Daily Bible Reading - Sunday - May 9th

The Philistines stole the ark. They believed that they were stealing the God of Israel too. They were very happy to have the ark. But by the end of the chapter, they wanted to return it. They discovered that the God of Israel is different from other gods. He is very powerful. He does not live in the ark.

Every time the Philistines won a battle, they stole the figures of the gods of that nation. They put them in Dagon’s temple. This showed that Dagon was more powerful than the other gods. The Bible calls these figures ‘idols’. The temple was a building. People went to the temple to praise Dagon. The Philistines took the ark of the Lord and put it in Dagon’s temple, in the morning, Dagon was in front of the ark, not next to it. He had fallen down in front of the ark of the Lord. He lay there as if he were worshiping the Lord, sometimes people do this in front of a king this is how they give him honour, they show that the king is more powerful than they are. The Philistines put Dagon back in his place, the figure of was probably on a high table which made him look powerful and important. The next day he was lying in front of the ark again. This was not an accident as it happened twice but this time Dagon was broken its hands and head were as if they were cut off. In those days, when men won a battle, they often cut off their enemies’ heads and hands. The Philistines won the battle with the Israelites but God showed the Philistines that he is more powerful than Dagon. Philippians 2:10-11 says that one day everyone will bend down to Jesus. They will admit that he is the most important God and everyone will give honour to Jesus. As we all know this day is coming so soon.  People will realize they should of worshipped the Lord instead of worshipping their own “idols", anything that kept them from the Lord.  I just love the book of Samuel and the life lessons that are in it.  If we sit and meditate on Gods word for a bit we’ll find lessons that teach us in our time of need in whatever situation you might be in.  Some of today’s reading might be a bit boring to ya but if you put yourself in their shoes it might come more alive.  Have a blessed Sunday.

Today’s Reading

1 Samuel 5:1-7:17
John 6:1-21
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 14:32-33

Daily Devotional

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us"
(2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV)

As a believer, God wants to do His work on the earth through you. You are His ambassador or representative. You have been given His authority and power. It's easy to get focused on this natural realm and all the things that we need, but do you realize that you are equipped to be somebody else's miracle?

Every single day, we have opportunities to show God's love and compassion to others. We have the opportunity to meet their needs, bring them healing, and offer hope and encouragement. Every day, we can sow good seed into the lives of others that will reap an eternal harvest.

I encourage you today to look for ways to be a blessing to someone else. When you pour into others and help meet their needs, God will make sure that others pour into you. Let's continue to work together to build His kingdom to the glory of God!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for choosing me and using me. Once again, I surrender every area of my life to You. Show me ways to be a miracle to others so that my life brings glory to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen