Riding Out the Storm

# 22 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 2:2 "No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. Hannah continues her prayer by proclaiming a couple of God's characteristics. Last time we looked at His holiness, today let's look at God our Rock. The Hebrew Word is used figuratively for refuge. There is no refuge like our God. No safer place to be. When storms come our way, when the enemy attacks, we are safe when we seek refuge in Him. As the Psalmist wrote: Ps 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” He is an ever present fortress for you and I to duck into. I remember when a tornado passed over our house in the spring of 2011. We sought shelter in the deepest part of our house. It was the safest and most secure place for us to be. So it is with God. The deeper our relationship with Him, the more secure we will be. He knows the storms and trials we will face, but as we seek refuge in Him, He will help us through those difficult times, remember, He is a very PRESENT help. No storm or trial that overtakes you and I today will catch Him by surprise. But when they do catch us by surprise, let us learn to pray with the Psalmist, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,” (Ps 57:1) Until these calamities have passed by. Run to Him and ride out your storm today! Father, thank You for being our ever present help in time of need.

The Healthy Fear of the Lord

# 21 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 2:2 "No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. Hannah continues her prayer by proclaiming a couple of God's characteristics. He is first of all holy. But what does that mean? We sing Holy! Holy! Holy! We say “God is holy,” but what are we really saying about God? The quick definition is found in Hannah's next phrase, “there is none beside You.” God is utterly “other,” There is no other being like Him. The word used for holy here comes from a Hebrew word for “clean.” So we understand that God is so “other” because he is so “clean” Perfect, without sin. It is this utter purity that strikes terror into the hearts of mere mortals. The classic example is that of the prophet Isaiah who was ushered into the presence of God. The angels were crying holy, holy, holy and we read of Isaiah's reaction in Isa 6:5 So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips,” it was the unclean in the presence of the absolutely clean and Isaiah became undone. It is when we grasp the holiness of God, and our own unholiness that proper fear of the Lord begins, and the Bible tells us that this fear is the beginning of understanding. (Ps 111:10) I'm afraid many today have come to look upon God and Jesus as their “buddies.” There is little or no regard for the holiness of God. Yes, Jesus is the friend of sinners, but that friendship is cemented only after the holiness of God is encountered on a personal level. And that happens when we finally admit our sin. It is just as David said when he was confronted with his sin of murder and adultery: 2Sa 12:13 So David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. David's friendship or fellowship with the Lord was re-established after his confession. May God grant us all a glimpse of His holiness today.

No More Grounds For Accusation

# 20 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 2:1 And Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation. This is one of the great prayers recorded in Scripture. On an occasion that most of us would find very difficult, the Holy Spirit comes to Hannah and puts these joyful words in her mouth. Don't forget she is giving up her three year old son Samuel! Most of us would be hard-pressed to express joy in such a situation! So where does she find joy in this moment? She focuses on the One who had the power to give her Samuel in the first place. This knowledge emotes joy in her soul as we see the word “rejoice” twice in this opening verse. Her heart is so full of joy for what God has granted her that she bursts forth in praise! The enemies that had been winning their battles over her, accusing her through the fertile second wife of Elkanah (Peninnah,) have lost their power of accusation because God had granted Hannah a son! Likewise, we too need to learn to backtrack in our own troubled situations today, and remember that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, the accusations of the evil one against our worthiness have lost their power. We are free and forgiven in Christ! Rejoice beloved, the accuser of your soul has been defeated and utterly cast down because God has like Hannah, granted you a Son. This Son was far more beneficial than Samuel. This Son, Jesus Christ went to the cross and paid the price for all the sins of the world, and the accuser no longer has a leg to stand on. He may accuse you and you may hear his accusations and even be troubled by them at times, but believe me, if you are in Christ.....God's not listening! And isn't that really all that matters. Thank You Father for the victory we have in Jesus. Thank You that though the evil foe rants and raves against us......You are not listening.

True Worship

# 19 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:24-28, “Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, "O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD. 27 "For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 "Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD." So they worshiped the LORD there. It is likely that Samuel was now three years old and that's why Elkanah and Hanna took three bulls with them, one for each year of Samuel's life. They also offered the prescribed amount of flour, and offered up a drink offering. What a time of thanksgiving to the Lord for His answered prayer! Hannah reminds Eli that she had stood before him several years ago asking for the child and promising to give the child to God for life-long service. She in effect is saying, “Eli, we stand before you today because that prayer was answered and we are ready to do our part. “So they worshiped the Lord.” Do you understand this? Every time you and I “do our part,” we worship the Lord! What is our part? Simply stated our part is to believe the promises of God and act on them. Our part is to respond to the graciousness and faithfulness of God with cheerful obedience. Our part is to live for Him as thankful children. This is true worship.

God's Mouthpiece

# 18 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only let the LORD establish His word." Don't you find it strange that Elkanah says, “only let the Lord establish His word?” I mean, wouldn't it make sense to say something like, “Okay, Hannah, you can keep Samuel at home until he is weaned, but then YOU better keep your word to the Lord and give him up to his lifetime of service to the Lord.” The Lord didn't make a vow here did He? Why does His Word need to be established? Well, as a matter of fact He did. He made His promise through His mouthpiece Eli the high priest.” Hannah made a request of God in the form of a vow, and God answered with one of His own. Listen again to 1Sa 1:17 “Then Eli (God's appointed mouthpiece) answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him." Since Eli was a God-appointed authority, this was as if God Himself were speaking. It's the same concept we Lutherans embrace in the practice of the Office of the Keys, whereby the pastor (serving as God's mouthpiece) announces the forgiveness of sins to the congregation through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Lutherans everywhere today will be worshiping in their churches and hear God's mouthpiece say to them: "Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." What comfort for those who confess their sins and receive those words by faith! Elkanah's response to Hannah was a reminder to her that she needed to do her part in cooperating with God, so He could make good on His promise. We cooperate with God in the matter of the Office of the Keys, when we confess that we are sinners in need of God's forgiveness, and by faith in Jesus, simply receive His promise. One more thing regarding God's promises. They will be made good with or without us. Our cooperation is voluntary. But in His mercy, He allows us to be players in working out His will on earth. Let us daily put ourselves in position to be used as vessels for His glory, as we yield to Him!

Delayed Obedience In the End Is Disobedience

# 17 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:21 Now the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever." 23 And Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only let the LORD establish His word." So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. I wonder what vow Elkanah had made? It probably was connected to Hannah's wish for a male child, which, when granted, would certainly make meal times in the Elkanah household a little more pleasant! So Elkanah goes up to observe the required feast AND to pay his vow, but Hannah says she will stay behind until Samuel is weaned. Listen to Elkanh's response. As the spiritual head of the household, he holds her feet to the fire and reminds her of her vow and God's faithfulness. In effect he was saying, “that's cool Hannah, but don't drag your feet on this. As soon as it is feasible, do it!” Good advice for all of us as it concerns obedience to the Lord. Hemming and hawing doesn't cut it. Jas 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." Overly delayed obedience, is in the end disobedience, and let's face it, our delayed obedience is usually the result of our flesh overruling the Spirit. God, help us today to respond gladly and in a timely fashion to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of A Name

# 16 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:20 So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD." 21 Now the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever." Hannah's prayer is answered, and she gives him a name that will forever remind her of answered prayer. His name 9Samuel) literally means, “asked of God.” Most of the time when we name our children, we usually either try to honor a family member, or someone that we esteem, or maybe pick a name because it just sounds good to us. In the Bible names are often chosen for their literal meaning. Kind of a cool idea when you think about it. Because as long as Samuel lived with Hannah, every time she called him for supper she was not just saying his name. She was saying “asked of God” “Time to eat answered prayer!” What a reminder! Guess what. Mary and Joseph named their baby Jesus, because “He shall save His people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21) Think about that. Every time you and I breathe the name “Jesus” we remind ourselves of this fact. Every time we end our prayers with “in Jesus Name I pray,” we are in effect saying, “because He shall save me from my sins.” When all is said and done, when the last word of prayer has escaped our lips, what a fitting end to any conversation with God. Father, thank You for giving us the name above all names by which we may pray, for he alone shall save us from our sins.

Be Specific In Your Prayers

# 15 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:19 “Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.” The atmosphere has certainly improved in the Elkanah household! Hannah has left this Passover feast, confident that God has heard her prayer. One of the things we haven't talked about here is how specific Hannah's prayer was. She didn't just ask for a child, she asked for a male child! (v11) “And God remembered her.” The word remember is very interesting here. It's not like God has a bunch of sticky notes up in heaven where he tries to keep track of all the prayers that come His way. We have no need to worry that God is absent-mindedly running the universe. The Word “remember” (Zakar in the Hebrew) comes from a word that means “a male as the more noteworthy sex.” Now, guys don't get all puffed up about this. The importance of a male child for the Old Testament Jew is directly related to the child of promise (the Messiah) given to Adam and Eve in the garden. Ge 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." The important thing to remember here is that God specifically noted Hannah's request for a male child. The lesson for us, is, “Hey, it's okay to be specific in your petitions. God remembered Hannah's specific request and created a male child in her womb. He is able to remember your specific requests as well. So ask! Be specific! Knowing full well that if it does not violate His will, it will be granted. Father, thank You for being a benevolent Father, and as a child asks his earthly father for specific things, let us learn to ask you as well, knowing that You hear us and will not withhold any good thing from us.

A Key Part of Answered Prayer

# 14 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:18 And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. Asking someone to “find favor in their sight,” is a common expression found in the Old Testament. It is a request for the other person, (usually a superior or a benefactor) to remember them with fondness and kindness in their prayers. It is our equivalent today of asking someone to pray for us. Hannah makes this request of Eli and his office of Old Testament priest, we are privileged to do the same as we come to our High priest Jesus. He is our great intercessor. Heb 7:25 says, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” What a great example Hannah leaves for us. She brings her prayer request to the high priest, then asks him to remember her in his prayers, but look what happens next! She went away and ate and her face was no longer sad. Why the sudden change? The sudden change was due to the fact that she was now confident that her prayer had been heard by an intercessor. How much more confident can we be when we bring our requests to Jesus. Joh 14:13 says, "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” This is one of the most precious promises in Scripture. Jesus reminds us that whatever we ask of Him, if it is going to bring the Father glory, it WILL be done! No wonder Hannah walked away no longer sad! We can do the same if we understand that our prayer request has indeed been heard, and it all hinges on God being glorified. Shouldn't the glory of God be our primary interest anyway?

The Devil's Swill

# 12 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 "Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now." First of all, please note the respect that Hannah displays for Eli's office. A lesson of respect for ALL of the authorities God has placed over us. We would do well to teach this lesson to our children....and to model it ourselves. Secondly let's talk again about the seriousness of the sin of drunkenness. In the King James version of this passage Hannah says, “Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial.” Belial is another word for Satan. This is who the sin of drunkenness is associated with! Think about this before you head out for that big celebration or that night out on the town, or anytime you cross that line between having a glass of wine and drinking to the point of intoxication. If alcohol is to be consumed, it must be with careful moderation. In so doing your reputation will reflect your true identity as a handmaid of the Lord, rather than a handmaid of Belial. Do not be deceived or lulled into a false sense of security concerning strong drink: Pr 20:1 Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Father, let us learn with Hannah. She knew who is behind excessive drinking, let us respect that and seek to live filled with Your Holy Spirit, rather than the swill of the evil one.

Do Not Be Drunk, Period!

# 11 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:12 And it happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, "How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!" Hannah, in great anguish is mouthing the words of her prayer in full view of Eli the priest. She is such a mess that Eli mistakes her condition for that of a sobbing drunk. (In v 10 we are told that she “wept in anguish.”) Have you ever been in the presence of a sobbing drunk? Have you ever BEEN a sobbing drunk? It's not a very pretty picture. I've been in both places and I thank God every day for His deliverance. You don't have to live like that! You don't have to be a slave to alcohol! Jesus is able to deliver you from your affliction. Eli rightly says, Put your wine away! The Bible forbids drunkenness, and remember that God never makes demands of us that He will not give us the power to carry out. Eph 5:18 says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,” God is more than willing to replace any high you may get from substance abuse with the “high” of being filled with the Spirit. Ask Him! The next time you decide to go out and party, God's Word does not say “do not be drunk with wine unless it's a special occasion,” He says, “Do not be drunk, period! It is sinful excess! Father, I pray that you will give those struggling with substance abuse, a taste of Your Holy Spirit, help them to overcome and set them free.

The New Nazarite Vow

# 10 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:11 Then she made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." Desperate times call for desperate measures. The anguished soul, is the desperate soul. Isn't that the truth? When our souls are overwhelmed with anguish, we are ready to promise just about anything to find relief. Hanna was so desperate for a male child that she was willing to give him up to life long service to the Lord. “ She vowed what is known as the Nazarite vow which you can read about in Num 6:2-21. This vow set one apart for a specific time of exclusive service to the Lord. It involved distancing oneself from the things of the world. It serves as a picture of our response to God's NT grace E. Stanley Jones had this to say about God's grace, “Grace binds you with far stronger cords than the cords of duty or obligation can bind you. Grace is free, but when once you take it you are bound forever to the Giver,” When our anguished souls surrender to Jesus the Nazarene, in a sense we become Nazarenes, and the Nazarite vow serves as a type for us to follow, whereby we allow the Holy Spirit to set us apart from the world for indefinite service to Him. As the Holy Spirit spoke through the Apostle Paul in Rom. 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And in James 1:21, we are told to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world.”

What Your Soul Looks Like On Lemon

# 9 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:9,10 “So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the LORD. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. After the miserable meal where Hanna was reminded again of her barrenness, she heads off to the temple to pray. Please note her mood. She is in great anguish as she is wrapped in bitterness of soul. This word is also used to describe the bitter taste of acrid water or food. Just think of something that you might taste that would curl up your taste-buds and scrunch up your face. It's sourness to the nth degree. Now apply that condition to your soul and get a feel for how Hanna was feeling. Her barrenness was leaving a sour taste in her soul. (her very being) This bitterness of soul is found elsewhere in Scripture and it is the epitome of anguish. When Mordecai heard of the plan to eliminate all the Jews, he was overcome with bitterness. (Esth 4:1) When Job despaired of life itself, he was overcome with bitterness (Job 3:20) How's your soul today? Are you bitter in your present circumstances? Do you think it's wise to remain in that condition. Bitterness of soul makes you and all others around you miserable. Why not do what Hannah, Mordecai, and Job did. They poured out their bitterness before God, and God took care of the situation. Be patient and He will take care of yours as well.

Like A Ming Vase

# 8 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:8 Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" As a guy, I'm almost embarrassed by the words of Elkanah. Mostly because it sounds like something I would say. First of, he infers that Hannah is ruining their dinner. Then he asks a question that tells us, he knows what her problem is. 'Why is your heart grieved”? The word “grieved” here means to spoil something by breaking it into pieces! 'Why is your heart broken over your lack of children?” Oh if he only would've stopped there and said something like, “Help me understand sweetheart!” But nope, He says, “ Am I not better than ten sons? The number ten is significant in that it signifies completion. So Elkanah is saying, “Am I not better than a complete family?” In modern terminology, Elkanah is telling Hanna to “man up.” Hello Elkanah, ....Hanna is not a man! Her God-given emotional make-up is more fragile than a man's It's why the Holy Spirit reminds us in 1Pe 3:7, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel,” In a nutshell guys, seek to treat your wife according to the Scriptures and, always seek to bring tenderness into every situation. Telling your wife to “man up,” is not tender. I think it is helpful for a man to think of his wife as a vase (vahss) as opposed to a vase (vayss) The latter is something you buy for cheap at Wal-Mart and don't really care if it breaks, but the former is a priceless vessel of the Ming variety. It is handled with all gentleness and respect.

A Jealous God

# 7 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:6,7 And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the LORD had closed her womb. 7 So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat. “Her rival.” The one who was battling for the affection of Elkanah. Year after year, rubbing it in to Hannah. “Hey Hannah, see all these kids? Proof positive that your man is spending some very intimate time with me! Ummmm, where's your proof?” Year after year, feast after feast, and what was meant to be a time of joy, was really an uncomfortable mess. I mean imagine eating at a table where all this was going on? One rival throwing digs at the other, and the other sitting at the table but refusing to eat, just sobbing away. I bet Elkanah wished he had a man cave to run off to! While you and I might tend to speak harshly of Penninah, let's look a little deeper here. The Hebrew words used here for “provoking severely”, are the same words that God uses to describe His feelings when His people turn to idolatry! Let that sink in for a while. When you and I allow other rivals to vie for and capture our affection, we are doing the exact same thing that Peninnah was doing to Hannah. And God weeps at the table. Oh beloved, let us understand that our God is a jealous God. Let us stop provoking Him to jealousy as we foolishly put other things before Him. Thankfully God sent His Son to the man-cave, and on the third day he rolled the stone away, to assure us that even our sins of idolatry can be forgiven. Father, help me to rid my life of any and all things that would rival my affection for You.

Keep Your Face On Her Plate

# 6 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:4,5 And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the LORD had closed her womb. What a tangled web we weave! Elkanah. loved Hannah, but panicked when they didn't have any children and brought this other woman into the picture. Now this blended family must awkwardly celebrate the Passover! Think of it as a typical American Thanksgiving Day meal with all the trimmings. Joyous feasting before the Lord! With every scoop of mashed potatoes delivered to the children and Peninnah, Hanna is reminded that the Lord has closed up her womb. But Elkinah, desiring to assure Hannah of his love for her, gives her a double helping. (I wonder if this is the first instance of someone trying to medicate with food.) Now, ladies, this is more romantic than you might think. The word “double” here means “face.” This double portion was likely a part of Elkanah's portion, and it symbolically set's his “face” on Hannah's plate, demonstrating that he desires to be with her, even if her womb is closed. Of course a much better way to demonstrate his love, would've been to not bring in the other woman in the first place. Guys, this a good time to remind you, to keep your face on your wife's plate, only have eyes for her. Guard against any and all situations where another woman could possibly vie for your attention.

What Is Your Tone In Worship

# 5 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:3 This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh.” This man, (Elkanah) would make the annual required journey to Shiloh with his family to observe the Passover and Feast of Unleavened bread. At this time in Israel's history, the ark of the covenant, (the presence of God was situated in Shiloh. According to God's ordinances these feasts and all their associated sacrifices were to be carried out in the place of God's choosing. De 12:18, says, "But you must eat them before the LORD your God in the place which the LORD your God chooses, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all to which you put your hands..” These observances were meant for the entire family, and please note the tone of the observance! “You shall rejoice.” Rejoice over all that God has placed in your hands as you bring the firstfruits, your tithes, and special offerings! What is your tone when you make your weekly pilgrimage to Shiloh (your house of worship) Are you thankful and merry for all that God has placed in your hands? What tone are your children observing? This tone sends a powerful message to your children. Oh they know it's Sunday and it's time for “church,” but do they know it's time for joy and thanksgiving? Are they observing your love affair with Jesus on a regular basis? Are you celebrating His forgiveness as you worship? They are watching and what they observe will go a long way in nurturing their own faith.

The Barren Woman

# 4 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Two wives. One producing offspring, the other barren. Where have we seen this pattern before? Abraham, Sarah and Hagar are the first trio that come to mind, and then there was Jacob, Rachael, and Leah. In all of these instances, we can't help but pick up on the great emotional pain and bitterness of these barren women. These women longed deeply for the sounds of little feet pitter pattering throughout the house, and they wanted them to be the little feet that God had formed in THEIR womb, not the womb of another. Why? What's the big deal about bearing children? Well, let's go back to the beginning. We read in Ge 1:28a, “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply;” Did you catch that? God blessed them! Children are a blessing from God. This truth is instilled in every heart of a woman. For some it may be buried under layers of societal pressure and customs, but in others it is always there, nagging at their biological clocks. “Lord, grant me a child! I do not want to miss out on Your blessing.” Being a man, I cannot fully grasp the depth of this desire in women. But it's clear from these examples in Scripture that it can be very powerful. Be careful in handling it. The desperation can lead to reliance on certain in vitro procedures that result in the selective death of embryos. I know it's hard, but use science within the parameters of God's Word and trust God. Bottom line is he alone opens and closes the womb. Father I pray for the barren women and men, grant them Your blessing of children.

And He Had Two Wives

# 3 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. “And he had two wives.” An altogether too common occurrence in Old Testament times, and when you think about it, a far too common occurrence in the church today. God's plan for marriage has always been, one spouse for life, till death do us part. But it seems people have always fallen victim to the accepted standards of society as opposed to “thus saith the Lord.” It's also interesting that God often tolerates man's rebellion against Him in these matters and uses these situations for His ultimate good and purposes. But, we must always be careful to remind ourselves that, just because God shows mercy, it is never an excuse for sin. Ro 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that this multiple marriage of Elkanah brought about some special problems under his roof, (multiple marriages always do) but God took those problems and used them for His good. Any rebellion in your life bringing on special problems? Confess your rebellion as sin, receive God's forgiveness, then turn from your rebellion, (go and sin no more) and watch Him bring good out of what was meant for evil.

Help For the Post-Abortive

# 2 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. (1 Sam. 1:1) Ramathaim Zophim is actually Ramah. Ramah is a city of infamy in Scripture. It was located in the vicinity of Bethlehem, where Herod went on a terror, slaughtering innocent children in his attempt to eliminate the baby Jesus. Herod mercilessly killed all male children age two and under “who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts,” and in Mt 2:18 we read, "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more." This horrific incident in Scripture is being played out in America today with over 55 million children slaughtered through legalized abortion. The Rachel's of America are the many who have come to regret their abortion, struggling to receive the truth that Jesus heals and forgives. Are you a Rachel? Remember there is no sin that Jesus did not pay the price for. Stop refusing His comfort and turn to Him. He alone can give you the peace, healing, and comfort you seek. A good place to start is an organization called Rachel's Vineyard. Www.rachaelsvineyard.org Or check out Word of Hope. Www.word-of-hope.org Father I pray for the women and men who are struggling with guilt over their participation in the act of abortion. Open up their eyes of faith that they may believe Your willingness to forgive and heal them, in Jesus name, Amen.

1 and 2 Samuel

I pray that the verse by verse study of the Gospel of Mark was helpful for you. I have appreciated all your comments and encouragement. Next up are the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel. I hope you'll come along for the ride. Duane # 1- On today's Du-votional we will start another verse by verse exposition of a book of the Bible. Actually, we will start two books of the Bible., namely 1 and 2 Samuel. Originally 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. They weren't separated until the publishing of the Hebrew Bible in 1517 A.D. 1 Samuel is an account of the transitional phase between the period of the judges and the kings. The first seven chapters outline the life an ministry of Samuel, and the rest of the book deals with the establishment of Israel's first monarchy under Saul, his fall from grace, and his persistent pursuit of David who was his God- appointed successor. 2 Samuel deals with the reign of David. In 1 Samuel we will read of one of the most famous accounts in all the Bible, namely David's encounter with Goliath. It is also in 1 Sam that we will read one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Sam 15:22) It's always an interesting challenge to tackle a verse by verse exposition of Old Testament books in a format that allows only for short chunks of time. Sometimes the background information given needs to be given short shrift in order for lessons to be gleaned. My prayer as we begin this study is that God will lead and provide those moments of teaching , admonition, and encouragement that we all need on a daily basis from His Word. Father, Thy Word is truth, my prayer is that the Holy Spirit will help us uncover Your truths in the days ahead, and that these truths will then transform our lives in the power of Thy Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.

Jesus Reigns

# 775- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark sums up the forty days that Jesus spent with His disciples after His resurrection by simply saying, “after He had spoken to them, He ascended and sat down at the right hand of God. To sit at God's right hand is to exercise full majestic omnipotence. All power has been given to the God-man Jesus Christ. Mark is simply restating what Jesus said in Mt 28:18, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” It is interesting that for the first time in the gospel of Mark, he uses the word “Lord” How fitting to bring that title in now that Christ has ascended and assumed this position of authority. He is over everything, and He now exercises His power through His church. “The Lord was working with them and confirming” their proclamation of the Word through miracles flowing from His place in heaven. How fitting to end the Gospel of Mark in this fashion. As we believers go forth, we may go forth in full confidence that Jesus reigns! He has full authority over all things. That means that nothing will happen today, tomorrow, or forever, that He is not on top of. May that truth give us all a peace that passes all understanding. Lord Jesus, help us to remember that You are on the throne of the universe every second of every day. No matter what comes our way today, help us to comprehend that truth.

A Far Better Way

# 774- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Remember the purpose of signs. They are used to point to something beyond ourselves. These signs followed the early Apostles wherever they went and validated their message, and they used them to point people to Christ. A careful reading of the Book of Acts will demonstrate that once the message was validated and the churches established, these signs faded into the background. Now hold on, I'm not saying that these signs have vanished. God can still use them in any way He sees fit. I am saying that once the church is established, there is a far better way to validate the message. Why do you think Paul wrote the love chapter of the Bible The Corinthian church was overly infatuated with signs, but Paul said, “I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor 12:31.), and the love chapter followed. Signs can be imitated but love is genuine. Want to validate the gospel? Then love one another. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Jn 13:35) Father, teach us to love as You loved.

This Package of Signs

# 773- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." This is not an exhaustive list of the signs that would follow those who believe in Jesus. Read the Book of Acts! People were raised from the dead, Paul and Silas released from their chains in prison, the mere shadows of the apostles bringing healings and deliverance! And the list could go on. All of these signs listed in Mark and the other signs as well are all meant to indicate that Jesus is alive and well in His church and He has power over everything! It seems a special emphasis is placed here in Mark, on His power over that murderer and liar, the devil. And so we read here of demons, and snakes, and sicknesses, and poison, and tongues. Think about that last one. In James 3:6, we read that the tongue is set on fire by hell.” But when God controls the tongue, (which is what happens when one speaks in tongues) God is lifted up no matter what the language! On that first Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and they spoke in different languages, this is what the people said, “we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:11) This “package of signs” listed here in Mark simply validated the truth that Jesus has defeated Satan on Calvary and forevermore.

What About Signs and Wonders

# 772- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." What are we to do with these verses? For the most part these signs are very foreign to what we could call American Christianity. First of all, let's establish a definition of signs. Without getting too technical with the Greek language, these signs spoken of here point beyond themselves to something that is far higher, of which it (the sign) is a specific indication. Simply stated they point to the presence and power of the ascended Jesus. They validated the gospel message. These signs were credentials for the apostles and their message, proving it genuine and exhibiting the fact that Jesus is indeed living and risen, and living and working through His church in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the only purpose of these signs. Heb 2:3,4 says, “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? What's being said here? Jesus spoke of His death and resurrection and ascension when He walked this earth. This message was passed along by those who personally heard Him and witnessed it. God showed that He agreed with their testimony or witness through these various signs worked through the early church. Quite frankly they are no longer needed, for we have the witness of the New Testament.. Does that mean that God has stopped using signs? That would be foolish for me to say, especially with the evidence of tongue speaking, healing, and demonic deliverance (the latter especially evident in third world countries) still occurring. He can do as He wills. Just remember to be very cautious with signs. Remember that they are not for some glorious display of the flesh, they are given by God for the purpose of pointing to Jesus and validating the message. As Jesus said in Mt 24:24 "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Guard yourself from deception. Learn to trust the Word of God, for there is nothing false or deceptive in it. In light of what Jesus said in Mt 24:24, we can't say the same thing about signs and wonders.

Why Baptize An Infant?

# 771- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” One more very important thing to discuss concerning baptism, since it is linked to salvation, and is a means by which God brings His grace to us. (See preceding posts) Take the time to carefully and prayerfully reconsider what God's Word says about baptism and children. Suffer the little children to come unto Jesus through this God-given means of bestowing grace. Baptize infants. They are not innocent. They are conceived in sin and need cleansing and regeneration just as you and I do. Ps 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” But why baptize a child, they can't have faith can they? Beloved faith is not a matter of the mind, it is a matter of the heart (soul) It's why David was able to write in Ps 22:9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother's breasts. 10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother's womb You have been My God.” A nursing child can have faith! More than that, John the Baptist exhibited faith in the womb! Faith, (regeneration of the soul,) is one of the things accomplished in baptism. Titus 3:5 says, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” but as Mr 16:16 states, that faith must be nurtured and maintained, or we are lost. What great peace and comfort in knowing that children, who are born with wicked hearts are accepted by God through baptism, and what a challenge to nurture their faith as they mature.

The Holy Spirit Doesn't Waste Words

# 770 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Such a simple verse to understand and yet so many people just don't want to deal with it. We look for all sorts of loopholes to justify delaying baptism or denying its power. But the Holy Spirit doesn't waste words. “All Scripture is God-breathed,” (2 Tim 3:16) He could have just as easily said here, “he who believes will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.” End of story. But he didn't! He added the condition of baptism to the salvation equation. Then, as if forseeing the possibility that some people will think that their baptism alone is enough to save them, He adds the latter part of the verse, which could be restated, “He who does not believe will be condemned even if they are baptized. Baptism and faith are forever linked together in this verse. Any separation of the two results in condemnation. In one sense, baptism is like circumcision. It's irreversable. You can't become uncircumcised, and you can't become unbaptized. It's one and done for both. There is never any need to be “re-baptized.” But it is possible to lose your faith! There can be times when the baptized need to be “re-faithed” if you will. They need to come back to Jesus. We call that repentance., a turning back to faith or personal revival. Jesus emphasizes this necessity of remaining in the faith in the latter part of this verse. “He who does not believe (baptized or not) will be condemned.” Be baptized and believe and be saved, but if you don't remain in that faith you will be damned! It's that simple.

God's Chosen Method Of Enrollment

# 768- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” There was a time when I was a proponent of “believer's baptism.” This was one of my “proof” verses. It plainly says, “believe and be baptized.” Believe first, and then be baptized. Seemed pretty cut and dried to me. But upon further review, I'd better be careful with using the order of appearance of words in Scripture to determine doctrine. As an example, what would you make of this statement. “In order to graduate you must be 18 years old and pass the test.” Must the student be 18 before he takes the test? No! That's not what is being said. It is simply stating two requirements for graduation. Likewise two requirements are listed for salvation in Mr 16:16. Belief and baptism. It doesn't say which one must come first. Look at Mt 28:19,20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; “ The Greek grammar here indicates that disciples are made by first baptizing, then teaching! The essence of the great commission is to go into the world preaching the full gospel message of the necessity of baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of persevering in faith in the name of Jesus for salvation. Whether God's saving grace comes to us through hearing the word as an adult or whether it comes to us in baptism as an infant, we should have a strong desire to enroll ourselves and others in the kingdom through baptism. This is God's chosen method of enrollment. It is what He has ordained for His children to put on Christ. Ga 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Proper interpretation of the Mr 16:16 passage leaves us with this conclusion: In the first part we see that baptism and faith are necessary elements of salvation, and in the second part we see that this faith must endure, because he who doesn't endure in faith (believe) will be condemned, baptized or not!

The Sheer Grace of Baptism

# 768- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” This is how the Holy Spirit spoke the great commission through Mark. In verse 15, the disciples are told to go into the world preaching the full gospel of salvation. In verse 16, they are given the message to preach. The full gospel message has two parts. Baptism and faith. Baptism is a vital element of the salvation equation! However it seems to be missing in much of the gospel preaching we hear today. Not so for the early church, and let us be open to learning from them! Read the book of Acts! You can't escape the fact that the necessity of baptism is almost always uttered in the same breath with the necessity of faith. What did Peter say in his first sermon? “Repent and be baptized,” (Acts 2:38) When Phillip explained the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch, he included the necessity of baptism. We know this because the first thing the Ethiopian asked for was baptism! (Acts 8:37) Seriously, ask yourself, “Why would he do that if Phillip hadn't included it in his gospel presentation. More importantly, keep your heart open to what I am about to say: Since baptism is a necessary element of salvation, (He who believes AND (my caps) is baptized will be saved;) we must look at it not as an act of obedience on the part of the individual. Rather it is an act of obedience on the part of the church, as they respond to the great commission. To view it as an act of individual obedience is to embrace salvation by works. Baptism is something that God does through His church FOR individuals, and it is sheer grace. When this is rightly understood, the baptism passages will come alive for you in Scripture: By grace (God's activity) in baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit: Ac 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. By grace, (God's activity) in baptism, we are “born again.” Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. By grace (God's activity) in baptism, we are saved, washed, regenerated, and renewed! Tit 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, By grace, (God's activity) in baptism, we are saved and guilt is removed from our conscience. 1Pe 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, By grace (God's activity) in baptism, our sins are washed away. Ac 22:16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' Baptism is not something we do for God, but something He does for us.

There Is No Other Way

# 767- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Jesus has just dressed the disciples down for their unbelief concerning His resurrection from the dead. Unbleief will not cut it in His kingdom. In effect, He was saying, “Hey guys, that failure you just had to believe My witnesses? It's a killer! And anyone who does not believe your full report (the gospel) will not be saved.” These are My rules for salvation!” It's like the Holy Spirit tells us in Ro 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” But it's not just the message of the resurrection that must be believed. It is the full gospel message. This message includes repentance, (godly sorrow over sin,) and full reliance on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. It is a God-given understanding that Jesus paid for all the sins of the world and anyone who receives Him possesses that truth, and are given the right to be called children of God. Joh 1:12 says, but as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: Faith (belief) in Jesus and His finished work on the cross on our behalf will always be a necessary element of salvation. This is a vital truth that must be guarded and proclaimed as we go into the world. There will always be those who insist that there are other paths to eternal glory, and that the Christian religion works within the tenets of other religions. We must resist these attempts to water down the words of our Lord who said, Joh 14:6b "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

You're The Only Jesus Some Will Ever See

# 766- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 16:14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.” Jesus has appeared to Mary Magdalene, then the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He did not chide Mary for her initial unbelief, but He did offer a mild rebuke to the two disciples, lamenting the fact that they were so slow to believe all that the prophets had written about His death and resurrection. Lu 24:25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! But now He appears to the eleven as they gather for an evening meal. And the first words out of His mouth are, “Hi guys! Glad to see you!” Not! The first words were a strong rebuke against them for their failure to believe the witnesses He has sent! I mean c'mon, if they won't believe the trusted witnesses that Jesus sent, how can they expect others to believe their report? No wonder He was upset! This is the crux of the matter for all mankind from the very beginning. Will I, will you, believe the witnesses that Jesus has sent to us? Jesus isn't showing up in self-evident bodily form at our dinners, Bible studies, etc, to prove He has risen from the dead. He is not going to walk alongside these disciples or us in plain view for all to see! They like us must rely on the witnesses that God has provided. These witnesses, from Moses, to Elijah, to the Apostles, to the Sacraments, embody the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel, and their testimony is found in the Word. The Bible. When Peter spoke of His experience on the Mount of transfiguration, he included this advice. “we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention,” (2 Pet 1:18) Pay attention to His Word! Further, Jesus does not walk alongside us in visible form, rather He lives in us in spiritual form. This is where He is prominently seen today,. Remember THIS as you live today: “You're the only Jesus some will ever see.”