your guidance, direction, and protection. May I stay focused on You and trust Your path. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 17 NIV

Are you familiar with the story of David and Goliath? Read today’s featured scripture to learn about David slaying a giant with a few rocks and a slingshot. David was a water walker. He stepped out in faith. David focused on God instead of the giant in front of him.

At first you may think you may not be able to relate to the story of David and Goliath. However, each of us have giants in our lives. We each have obstacles, situations, difficult people, etc. that may present problems and predicaments. To slay those giants we must rely on guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit. We must rely on God’s strength and not our own. 

Examine the giants you are facing. How will you approach the giants? Will you follow David’s example and walk on water to slay the giants in your life?

Join me in prayer. Dear God, thank You for the example David set as he slayed Goliath. May I always focus on You instead of the giants in front of me. Guide and direct my steps as I walk on water toward the giants. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 NIV

Are you familiar with the story of the anointing of David? If you haven’t already, read today’s featured scriptures to learn about the anointing of David. 

In today’s reading we learn that David was the son of Jesse, a shepherd, and “ruddy” in appearance. David was not the image Samuel thought God would choose to be a king. However, God reminded Samuel that He wasn’t looking at outward appearance, but instead He was judging the heart. 

Only you and God truly know what is inside your heart. Society tells us to invest our time and money improving and fine tuning our outward appearance. God tells us to spend time developing and growing our inward appearance. How are you investing in the growth of your heart? 

Join me in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for getting caught up in what others think of my outward appearance. Guide and direct me as I invest in the growth of my heart. Draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week I will be sharing about David. Below are listed more scripture than usual, but I would like for you to take the time to read them either today or on the day they are featured. By reading these chapters you will gain a greater understanding of David’s background and his relationship with God. Many of my thoughts this week are guided from the understanding I gained from reading The Bible Recap by Tara Leigh Cobble.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 NIV

1 Samuel 17 NIV

1 Samuel 18-20 NIV

Psalm 59 NIV

1 Samuel 21-24 NIV

Psalm 27 NIV

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week we will be diving into the life of David from the Bible. As you prepare for the week ahead, take a moment to listen to Your Heart (David) by Chris Tomlin. Ask God to open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart to His message for you this week.

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV — You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reflect over our week together on the topic of new beginnings. Has God revealed an area of your life in which He is working on a new beginning? Are you open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance to lead you in your new beginning? Examine where you have been, where you are, and where you are headed. What steps do you need to take to be totally surrendered to God’s will for you in your new beginning?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to receive Your message for me. Guide and direct me as I surrender my will and accept Your will. Lead me toward Your new beginning for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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