1 Chronicles 10:13
13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance

It is never a good idea to go against God, but it is a really bad idea for someone like Saul who should know better. Saul is King of Israel and sees the power of God at work throughout his life. Saul continues to ignore it to the point he goes to a palmreader for guidance.

When we don’t want to hear from God because we don’t like what we are hearing there is always the option of getting guidance somewhere else. Good luck.

Pray for God give you more openness to his word.

Whiners can become winners…

2 Kings 22:14

14 So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe.

At this time in Israel’s journey, they have lost their way because the Bible is missing. Then they discover it hidden in the Temple and they don’t know what to do. Notice these court scholars have to go outside of the court to find out what the Bible means.

Huldah knows.

Who taught you about Jesus growing up? Who are you teaching?

2 Samuel 5:19

19 So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”

When you have to battle evil in your life, it is a good idea to have God in your corner. Without God, it doesn’t matter how strong you are or how tough you are. Satan has a lot more experience.

Pray for courage and protection in challenging situations today.

Numbers 22:20

20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.”

If for no other reason, read this story because it includes a talking donkey. I remember seeing Francis the Talking Mule movies as a kid (old age disclaimer alert!). He was kind of funny with his sidekick Donald O’Conner, but this donkey in Exodus is only trying to be helpful!

Sometimes, even a donkey can see what isn’t obvious to a man. Well Balaam listens and learns. Only do what God tells you.

Is there anything God wants from you that you are resisting? Do you own a donkey?

God’s guidance comes from “an interactive friendship that gives direction and purpose to daily life.” So reads the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible. We will look at some texts concerning guidance from scripture and apply them to actions our lives.

God’s “sacred home” is a great metaphor for the reality of the Trinity that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share eternally. We are invited into the Trinity to be blessed, renewed and covered for the Kingdom Work God does through us. You don’t have travel anywhere, though. We are surrounded.

Think of how you are immersed in God’s presence as you go through this day.

Numbers 12:8

8 With him I speak face to face,

       clearly and not in riddles;

       he sees the form of the LORD.

       Why then were you not afraid

       to speak against my servant Moses?”

When we are walking close with God we are connected with our greatest source of wisdom. Well, who walked closer than Jesus? What he teaches and what he models are correct 100% of the time. If you don’t have a clear understanding from scripture of decisions you are making, why not? Is it that the Bible doesn’t have anything to do with what you are considering or is it you know you are gong with what you want, and not necessarily what God wants?

For the rest of the week, try thinking of Bible teachings that connect with the things you are doing.

Revelation 22:3
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

We will live in the new creation, the city of God, where we will serve God by ruling with him forever. This is our future and we catch glimpses of it right now when God uses us in remarkable ways to bring his reign into the world in ways we are aware, and in ways we are unaware.

Pray for God to keep you especially sensitive to where he is working, and join him.

Revelation 19.10
10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus.

In this passage, John is going to worship an angel sent from God. The angel lets him know that it is only God we worship. Angels work for God just like we do. Instead of little statues of angels around the house, we could have statues of our friends! So, thank God for angels, but don’t make them something they are not.

Thank God for the angel watching over you today.

Revelation 5.10
10 And you have caused them to become
a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign on the earth.

We will rule with God in the new creation. The new creation has begun with the death and resurrection of Jesus. So, even today, this is happening as we bless those around us and care for our world. We represent God when we serve.

Pray for God to make you more responsible in your service.

1 Peter 4:10
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

When we serve, God is giving us energy and guidance. He also gives us talents and skills. A spiritual gift can be seen as an extra dose of God’s power beyond our human capabilities. You discover this when you serve effectively.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 for examples of these gifts.