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Today is Friday April 3, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 4-7 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Samuel%204-7&version=9

Today's Message: Spiritual Defeat
We may not understand all that God has called or commands us to do, but the instructions of God for our lives will keep us from spiritual defeat.

The hostile Philistines often warred against the Israelites. Instead of seeking God for direction the Israelites declared war against them and in the process lost four thousand men. "And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies." (I Samuel 4:1-3). Although they asked God why they were defeated they still did not seek Him for direction on how to defeat them. Instead, they came up with this ridiculous plan to take the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord with them (this was the ark that held God's presence above the mercy seat), thinking that it would bring them victory.

Confident of victory, the Israelites marched into battle against the Philistines led by the two evil sons of Eli carrying the Ark. However, instead of victory there was a great defeat, causing them to lose thirty thousand men and the Ark as well. "And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain." (4:10-11). Had the Israelites repented of their sins and sought God for guidance they would have been able to defeat the Philistines.

Eli anxiously awaiting the outcome of the battle got news from a messenger who escaped that his sons were slain and the Ark was taken and died instantly. After his death Samuel spoke to the Israelites, "And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. " (7:3-5).

When the Philistines learned that the Israelites were worshiping God, they assumed it was an opportune time to attack, but this time the Israelites were prepared. "And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel." (7:8-10).

Some Christians suffer defeat because they are more concerned with outward things appearing right than they are with desiring the Lord to control their lives. Just as the Ark in itself could not save Israel, neither could sacrifice or mere formality in worship take the place of returning to God with all their hearts. The satisfying truth is that God works through men and women of faith who display their trust in Him by their obedience to His Word. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:22-25).

Today's Psalm: 4:4-5
"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life. You planned my existence in my mother's womb before I even drew my first breath. When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart. When the path before me was unclear You have always gone before me sustaining me in my wilderness journey. Though all forsake me You remain faithful, and remarkable as it seems, even if we are faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself. Thank You for being my Supreme Savior and the Sustainer of my soul. In Jesus' Name......Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless You,
Christina

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