4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 12:1–13:23
John 7:1-30
Psalm 108:1-13
Proverbs 15:4
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
1 Samuel 12:23 (NLT): “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The prophet Samuel was one of the central characters in the Old Testament story. In fact, there may have been none larger than him other than men like Moses and King David.
But, all good things must come to an end. In 1 Samuel 23, the great prophet gave his farewell to Israel with some instructions and a warning or two.
As he brought his speech to a close, he made the people two promises: First, Samuel promised them that he would regularly pray for them. Second, he vowed to continue to teach them how to live and think in a way that pleased the Lord, as long as the Lord enabled him.
1 Samuel 12:23 (NLT): “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.”
These two activities (prayer & instruction) are the primary tools that any Jesus-following influencer uses.
Do you want to influence your children? Pray for them and instruct them in God’s Word.
Do you want to influence those in your Bible study class? Pray for them and instruct them in God’s Word.
Do you want to influence someone in your workplace who needs to grow in their walk with Jesus? Pray for them and instruct them in God’s Word.
These are the tools we have been given to influence others. These are the primary tools by which we will make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). We pray and instruct from God’s Word.
So, get to it. Spend time in prayer for others today. And then look for ways to share God’s truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) with them.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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