2/14/2019 0 Comments Deliver the MessageSamuel is afraid to tell Eli God’s revelation – partly from awe at the divine word which formed the content of the revelation, partly on account of the dreadful significance it had for Eli, partly because of the sorrow which, in his reverence and piety towards Eli, he could not rid himself. Samuel had a dilemma, a conundrum of sorts. When Eli calls, he could hide or pretend he didn’t hear him, but that would be blatant disobedience to the Lord. However, he knew the seriousness and soberness of the message he was about to bring to Eli, and the devastating effect that it would have on him. He must do the right thing and Eli’s persistence in wanting to know enables that to occur. How would you have reacted?
1. Was Samuel successful with his first assignment from God? How do you normally view something as successful? 2. In what ways does God’s standard for success differ from mans? Challenge: Re-read the section of scripture above and reflect on the following question: How did Eli receive the message from Samuel? How do you think you would have responded? With humility and grace? Why or why not?
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2/13/2019 0 Comments Did You Get the Message?God calls His people to act for Him, represent Him, speak His truth, and serve Him in this world. Samuel would be God’s prophet. That night, God gave Samuel a difficult message: He would carry out His prophesied judgment against Eli’s family. (See 1 Sam. 2:27-36) This did not mean that Eli would be forever condemned; for all those who repent, turning from sin and turning to Christ, are forgiven. But God decreed his family’s privilege of service was gone. Bitter but just punishment had come. I can only imagine Samuel’s dread having to deliver this message to Eli; but Eli insisted. When Samuel lowered the boom, Eli submitted saying “He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes”. Tragically, God’s almighty justice and power had not motivated Eli to act sooner in just discipline of his evil sons, and now the gavel would fall on him. Yet, Eli possessed a great reverence for God, and submitted wholly to His sovereignty. Now that is a lesson worth learning.
1. In what ways have you seen passivity become a part of family life? What have been the results of not dealing with that lingering issue? 2. How has God been calling you to deliver a hard message in love to someone in your circle of influence? Will you act in obedience or cowardice? Challenge: Has God challenged you to deeper, purer commitment and true obedience? If so, pray for strength and courageously obey through faith in His promises. 2/12/2019 0 Comments God's Call, His ChoiceOne would naturally expect an audible message from God to be given to the priest Eli and not to the child Samuel. Eli was much older and more experienced, and he held the proper position. But God’s chain of command is based solely on faith, not on age or position. In finding faithful followers, God may use unexpected channels. Be prepared for the Lord to work at any place, at any time, and through anyone that He chooses. God will usually use certain people to help others understand His Word, but it is always God who regenerates – gives new spiritual life, rebirth as new creations – so His children receive and apply His truth. God initiates these relationships with His people. Eli realized God was calling Samuel and instructed him to listen intently. God calls His people personally. God’s call comes today as people hear the gospel. Though God will judge sin, He provides salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you heeded the call?
1. How have you heard God call you lately? 2. In what ways have your mind and thinking been challenged, your heart stirred, and your desires turned to Him as you read His Word and interact with other believers? Challenge: When God calls, Will you say? “Here I am” and heed the call. He may be calling you to lovingly speak His words – even difficult words – to a friend at work, a family member, or a group of children at church. God’s people can faithfully speak His words with confidence because His words are trustworthy. Will you trust? 2/11/2019 0 Comments Ready, Set, Listen!Samuel was confused. He heard a voice and thought it was his mentor, Eli, calling for him. He kept going to Eli’s room until Eli realized that the voice was God trying to get Samuel’s attention. Listening for God is an important life skill, and God is not silent. We live in a noisy culture that often speaks in ways that are contrary to God’s voice. It can be difficult to hear God if we are more in tune with the voice of this world. God speaks to us in many ways. He speaks through creation, giving testimony to his faithfulness and creativity. He speaks through his Word, where we come to understand his salvation and purpose for us. He speaks through wise mentors in our lives. He speaks through life situations, opening and closing doors. God speaks by his Holy Spirit, equipping us with gifts and passions to use for service in his kingdom. So, I ask you, are you listening?
1. How are you experiencing God’s leading in your life? 2. Are you listening attentively for God’s voice or paying attention to the white noise? Challenge: Pray this simple prayer or something similar. Be prepared to watch God work! Lord, make us people who are in tune with YOUR voice. Let us seek YOUR leading throughout our life. Equip us to follow YOUR direction, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 2/8/2019 1 Comment Abundant BlessingsHannah’s faithfulness results in many blessings. Each year, she and her husband, Elkanah, visited Samuel when they traveled to the Tabernacle to sacrifice and worship. Even as a boy, Samuel served the Lord well, so the priest annually blessed his parents and asked God to give them more children. Just as the Lord blessed Job with double the wealth and ten more children after he had lost them all (Job 42:12-17), God gave Hannah three more sons and two daughters!
1. What blessings have you experienced after a difficult choice to be faithful to God? 2. Who can you be praying for God to bless today? Challenge: Start a written list of the blessings in your life. Keep it simple and strive to add to it each day. There is power in acknowledging the good that our Lord provides. Then when life brings you down, read your list and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with true joy in how much God loves you! 2/7/2019 1 Comment Heart Full of PraiseAfter presenting Samuel to serve at the Tabernacle, Hannah worshiped the Lord. Her heart was filled with gratitude and she praised God in a beautiful prayer. She affirms God’s sovereignty by listing how He easily changes people’s circumstances – lifting up those who suffer and bringing down the proud. Instead of regretting her vow to give her only son in service to the Lord, she celebrates God’s goodness and full control over all the earth.
1. How does your heart respond to an answer to prayer? Is your response very different if the answer is not what you hoped for? 2. The end of verse 9 says, “No one will succeed by strength alone.” Does this bring you comfort or cause concern? Challenge: Exercise your “praise muscles” by consistently thanking God for all of the blessings you encounter each day – whether it’s as insignificant as an available parking spot when you’re running late, or as profound as miraculous healing after a serious diagnosis. When we are in the habit of praising our good God every day, it is much easier to experience peace when struggles come. 2/6/2019 0 Comments Ultimate SacrificeAbraham’s faith was put to the ultimate test when God told him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac – the child that he and Sarah had waited so long for. I wonder what went through his mind? I’m amazed by how Abraham obeyed immediately and without questioning God. It seems that by this time, he truly understood that everything (and everyone) belongs to the Lord. Even when Isaac asked about the absence of a sheep for the sacrifice, Abraham showed his trust in God by replying that God would provide. And He did!
1. How would you feel if God asked you to give up something or someone you love? 2. What can you do to develop the kind of trust needed to obey God like Abraham did in this instance? Challenge: Take a new step this week toward trusting God more fully and loosening your grip on everything (and everyone) you call your own. Read 1 John 4:9-10. Remind yourself that God the Father followed through with the ultimate sacrifice when He gave up his only Son for us. Oh, what LOVE! 2/5/2019 0 Comments Giving Back to GodRemember the vow Hannah made to God in yesterday’s passage? This was not only symbolic, but a literal promise to give Samuel away to serve the Lord. After the boy was weaned, (between age 2-4 years) Hannah and her husband followed through with her vow. They brought Samuel to the Tabernacle, explained Hannah’s prayer and God’s answer, then left him with the high priest. The Lord gave Hannah the strength to give up her blessing so God could use him for His purposes.
1. How do you see all of the people and things God has put under your authority/control? 2. What steps can you take to reflect the reality that your children/loved ones/money/possessions actual belong to God? Challenge: When excessive worry creeps into our lives, it is often the result of a false sense of control over the object of our concern. Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 and experience the freedom of giving back to God what has always been His anyway. We can trust His love and care. 2/4/2019 0 Comments God's TimingHannah’s inability to have children grieved her deeply and was fuel for relentless taunting from her husband’s other wife, who did have children. After suffering for years, she cries out to God and vows that if He will grant her a son, she will give the child back to Him. The Lord answers her prayer and Samuel – who would later become a prophet, judge, and leader – is born! Sometimes our suffering is part of a bigger plan and God uses it to bless those who love Him – bringing glory to his name.
1. When you or your loved ones are going through difficult times, what is your first course of action? 2. How do you feel about waiting for God’s timing? Challenge: Read John chapter 11. Consider why Jesus waited until Lazarus died to go to Bethany in response to Martha & Mary’s request for healing. Do you see how Jesus’ timing produced an even greater miracle? Afterwards, many more people believed in Him! 2/1/2019 0 Comments Worship: Attitude and ActionI used to think that worship was something that happened only on Sunday. I used to think that worship was only about me. But then God did a thing in my life and showed me that worship was not about me and that worship was a thing that was done daily. Our scripture today tells us that every word and deed is an act of worship that should point us and those around to the glory of God. Every attitude and action in our lives should be lived in gratitude to God.
1. How do you worship daily? 2. Do your attitude and actions reflect the glory of God to those around you? Challenge: Acts 17:28 says, “For in him we live and move and have our being…” so this is the challenge…What word or deed, attitude or action, will you exhibit that will allow you to worship in a way that show Jesus and brings glory to God. Have a blessed day. |
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