The Witch of Endor - It Wasn't Me, I Swear.

1 Samuel 28:9-10 But the woman said to him, "Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?" Saul swore to her by the LORD, "As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this."

Why is it when you ask a little kid if they've done something wrong, they immediately tell you they haven't? Even though you already know they did. My youngest daughter will deny everything the first time. But when I look her in the eye, ask her again with that serious tone - she comes clean. I guess it's our human nature to avoid a disaster that we perceive may happen if we give an honest answer. However, God requires it. I think, if we look at this realistically, I would rather suffer the consequences of telling the truth - than the strain on my relationship with God from not telling the truth.

Since the woman of Endor had no relationship with God, lying was not a big issue for her. She was lying to save her life. She was in hiding and knew that if someone turned her in - she would be killed. She had to be careful. Here's the irony: Saul promised her "by the Lord" that he wouldn't have her killed. By the Lord???? It's like hearing an atheist say "I swear to God" - really? How can you seek out the things the devil has lured you to and in the same breath use God to justify it?

It's the bar-hopping, unfaithful co-worker that tells you they love Jesus. How can you seek out the things of satan and still claim to have a relationship with God. We all back-slide, but the importance of having a relationship with God is seeing our error and avoiding that temptation. Saul got caught up in this and the example he could've been for the witch of Endor was lost.

Rachel - Feast for 1

Genesis 29:21-22 Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her." So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast.

Women fell under the authority of the men in their life. We've come a long way, Baby. Jacob stakes his claim and fully expects to be paid for his work. Rachel must have been on cloud nine. Not many times in history do you see the story of the woman actually wanting to be with the man who had chosen her. Jacob had asked for her - he'd worked long and hard for seven years and he still wanted her. They had gotten to know each other while he worked in the fields for her father and still he waited for the day when he could collect his "reward".

Laban sets up the scene for a big feast. Lots of people and a time of excitement. But things are not what they seem. Jacob was so caught up in what the evening was going to hold, that he didn't realize there was someone missing from the party.

Are we too caught up in our own agenda? Are we so busy in our lives, whether it's the work we're trying to do for our church or our Bible Study group or the choir, that we don't notice who's not there? Sometimes, we can get so focused on what the end result is supposed to be in our mind, that we forget there are other things happening along the way. Do we get upset that Susie Q didn't bring the apple crumble to the Bible Study when she said she would - or do we check up with Susie Q to make sure she is doing alright since it's out of character for her. . .

God is there throughout the journey - not just when the finale occurs.