April 25 ~ 1 Samuel 12

April 28, 2011 at 1:06 pm (Devotion, Journal)
Tags: ,

Samuel steps down.

Samuel said to all of Isreal, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you.  Now you have a king as your leader.  As for me, I am old and gray, ans my sons are here with you.”  ( 12:1)  As he continued he asked the Isralites if he had ever taken from them, cheated them or oppressed them.  They replied “You have not cheated or oppressed us.”  (12:4)

Samuel continued and reminded the Israelites what God had done for them- He gave them Moses and Arron who brought their forefathers out of Egypt.  “But they forgot the LORD their God; so he sold them into the hand of Sisera.” (12:9a)  The Isralities cried out to the LORD and confessed that they had sinned.  The LORD delivered them.  But then the Israelities decided they wanted a king to rule over them.  Samuel said, “Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see the LORD has set a king over you.  If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God- good!  But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, and it was against your fathers.” (12:13-15)

Samuel desired that the people see themselves for who they are and God for Who He is.  He called upon God to send thunder and rain, and He did.  “So the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel.” (12:18b)

Samuel reminded them, “Be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heat; consider what great things he has done for you.  Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.” (12:24&25)

LORD, this is a reminder to me, how we can allow ourselves to get caught up in, “Everyone else is doing it, it must be okay for me to do it.”  But LORD You have created us in Your image and You have called us to be holy.  In order to do that I need to separate myself from this culture!  I need to give my whole heart to You!  I need to serve You faithfully- not just when things are going well- but EVERY DAY!  LORD, please open my eyes to see where I am not giving You all of me.  And help me to surrender it all to You-so that I may be able to truly live for You!  I love You!  AMEN!

Leave a Comment

April 24 ~ 1 Samuel 10

April 27, 2011 at 12:32 pm (Devotion)
Tags: , ,

Samuel anoints Saul.

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him saying, “Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance?” (10:1)

Samuel had given Saul a list of “to-dos” as he heads back to his father.  First hea was to to toward Rachel’s tomb and there will be two men that will confirm that the donkeys are safe and found, but that Saul’s father is worried about him.   Then he is to head to the tree of Tabor.  There he will meet three young men; “One will be carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and another a skin of wine.” (10:3b)  The man with the bread will offer two of his loaves.  Finally he will go to Gibeah of God where he will meet prophets.  ”The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be a different person.  Once these signs are fulfilled, so whatever your hands find you to do, for God is with you.” (10:6&7)

“As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and these signs were fulfilled that day.” (10:9)

Saul’s uncle saw him after he came back from prophesying and asked him where he had been.  Saul replied, “Looking for the donkeys.”  Then he explained that they had visited the seer, but he did not tell his uncle about Samuel said.

“Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah.” (10:17) He explained to them that the LORD delivered them from Egypt, but they have rejected God and are demanding a king. He had them split up into their tribes and clans.  Saul was chosen as king.  ”Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see this man the LORD has chosen?  There is no one like him among all the people.” (10:24)

LORD, the biggest thing that I take out of this passage is the verse that talks about the Spirit coming onto Saul in power so much that is literally changed him into a different person.  I wan that for my life, that I will continue to to grow closer and closer to You, and be more and more sensitive to Your Holy Spirit.  I also want to continue to pray in the baptism in the Holy Spirit that I will continue to grow in that language, and the power.  I want to change to be more and more like You!  To love like You!  Thank You LORD for Your Spirit- may I walk with You daily!  AMEN!

Leave a Comment

The Meaning Behind Marriage.

April 23, 2011 at 5:50 pm (Thoughts)
Tags: , , , ,

I was at a wedding shower earlier today and we were required to write out a piece of advice for the couple.  This got me thinking about my marriage and what I have learned through the past year and a half.  I feel like we have learned a lot about each other and ourselves- but I also know that there is still much to be learned!  LOL!

 One thing I learned right away- is that your husband cannot read your mind!  I know I sound crazy for thinking that would be true.  But, this is what would go through my head, “I am mad, he can, tell and he should know that it was because he made that little comment about me giving him too many veggies for dinner!”  Guess what- he had no idea!  COMMUNICATION and HONESTY are key to any relationship, but especially your marriage.

Another thing that ties in with this is; boys and girls are different!  I know, I know, this sounds so obvious, how could I mess this up?  But let me explain.

When I was going through all of the change that comes with getting married (last name, location, job, room mates, schedule… you get the picture.)  I handled it much differently than Kyle did.  He was laid back, chilling, almost like nothing happened.  But I felt like it rocked my world and I was wrestling with many emotions.  That is just it; I am a woman and I handle life’s situations differently that Kyle, a man, does.  I have to be okay with that.  And when we process through the same things differently we have to communicate honestly about how we are feeling.  Otherwise there can be unnecessary discord going on.  Which only strains a relationship.  So remember that we HANDLE THINGS DIFFERENTLY.  And there is nothing wrong with that! :)

Lastly, if I had one more thing to share it would be: GOD NEEDS TO BE YOUR GREATEST LOVE!

Now, this one sounds like  it should be a given too, but there is a reason I put it here.  See, God has designed marriage to be a commitment- life long- no going back!  He also compares us, as believers, to being the bride of Christ.  That means our relationship with Christ and our heavenly Father should never be compromised- it is a life long commitment!  God’s love for us is greater than we will ever even understand here on earth.  We can’t just bail out as soon as things get hard or we think we have “fallen out of love.”  Love is a choice.  We have to be willing to fight and work for that love to grow stronger each day.  God gave us His one and only Son, so that we may experience a life with Him.  I don’t know about you, but I am willing to fight to keep God the first and greatest love of my life.

3 Comments

April 23 ~ 1 Samuel 9

April 23, 2011 at 4:52 pm (Devotion, Journal)
Tags: , ,

Samuel meets Saul.

Saul was the son of Kish, a Benjamite.  They had lost their donkeys, so Kish sent Saul and a servant, out to search form them.  They went through Ephraim to Shalisha into the district of Shaalim, through the territory of Benjamin until they reached Zuph and still had not found the donkeys!  Saul suggested that they head back before his father starts to worry, but the servant remembered that there was a man of God, or a prophet, in the city and suggested that they go see him.

“As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some girls coming out to draw water, and the asked them, “Is the seer here?”  ”He is,” they answered.  ”He’s ahead of you .  Hurry now; he has just come to our town today, for the people have a sacrifice at the high place.”  (9:11&12)

The day before the LORD had revealed to Samuel that he would meet Saul and would need to anoint him leader over the people of Israel. “When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.” (9:17)

Saul approached Samuel seeking the seer and he confirmed that it was him.  He also told him that the donkeys he had lost three days ago had been found.  Samuel had a dinner prepared for Saul and his servant, they were seated at the head of the table.   They had stayed the night and Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go ahead of us” -and the servant did so- “but you stay here awhile, so that I may give you a message from God.” (9:27)

LORD, just as you had guided Samuel to meet and anoint Saul, I desire to be guided by You.  I want to listen and obey all the plans that you have for me!  May I take time to listen for Your voice.  May I take to heart when I receive a “message from the LORD.”  I love You!  AMEN!

Leave a Comment

April 22 ~ 1 Samuel 8

April 23, 2011 at 1:38 pm (Devotion, Journal)
Tags: , , , ,

Israelites demand a king… that costs them their lives.

Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abijah, were appointed as judges, but they did not follow in Samuel’s footsteps.  So, the elders came to Samuel and demanded that he appoint them a king.  “This displeases Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.” (8:6)

The LORD replied, “It is not you that they have rejected , but they have rejected me as their king.  Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.”  (8:7&9)

Samuel told them what the LORD had said.  He warned them of all the king would take from them.  Check this out…

Make your sons serve with his chariots and horses.

Some will be assigned commanders.

Some will plow the ground.

Others will make weapons.

Daughters will be perfumers and cooks and bakers.

He will take the best of your fields, vineyards and olive groves.

He will take a tenth of your grain.

He will take your menservants and maidservants.

He will take the best of your cattle and donkeys.

He will take a tenth of your flocks.

You will will become his slaves!

WHAT?!?!?!  That last one would be enough for me!  I am not nominating a king!  But guess what the Israelites said…

“”No!” they said. “We want a king over us.  Then we will be like the other nations, with a king to lead us and go out before us and fight our battles.”  (8:19b &20)

The LORD said, “Listen to them and give them a king.” (8:22)

What are these guys thinking?!?!?  The have the best- King of all Kings- and they want a human king, just because that is what all the other nations have.  They know all that this king will take away- everything from servants, cattle, donkeys, fields, sons, daughters and even make them his slaves AND THEY STILL WANT A KING!  That is how sin works.  We fall into it because of pressure, or it looks/feels good for a short period of time.  But then we realize it destroys our lives!

LORD, I pray that You would help me to keep a clear mind.  Help me not allow my heart to grow fuzzy because of the culture and it’s pressures around me.  I want to serve You will all of my heart!  LORD help me see sin for what sin is: Life stealing and separating me from You.  May I walk closely to You and be like Samuel and pray to You through everything.  I want to be guided by You!  Thank You LORD for this life, may I live it to bring glory to Your, one and only, name!  AMEN!

Leave a Comment

April 21 ~ 1 Samuel 7

April 21, 2011 at 2:12 pm (Devotion, Journal)

The Power of the LORD.

The Ark was brought to Kiriath Jearim at Abinadab’s house and Eleazar was the consecrated guard over it.  For twenty years the Ark had remained there “and all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD.  And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all of your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foriegn gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”  (7:2&3)

The Israelites did this and served the LORD only!  Samuel had all of them assemble at Mizpah and he interceded for them.  ”On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” ( 7:6b)  Samuel stepped up as the leader.  The Philistines heard that the Israelites were at Mizpah and were planning to attack.  The Israelites heard of the Philistines plans and were afraid.  They pleded to Samuel to cry out to God, so that He might rescue them from the Philistines.

“Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a burnt offering to the LORD.  He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him.  The LORD thundered with a loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.”  (7:9&10b) And the Israelites slaughtered them!  ”Throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines.  Samuel continued to judge over Israel all the days of his life.”  (7:13&15)

It seems that the Israelites are starting to get the idea of what is means to be a Christian.  (I know that Christ hadn’t come down to earth yet, but I simply mean someone who is following God/Christ.)  It is not just saying “I am a believer” or carrying the Ark around thinking it has special powers that keep you protected and invincible.  It is about getting rid of the foreign gods and sin in our lives and committing ourselves to the LORD.  THEN we are serving the LORD with all of our hearts!  I believe Samuel was a great example of this to the Israelites!  He had them come together to do this and they fasted and prayed together.  He also sacrificed a burnt offering on their behalf, and truly sought God out before going into battle!

LORD I pray that I would serve You with my entire heart!  May You continue to convict me of sin that I may get rid of it in my life.  Help  me to commit my entire self to You.  May everything that I do bring glory and honor to Your name!  You are who I live for!  May I go to You in prayer before situations and struggles arise, then I will recognize Your voice when they do come.  I love You LORD thank You for Your protection and love.  I love You! 

Leave a Comment

The Story of Jesus

April 21, 2011 at 1:02 pm (Uncategorized)

I made this video because this week is Easter week.  Here is the story of Jesus’ arrest and crucifiction on Good Friday.  The great thing is that … SUNDAY’S COMING!  Check it out!

Leave a Comment

April 20 ~ 1 Samuel 6

April 20, 2011 at 1:47 pm (Devotion, Journal)
Tags: , ,

The returning of the Ark

After the Philistines had the Ark for seven months they asked the priests and diviners what to do with the Ark.  “Tell us how we should send it back to its place.” 

They answered, “If you return the ark of the god of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means send a guilt offering to him.” (6:3&4)

The Philistines sent it away with on a cart guided by two cows that had calved, but had never been yoked, with their guilt offering of 5 golden tumors and golden rats.  As the priests sent it off they said,  ”Send it on its way, but keep watching it.  If it goes up to its own territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then the LORD has brought this great disaster on us.  But if it does not, then we will know that it was not his hand that struck us and that is happened to us by chance.” (6: 8&9)

Guess which way the cows went…  “The cows went straight up toward Beth Shemesh, keeping the on road and lowing all the way; they did not turn to the right or to the left.” (6:12)  When the people of Beth Shemesh saw the ark they immediately began rejoicing and the Levites took it down so that they could make sacrifices and give burnt offerings to the LORD!

BUT God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the Ark of the LORD.” (6:19)

It is great to hear that the Israelites received the Ark back!  What I love even more, is the fact that they immediately rejoiced and got it ready to offer sacrifices and offerings!  LORD, I pray that my heart is like that, when I see You moving, or feel Your touch, or hear Your voice that I would stop what I am doing and rejoice in You!  LORD, I pray that daily I would continue to offer myself as a sacrifice to You, that You may be glorified through my thoughts, actions, and words.  I pray that I would also have a reverence for You, knowing that You are The God and You alone bring life to us.  Thank You LORD for being faithful.  May I be faithful to You! AMEN!

Leave a Comment

April 19 ~ 1 Samuel 5

April 19, 2011 at 9:55 pm (Devotion, Journal)
Tags: , , ,

God is God, and not to be messed with!

In this chapter, the Philistines experienced the power of God.  After they had captured the Ark of the LORD they placed it into Dagon’s temple and placed it next to their god, Dagon.  “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!” (5:3)  So they placed Dagon back in his place and the next morning he was fallen again this time with his head and hands broken off!  Dagan was a god that they served that was a god of fertility and crops… well, I think he is pretty useless without a head and hands!

“The LORD’s hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devistation upon them and afflicted them with tumors.” (5:6)  So, they decided to move the Ark to Gath.  After they moved it to Gath, “the LORD’s hand was against the city, throwing it into a great panic.  He afflicted the people of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors.  So they sent the Ark of God to Ekron.” (5: 8-10)  As soon as it got to Ekron, the wanted to send it back to where it came from.  They were fearful that it would kill them and their people.

I think in this passage God was letting the enimies know Who he really was.  It is awesome that their god, Dagon, ended up bowing down to God!  LORD, I pray that as I continue to learn Who You are- I don’t take You for granted.  I pray that I respect and revere You as God.  But I also pray that I love You and look to You for comfort, like I would my own dad.  May I not “pretend” to be in a relationship with You.  May I take time to truly learn Who You are and surrender my life to You, so that my life may model Yours!  I love You!  AMEN!

Leave a Comment

Wisdom for a Wife

April 19, 2011 at 9:10 pm (Thoughts)
Tags: , ,

I was reading Proverbs today and decided that I wanted to put together “Wisdom for a Wife.”  Every time I come across a scripture that I can use to grow as a wife, I want to add it to this blog, so that it will all be in one spot.
“A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.”  Proverbs 19:13 – Don’t be a nag!  Don’t fight with your husband.  Choose to be an adult and talk through things.  If you need some time to process and pray through things, so you aren’t yelling at him… TAKE IT!

“A prudent wife is from the LORD.” Proverbs 19:14 -Prudent: wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious;  discreet or circumspect; sober.  2.  careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision. (www.dictionary.com) Be wise and use discernment to figure things out and make decisions.

Leave a Comment

« Older entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.