Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:12-26, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, 1 Samuel 12:1-7, 1 Samuel 12:13-25
Above all, fear the LORD and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you.
—1 Samuel 12:24
As a young man growing up in a temple run by overtly wicked men, Samuel saw a lot of what not to do. He witnessed the debauchery, disobedience, and blatant disregard of Eli’s sons as they disgraced their profoundly holy positions as priests. Samuel saw how their actions harmed the people they were supposed to be carefully shepherding, and he was given a prophetic message about the outcome of Eli’s sons. How different could their entire family’s legacy have been had Eli’s sons considered what God had done for them?
I see the experiences of Samuel’s adolescence echoed in his passionate pleading during his final public address to God’s people. From Eli’s sons to Saul, Samuel has experiential knowledge of the cost of disdaining God’s way. As Samuel considered the outcomes of this disobedience, he said, “Don’t turn away to follow worthless things that can’t profit or rescue you; they are worthless” (1Samuel 12:21). Samuel had learned that all of these other things that were tested in place of God’s wisdom—the idols, the wayward actions, the insistence on going their own way—were worthless because of how they hurt others and left none of the satisfaction they so emptily promised.
In comparison, when considering all God had done, Samuel’s response was, “Don’t be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don’t turn away from following the LORD” (v.20). Even after the betrayal God’s people inflicted upon Him, God did not ask for them to be afraid of coming close; in fact, He declared that being near to their God was best for them in their sin. God offered His character as the certainty they could base their lives on, as Samuel said, “The LORD will not abandon his people, because of his great name and because he has determined to make you his own people” (v.22). The outcome of God’s way is the glory of His name and a confident, unshakeable identity as His chosen people. From the time of Moses and Aaron, God’s faithfulness has not wavered and His intentions have not deviated: Humanity will give praise to God alone, and they will belong to Him.
If you’re reading this to start your morning, think of how your day could be changed by considering what God has placed before you. We can enter each task, each conversation, or each struggle already saying, “God has done great things.”
If you’re reading this in the middle of your afternoon, think of how it’s never too late to recenter your heart on His truth. We can always, always begin again with “God has done great things.”
If you’re reading this to close your day, think of how many breaths filled your lungs and how many mercies guided your feet. As you count each up, how good does it feel to say “God has done great things!”
Written by Kayla De La Torre
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91 thoughts on "Samuel"
❤✝️ God has done great things for me!
When the fear creeps in: God has done great things ❤️
In preschool, we played the “Samuel Game” when our Bible story lesson was from this account. I would pretend I was God, and say, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then the kids (that were pretending to be asleep) would ‘wake up’ and come to me and say, “Here I am!”. I would tell them to go back to bed. We did this three times, but the third time, I told them to sit up in their bed and say, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening.” They didn’t quite get it (but I did). Hopefully they will recall that game during their lives.
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Hopefully I will too. ❤️
God has done and is doing great things in my life! ❤️
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So striking how the people of Israel did wrong to ask for a king. Yet it would have been ok if both they and the king followed the Lord. So much to ponder.
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Hello Shes
The One who is gracious, generous, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, watches over us as a parent to child & is quick as a parent to extend forgiveness & second chances. He is trustworthy & worthy to be praised.
As He saw & punished Eli’s sons for their evil. Divine reckoning. As He spoke to & used Samuel to warn the people. Again, Devine reckoning.
Pray the One who is constant & compassionate speak as clearly to me, and I not fail to respond, “Lord, your servant is listening”.
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Good morning She’s. I’m on my break and I guess I must not hit post earlier this morning. Have a great Thursday.
That was me yesterday, it apparently post at 5 ish! lol.
LOL!!
My daily prayer is that I would remember His presence all day long. Now I will add this reminder – “God has done great things.”
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I needed this reminder today as I feel our church needs so many miracles to happen. We have gotten so small over these past few years. Tithes are low, budget keeps getting cut and cut. Our worship leader will be stepping down to have her 3rd baby and may not return…so many needs – great needs. Please pray for Grace Bible Church in Ramsey, NJ.
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Years ago when I was a little girl in VBS I heard the story of Samuel. It was at that time that I said, “here I am Lord”. It was a long road to get where I am today with the Lord. Many detours, bumps, “pot holes” but here I am, 32 + years in ministry. I hope the Lord keeps me serving Him for many more. Indeed, God has done great things. Let me never forget.
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@Carol J Mylin – I will be praying for Jensen and Logan. May God fill their empty arms soon, with a precious little one. ❤️
@Kira H – I am so sorry to hear of your co-workers husbands passing. I will be praying for his wife, son and extended family.
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Blessings to each of you dear sweet sisters! Enjoy your Thursday! ❤️
Praying, Sharon! I like your daily prayer and add on! Praying a blessing over you, your husband and your whole church family and community. Keep on keeping on.peace and love to you❤️
Praying for your church
Samuel and Samson what a contrast. I can’t help but think about the two of them together since we studied them both this week.
Samuel was such a Godly man. He was raised in the Lord’s House.
Both were conceived under supernatural circumstances but I suppose it came down to choices. Both had a purpose before they were born ordained by God to accomplish his purposes for the Israelites.
Samson had the same potential for godliness as Samuel.
” Speak, Lord for your servant is listening”. Wow. I want to have ears to hear.
I loved how the author of the devotional wrote ” G-d has done great things.”
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Yes so good! It is about choices, this life. How will we choose? Thank God, he sent Jesus to rescue our bad choices, with a willing repentive heart! Thank you Jesus!
Yes, Tanya!
How correct the comparison.
Differently & distinctively raised.
Wondering what kind of conversation they could have had, biblically!!
Wow,that is a deep thought! What if Biblical personalities could have a round table discussions! Love it!
Regardless of my circumstances, may I always be able to offer the King of My Heart the praise He is worthy of, “God has done great things!”
KAYLA, thank you for this beautifully challenging devo! ❤
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In reading that key verse in Samuel I immediately thought of a song- a little weird since it’s one we only hear at Christmas: NOEL by Chris Tomlin. I am so thankful that we can look back and see what God had done through the Life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Noel
Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore
Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel
Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore
Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel…
Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel
Noel
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Love, hugs, and prayers, sisters! ❤
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In my opinion, Christmas songs should be sung all year long! :-)
Indeed, Amen!
I agree with y’all!!! ☺❤
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I loved Kayla’s challenge in the devotional to consider God’s faithfulness & dedication to us no matter what time of day we dive into our devotional/scripture! // God, we need you every minute of the day! May your favor & blessing go before us as we walk along the path of life You have for us. Father God, I pray and ask that You would have Your loving hand over each of these ladies as they pursue You & seek You daily. Lord, I thank you that you see us, all of us, and you love us just the same. Father, may you provide peace to those in mourning and those who are struggling. Lord, may you encourage those who are doing well to continue praising You. Father, we thank you for Your grace. May we never forget what a blessing it is to be fully known & deeply loved by You. Lord, I pray over each of the prayer requests in this chat both spoken and unspoken. May You have Your hand over each of these situations & use them for Your glory! In Jesus name, Amen!
Amen, thank you Susan!
Amen! ❤ Thank you for this beautiful prayer, Susan!
Amen❤️
Yes, and Amen! ❤️
Amen & Amen, Susan!
Thank you Susan!
I know we are reading of Samuel today, but I just want to jump back to Hannah. In todays scripture we read how she blessed Samuel’s service in the temple – she really was a remarkable women. Her sacrifice is not something I can wrap my head around. And, she went in to have 5 more children – how gracious of the Lord and how He abundantly blessed her. I just think there is so much I can glean from Hannah’s life and character.
Moving onto Samuel – a young man after God’s own heart, also remarkable. What if I had the response that Samuel did to all the Lord had for me? What if I continually had my heart postured as we read in 1 Sam 3:10: Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”? I can quite honestly say I have missed, overlooked or forged ahead on my own, many a time without waiting to hear from the Lord. My desire is truly to be walking closely to the Lord so as to not miss His voice, but my humanness gets in the way. It is a great praise to the Lord that despite who I am, He is kind and patient, He is faithful and He moves no matter what and He use me ways that brings Him honor and glory; that others would be pointed to Him. I want to live for and worship Him faithfully and consider all the great things He has done.
Heavenly Father, tune my ears to hear your voice, to listen to your instruction. I want You and You alone to lead me each day and help me see and make known the great things you have done. This is the prayer of my heart. Amen
‘Above all, fear the LORD and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you.’
1 Samuel 12:24
Amen! ❤
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Yes, Lord, be the center of my life.
Me too Wendy and I just jumped back as well but to Deborah, that devotion day was so beautifully written and I wanted to read it again!
How often does God call out to us, but we are too preoccupied with so much more all day. At night, our minds too tend to be overloaded and anxious. But laying your head down at night is such a good time to let it all go and be with God. Letting him speak to us! Oh how wonderful it would be if he “stood” there (never saw that phrase before) and spoke to us?
How else can we hear from God and his will for us? His will for me is good, but it may not be enjoyable in the moment…but it is producing for me good I will see down the road. Being in God’s word will reveal him speaking to us. By circumstances, doors will open or close. By people, affirmed by their words to us. And of course the Holy Spirit leads us. He speaks to us still, what a wonderful thing! Open my ears to hear from you Lord, may I always choose to be your servant!
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God has done great things!
What a good message this morning! I pray that this morning, during the afternoon, and all through the evening and night, I would remember and DECLARE, “God has done great things for me!!!”
good morning sisters. my month old baby niece is having surgery today at 11:40am EST to put a shunt in her brain to help relieve pressure from excess fluid. please pray for her safety, the doctors, and the anxieties of my sister abbey and her husbands mike.
i also posted around the beginning of february about my boyfriend and i breaking up, and he had been living and sleeping together and the shame and guilt i carried… im ashamed that we continued to see each other and all that up until even last weekend. i put my foot down for the last time and i know its for the best but it hurts and feels final. this scripture reminded me that God WANTS us to turn back to Him. i have been feeling worthless and ruined and i know that’s Satan, not the Lord. but it still feels true, so i will keep speaking truth over myself until i feel it.
Can I share a scripture?
Romans 8:28 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.And because you belong to him, the power of the life -giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” This is NLT.
I will be praying for your sister and her baby.
Sorry, similar or same surgery and it went well, the baby is doing so well now and it’s been a couple years I’d say.
Praying for your niece, Taylor, that the surgery will go smoothly and be successful. Praying for peace for the family during the surgery.
Oh Taylor. I too, and probably many more have been in the place you are now. Regretful and not knowing why we do the things we know are not what God wants us to, but OH the flesh. I can’t tell you how often. Even while loving Jesus and teaching at church, I was sleeping around and even with my now husband and moved in before we were married. It often makes me wonder what consequences have come in marrital areas that may have otherwise been blessed. Although there is no condensation from repentive heart…we do know sin has consequence and leaves their mark. And what kind of example was it to baby Christians? But…we all fall short and can only repent, and He does forgive and forget not to bring against us on judgement day. I think it is also a good think to confess to other believers, it takes the weight off and we can pray for you! Thank God he is all about restoration and transformation.
Prayers for a successful surgery for your little niece and strength and peace for Abbey and Mike. Also praying that you can be strong in this breakup and that you will stop beating yourself up over what’s happened. God has forgiven you, now forgive yourself! ❤️
Taylor, you shared so much with such vulnerability- thank you! I am praying for your niece to have a successful surgery and quick, full recovery. As for the rest, I have also felt shame from repenting of sexual sin. It is something that occurs in our physical self and we often forget that it affects our spiritual self, too. It may take a while, but I would advise you to lay down this burden on Jesus each day. When you asked for forgiveness, He forgave you and restored you to the rightful place of daughter to the highest King. He did it the moment you asked and did not delay so that you might feel shame. I pray that you feel healing in this area and that the feelings you are experiencing from Satan will lessen and disappear.
Praying for you and your family. You are the daughter of the King. Forgiven and cherished.
Taylor, little sister, I pray God’s comfort for your broken heart and strength to stand against the temptation of sexual sin. God doesn’t want you to walk in shame, rather cloaked in forgiveness and hope.
Satan hopes by shaming you that you will believe that you are not good enough or strong enough to leave that lifestyle behind, BUT GOD will fight for you and with you to achieve that goal and blessing! Be strong in the LORD! Much love and many hugs, lil sis! ❤❤❤
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Prayers for successful surgery and smooth recovery and for peace for Abbey and Mike. How scary for them to face this with such a little one! ❤
Dear Taylor…The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,so far has he removed our transgressions from us.’ Psalm 103
Praying for strength, courage and perseverance to stand firm in being the women called you to be, free from the sin that holds you back. Praying for assurance that your sin is cast far from the east is to the west, and praying in the mighty name of Jesus that the lies and strongholds of the enemy would be silenced and released and you would be free from what has entangled you and you would walk in freedom. Amen
Praying for healing for your niece, peace and strength for your sister and BIL, and all of your family. May this precious baby girl be healed, restored and grow to be a joyful, strong woman of God, His favor resting upon her.
Prayers for your little niece Taylor – and for peace from anxiety for your sister Abbey and her husband. What a trying time to go through with a little one.
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Dear, dear Taylor – you have done the right thing in breaking off this relationship. It is not an easy thing to do and it will take courage, boldness and God’s strength to keep you from going back. The one thing you do want in a relationship is a Godly man that will lead spiritually, not one who is weak in his faith and walk with the Lord.
You are not worthless – but precious in His sight, you are His beloved – forgiven and washed clean in His blood. Satan would have you believe you are worthless and ruined but remember – he is the father of lies!
Be encouraged that your sisters here at SRT are uplifting you and upholding you with our prayers!
There is a beautiful song of prayer titled, “Speak Truth To My Heart” by the Honey Blades. Give it a listen and then listen to the One who only speaks the truth.
You are loved. ❤️
Praying ❤️
Hi Taylor, for many years I carried a to of shame around for sexual sin in my teens and early 20s.I am thankful to say that I am finally free of it! The Lord worked on me, and so kindly helped me to peel back all the layers. I can write today that I do not feel shame, guilt, or condemnation any more. I did a study on my own called “Jesus and Women” – that study was the final straw that broke the chains of condemnation off of me. God brought me from a place of shame to a place of honor as his daughter. I pray you will experience the same freedom. And thank you for sharing so vulnerably.
One of my favorite studies: Jesus and Women
Dear Taylor
May every prayer above be compounded!
The Scripture selections didn’t include Samuel 12:12
12 And when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the Lord your God was your king.
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Choosing man over God, what?! Yet, I’ve done that :/
More evil, but the Lord would have blessed them and the king … “If you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God. (Samuel 12:14)
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Verses 12:20-24 can be summed up – Do not turn away from following the Lord, serve the Lord in truth with all your heart, consider what great things He has done for you.
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Reminded of this peppy gospel song, Look What The Lord Has Done.
V 2
I was bound by chains of darkness and sin
I had no hope or peace of mind
Though my sins were red as scarlet
He washed them white as snow
And opened my blind eyes
Now my soul will rejoice since I’ve made Him my choice
I’ve got joy, peace, everything that’s within
You see my names been written down
In the lambs book of life
Can’t You see what Gods done for me.
[Chorus]
Look what the Lord has done
Look what the Lord has done
He healed my body, He touched my mind
He saved me just in time
I’m gonna praise His name
Each day is just the same
Come on and praise Him
Look what the Lord has done.
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Ps 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
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So many good and moving comments yesterday – thank you.
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KIRA H – how heartbreaking! Praying for coworker, son and all those who loved her husband.
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God isn’t looking for ability, but my availability. The greatest faith I can show is simply being still and saying, “speak Lord, your servant is listening”.
God calls those who listen; a heart that is willing.
God trains us in the stillness.
God grows us in the hiddenness and speaks to those who are willing to say “here I am”.
Lord God,
You are always speaking — through Your Word, through Your Spirit, through quiet moments in my day.
But often, I let the noise drown You out. I confess that I sometimes rush through life without pausing to listen.
Today, like Samuel, I want to say: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Give me a heart that is open, a spirit that is teachable, and ears that are tuned to Your voice.
Even when Your message is difficult — like it was for Samuel — help me to receive it with trust and courage.
Shape me into someone You can use for Your purpose.
Help me stay faithful even when others are not.
Help me serve humbly, speak truthfully, and love deeply.
And when I don’t know what to do, remind me that being still with You is sometimes the most powerful step I can take.
Thank You for Your faithfulness, Lord. I am listening. I am Yours.
Kimberly, what a beautiful prayer said so perfectly. I hope you don’t mind that I say this prayer. You have put into words that I cannot. Thank you ❤️
Amen ❤️
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Yes and Amen❤️
What a beautiful prayer.
Amen! What a beautifully written prayer!
Kimberly, what wonderful words. Beautifully said. Thank you for speaking/writing these today.
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Amen! Well said Kimberly. ❤️
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“God isn’t looking for ability, but my availability.”
Yes, Kimberly!
And sometimes He has to put a stone in our path to get attention!!
This is such a beautiful prayer. Thank you Kimberly.
Amen❤️
“The iniquity of Eli’s family will never be wiped out by either sacrifice or offering.”
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What a devastating statement from the Lord.
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Thankful for that the sacrifice Jesus made was more powerful than the the worst evil in my heart.
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KIRA H – praying for your coworker. In her grief may she turn to the Lord.
That statement, yes, devastating!
“…the sacrifice Jesus made was more powerful than the worst evil in my heart.” Amen! ❤
“But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24
God has done so many wonderful things for me. He has been there with me through good and bad. If for only that reason, I should trust in the Lord and serve him.
Today’s youversion verse is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6
He deserves all of my trust. The verse in 1 Samuel is a good reminder for us to remember and think of every way that the Lord has been faithful to us and be thankful by trusting in him.
Amen!
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“The verse in 1 Samuel is a good reminder for us to remember and think of every way that the Lord has been faithful to us and be thankful by trusting in him.” Amen! ❤️
God has done great things!
Good to see your name!
Running late this morning but wanted to say thank you to KAYLA for this thought provoking devotional..
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So thank you KAYLA..❤️
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Be blessed my fellow sojourners, you truly are a blessing to me..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Likewise, Dear Tina!! ❤️
As you are to me/us!! ❣️
DITTO, sister!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Blessings to you my sweet sister! ❤️
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