Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 11
Scripture Focus: Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” (1 Samuel 11.14)
Devotional Thought: There are times for all of us when we all need a "Gilgal," a renewing of the Kingdom of God in our lives.
What can we learn about renewal from Gilgal?
· Gilgal was the first camp that Joshua and the Israelites established, after they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It was there that they set up a monument of remembrance - twelve large stones taken out from the Jordan's dry riverbed. When we need renewal, it is good to go back to our Gilgal of deliverance. Jesus told the church in Ephesus to "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first" (Revelation 2.5).
· It was at Gilgal that the people of God renewed the covenant under Joshua. They observed the rite of circumcision and the celebration of the Passover. When you need renewal, revisit the spiritually high times in your life and recommit to the Lordship of Jesus.
· Gilgal was a base of operations for military conquests. From there, the people marched around Jericho. From there, they extended the kingdom. When you are longing for renewal, take the battle the enemy. Step out in faith. Do the things that God has called you to, and accept the victories God has promised you.
· The prophet Samuel had a three-city preaching circuit that included Gilgal. On these circuits, Samuel taught the words and way of God. You can find renewal by studying the Word of God and walking in the way of obedience.
· Saul was crowned king at Gilgal. If you are in need of renewal, make Jesus the King of your life - of every decision, every word, every attitude, every action.
Let us go to Gilgal and there renew the Kingdom!
Prayer: Lord, whether my soul is on fire or I have lapsed into a coldness of heart, I need a Gilgal of renewal! Fan the flames of revival in my spirit, so that I can love and serve you with passion and zeal. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 78.17-31
17 Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. 18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. 19 They spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness? 20 He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?”
21 Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel, 22 because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power. 23 Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, 24 and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. 25 Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance. 26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind; 27 he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas; 28 he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. 29 And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved. 30 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, 31 the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.
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