As I’ve been finishing up the book of 1 Samuel for my Bible study, I found myself feeling more sorry for King Saul at times than for David. By the time you arrive mid-book (chapter 15), God had very clearly given Saul a set of instructions to be obeyed (he was to destroy all the Amelikites, their animals, and their possessions). As the storyline progresses, you see Saul’s “partial obedience” to God’s very clear commands, blame shifting, and manipulation. Saul is in the middle of rejoicing over Israel’s victory from the Amelikites when the prophet Samuel shows up and the following scene occurs:

When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. “May the Lord bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the Lord’s command!” “Then what is all the bleating of sheep and goats and the lowing of cattle I hear?” Samuel demanded.

Most of us are familiar with these famous verses that come next.

“What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

You see, the book of 1 Samuel tells the story of two different characters, Saul and David, and their responses to God’s commands and life circumstances. The point of the book isn’t that David was somehow a more moral person who made better choices than Saul, but rather, when confronted by their sin David consistently chose the road of repentance while Saul did not. David understood his strength was to be found only in the Lord while Saul looked for wisdom in other people and sought to take matters into his own hands.

It had me thinking. Is my life characterized by a series of “partial obediences” to the Word or a full commitment to doing things God’s way?

3 (Ways to Pursue Obedience)

1. Immerse yourself in God’s Word

Do whatever it takes this week to get more of God’s Word in your life. Start that Bible reading plan, make yourself order a Bible study today, reach out to a friend, or send me a message that says “I still don’t know where to begin” and I’d love to help you start!

If God is for Us (Romans 8) 

Truthfilled by Ruth Chou Simmons (Colossians)

2. Identify the neutral things in your life that distract you.

I’ve learned over the last few years it’s often not the “good” or “bad” things that hindered me from pursuing obedience, it’s the morally neutral things that were distracting my heart. It was the scrolling on instagram, that afternoon tv binge when my kids napped, the hidden stash of cookies in the freezer that I found myself running to rather than God, His promises, or other believers. What are yours?

3. “All the way, right away, with a happy heart.”

I heard this motto from Laura Wiffler (Risen Motherhood) and wrote it down to use with my own kids. But honestly I need it just as much as they do! As God leans in with what seem to be difficult requests of obedience, let us eagerly do them “all the way, right away, with a happy heart!”

2 Things I’m Loving

1. I feel like everyone I know is studying James right now or has it on their list this year! I recently stumbled upon the Paul Tripp podcast and realized he’s teaching a whole series on the book of James called “Street Level Christianity.” 
2. Fish Bytes 4 Kids Podcast. My kids love these short episodes on the Bee-Attitudes and I found out there’s a book! We’ve loved listening to these during lunchtime.

1 Quick Thought

“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”

Ronald Reagan

3 Questions (To ask yourself this week)

1. What am I hearing?

2. What am I thinking?

3. What am I believing?

What am I hearing (is it true, is it factual, is it helpful, is it edifying, does it build others up? Is this a person’s opinion and how does it align with what God’s Word says is true?)

What am I thinking (will it bring peace, is it believing the best about someone else, will it make for better things, am I thinking the right things about God, His promises, and His plan?)

What am I believing (am I thinking and believing the Good News about God, others, and myself?)

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

2 Things I’m Loving

1. Everyday Theology Podcast: Why Should I Care For People Not Like Me & Why Should we care about skin color

Don’t let the word “theology” scare you away. While this podcast is designed for parents to answer questions their kids have, honestly every adult would benefit from listening to these episodes. As I teach my own kids about Martin Luther King Jr. this week, I’m thinking through some of the practical applications these podcasts gave me on how to teach my kids to champion differences in a gospel-centered way.

*Mentioned in these episodes are Trillia Newbell’s children’s book, God’s Very Good Idea and Colorful: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us by Dorena Williamson.

2. doughnut pans & Living the Interruptible life

I’m hosting the neighbor kids for a playdate this week and this doughnut pan is such a fun and easy way to treat everyone! Last week as I made my way through the podcast “Living the Interruptible Life and the Art of Neighboring,” I was struck by this quote: “If you just live in a way that you’re interruptible, you’ll be shocked at how small things will end up making a big difference over time.” That’s my prayer this week; to live a life that is interruptible to the needs of others.

1 Quick Thought

DO THE NEXT THING

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

~Elisabeth Elliot

Keep on doing all those next right things.

Make a good meal for your family, read an extra book to your kids, do the piles of dirty laundry, check in with your neighbors, call that friend who voted differently than you and ask them how they are doing (without bringing up politics), pray for a co-worker, drop off coffee for that tired young mom, schedule in a time to make a freezer meal for someone this month, write a note to your spouse….. Do the next thing.

Welcome to Monday 3-2-1 where you can find 3 tips, 2 things I’m loving, and 1 quick thought!

3 Tips (for Celebrating & Remembering Others This Year)

1. Create a master sheet of important & significant dates (birthdays, anniversaries, adoption dates, important milestones, deaths, & losses).

This can be as simple as a word document, notebook, excel spreadsheet, or google calendar where you type up these events and organize them by months. The difference with this type of calendar is that you are thinking in terms of past important events and not just future ones. It might be helpful to begin by listing the people you are doing life with this year (family members, friends, neighbors, church family, co workers, long distance friends, missionaries, etc.), and important events in their lives. Whatever system you create needs to work for you. Some people work better with online calendars that send alerts while others may benefit from a paper calendar hanging on the side of the fridge.

Fun tip: My mother-in-law creates a yearly photo calendar using Shutterfly that includes every member of our extended family (birthdays & anniversaries). We display this in our kitchen and it’s a fun way to remember our extended family that we don’t see very often!

2. Set aside intentional planning time at the beginning of each month. 

A few days before the next month begins, take some time to sit down and look at your calendar. One new thing I’m trying this year is to spend this time writing all the handwritten cards at once, addressing them, and having them ready to mail. Setting aside 30 minutes of time at the beginning of the month will ensure that I don’t forget to write that birthday card or acknowledge that important date. If you need to purchase any gifts for the month, this can also be a helpful time to order or plan your shopping trip so that you aren’t making last minute runs or impulse buying.

Fun tip: Involve your kids in this! Have them sit down with you and draw pictures or write cards to send with your letter.

3. Be intentional with your words, your gifts, and your time.

Let’s be honest, if I have to go out and buy a special birthday card I’m probably not going to send very many this year. But if I have a stack of pretty, blank cards that I enjoy looking at, I am MUCH MORE likely to grab a card, write a note, and mail it off. Next time you’re at Target or Walmart grab several sets of blank cards that appeal to you. Then every month you can easily grab a few cards and write a note to the people on your list. I would also encourage you to write more than, “Hope you have a nice birthday and enjoy your day!” Spend some time thinking about how that person has been a blessing to you. Acknowledge their gifts and strengths, ways you’ve seen them grow or change, character qualities that inspire you, or even prayers that you are praying over their lives. 

2 Things I’m Loving

1. rEAD ALOUD VIDEO

Looking to fill a few minutes of time with your kids this week? Here’s a read a loud video of Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up, a story of sin and repentance.

2. Parenting in light of the gospel podcast

If you’ve never heard Paul Tripp speak on parenting, this podcast is for you. If you’ve read his books and heard him speak many times, this podcast is for you. If you don’t have kids yet, this podcast is for you. It’s that good.

1 Quick Thought

Remembering the Losses

I’m not sure it’s necessary (or appropriate) to acknowledge the missed anniversary since the divorce every year. That said, I do think we could all (myself definitely included!) grow in the area of remembering the losses others have experienced, even when that pain isn’t directly washing on our shore. That first missed anniversary, the due date of a lost baby, the first Father’s/ Mother’s Day their parent isn’t present to be celebrated…those are all events that are forever etched on people’s hearts. I think we would do well to expand our hands to not only learning how to celebrate, but also how to grieve better with others.

As you add in those birthdays to your planner this year, take some time to consider which losses God might be calling you to acknowledge as well.

~Emily

Gift Giving Ideas for 2021

• Illuminated Scripture journal (Psalms), (Proverbs), (Hebrews), or (John).
• Gift cards to a local boutique, business, coffee shop
• Blank Journal
• Verse cards from Well Watered Woman or Daily Grace Co
• Bible highlighters/ pens
• The Bible Handbook by Daily Grace Co.
• Earrings from a local business
• Homemade treats
• One Line a Day journal

This blogpost does include affiliate links when appropriate, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through to make a purchase. All words and opinions are my own.