Devotion: Use this resource at home to guide your household’s daily devotions. You can do this alone, as a couple, as a family; in the morning, during the day, or at night. Find a routine that works best for you.

Pray: Light a candle and open your devotion time with a prayer.

God of renewed hope, you reestablished your covenant with the people of Israel after you led them into the Promised Land. Remind us of all that you have done for us, so that we might live in gratitude for your faithfulness, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Reflect: Reflect on the key verse from Sunday’s reading.

Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Study: Study the reading and consider the background.

The first generation of Israelites to be freed from slavery in Egypt proved unfaithful to God, creating and worshiping idols for themselves, despite the overwhelming evidence that God had just delivered them from bondage. As a punishment for their wickedness, God did not allow them to enter the Promised Land, but instead they wandered the wilderness for 40 years; essentially a generation.

The second generation of Israelites were given the gift that their ancestors were denied. God led them into the Promised Land. The land God promised to Abraham and his descendants had finally been given to them. God remained faithful to God’s promise to Abraham, even when God’s people remained unfaithful to God.

Read: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding of Sunday’s text. After the reading, ask the follow-up questions.

Follow the story of how Samuel became the judge who anointed David as king.

Sunday, Joshua 24:1-15, Joshua Renews the Covenant
Monday, 1 Samuel 1:1-28, Samuel’s Birth and Dedication
Tuesday, 1 Samuel 3:1-18, Samuel’s Calling and Prophecies
Wednesday, 1 Samuel 7:3-15, Samuel as Judge
Thursday, 1 Samuel 8:1-22, Israel Demands a King
Friday, 1 Samuel 9:27 – 10:8, Saul Anointing as King
Saturday, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, David Anointed as King

Why did the people want a king? What did God want for the people? How did Samuel choose the kings?

Connect: Connect in conversation with others in your household. Discuss the following questions, or simply check in with “Highs” and “Lows.”

• What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
• How are leaders in your community chosen? What might it look like to trust in God rather than trusting in people?
• What covenants or agreements have you made with God? Are these healthy (commitment to follow) or unhealthy (bargaining) agreements? What commitment can you make to God this week?

Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the following activity this week.

Participate in a political event. Decide what you stand for. Stand for it.

Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing.

God of grace, your word inspires our faith. Speak so that we may clearly see the options we face and have wisdom to choose those that draw us to you. Amen.