The Holy Spirit overcome all men in Ramah

1 Samuel 19:18-24
When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. 
Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah”; so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s men, and they also prophesied.
So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. 
For a time he joins Samuel and his school of prophets at Ramah. 
Why?
Under the Spirit of the Lord, no one can escape from the Lord. Even the enemy came would be affected by the Holy Spirit.
Three times Saul's men and Saul have joined the prophesying.
How?
Pray to the Lord, if God permits I like to experience the Holy Spirit come with me.

Saul tries to kill David

1 Samuel 19:1-17
Saul tries to kill David.
Jonathan was very fond of David and warned him. My father Sul is looking for a chance to kill you.
Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath; "As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death."
But the evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.
David's wife Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped.
Jonathan's first attempt at reconciliation succeeds. But one of Saul's black moods follows and only Michal's deception saves David's life.
Why?
When evil spirit with a man he will do some bad behavior and no matter what he has promised.
Even an oath to an evil man is meaningless for he does not fear the Lord.
David made good his escape, for the danger was coming and Saul's son and daughter helped him.
How?
David is blessed by the Lord, even the situation was dangerous and hard, God has his plan and way and always we do no know the forehead.

Because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul

1 Samuel 18:1-30
Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns.
When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.
Jonathan's instant liking deepens into lasting friendship with David, who will look back on this as one of the best things in his life. Nothing could shake the amazing bond between the king's son and the man who, humanly speaking, was to rob him of the throne. 
As David's prestige grows, Saul's Jealous suspicion increases, and he plots David's death. David's poverty gives Saul the chance to suggest a bride-price which is likely to cost him his life. Such a toll could be exacted only from the Philistines. Israel's chief enemy: the other nations practiced circumcision. David doubles Sahl's demand and returned to claim his total bride.
Why?
Because of the Spirit of God is with David, so David led the troops in their campaigns. 
Saul could not better than Davis so he remained his Jealousy on David the rest of his days. 
Jesus Christ is my savior, even there are many difficult things but God is my fortress and my strength and my way.
How?
What can I do is obey God's command and follow His way with all my soul, all my heart and all my strength. Then if God permits, the Spirit of the Lord be with me.

真愛 可：41-44

生命真實的悔改
從破碎到真喜樂
小婉的見證
高敏智牧師。2019/7/28
不要自憐，不要自傲
1.防備假愛假情
  12：38-40
2.謹慎假先知假基督
  13：5,6
1. 數算自己的日子。智慧的心
    自己走上來把她一切養生的都投上了。
     可要考慮神要什麼，神考慮我們的更多
2.計算主恩的秘訣-超越的心

Be a flighter of the Lord

1 Samuel 17:38-58
 David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.
Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him.
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.
As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.  Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.
David's time in the hills alone with the sheep has added faith to courage - and given him deadly accuracy with the sling. The giant doesn't stand a chance. Once again God is shown as his people's protector: all he requires from them is trust and the courage to obey.
Why?
David came against the giant flight with the name of the Lord Almighty. So under the blessing of the Lord, David killed giant, Goliath, with a stone and sling.
Vicory is depended on the Lord, what we can do is follow the way of the Lord and be a servant of the Lord.
When God's holy name be defied we should stand out to fight with them.
How?
Base on the truth and obey God's word, be a flighter of the Lord for this truth, judge and love.
退一步海闊天空，我何必去爭不屬於我的！以喜樂的心面對每件事！神有神的時間與方法！

For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand

1 Samuel 17:1-37
 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.
Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me.
On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.
Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.
The Philistine champion is 10 Ft(over 3 meters) tall, fully armed and clad in protective armor. Saul, who has fought valiantly against the Philistines, is as terrified as his men to answer the giant's challenge. 
Why?
Everyone faces Giant enemy is fear and dismay, for we are weak and small.
Forty days, Goliah and Philistian came out shouted to Israelite. This is the number of the Lord. Waiting for God's way to be done. Jesse asked David took grain and bread for his brothers, so he has the opportunity to meet the great war.
How?
God has his time and way and the right person to do his mission. For us, waiting for God's leading, focus on the Lord and follow his word, trust in the Lord. I am God's servant.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart

1 Samuel 16:1-23
How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power, Samul then went to Ramah.
Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.
Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
On the basis of the first choice of king, Samuel might well have been looking for someone tall and handsome. But this time God makes it plain that he looks deeper. David may have sparkling eyes and the glow of health, but he is the least of his family, yet his heart is right. With the anointing, as in Saul's case, comes spiritual power. Again God chooses his man and prepares him long before he becomes a national figure. Learning to care for a wayward flock is no bad preparation for a leader.
When the Spirit of God leaves Saul, evil forces take charge. Saul is at the mercy of his own ungovernable temperament. His disordered mind plunges him into black depression and violence. But music can push back the shadows, and os Saul's need to become David's opportunity.
Why?
Samuel is fear the Lord and concerning the matter of the Lord, so he prayed to the Lord for a long time.
God's mind and eyes are different from men, God does not look at the outward appearance, but looks at the heart of men.
When the Holy Spirit is with us, the peace and power of the Lord will come with us.
When a man with the Holy Spirit, then the evil spirit is easy to occupy him.
How?
Do not look things at outward appearance, but the inner part. May God give me the wisdom to look things better.

To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams

1 Samuel 15:1-35
Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night.
Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.  Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice,  and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,  and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,  he has rejected you as king.”
He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.
This time Saul's disobedience is deliberate. He is rejected by God as king, and Samuel pays him no more official visits. The prophet had foreseen trouble, He might well have relished Saul's downfall. instead, he went home grieving.
Why?
God's word can not be changed or modified to obeying God's word is more important than sacrifices.
Rebellion is sin like the evil of idolatry. So Saul has totally disobeyed God's instruction.
Saul forgot he was small and is the Lord raised him as king of Israel.
Saul's victory is because of God's blessing.
God regrets that he has made Saul king, for Saul turned away from God, so the authority and glory may let people forget the grace of the Lord.
How?
Be humble and obey the word of the Lord, for the victory and salvation is come from the Lord. There is no other way.

The men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death

1 Samuel 14:24-52
Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be anyone who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.”
Then someone said to Saul, “Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.”
So Saul asked God, “Shall I go down and pursue the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel’s hand?” But God did not answer him that day.
Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, “Why have you not answered your servant today? If the fault is in me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the men of Israel are at fault, respond with Thummim.” Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared. Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.
But the men said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die—he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God’s help.” So the men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death.
Jonathan is seen as a man of outstanding faith and courage, as the writer makes clear from this story. By contrast, the narrative begins to bring out those flaws in Saul's make-up which later developed into serious mental disorder.
The people intervene to save Jonathan from the consequences of his father's rash oath.
Why?
Do not take the oath rash and have faith in the Lord!
For there is sin among a group, God does not answer their praying and asking.
Taken by lot is a way to ask the way of the Lord. But carful to using it. Even now the best way is could be learned from the Holy Spirit. Instead of taking a lot.
How?
Do not make a decision in rush or under emotion or disorder situation.

Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few

1 Samuel 14:1-23
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.” So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” 
Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him.
Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.
Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Jonathan and his armorer-bearer seem to have been taken for deserters, so they were able to catch the Philistines unawares. Earth tremors add to the panic and confusion. And Israelite deserter changes sides to help Saul to victory. Jonathan is seen as a man of outstanding faith and courage.
Why?
Jonathan has faith in the Lord, "Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." God has the power and authority to make a decision.
It is the Lord to make panic and stuck the whole army. It is not the knife or any weapon, but the sovereign of the Lord.
What can I say, God is my strong holder, my way and my savior.
How?
Praise the Lord for his love, his way and his grace is giving to us.

But now your kingdom will not endure, because you have not kept the Lord’s command

1 Samuel 13:1-23
The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Mikmash, east of Beth Aven. When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns.
Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.
“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.  But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”
 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow points, mattocks, axes, and sickles[f] sharpened Saul musters his troops and waits seven days, during which time the army steadily dwindles(不斷減少). But he fails to see the seventh day out. And his disobedience and arrogance in taking over the function of the prophet cost him his dynasty.
Why?
Samuel won the Philistines by the Lord, the situation between Israelites and Philistines are the same. No iron weapon, and no enough soldiers in Israel.
Saul did not obey the command of the Lord, so his dynasty ends. 
Victory is no by men or horse but by the power of the Lord.
Be aware that God is my fortress and my savior, follow God's command is the best way to get the victory. 
How?
Obey God's command and follow the way of Jesus is the way to joy and peace.

Fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart

1 Samuel 12:1-25
If I have done any of these, I will make it right.
Samuel said to them, "The Lord is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.
“But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the Lord your God was your king. Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the Lord has set a king over you.
 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.”
This farewell speech marks the end of the rule of the judges. Samuel has always been alert to the dangers of the monarchy. Politically the move to choose a king was no doubt wise. Religiously, it was a step in the wrong direction, a step away from the idea of God alone as Israel's king. And Samuel does not mince his words: if God ceases to be King for his people, both nation and monarchy will be swept away. But, come what may, this old man of God will od as he has always done" pray for the people and teach them what is right.
Why?
Samuel is old and he told and warned his people to fear the Lord and serve the Lord with all your heart. This is the right way to live.
If they turn from the Lord to idols or others will perish.
Samuel still pray for his people, so pray is important to every Christian.
The Lord is my king, no matter what this world is changing.
How?
Jesus Christ is my savior, The Lord is my king, I am His servant.

Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship

1 Samuel 11:1-15
When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. 
Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one. When Saul mustered them at Bezek, the men of Israel numbered three hundred thousand and those of Judah thirty thousand.
The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.
The people then said to Samuel, “Who was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ 
But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel."
Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.” So all the people went to Gilgal and made Saul king in the presence of the Lord. 
God moves Saul to make his appeal and the people to respond. For perhaps the first time since Joshua, the nation is united" a good beginning to the new king's reign.
Why?
The first victory seems led by Saul, but actually it the Lord with Saul and Israel, so they defeated Ammonites and slaughtered them.
After this battle, all tribes of Israel are united as one nation.
After this event, it is confirmed as the kingship of Israel and Saul. 
How?
Working with the Lord will come with joy and victory.  God is my only hope and salvation.

Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship

1 Samuel 10:17-27
 When Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri’s clan was taken. Finally, Saul the son of Kish was taken. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found.
Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people".
Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord. Then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their own homes.
But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
The casting of lots, tribe by tribe, makes it quite clear that God is choosing Israel's king: it is not left to the people. And when it comes to it Saul fights shy and has to be dragged from hiding. He need not have been afraid. A king who stands a head taller than the rest meets with the people's instant approval.
Why?
The casting of lots means justice and equal to everyone. And it makes clear that God is choosing.
Saul was shy so he has hidden, but the Lord knew where he is.
To be a king have taught people and king the tights and duties of kingship, so as to every new job to a person.
There are always men does not agree with population opinion, even to the chosen of the Lord. And despise the chosen one.
How?
We will criticize someone elected by most people, but we subdue to the servant of the Lord, who was chosen by the Lord. The right and duty are equal. No matter what this world is changing, Jesus Christ is our king forever.

All these signs were fulfilled that day, Saul was anointed as king of Israel

1 Samuel 9:26-10:16
Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do.”
As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.
When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Saul replied, “He assured us that the donkeys had been found.” But he did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about the kingship.
All Isreal knows the prophet, but not, apparently, this young provincial. The oil sets Saul apart for his high office. The detailed fulfilment of Samuel's predictions assures Saul of the prophet's authority. Saul goes home a new man.
Why?
Finally, Saul did not wait for the seven days until Samuel come.
What Samuel said are all fulfilled, for Samuel is a prophet of the Lord, what he said is like God's talk.
Saul is with the Spirit of the Lord so he was prophesying with the prophets. God was with Saul.
Saul was afraid to let his uncle know that Samuel has anointed him as a king of Israel. Maybe he is not ready for this new position in his heart.
How?
It is God's chosen on us so we can be someone and to do something. If there is not God's mercy and grace we will be in the dust and dead body.

Why do you say such a thing to me?

1 Samuel 9:1-25
The Lord chose Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites as king of Isreal.
 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.”
Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?”
And Saul dined with Samuel that day.
A search for lost donkeys, of all things, bring Israel's future king from Gibeah to Ramah and the meeting with Samuel. All Isreal knows the prophet, but not apparently, this young provincial.
Why?
God raise his people from the dust, so God chose Saul from Benjamite and from the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.
Why do you say such a thing to me? Because this is the work of the Lord.
No one knows why but God will do on his plan, his idea. And God's way beyond our way.
How?
Do not wander or worry about anything for our God is the sovereign Lord.

Listen to them and give them a king

1 Samuel 8:1-22
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord.
And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you, they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord. The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”
History repeats itself, and Samuel's sons turn out little better than Eli's. Their bribery and corruption provide the people with a ready-made excuse to lobby the ageing Samuel for a king, like the nations around.
Samuel feels rejected and resists. But God advises Samuel to hear them out. In truth, it is not the prophet who is rejected but the whole concept of theocracy. And they must be warned of the consequences. Samuel spares them nothing. They have only to look at their neighbour states to see that having a king means conscription, forced labour, taxation, and loss of personal liberty. But even this does not deter them.
Why?
Following the Lord is a personal relationship between us and God. Even Samuel is following the Lord but his sons didn't.
Reject the prophet means reject the Lord, so people like to live like other countries. They like the feature of outside but did not care the back of their cost will be their burden,
But the Lord agrees their way and give them a king, even it is not good to them, but God has his way to these people.
How?
All of us are sinners, but most of us do not know it. May my way and my mine could be holy and follow with the Lord.