1 Samuel 13:8-14

Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:8-14 The Message – Samuel failed to show up at Gilgal, and the soldiers were slipping away, right and left. So Saul took charge: "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!" He went ahead and sacrificed the burnt offering. No sooner had he done it than Samuel showed up! Samuel said, "What on earth are you doing?" Saul answered, "When I saw I was losing my army from under me, and that you hadn't come when you said you would, and that the Philistines were poised at Micmash, I said, 'The Philistines are about to come down on me in Gilgal, and I haven't yet come before God asking for his help.' So I took things into my own hands, and sacrificed the burnt offering." "That was a fool thing to do," Samuel said to Saul. "If you had kept the appointment that your God commanded, by now God would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. God is out looking for your replacement right now.
Today’s Word: Impatience
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord God, when I read the words ‘So I took things into my own hands’, I think of all the times I have been impatient. I too dislike waiting for other people to show up. I can see where I could fall into the same trap Saul did. Yet he lost the kingdom, his job you might say because of it. Wow! James (1:2-4) says I should consider it pure joy when I face trials because they are designed to teach me patience. I assume Samuel not showing on time was designed to teach Saul patience but it backfired and uncovered his true character. This could happen to me. I’m sure of it. Forgive me for my lack of patience and help me change. Amen.