Bible reading for May 13

Scripture

1 Samuel 14:24-26 “Now the men of Israel were worn out that day, because Saul had made them take an oath, saying, Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening- before I have full revenge on my enemies. So no one ate a thing all day, even though they found honeycomb on the ground in the forest. They didn’t even touch the honey because they all feared the oath they had taken.”

Observation

This was a rash statement by Saul. They were in the middle of a battle. His men needed to eat to be strong and to be able to fight longer. This hurt their stamina. Saul was not thinking or he was only thinking about himself. He blurts out this statement and forbids his men to eat. The problem was Saul’s son Jonathon did not hear Saul’s command and he ate some of the honey. When Saul discovered what Jonathon did, he was willing to kill his own son. The others soldiers saved Jonathon’s life because he led Israel in victory over the Philistines. I believe that Saul’s men lost a lot of respect for Saul that day. They disobeyed a direct order. Saul lost some of authority. Saul’s rash statement cost him.

Application

I get myself in trouble when I speak before I think. When I blurt something out without taking time to think it through, I usually regret it. Rash statements are usually bad statements. The tongue is a powerful thing and the Bible says it is difficult to control but I have to learn to control my tongue. I have to learn to think before I speak. I have to bring my tongue into subjection to the Lordship of Christ. The Holy Spirit has to be in control of my words. One of my spiritual formation goals is for the Holy Spirit to be in be in command of my tongue. I want to be so full of the Holy Spirit, I want to walk in the Spirit to the point that my tongue is in submission. I know rash statements get me in trouble.

Prayer

Father I submit my tongue to you. You are Lord over my words. Fill me with your Spirit today and take command of my tongue. I cannot do this on my own. My will power is not enough. I need divine power. I need supernatural intervention. Transform me to the point that my words are pleasing to you. I do not want to hurt others because of the words I say. I want my words to build up and not tear down. I want my words to bless and not curse. I want to speak words of praise. In Jesus Name