Listen For God 04.01.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday Aproil 1, 2008 and today we are begining our study on the book of I Samuel. The book of Samuel is the 9th book of the Old Testament and contains 31 Chapters. The author of the book was Israel and the purpose was to show the continued record of God's dealing with His people. In this book we learn the principle of obedience to God is more important than sacrifice. Please read Samuel 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about Samuel, the last judge; his mother, her sorrow, and her song; Samuel hearing the voice of God; and all of Israel knows Samuel as a prophet. Today's message focuses on the importance of listening for God when He speaks and the blessings received when putting Him above all things.

Near the end of the period of the Judges, we are introduced to Hannah, a godly woman who had lived many years in deep sorrow and humiliation because she could not have children. In the Hebrew culture it was considered a disgrace to not have children so each year she went up to the House of the Lord and prayed for a child. "But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.....And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:5-7,11).

A year later Hannah was blessed with Samuel and she honored the Lord and took him to Eli, the priest, "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.....And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young. And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there." (1:20,24-28).

Now, Samuel grew up in the House of the Lord with Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. These two brothers were indifferent to the honor of representing the Almighty God and refused to live by His commands. Samuel grew spiritually because he listened to the word of God. God first spoke to Samuel one night when he was asleep, he thought Eli had called and he ran to Eli. "That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." (3:4-10). Samuel was quick to respond when others would have turned over and gone back to sleep. This means that he didn't put it off to a "more convenient" time or respond in a shoddy, halfhearted way. He recognized the high honor of serving God.

The Ark of the Covenant represented the power of God, His Word, and His presence among them. It had been at Shiloh since Joshua placed it there about 400 years earlier (Joshua 18:1). But general indifference to the Word of God prevailed among the priests and the people. The reason the Word of the Lord was not clearly understood is the same reason it is not clearly understood today. We cannot understand God's Word or His will for our lives if we never read all the Bible. We will desire to keep His Commandments if we are concerned about pleasing the Lord. Jesus said that the Old Testament is of utmost importance in fully recognizing Him as Savior and Lord. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27). From Genesis to Revelation, the history of God's people illustrates spiritual truth for Christians today. "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4), "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17)

In today's study Jesus Christ is reveal through Samuel who grew in favor with God and men (I Samuel 2:26). "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52).

Today's Psalm: 119:58
"I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon You, Jesus. When I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. Be with me, abide in me and lead me to victory. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a great Tuesday and God Bless you,
Christina

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