In the battle with the Amalekites, instead of obeying God King Saul decided to do things his way. He compromised the instructions God had given him and spared the best of the animals to offer as a sacrifice to God. But God was not pleased with his partial obedience.

This is where Satan deceives many Christians into thinking they are acceptable to God. They are submissive and obedient to God in some areas of their lives, but refuse to be obedient in other areas, and choose instead to follow their own way.

Samuel asked him, “Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?” (1 Samuel 15:19, NIV). “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul insisted (1 Samuel 15:20, NIV). He was still unable to see that he had rebelled against God by following his own will instead of fully obeying what God had told him to do.

Samuel said, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 15:22-23, NIV).

Saul finally acknowledged his sin. He said, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people so I gave in to them” (1 Samuel 15:24, NIV).

Saul acknowledged his sin, but did not repent. He continued to follow his self-will and was defeated. Because he rejected God, followed his self-will, and disobeyed God, King Saul forfeited his kingdom. The same thing happened to Israel the first time they came to Kadeshbarnea. They rejected God, acted in self-will, disobeyed, and forfeited their Promised Land.

King Saul rejected God and lost the kingdom. The people of Israel rejected God and lost their Promised Land . But God raised up a new generation who entered in to claim God's promises.

God is raising up a new generation — a new breed of spiritual warriors — who are prepared for war and will cross over to claim the promises of God. You are part of that new generation. You will not turn back. You will not be denied. Even if you failed in times past, God is saying to you, “This is a new day.” This is your time to take the kingdom. This is your time to claim the promises of God.

Will you take the first step today? If so, make this simple declaration…

This is a new day! I will not turn back. I will not be denied. I will claim all the promises God has for me.