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.
Showing posts with label promises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label promises. Show all posts
Friday, May 6, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
What's YOUR story?
Joshua 14
(Verses 8-13)
I just had to make a special journal entry for this small passage of scripture.
I absolutely loved reading how Caleb boasted - in the Lord. He was so thankful that he was 85 years old and in as good shape as ever! He's even talking about "driving the Anakites out of their land"!
For some reason, it strikes me funny when "characters" in the bible say or do something that makes them more "human" - in my eyes. I truly believe the bible is the inspired word of God, the living word, and I fully trust that these people existed. They were real! But, I've been reading or hearing about these people and their stories since I was little and there are some cases that they almost become "fictional" to me.
That's why I appreciate hearing an old man bragging about being as strong as he was in his youth - that he can travel and fight as good as he did before! I just just see him kicking his leg up over a chair as he said it too, just in case they didn't believe him. Grampy used to do that...
There's a powerful message in his Caleb's testimony. At first he appears to be proud - a self-reliant soldier. Although he begins by saying what he had to "do" to maintain his health it quickly becomes apparent that he wasn't tooting his own horn. He said "for my part, I followed the Lord, my God, completely."
He was simply giving credit where credit was due! He continued by saying, "the Lord has kept me alive and well."
Indeed He did. Just as He had promised.
Caleb's testimony reminded me that when we are truly witnessing, we are not talking about ourselves, but about God.
God uses our stories, but all the glory is His! Amen!
(Verses 8-13)
I just had to make a special journal entry for this small passage of scripture.
I absolutely loved reading how Caleb boasted - in the Lord. He was so thankful that he was 85 years old and in as good shape as ever! He's even talking about "driving the Anakites out of their land"!
For some reason, it strikes me funny when "characters" in the bible say or do something that makes them more "human" - in my eyes. I truly believe the bible is the inspired word of God, the living word, and I fully trust that these people existed. They were real! But, I've been reading or hearing about these people and their stories since I was little and there are some cases that they almost become "fictional" to me.
That's why I appreciate hearing an old man bragging about being as strong as he was in his youth - that he can travel and fight as good as he did before! I just just see him kicking his leg up over a chair as he said it too, just in case they didn't believe him. Grampy used to do that...
There's a powerful message in his Caleb's testimony. At first he appears to be proud - a self-reliant soldier. Although he begins by saying what he had to "do" to maintain his health it quickly becomes apparent that he wasn't tooting his own horn. He said "for my part, I followed the Lord, my God, completely."
He was simply giving credit where credit was due! He continued by saying, "the Lord has kept me alive and well."
Indeed He did. Just as He had promised.
Caleb's testimony reminded me that when we are truly witnessing, we are not talking about ourselves, but about God.
God uses our stories, but all the glory is His! Amen!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Is seeing the ONLY way to believe?
Joshua 1-3
The book of Joshua was only 24 chapters so I read them over a couple of days. Most of the book is an account of the wars that were fought and what land was given to which tribe.
I found myself skimming through a lot of Joshua. However, when I went back to begin journaling what I had underlined, I realized there were quite a few things that touched my heart and lessons to be learned in this great book.
First, I loved the little "pep talk" God gave, directly, to Joshua. He tells him three times "be strong and courageous!" He also tells him not to be discouraged, or afraid, and to keep His laws. He promises to be with him just as He was with Moses!
"I will not fail you or abandon you." (1:5)
That must have meant a lot to Joshua because I'm sure he questioned his ability to follow in the steps of Moses.
The people even assured him that they would "do what he commanded and go where he sends them" and mimicked the words of their God - "be strong and courageous!"
I imagine people were tempted to "compare" Joshua's leadership to that of Moses. In fact, the bible records moments when they said to him, "the Lord instructed Moses...."
Joshua could have fallen into a trap of self doubt but instead he marched on knowing that God was with him and that he had a very specific purpose!
Both he and Moses had their own part to play and Joshua must have been able to recognize that. He understood that the nation's true leader was God and THAT never changed.
Only the instrument He used.
True to his word (was there any doubt?) God went ahead and showed them favor long before the Israelites took their first step into battle.
Joshua sent two spies into the promise land much the way Moses did, to "size up" the competition. However, this time...the outcome was very different. They ran into a prostitute and this is what she told them:
1. I know the Lord has given you this land.
2. We are all afraid. EVERYONE is living in terror.
3. We have heard the Lord has made a dry path for you.
4. Our hearts are melted in fear!
5. NO ONE has the courage to fight.
6. Your God, is the supreme God.
7. Jericho will be conquered.
Imagine!!! Knowing you are going to war and the opposition is scared to death of you! They do not have the courage to fight!
God HAS gone before you!
Just as God said, waaaaay back in Exodus, people are hearing the great things He has done for them!
In chapter 2 verse 24 the spies went back to the people and told them, "the Lord is going to give us the whole land for sure! All of the people in the land are terrified of our people!!"
Um, yeah. Hasn't God been telling them that all along?
Why is we have to see for ourselves or even hear it from someone else before we believe that what God says is true?
The book of Joshua was only 24 chapters so I read them over a couple of days. Most of the book is an account of the wars that were fought and what land was given to which tribe.
I found myself skimming through a lot of Joshua. However, when I went back to begin journaling what I had underlined, I realized there were quite a few things that touched my heart and lessons to be learned in this great book.
First, I loved the little "pep talk" God gave, directly, to Joshua. He tells him three times "be strong and courageous!" He also tells him not to be discouraged, or afraid, and to keep His laws. He promises to be with him just as He was with Moses!
"I will not fail you or abandon you." (1:5)
That must have meant a lot to Joshua because I'm sure he questioned his ability to follow in the steps of Moses.
The people even assured him that they would "do what he commanded and go where he sends them" and mimicked the words of their God - "be strong and courageous!"
I imagine people were tempted to "compare" Joshua's leadership to that of Moses. In fact, the bible records moments when they said to him, "the Lord instructed Moses...."
Joshua could have fallen into a trap of self doubt but instead he marched on knowing that God was with him and that he had a very specific purpose!
Both he and Moses had their own part to play and Joshua must have been able to recognize that. He understood that the nation's true leader was God and THAT never changed.
Only the instrument He used.
True to his word (was there any doubt?) God went ahead and showed them favor long before the Israelites took their first step into battle.
Joshua sent two spies into the promise land much the way Moses did, to "size up" the competition. However, this time...the outcome was very different. They ran into a prostitute and this is what she told them:
1. I know the Lord has given you this land.
2. We are all afraid. EVERYONE is living in terror.
3. We have heard the Lord has made a dry path for you.
4. Our hearts are melted in fear!
5. NO ONE has the courage to fight.
6. Your God, is the supreme God.
7. Jericho will be conquered.
Imagine!!! Knowing you are going to war and the opposition is scared to death of you! They do not have the courage to fight!
God HAS gone before you!
Just as God said, waaaaay back in Exodus, people are hearing the great things He has done for them!
In chapter 2 verse 24 the spies went back to the people and told them, "the Lord is going to give us the whole land for sure! All of the people in the land are terrified of our people!!"
Um, yeah. Hasn't God been telling them that all along?
Why is we have to see for ourselves or even hear it from someone else before we believe that what God says is true?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
...the end of book five.
So it turns out I really enjoyed the book of Deuteronomy. It was basically a review of the first four books of the bible.
It gave me many glimpses of God's character and how faithful His love is - even when we are stubborn and rebellious. There were a lot of great verses in this book about fear and loving God.
Jesus himself quoted this book a few times during his ministry. When he was asked by the Pharisees what the greatest commandment was, He answered them:
I also loved one of the messages that Moses tried to get through to the Israelites in this chapter. He explained to them that God didn't chose them as a nation because they were a great people but simply because He loves them and because He made a promise to their ancestors.
It's that simple.
God keeps His promises. Love Him with all your heart, mind and soul.
Yes, Deuteronomy was a great book.
It gave me many glimpses of God's character and how faithful His love is - even when we are stubborn and rebellious. There were a lot of great verses in this book about fear and loving God.
Jesus himself quoted this book a few times during his ministry. When he was asked by the Pharisees what the greatest commandment was, He answered them:
I also loved one of the messages that Moses tried to get through to the Israelites in this chapter. He explained to them that God didn't chose them as a nation because they were a great people but simply because He loves them and because He made a promise to their ancestors.
It's that simple.
God keeps His promises. Love Him with all your heart, mind and soul.
Yes, Deuteronomy was a great book.
A legacy worth living for....
Deuteronomy 12 - 34
The finish line is just around the bend! I can see the end of this book as I round the corner!
Although there have been many truths and encouraging passages in this book, there has also been an awful lot of rules and regulations for a time period that is really hard for me to relate to.
I found myself "skimming" as I read about how the Israelites weren't supposed to plow with an ox and a donkey together, or wear clothes made of wool and linen woven together.
Seriously?
Are we supposed to apply these rules today? Do we ignore them? Simply dismiss them as they are for people "a long time ago in a land far away...."?
What was their purpose? How do we decide which rules do apply today?
So many questions...and like I mentioned earlier - it makes for a long read.
That's why I get so excited when a passage, or a promise, such as the following, comes along!
"Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heart or panic. For the Lord, your God, is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory." (Chapter 20:3-4)
That, my readers, is a GREAT promise!
Moses is using the last days, weeks and months of his life to tell the Israelites over and over again, that God will either bless them greatly...or curse them greatly. It's their choice.
And just like we do as parents, he spends double time in warning mode - telling them in great detail of how they will be cursed.
He explains how easy it is and how it brings God great pleasure to bless them, if they only "love the Lord and keep His commands, laws and regulations by walking in His ways."
He reminds them that God's laws aren't secrets, or held in distant places but have been revealed in a very clear way.
He even writes a song for Israel to memorize! An easy way for them to remember his teachings! How funny is that? I used to do the same thing with my children when they were younger to help them study for tests!
Before He died, Moses made sure the people of Israel knew that Joshua was their new leader and a prophet. He wanted to be sure they knew they weren't going to be "shepherdless."
...and so ends the life of Moses. Just like that. I came to the paragraph and read of his death. Four verses.
Like a breath.
It reminded me that we are all the same. People will read of our death, in the paper - a couple of paragraphs (if we're lucky)....just like Moses.
Our life, like Moses', will be as a breath. A mere vapour in the big scheme of things.
Moses left a great legacy. He was a human instrument in the creation of the nation of Israel. He lead them our of slavery, unleashed the ten plaques against Egypt, he guided the freed slaves for 40 years, he carried down the law from Mount Sinai and he prepared God's people to enter the promised land.
But above all that, he was a man that loved and obeyed God.
I'm pretty sure I won't free a nation in my lifetime, (although that's for God to decide) but do pray that my legacy is that of Moses.
I want to be known as someone who loved and obeyed God.
...with ALL my heart.
The finish line is just around the bend! I can see the end of this book as I round the corner!
Although there have been many truths and encouraging passages in this book, there has also been an awful lot of rules and regulations for a time period that is really hard for me to relate to.
I found myself "skimming" as I read about how the Israelites weren't supposed to plow with an ox and a donkey together, or wear clothes made of wool and linen woven together.
Seriously?
Are we supposed to apply these rules today? Do we ignore them? Simply dismiss them as they are for people "a long time ago in a land far away...."?
What was their purpose? How do we decide which rules do apply today?
So many questions...and like I mentioned earlier - it makes for a long read.
That's why I get so excited when a passage, or a promise, such as the following, comes along!
"Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heart or panic. For the Lord, your God, is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory." (Chapter 20:3-4)
That, my readers, is a GREAT promise!
Moses is using the last days, weeks and months of his life to tell the Israelites over and over again, that God will either bless them greatly...or curse them greatly. It's their choice.
And just like we do as parents, he spends double time in warning mode - telling them in great detail of how they will be cursed.
He explains how easy it is and how it brings God great pleasure to bless them, if they only "love the Lord and keep His commands, laws and regulations by walking in His ways."
He reminds them that God's laws aren't secrets, or held in distant places but have been revealed in a very clear way.
He even writes a song for Israel to memorize! An easy way for them to remember his teachings! How funny is that? I used to do the same thing with my children when they were younger to help them study for tests!
Before He died, Moses made sure the people of Israel knew that Joshua was their new leader and a prophet. He wanted to be sure they knew they weren't going to be "shepherdless."
...and so ends the life of Moses. Just like that. I came to the paragraph and read of his death. Four verses.
Like a breath.
It reminded me that we are all the same. People will read of our death, in the paper - a couple of paragraphs (if we're lucky)....just like Moses.
Our life, like Moses', will be as a breath. A mere vapour in the big scheme of things.
Moses left a great legacy. He was a human instrument in the creation of the nation of Israel. He lead them our of slavery, unleashed the ten plaques against Egypt, he guided the freed slaves for 40 years, he carried down the law from Mount Sinai and he prepared God's people to enter the promised land.
But above all that, he was a man that loved and obeyed God.
I'm pretty sure I won't free a nation in my lifetime, (although that's for God to decide) but do pray that my legacy is that of Moses.
I want to be known as someone who loved and obeyed God.
...with ALL my heart.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Watching us from the hills....
Numbers 22 - 26
I just love it when I'm come out of a trial or challenge in my life and realize that God has been at work the entire time.
The story I read today, portrayed such a picture. I've never read this story before, never even heard of the guys in it. But what a beautiful account of God working behind the scenes, "watching us from the hills" while we are unaware.
Balak (a Moab king) wanted Balaam (a prophet) to curse the Israelites because he was scared of them. He referred to them as a "vast horde of people covering the face of the earth", fully understanding that the reputation of their God preceded them.
Balaam said he'd let Balak know in the morning because he had to seek God's counsel and his answer would be based on "whatever the Lord directs me to say." Well, it turns out God told him NOT to curse Israel because He had already blessed them. They are His people.
Balak knew that Balamm's blessings fell on those he blessed and the people whom he cursed were doomed and by this time he's getting desperate, so he offers him money and says he would do anything Balaam wanted if he would curse even a portion of them!
Balamm asks God over and over, building alters for offerings, but the Lord was very clear - He had made a promise to Israel and would carry it through. In fact, not only did He command Balaam NOT to curse them, but He asked him to bless them 3 times...and curse Balak's people!
Balak was furious, but Balaam had said from the very begining that he was powerless to anything against the will of the Lord.
What I love most about this story is the Israelites had no idea this was going on behind the scenes. They're just living life, as usual, going about their own business.
In in the distance, Balak and Balaam are "watching them from the hills" (23:9), and God is busy at work protecting them. Blessing them and cursing their enemies - through His prophet, Balaam.
All because of a promise that He would no go back on.
"Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (23:19)
It's amazing to know that every promise I read, every word spoken by God, my protector, is a truth that he will not go back on.
....and I'm so very blessed to be learning more and more of His promises every day.
I just love it when I'm come out of a trial or challenge in my life and realize that God has been at work the entire time.
The story I read today, portrayed such a picture. I've never read this story before, never even heard of the guys in it. But what a beautiful account of God working behind the scenes, "watching us from the hills" while we are unaware.
Balak (a Moab king) wanted Balaam (a prophet) to curse the Israelites because he was scared of them. He referred to them as a "vast horde of people covering the face of the earth", fully understanding that the reputation of their God preceded them.
Balaam said he'd let Balak know in the morning because he had to seek God's counsel and his answer would be based on "whatever the Lord directs me to say." Well, it turns out God told him NOT to curse Israel because He had already blessed them. They are His people.
Balak knew that Balamm's blessings fell on those he blessed and the people whom he cursed were doomed and by this time he's getting desperate, so he offers him money and says he would do anything Balaam wanted if he would curse even a portion of them!
Balamm asks God over and over, building alters for offerings, but the Lord was very clear - He had made a promise to Israel and would carry it through. In fact, not only did He command Balaam NOT to curse them, but He asked him to bless them 3 times...and curse Balak's people!
Balak was furious, but Balaam had said from the very begining that he was powerless to anything against the will of the Lord.
What I love most about this story is the Israelites had no idea this was going on behind the scenes. They're just living life, as usual, going about their own business.
In in the distance, Balak and Balaam are "watching them from the hills" (23:9), and God is busy at work protecting them. Blessing them and cursing their enemies - through His prophet, Balaam.
All because of a promise that He would no go back on.
"Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (23:19)
It's amazing to know that every promise I read, every word spoken by God, my protector, is a truth that he will not go back on.
....and I'm so very blessed to be learning more and more of His promises every day.
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