Have you ever uttered something you later regret?
Perceive: Jonathan, Saul’s son, and his armor bearer were used by the Lord to achieve a stunning victory over the Philistines while the king was only a spectator (vv. 16–18). Seeing the enemy in confusion, he then musters his troops and shares in the victory. Unfortunately, however, Saul had uttered a foolish vow that day by forbidding his soldiers to eat any food. Apparently, he thought fasting would invoke God's blessing. How foolish to think that a sacrificial vow would give him victory when his heart was not right with God.
Practice: King Saul said his oath without thinking about the situation. We see no effort to understand if this was God’s will or His desire. Another problem with Saul was his pride and consistently wanting to glorify himself. This kind of person seldom reflects on his life and circumstances as possibly his fault. Leaders who fail to examine themselves tend to develop a false zeal. False zeal comes from regarding your wants and needs over the cause of advancing God’s kingdom. Before you utter a vow, be sure to know your heart and think through the impact on others.
Pray: Great and mighty God, help me guard my heart against any rash comments and help me think about the ramifications of statements in the future. I want all my words to count as worthy of Your kingdom.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: King Saul said his oath without thinking about the situation. We see no effort to understand if this was God’s will or His desire. Another problem with Saul was his pride and consistently wanting to glorify himself. This kind of person seldom reflects on his life and circumstances as possibly his fault. Leaders who fail to examine themselves tend to develop a false zeal. False zeal comes from regarding your wants and needs over the cause of advancing God’s kingdom. Before you utter a vow, be sure to know your heart and think through the impact on others.
Pray: Great and mighty God, help me guard my heart against any rash comments and help me think about the ramifications of statements in the future. I want all my words to count as worthy of Your kingdom.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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