Today's Verse: 1 Samuel 12:20

Thursday, December 20, 1956

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart."
— 1 Samuel 12:20
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Israel wanted a King. This rebellion against God as Lord and King crushed Samuel's heart and angered God at the people's lack of faith. Samuel reminded God's people that while they have stumbled and fallen because of their political concerns, they must not abandon the Lord himself. Instead, their political concerns must give way to their total allegiance to God and a willingness to serve him fully as Lord and King. In the middle of their politically fueled fear, anger, arrogance, disappointment, triumph, defeat, conflict, confusion, confidence, rivalry, and self-will, God wanted them to turn to him - not their political parties and political champions. Their hope must lie with God! I believe this is a lesson from history that we should heed.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Forgive us, dear Father, for our sinfulness, short-sightedness, and silliness that we have, at times, shown regarding rulers, nations, and our source of hope. We want to serve you with an undivided heart, cleansed by your forgiveness and enabled by the transforming power of your Holy Spirit as we trust in you as our Lord, Savior, and King. We thank you and ask for this grace in Jesus' name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Do Not Be Afraid
Illustration of 1 Samuel 12:20
Inspirational illustration of 1 Samuel 12:20 -- "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied [to the people of Israel]. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart."
The King Who Shares Our Wounds
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
As we come to understand God as the King willing to show us his wounds, then share our wounds, the birth of Jesus takes on a fresh and powerful new meaning. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos and invite us to welcome Jesus, God who came to us to share our wounds and we see this in his manger and cross, the thrones on which he was exalted and

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Samuel 12:20 — "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 20, 1956

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'What about Us?' (Mt. 19:27-30)
"Then Peter said to [Jesus], "We've given up everything to follow you. What will we get?" Jesus replied, "I assure you that when the world is made...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 84:6
"This teaches us that the comfort obtained by a one may often prove serviceable to another; just as wells would be used by the company who came after....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Decaying into Glory'
"Dear Disciple, Paul's words in your verses today are as beautiful as they are powerful. They can help you deal with an inescapable reality of your..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Focused on Jesus' (He. 3:1-6)
"Dear Father, Keep my eyes focused on Jesus. Help me carefully consider him. Let me see his faithfulness. Let me see his worthiness to be honored. Let..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse