Perceive: On the run, David goes to Nob where he encounters the priest Ahimelech. The priest recognizes David and is a bit fearful as to the reason Israel’s greatest warrior is visiting his tabernacle by himself. The arrival of David without an escort seemed alarming, so the priest was afraid and asked some questions. Our hero answers with a fabricated story of an urgent secret mission and then asks for bread. This bread, called the bread of the Presence, symbolized two things: God’s presence among His people and God’s provision for their physical needs. After replacing the bread with fresh loaves, it was eaten only by the priests on duty. Consecrated bread was special and considered holy in its use to worship God.
 
Practice:  In this situation, Ahimelech had to go against the Law to give the consecrated bread to David, because the bread was supposed to be given only to the priests (Leviticus 24:5-9). Ahimelech put David’s need for food ahead of religion ritual. This action is a great example of upholding the higher law of compassion and love over religious ceremony and tradition. In His ministry, Jesus referred to this incident to show that God’s laws are designed to focus on worship, not works (Matthew 12:1-8). If we become more concerned about the means of worship than the one we worship, we lose our ability to see and sense the power and presence of our blessed Savior.
 
Pray:  Lord, open my eyes to see and fill me with Your inward abiding presence. Enable me to experience more of You on a daily basis.  

​This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: After learning the truth of Saul’s intentions for murder, Jonathan executes the agreed upon plan in a shooting field using a small young boy. A young boy was less likely to realize anything was wrong as he retrieved the three arrows. After the boy departs, David and Jonathon embrace and weep over the situation. It is obvious to both that unless their present circumstances change, they would never again enjoy times together of camaraderie and fellowship. After Jonathan gives a heartfelt set of farewell comments reminding David of the covenant they made to each other, they part company. They would later see each other one more time (1 Samuel 23:16-18).
 
Practice:  Jonathan is a shining example of a loyal and faithful friend. Sometimes he was forced to deal with close relatives making horrific demands of his closest friend. Still, he was loyal to his father and his friend. Sometimes loyalty is a costly quality for the person who maintains his integrity no, matter what happens. It is a selfless part of loving others. To be loyal, you cannot live only for yourself. Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
 
Pray:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit enable me to live a life that is loyal to my friends and family. Help me clearly see when to lay down my life for the benefit of others. ​


This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: While David is hiding in a field, Jonathan returns home to determine if his father was truly bent on murdering his best friend. Unfortunately, Jonathan learned by his father’s words and actions just how evil the situation had developed. Saul was so angry of this missed opportunity that he swears at Jonathan, essentially calling his son a bastard and then attempts to end his life by spearing him with a javelin. Imagine the atmosphere in this banquet hall during a time where the attendants should be laughing and enjoying the bounty of a feast. Instead, they see his abusive speech, angry temper, and physical violence.
 
Practice:  King Saul continues to work at keeping control of the throne for himself and future generations even though God clearly told him his rule and reign was over (1 Samuel 13:13-14). Realizing he will never have God’s help or blessing again, he continues to exercise human means to seek David’s demise. If Jonathan wanted to be king, he could have killed David and made his father temporarily content. Instead, he maintained a love and loyalty for God and his best friend even at his peril.
 
Pray:  O mighty God, help me see and deal with all the times I am tempted to use human means to achieve an ungodly end. Only with Your help can I see You, hear Your word, and live a faith-filled life.  
​This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Gradually, David is losing all his support. Up to this point in the story, he has lost his position in the royal court, his job in the military, his wife, ties to the royal family, and the input from his spiritual advisor. Feeling a bit unstable, he now turns to the next person he relies on, and that is Jonathan, his best friend. After a brief dialogue, they devise a plan to test Saul’s intentions. Knowing that someday David would be king, Jonathan asks David to keep a promise regarding his children. As we will see in later chapters, David keeps his word (2 Samuel 9).
 
Practice:  When we are in deep times of troubling circumstances, we often lean on others when we should be leaning on the Lord. If we attempt to settle our human struggles in a human and social way, we will often be facing internal conflicts and unstable behavior. If we attempt to solve our struggles as loyal to God and His word, many of our choices would be much clearer.  
 
Pray:  Thank you for my loyal friends __________. Help us always stay loyal to You first and foremost and obedient to Your word and ways.  

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: This was the second time that Saul joined a group of prophets and prophesied. This group of men may have been attending school under Samuel in preparation for future ministry. Unlike the first time (1 Samuel 10) Saul is obsessed with jealousy over David’s growing fame, growing influence, growing success, and growing favor with God’s people. In a strange exercise of God’s power, the Spirit of God immobilizes Saul, so he is unable to bring harm to David. While prophesying, Saul strips his royal clothes and lies naked before the world. It is as though God’s rejection of him would not allow him to wear royal attire. While Saul is prophesying, David flees.
 
Practice:  There is a big difference between being used by God and being usable by God. God used Saul while David was usable. Saul was in a trance speaking the word of God although he was far from thinking God’s thoughts, while David was praying to God and seeking His face. God rejected one, selected and anointed the other. God can use anyone, anytime, and in any way He chooses. Are you a useable man or a used being?
 
Pray:  Great and mighty God, forgive me for any times I have acted stubborn and resisted Your molding me into an image that is more Christlike. Help me to stay usable as a godly vessel.  

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Most likely David wrote this psalm when he was fleeing from Saul’s court. It is obvious that he is in crisis and although well meaning, some of his friends are giving him worldly advice (v 1). The psalm is divided into two main sections. In the first section, he describes his situation and the advice of his friends (1-3). In the second, he shares the reason for his faith by remembering where God is and what God sees (4-7). He seeks stability in the midst of his panic.
 
Practice:  Because we can trust our God, we can face our trials and problems. When the world around us is collapsing in, when our foundations crumble, and the walls of our life are shaking, we must remember that God is still in control. His ability to see, His ability to act, and His ability to change circumstances will never diminish. Nothing happens without His knowledge and permission. When the temptation comes to run away, we need to run to Him. 
 
Pray:  Help me today Lord. I need to see You during my trials. Give me insight into why I want to flee rather than fight. 

​This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com