Anchor My Faith

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dbr4-0520 Daily Read

Robert Montgomery (Christmas Cactus)

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
953 words, 5 minutes read time

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Faith in God’s Power, Guidance, and Faithfulness

Old Testament Reading

1 Samuel 26:1–28:25 — David’s Mercy, Saul’s Decline, and the Silence of God

Overview:
David once again spared Saul’s life when he secretly entered Saul’s camp and refused to harm the Lord’s anointed, demonstrating trust in God’s timing and justice. Though Saul briefly acknowledged David’s righteousness, David later fled to Philistine territory out of fear of Saul. As the Philistines prepared for battle, Saul became terrified because the Lord no longer answered him through dreams, prophets, or the Urim. In desperation, Saul sought a medium at Endor, where Samuel declared God’s final judgment upon him because of his continued disobedience. The passage contrasts David’s growing faith and restraint with Saul’s spiritual collapse and separation from God.

Theological Themes:
• Trusting God’s justice instead of personal revenge
• The consequences of persistent disobedience
• God’s faithfulness despite human weakness

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 26:23 – “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

  1. Why did David refuse to kill Saul when he had the opportunity?
    Answer:
    David trusted God to remove Saul in His own timing and refused to take the kingdom through violence. He respected Saul as the Lord’s anointed and chose righteousness over revenge.
  2. What led Saul to seek the medium at Endor?
    Answer:
    Saul had repeatedly rejected God’s commands, and eventually the Lord no longer answered him. Instead of repenting, Saul turned to forbidden spiritual practices in desperation and fear.
  3. What contrast is seen between David and Saul in these chapters?
    Answer:
    David increasingly trusted God’s sovereignty and showed mercy, while Saul spiraled deeper into fear, disobedience, and spiritual darkness. Their lives reveal the difference between a heart that seeks God and one that continually resists Him.

New Testament Reading

John 11:1–54 — Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead

Overview:
Jesus delayed going to Bethany after hearing Lazarus was sick so that God’s glory would be revealed through the miracle to come. When He arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days, and Martha and Mary grieved deeply. Jesus declared Himself to be “the resurrection and the life,” assuring Martha that those who believe in Him will live even though they die. Moved with compassion, Jesus wept before commanding Lazarus to come out of the tomb, raising him from the dead. While many believed in Him because of this miracle, the religious leaders became more determined to kill Jesus, fearing His growing influence.

Theological Themes:
• Jesus as the resurrection and the life
• God’s glory revealed through suffering and death
• Division between belief and unbelief

Key Verse:
John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

  1. Why did Jesus delay coming to Lazarus?
    Answer:
    Jesus delayed so that the miracle would more fully reveal God’s glory and strengthen the faith of His disciples and others who witnessed Lazarus’s resurrection.
  2. What does Jesus mean by saying He is “the resurrection and the life”?
    Answer:
    Jesus declared that eternal life and victory over death are found only in Him. He has authority over both physical death and spiritual life.
  3. How did people respond to the raising of Lazarus?
    Answer:
    Many believed in Jesus because of the miracle, while others rejected Him and reported the event to the Pharisees. The miracle revealed the condition of people’s hearts.

Psalms Reading

Section 3: Psalm 117:1–2 — A Universal Call to Praise

Overview:
Psalm 117 calls all nations and peoples to praise the Lord because of His steadfast love and enduring faithfulness. Though brief, this psalm emphasizes God’s global purpose and reminds readers that His mercy extends beyond Israel to all the earth. Worship is rooted in the unchanging character of God and His covenant love.

Theological Themes:
• God’s steadfast love
• Universal worship of the Lord
• The enduring faithfulness of God

Key Verse:
Psalm 117:2 – “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

  1. Why are all nations called to praise the Lord?
    Answer:
    God’s salvation and faithfulness are not limited to one people group. His mercy and truth extend to all nations and peoples throughout the world.
  2. What does “steadfast love” mean?
    Answer:
    It refers to God’s faithful covenant love that remains constant, merciful, and dependable toward His people.
  3. How does God’s faithfulness encourage believers?
    Answer:
    Because God never changes, believers can trust His promises completely and confidently in every generation.

Proverbs Reading

Section 4: Proverbs 15:22–23 — Wise Counsel and Timely Words

Overview:
These proverbs emphasize the importance of wise counsel and thoughtful speech. Plans often fail when made in isolation, but wise advisers help bring stability and success. In addition, a well-timed and appropriate word brings joy and encouragement to others. Godly wisdom is displayed both in seeking counsel and in speaking words that are helpful and timely.

Theological Themes:
• The value of wise counsel
• Wisdom in speech
• Joy through encouraging words

Key Verse:
Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

  1. Why is wise counsel important?
    Answer:
    Wise counsel helps people avoid mistakes, pride, and poor judgment. God often provides direction and wisdom through mature and trustworthy advisers.
  2. What makes a word “fitly spoken”?
    Answer:
    A fitting word is truthful, timely, gracious, and appropriate for the situation, bringing encouragement and wisdom to those who hear it.
  3. How can believers grow in wise speech?
    Answer:
    Believers grow in wise speech by filling their hearts with God’s Word, listening carefully before speaking, and asking God for wisdom in their conversations.

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