1 Samuel 16-18
God sends Samuel to find a replacement king in Chapter 16. He sends him to the home of a man named Jesse. When Samuel arrives he sees Jesse's son, Eliab, and assumes he must be the one.
But God tells him (vs7)
"Dont judge by his appearance or height for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make desisions the way you do! People judge by outward apprearance but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." (Love that verse! I think every woman should have this posted to their bedroom mirrors....)
It turns out Jesse's youngest, (David) a shephard boy, is the one. He's "brave and strong, good judgement, a fine looking man! He can play the harp and (best of all) the Lord is with him."
Side note: It just so happened that King Saul was looking for a harp player to help with his depression. Coinsidence? I think not.
Now, the next few chapters deliver a familiar story about young David killing a giant named Goliath. Along with Daniel in the lion's den, this tale's got to be the sitting at the top of the "bible story charts". I've heard it so many times, beginning waaay back in the days my Sunday school teacher used to act it out with felt characters and it's been the topic of many sermons, devotions and songs.
But it's so much more than a story. It's courage. It's deliverence. Most of all it's a humble man giving all the glory to God.
It should be stated that the Isrealites were completely terrified - including the king and his army! These are strong men that have fought, and won, many battles in the past.
However, young David can't believe Goliath has the nerve to defy the army of the living God! He instructs Saul "not to worry about a thing".
He informs King Saul that the same God that saves him from the lions and bears while caring for his sheep will protect him with this giant.
So humble!
Instead of bragging about clubbing a lion to death he recognizes that it's God that has come to his rescue.
...and he believes God will do it again. He completely trusts God. In fact, he refuses to wear armour.
The best part is that David isn't going to battle for fame and glory - he announces that "God is going to conquer their enemy and the whole world will know there is a God in Israel!"
At the end of the day (after squashing the enemy) he gives credit where credit is due, saying "the battle is HIS, not ours!"
It's so true. We go about life with all these daily battles, that we were never meant to fight alone. Jesus didn't suffer so we would wake up every morning terrified to face a new Goliath.
We try to change people in our life that "need" changin'. I just need to tell that person everytime they do something wrong...otherwise they won't know!
We curse ourselves every time we give in to "that" tempatation, whether it be food, lust, gossip...
We claim it's going to be a bad day before we even get out of bed! Ugh...I have that boring meeting today, this day is going to be the worst day ever!
Whether our "Goliath's" are habits we need to overcome, difficult people in our lives, sickness and disease or perhaps even terrible loss...and how dare we let it defy the living God!
The battles is HIS! He'll come to our rescue every time.
"Cast ALL your anxieties on Him, becuase He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
"Don't be afraid! Just stand where you are and let the Lord rescue you." (Ex 14:13)
From this day foward instead of seeing only giants when I open my eyes I will choose to "let the morning bring me word of His unfailing love, for I will put my trust in Him." (Psalm 143:8)
Goliath?? Oh yeah, that big guy that falls really hard.
I say, bring him on!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
What could be worse?
1 Samuel 12 - 16
It's not only important to understand that God has our back, but we must also learn to wait on Him. To trust that he'll deliver in HIS time.
...and God's timetable doesn't always make sense, either. It can be unbearable, waiting. But today as I read, I learned that there is something far worse than waiting for God.
...and that's wishing you had.
Saul's king now. His kingdom, the Israelites, forget, for the gazillionth (is that a word?) time, who they are and Who is going to battle for them. They lose their courage when they see the enemy and begin hiding in holes and caves. They even find tombs to take refuge! I don't know, but, when the only options are to face my enemy or hide in an old tomb...I gotta tell ya, the enemy is looking pretty good!
Needless to say, the Philistines are moving in....and Israel is quickly moving out.
As Saul watches his men scatter he starts getting really nervous. Samuel had not arrived on the scene, like he said he would, and seven days had gone by. Finally, when he can stand it no more, when he's reached the point that he can no longer sit by watching his men tremble with fear - he sacrifices burnt offerings to God.
He just goes ahead and does it himself.
...and it costs him his kingdom.
You see, only priests could burn offerings to God and Saul knew that. He was instructed by Samuel to wait, he knew he was coming back. "But how long must I wait? Fear is growing among my men, surely Samuel isn't aware of that! Things have changed since he left a week ago."
Saul took over the role of the priest and in the process, he disregarded one of God's commands.
I believe one of Saul's biggest downfalls was his pride. At one time, the bible teaches, the spirit of the Lord was upon him - giving him great power!
But with great power came pride, and at one point, he decided that God didn't necessarily know best or that His timing was a little messed up.
Instead of obeying God, he decided what God wanted.
He did seem to have good intentions, though, asking God for help through sacrifices and offerings.
Another time, God told him to completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation. However, Saul saved the best livestock, to offer to God. Again, his intention seemed to be to please the Lord, but all he was really doing was disobeying Him.
God told Samuel He was sorry He ever appointed Saul as king, which seems kind of funny to me because God knew what Saul was going to do even before He made him king...but anyway. A replacement king had to be found. A man after God's own heart.
Saul admitted he sinned, however he placed blame on everyone else but himself. (I've aways told my children that an apology doesn't count if it comes along with a "but")
Samuel told him, in not so many words, that it was too late, for "He who is the glory of Isreal will not lie, nor will he change his mind." (15:29)
The bible says the spirit of the Lord had left Saul and sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.
I honestly can't imagine anything worse. Losing his kingdom was one thing. Being filled with depression and fear, quite another. Far worse than any of that though, would be to lose the spirit of the Lord.
Indeed some things are far worse than waiting on God.
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him." (Ps 62:5)
It's not only important to understand that God has our back, but we must also learn to wait on Him. To trust that he'll deliver in HIS time.
...and God's timetable doesn't always make sense, either. It can be unbearable, waiting. But today as I read, I learned that there is something far worse than waiting for God.
...and that's wishing you had.
Saul's king now. His kingdom, the Israelites, forget, for the gazillionth (is that a word?) time, who they are and Who is going to battle for them. They lose their courage when they see the enemy and begin hiding in holes and caves. They even find tombs to take refuge! I don't know, but, when the only options are to face my enemy or hide in an old tomb...I gotta tell ya, the enemy is looking pretty good!
Needless to say, the Philistines are moving in....and Israel is quickly moving out.
As Saul watches his men scatter he starts getting really nervous. Samuel had not arrived on the scene, like he said he would, and seven days had gone by. Finally, when he can stand it no more, when he's reached the point that he can no longer sit by watching his men tremble with fear - he sacrifices burnt offerings to God.
He just goes ahead and does it himself.
...and it costs him his kingdom.
You see, only priests could burn offerings to God and Saul knew that. He was instructed by Samuel to wait, he knew he was coming back. "But how long must I wait? Fear is growing among my men, surely Samuel isn't aware of that! Things have changed since he left a week ago."
Saul took over the role of the priest and in the process, he disregarded one of God's commands.
I believe one of Saul's biggest downfalls was his pride. At one time, the bible teaches, the spirit of the Lord was upon him - giving him great power!
But with great power came pride, and at one point, he decided that God didn't necessarily know best or that His timing was a little messed up.
Instead of obeying God, he decided what God wanted.
He did seem to have good intentions, though, asking God for help through sacrifices and offerings.
Another time, God told him to completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation. However, Saul saved the best livestock, to offer to God. Again, his intention seemed to be to please the Lord, but all he was really doing was disobeying Him.
God told Samuel He was sorry He ever appointed Saul as king, which seems kind of funny to me because God knew what Saul was going to do even before He made him king...but anyway. A replacement king had to be found. A man after God's own heart.
Saul admitted he sinned, however he placed blame on everyone else but himself. (I've aways told my children that an apology doesn't count if it comes along with a "but")
Samuel told him, in not so many words, that it was too late, for "He who is the glory of Isreal will not lie, nor will he change his mind." (15:29)
The bible says the spirit of the Lord had left Saul and sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.
I honestly can't imagine anything worse. Losing his kingdom was one thing. Being filled with depression and fear, quite another. Far worse than any of that though, would be to lose the spirit of the Lord.
Indeed some things are far worse than waiting on God.
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him." (Ps 62:5)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
En-courage, don't dis-courage!
1 Samuel 12
Samuel anoints Saul as king, in front of Israel.
Giving them just what they wanted.
He reminds them of all the great things God has done for them and informs them of a king's rights and duties.
"Yup, we know - it's just what we wanted."
They already had a king. An ever faithful king.
One who rescued them time and time again.
"Yeah, He was amazing but NOW we got what
we really wanted!"
Now, they have a "king" like other nations - a king that came with promises and warnings.
"If you and your king follow the Lord, all will be well." (12:14)
"Yes God! Thanks you SO much for giving us
what we...Wait. (record screech) What?"
Yup. So, isn't that just great. Now they don't just have to worry about what they are doing, but also their king.
"It's not enough that we need to fear and worship the Lord, but we need to make sure our king does as well? Or else...(gulp) your hand will be be heavy upon us?? Well, that's not what we asked for!"
You know, Samuel could have critized them. He knew what was going to happen - he was a prophet! He knew how dumb it was to reject God and ask for a king.
But instead, Samuel chose words to encourage them. He does confirm they were wrong - but he also tells them to move forward by doing what is right - worship God, alone - and don't turn away again.
He adds that he'll continue to pray for them.
I absolutely love what he says in verses 23-25 and will ask God to do the same in my life:
"Holy Spirit, teach me what is good and right, to fear the Lord and sincerely worship Him. Remind me of all the wonderful things He has done."
Samuel anoints Saul as king, in front of Israel.
Giving them just what they wanted.
He reminds them of all the great things God has done for them and informs them of a king's rights and duties.
"Yup, we know - it's just what we wanted."
They already had a king. An ever faithful king.
"Yes, praise the Lord but this is really what we wanted."
One who rescued them time and time again.
"Yeah, He was amazing but NOW we got what
we really wanted!"
Now, they have a "king" like other nations - a king that came with promises and warnings.
"If you and your king follow the Lord, all will be well." (12:14)
"Yes God! Thanks you SO much for giving us
what we...Wait. (record screech) What?"
Yup. So, isn't that just great. Now they don't just have to worry about what they are doing, but also their king.
"It's not enough that we need to fear and worship the Lord, but we need to make sure our king does as well? Or else...(gulp) your hand will be be heavy upon us?? Well, that's not what we asked for!"
You know, Samuel could have critized them. He knew what was going to happen - he was a prophet! He knew how dumb it was to reject God and ask for a king.
But instead, Samuel chose words to encourage them. He does confirm they were wrong - but he also tells them to move forward by doing what is right - worship God, alone - and don't turn away again.
He adds that he'll continue to pray for them.
I absolutely love what he says in verses 23-25 and will ask God to do the same in my life:
"Holy Spirit, teach me what is good and right, to fear the Lord and sincerely worship Him. Remind me of all the wonderful things He has done."
Smack dab in the middle!
1 Samuel 9-12
So, doing as he's told, Samuel sets out to find them a king - trusting in the Lord.
Now, I absolutely love how he "finds" a king! It's a beautiful reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, working in my life, even when I can't see how. Even when I don't feel like He is.
OK, so this is what happens:
1. There's this guy named Saul and his dad loses his donkey.
(Hmmmm....God moment #1?)
Lesson #1: Life's inconveniences might not be from the enemy but from God himself.
2. Saul and his servant go looking for the donkey. His servant "conveniently" remembers a man named, Samuel and thinks this guy might be able to tell them where to look for the donkey. He actually says, "Hey, I just thought of something!"
(God moment #2. Yeah right....God much? You just "thought" of something? You are looking for a donkey and you believe some random guy might be able to tell you where it is??)
Lesson #2: Learn to listen! It just might be a nudge from the Holy Spirit.
3. So they go to town, where Samuel "just happens" to come out and meet them. Apparently, God had told Samuel the previous day that a man would by coming by and that he was to become the first king of Israel.
(God moment #3 - How cool is that? OK - so God might not be as forward as that with us, but He does still speak)
Lesson #3: It's not enough to listen, but I need to act when God speaks.
So, there ya have it! God was at work, right smack dab in the middle!
God's still in the business of gettin' in the middle. He rolls up his heavenly sleeves and digs in as much today as He ever did. The bible says He's unchanging. "He's the same yesterday, today and forever", (Heb 13:8) so if He did it then, He does it now!
Maybe the difference is us. It doesn't say how God told Samuel. We assume God spoke to him in a supernatural vision or perhaps He wrote a divine message in the sand! Maybe, it was a dream!! Or maybe...Samuel's just a good listener.
Maybe we need to slow down a bit and learn to hear God when He speaks. Maybe we need to get more in tune with what God has to say to us. It could be a hunch, or something we read, or perhaps a word from a wise friend.
God still gets in the middle, today. But it's not enough to recognize that. It's not enough, even, to hear Him. We need to do what He says!
Samuel went out to meet Saul and his servant as they entered the city. I'm sure he felt a little weird about doing that. I'm guessing he probably had better things to do that day and wondered if he was just wasting his time. He may have even questioned as to whether or not anyone would even show up. But still, he chose to do as God told him to.
One of my favorite preachers, Joyce Meyer, always says, "You do what you can do and God will do what you can't."
Samuel walked out of the city to meet some men he really didn't know. That's what he could do. He couldn't cause them to lose their donkey. He couldn't tell them to go and look for it. He couldn't lead them to his region, Zuph. That was all stuff God had to do.
You do what you can and God will do what you can't.
He'll get in the middle today, the same way He did yesterday and the same way He will tomorrow.
So, doing as he's told, Samuel sets out to find them a king - trusting in the Lord.
Now, I absolutely love how he "finds" a king! It's a beautiful reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, working in my life, even when I can't see how. Even when I don't feel like He is.
OK, so this is what happens:
1. There's this guy named Saul and his dad loses his donkey.
(Hmmmm....God moment #1?)
Lesson #1: Life's inconveniences might not be from the enemy but from God himself.
2. Saul and his servant go looking for the donkey. His servant "conveniently" remembers a man named, Samuel and thinks this guy might be able to tell them where to look for the donkey. He actually says, "Hey, I just thought of something!"
(God moment #2. Yeah right....God much? You just "thought" of something? You are looking for a donkey and you believe some random guy might be able to tell you where it is??)
Lesson #2: Learn to listen! It just might be a nudge from the Holy Spirit.
3. So they go to town, where Samuel "just happens" to come out and meet them. Apparently, God had told Samuel the previous day that a man would by coming by and that he was to become the first king of Israel.
(God moment #3 - How cool is that? OK - so God might not be as forward as that with us, but He does still speak)
Lesson #3: It's not enough to listen, but I need to act when God speaks.
So, there ya have it! God was at work, right smack dab in the middle!
God's still in the business of gettin' in the middle. He rolls up his heavenly sleeves and digs in as much today as He ever did. The bible says He's unchanging. "He's the same yesterday, today and forever", (Heb 13:8) so if He did it then, He does it now!
Maybe the difference is us. It doesn't say how God told Samuel. We assume God spoke to him in a supernatural vision or perhaps He wrote a divine message in the sand! Maybe, it was a dream!! Or maybe...Samuel's just a good listener.
Maybe we need to slow down a bit and learn to hear God when He speaks. Maybe we need to get more in tune with what God has to say to us. It could be a hunch, or something we read, or perhaps a word from a wise friend.
God still gets in the middle, today. But it's not enough to recognize that. It's not enough, even, to hear Him. We need to do what He says!
Samuel went out to meet Saul and his servant as they entered the city. I'm sure he felt a little weird about doing that. I'm guessing he probably had better things to do that day and wondered if he was just wasting his time. He may have even questioned as to whether or not anyone would even show up. But still, he chose to do as God told him to.
One of my favorite preachers, Joyce Meyer, always says, "You do what you can do and God will do what you can't."
Samuel walked out of the city to meet some men he really didn't know. That's what he could do. He couldn't cause them to lose their donkey. He couldn't tell them to go and look for it. He couldn't lead them to his region, Zuph. That was all stuff God had to do.
You do what you can and God will do what you can't.
He'll get in the middle today, the same way He did yesterday and the same way He will tomorrow.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Just like everyone else
1 Samuel 8
Samuel's starting to get old so he appoints his sons as judges.
His greedy, money hungry, sons.
They're nothing like their father and Israel's sees right through them, they want nothing to do with them. Instead, they request a king so "they can be just like other nations".
Samuel's really upset. Heartbroken, he goes before God for advise. God's reply touches my heart, for it gives me a glimpse into His:
"Do as they say, for it's me they're rejecting. They don't want ME as their king anymore. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods." (8:7-8)
Ugh! It's too bad the Israelites didn't have giant shoes so they could have just kicked God in the mighty stomach! How sad! A loving father, being rejected by his children.
I have two kids, myself. One's a teen and the other a young adult. I admit I tend to get upset when they take me for granted. I feel a little sorry for myself, go hide in a corner and lick my wounds hopingno one someone will notice.
How much more would the sting of rejection be! MY children? Turning their back on me? After ALL I've done for them?
I can only imagine the grief God felt.
God still loves them and He does what any loving parent would do - he urges Samuel to send warnings of how a king will treat them.
But....Israel still wants a king.
They still want to be like other nations.
Once again, I see myself mirrored in an entire nation.
Everyday, there's a struggle within me over who I am....why can't I be like everyone else? Why can't I sing like the worship leader? It's not fair that my house isn't as nice as my friend's. I wish I were bold like that person? If only I were more soft spoken like that lady.
It's as though I size myself up upon entering a room, comparing myself to everyone around me....at least in some small way. Couldn't I just have the best parts of everyone all wrapped up...in me?
Prideful much? Really though, that's what insecurity is. It's a form of pride! I'm basically saying, the person who God created me to be, isn't good enough.
God had a wonderful plan for the Israelites - but they rejected His plan and came up with their own - so they can be just like everyone else.
"Lord, help me to be happy with who I am, exactly who I am. More importantly, help me see who I am going to become, through you. I pray that I will spend my energy being the best me, fulfilling the plans and purpose you have for me instead of striving to be something that I am not."
Samuel's starting to get old so he appoints his sons as judges.
His greedy, money hungry, sons.
They're nothing like their father and Israel's sees right through them, they want nothing to do with them. Instead, they request a king so "they can be just like other nations".
Samuel's really upset. Heartbroken, he goes before God for advise. God's reply touches my heart, for it gives me a glimpse into His:
"Do as they say, for it's me they're rejecting. They don't want ME as their king anymore. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods." (8:7-8)
Ugh! It's too bad the Israelites didn't have giant shoes so they could have just kicked God in the mighty stomach! How sad! A loving father, being rejected by his children.
I have two kids, myself. One's a teen and the other a young adult. I admit I tend to get upset when they take me for granted. I feel a little sorry for myself, go hide in a corner and lick my wounds hoping
How much more would the sting of rejection be! MY children? Turning their back on me? After ALL I've done for them?
I can only imagine the grief God felt.
God still loves them and He does what any loving parent would do - he urges Samuel to send warnings of how a king will treat them.
But....Israel still wants a king.
They still want to be like other nations.
Once again, I see myself mirrored in an entire nation.
Everyday, there's a struggle within me over who I am....why can't I be like everyone else? Why can't I sing like the worship leader? It's not fair that my house isn't as nice as my friend's. I wish I were bold like that person? If only I were more soft spoken like that lady.
It's as though I size myself up upon entering a room, comparing myself to everyone around me....at least in some small way. Couldn't I just have the best parts of everyone all wrapped up...in me?
Prideful much? Really though, that's what insecurity is. It's a form of pride! I'm basically saying, the person who God created me to be, isn't good enough.
God had a wonderful plan for the Israelites - but they rejected His plan and came up with their own - so they can be just like everyone else.
"Lord, help me to be happy with who I am, exactly who I am. More importantly, help me see who I am going to become, through you. I pray that I will spend my energy being the best me, fulfilling the plans and purpose you have for me instead of striving to be something that I am not."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Hello? Anyone home?
1 Samuel 4-7
There are really only two things you can do with someone else's mistakes:
1. Learn from them.
2. Repeat them.
****************************************************
This is what the Daily Walk Bible has to say about Samuel's parenting skills:
"Samuel should have learned the necessity of proper parental discipline from his observance of Eli's failure with his sons. But apparently he did not because his owns sons were equally undisciplined. They were covetous, took bribes and perverted justice. How could such a tragic turn of events repeat itself? How could any generation not learn from it's predecessors?"
Exactly. That's what I want to to know! I mean, Samuel aside...What in the world was Israel thinking?
I just want to yell into the pages of my bible and knock on their heads! "Hello?....McFly!" (Remember the old Back to the Future Movie?)
Really though...it's getting old. I understand each generation has to learn to trust God for themselves, I do. They cant just ride on the coat tails of their ancestors faith. At some point they have to decide for themselves that God is who He says He is and He does what He says He'll do.
In saying that, though, you would think they would at least use their parents, or in some cases, grandparents' faith as a step stool to reach their own level of trust. Obviously, history was recorded. I'm sure they heard the stories of God's provision and protection - in fact I know they did - at least once a year during passover.
So, what's the deal? Why do they always have to get to the point where they're being defeated before they turn back to God? I mean, we're not talking a few years, here. We're talking 40-80 years in some cases! Hello? Anyone home??
So, off we go. History repeating itself...again. Israel's being defeated, this time by the Philistines. For 20 years Israel mourns because "it seemed" God abandoned them.
Yeah. It has nothing to do with the foreign gods and images in your homes, people, I'm sure of it.
Samuel urges them, "Obey the Lord! Get rid of your gods! He'll rescue you!"
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict what happens next.
They confess.
God shows up.
He speaks a mighty voice of thunder - it confuses the Philistines and Israel wins the battle!!
How many times does God need to show up before we'll trust Him once and for all?
There are really only two things you can do with someone else's mistakes:
1. Learn from them.
2. Repeat them.
****************************************************
This is what the Daily Walk Bible has to say about Samuel's parenting skills:
"Samuel should have learned the necessity of proper parental discipline from his observance of Eli's failure with his sons. But apparently he did not because his owns sons were equally undisciplined. They were covetous, took bribes and perverted justice. How could such a tragic turn of events repeat itself? How could any generation not learn from it's predecessors?"
Exactly. That's what I want to to know! I mean, Samuel aside...What in the world was Israel thinking?
I just want to yell into the pages of my bible and knock on their heads! "Hello?....McFly!" (Remember the old Back to the Future Movie?)
Really though...it's getting old. I understand each generation has to learn to trust God for themselves, I do. They cant just ride on the coat tails of their ancestors faith. At some point they have to decide for themselves that God is who He says He is and He does what He says He'll do.
In saying that, though, you would think they would at least use their parents, or in some cases, grandparents' faith as a step stool to reach their own level of trust. Obviously, history was recorded. I'm sure they heard the stories of God's provision and protection - in fact I know they did - at least once a year during passover.
So, what's the deal? Why do they always have to get to the point where they're being defeated before they turn back to God? I mean, we're not talking a few years, here. We're talking 40-80 years in some cases! Hello? Anyone home??
So, off we go. History repeating itself...again. Israel's being defeated, this time by the Philistines. For 20 years Israel mourns because "it seemed" God abandoned them.
Yeah. It has nothing to do with the foreign gods and images in your homes, people, I'm sure of it.
Samuel urges them, "Obey the Lord! Get rid of your gods! He'll rescue you!"
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict what happens next.
They confess.
God shows up.
He speaks a mighty voice of thunder - it confuses the Philistines and Israel wins the battle!!
How many times does God need to show up before we'll trust Him once and for all?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Good things DO come to those who wait!
1 Samuel Chapter 1 & 2
You know, I think it's kind of human nature to bargain with God. At least once in your life. I've done it. Especially back in the day when I was still trying to win God's love.
"God, if you make these tests come back negative, I'll quit smoking for sure this time."
"I promise, God, if I get this job, I'm going to to start giving more to others."
"God, I promise, if you heal my mother I will start going to church on a regular basis."
Don't act like you've never done it, too!
After reading the story of Hannah I thought about it for a bit. "I wonder if God made Hannah wait for a son, not to draw her closer to Him, or cause her to lean on Him - but so that she would make Him a promise?"
Every year, Hannah would go to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to God and every year she'd pray for a son, something she wanted more than anything else in the world.
She couldn't eat, she cried - she was teased and taunted for her barrenness. The bible says she was in deep anguish. Deep. Right down to the pit of her stomach.
Year after year.
..after year.
Finally, out of desperation she cried out to God, "PLEASE, God! Give me a son! I'll do anything! I'll even give him back to you if that's what you want! His very life will be yours!"
Wowzers. Not sure if THAT'S the promise I would have given. I may have said, "Sure, I'll quit my job and be a stay at home mom", or, "I want a son so bad, I'm willing to (gulp) home school him...I promise to teach him all your ways", I might even go so very far as to say, "God, if you give me a child I will bring him to church every single day!"
But, give him back to God? Let another man raise him? I often wonder if Hannah found regret in the hidden corners of her heart.
Even her husband knew how difficult it would be saying, "May the Lord help you keep your promise." (1:23)
Bringing that boy to the temple and handing him over to a stranger was probably the most difficult thing Hannah had ever done, and would ever do.
But, Hannah, in the midst of her pain, instead of allowing her feelings and emotions rule her actions - worshiped her God instead.
Did I hear that correctly? Worshipped? She didn't fall down and cry? Admit to the Holy of Holies that she was didn't understand what she was committing to only a few short years ago? Beg Him to grant mercy on his lowly servant and change his mind?
Nope. She prayed an absolutely beautiful prayer. I grabbed a few of my favorite verses from the passage I wrote my own version of her prayer:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord, how He has blessed me! No one is holy like the Lord, there is no rock like our God! He lifts the poor from a pile of ashes, placing them in seats of honour. No one will succeed in strength alone, those who fight against the Lord will be broken. He gives mighty strength to his anointed ones."
Imagine! Her heart rejoices in the Lord, as she hands over her son to a priest named Eli.
God used Hannah because He knew her heart. He knew she had a spirit of obedience and loyalty to Him. He also knew that she would pass a firm foundation on to her boy in the few short years that it took to wean him.
Eli failed to discipline his sons and as a result they lived a life of disgrace before the Lord. In the very same house, the bible says that, "Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord." (2:21)
God had a plan, Samuel was destined to be the last judge of Israel, and that plan was fulfilled through an ordinary women of extraordinary faith.
Even though the bible dedicates two entire books to the the life of Samuel with little else said about his mother, the story was far from over for Hannah.
It turns out that some stories do have happy endings. That good things do come to those who wait....and to those who keep their word. Because Hannah was faithful and honoured her promise - God gave her five more children!
And although it doesn't say, I like to think Hannah was given one child for every year that she waited for Samuel.
...cause God's just like that.
You know, I think it's kind of human nature to bargain with God. At least once in your life. I've done it. Especially back in the day when I was still trying to win God's love.
"God, if you make these tests come back negative, I'll quit smoking for sure this time."
"I promise, God, if I get this job, I'm going to to start giving more to others."
"God, I promise, if you heal my mother I will start going to church on a regular basis."
Don't act like you've never done it, too!
After reading the story of Hannah I thought about it for a bit. "I wonder if God made Hannah wait for a son, not to draw her closer to Him, or cause her to lean on Him - but so that she would make Him a promise?"
Every year, Hannah would go to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to God and every year she'd pray for a son, something she wanted more than anything else in the world.
She couldn't eat, she cried - she was teased and taunted for her barrenness. The bible says she was in deep anguish. Deep. Right down to the pit of her stomach.
Year after year.
..after year.
Finally, out of desperation she cried out to God, "PLEASE, God! Give me a son! I'll do anything! I'll even give him back to you if that's what you want! His very life will be yours!"
Wowzers. Not sure if THAT'S the promise I would have given. I may have said, "Sure, I'll quit my job and be a stay at home mom", or, "I want a son so bad, I'm willing to (gulp) home school him...I promise to teach him all your ways", I might even go so very far as to say, "God, if you give me a child I will bring him to church every single day!"
But, give him back to God? Let another man raise him? I often wonder if Hannah found regret in the hidden corners of her heart.
Even her husband knew how difficult it would be saying, "May the Lord help you keep your promise." (1:23)
Bringing that boy to the temple and handing him over to a stranger was probably the most difficult thing Hannah had ever done, and would ever do.
But, Hannah, in the midst of her pain, instead of allowing her feelings and emotions rule her actions - worshiped her God instead.
Did I hear that correctly? Worshipped? She didn't fall down and cry? Admit to the Holy of Holies that she was didn't understand what she was committing to only a few short years ago? Beg Him to grant mercy on his lowly servant and change his mind?
Nope. She prayed an absolutely beautiful prayer. I grabbed a few of my favorite verses from the passage I wrote my own version of her prayer:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord, how He has blessed me! No one is holy like the Lord, there is no rock like our God! He lifts the poor from a pile of ashes, placing them in seats of honour. No one will succeed in strength alone, those who fight against the Lord will be broken. He gives mighty strength to his anointed ones."
Imagine! Her heart rejoices in the Lord, as she hands over her son to a priest named Eli.
God used Hannah because He knew her heart. He knew she had a spirit of obedience and loyalty to Him. He also knew that she would pass a firm foundation on to her boy in the few short years that it took to wean him.
Eli failed to discipline his sons and as a result they lived a life of disgrace before the Lord. In the very same house, the bible says that, "Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord." (2:21)
God had a plan, Samuel was destined to be the last judge of Israel, and that plan was fulfilled through an ordinary women of extraordinary faith.
Even though the bible dedicates two entire books to the the life of Samuel with little else said about his mother, the story was far from over for Hannah.
It turns out that some stories do have happy endings. That good things do come to those who wait....and to those who keep their word. Because Hannah was faithful and honoured her promise - God gave her five more children!
And although it doesn't say, I like to think Hannah was given one child for every year that she waited for Samuel.
...cause God's just like that.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Good things DO come in small packages!
Ruth - 1 - 4
Whoever said that good things come in small packages was right! The book of Ruth, only four brief chapters, was jammed full of love, loyalty, faithfulness, courage, and promise.
*************************************************
When I pulled my journal out to where I had written my thoughts on Ruth (back in Nov 2010) this is what I read:
"Ruth is a story about a lady that walked with God, shows kindness to others and is greatly rewarded."
I then quoted a verse:
"May the Lord, the God of Israel under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully." (2:12)
*************************************************
Wow. I had really out done myself on that one! I mean, did I even read the book? I don't exactly remember that morning, it was 6 whole months ago, but it looks as though I read the book, wrote my thoughts, hit "snooze" and went back to sleep!
It happens.
Needless to say, I decided yesterday to go back and read the book of Ruth again and, this time, listen to what God wanted to teach me through her story.
It's truly is a beautiful book! To make along short story even shorter, I've summarized in point form:
Ruth's decision to go with Naomi was literally a conversion. Her "speech" was a strong statement to her faith in "Israel's God."
"Where you will go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die and there I will be buried..."
It's very clear that Naomi put the needs of others before her own when she urges her daughters in law to stay behind for their own good. She even asks God to bless them with another marriage.
It's written that Naomi lived with her sons (and daughters in law) about 10 years before they died. I truly believe that in that time Naomi's example of love and compassion drew Ruth into a yearning to serve the one true God. Perhaps Ruth saw in Naomi, an overflow of God's love - a god that didn't "belong" to Ruth, but one that she was willing to abandon her own people for.
The book of Ruth holds many truths for us to hear. God often has more than one lesson for us to learn in a single verse, let alone a whole book!
I wasn't sure if I should focus in on the loyalty shown by Ruth to her mother in law or by Boaz in marring Ruth, as he was a kinsman-redeemer. (A close relative obligated to help when a family line or possessions were in danger)
I even thought of writing about courage - the courage it took for Ruth to step out in faith, not only to move away from her family but to go and lay at the feet of Boaz. (You REALLY must read this story to get all the details!)
But in the end, it was the less obvious choice - a lesson of testimony - that touched my heart. A message that could easily be lost in the book of Ruth.
To me, that is what it is all about - living your life so people see the lovingkindness of a God, under whose wings, they will come to take refuge.
A God they will very much want to call their own.
Whoever said that good things come in small packages was right! The book of Ruth, only four brief chapters, was jammed full of love, loyalty, faithfulness, courage, and promise.
*************************************************
When I pulled my journal out to where I had written my thoughts on Ruth (back in Nov 2010) this is what I read:
"Ruth is a story about a lady that walked with God, shows kindness to others and is greatly rewarded."
I then quoted a verse:
"May the Lord, the God of Israel under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully." (2:12)
*************************************************
Wow. I had really out done myself on that one! I mean, did I even read the book? I don't exactly remember that morning, it was 6 whole months ago, but it looks as though I read the book, wrote my thoughts, hit "snooze" and went back to sleep!
It happens.
Needless to say, I decided yesterday to go back and read the book of Ruth again and, this time, listen to what God wanted to teach me through her story.
It's truly is a beautiful book! To make a
- A man, along with his wife Naomi, and their two sons, move from Judah to Moab.
- The man dies and the two sons marry Moabite women, one named Orpah, the other, Ruth.
- The two sons also die.
- Having lost both husband and her sons, Naomi decides to return to her homeland, Judah.
- Orpah decides to stay in Moab. Ruth goes to Judah with Naomi, knowing she'll be considered an outsider.
- Poor and hungry, Ruth goes to pick up leftover grain in the fields of a man named Boaz.
- Boaz marries Ruth and they give birth to Obed, the grandfather of Kind David.
Ruth's decision to go with Naomi was literally a conversion. Her "speech" was a strong statement to her faith in "Israel's God."
"Where you will go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die and there I will be buried..."
It's very clear that Naomi put the needs of others before her own when she urges her daughters in law to stay behind for their own good. She even asks God to bless them with another marriage.
It's written that Naomi lived with her sons (and daughters in law) about 10 years before they died. I truly believe that in that time Naomi's example of love and compassion drew Ruth into a yearning to serve the one true God. Perhaps Ruth saw in Naomi, an overflow of God's love - a god that didn't "belong" to Ruth, but one that she was willing to abandon her own people for.
The book of Ruth holds many truths for us to hear. God often has more than one lesson for us to learn in a single verse, let alone a whole book!
I wasn't sure if I should focus in on the loyalty shown by Ruth to her mother in law or by Boaz in marring Ruth, as he was a kinsman-redeemer. (A close relative obligated to help when a family line or possessions were in danger)
I even thought of writing about courage - the courage it took for Ruth to step out in faith, not only to move away from her family but to go and lay at the feet of Boaz. (You REALLY must read this story to get all the details!)
But in the end, it was the less obvious choice - a lesson of testimony - that touched my heart. A message that could easily be lost in the book of Ruth.
To me, that is what it is all about - living your life so people see the lovingkindness of a God, under whose wings, they will come to take refuge.
A God they will very much want to call their own.
Monday, May 2, 2011
...the end of book seven.
Judges was a sobering reminder of how easily God can be taken for granted.
Although I found myself wondering how in the world God's children kept falling back into rebellion over and over again after deliverance from God, I had to remember that each generation had to learn their own lesson.
It's easy to fall into the trap of, "God will forgive me", and it's true. God WILL forgive me, if my heart is truly repentant. However, it's not about that. It's not about me, its about responding to a love that I will never come close to understanding this side of heaven.
It's about surrendering to the One who loves me so much that He allows Himself to be taken for granted over and over again.
It's about learning to love others with the same loyal, faithful and unfailing love that I have been shown.
"God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Romans 5:5)
Oh, I just love that verse. Every time I read it I imagine God physically (and tenderly) sprinkling His love into my heart.
Pour it to the rim please! In fact...I think I'll have seconds!
Although I found myself wondering how in the world God's children kept falling back into rebellion over and over again after deliverance from God, I had to remember that each generation had to learn their own lesson.
It's easy to fall into the trap of, "God will forgive me", and it's true. God WILL forgive me, if my heart is truly repentant. However, it's not about that. It's not about me, its about responding to a love that I will never come close to understanding this side of heaven.
It's about surrendering to the One who loves me so much that He allows Himself to be taken for granted over and over again.
It's about learning to love others with the same loyal, faithful and unfailing love that I have been shown.
Oh, I just love that verse. Every time I read it I imagine God physically (and tenderly) sprinkling His love into my heart.
Pour it to the rim please! In fact...I think I'll have seconds!
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