Today's Verse: 1 Samuel 12:20

Wednesday, December 20, 2000

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"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
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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.

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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 Wednesday, December 20, 2000

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God's Forgiveness Requires You to Forgive'
"Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'They Will Hear and Rise Again!' (Jn. 5:28-29)
"[Jesus continued,] "Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Luke 23:27
"Amid the rabble rout which hounded the Redeemer to his doom, there were some gracious souls whose bitter anguish sought vent in wailing and..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God’s Deliverers Are People like Us'
"[Stephen continued his defense before the council by quoting what God said to Moses when calling him back to Egypt to save God's people:] "'I have..."

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.

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