I Samuel 1:19-28 - God Remembers Hannah

I Samuel 1:19-28

Elkanah had relations with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. It came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him of the Lord.”

Message: God Remembers Hannah

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson, Elkanah is introduced along with his two wives, one has children and one does not. That one is Hannah. She asks the Lord to remember her. Tabletalk states, "When Scripture says that the Lord remembers something, it means that He is acting according to His covenant promises or intervening to rescue those who are suffering or downcast." Scripture uses the word I think 'remember' because these are words and feelings of the people. The reverse word 'forgotten' is even mentioned in Psalm 10:11, "God has forgotten; He has hidden His face." These are feelings that we as people have, but the reality is God does not remember or forget, but we describe him as such based upon our feelings. 

Verse 19, "Then they got up early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned again to their house in Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her."

So they leave Shiloh and head back to Ramah. After husband and wife has sexual relations, Hannah is pregnant. Samuel is born. After he is weaned, Hannah takes Samuel to the sacrifice (in Shiloh) and dedicates him to the Lord. He will remain in Shiloh to be trained properly. 

Summary: Samuel is born to Hannah and Elkanah and taken to Shiloh to be dedicated to the Lord.

Promise: Even when we think God is absent, He is working always for our good and for His glory. 

Prayer: Father God, as I remember the words of the song - God is always working, and you are indeed always at work Lord. Thank you for always being present. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:25 - When the Going Gets Tough

Proverbs 10:25

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

Message: When the Going Gets Tough

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: NASB - When the whirlwind passes; NLT - when the storms of life come.  

This is the idea that when the going gets tough, hopefully the tough get going, meaning they step up to work through the challenge. Or they have enough of a solid foundation to handle the difficult situation. As has been done through many verses of this chapter, the comparison is between the wicked and the righteous. 

This reminds me that the comparisons that occur here are based upon how a person is wired - are they wicked or righteous. Thus, the proverb shares often the result and so is encouraging a framework. To which we look at again at what makes a person wicked versus what makes a person righteous. 

And here the righteous person is one with a sure foundation. Their foundation is living their life according to standards. 

I spend time daily in the Word, reading the Bible, gleaning from it, learning from it. I memorize scripture. I am encouraged by those of similar faith I am with. I listen to positive music. All of these inputs into my life are hopefully helping my outputs. Right now, for instance, I feel like I am going through a tough period of my life. My mood is different. It is a little down. I am staring at life and maybe feel a detour taking place or not handling things like I have in the past. And so right now, "the going gets tough." And how I am responding? At times, it feels like I am kicking and screaming. But I need to rest more on my foundation. 

And that foundation is good counsel. And might result in having difficult conversations with people in my life. That's what I am thinking about right, making sure I am having conversations with the people that matter most in my life. 

I don't need to look like I respond like a wicked person. I need to show that I am responding based upon my good training. 

Prayer: O God, life is hard. It continues this way. I know it is harder it feels like for so many others, and yet I have my mood challenges. Help me rest in the foundations I have - in Christ, with a great wife, great friends and good inputs into my life You make happen. And yet those foundations don't always mean all works out smoothly. Things may still be hard and tough. God I can trust you through those moments. Help me to persevere and endure. I give you praise. In Jesus name I can pray. Amen. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 1:1-18 - A Pious Family From Ephraim

I Samuel 1:1-18

Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your request that you have asked of Him.”

Message: A Pious Family from Ephraim

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: In verse, this book introduces Elkanah, an Ephraimite. He has two wives - Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah has children but Hannah is barren. 

Sort of a surprise that Hophni and Phinehas are priests. Eli is mentioned as the high priest and his two sons - Hophni and Phinehas, were not outstanding choices for priests. 2:12 says they are "worthless men; they did not know the Lord." 

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers -- Verse 3 says, "Unto the Lord of hosts." —This is the first time in the Old Testament Book that we find the well-known appellation of the Eternal “Jehovah Sabaoth,” Lord of hosts. It is computed that this title of God occurs 260 times in the Old Testament, but it is not found in any of the books written or compiled before this time. In the New Testament it is only once used (see James 5:4).

They are present in Shiloh. This is where the tabernacle was set up and so where the sacrifices occurred. 

Elkanah would give portions of his thank offerings to his children, but Hannah received a double portion. That seems to have stirred up anger and resentment for Elkanah's other wife Peninnah and she took it out on Hannah. 

In Hannah's distress, she prays to the Lord (v. 10). Then she vows to the Lord that if provided a child a razor will not meet his head (v. 11). Eli thought the girl was drunk but she was simply praying in silence. Eventually, Eli asks the Lord to honor Hannah's request (v. 18). 

Summary: Elkanah comes to Shiloh to offer sacrifices and provides a double portion to his wife Hannah who is without children. 

Promise: Let us seek God’s face this day and ask Him to help us live as lights in this spiritually darkened world.

Prayer: O Father God, you are the great provider. You work in lives and help people to remain with you through good times and even not so good times. Once again, you do surprising things through those that don't have immediate favor as you seem to be doing something in Hannah's life. This reminds and encourages me and others that God you bestow your grace and favor on all walks of life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:24 - Fear of Being Found Out

Proverbs 10:24

What the wicked fears will come upon him,

and the desire of the righteous will be granted. 

Message: Fear of Being Found Out

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: As I read through and study these Proverbs one by one, it is amazing the writer had the need to repeat some of these ideas over and over and yet in only slightly different ways. Each one with a slight variation. The contrast here once again is the wicked and the righteous and the differing outcomes of the two. I suppose in life or at least theater it seems there is this big contrast of good and evil, bad guys and good guys. We went to see Superman recently and his big nemesis is Lex Luthor. Lex wants to be in power and what is interesting is the way he appears to be a good guy by many, but eventually people discover the real truth of him. There was this slight deception and once it comes out everyone sees him for the rotten person he is really. And so this contrast continues - wicked and righteous. 

The wicked person here has fears. The wicked person does have a conscience and so even though they are acting wickedly there is a concern possibly of being found out or exposed for what really lies at the heart of the person. The wicked person hopes that no one will notice. The wicked hope that they can get away with it, that they won't be found out. And often the wicked will also seeks to find as many people that will corroborate what they are doing, to help justify their deceit. We do this with sin. We run to it and yet we are nervous of being exposed. I see this on a small scale at work. At times, I will go to the internet to search for something personal during work ours. I will think it is harmless, and yet it amazes me how when someone comes in the office to ask me a question, I will try to cover up that I am doing something personal. I will feel bad at that which I am doing. I will have been found it. 

The righteous person here seeks the will of God. The verse in Matthew 7:7-8 that many people like to claim is "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." It is the righteous though that can claim this verse. And this verse is speaking more of the bare necessities of life rather than simply desiring things that may be against the will of God. 

Prayer: O God, guard me from my sin and how I often escape in that direction, pleasing my eye or my momentary need and yet knowing that I could be exposed. Keep me far from the evil. Help me instead to submit and surrender to You and accept what You provide. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Various Scriptures - The Coming of the Messiah

Galatians 4:4-5

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.

Message: The Messiah in History

What the Lord is Saying: One of the attacks we receive as Christians is in questioning the authority of Scripture. Often stating it is no more reliable than works of ancient mythology. As we compare, the Bible sets the events it describes in real space and real time, set in the events of world history. Its veracity depends on the events in which it describes as being true, namely that Christ raised from the dead. God stands over all of history, having decreed all that takes place according to the counsel of His will. 

Prayer: God you are sovereign over all and you weave your history through our lives, in the past, present and future. You orchestrate events and you order this world. I surrender to you. 

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Isaiah 9:1-7

1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He will make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 

2 The people who walk in darkness

Will see a great light;

Those who live in a dark land,

The light will shine on them.

3 You will multiply the nation,

You will increase their joy;

They will rejoice in Your presence

As with the joy of harvest,

As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.

4 For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,

The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.

5 For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle,

And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

6 For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace

On the throne of David and over his kingdom,

To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness

From then on and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.

Message: The Messiah in Prophecy

What the Lord is Saying: Prophecy and specially prophecy of the coming Messiah using language to fit one era while predicting events in another. Isaiah 9 predicts the coming child during the reign of King Hezekiah (end of 8th c, beginning of 7th). This prophecy started as David, but looked forward to a day when a king like David would rule over God's people. In Isaiah this king would possess unparalleled wisdom. He would not need advisers or counselors. He would be the Prince of Peace. He would maintain permanent peace between God and the king's loyal subjects. He would be Mighty God, Everlasting Father. 

Prayer: Father, you promised a Messiah and a Messiah came and now rules over us for all of history. Thank you for your perfect plan. 

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Micah 5:2

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Too little to be among the clans of Judah,

From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.

His times of coming forth are from long ago,

From the days of eternity.

Message: Bethlehem Ephrathah

What the Lord is Saying: Here is prophecy of the promised ruler of history being born in one of the humbliest of towns. Spoken during the 8th c BC. Here in history the people were favoring the rich and ignoring the poor. David was also born in Bethlehem. 

Prayer: God thank you for redeeming me, people from all walks of life, but you continue to show in scripture, taking imperfect situations and people and making them great and this is an encouragement for us all because we are all imperfect. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:23 - Evil as a Sport

Proverbs 10:23 

Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding. 

Message: Evil as a Sport

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: To do evil is like sport to a fool,
But a man of understanding has wisdom.

I’ve noticed in my life unfortunately times when evil has been like a sport or competition or obsession in my life. It does become a game because there is a right way of living and to choose an alternate path when all those around you prescribe the good way, then we have a tendency to make it a game. 

There is a competitive aspect to it - almost like you are outdoing one another. -- Enduring Word Commentary

Evil at some point in a persons life is done without shame or remorse or fear. Evil has become acceptable behavior. For me personally, the gay pride parades seem like evil. That we have moved to celebrating this alternative lifestyle seems like it has moved to a sport. It seems like it is a celebration in these parades as - look at me. Look at who I am. 

On the contrary a man of understanding which is our goal - is a man of wisdom. 

This person avoids evil. This person is to understanding what the evil man is to wickedness. 

This person has a pleasure in doing good. 

So instead of celebrating only me, the man of understanding seeks to celebrate others. The focus is not on self but on others. It is on Jesus and others.  I think of serving others and meeting other people’s needs. For many that becomes the sport. It is figuring out with my time how to make others first. 

Prayer: God, it is great to take these thoughts and concepts and analyze and think about them. It is interesting to think about what I value and then what is most important. Thank you for guiding me into truth. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Ruth 4:13-22 - A Story of Hesed

Ruth 4:13-22

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he had relations with her. And the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son...they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (v.13, 17)

Message: A Story of Hesed

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Well, Boaz now marries Ruth. "He went into her." She gave birth to a son as "the Lord enabled her." The women of Bethlehem or the area let Naomi know God has provided a redeemer. They call her "Blessed." God has provided. This is a blessing of the Lord - God's provision. Reminds me in the moment of what God has blessed me with and provided me. My wife Pamela, my children - Tyson, Megan, Derek. These are God's gifts. He provides these gifts and I need to be more appreciative - every day. Forgive me Lord. 

The women go on in verse 15 to continuing words of encouragement. These are good women and say things that need to be said and say things that God has done. He is "a restorer of life." Despite all that Naomi lost and Ruth lost by losing the men of their life, God brought her home and he has restored her life. He has been "a sustainer of your old age." Again, God supports and nourishes her and provides what she needs. "Your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons." Sons are more important than daughters always. This is how the name is carried on. And yet they exclaim that Ruth is better than 7 sons. Seven even being a number in the Bible that is often showing completeness or perfection. But, no, Ruth is better. 

Then the women name Ruth's son - Obed (v. 17). 

And then a history lesson is given: generations of Perez: Perez - Hezron - Ram - Amminadab - Nahshon - Salmon - Boaz - Obed - Jesse - David. 

Naturally, all culminates with David. 

Hesed is kindness, but it goes beyond mere kindness to a covenantal kindness. It is unwavering commitment and refers often to God's unchanging love for Israel and for David. Ruth showed this type of commitment to Naomi by staying with her, even after her husband died. Boaz showed this type of care and kindness by caring about Elimelech and his family name, above his own. These individuals showed a loyal love to one another, an unwavering commitment that culminates in the royal line of David. 

Summary: Boaz marries Ruth and they give birth to Obed. The women of Bethlehem speak blessings on Naomi. 

Promise: God has shown us unwavering covenant loyalty and love—hesed—and we are to show the same in return to Him and to His people.

Prayer: Oh Father, you are eternally blessing me and showing your favor on my life. You have provided for me and sustained me. You have an amazing commitment to me and I praise you. Thank you for these words and the blessing they are to me. Give me strength each day. Help me to love others and be committed to them as you have blessed me. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.