Sermon: 10/18/26- Monday's Devotional

The Danger of Using God for Our Own Purposes
Reading: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 — Israel presumes upon God's presence by bringing the Ark into battle, expecting automatic victory, and suffers devastating defeat.

It is easy to treat God as a resource to be deployed rather than a Lord to be followed. When we bring Him into our plans without surrendering to His will, we are not trusting Him — we are using Him. Examine your prayers honestly. Are you inviting God into your agenda, or are you genuinely submitting to His? True faith begins with releasing control and acknowledging that His purposes are greater than our preferences.

Reflection Question: In what area of life are you tempted to enlist God's help without first seeking His direction?

Practical Application: Before making one decision today, pause and ask whether you are seeking God's will or seeking His endorsement of your own.