Scripture:
"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you."
1 Samuel 12:23
Observation:
As Samuel addresses the people near the end of his life, he walks them through their history with God. Time and again they have responded to God's faithfulness with unfaithfulness, to His grace by sinning, to His compassion by demanding their own way. As they people realize their record with God, they are frightened by the anticipation of consequences and beg Samuel to pray to God, His God, for them. Samuel responds in verse 23.
Application:
Samuel describes the failure to pray as a sin; I've never really thought about it that way but I see the truth of it now. First, failing to lift things to God in prayer indicates a kind of arrogance on my part, an unspoken belief that I don't need God's help--how foolish! Second, when I refuse or forget or am otherwise unwilling to pray, I am disobedient; scripture tells us to "Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you," not some, not from time to time, but all. Third, when I fail to pray I am unwittingly shortchanging the people for whom I pray, cutting them off from the potential blessing of God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Forgive me--I spend far too much time trying to control my own life and far too little in conversation with you. Will you develop in me a habit of prayer? May I never be the reason that those I love and lead miss out on Your blessing. Amen.
Thursday April 10, 2008 by Keith
Title: Who's my King?
Scripture:
1 Samuel 8: And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Observation:
In this section of Samuel the people are clearly relying on earthly matters rather than the Lord. Samuel seems to respond with a pure heart and seeks to do what’s right.
God’s response to Samuel is straightforward, “but they have rejected me as their king.”
God knows exactly where the people of Israel were. They were relying more on things than him, they looked at other authorities and coveted them, more than relying on him. They wanted earthy provision more than a heavenly one.
One must wonder when you see God stating, “they have rejected me” what that means to God. Is he angry? Hurt? Or am I off base to think of God that way??
All-Mighty, Sovereign, King of the Universe gives in to the simple human community known as Israel and give them a king.
Application:
I know that I don’t always rely on God like I should. In fact there are times that I want an earthly king to tell me what to do, provide for me, and protect me.
What a tragedy that I don’t rise to the occasion and trust the Maker, Creator, King of Kings!
The Lord seems to know our needs! He knew the needs of Israel… and he gave them a king. God knows my needs… more than I do!! Where is God providing for me now? Am I missing obvious areas? Is he the King of my life?
Prayer:
King Jesus, help me to trust you as my King. I want you more than anything the earth can provide. You are Mighty and Majestic. Thank you for providing for Israel… and thank you for providing for me! You get the glory, amen-so be it
Scripture:
1 Samuel 8: And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Observation:
In this section of Samuel the people are clearly relying on earthly matters rather than the Lord. Samuel seems to respond with a pure heart and seeks to do what’s right.
God’s response to Samuel is straightforward, “but they have rejected me as their king.”
God knows exactly where the people of Israel were. They were relying more on things than him, they looked at other authorities and coveted them, more than relying on him. They wanted earthy provision more than a heavenly one.
One must wonder when you see God stating, “they have rejected me” what that means to God. Is he angry? Hurt? Or am I off base to think of God that way??
All-Mighty, Sovereign, King of the Universe gives in to the simple human community known as Israel and give them a king.
Application:
I know that I don’t always rely on God like I should. In fact there are times that I want an earthly king to tell me what to do, provide for me, and protect me.
What a tragedy that I don’t rise to the occasion and trust the Maker, Creator, King of Kings!
The Lord seems to know our needs! He knew the needs of Israel… and he gave them a king. God knows my needs… more than I do!! Where is God providing for me now? Am I missing obvious areas? Is he the King of my life?
Prayer:
King Jesus, help me to trust you as my King. I want you more than anything the earth can provide. You are Mighty and Majestic. Thank you for providing for Israel… and thank you for providing for me! You get the glory, amen-so be it
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 by Bob
Title: Who Do You Honor The Most?
Scripture: 1 Sam 3:18, Then Eli said, "He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes."
Observation: Eli’s statement in this verse seemed harmless at the surface, but upon closer examination was deeply rooted in rebellion toward the LORD. For Eli had been forewarned of the despicable acts his sons were committing with the Temple’s sacrifices and how their actions were detestable in the eyes of the LORD. Yet Eli was reluctant to take the necessary steps to preserve the holiness of the Temple’s sacrifices. Eli was more concerned about honoring his sons then about honoring God.
Application: Some things never change, such as the loving connection between parents and children. We desire to give our children what we never had and what makes them happy. But indulgencing them with the material things and pleasures of life is not an example of real love. We can demonstrate real love to our children by providing them with the love that honors God. In this way they will grow up to honor our Lord through their behavior, and our Lord will bless them for their obedience and faithfulness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive those times when I have been more concerned about the happiness of my children then by my obedience to you. Help me all the days of my life to impart in my children a loving respect and honor for you first.
Scripture: 1 Sam 3:18, Then Eli said, "He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes."
Observation: Eli’s statement in this verse seemed harmless at the surface, but upon closer examination was deeply rooted in rebellion toward the LORD. For Eli had been forewarned of the despicable acts his sons were committing with the Temple’s sacrifices and how their actions were detestable in the eyes of the LORD. Yet Eli was reluctant to take the necessary steps to preserve the holiness of the Temple’s sacrifices. Eli was more concerned about honoring his sons then about honoring God.
Application: Some things never change, such as the loving connection between parents and children. We desire to give our children what we never had and what makes them happy. But indulgencing them with the material things and pleasures of life is not an example of real love. We can demonstrate real love to our children by providing them with the love that honors God. In this way they will grow up to honor our Lord through their behavior, and our Lord will bless them for their obedience and faithfulness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive those times when I have been more concerned about the happiness of my children then by my obedience to you. Help me all the days of my life to impart in my children a loving respect and honor for you first.
Monday, April 07, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
Then and Now –Giving Others a Second Chance.
SCRIPTURE:
(Paul said) I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. 2 Cor. 7:16
OBSERVATION:
I think Paul had one of those "love-hate" relationships with the Corinthian church. Paul lived in the city for 18 months (Acts 18:1-18), planting a flourishing church. However, just a few years after leaving Corinth, things went downhill. Really downhill. That’s why Paul wrote his first letter (1Corinthians).
Then, the church was full of pride, excusing sexual immorality, spiritual gifts were being used improperly, and there was rampant misunderstanding of key Christian doctrines. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church at that time, "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:3.
Now, the church had turned around. They had dealt with sin and were growing spiritually. Paul wrote these words of affirmation, “I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” What a change in the Corinthian church! What a different attitude for Paul! Giving people and situations time to change is a mark of a great leader. Paul worked for years with the church and now was being to see long-term fruit.
APPLICATION:
Paul is a great example of perseverance with others. Change can happen! Just like Paul, I need to have faith and hope in every situation. Too often I write people off when they fail to grow and move ahead. I need to be willing to change my opinion about others, even after they’ve blown it. The fact is, I don’t want people to give up on me and I shouldn’t give up on them, either. Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”
PRAYER
Father, forgive me for giving up too quickly. Thank you for not giving up on me. Help me to be like Paul who knew things can change. I want to be willing and able to change my attitude about others, even others that have let me down. Thank you for your love and grace in our lives. I need you and ask you to change my heart and perspective. AMEN.
PERSONAL NOTE:
We just returned from the Holy Land yesterday. We had a wonderful time together, seeing and learning a bunch! God is so good and faithful! I hope you had a chance to keep up on our journey with Janna’s blog at http://holyland2008.wordpress.com/
Then and Now –Giving Others a Second Chance.
SCRIPTURE:
(Paul said) I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. 2 Cor. 7:16
OBSERVATION:
I think Paul had one of those "love-hate" relationships with the Corinthian church. Paul lived in the city for 18 months (Acts 18:1-18), planting a flourishing church. However, just a few years after leaving Corinth, things went downhill. Really downhill. That’s why Paul wrote his first letter (1Corinthians).
Then, the church was full of pride, excusing sexual immorality, spiritual gifts were being used improperly, and there was rampant misunderstanding of key Christian doctrines. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church at that time, "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:3.
Now, the church had turned around. They had dealt with sin and were growing spiritually. Paul wrote these words of affirmation, “I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” What a change in the Corinthian church! What a different attitude for Paul! Giving people and situations time to change is a mark of a great leader. Paul worked for years with the church and now was being to see long-term fruit.
APPLICATION:
Paul is a great example of perseverance with others. Change can happen! Just like Paul, I need to have faith and hope in every situation. Too often I write people off when they fail to grow and move ahead. I need to be willing to change my opinion about others, even after they’ve blown it. The fact is, I don’t want people to give up on me and I shouldn’t give up on them, either. Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”
PRAYER
Father, forgive me for giving up too quickly. Thank you for not giving up on me. Help me to be like Paul who knew things can change. I want to be willing and able to change my attitude about others, even others that have let me down. Thank you for your love and grace in our lives. I need you and ask you to change my heart and perspective. AMEN.
PERSONAL NOTE:
We just returned from the Holy Land yesterday. We had a wonderful time together, seeing and learning a bunch! God is so good and faithful! I hope you had a chance to keep up on our journey with Janna’s blog at http://holyland2008.wordpress.com/
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