From: May 8, 2014
While young Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle he was awakened a fourth time by the voice of the Lord calling him. The first three times he ran to Eli, thinking his old master was calling him. He didn’t yet recognize God’s voice. After the third time old Eli realized that God must be calling to Samuel, so he instructed him on how to answer. When Samuel replied as Eli instructed, God spoke to him. From that day forward Samuel was confirmed as a prophet. Throughout Israel he was respected as a prophet of God whose word was reliable. Samuel had to learn to hear God’s voice and respond. Have you learned to hear from God? Are you willing to get up in the middle of the night to hear from Him?
From: May 8, 2013
After she heard that her husband was killed and the ark was captured by the Philistines, the daughter-in-law of Eli went into labor. With her last breath she named her newborn son “Ichabod,” meaning “no glory,” and died. The ark represented God’s presence and glory. How could Israel be the people of God without His presence? Yet today, many may as well have “Ichabod” written over their doors, for they practice a form of religion, but God’s Spirit is not present. Before I preach every Sunday, I pray, “God, if you don’t show up, nothing happens! Lord, be present. Show us your glory. Let Your Word speak to us afresh!”
From: May 8, 2012
Jesus is the criterion by which the Bible is interpreted. He is the Living Word, the Logos, who was, and is, and is to come. Apart from faith in Jesus, the Scripture cannot be rightly understood. Hearing His voice, he opens the Scripture to us and our hearts burn with understanding (Luke 24:32).
From: May 8, 2011
Not that God wasn’t willing. Man wasn’t listening. Then, a woman named Hannah gave her son Samuel completely to God. He was one of the greatest prophets in all Israel. And the once barren Hannah became known as one of the greatest mothers. Happy Mother’s Day!