Category: I Samuel

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Encouragement

I’ve been asked a number of times over the years if I ever get discouraged. The answer is two-fold; yes, but not as often as I used too.

Age, experience and mostly God’s sustaining love have a way of changing our perspective.

Discouragement tries to sneak in on the coat tails of fatigue and is often carried in, in the bucket of criticism. It helps to identify both of these culprits quickly and remove them from the scene.

King David is such a wonderful example to follow. He and his army had been off to battle and when they returned home their wives and children had been captured and their homes burned. David’s men were exhausted; discouragement and anger were about to rule the day.

“David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 AMPC

How do you encourage yourself? I’m so glad you asked.

“8 And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them? The Lord answered him, Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” I Samuel 30:8 AMPC

In other words, David prayed, and God answered. When we are discouraged it’s always best to pray. Not a complaining, whiny kind of prayer but a sincere God-I-need-help kind of prayer. The whining kind focuses on us and our circumstances, the “I need help” focuses us on God and His power!

“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:16 AMPC

When literal storms (hurricanes, tornados, blizzards) are coming or the storms of physical illness, financial disaster, or relationships attempt to bring destruction, we can and should immediately go confidently and boldly into the Father’s throne room and find help.

There’s no one in the Bible who faced as much criticism and personal persecution, besides Jesus, than Paul. He was beaten, left for dead, imprisoned, shipwrecked, dragged into court in nearly every town he visited.

This is how he battled discouragement.

“And when they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. 24 He, having received [so strict a] charge, put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s shackles were unfastened.” Acts 16:23-26 AMPC

Now that’s encouragement!

God is willing to do this for each of us. He is the Father who is faithful and good. He is our defender and our provider and ready to help!

I sincerely hope that this is message of encouragement to all of you this day.

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Jumping to Conclusions

Jumping to conclusions, making snap judgements and circumstantial evidence has destroyed so many relationships.

I know I’ve told you this story before, but it bears repeating. Years ago, I worked in the Dean of Students office at GCC. I was hired to help with the new student handbook and to serve as Admin to the Dean of Students.

Our office was responsible for student ID’s, vehicle usage for the sports teams and even the campus security. We had lots of students coming and going through our office but one young man in particular stood out.

I was a mature married woman of 35. I had 3 children, a husband and was a “good Christian woman”. He was in his early 20’s, tattooed and pierced, looking like a character from Pirates of the Caribbean. He could have been a stand in for Johnny Depp. I judged him based on his appearance and nothing more. (Now, I’m twice that age and occasionally I still jump to conclusions.)

After working with him for several weeks, he came in one morning, late again. When I asked why he told me that the devil had really been working against him that morning – car wouldn’t start, flat tire, wife was sick and it had really stolen his joy. He asked me if I would pray for him throughout the day so that he could keep a good attitude and do his job well!

Oh Lord, I apologize! I judged wrongly, I wasn’t looking for the good in this man, I was looking at him through my own prejudice and I was wrong!

The Bible reminds us to look at people the way God does.

The Lord chose a young teenager to become king of Israel. Jesus saw four burly fisherman and called them to be disciples; He also chose a tax collector. Just yesterday we were talking about being chosen by God. We don’t need to be qualified; we need to be willing.

“When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, ‘Surely this is the man who the Lord has chosen.’ 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.’” I Samuel 16:5-7 ERV

And then came this young man, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, a shepherd. David hadn’t even been invited to the dinner because his father had misjudged him as well.

“Jesse sent someone to get his youngest son. This son was a good-looking, healthy young man. He was very handsome. The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Get up and anoint him. He is the one.’ 13 Samuel took the horn with the oil in it, and poured the special oil on Jesse’s youngest son in front of his brothers. The Spirit of the Lord came on David with great power from that day on. Then Samuel went back home to Ramah.” I Samuel 16:12-13 ERV

Have you been like me and misjudged someone based on appearance, education or some other external character? Perhaps you are like David, the one who is the recipient of snap judgement.

Ask the Lord to show you the heart of people; let the Holy Spirit love through you and see those around you as God does. Jumping to conclusions isn’t good exercise.

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Giants in the Way

On the road to the cross there are problems; enemies to be confronted, giants to defeat.

God made a promise to the Israelites that He would be their God and they would be His people. He said He would bless those that blessed His people and curse those that cursed them.

My favorite verse is found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 23 verse 19. A warring king had wanted the prophet to speak a curse on the Israelites. This is what the prophet said:

“ Balaam answered: ‘Pay close attention to my words—19 God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises. 20 ‘My command from God was to bless these people, and there’s nothing I can do to change what he has done. 21 Israel’s king is the Lord God. He lives there with them and intends them no harm.” Numbers 23:18-21 CEV

Because of Abraham’s relationship with the Lord, God made a promise to bless His people. It was an unbreakable promise. The ultimate blessing came at the cross when all people would be offered the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation through the death of Jesus. Until that time God’s covenant blessing was on those who trusted Him.

“You know that the Lord your God is the only true God. So love him and obey his commands, and he will faithfully keep his agreement with you and your descendants for a thousand generations.” Deuteronomy 7:9 CEV

That didn’t mean there wouldn’t be obstacles. It seems as though there was always a king, a nation, a man, who was trying to obstruct God’s plan.

We’ll take a brief look at a young shepherd, David.

“The Philistines had a champion fighter named Goliath, who was from Gath. He was over 9 feet tall. Goliath came out of the Philistine camp. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a coat of armor that was made like the scales on a fish. This armor was made of bronze and weighed about 125 pounds. 6 Goliath wore bronze protectors on his legs. He had a bronze javelin tied on his back. 7 The wooden part of his spear was as big as a weaver’s rod. The spear’s blade weighed 15 pounds. Goliath’s helper walked in front of him, carrying Goliath’s shield.

8 Each day Goliath would come out and shout a challenge to the Israelite soldiers… 10 The Philistine also said, ‘Today I stand and make fun of the army of Israel. I dare you to send me one of your men and let us fight.’” I Samuel 17:4-10 ERV

Each day the giant would taunt them. Each day the Israelites would cower in fear. But then came a young man who knew the promise of God.

“ David asked the men standing near him, ‘What did he say?…Who is this Goliath anyway? He is only some foreigner, nothing but a Philistine. Why does he think he can speak against the army of the living God?” I Samuel 17:26 ERV

David armed himself for battle not with armor and sword but with his confidence in the promises of God.

“45 David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.’” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Are there giants standing in your way? Are they taunting you, trying to disarm you with fear? Be a David, show up to the fight in obedience to God’s word and remember “the battle belongs to the Lord”!

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Confident Love

There’s a confidence that comes when we know we are loved. We can open up and share our heart’s desires and our fears, knowing we are in a safe place, a place of free from ridicule and ambivalence.

That’s what God, our Father, wants for each of us.

Old time religion seemed to be more based in fear than in love. Christianity isn’t about religion, it’s relationship! Once I began to see how much God loved me and how He desired a relationship with me, more that I was desiring one with Him, I became God-fident!

I am confident in the One who loves me. Confident that His correction is based on love and not malice. Confident that He will never leave me. Confident that He wants me coming to Him whenever I feel weak and uncertain. God-fident in His unconditional love.

“You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.” Proverbs 3:26 ERV

David, the shepherd boy, was confident in God’s love and protection.

“ Everybody here will see that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save his people. The Lord always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.” I Samuel 17:47 ERV

“ I want them to be strengthened and joined together with love and to have the full confidence that comes from understanding. I want them to know completely the secret truth that God has made known. That truth is Christ himself. 3 In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are kept safe.” Colossians 2:2-3 ERV

“ So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things.” Romans 8:31-32 ERV

The last two verses were written by Paul and were part of his instructions to the new followers of Christ in Colossae and Rome. The basis of his teachings were to get new believers on a firm foundation in their walk with Christ. He wanted them to be God-fident. His teachings will do the same for us.

My last verses today are some I have held confidently in my heart for over 40 years now. I used to pray, wondering if God was even listening. Did He hear my prayers, would He answer them? Then I read these verses and committed them to memory.

“My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.” I John 5:13-15 MSG

There’s a misconception that we can’t know what God’s will is. That would be so unfair of God to leave us in a constant state of unknowing. How can we be confident like that?

“9 But as the Scriptures say, ‘No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ 10 But God has shown us these things through the Spirit.” I Corinthians 2:9-10 ERV

We have God’s word. He does not change. When we see a promise of God in the Bible we can have confidence that He will keep His word when we pray. And if we don’t know what we should be praying for we can ask Him to show us and He will. He will lead us with peace, directed by His word.

We will become God-fident, confident in His love!

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Defeat the Giant

Yesterday we talked about impatience. How did you do? Did you sail through your day, willing to wait, with a good attitude or did you hit the road block of unexpected delays and disruptions?

I can say that my morning was pretty much interruption free but that doesn’t require much patience. In the afternoon, I felt more hurried and pressed to get things done and done NOW. I know I wasn’t as patient as I should have been.

When those obstacles or disruptions come our way we need to face things head on like a little shepherd boy with a giant. Am I comparing impatience to Goliath? You bet!

Impatience is a giant of an emotion and just like Goliath, impatience has brothers – anger, criticism, strife and rude behavior.

While the Israelite army was standing on a hillside trying to avoid conflict with the Philistines, Golaith would walk out and taunt them daily. There was no victory, no peace. What was a needed was a confrontation – a confrontation wrapped in prayer and the power of God.

You see, when David went to meet Goliath he picked up 5 stones. This was not a backup measure in case he missed with the first one. No! If that had been the case he would have been dead. It was an offensive tactic, he wanted to be armed to take out the whole family.

So let me ask – what giants are you facing today? Have you been avoiding them? Choosing to go another direction? There will come a time that you must face the giants but not in your own strength. God will be there to lead you into battle victoriously – you must simply trust in Him.

” David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Follow His lead and claim victory today!

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 ERV

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Better Than

The theme of my morning Bible reading seemed to be “better than”. Let me explain.

First, I was reading in Isaiah, the last chapter, and I came across these words:

“My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine.
 I, the Lord, have spoken! ‘I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.'” Isaiah 66:2 NLT

It goes on to say that those who are trying to look religious and spiritual with all their actions have false and deceptive hearts. What God is looking for are the humble and repentant.

“But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.” I Samuel 15:22-23 NLT

Samuel, the priest, was correcting King Saul because of his disobedience to what the Lord had said. Saul tried to cover up his rebellious acts by offering sacrifices but his heart wasn’t repentant.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

From there, I went to the book of Proverbs. Solomon, in chapters 22 and 23, gives thirty wise sayings. He’s giving instruction to young men.

He says being wise is better than expending all your energy to get rich.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.” vs 4

He goes on to say that keeping silent is better than wasting your advice on fools.

“Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” vs 9

His next wise saying has to do with raising children. Discipline is better than letting our children live a disobedient life.

“Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them. 14 Physical discipline may well save them from death.” vs 13-14

At this point, I encourage you to read the whole chapter, Proverbs 23, and look at the wise sayings of Solomon. I’ll end with this one. Avoiding drunkards and gluttons is better than joining in their ways.

“My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. 20 Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.” vs 19-21

These all seem like such obvious instructions, don’t they? Our heavenly Father cares about every area of our lives and He doesn’t want us to be caught unaware of its dangers. His loving instruction and compassion is better than life without Him.

“Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.” Psalm 63:3-4 NLT

This is what our Father intends for us:

“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:9-10 NLT

We are promised wisdom and understanding and a life that produces good fruit as we grow in our knowledge of the Father.

A life of knowing God is BETTER THAN anything else!

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Listen & Learn

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. 5 You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.” Isaiah 55:3-5 NLT

Ears wide open. Years ago, we heard a preacher use the phrase “Got your catchers on?”. He was talking about the two appendages we have on either side of our head. We actually used this same phrase when we were about to tell our kids something important.

So, get your catchers on.

Yesterday I shared a verse with you that was life changing to me. I had grown up knowing that the Jewish people were God’s chosen. The Lord did so many miracles for them; they were given so many promises. And then one day as I was reading, I saw these verses:

“I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.

6 In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.

8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith…13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.‘  14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:5-14 NLT

(at this point let me say, If you haven’t read the book of Galatians, especially chapter 3, this would be an excellent time to read it)

Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we who are Gentiles (not Jews) have come to receive the blessings and promises that God made to them. Amazing!

Why?

“Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” I Samuel 17:46-47 NLT

“The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God…26 ‘I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:23,26-27 NLT

The show of power and strength that David displayed against Goliath was for one purpose – “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” The deliverance of Daniel in the den of lions was a testimony that “He rescues and saves his people”.

Isaiah said God wants to use us to display His love to the people of the world. It’s a promise.

Hear what God is saying. Do you have your catchers on?

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Is Your Name Barnabas?

Yesterday morning I was reading about Barnabas in Acts 4. The Bible tells us his name was Joseph, but he was all called Barnabas which means son of encouragement.

Every time I read that description of this man I pause. What a legacy! Encourager.

When I think of an encourager it’s someone who is supportive, someone who builds others up, someone who offers helpful correction and instruction. Then the English wordsmith in me comes out and I look at the root word – courage. An encourager is someone who builds or places courage in another.

We could certainly all use more of that. So many struggles, frightening situations, obstacles to overcome and reasons to run and hide; this world needs more people who emulate Barnabas.

Maybe you know someone who has been going through a really tough time or maybe you see a stranger and sense that they just need a smile or a kind word. It might be your child or spouse; it could be a waitress or checker at the grocery store. I once encountered a lady at the pharmacy one day. I knew the Lord wanted me to speak to her so I asked if I could pray for her, she fell into my open arms and wept as I prayed. That was a God moment!

Keep your eyes open and your heart ready – ask the Lord to use you to bring hope, strength and joy to someone today.

But maybe you’re thinking, I wish someone would do that for me today. I need encouragement – I need a kind word. Take heart. I have good news for you!

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 KJV

David’s wife and children had been stolen along with the wives and children of his men. His men were so distraught they were considering killing David because they felt it was “all his fault”. David needed someone to encourage him but there was no one so he encouraged himself…one version says he strengthened himself.

“…the men were talking about killing David with stones. This upset David very much, but he found strength in the Lord his God.” ERV

Maybe that’s how you feel today. If you need to encourage yourself today start with this verse. Look in the mirror and read it to yourself.

“You formed the way I think and feel.

You put me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! 15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13-16 ERV

If no one else is there to offer words of encouragement this should put a smile on your face and hope in your heart! God formed you and He saw to it that nothing was missing in your development. He is still with you promising to never leave you or abandon you. You’re not alone!

Now take what the Lord has done for you and give hope to others. Let’s all change our name to Barnabas.

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Guard Your Heart

The last few days at work my computer and printer have been out of sync. They aren’t operating properly and so the CPU is off to the computer hospital. Repairs will be made and very shortly everything will be functioning correctly again.

Isn’t that the way it is with our lives?

Sometimes we get out of sync and when we do, we don’t operate correctly. It’s important that we get a spiritual update to function properly.

“ My son, listen to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them leave your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life. 24 Put false speaking away from you. Put bad talk far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight in front of you, and keep looking at what is in front of you. 26 Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:20-26 NLV

Life is not without challenges, problems and battles. If we don’t guard our hearts these things could and will break us.

King David was facing physical armies and this was his prayer:

“ When sinful men, and all who hated me, came against me to destroy my flesh, they tripped and fell. 3 Even if an army gathers against me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if war rises against me, I will be sure of You.” Psalm 27:2-3 NLV

Hannah was a woman who had been barren and had endured ridicule and consternation from those around her. She prayed asking the Lord for a child. Her prayer was answered.

“Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart is happy in the Lord. My strength is honored in the Lord. My mouth speaks with strength against those who hate me, because I have joy in Your saving power. 2 There is no one holy like the Lord. For sure, there is no one other than You. There is no rock like our God.” I Samuel 2:1-3 NLV

These are just two of the many in Scripture who guarded their hearts and saw the power of God in their lives.

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NLV

We keep our heart and our mind in sync when we trust the Lord. Our mind says worry, get angry, take short cuts, and even gossip but our heart quickly sends out the message “Trust God”.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV

When our heart is focused on the Lord it causes our will and emotions to function properly. Guard your heart!

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Receiving Our Inheritance

Some days just don’t go as you have planned. That was today…

We’re home, under the air conditioning, I have my feet up and I’m listening to the Holy Spirit share with me, heart-to-heart.

Time today planning family get togethers, a memorial service and then I received good news on a family member’s health. All in all, it has been a day of blessing!

Although my morning was not my usual routine, and I apologize to all of you for not putting out the blog, I really had a great day with the Lord. Let me share…

“For the Holy Spirit speaks to us and tells our spirit that we are children of God. 17 If we are children of God, we will receive everything He has promised us. We will share with Christ all the things God has given to Him. But we must share His suffering if we are to share His shining-greatness.

18 I am sure that our suffering now cannot be compared to the shining-greatness that He is going to give us. Romans 8:16-18 NLV

“We will share with Christ all the things God has given to Him.”

I spent a large portion of my morning reflecting on the life of Jesus here on earth. He walked from town to town preaching. He slept in the homes of friends and ate at their tables. He was ridiculed by His family, they didn’t understand His calling.

He went to wedding and funerals. He had compassion on the hurting and sick. He was criticized by the religious elite for eating and “drinking” with people who had a poor reputation.

Any of this sound familiar? If it does congratulations, you are acting like your older brother, Jesus.

His closest friends were often questioning his actions and his teachings. The man he trusted with the contributions and financial support stole from him. Other of his disciples were creating a power play to see who would be Jesus’ right-hand man.

So many distractions, so many issues. How did Jesus stay focused.

“After He had sent them away, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. ” Matathew 14:23 NLV

“ In the morning before the sun was up, Jesus went to a place where He could be alone. He prayed there. 36 Simon and the others looked for Jesus.” Mark 1:35 NLV

If we’re going to “share with Christ all the things God has for him” we’re going to need to act more like Him. He spent time listening to His Father. He spent time being silent.

I saw something on Facebook today I don’t ever want to forget. The same letters in the word listen are also in the word silent. If we are going to be good listeners, we need to learn to be silent.

We all need to learn the lesson that a young boy named Samuel learned from the old priest Eli.

“Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down. If He calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Then the Lord came and stood and called as He did the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 11 The Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do a thing in Israel which will make both ears of everyone who hears it feel strange.” I Samuel 3:9-11 NLV

Listen – I’ve been doing that all day. The Father has spoken quietly but He told me I’m living below my station. His inheritance for me is so much greater than what I have been expecting.

His inheritance to each of us who call him Father starts here on earth but will continue to all eternity!

“Father, I’m listening with great anticipation!”

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