Meditate on it

Saul is a mystery. Handsome---tall. Humble at first.  Didn't want to bother Samuel when looking for donkeys. Uncertain or humble?  Hid when Samuel was hashing out who would be appointed king even though Samuel had already anointed him. He was plowing with his oxen even though he was king at this point---or was he still hiding? Is it that he was minding his own business (farming) until it was necessary for him to assume the kingship role and go to battle? Became angry after the Lord's Spirit came upon him? Decisive---sent the ox pieces throughout Israel to motivate them to war. Clever--launched a surprise attack. Why did God make Saul king only later to put David in his place?

Right now I'm chasing a Bible plan--it's not a bad place to be, keeps me moving.  The pressure can also be a burden however. I feel a step behind continually, like when our springer spaniel sometimes paws my heels as I walk. Really? I will get there, if you'll give me a minute. I've decided to read The Message version of 1 and 2nd Corinthians to help me keep up the pace and approach it with fresh wording. Paul's persona is winsome.  He's burdened, yet loving. Earnest, yet withholding to not overwhelm others. Honest, interceding, a champion for Christ and the Church. His personality and heart comes across vividly through these letters-- his burden. Although I'm reading in 2 Corinthians now, the commentary led me back to this verse in 1 Corinthians: "God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else. " 1