1 Samuel

God Sees Each Heart

9:19 AM


 I believe the words in 1 Samuel were written for people like me- those who feel they may never measure up to their own expectations, let alone others'! And there were others like David that I found  in the Bible that God chose to use! Those like, 

  • Moses, murdered an Egyptian and ran away, but God used him mightily to bring His people out of Egypt!
  • Jacob was a deceiver, but God created the nation Israel through him. 
  • Rahab was a prostitute, but God used her to help bring His people into Canaan.
  • David was just a boy, but God chose him to be King over Israel.
In fact, when you truly begin to examine each of the lives mentioned in God's Word, I don't believe you'll find one perfect person except Jesus, but God choses to use us misfit, imperfect people anyway. I'll never understand why He does, for He truly doesn't need us to accomplish anything, but 1 Samuel 16:7 gives us a clear indication as to who He chooses to use to accomplish His work, 
...“Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

It's truly comes down to our heart. Does our heart beat for Him? Is it willing to surrender and yield itself to Jesus, or is it still demanding its own way? 

What can God do with a surrendered heart? Everything! 

 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," (Ephesians 3:20 emphasis mine)

God can do more through you than you can even dream up! Imagine that! 

 What can we do on our own? Nothing!

 "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5 emphasis mine)

Nothing of any eternal value, anyway. Why is it we think we need to be good enough, wealthy enough, smart enough... when God says all I need is your heart surrendered to Me? 

This makes me think of a story I once heard of a wealthy, but fugal widow who one day decided to be one of the first homes in the area to install electricity. Several weeks after the installation, a meter reader appeared at her door. He asked if her electricity was working well, and she assured him it was. 
“I’m wondering if you can explain something to me then,” he said. “Your meter shows scarcely any usage. Are you using your power?”

“Certainly,” she answered. “Each evening when the sun sets, I turn on my lights just long enough to light my candles; then turn them off.”

Her home was connected to this amazing power, but she failed to utilize it. I liken this to those who have accepted Jesus for their final destination (salvation), but have never trusted Him with their destiny. The power is there, but they're still getting by on our own strengths. 

Imagine what might happen if we not only tapped into His power, but left it on! 

It's almost as easy as flicking the switch. Just a matter of surrendering and inviting Him to come in and take charge, sitting back and watching Him go to work. That's really it! We humans like to complicate things and make them out to be more difficult than they really are, when The Lord has made it very simple really. 

Is there something He has been calling you to do? Something you would love to do, only you haven't quite figured out how? Or, just maybe He wants to do in you something you haven't even thought of yet!!! Just imagine! 

Are you willing to invite Him to take over? 

I truly cannot wait to see all He will do through you!

Blessings, 

Sue



1 Samuel

Speak, Lord, For Your Servant Is Listening - 1 Samuel 2:26

11:00 AM


My Grandma always said, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. Be sure you’re using those ears to listen to God!” Great advice since I’ve always been better at talking than listening. Whatever is on my heart, I go to God. I tell Him all my thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, and disappointments. And that’s exactly what He wants me to do. However there’s more to it. Because the Lord doesn’t just want me talking. More importantly, like my Grandma said, He wants me listening. Actively seeking His voice, direction, correction, and will. To say, as did the young Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)


Samuel was a mighty prophet of Israel. But he only got that way by learning to hear, recognize, and obey God’s voice. This allowed him to grow closer and in favor with the Lord. And if we want to grow closer to God, we too must learn to do the same. Many are the ways the Lord tries speaking to us. One is through His Word. Often when we’re reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will make a particular scripture or passage jump out at us. Another is through prayer. As our two-way life line of communication with God, prayer is our chance to not only talk, but more importantly, listen for His small, still voice. And yet another is through a feeling or impression. Some call them “God Tugs”.  A pull of conviction on our heart. Or a sense of just knowing something deep in our spirit. 


God never intends for our relationship with Him to be one of coldness or distance. As our Father in heaven, He longs for us to run into His open arms of pure, unconditional love. To hop up on the lap of our Abba, and share with Him everything we do and are. God wants a relationship with us that is so close, nothing can shake us from His perfect love, grace, and peace. So today I challenge you to use the ears of your heart to listen for the Lord. Be on the lookout throughout your day for “God Tugs.” Little “aha” moments where you recognize God reaching out. And when you spot one, stop and say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” 


1 Samuel

Perseverance {1 Samuel}

12:00 AM


1 Samuel (the entire chapter)

I hope you all have been enjoying our topical study this year as much as I have.  Since we’ve decided to put our writing on hold for the summer, ending with perseverance seem fitting.  We have to persevere in our faith journey.  The Lord “drives our trials out little by little, one by one, as He grows us to full stature in Christ" (“When God Makes You Wait”).  Exodus 23:29-30

When I started this post, it was only supposed to be on 1 Samuel 12.  But the entire book is about perseverance. Hannah's Prayer and her response to the Lord’s blessing is the kind of faith I desire.  Waiting – persevering through the wait.  Glorifying and praising God through the process of waiting.  I could share my long list of things I’m waiting for, but I won’t.

1 Samuel 16 is where we see young David anointed as King, yet it was nearly 15 years before he actually became king.  If you turn to the Psalms, you will see just how often David praised God while he waited.

We persevere with people like Jonathan in our lives.  We need people to strengthen us in God.

 Image result for Hebrews 3:12-13

The writers here at Women In The Word may be taking a break from writing, but we are here for you and we will continue to encourage you throughout the summer.

This is a good time for all of us to persevere – quietly waiting through a trial.  To thank the Lord for giving us blind faith and knowing that He will work it together for our good.  It’s a good time to practice continual prayer AND worship.  Perhaps as you relax in your yard this summer, you pray the entire time for the opportunity to rest and for the beautiful weather.  Thank the Lord for the time to sit at His feet.  Pray all summer for wisdom.  I know God will always grant us wisdom.  Perhaps let this summer be only for praise!  Pray for wisdom and praise the Lord in the process!

As you take the time to read the entire book of 1 Samuel, you will discover that David was on the run for nearly 8 years!  It was during this time that God taught David perseverance.  But God also humbled David.  Just think about being anointed so young or slaying a giant as a kid!  Or how his musical abilities calmed the mad-man Saul.  Pride could have taken over.  But instead, God used this trial of waiting and suffering to keep David humble and relying on God.  This time of suffering produced perseverance and it molded and shaped David to trust God completely!

That long list of mine…  I’m going to thank the Lord for the list and sit back and trust where and how He brings me to the end of each issue.  Some may end quickly, others may stay on the list for a few more years.

 Image result for Romans 5:3-5


1 Samuel

Self Image -The Lord Looks At The Heart {1 Sam. 16:1-12}

12:00 AM





“My beloved child, you are precious, and a delight to Me”....Love God
                     
Charged with anointing the next king of Israel, Samuel traveled to Bethlehem; to the house of Jesse. As Jesse presented each of his sons before Him, Samuel thought that surely one of these fine looking men must be God’s choice. Even a godly man like Samuel couldn’t help but make a judgement based on appearance. But the Lord warned Samuel saying, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (vs. 16:7) God’s pick was David. The youngest of seven and not even considered, where the world saw an insignificant shepherd boy of little worth, God saw the heart of a great and faithful man. A man after His own heart, and a man He called beloved.

As women, we are constantly bombarded with the ridiculous and often unattainable expectations of the world. Through television, movies, and social media, daily we are told that our worth is dependent upon our looks, our talents, and how many followers and likes we can get. So when our own lives seem to fall short in comparison, no wonder we find ourselves depressed, envious, and wrapped up in a game of, “if only”. Yet today's society is a fickle bunch whose tastes and ideals are constantly changing. And the truth is that no one, absolutely no one can obtain the false perfection that it eagerly worships. We need to get off the hamster wheel to nowhere that tries to find our worth through the superficial eyes of the world. For true self worth comes from not from a worldly identity, but rather a godly one.

“He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4) 

Did you know the word “beloved” appears nearly 120 times throughout the Bible? It’s a word reserved for those who are adored, cherished, treasured, and greatly loved. And just as God called David beloved, so He calls us. He created each of us intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. He calls us beautiful, valuable, wanted, and His. And unlike the world who turns away when the shine fades from our star, His love never falters, never fails, and never grows cold. So the next time you find the world trying to define your worth and the Enemy whispering lies of inadequacy in your ears, remember this. You are a daughter of the most high God. There is no Hollywood trophy, no social media following, nor worldly accolade that could compare with the value of knowing one day we will spend eternity dwelling and reigning with the Lord. So wear your crown proudly, have a heart longing to serve God, and never forget, you are loved, you are loved, you are loved! 

1 Samuel

Revenge Is For The Weak {1 Samuel 24:1-28:25}

12:00 AM



If anyone knows about being treated with contempt and the feelings it produces, it’s David. Anointed as Israel’s next king, time and again he felt the pain of being wronged. He was chased by Saul who was intent on killing David and his men, and insulted by Nabal, a wealthy property owner who was “harsh and evil in his dealings” (24:3) But instead of returning evil for evil, David who knew that revenge was for the weak, strove to do right in the eyes of God. A lesson taught in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

When someone wrongs us our first instinct is to retaliate. But when we do, we become no better than the one who acted against us. And as satisfying as it may feel to exact vengeance, it never changes the heart of the the one who hurt you, it only changes yours. David understood this. While hiding out in a cave, who should wander in but Saul himself. David knew that God intended him to be king. How easy would it have been for him to reach out, kill Saul, and claim his throne. David’s men urged him on knowing all that David had endured at the hands of Saul. But instead of shedding blood David said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the Lord that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s  anointed. (24:6) There was no way that David was about to dishonor God like Saul had done, and so he refused to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. He put his complete faith in God. He trusted in His timing and His promises. 

Of all the sayings about revenge the one that holds true is this; “the best revenge is a life well lived”.  And how is a life well lived? By honoring God. That means instead of taking matters into your own hands, place your pain into His. Just like He delivered David from Saul, He promises to do the same for us. When we trust in the Lord, He will deliver us from our fears, our problems, and our enemies. “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay’, says the Lord.” (Rom. 12:17-19) 

There’s no way around it. It hurts when someone mistreats you. The world tells us to hurt them back, but God tells us, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44) Not an easy task. But we can pray to God to give us a forgiving, loving, and obedient heart. And the same strength he gave to David who restrained from harming Saul, (25:34) He will freely give to us. He is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. His grace will prevent us from saying or doing things that we will later regret; keep us from wronging others, ruining relationships, and harming our own hearts. 

Proverbs 11:17 says, “The merciful man does himself good, but the cruel man does himself harm.” We serve a loving God who gives all who love Him unmerited mercy and forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. And He wants us to do the same. Not only for the benefit for others, but also for ourselves. Revenge and retribution makes our hearts grow hard and bitter. It keeps us from experiencing God’s very best for our lives. Living a life that truly reflects His holy nature allows God to take us beyond the pain to a place of healing and growth. And one day we can look back and just like Joseph say, “You intended to harm me, but God used it for good to accomplish His plan in my life." (Gen. 50:20)


“Lord, I want to release those I am struggling to forgive because I want to be truly free to worship you. Help me let you handle my case, giving up my plans to repay evil with evil. I trust you to do what is right in every situation...Amen”....iworship Bible 


1 Samuel

Through the Ups and Downs( I Samuel 13-15)

12:51 AM



Life is full of ups and downs.  Sometimes we enjoy the ups when we feel accomplished, successful, capable.
Saul and Jonathon, armed with a few thousand men enjoy some military success.  “Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.”” (13:3)

Sometimes we feel the pressure of the downs.  Sometimes the odds seem against us and the obstacles loom large and threatening.
“And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. (13:5)  Not only are they outnumbered but the Philistines take away their access to weapons.  Saul watches his fearful people hide in caves and holes and some even run away and desert completely.  

How we respond to those ups and downs can reveal the nature of our hearts.

In these days of difficulty, the true heart of Saul is revealed.  Saul gets impatient waiting for Samuel and disobeys God.  He steps in to take over the role of the priest and offer a sacrifice because he is trying to contain the damage and keep more troops from scattering.  The focus of Saul’s heart is what he thinks will be in his best interest vs obeying and submitting to God’s authority.  This costs him God’s favor as king. “And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”” (13:13-14)

In contrast, Jonathon has a different response to facing the same challenges.  Instead of trying to control the circumstances, he trusts that God is in control. He proceeds only when sure of God’s will and God intervenes on his behalf.  “Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”” (14:6). Jonathon takes down his foes even though outnumbered and God provides added panic among the enemy with an earthquake. 

Circumstances change again but even when all seems up again and in his favor, Saul continues to disobey God.  God clearly told him to kill all of the enemy and his possessions.  “But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.”  (15:9) Once again, Saul’s self seeking heart is revealed.  When confronted by Samuel, Saul tries to make excuses for his behavior and is insincere in his desires to reconcile to God.  And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”” (15:9, 22-23)

God knows that life will carry us through changing circumstances.  With the ups and downs that we face, He is looking for the heart that holds steadfast and seeks His will and obeys His commands.  He isn’t impressed with our outward behaviors or gestures or insincere offerings.  He knows that we are human and make mistakes.  He wants our obedience but He also wants to know that when we sin, we will humble ourselves in true repentance. God rejected Saul as king because Saul would not humble himself and submit to God’s authority. God chose David as king, however, because David had a heart that was sincere, willing to obey, and willing to be humble through all of the ups and downs. 

Self Assessment: I found these 10 reasons why David was called “ a man after God’s heart” ( by: Ron Edmondson)

Acts 13:22 says, “After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.‘”
The following words describe the heart of David as seen in his own writings:
(All verses New International Version)
Humble – Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Psalm 62:9
Reverent – I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3
Respectful – Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. Psalm 31:9
Trusting – The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Loving – I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1
Devoted – You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. Psalm 4:7
Recognition – I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. Psalm 9:1
Faithful – Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6
Obedient – Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Psalm 119:34
Repentant – For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Psalm 25:11

What do the ups and downs of life reveal about your heart?

1 Samuel

Then Hannah Prayed {1 Samuel 1:1-3:21}

12:00 AM



Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. And even though he valued Peninnah because she bore him many sons and daughters, he loved Hannah who remained barren. Each year Elkanah would take his two wives to Shiloh to present a sacrifice to God and worship the Lord at the Tabernacle. And every year Hannah would endure insults hurled at her by Peninnah because “the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb”. (v. 1:5) Inconsolable, Hannah turned to the only one who could help her...God.

During our times of anguish there is much we can glean from Hannah’s story. Like Hannah, the first thing we need to do is go to God in prayer. “She, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly” (v.10) Hannah knew that it was only God who could ease her pain, only He could change her circumstances and end her grief. She had faith that “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14) Prayer is a game changer. During the most difficult times Jesus faced, He went off on His own to pray. And following His example we should do the same. 

Next Hannah makes a vow to God, “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 son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (vs, 10-11) Have you ever found yourself bargaining with the Lord if He answers your prayer? Making a vow to God is serious business. Hannah knew that God expected her to fulfill her promise. She understood that walking with the Lord is a two way street of both giving and receiving. God blesses us so that we in turn can bless others. Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “the generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Hannah was willing to give back God’s blessing, and He calls us to trust Him enough to do the same.

When she finished her prayer, and received a blessing from the high priest Eli, Hannah “went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” (v. 18)  Although her situation hadn’t changed, Hannah didn’t spend any more time in grief and worry. Instead she rejoiced and worshiped before the Lord. Sometimes when we pray to God for the desires of our hearts, His answer is no. Not because He doesn’t love us or want us to be happy, but because He knows best. Hannah didn’t know for sure that God would bless her with the son she so desperately wanted, but regardless while she waited for His answer, she worshiped Him. A wonderful example for us all. Just like Hannah after we place our petitions in God’s loving and capable hands, we need to trust and worship Him while we wait for His answer. 

God indeed answered Hannah’s prayer, and she conceived the child she had so languished for. “She gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel saying, ‘Because I have asked him of the Lord’,” (v. 20) Because of God’s faithfulness and her vow to Him, a year after his birth Hannah brought Samuel to the temple where he ministered to the Lord. She then sang a beautiful song of praise and thanksgiving. “My heart exalts in the Lord, my horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies.” (v. 2:1) The Lord, not Samuel was the ultimate source of Hannah’s joy. He answered her prayer, redeemed her from disgrace, and silenced her enemies. How awesome is it when we rejoice in God Himself and not merely in the blessings He gives us. Are you willing and eager to praise Him not only for who He is, but for every prayer answered and every need met? When we do we will experience a joy that can only be found in Him!


1 Samuel

Scripture Saturday ~ Sincere worship

12:00 AM

Saturday, March 3, 2018



Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is 1 Samuel 12:24...

 Only fear the LORD (with awe and profound reverence) and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
(Amplified version)
Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!