Daily Scripture & Questions:
1 Samuel 4:1-8:22 What misconceptions did the people have about the power of the Ark of the Covenant?  Why were the Philistines affected as they were by the presence of the Ark?  How about the Israelites when the Ark was returned? Though the Ark is not magical, being a symbol of the presence of God, the blasphemy of the people of God of the Ark, in one way or the other, did have results.  How is that applicable to our day and age—thinking about perhaps church buildings or the Bible or pastors or church leaders?

Family Devotions—Scripture & Questions:
Read I Samuel 4:1-11. Sometimes people treat things, like the Ark of the Covenant, as if it had magical powers—like a "lucky rabbit's foot." Did just having the Ark with them mean that God's blessings were going to be with God's people? Why not?

Biblical Prayer Focus:
Psalm 32:6-7 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

God has promised to protect us, sometimes from the troubles and sometimes through the troubles. Ask Him to assure you that He is your hiding place and that He will take care of you no matter what. Seek Him for the peace that passes understanding, for yourself and others whom you know to be going through troubling times.