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Fear the Lord and Obey His Commands

Today’s reading:  1 Samuel 12, Psalm 13

Samuel faithfully served God’s people as their spiritual leader for many years. Our text today covers the farewell address Samuel delivered as he prepared to pass the torch of leadership on to Saul.  Saul was the first earthly king to be appointed over God’s people.

Samuel’s opening remark (verse 1-2) reminds God’s people that appointing an earthly king to reign over them was their idea, not his. Why would he begin with this statement?  God knew an earthly king was not in the best interest of his people.  Nevertheless, he gave them what they wanted anyway.  Although it wasn’t the direction he would have chosen, Samuel also obeyed God and anointed Saul as their king.  Samuel continued to be their spiritual leader, offering guidance on how to keep their hearts right with God – fear the Lord and obey his commands.

If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good!  But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors (1 Samuel 12:14-15).

Have you ever read the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings? If you have, you know God’s people did not heed Samuel’s counsel.  For almost 500 years, they were ruled by 42 different kings and one queen.  By my count, only 8 of these 43 rulers (>20%) followed the ways of the Lord.  The rest were anywhere from kind of bad to downright evil.  Ouch, those are some pretty severe consequences!

Can you think of a time in your life you’ve had a similar experience? A time when you asked God to give you something that wasn’t in your best interest, but he gave it to you anyway?  How did it turn out for you?  If you’re like me, you probably suffered through some consequences you wish you’d have avoided.  Perhaps you live with a little regret.  May I offer these word so of encouragement today?  Stop agonizing over your poor choices.  It isn’t too late to confess and get your heart right with God.  Fear the Lord, obey his commands, and he can bring good out of your poor choices.

Consider this – if God’s people had followed his ways throughout the Old Testament, would they have needed salvation through Jesus Christ? Aren’t you glad God had a plan to use their poor choices for good?  Aren’t you glad he still has a plan to use our poor choices for good?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

1 Samuel 11 / Psalm 12

1 Samuel 11 / Psalm 12– “OK, so my choices are you kill us now…or each of us has our right eye gouged out to be disgraced the rest of our lives. Say, could we have seven days to see if someone will help us first?” King Nahash of Ammon: “OK”.

In our world today, we can’t imagine what it would be like to be given those two choices. Then, once you’re in that position, it’s not like you can pick up your cell phone and call the police or the pentagon. It amazes me that they thought of asking for seven days. It amazes me even more that King Nahash allowed it. My study Bible addresses that issue saying that King Nahash probably thought there was no way an army could be assembled in that period of time…and it would allow him to take the city without a fight. It is amazing how God used Saul to spread the word and the “invitation card” (cut up pieces of oxen) that Saul used to assemble his army.

Toward the end of this chapter, the men of Jabesh tell King Nahash that they’ll be out later and “you can do to us as you wish”. However, the morning before they are to arrive, Saul does a sneak attack and slaughters the Ammonites. All of this violence and nastiness…then the final sentence of the chapter: “Then they offered peace offerings to the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites were very happy.”

Through God, anything is possible. How can He help you overcome your King Nahash today?

Mike Thomas

Arrows and Our Battle Plan

My dad was a hunter, so as a young child he would have his bow and arrows around the house. It was often during deer season you would see a deer hanging from one of our trees in the yard. It would always make for some fun bus conversations. For many of my own personal reasons, I never did pick up this love of hunting.  I can say I still truly love being outdoors exploring and taking in the beautiful creation God has made for us.  One of my only true bow and arrow experiences was in high school PE class when we had archery for a unit. I can still remember being sent to the office for some poor choices in aiming(my disclaimer is no people or animals were hurt in my choice).

Did you know that an arrow can travel up to 225 ft. per second? Or, that it can travel up to 300 yards? So why the arrow stories? Besides being one day away from Valentines (hint hint), today, we read Psalm 11 and it hits my heart with a message of trusting God in the face of arrows of pain. In addition, while reading 1 Samuel 10 you will read how God changed Saul’s heart in verse 10.

In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “ Flee like a bird to your mountain, 2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 3 if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

What are the arrows that have been coming at you? Are they still there leaving you in pain? Has any hit today? These are arrows of; pain, abuse, gossip, cheating, addiction, lust, past sin, pornography, loss, selfishness, divorce, insecurity. The list can go on and on.  I’m sorry.  The arrows have come, they hit, and they will continue. They can also leaves scars that can be a daily reminder. God told us trials would come and test our endurance. He sees and knows about them all. Yet, the closer we grow to Him we realize the love God has for us and the internal battle is short compared to the eternal life we will have with Him.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Still, Praise goes to God that no matter where these arrows come from, how fast they come, or how many come… in our Lord we can take refuge!  We can put on His armor daily and withstand any onslaught.  Ephesians 6:11-18 remember, 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 5 The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 6 Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

Dear God, What a promise! What a love!  Its hard, it hurts, especially when all or any of these arrows have hit and have stuck. Yet, you Lord are faithful, You heal, and provide us with comfort and hope as we face these trials.  We are never alone! We love you and praise you.  Amen

 

Choices

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 8 and Psalm 9

From the first time I read this chapter about 5 days ago, I was blown away at the pertinence of this passage from SOOO many years ago! I can not believe the relevance it still has in our lives today!! The people of Israel were human and faced the temptations of following man, just like we do today!! In our home this week, we have been dealing with typical teenage issues. The underlying problem is that our lives of following Jesus and His Word, look different than many of my girls’ friends lives and they don’t like how that feels. They understand why we have certain rules and expectations, but it is hard, because we are not living like everyone else. We have been battling this conversation for the past few weeks and then I read this chapter and am reminded again how this has been a battle since the days of Samuel. Our human desire is to be like all the other people we are surrounded with.

In 1 Samuel Chapter 8, Samuel is now old. He names his sons to replace him as judges of the Israelites. Both of his sons, Joel and Abijah serve as judges in the town of Beersheba. However, they are not wise or righteous like their father. They abuse their authority and they accept bribes. The people do not like how they rule, so they approach Samuel and ask…

verses 4&5 – Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Look, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the other nations.”

Pay close attention; they did not demand a king “after God’s own heart” but rather a king “like all the other nations”.
Why didn’t the people ask for a king “after God’s own heart”? The people’s eyes and hearts had strayed from the Lord;

The children of Israel want to be like the “nations”. Have you ever felt sick and tired of being “different”? Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to just be like everyone else.

Be careful what you ask for. Sometimes God will allow it.

In verses 9 the Lord says; “Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”     

What follows is a laundry list of known behaviors of neighboring kings. The list includes all of the disadvantages of having a king rule over them. The Lord wants the people to know exactly what they are asking for and how much it will cost.

One of the most terrifying things that can happen to a person is that God allows us to go forward in our own plans, ideas and purposes. The greatest judgement is that God allows us to have your own way.

Pleasing the Lord was the last thing on the Israelites mind. What they wanted was a guarantee that their enemies would leave them alone. They wanted a real live, tangible, visible, accessible, knowable King. Someone who would judge them, and fight their battles. Someone they could see and follow. They found it too difficult to believe in a God revealed in a book, an invisible God, and obey his commandments. In spite of all that the Lord had done for them (escape from slavery, provision in the wilderness, occupation of the land) they turned their back on the Almighty God and chose a frail, weak, temporal human being to rule over them.

In these verses, Samuel warned the people that the king they were choosing was not God’s perfect will for them. He told them exactly why they would suffer as a result. However, the people ignored Samuel and chose Saul to be their king. This was absolute rebellion to the Most High God.

The people wanted to be like all the nations and have the king they chose. By choosing the king and rejecting the One True God, God would not answer them as a result. What a terrible price to pay for making choices that are contrary to the Lord’s will! When the Lord seems to be silent in our lives, we must examine our hearts and see if we have rejected His directions and gone our own way.

CHOICES – They are so important in our ives in general and especially as we pursue living a life that is pleasing to the Lord. If we make decisions based on our desire to fit in and be like everyone else, we will also suffer the consequences. Many times, our hearts are broken as a result of bad choices we make. However, our Most High God is compassionate and forgives us when we ask Him to do so in Jesus’ name. If Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, we will desire to obey God’s will and the choices we make will lead to the healing of our broken hearts.

Who is He to you?

1 Samuel 7, Psalm 9

How closely have you been following the story presented in 1 Samuel? Take a minute to recall  1 Samuel 5 when the Philistines captured the Ark of God.  As I read through the scenario, I cant help but wonder what they expected from it.  Were they just going to lock it away in a room and forget about it?  Alternatively, maybe they displayed it out in the open.  It was an absolute prize, after-all.  This is the thing that the Israelites paraded it in front of them at every conflict.  I assume the Philistines put it in the center of the town, on a pedestal, so that everyone walked by it.  Only, they did not worship it.  Instead, they walked by and spit on it.  Maybe even threw eggs at it. The detested it because it aided Israel their enemy.  They discounted its power.  That is, until they could no longer deny it.

Now consider, what did the Israelites expect of it?  The Philistines sent the ark back to Israel.  God was returned to Israel’s presence.  The ark was the physical evidence.  God was “with” Israel, yet they were filled with lament, remaining under threat of their enemies and living in fear.  In fact, the New Living Translation says that they thought God had abandoned them.  Sadly, they lived in God’s presence, but without his power.  This went on for more than 20 years!

How about us?  2,000 years ago a man was born of a miraculous birth.  Yes, we know him as Jesus.  He is also called Immanuel, which means “God with us.”  Do you know what that means?  God is right here, among us.  What do we expect?  Are we, like the Israelites still living in fear, victims of our circumstance?  Do we wonder why God has abandon us?  Today, it is evident to me that we have a choice to make. Just like the Philistines, just like the Israelites.  Do we reject him or accept him?   If you accept him, who is he to you?  Is he for you, or against you?  I pray that we don’t waste 20 years deciding, like they did!

His Plans Cannot Be Thwarted

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 6 and Psalm 7.

We read yesterday about how God caused tumors to come upon the Philistines because they had taken the ark. They now realize they have done a terrible thing and want to know what to do. The priests tell them to make a sacrifice and put the ark on a cart with two cows. If the cows go to Bethshemesh, then they know what they have done was bad and the Lord has caused these tumors to come upon them. If the cows go somewhere else, it was a coincidence. Where do you think the cows went? Right to Bethsemesh. In fact, they went to the field of Joshua there.

Have you ever done something so bad you don’t think God can possibly forgive you or turn it into good? Has someone else ever done something so bad to you that you don’t think God can forgive them and you doubt how God can turn it into good? I’ve seen Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark enough times to know that taking the ark of the covenant is probably a bad idea. I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Philistines repented like we should do when we sin, but they did look for direction on what to do and God gave instruction through the priests and led the cows to go to Bethshemesh so they knew it was not a coincidence. The ark is now on its way back to where God wants it, despite their actions. After Israel was defeated in battle and the ark was taken, if you were one of the Israelites would you have ever thought the Philistines would want to give it back on their own accord and that two cows with no one leading them but God would bring it back? I highly doubt it.

How often do we doubt God’s plans and His grace for us in our sin, as well as His plans and grace for other in their sin? His grace is greater than we can ever imagine and His plans cannot be thwarted in the midst of our personal sins and the missteps of others. God will work everything for the good. Romans 10:8 says, “but God shows His love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” How blessed are we that when we sin and make mistakes, all we have to do is turn to Him and trust Him! He will make it right. In fact, He already did nearly 2000 years ago on the cross.

Be gracious to me, O Lord

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O Lord—how long?

As I started reading 1 Samuel 5, I knew right away it would be a hard chapter to write on. As I turned to Psalm 6, it certainly fit the circumstances of my life at the moment. I thought to myself “is this my mother’s prayer right now?” Unfortunately, my mom is not in good health. She has had Parkinson’s for over 18 years and has fared extremely well thanks to an excellent physician and just being a healthy person. She has always handled her condition with grace, never complaining nor wanting to discuss it, just dealing with the cards she has been dealt.  However, in the last few months, the tide has turned. She and my dad (who is 10 years older than she is) visited at Christmas. When I asked them to come, they hesitated and it took them two weeks to say yes. When they arrived, I knew why. Her health was starting to fail. She really needed assistance to walk, get dressed, administer her medicine and just monitor what was going on. I had a few moments of frustration during the visit thinking to myself “why did they come, what if she falls (which she did several times), they should not have come, this is too much”.  In the end, after realizing we had to monitor her at all times due to falling, we did have a good visit and I tried my best to make it a happy holiday for all, knowing this was the last trip to Illinois.

Once back at home, she did not recover well from the trip and continued to go so far downhill including a stay in the hospital. After a few days, she was moved to rehab center and will be there for quite some time. Some days are good, some days she can’t talk to me because her mind is not right. It is difficult to hear and see this strong person becoming so feeble and lose her mind.

As I read this verse in Psalm 4, it made me think of her. Is she thinking this same thought? Is she ready to go be with her mother and grandmother, both wonderful people? Is she crying out in pain and agony? Our family has always been full of faith: when it’s your time, God will call you. We have not feared death. I see that in my dad now too. He’s letting it all play out.

After I wrote this original draft over the weekend, I did talk to her a few times this week. Luckily, she has been having better days. She is thinking more clearly and almost begging me to “get her out” of there. She obviously is not ready to go to heaven. She may be wondering ‘what is God intending in this rehab place”, but deep down, she’s not ready to go anywhere but home.  I hope the Lord has mercy on her as we aren’t ready for her to go either.  May God help my mom and my dad have peace and comfort this week.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O Lord—how long?

 

Is prayer a “last resort” for you?

1 Samuel 4; Psalms 5

Today’s reading in 1 Samuel tells of massive defeat of the Israelites by the Philistines, including the theft of the ark of the covenant. The news of the deaths of Eli’s sons and the taking of the ark caused Eli to fall to his death, and his daughter-in-law went into labor at hearing all the news, and died in despair.

What a tragedy. Why did these people not turn to God? Why did despair overcome them? For the same reasons that we allow our faith to be dampened by the troubles we face. It is too easy to forget God’s faithfulness, and too tempting to wallow in depression when things go wrong.

In Psalm 5, David reminds us to go first to God with our troubles, requests, and also with praise.

I’ve heard people say, and have been guilty myself of this, “there’s nothing left to do but pray.” It’s not necessarily an untrue statement – but it’s premise is that there ever was anything else more important or more pressing to do than to pray. Rather than waiting until all other options are exhausted, let’s try to remember to go to God first (and last) with our concerns. It seems like we should know and do this already, but I for one need constant reminders of this.

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12

Your Servant is Listening

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 3 and Psalm 4

Good Morning, it’s Monday again! Did your team win last night? I must admit that I didn’t watch a single minute of the “big game” as my husband and I were traveling all weekend. In fact, to be quite honest, what I want most right now is my bed and my Netflix! It’s not always easy to discipline yourself to put Him before your perceived needs. As I’m sitting down now to write, the house is quiet and I’m actively for each of you. Asking God to speak and give me some words that will reach each of you in a personal way. Today, we read about young Samuel. He’s lying down  and resting when he hears his name, “Samuel.” It doesn’t occur to him that God could be speaking directly to him. We might expect that an audible call from God would be given to the high priest Eli. Instead, God calls him again and then once more before Samuel responds:

“ And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10

Despite the fact that Eli was older and more experienced, God chose to speak to Samuel. God’s hierarchy is based on faith, not on age or position. God uses His faithful followers as channels to spread His word. Samuel felt inadequate. He didn’t expect that God could or would use him to advance His word. And there it is. Just as I began this journal entry tonight, lost on how to bring light and life to His word, He showed me the way.

“Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10

 We are all inadequate in God’s eyes. Whether we are in a position as a pastor or new Christian just learning the way to fellowship with Him. Those of you that have been reading my posts for the past few years know that I am that new Christian. I often feel that I have no business sharing my faith much less writing about it. But today, God sets an important example. He will speak to those who are listening. All we need is to quiet our mind and heart and He will speak. As you begin your week, maybe a little bit tired from your football festivities, take a moment to stop and listen. Wait for Him and He will speak. It’s easy to take to our beds and turn on the Netflix but what He wants is for us to take time to truly be with Him.

 

Turning our worries into worship

1 Samuel 1 covers the birth of Samuel. It seems right to start with his birth and the faith story of his mother’s miraculous pregnancy. 1 & 2 Samuel consist of 55 chapters which leads me to believe that God really wants us to pay attention to this man.

While preparing for this post and praying for a story this week, I was introduced to a new friend whose name is Mark. In our very first conversation that lasted only 22 minutes, Mark opened up to me and shared that his wife had been told they wouldn’t be able to have kids without major medical assistance. He told me about miscarriages, fertility treatments, and a lot of waiting. He then shared that they now have two children.

Then Mark said “we recently were shocked to learn that we’re now expecting our third child.” This time there were no medical procedures or medications, so they are completely blown away. Praise God!

Have you heard stories like this? I have and witnessed similar stories first hand in our family. Years of heartache, miscarriages, and some medical procedures resulting in tears until late 2004 when we got past the first trimester, and in May 2005 our son Peyton was born.

We were prepared to wait years until baby two, then we absolutely believe that it was a miracle when Peyton’s brother Preston was born healthy and strong only 15 months later. No medical procedures or medications. We praise God daily for these two boys. None of the timing was our plan, but reflecting on these last 13 years we wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Father God, I confess my frustration with your timing in so many life situations, but you always know what is best for us. Thank you for showing your power, love, and mercy. Amen.

And then there was Samuel’s mother, Hannah (I wonder how many palindromes are in the Bible; maybe a topic for another post). Hannah went on through many years of marriage and suffered several hardships as a result of not having children.

But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. (1 Samuel 1:5)

Hannah’s womb was closed. God’s plan, God’s timing. Then we find Hannah praying with “troubled spirit”. So troubled that she was thought to be drunk. In this event, Eli the priest listens to her story and tells her that God will grant her petition.

This distraught woman’s spirit turns from mourning to peaceful and we also find her worshipping. Soon after these events Hannah becomes pregnant and with much jubilation and Glory to God, Samuel is born. I love it when God shows off!

May we seek his plan, turn our hearts to obedience, and our worry into worship today and every day. In the name of Jesus Christ our king. Amen.

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 1 & Psalm 2