Pastor Bob DuPar
May 11, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 10:1-11:15; John 6:43-71; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 15:1-3.

Observation

What an amazing thought in 1 Samuel 10:6-7 that the “Spirit of the Lord would come upon you (Saul) in power; and you will prophesy… and you will be changed into a different person! Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” What an assurance of God’s presence and blessing! However gifted and talented Saul was before (the text had said that there was no one in all Israel who was his equal), God changed him (1 Samuel 10:9 says God changed his heart as well) and he was an even better leader.

I’m impressed by Saul’s humility and restraint in 1Samuel 10:27 in that he “kept silent” in the face of his opposition; and in 1 Samuel 11:13 that he did not seek revenge upon these troublemakers, though given the opportunity.

John 6:43 affirms that no one comes to God apart from God drawing them. The power to come to God is given as a gift by God to all, but Jesus goes on to say in 6:45 that it is only those who listen to the Father and learn from Him that come to faith.

I love Jesus’ statement in John 6:57, “The one who feeds on Me will live!” And what a powerful reminder in 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.”

Finally, what a beautiful passage in Psalm 107:8-9,

“…Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Application

Saul is a powerful object lesson of how we lose our effectiveness, authority and power when we forget the true source of our power. I don’t ever want to lose God’s blessing – personally, ministerially, or as a leader in general.

Prayer

“God, change me. Make me a new person, a new creation. Change my heart and use me powerfully. May I feed upon You; and, may I find my hunger & thirst satisfied in You.”