1 Samuel 8 – My study Notes

Using the SOAK method – Scripture, Observe, Application and Kneel

S: 1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

O: This was Samuel’s downfall as he knew his sons were not following God and God’s way.

A: How many times do we turn” the other cheek” or are so close to the situation we can’t see the reality of the situation clearly. I know at times I am to blame when I follow others down the wrong path. I want to be like everyone else and not different instead of standing firm on my believes.

K: Lord, you know when I turn the other check and don’t abide by your will. Please help me to stay strong when I know the correct path to follow. Please help me not to be swayed by others and the deceitful ways which Satan can make a situation look not so bad. Lord, I know sin is sin and I need to own up to my shortcomings. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me in your word. Amen

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1 Samuel Chapter 7 – My study notes

I am using the SOAK method for studying the book of 1 Samuel.  S: scripture O: observation A: application and K: kneel in prayer

S: 2 And when it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that this time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. 16: And he went from year to year in the circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. O: The ark was with them for along time however, they still did not feel any closer to the Lord. Things still were not right and they couldn’t really understand why. They thought

O: The ark was with them for a long time however, they still did not feel any closer to the Lord. Things still were not right and they couldn’t really understand why. They thought having the ark back was going to make everything alright but this was not the case. The hearts of Israel was not where it needed to be. They had more faith in the ark then they did by humbling and repenting to the Lord. I notice Samuel’s faith in prayer and for the people to turn back to God and repent of their sins. Samuel did this from year to year since he knew man will always sin and will always need to remember to turn back to God.

A: As a Christian, I was saved and born again in the late 70’s. As the years went by, I slide back away from God and then tragedy happened. I lost my husband and unborn child in my early 20’s. I went back to the Lord again but it was only for a short period of time. I faltered many times but never lost my faith I just found myself still lost. I went to several churches and just couldn’t find the piece I was missing in my life. Then in 2011, I had a surgery which went bad and at one point, I told my mother, I saw heaven. I don’t remember it and so wish I did but knew God had plans for me and I needed to find out how to get closer to him. This is when I started to read the bible more. At first, it was just by subject areas and then I met my future husband (to be) of today and he took me to his church. A bible believing teaching church and I felt at home. I felt I had found what I had been missing. I decided to read the entire bible that year. I am now on my third time of reading it from start to finish. It is now that I am seeing the rewards. It is now that I am understanding God’s blessings and it is now that I want to encourage others to have and find what I was seeking. Like those of Isreal, my heart was not where it needed to be I needed to humble myself and allow God to take control without looking back or second guessing.

K: Father God, you know my heart and you know I want to be like Samuel faithful in my walk and faithful in sharing your love for not only me but for everyone. I want to be able to go from year to year being your servant and doing your will. I want to be a shining light for others who maybe in darkness. Thank you for allowing me to finish my work here on earth. I look forward to serving you for as long as you want me here. Amen

1 Samuel 6 -My study notes

S: 6:6 – Wherefore, then do ye harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed.

 

 

Word definition- wrought: performed or guided and harden: made unfeeling or conform in wickedness.

O: Why do we see others or ourselves harden our hearts? The Philistines saw the results of God and how he dealt with those who did not believe he was the only true God.( I dug into Proverbs 18:5 and read: It is not accept the person of wicked to overthrow the righteous in judgement.) But how many times do we watch and participate in what we know is not pleasing to God?

A: I need to know the difference of what is pleasing to God and what man wants pleasing to him. By studying the word of God, I have a set of standards to live by; and know are pleasing to him. By being in God’s word everyday, I can keep myself away from temptation and keep my focus on him.

K: Father God, I come before you today to help me keep in your word everyday. I know I am busy and feel pulled in many directions but allow the Holy Spirit to nudge me to make time to be in your word everyday. I know by doing this I will be kept from temptation and keep my focus on you and what is pleasing in your sight. Thank you Lord, for giving us your word to have a set of standards which we can use and live by. Amen

May you continue to search the word of God and not lean unto your own understanding. 

1 Samuel 5 – My study notes

S: 5:2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

O: When I think of Dagon – I picture a statue of some sort. I looked into this deeper and found out a few things. First I looked up the definition of an idol in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary:
I’DOL, noun [Latin idolum; Gr. form or to see.]

1. An image, form or representation, usually of a man or other animal, consecrated as an object of worship; a pagan deity. Idols are usually statues or images, carved out of wood or stone, or formed of metals, particularly silver or gold.

The gods of the nations are idols. Psalms 96:5.

2. An image.

Nor ever idol seemed so much alive.

3. A person loved and honored to adoration. The prince was the idol of the people.

4. Any thing on which we set our affections; that to which we indulge an excessive and sinful attachment.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:1.

An idol is any thing which usurps the place of God in the hearts of his rational creatures.

5. A representation. [Not in use.] Then I looked up Dagon and found a picture which might have represented what Dagon looked like. Apparently, Dagon was a fish god who was worshiped.

A: Upon this discovering, I am reminded that an idol is much more than just a statue. An idol is really something you put above the Lord. It can be money, time on facebook, time wasted, singer, actor and the list goes on. I need to remember who I need to serve and this is our Father God only.

K: Father God, please use me for your will today. Remind me to not let other influences of the world keep my eyes off from you. I pray for our group today as we study together and learn together how important it is to examine our hearts and know who we are serving today. I love you, Lord. May the group feel your blessings and love today. Amen.

1 Samuel 4 – My study notes

S: 21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.
22 And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

O: Further digging on the Ark of the Covenant revealed – the ark is where the “glory of the Lord” dwelled among the children of Israel. The Ark was in the Tabernacle in Shiloh for almost 350 years. God watch more and more sin move into idolatry and disobedience. It was time for God to act and for his people to once again turn back to him. There are three Arks mentioned in the bible: Noah’s Ark, Moses’ Ark of Bulrushes and Ark of the Covenant. From digging deeper into the word of God – these three Arks give us a spiritual picture. Noah’s Ark – salvation. God gave people a choice the choice is of life or death. The Ark of bulrushes can be a picture of protection. Ark of Covenant is a picture of communion and fellowship. It’s a promise God will be with us if we only seek and meet him in the midst.

A: Once again this reminds me of the importance of God being in my life. I am reminded again to not take life for granted. I am reminded it is a free gift to have salvation through Jesus Christ.

K: Father God, Thank you for your word to help guide me and mold me into the Christian you want me to become. Use me, Lord to do your will. Help me, Lord to follow your ways and to keep you in the midst of my day. I love you, Lord. Amen.

May you continue to search the word of the living God and apply it to your heart.