"And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision....Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he [Eli] said, 'It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to
Him.' "
I Samuel 3:16b, 18
The true prophet (preacher) faces this dilemma often. He fears offending people or driving them away, so he avoids preaching on sin, judgment, and Hell because they are not a pleasant subjects. Who wants to be a "fire and brimstone" preacher? Thus, the Church is full of preachers that only give "fluff sermons" that tickle the ear. But the preacher who is faithful to his calling must speak the whole message that God has revealed, hiding nothing, even in the face of possible rejection. And the true believer will receive God's Word and say, "Let God do what seems good to Him."
Today's Thought: The true prophet will speak the whole counsel of God, and the true believer will receive it.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- The Sin of Neglect
"Then the LORD said to Samuel: 'Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears will tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity that he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.' "
I Samuel 3:11-13
We usually think of sin as an overt action that we know is wrong. But it is also sin to neglect doing what we know is right. "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Eli KNEW that he should correct his sons, yet he did not do it and was held accountable for it. What a horrible predicament. Is there any hope? How can I ever be clean before God? David cried out, "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from my secret faults" (Psalm 19:12). I have only one confidence: that the blood of Christ cleanses me from all sin (I John 1:7).
Today's Thought: It is sin to neglect doing what I know is right.
Have a cleansed day. Love you.
I Samuel 3:11-13
We usually think of sin as an overt action that we know is wrong. But it is also sin to neglect doing what we know is right. "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Eli KNEW that he should correct his sons, yet he did not do it and was held accountable for it. What a horrible predicament. Is there any hope? How can I ever be clean before God? David cried out, "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from my secret faults" (Psalm 19:12). I have only one confidence: that the blood of Christ cleanses me from all sin (I John 1:7).
Today's Thought: It is sin to neglect doing what I know is right.
Have a cleansed day. Love you.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- The Patience of God
"Therefore Eli said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears." ' So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for Your servant hears.' "
I Samuel 3:9-10
Oh, the long-suffering patience of the Lord!! He doesn't give up on us. Four times, God called Samuel before he answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." God patiently calls us by name, even though we don't understand or respond correctly. He knows my name, and He just keeps on calling. The old gospel songs say, "Calling today. Calling today. Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today." "When He calls for me, I will answer -- I'll be somewhere listening for my name." And I want to say, "Here am I. Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears."
Today's Thought: God is patient and keeps on calling us individually by name.
Have a listening day. Love you.
I Samuel 3:9-10
Oh, the long-suffering patience of the Lord!! He doesn't give up on us. Four times, God called Samuel before he answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." God patiently calls us by name, even though we don't understand or respond correctly. He knows my name, and He just keeps on calling. The old gospel songs say, "Calling today. Calling today. Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today." "When He calls for me, I will answer -- I'll be somewhere listening for my name." And I want to say, "Here am I. Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears."
Today's Thought: God is patient and keeps on calling us individually by name.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Hearing God's Voice
"And it came to pass at that time...while Samuel was lying down, that the LORD called Samuel. And he answered, 'Here I am!' ....And the LORD called Samuel again the third time...Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy."
I Samuel 3:2, 3b, 4, 8
I truly identify with Samuel and Eli's confusion. I confess that I, too, have had trouble discerning God's call at times as evidenced by all the dead-ends in my life. I have tried to be sensitive and respond to what I thought was God call. I am not always sure whether it is my own imagination, my personal desire, someone else calling me, or truly the Lord. Regardless of all of that, I want to remain sensitive and ready to respond to God's voice, even if at times I misunderstand. I would rather make mistakes than miss His call.
Today's Thought: We do not always recognize God's voice.
Have a listening day. Love you.
I Samuel 3:2, 3b, 4, 8
I truly identify with Samuel and Eli's confusion. I confess that I, too, have had trouble discerning God's call at times as evidenced by all the dead-ends in my life. I have tried to be sensitive and respond to what I thought was God call. I am not always sure whether it is my own imagination, my personal desire, someone else calling me, or truly the Lord. Regardless of all of that, I want to remain sensitive and ready to respond to God's voice, even if at times I misunderstand. I would rather make mistakes than miss His call.
Today's Thought: We do not always recognize God's voice.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Scarcity of God's Word
"Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation."
I Samuel 3:1
It is a sad day in a nation when the Word of the LORD is rare. Joshua, Moses's successor, was faithful to remind the nation of God's law. But after his death, the clergy (the priests) neglected the teaching of the Word of the LORD, and the succeeding generations gradually forgot God's Word. God gave judges to Israel, and Samuel was the last of the judges (I Samuel 7:15). But because there was no common knowledge of God's Word, the people did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). That is the state of America today. Americans uses to have a knowledge of the Bible, even if they were not Christians. The culture accepted the Bible as an authority and as a basis for laws. But in the last two generations, that knowledge has evaporated, and the culture no longer sees the Bible as an authority. It may be because the clergy has not preached God's Word. It may be a result of the Supreme Court ruling in the 1960s against having the Bible and prayer in the schools. Whatever the reason, the result is the same – everyone does what is right in their own eyes. It is indeed a sad day in a nation when the Word of the LORD is rare.
Today's Thought: When God's Word is rare, people live by their own ideas.
Have a "revelation" day. Love you.
I Samuel 3:1
It is a sad day in a nation when the Word of the LORD is rare. Joshua, Moses's successor, was faithful to remind the nation of God's law. But after his death, the clergy (the priests) neglected the teaching of the Word of the LORD, and the succeeding generations gradually forgot God's Word. God gave judges to Israel, and Samuel was the last of the judges (I Samuel 7:15). But because there was no common knowledge of God's Word, the people did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). That is the state of America today. Americans uses to have a knowledge of the Bible, even if they were not Christians. The culture accepted the Bible as an authority and as a basis for laws. But in the last two generations, that knowledge has evaporated, and the culture no longer sees the Bible as an authority. It may be because the clergy has not preached God's Word. It may be a result of the Supreme Court ruling in the 1960s against having the Bible and prayer in the schools. Whatever the reason, the result is the same – everyone does what is right in their own eyes. It is indeed a sad day in a nation when the Word of the LORD is rare.
Today's Thought: When God's Word is rare, people live by their own ideas.
Have a "revelation" day. Love you.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- A Faithful People
" 'Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he will walk before My anointed forever. And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left in your house will come and bow down to him....' "
I Samuel 2:35-36a
I see three applications for this verse: historical, theological, and practical. Historically, God raised up Samuel to take Eli's place as a faithful priest. Theologically, Jesus was the faithful High Priest who did all that was in the Father's heart, believers are His house, and every knee shall bow before Him. Practically, I want to be faithful in my walk before Him, doing what is in God's heart and mind.
Today's Thought: In every generation, God will raise up a faithful people who will do His will.
Have a faithful day. Love you.
I Samuel 2:35-36a
I see three applications for this verse: historical, theological, and practical. Historically, God raised up Samuel to take Eli's place as a faithful priest. Theologically, Jesus was the faithful High Priest who did all that was in the Father's heart, believers are His house, and every knee shall bow before Him. Practically, I want to be faithful in my walk before Him, doing what is in God's heart and mind.
Today's Thought: In every generation, God will raise up a faithful people who will do His will.
Have a faithful day. Love you.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Honoring God
"Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him ...'Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: "I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever." But now the LORD says: "Far be it far from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed." ' "
I Samuel 2:27a, 30
How do we honor God? The word honor in Hebrew is kabad and has a primary meaning of "weight." We give weight or honor to those whom we respect. It is apparent that Hophni and Phinehas had a very low opinion of God. They despised God's way and substituted their own ways for their own selfish pleasure. Reverencing God as King of Kings over our lives is evidenced by our obedience to Him and His Word. As we honor Him – give Him the weight that He deserves– , we know that He will honor us. We may not receive much honor or respect in this life, but we will in eternity. This is the essence of the New Testament declaration: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Cor. 4:17).
Today's Thought: If we honor God, He will honor us; if we despise Him, we will be despised.
Have a "weighty" day. Love you.
I Samuel 2:27a, 30
How do we honor God? The word honor in Hebrew is kabad and has a primary meaning of "weight." We give weight or honor to those whom we respect. It is apparent that Hophni and Phinehas had a very low opinion of God. They despised God's way and substituted their own ways for their own selfish pleasure. Reverencing God as King of Kings over our lives is evidenced by our obedience to Him and His Word. As we honor Him – give Him the weight that He deserves– , we know that He will honor us. We may not receive much honor or respect in this life, but we will in eternity. This is the essence of the New Testament declaration: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Cor. 4:17).
Today's Thought: If we honor God, He will honor us; if we despise Him, we will be despised.
Have a "weighty" day. Love you.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Serious Stuff
" 'If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?' Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them."
I Samuel 2:25
I think that Eli may have had an incomplete understanding of sin. He separated sin into two classes – sin against man and the sin against God. I think the prodigal son had a better view when he confessed, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you" (Luke 15:18, 21). All sin is against God because it violates His perfect will. But Eli's sons had no comprehension of sin and judgment, and they continued doing their own evil thing. Even though they paid no heed to the warning, judgment was waiting. What a picture of people today who dismiss sin as "old-fashioned," and discount the idea of ultimate judgment before God, or at the least think some sin is more serious than other sin. Sin is serious stuff and is not to be treated lightly.
Today's Thought: All sin is against God, and will be judged by God.
Have a serious day. Love you.
I Samuel 2:25
I think that Eli may have had an incomplete understanding of sin. He separated sin into two classes – sin against man and the sin against God. I think the prodigal son had a better view when he confessed, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you" (Luke 15:18, 21). All sin is against God because it violates His perfect will. But Eli's sons had no comprehension of sin and judgment, and they continued doing their own evil thing. Even though they paid no heed to the warning, judgment was waiting. What a picture of people today who dismiss sin as "old-fashioned," and discount the idea of ultimate judgment before God, or at the least think some sin is more serious than other sin. Sin is serious stuff and is not to be treated lightly.
Today's Thought: All sin is against God, and will be judged by God.
Have a serious day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Spiritual Leadership
"Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel...So he said to them, 'Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD's people transgress.' "
I Samuel 2:22-24
There are two levels of culpability. The first is the sons. The case is building against them. Not only were they misusing their office for personal gain (2:13-17), but they were causing the women worshipers to transgress sexually (2:22). It is a dangerous thing for a spiritual leader to abuse his position for personal gain and gratification, because not only is he guilty of sin, but he also causes other people to sin.
The second level of culpability is Eli. Eli is now an old man. Where was he all these years? Surely he was aware of the problems because people were telling him, but he said nothing until he was up in age. And even then, the rebuke had no consequences. It was only words. He was a disengaged father, who surely loved his children but did not have the courage to speak the truth to them. He abdicated his responsibility as a parent to avoid the pain of correcting his sons, and when he finally did, it was too little, too late. We need godly fathers who take responsibility to speak the truth in love to their younger children and create consequences, even though it is painful.
Today's Thought: Spiritual leaders have the responsibility to be godly men, both of the flock and of their own household.
Have a godly day. Love you.
I Samuel 2:22-24
There are two levels of culpability. The first is the sons. The case is building against them. Not only were they misusing their office for personal gain (2:13-17), but they were causing the women worshipers to transgress sexually (2:22). It is a dangerous thing for a spiritual leader to abuse his position for personal gain and gratification, because not only is he guilty of sin, but he also causes other people to sin.
The second level of culpability is Eli. Eli is now an old man. Where was he all these years? Surely he was aware of the problems because people were telling him, but he said nothing until he was up in age. And even then, the rebuke had no consequences. It was only words. He was a disengaged father, who surely loved his children but did not have the courage to speak the truth to them. He abdicated his responsibility as a parent to avoid the pain of correcting his sons, and when he finally did, it was too little, too late. We need godly fathers who take responsibility to speak the truth in love to their younger children and create consequences, even though it is painful.
Today's Thought: Spiritual leaders have the responsibility to be godly men, both of the flock and of their own household.
Have a godly day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Giving To The Lord
"And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
I Samuel 2:21
Hannah, who was barren, now had six children because she gave the first-fruit of her womb to the LORD. That is a principle throughout Scripture: Giving the first-fruit of our increase to God opens the channel for God to pour out blessings too great to contain (See Malachi 3:10). God is faithful.
Today's Thought: Giving the first-fruit of God's blessings back to Him makes many more blessings possible.
Have a giving day. Love you.
I Samuel 2:21
Hannah, who was barren, now had six children because she gave the first-fruit of her womb to the LORD. That is a principle throughout Scripture: Giving the first-fruit of our increase to God opens the channel for God to pour out blessings too great to contain (See Malachi 3:10). God is faithful.
Today's Thought: Giving the first-fruit of God's blessings back to Him makes many more blessings possible.
Have a giving day. Love you.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- A Tender Heart
"But Samuel ministered before the LORD, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod....And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men."
I Samuel 2:18, 26
Luke recorded the same thing about the child Jesus: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). Worship and ministry to the Lord are not age-related. In fact, Jesus said we need to become as little children (Mark 10:14-15), with a tender heart. O God, help me keep a tender heart before You.
Today's Thought: Children, who have a tender heart to spiritual things, can minister to the Lord.
Have a tender day. Love you.
I Samuel 2:18, 26
Luke recorded the same thing about the child Jesus: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). Worship and ministry to the Lord are not age-related. In fact, Jesus said we need to become as little children (Mark 10:14-15), with a tender heart. O God, help me keep a tender heart before You.
Today's Thought: Children, who have a tender heart to spiritual things, can minister to the Lord.
Have a tender day. Love you.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Knowing God
"Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the LORD....Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD, for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."
I Samuel 2:12, 17
It's tough being a preacher's kid!!! So many Pks reject the faith of their fathers. Perhaps it is the pressure to be perfect; perhaps is the inconsistencies they see in their preacher-fathers' lives; perhaps it is the constraints that keep them from being like other kids. Whatever the reason, they become so familiar with the holy things that they end up abhorring and despising them, treating them as common. It happened with Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offered profane (common) incense before the LORD and were killed (Leviticus 10:1-3). Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas were also killed (I Sam. 4:17). I think the real issue is that even though they were raised to know about God and godly things, they never really KNEW God in relationship of the heart. There is a difference between intellectual knowledge and heart knowledge. Oh, that my children and my grandchildren would know the Lord – not just with the brain but with the heart.
Today's Thought: Knowing God is more than just head-knowledge.
Have a "knowing" day. Love you.
I Samuel 2:12, 17
It's tough being a preacher's kid!!! So many Pks reject the faith of their fathers. Perhaps it is the pressure to be perfect; perhaps is the inconsistencies they see in their preacher-fathers' lives; perhaps it is the constraints that keep them from being like other kids. Whatever the reason, they become so familiar with the holy things that they end up abhorring and despising them, treating them as common. It happened with Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offered profane (common) incense before the LORD and were killed (Leviticus 10:1-3). Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas were also killed (I Sam. 4:17). I think the real issue is that even though they were raised to know about God and godly things, they never really KNEW God in relationship of the heart. There is a difference between intellectual knowledge and heart knowledge. Oh, that my children and my grandchildren would know the Lord – not just with the brain but with the heart.
Today's Thought: Knowing God is more than just head-knowledge.
Have a "knowing" day. Love you.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Rejoicing in the Midst of Sorrow
"And Hannah prayed and said:
'My heart rejoices in the LORD;
I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.' "
I Samuel 2:1
It was surely a traumatic experience to give here son – her only son – away. I can imagine the tears of both Hannah and Samuel as they hugged goodbye. There would be an empty place in the house – no more pattering of tiny feet; no childish chatter; no snuggles when it was bedtime. But Hannah looked beyond her pain to the God of her salvation, and her rejoicing was in His goodness and greatness.
Today's Thought: Our souls can rejoice in the midst of sorrow when our eyes are on our great God.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
'My heart rejoices in the LORD;
I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.' "
I Samuel 2:1
It was surely a traumatic experience to give here son – her only son – away. I can imagine the tears of both Hannah and Samuel as they hugged goodbye. There would be an empty place in the house – no more pattering of tiny feet; no childish chatter; no snuggles when it was bedtime. But Hannah looked beyond her pain to the God of her salvation, and her rejoicing was in His goodness and greatness.
Today's Thought: Our souls can rejoice in the midst of sorrow when our eyes are on our great God.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Lending To The Lord
"Now when she had weaned him [Samuel], she took him up with her...and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. And the child was young.... And she said, ....'Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD....' "
I Samuel 1:24, 26, 28
Samuel was perhaps four years old when he was presented to the Lord. (Even today in some cultures, children are breast fed until they are four or five years old as a birth-control method, since the woman generally will not ovulate while she is still producing milk.) Then he was "lent" to the Lord. When something is "loaned," the lender still retains ownership and a certain amount of responsibility for the care of that item. Thus, Hannah brought clothes for Samuel (2:19-20). Here's the principle: Everything I have belongs to Jesus, but I am still required to use due diligence in the continued care of my stewardship. For example, if I give money to a Christian ministry, I need to consider if that organization is indeed using the money wisely.
Today's Thought: Giving to the Lord does not absolve me of responsibility for what He has entrusted to my care.
Have a responsible day. Love you.
I Samuel 1:24, 26, 28
Samuel was perhaps four years old when he was presented to the Lord. (Even today in some cultures, children are breast fed until they are four or five years old as a birth-control method, since the woman generally will not ovulate while she is still producing milk.) Then he was "lent" to the Lord. When something is "loaned," the lender still retains ownership and a certain amount of responsibility for the care of that item. Thus, Hannah brought clothes for Samuel (2:19-20). Here's the principle: Everything I have belongs to Jesus, but I am still required to use due diligence in the continued care of my stewardship. For example, if I give money to a Christian ministry, I need to consider if that organization is indeed using the money wisely.
Today's Thought: Giving to the Lord does not absolve me of responsibility for what He has entrusted to my care.
Have a responsible day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- "Praying Through"
"Then Eli answered and said, 'Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.' ....So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad."
I Samuel 1:17-18
Hannah did what people used to call "praying through" – staying at the altar until a person heard from God and could go with peace of heart. Even though we don't use the phrase any longer, it is still valid. Either I carry the burden or I do what the Apostle advised:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
(Ephesians 4:6-7)
Today's Thought: Praying until we hear from God brings peace of heart.
Have a "praying though" day. Love you.
I Samuel 1:17-18
Hannah did what people used to call "praying through" – staying at the altar until a person heard from God and could go with peace of heart. Even though we don't use the phrase any longer, it is still valid. Either I carry the burden or I do what the Apostle advised:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
(Ephesians 4:6-7)
Today's Thought: Praying until we hear from God brings peace of heart.
Have a "praying though" day. Love you.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- The Poured-Out Heart
"But Hannah answered and said, 'No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the
LORD.' "
I Samuel 1:15
I have known the sorrowful spirit that feels such pain and grief that I thought my heart would burst within me. The ache in the stomach; the lungs that will not breathe. It hurt so badly that wished I could die. But I'm so glad that in those times, there is a place to "pour my heart out." Didn't He invite us to cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). We don't have to carry the burden alone.
Today's Thought: The troubled heart can pour it all out before the Lord.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
LORD.' "
I Samuel 1:15
I have known the sorrowful spirit that feels such pain and grief that I thought my heart would burst within me. The ache in the stomach; the lungs that will not breathe. It hurt so badly that wished I could die. But I'm so glad that in those times, there is a place to "pour my heart out." Didn't He invite us to cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). We don't have to carry the burden alone.
Today's Thought: The troubled heart can pour it all out before the Lord.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Those Wierdos
"...Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, 'How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!"
I Samuel 1:13b-14
The Jerusalem crowd thought the same thing about the Christians on the day of Pentecost – "They are drunk!" (Acts 2:13) -- as they responded to God's presence in their lives. Even Jesus' own people thought he was "out of His mind" (Mark 3:21), and others thought he was demon-possessed or was crazy (John 10:20). People will not always understand my fervency in serving the Lord. They may think I'm a bit wacko. But I am more concerned about God's opinion than theirs. Let them think what they may. I serve the Lord – not them, and He knows my heart.
Today's Thought: Our prayers and service is to the Lord God, not people.
Have a God-pleasing day. Love you.
I Samuel 1:13b-14
The Jerusalem crowd thought the same thing about the Christians on the day of Pentecost – "They are drunk!" (Acts 2:13) -- as they responded to God's presence in their lives. Even Jesus' own people thought he was "out of His mind" (Mark 3:21), and others thought he was demon-possessed or was crazy (John 10:20). People will not always understand my fervency in serving the Lord. They may think I'm a bit wacko. But I am more concerned about God's opinion than theirs. Let them think what they may. I serve the Lord – not them, and He knows my heart.
Today's Thought: Our prayers and service is to the Lord God, not people.
Have a God-pleasing day. Love you.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Prayer From The Heart
"And it happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard...."
I Samuel 1:12-13
Prayer does not have to be loud to be effective. To hear some people pray, you would think God was deaf. God hears our hearts more than our loud voices. When James says, "effectual fervent prayer...avails much" (James 5:16 b), he is not referring to volume. Sometimes the pain is too deep and all we can do is moan with "groaning that cannot be uttered." When we can't pray or don't know how to pray, the Holy Spirit "makes intercession for us according to the will of God" (See Romans 8:26-27). When this happens, we can be assured that everything will work out for good (Romans 8:28). It is one thing to pray with our intellect, and another thing to pray from our heart.
Today's Thought: God hears the prayer from the heart.
Have a prayerful day. Love you.
I Samuel 1:12-13
Prayer does not have to be loud to be effective. To hear some people pray, you would think God was deaf. God hears our hearts more than our loud voices. When James says, "effectual fervent prayer...avails much" (James 5:16 b), he is not referring to volume. Sometimes the pain is too deep and all we can do is moan with "groaning that cannot be uttered." When we can't pray or don't know how to pray, the Holy Spirit "makes intercession for us according to the will of God" (See Romans 8:26-27). When this happens, we can be assured that everything will work out for good (Romans 8:28). It is one thing to pray with our intellect, and another thing to pray from our heart.
Today's Thought: God hears the prayer from the heart.
Have a prayerful day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Children - A Gift From God
"Then she made a vow and said, 'O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of your maidservant and remember me...but will give your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.' "
I Samuel 1:11
The act of dedicating our children to the Lord has biblical precedent. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to "present Him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22-24) in accordance with the Mosaic law (Lev. 12). But Hannah's act of dedicating her baby to God as a Nazirite (Lev. 6:1-21) seems a step further than just adherence to the Law. She did it as an act of gratefulness, recognizing that her child was a gift from God. We also need to understand that our children are gifts from God, and we thankfully dedicate them to Him all the days of their lives.
Today's Thought: Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3 New Living Translation).
Have a thankful day for your children. Love you.
I Samuel 1:11
The act of dedicating our children to the Lord has biblical precedent. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to "present Him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22-24) in accordance with the Mosaic law (Lev. 12). But Hannah's act of dedicating her baby to God as a Nazirite (Lev. 6:1-21) seems a step further than just adherence to the Law. She did it as an act of gratefulness, recognizing that her child was a gift from God. We also need to understand that our children are gifts from God, and we thankfully dedicate them to Him all the days of their lives.
Today's Thought: Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3 New Living Translation).
Have a thankful day for your children. Love you.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Passionate Prayer
"So it was, when she [Hannah] went up to the house of the LORD, that she [Peninnah] provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat....And she was in bitterness of soul and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish."
I Samuel 1:7, 10
Hannah wanted a child from the LORD from the depths of her heart so much that it brought her to anguish, tears, prayer, and fasting. It has been a long time since I have been moved that deeply. Oh, that once again I would be provoked to tears and fasting for the salvation of my children – their spiritual birth. Oh, God, provoke me passionate prayer once again.
Today's Thought: Passionate prayer includes anguish, tears, and fasting.
Have a passionate day. Love you.
I Samuel 1:7, 10
Hannah wanted a child from the LORD from the depths of her heart so much that it brought her to anguish, tears, prayer, and fasting. It has been a long time since I have been moved that deeply. Oh, that once again I would be provoked to tears and fasting for the salvation of my children – their spiritual birth. Oh, God, provoke me passionate prayer once again.
Today's Thought: Passionate prayer includes anguish, tears, and fasting.
Have a passionate day. Love you.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Favoritism
"And he [Elkanah] had two wives...Hannah...and...Penniah....But to Hannah, he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah...And her rival provoked her severely, to make her life miserable...."
I Samuel 1:2, 5-6
Elkanah made the mistake of thinking two wives was better than one, but he compounded the mistake by favoritism. Polygamists put on the front of a big happy family, but there is bound to be competition and rivalry behind the scenes. Favoritism destroys relationships because it breed jealousy. We find other illustrations of favoritism in the lives of Isaac (who loved Esau more than Jacob); Jacob (who loved Rachael more than Leah); and King David (who favored Absolom). It is imperative in a family for the father to avoid partiality, even though some family members are easier to love than others. I am so glad that our heavenly father does not show favoritism, even though some of us are easier to love than others.
Today's Thought: Favoritism breeds jealousy which destroys relationships.
Have an impartial day. Love you.
I Samuel 1:2, 5-6
Elkanah made the mistake of thinking two wives was better than one, but he compounded the mistake by favoritism. Polygamists put on the front of a big happy family, but there is bound to be competition and rivalry behind the scenes. Favoritism destroys relationships because it breed jealousy. We find other illustrations of favoritism in the lives of Isaac (who loved Esau more than Jacob); Jacob (who loved Rachael more than Leah); and King David (who favored Absolom). It is imperative in a family for the father to avoid partiality, even though some family members are easier to love than others. I am so glad that our heavenly father does not show favoritism, even though some of us are easier to love than others.
Today's Thought: Favoritism breeds jealousy which destroys relationships.
Have an impartial day. Love you.
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