Clumsy and Forgiven

Commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only -1 Samuel 7:3 The ark was back in Israel!  However, that was not really the point.  Samuel told all of the Israelites, quit following the foreign idols, return to the Lord with all of your heart.  All of your heart, not just partially, not shared with those things that you also find equally important, surrender it all and follow the Lord.  There is a commonality in these first seven chapters.  Trust.  So often, we think we know the way, or we chase after that temporary satisfaction, when God is telling us that he can be our complete portion.  We are thirsty, hungry, lost, and scared.  He can quench every thirst and all hunger!  He is the Way!  And will give peace that can only come from him!  Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but who...

Then the cows went straight up toward Beth Shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing all the way; they did not turn to the right or to the left. 1 Samuel 6:12 I had no idea that I would ever learn a lesson from a cow.   However, this morning is the morning that all changed.   The Philistines could not deny the power of God.   They saw this, and decided to return the Ark of the Lord to Israel.   They also wanted to re-confirm all that had happened was in fact from the Lord and not just a crazy coincidence.   They decided to return the ark by cows and a cart.   If the cows returned it directly to Israel, then it was in fact the power of the Lord behind the recent events.   If the cows did not return to Israel then it was a silly coincidence.   They decided to use cows that had just delivered calves and had never before been yoked to another.   You would think that this would cause these cows to turn around in search of their babies, or...

So  that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!  -Philippians 2:10 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord. His head and hands had been broken off and were lying in the threshold. -1 Samuel 5:3-4 The Philistines had stolen the Ark of the Covenant. Whether they considered the ark a trophy or another God to worship, they placed the ark near one of their pagan gods. The next morning they found their pagan God face down before the ark of the Lord.   Again, the next morning they found Dagon face down, this time with his head and hands broken off. In those days, during battle, the victor would often cut the enemies' heads and hands off. The Philistines quickly le...

https://g.co/kgs/cOeRbJ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GIFOPWHjA6c Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. -Psalm 143:10 Let us bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies. -1 Samuel 4:3 Israel was defeated by the Philistines and could not understand why this happened. They came up with the brilliant idea that if they took the ark of the covenant with them, not only would it protect them, but would give them victory over their enemies.  Control. It's all about control. We think we know best and if we could just manipulate the situation, we will get our way. Maybe if we walk through life with our lucky coin and avoid breaking any mirrors, we will avoid calamity. Maybe if we wear a cross and carry or read the Bible, the storm will steer clear. There will be storms and troubles, and we are NOT in control. However, Jesus is with us. He who is in control goes b...

Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down and if he calls you say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” -1 Samuel 3:9 Three times, Samuel heard the Lord call his name, but Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and did not recognize his voice.   He assumed it was Eli calling him. So often, we complain that God doesn’t speak to us.   We cannot hear his soft voice, or it isn’t very clear.   How do we know if it’s God’s voice?   The advice from Eli, in the Word , is perfect advice for us!   Whether it is reading the word, hearing a sermon that you are certain was preached just for you, or the words of a friend, or maybe that soft whisper or loud shout to your heart, respond by saying, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” While studying this chapter this morning, I came across the coolest old story that I had to share:     A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square, during the noon lunch ...

There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.   -1 Samuel 2:2 Hannah had just dropped off and surrendered her son to the Lord.   She had struggled years of torment, finally receiving a son, that she promised to the Lord.   And then is found rejoicing in praise to the Lord.   “My heart rejoices in the Lord!” -1 Samuel 2:1   In chapter 1 she poured her heart out to the Lord, and is found now in chapter 2 praising and rejoicing the Lord.   It is evident that her heart belongs to the Lord, in all situations and at all times.   This same God that she is worshipping and praising is unchanging, and has painted the perfect colors in this morning’s sunrise!   He is solid, faithful, and heard Hannah’s prayers, and hears yours today!   He is a Rescuer and Redeemer!   “There is no Rock like our God!”   No matter your situation, your highs, your lows, no matter your strength, he...

“Oh no sir!” she replied, “I’m not drunk!   But I am very sad, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord.   Please don’t think I am a wicked woman!   For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.”   1 Samuel 1:15-16 Hannah wanted nothing more than to be a mother.   Year after year, she would feel the impact of her empty womb.   In Old Testament times, if you were unable to conceive, you were considered a failure.   She was so discouraged and devastated by her circumstances that she was unable to eat.   Physically and emotionally devastated, “Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.” (v. 10)   After pouring her heart out to the Lord, she returned home, no longer sad and began to eat again.   This may have been due to the priest encouraging her, as he replied, “May the God of Israel grant your request.”   Or, it may have been a huge weight lifted off her shoulders to go to God exactly ...