Day 98 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 7 April 2024 reflections
Day 98, 7 April 2024
Today at
Calvary Community Church , Pastor Barry Regier spoke on
On Mission with the Rusen Christ
JOb 1:6-8
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the Lord, and the Adversary also came among them. 7 And the Lord
said to the Adversary, "From where have you come?" Then the Adversary
answered the Lord, saying, "From roaming on the earth, and from walking up
and down on it."
8 And the Lord said to the Adversary, "Have you considered My servant Job,
that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man,
who fears God, and avoids evil?"
[6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
[7] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered
the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up
and down in it.
[8] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Ephesians 5:8-10
8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-
9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth-
10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things I have commanded
you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 1:8
8 (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Through Philip's example we learn to
A) Follow God's leading Acts 8:26
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 (Ac 5:19; 27:23; 12:23) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,
"Rise up and go toward the south on the way that goes down from Jerusalem
to Gaza." This is desert.
[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go
toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,
which is desert.
B) Make ourselves Available Acts 8:27-29
27 (Ps 68:31; 87:4) So he rose up and went. And there was a man of Ethiopia,
a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,
who was in command of her entire treasury.
He had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28 He was returning, sitting in his chariot
and reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.
29 (Ac 10:19; 11:12) The Spirit said to Philip,
"Go to this chariot and stay with it."
[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of
great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of
all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this
chariot.
C) Take initiative Acts 8:30
30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
D) Be tactful 1 Peter 3:15-16 Acts 8:30-31
15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you, with
gentleness and fear.
16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak
evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in
Christ.
30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 (Ro 10:14) He said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"
So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
E) Be prepared
32 (Isa 53:7-8) The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:
"He was led as a sheep to slaughter;
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so He opened not His mouth.
33 (Isa 53:8; 53:12) In His humiliation justice was denied Him;
who will speak of His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch said to Philip, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet speak,
of himself or of someone else?"
35 (Lk 24:27; Ac 18:28) Then Philip spoke, beginning with the same Scripture,
and preached Jesus to him.
[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a
sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth:
[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh
the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus.
36 (Ac 10:47) As they went on their way, they came to some water.
And the eunuch said, "Look, here is water.
What hinders me from being baptised?"
37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He answered,
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 And he commanded the chariot to halt. Then both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
39 (1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16) When they came up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. And the eunuch saw him no more,
and he went his way rejoicing.
40 (Ac 10:1; 21:8) But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through,
he preached the gospel in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all
the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
The Romans Road to Sharing Jesus
i) Romans 3:23
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
ii) Romans 6:23
23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
iii) Romans 5:8
8 (Jn 15:13; 1Pe 3:18) But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.
iv) Romans 10:9-10
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11) that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord,
and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
v) Romans 10:13
13 (Ac 2:21; Joel 2:32) For, "Everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord shall be saved."(Joel 2:32.)
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
1) 1 Samuel 1 - 3
1 SAMUEL 1
The Birth of Samuel
1 (1Sa 1:19; 1Ch 6:34) Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim Zuphim,
in the hill country 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.
2 And he had two wives; the name of one was Hannah and the name of the second
was Peninnah. Now Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 (Ex 23:14; Dt 12:5-7) This man went up out of his city annually to worship
and to sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts in Shiloh. And there the two sons of Eli,
Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord.
4 (Dt 12:17-18; 16:11) When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave
portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters.
5 (Ge 30:2) But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved Hannah,
but the Lord had closed her womb.
6 Now her rival provoked her greatly, making her miserable because the Lord
had closed her womb.
7 Thus it was yearly, when she went up to the house of the Lord,
that she provoked her. So Hannah wept and did not eat.
8 (Ru 4:15) Then said Elkanah her husband to her, "Hannah, why are
you weeping? And why do you not eat? Why is your heart grieved?
Am I not better to you than ten sons?"
[1] Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and
his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu,
the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
[2] And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of
the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
[3] And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice
unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and
Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
[4] And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his
wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
[5] But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the
LORD had shut up her womb.
[6] And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because
the LORD had shut up her womb.
[7] And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the
LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
[8] Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why
eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than
ten sons?
9 (1Sa 3:3) So Hannah arose after they had eaten in Shiloh and after
they had drunk. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a seat by the door
of the tabernacle of the Lord.
10 (Job 7:11; 10:1) And she was bitter, and prayed to the Lord,
and wept severely.
11 (Jdg 13:5; Ge 29:32; Nu 6:5) So 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 to Your maidservant a baby
boy, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor
shall touch his head."Perhaps Barak here (see LXX).
12 And as she was praying before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth.
13 (Ge 24:42-45) Now Hannah was speaking in her heart. Her lips were moving,
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 away your wine from you."
15 (Ps 42:4; 62:8) And Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, I am a woman
of sorrow. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my
soul before the Lord.
16 (1Sa 2:12) Do not consider your handmaid to be a sinful woman, for out of
the abundance of my concern and provocation I have spoken until now."
17 (Jdg 18:6; 2Ki 5:19) Then Eli answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God
of Israel grant you your request that you have asked of Him."
18 (Ru 2:13; Ge 33:15) And she said, "Let your handmaid find grace in your
sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was not sad as before.
19 (Ge 30:22; 4:1) They rose up in the morning early and worshipped before
the Lord. And they returned and came to their house to Ramah. And Elkanah
knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.
20 (Ge 41:51-52; Ex 2:10) And it came to pass that Hannah conceived
and bore a son. And she called his name Samuel saying,
"Because I have asked him of the Lord."
[10] And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept
sore.
[11] And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed
look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget
thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will
give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor
come upon his head.
[12] And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli
marked her mouth.
[13] Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice
was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
[14] And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine
from thee.
[15] And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful
spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my
soul before the LORD.
[16] Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the
abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
[17] Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant
thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
[18] And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman
went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
[19] And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD,
and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his
wife; and the LORD remembered her.
[20] Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah
had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying,
Because I have asked him of the LORD.
The Dedication of Samuel
21 (1Sa 1:3) Then the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer
to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and his vow.
22 (1Sa 1:11; 1:28) But Hannah did not go, for she said to her husband,
"I will not go up until the child is weaned, and then I will bring him,
that he may appear before the Lord and live there forever."
23 (2Sa 7:25) So Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems good to you.
Wait until you have weaned him; only may the Lord establish His word."
So the woman remained, and nursed her son until she weaned him.
24 (Jos 18:1; Nu 15:9-10) When she had weaned him, she took him up with her
with three bulls, one ephah [Likely about 36 pounds, or 16 kilograms.]
of flour, and a bottle of wine. And she brought him to the house of the Lord
in Shiloh, though the boy was young.
25 (Lk 2:22) Then they slaughtered a bull, and they brought the boy to Eli.
26 (2Ki 2:2; 2:4) And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am
the woman that stood by you here praying to the Lord.
27 (1Sa 1:11-13) For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition
which I asked of Him.
28 (Ge 24:26; 24:52) Therefore also I have let the Lord have him.
As long as he lives he will be dedicated to the Lord."
And he worshipped the Lord there.
[21] And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD
the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
[22] But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up
until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear
before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
[23] And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry
until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman
abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
[24] And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three
bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto
the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
[25] And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
[26] And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman
that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
[27] For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I
asked of him:
[28] Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he
shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
1 SAMUEL 2
The Prayer of Hannah
1 (Ps 9:14; 13:5) Hannah prayed, saying:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth is bold against my enemies,
because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2 (Ex 15:11; 2Sa 22:32) "There is none holy as the Lord,
for there is none besides You,
and there is no rock like our God.
3 (1Ki 8:39; Pr 8:13) "Do not multiply proud speech,
nor let arrogance come out of your mouth,
for the Lord is the God of knowledge,
and by Him actions are examined.
4 (Ps 37:15; 46:9) "The bows of the mighty are broken,
but those who stumbled are girded with strength.
5 (Ps 113:9; Jer 15:9) Those that were full have hired out
themselves for bread,
and those that were hungry ceased to hunger.
Even the barren has borne seven,
and she that has many children wastes away.
6 (Dt 32:39; 2Ki 5:7; Isa 26:19) "The Lord kills and makes alive;
He brings down to the grave and brings up.
7 (Job 5:11; Ps 75:7) The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
He brings low and lifts up.
8 (Ps 113:7-8; Job 38:4-6) He raises up the poor out of the dust
and lifts up the oppressed from the dunghill
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a throne of glory.
"For the pillars of the earth belong to the Lord,
and He has set the world upon them.
9 (Ps 33:16-17; 91:11-12) He will guard the feet of His saints,
but the wicked will be silent in darkness.
"For by strength shall no man prevail.
10 (Ps 2:9; 89:24) The adversaries of the Lord will be broken to pieces;
He will thunder against them out of heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
"He will give strength to His king
and exalt the horn of His anointed."
11 (1Sa 2:18; 3:1_ Then Elkanah went to Ramah to his house.
And the boy ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.
[1] And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn
is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I
rejoice in thy salvation.
[2] There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither
is there any rock like our God.
[3] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your
mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
[4] The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded
with strength.
[5] They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that
were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath
many children is waxed feeble.
[6] The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and
bringeth up.
[7] The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
[8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from
the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne
of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the
world upon them.
[9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in
darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
[10] The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven
shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and
he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
[11] And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto
the LORD before Eli the priest.
[12] Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Wicked Sons of Eli
12 (Jer 2:8; Jdg 2:10) Now the sons of Eli were corrupt.
They did not know the Lord.
13 The priest's custom with the people was that when any man offered
a sacrifice, the priest's servant came while the flesh was cooking with
a three-pronged fork in his hand.
14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or cauldron, or pot,
and all that the fork brought up the priest took for himself.
This they did in Shiloh to all the children of Israel who came there.
15 (Lev 3:16; 3:3-5) Even before they burned the fat, the priest's servant
would come and say to the man sacrificing, "Give meat for the priest
to roast. For he will not take boiled meat from you, but only raw."
16 If any man said to him, "Let them first burn the fat and then take
as much as you wish," then he would answer him, "No, but you will give
it to me now, and if not, I will take it by force."
17 (Ge 6:11) Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before
the Lord. For the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt.
[13] And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered
sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with
a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
[14] And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that
the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh
unto all the Israelites that came thither.
[15] Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to
the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not
have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
[16] And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat
presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer
him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by
force.
[17] Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for
men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
God Blesses Hannah
18 (1Sa 2:11; 3:1) But Samuel ministered before the Lord, as a boy,
wearing a linen ephod.
19 (1Sa 1:3; 1:21) Now his mother would make him a little coat
and brought it to him every year when she came up with her husband to
offer the yearly sacrifice.
20 (1Sa 1:27-28) And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say,
"The Lord give you offspring from this woman for the sake of the request
which was made to the Lord." Then they would return to their home.
21 (Ge 21:1; Jdg 13:24) The Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived
and bore three sons and two daughters.
And the boy Samuel grew before the Lord.
[18] But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a
linen ephod.
[19] Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from
year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly
sacrifice.
[20] And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed
of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto
their own home.
[21] And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons
and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
Eli Confronts Hophni and Phinehas
22 (Ex 38:8; 1Sa 2:13-17) Now Eli was very old, and he heard all that
his sons were doing to all Israel, even that they lay with the women
who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.
23 He said to them, "Why are you doing these things? For I am hearing
of your evil dealings from all these people.
24 No, my sons! Truly, it is not a good report that I hear the people
of the Lord spreading.
25 (Jos 11:20; Nu 15:30) If one man sins against another, God will judge him,
but if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him" But they
did not listen to the voice of their father, because the Lord desired
to kill them.
26 (Lk 2:52) Now the boy Samuel was growing both in stature
and favor with the Lord and also with men.
[22] Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel;
and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle
of the congregation.
[23] And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil
dealings by all this people.
[24] Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD's
people to transgress.
[25] If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man
sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they
hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay
them.
[26] And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and
also with men.
God's Case Against the House of Eli
27 (1Ki 13:1; Ex 4:14-16) A man of God came to Eli and said to him,
"Thus says the Lord, 'Did I not plainly reveal Myself to the house
of your father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
28 (Ex 28:1; Lev 8:7-8) And choose him out of all the tribes of Israel
to be My priest, to offer upon My altar, to burn incense, to wear
an ephod before Me? And I gave to the house of your father
all the offerings made by fire by the children of Israel?
29 (1Sa 2:13-17; Mt 10:37) Why do you kick at My sacrifice and
at My offering, which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons
above Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings
of Israel My people?'
30 (Ex 29:9; Ps 50:23) "Therefore the Lord God of Israel says, 'I surely said
that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before Me
forever,' but now the Lord says, 'Far be it from Me to do so, for those
who honor Me, I will honor, and those that despise Me will be humbled.
31 (1Sa 22:17-20) The days are coming when I will cut off your authority
and the strength of your father's house, so there shall not be an old man
in your house.
32 (Zec 8:4; 1Sa 4:11) You shall see the distress of My dwelling, despite
all the good which will be done for Israel. And there shall not be an elderly
man in your house perpetually.
33 Yet the one I do not cut off from My altar will be spared so your eyes
will not stop weeping or your soul grieving. All the increase of your house
will die in their prime.
34 (1Sa 4:11; 1Ki 13:3) "'This will be the sign to you which will come upon
your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas: In one day, they will both die.
35 (2Sa 7:11; 7:27) And I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest;
what is in My heart and in My soul he will do it. And I will build him
a sure house, and it will walk before My anointed forever.
36 (1Ki 2:27) But it will be that everyone who is left in your house
will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a morsel
of bread, and will say, Please attach me to one of the priestly offices,
that I may eat a piece of bread."
[27] And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the
LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in
Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
[28] And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest,
to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and
did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of
the children of Israel?
[29] Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have
commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make
yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
[30] Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house,
and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the
LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and
they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
[31] Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of
thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
[32] And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which
God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for
ever.
[33] And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall
be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of
thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
[34] And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons,
on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
[35] And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to
that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure
house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
[36] And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house
shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread,
and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I
may eat a piece of bread.
[Remember in any position, the Lord gave you stewardship of it]
1 SAMUEL 3
God Calls Samuel
1 (1Sa 2:11; Ps 74:9) Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord
before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days.
There was no vision coming forth.
2 (1Sa 4:15; Ge 27:1)At that time, Eli was lying down in his place
(now his eyes had begun to grow weak that he could not see),
3 (Ex 27:20-21; Lev 24:2-4) and the lamp of God had not yet gone out,
and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord where the ark of God was.
4 Then the Lord called to Samuel, and he answered, "Here I am."
5 He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called to me."
And he said, "I did not call. Return, lie down again."
And he went and lay down.
6 The Lord called Samuel again. So Samuel arose and went to Eli,
and said, "Here I am, for you called me."
And he answered, "I did not call, my son. Return, lie down again."
7 (Ac 19:2) Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word
of the Lord been revealed to him.
8 The Lord again called Samuel a third time. So he arose and went to
Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me."
Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling to the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel,"Go, lie down. And it will be,
if He calls you, that you will say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant listens.'"
So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The Lord came and stood, and He called as at other times, "Samuel, Samuel."
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant listens."
11 (2Ki 21:12; Jer 19:3) The Lord said to Samuel, "See, I am doing something
in Israel which will make both ears ring of every one that hears it.
12 (1Sa 2:27-36) In that day I will bring about against Eli everything which
I have spoken with regard to his house, from beginning to end.
13 (1Sa 2:12; 2:17) For I told him that I will judge his house forever,
for the guilt which he knew, because his sons are cursed,
and he did not rebuke them.
14 (Isa 22:14; 1Sa 2:25) Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that
the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for with sacrifice
nor offering forever."
15 Samuel lay until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house
of the Lord. Now Samuel feared to report the vision to Eli.
16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, "Samuel, my son."
And he answered, "Here I am."
17 (Ru 1:17; 2Sa 3:35) He said, "What is the thing that the Lord has spoken t
o you? Do not hide it from me. Thus may God do so to you, and more also,
if you hide from me a word out of all the things that He spoke to you."
18 (Job 2:10; Isa 39:8) Samuel told him everything, and did not hide from
him a thing. And he said, "It is the Lord; let Him do
what is good in His eyes."
19 (1Sa 2:21; 9:6) And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him
and did not let any of his words fall to the ground.
20 (Jdg 20:1; 2Sa 3:10) All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that
Samuel was proven to be a prophet of the Lord.
21 (Ge 12:7; 1Sa 3:1) And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh.
For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
[1] And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word
of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
[2] And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place,
and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
[3] And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the
ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
[4] That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
[5] And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he
said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
[6] And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli,
and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not,
my son; lie down again.
[7] Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD
yet revealed unto him.
[8] And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went
to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that
the LORD had called the child.
[9] Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he
call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So
Samuel went and lay down in his place.
[10] And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel,
Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
[11] And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at
which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
[12] In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken
concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
[13] For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the
iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he
restrained them not.
[14] And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of
Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
[15] And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of
the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
[16] Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here
am I.
[17] And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I
pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou
hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
[18] And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said,
It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
[19] And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his
words fall to the ground.
[20] And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was
established to be a prophet of the LORD.
[21] And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to
Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
[Hide nothing the Lord says, for He is in control]
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 April 2024 titled
Five Good Things
Psalm 107:1-9
1 Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,
for His mercy endures forever!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out,
whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) and gathered them from the lands,
from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) They wandered in the wilderness on a deserted path;
they found no city to dwell in.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted in them.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble,
and He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He led them on a level road,
that they might go to a city to live in.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Let them praise the Lord for His goodness
and for His wonderful works to the people!
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) For He satisfies the longing soul
and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
[1] O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for
ever.
[2] Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the
hand of the enemy;
[3] And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west,
from the north, and from the south.
[4] They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no
city to dwell in.
[5] Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
[6] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them
out of their distresses.
[7] And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of
habitation.
[8] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works to the children of men!
[9] For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with
goodness.
According to research, people who are intentionally grateful for what
they have report better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, and more happiness.
Those are impressive benefits. Psychologists even suggest keeping a
"gratitude journal" to improve our well-being, writing down five things
we're grateful for each week.
Scripture has long promoted the practice of gratitude. From meals
and marriage (1 Timothy 4:3-5) to the beauties of creation (Psalm 104),
the Bible has called us to see such things as gifts and to thank the Giver
for them. Psalm 107 lists five things Israel could be especially grateful
for: their rescue from the desert (vv. 4-9), their release from captivity
(vv. 10-16), healing from disease (vv. 18-22), safety at sea (vv. 23-32),
and their flourishing in a barren land (vv. 33-42).
"Give thanks to the Lord," the psalm repeats, for these are all signs
of God's "unfailing love" (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).
Do you have a notepad handy? Why not write down five good things you're
grateful for now? It might be the meal you just enjoyed, your marriage or,
like Israel, God's rescue points in your life to date. Give thanks
for the birds singing outside, the smells from your kitchen,
the comfort of your chair, the murmurs of loved ones.
Each is a gift and a sign of God’s unfailing love.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think Scripture so often calls us to be thankful?
What five good things are you grateful for today?
Father God, I'm grateful for every good thing
You've brought into my life. And most of all, I'm grateful for You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave
Col 3:13
13 Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone
has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man
have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.
"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things
look good, to have me condone her new relationship.
I won't do it. I won't forgive her."
Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving
his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are
the victims of "unforgivable" offenses; many of us, as well,
are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need
to be forgiven.
Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"
hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,
but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound
to forgiveness for one simple reason:
because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.
"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ
forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He
forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,
before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,
before we came to him in repentance.
Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of
his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees
the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant
from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses
against us when we focus our attention not on the offender, but on Christ,
who forgave us.
Application
a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?
What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?
b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?
How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 day of Prayers from 18 March 2023 to 18 April 2023
Pray for the Afar of Ethiopia
Luke 15:4
4 (Eze 34:11-12; 34:16) "What man among you having a hundred sheep
and losing one of them does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness
and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
[4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth
not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is
lost, until he find it?
The Afar people group mostly live in East Africa, in the nations of Ethiopia,
Djbouti and Eritrea. They are almost entirely Muslim - there are less than
0.5% known believers in their ethnic group. With a population of only
2 million, they are a small population but they have existed for centuries
- they claim to be the descendants of Ham, the son of Noah. The Afar have
been known as Muslims since the earliest recording of them, although there
are traces of their ancient spiritual beliefs in their customs,
such as wearing amulets, divination and folk magic.
Most Afar - around 1.5 million - live in Ethiopia. Most of them live
a nomadic life and work as herdsmen, while others work in the salt
mines of the Danakil Depression - a feature of the dry land where
they have survived heat and drought for generations.
There are many obstacles to the Afar people hearing the gospel.
Their nomadic lifestyle, a strong cultural identity shaped around Islam,
and social pressure to remain faithful to the tribal beliefs make it
very challenging to introduce the message of Jesus. As drought and famine
force more Afar into urban areas for work, they may have more opportunities
to meet a Christian but it is still unlikely.
How to Pray
Pray for the Afar people to have dreams
and visions of Jesus that lead to salvation.
Pray that ministries in Ethiopia will find creative ways
of sharing the gospel with the Afar.
Ask the Lord to bless the Afar people, and to send them
ways to experience His great love for them.
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Conclusion:
Lord Jesus, l know that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness. I
believe that You died for my sins and l trust in You alone for my salvation. I
choose to turn away from the things in my life of which You don't approve
and now surrender my life to You. I invite You to come and reign and rule in
my heart and fife and open my spirit Establish Your presence within me
and please bring me Your peace. I want to know the power of the Holy Spirit
working in me and live forever with You in the Kingdom of God. I choose to
trust and follow You as my Lord and saviour. Amen
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a good steward of what the Lord has given you
and to dedicate your children to Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, I'm grateful for every good thing
You've brought into my life. And most of all, I'm grateful for You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a genuine forgiver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to receive His Grace.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in the Lord,
]even in tiems of troubles.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Pray for the Afar people to have dreams
and visions of Jesus that lead to salvation.
Pray that ministries in Ethiopia will find creative ways
of sharing the gospel with the Afar.
Ask the Lord to bless the Afar people, and to send them
ways to experience His great love for them..
Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God
Today at
Calvary Community Church , Pastor Barry Regier spoke on
On Mission with the Rusen Christ
JOb 1:6-8
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the Lord, and the Adversary also came among them. 7 And the Lord
said to the Adversary, "From where have you come?" Then the Adversary
answered the Lord, saying, "From roaming on the earth, and from walking up
and down on it."
8 And the Lord said to the Adversary, "Have you considered My servant Job,
that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man,
who fears God, and avoids evil?"
[6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
[7] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered
the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up
and down in it.
[8] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Ephesians 5:8-10
8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-
9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth-
10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things I have commanded
you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 1:8
8 (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Through Philip's example we learn to
A) Follow God's leading Acts 8:26
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 (Ac 5:19; 27:23; 12:23) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,
"Rise up and go toward the south on the way that goes down from Jerusalem
to Gaza." This is desert.
[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go
toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,
which is desert.
B) Make ourselves Available Acts 8:27-29
27 (Ps 68:31; 87:4) So he rose up and went. And there was a man of Ethiopia,
a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,
who was in command of her entire treasury.
He had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28 He was returning, sitting in his chariot
and reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.
29 (Ac 10:19; 11:12) The Spirit said to Philip,
"Go to this chariot and stay with it."
[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of
great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of
all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this
chariot.
C) Take initiative Acts 8:30
30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
D) Be tactful 1 Peter 3:15-16 Acts 8:30-31
15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you, with
gentleness and fear.
16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak
evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in
Christ.
30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 (Ro 10:14) He said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"
So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
E) Be prepared
32 (Isa 53:7-8) The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:
"He was led as a sheep to slaughter;
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so He opened not His mouth.
33 (Isa 53:8; 53:12) In His humiliation justice was denied Him;
who will speak of His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch said to Philip, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet speak,
of himself or of someone else?"
35 (Lk 24:27; Ac 18:28) Then Philip spoke, beginning with the same Scripture,
and preached Jesus to him.
[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a
sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth:
[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh
the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus.
36 (Ac 10:47) As they went on their way, they came to some water.
And the eunuch said, "Look, here is water.
What hinders me from being baptised?"
37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He answered,
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 And he commanded the chariot to halt. Then both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
39 (1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16) When they came up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. And the eunuch saw him no more,
and he went his way rejoicing.
40 (Ac 10:1; 21:8) But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through,
he preached the gospel in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all
the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
The Romans Road to Sharing Jesus
i) Romans 3:23
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
ii) Romans 6:23
23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
iii) Romans 5:8
8 (Jn 15:13; 1Pe 3:18) But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.
iv) Romans 10:9-10
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11) that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord,
and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
v) Romans 10:13
13 (Ac 2:21; Joel 2:32) For, "Everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord shall be saved."(Joel 2:32.)
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
1) 1 Samuel 1 - 3
1 SAMUEL 1
The Birth of Samuel
1 (1Sa 1:19; 1Ch 6:34) Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim Zuphim,
in the hill country 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.
2 And he had two wives; the name of one was Hannah and the name of the second
was Peninnah. Now Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 (Ex 23:14; Dt 12:5-7) This man went up out of his city annually to worship
and to sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts in Shiloh. And there the two sons of Eli,
Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord.
4 (Dt 12:17-18; 16:11) When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave
portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters.
5 (Ge 30:2) But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved Hannah,
but the Lord had closed her womb.
6 Now her rival provoked her greatly, making her miserable because the Lord
had closed her womb.
7 Thus it was yearly, when she went up to the house of the Lord,
that she provoked her. So Hannah wept and did not eat.
8 (Ru 4:15) Then said Elkanah her husband to her, "Hannah, why are
you weeping? And why do you not eat? Why is your heart grieved?
Am I not better to you than ten sons?"
[1] Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and
his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu,
the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
[2] And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of
the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
[3] And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice
unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and
Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
[4] And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his
wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
[5] But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the
LORD had shut up her womb.
[6] And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because
the LORD had shut up her womb.
[7] And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the
LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
[8] Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why
eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than
ten sons?
9 (1Sa 3:3) So Hannah arose after they had eaten in Shiloh and after
they had drunk. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a seat by the door
of the tabernacle of the Lord.
10 (Job 7:11; 10:1) And she was bitter, and prayed to the Lord,
and wept severely.
11 (Jdg 13:5; Ge 29:32; Nu 6:5) So 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 to Your maidservant a baby
boy, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor
shall touch his head."Perhaps Barak here (see LXX).
12 And as she was praying before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth.
13 (Ge 24:42-45) Now Hannah was speaking in her heart. Her lips were moving,
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 away your wine from you."
15 (Ps 42:4; 62:8) And Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, I am a woman
of sorrow. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my
soul before the Lord.
16 (1Sa 2:12) Do not consider your handmaid to be a sinful woman, for out of
the abundance of my concern and provocation I have spoken until now."
17 (Jdg 18:6; 2Ki 5:19) Then Eli answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God
of Israel grant you your request that you have asked of Him."
18 (Ru 2:13; Ge 33:15) And she said, "Let your handmaid find grace in your
sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was not sad as before.
19 (Ge 30:22; 4:1) They rose up in the morning early and worshipped before
the Lord. And they returned and came to their house to Ramah. And Elkanah
knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.
20 (Ge 41:51-52; Ex 2:10) And it came to pass that Hannah conceived
and bore a son. And she called his name Samuel saying,
"Because I have asked him of the Lord."
[10] And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept
sore.
[11] And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed
look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget
thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will
give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor
come upon his head.
[12] And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli
marked her mouth.
[13] Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice
was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
[14] And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine
from thee.
[15] And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful
spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my
soul before the LORD.
[16] Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the
abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
[17] Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant
thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
[18] And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman
went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
[19] And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD,
and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his
wife; and the LORD remembered her.
[20] Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah
had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying,
Because I have asked him of the LORD.
The Dedication of Samuel
21 (1Sa 1:3) Then the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer
to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and his vow.
22 (1Sa 1:11; 1:28) But Hannah did not go, for she said to her husband,
"I will not go up until the child is weaned, and then I will bring him,
that he may appear before the Lord and live there forever."
23 (2Sa 7:25) So Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems good to you.
Wait until you have weaned him; only may the Lord establish His word."
So the woman remained, and nursed her son until she weaned him.
24 (Jos 18:1; Nu 15:9-10) When she had weaned him, she took him up with her
with three bulls, one ephah [Likely about 36 pounds, or 16 kilograms.]
of flour, and a bottle of wine. And she brought him to the house of the Lord
in Shiloh, though the boy was young.
25 (Lk 2:22) Then they slaughtered a bull, and they brought the boy to Eli.
26 (2Ki 2:2; 2:4) And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am
the woman that stood by you here praying to the Lord.
27 (1Sa 1:11-13) For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition
which I asked of Him.
28 (Ge 24:26; 24:52) Therefore also I have let the Lord have him.
As long as he lives he will be dedicated to the Lord."
And he worshipped the Lord there.
[21] And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD
the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
[22] But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up
until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear
before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
[23] And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry
until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman
abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
[24] And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three
bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto
the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
[25] And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
[26] And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman
that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
[27] For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I
asked of him:
[28] Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he
shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
1 SAMUEL 2
The Prayer of Hannah
1 (Ps 9:14; 13:5) Hannah prayed, saying:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth is bold against my enemies,
because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2 (Ex 15:11; 2Sa 22:32) "There is none holy as the Lord,
for there is none besides You,
and there is no rock like our God.
3 (1Ki 8:39; Pr 8:13) "Do not multiply proud speech,
nor let arrogance come out of your mouth,
for the Lord is the God of knowledge,
and by Him actions are examined.
4 (Ps 37:15; 46:9) "The bows of the mighty are broken,
but those who stumbled are girded with strength.
5 (Ps 113:9; Jer 15:9) Those that were full have hired out
themselves for bread,
and those that were hungry ceased to hunger.
Even the barren has borne seven,
and she that has many children wastes away.
6 (Dt 32:39; 2Ki 5:7; Isa 26:19) "The Lord kills and makes alive;
He brings down to the grave and brings up.
7 (Job 5:11; Ps 75:7) The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
He brings low and lifts up.
8 (Ps 113:7-8; Job 38:4-6) He raises up the poor out of the dust
and lifts up the oppressed from the dunghill
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a throne of glory.
"For the pillars of the earth belong to the Lord,
and He has set the world upon them.
9 (Ps 33:16-17; 91:11-12) He will guard the feet of His saints,
but the wicked will be silent in darkness.
"For by strength shall no man prevail.
10 (Ps 2:9; 89:24) The adversaries of the Lord will be broken to pieces;
He will thunder against them out of heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
"He will give strength to His king
and exalt the horn of His anointed."
11 (1Sa 2:18; 3:1_ Then Elkanah went to Ramah to his house.
And the boy ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.
[1] And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn
is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I
rejoice in thy salvation.
[2] There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither
is there any rock like our God.
[3] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your
mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
[4] The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded
with strength.
[5] They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that
were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath
many children is waxed feeble.
[6] The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and
bringeth up.
[7] The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
[8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from
the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne
of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the
world upon them.
[9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in
darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
[10] The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven
shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and
he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
[11] And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto
the LORD before Eli the priest.
[12] Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Wicked Sons of Eli
12 (Jer 2:8; Jdg 2:10) Now the sons of Eli were corrupt.
They did not know the Lord.
13 The priest's custom with the people was that when any man offered
a sacrifice, the priest's servant came while the flesh was cooking with
a three-pronged fork in his hand.
14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or cauldron, or pot,
and all that the fork brought up the priest took for himself.
This they did in Shiloh to all the children of Israel who came there.
15 (Lev 3:16; 3:3-5) Even before they burned the fat, the priest's servant
would come and say to the man sacrificing, "Give meat for the priest
to roast. For he will not take boiled meat from you, but only raw."
16 If any man said to him, "Let them first burn the fat and then take
as much as you wish," then he would answer him, "No, but you will give
it to me now, and if not, I will take it by force."
17 (Ge 6:11) Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before
the Lord. For the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt.
[13] And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered
sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with
a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
[14] And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that
the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh
unto all the Israelites that came thither.
[15] Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to
the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not
have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
[16] And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat
presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer
him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by
force.
[17] Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for
men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
God Blesses Hannah
18 (1Sa 2:11; 3:1) But Samuel ministered before the Lord, as a boy,
wearing a linen ephod.
19 (1Sa 1:3; 1:21) Now his mother would make him a little coat
and brought it to him every year when she came up with her husband to
offer the yearly sacrifice.
20 (1Sa 1:27-28) And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say,
"The Lord give you offspring from this woman for the sake of the request
which was made to the Lord." Then they would return to their home.
21 (Ge 21:1; Jdg 13:24) The Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived
and bore three sons and two daughters.
And the boy Samuel grew before the Lord.
[18] But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a
linen ephod.
[19] Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from
year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly
sacrifice.
[20] And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed
of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto
their own home.
[21] And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons
and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
Eli Confronts Hophni and Phinehas
22 (Ex 38:8; 1Sa 2:13-17) Now Eli was very old, and he heard all that
his sons were doing to all Israel, even that they lay with the women
who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.
23 He said to them, "Why are you doing these things? For I am hearing
of your evil dealings from all these people.
24 No, my sons! Truly, it is not a good report that I hear the people
of the Lord spreading.
25 (Jos 11:20; Nu 15:30) If one man sins against another, God will judge him,
but if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him" But they
did not listen to the voice of their father, because the Lord desired
to kill them.
26 (Lk 2:52) Now the boy Samuel was growing both in stature
and favor with the Lord and also with men.
[22] Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel;
and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle
of the congregation.
[23] And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil
dealings by all this people.
[24] Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD's
people to transgress.
[25] If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man
sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they
hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay
them.
[26] And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and
also with men.
God's Case Against the House of Eli
27 (1Ki 13:1; Ex 4:14-16) A man of God came to Eli and said to him,
"Thus says the Lord, 'Did I not plainly reveal Myself to the house
of your father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
28 (Ex 28:1; Lev 8:7-8) And choose him out of all the tribes of Israel
to be My priest, to offer upon My altar, to burn incense, to wear
an ephod before Me? And I gave to the house of your father
all the offerings made by fire by the children of Israel?
29 (1Sa 2:13-17; Mt 10:37) Why do you kick at My sacrifice and
at My offering, which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons
above Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings
of Israel My people?'
30 (Ex 29:9; Ps 50:23) "Therefore the Lord God of Israel says, 'I surely said
that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before Me
forever,' but now the Lord says, 'Far be it from Me to do so, for those
who honor Me, I will honor, and those that despise Me will be humbled.
31 (1Sa 22:17-20) The days are coming when I will cut off your authority
and the strength of your father's house, so there shall not be an old man
in your house.
32 (Zec 8:4; 1Sa 4:11) You shall see the distress of My dwelling, despite
all the good which will be done for Israel. And there shall not be an elderly
man in your house perpetually.
33 Yet the one I do not cut off from My altar will be spared so your eyes
will not stop weeping or your soul grieving. All the increase of your house
will die in their prime.
34 (1Sa 4:11; 1Ki 13:3) "'This will be the sign to you which will come upon
your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas: In one day, they will both die.
35 (2Sa 7:11; 7:27) And I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest;
what is in My heart and in My soul he will do it. And I will build him
a sure house, and it will walk before My anointed forever.
36 (1Ki 2:27) But it will be that everyone who is left in your house
will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a morsel
of bread, and will say, Please attach me to one of the priestly offices,
that I may eat a piece of bread."
[27] And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the
LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in
Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
[28] And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest,
to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and
did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of
the children of Israel?
[29] Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have
commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make
yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
[30] Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house,
and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the
LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and
they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
[31] Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of
thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
[32] And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which
God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for
ever.
[33] And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall
be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of
thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
[34] And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons,
on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
[35] And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to
that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure
house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
[36] And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house
shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread,
and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I
may eat a piece of bread.
[Remember in any position, the Lord gave you stewardship of it]
1 SAMUEL 3
God Calls Samuel
1 (1Sa 2:11; Ps 74:9) Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord
before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days.
There was no vision coming forth.
2 (1Sa 4:15; Ge 27:1)At that time, Eli was lying down in his place
(now his eyes had begun to grow weak that he could not see),
3 (Ex 27:20-21; Lev 24:2-4) and the lamp of God had not yet gone out,
and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord where the ark of God was.
4 Then the Lord called to Samuel, and he answered, "Here I am."
5 He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called to me."
And he said, "I did not call. Return, lie down again."
And he went and lay down.
6 The Lord called Samuel again. So Samuel arose and went to Eli,
and said, "Here I am, for you called me."
And he answered, "I did not call, my son. Return, lie down again."
7 (Ac 19:2) Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word
of the Lord been revealed to him.
8 The Lord again called Samuel a third time. So he arose and went to
Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me."
Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling to the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel,"Go, lie down. And it will be,
if He calls you, that you will say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant listens.'"
So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The Lord came and stood, and He called as at other times, "Samuel, Samuel."
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant listens."
11 (2Ki 21:12; Jer 19:3) The Lord said to Samuel, "See, I am doing something
in Israel which will make both ears ring of every one that hears it.
12 (1Sa 2:27-36) In that day I will bring about against Eli everything which
I have spoken with regard to his house, from beginning to end.
13 (1Sa 2:12; 2:17) For I told him that I will judge his house forever,
for the guilt which he knew, because his sons are cursed,
and he did not rebuke them.
14 (Isa 22:14; 1Sa 2:25) Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that
the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for with sacrifice
nor offering forever."
15 Samuel lay until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house
of the Lord. Now Samuel feared to report the vision to Eli.
16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, "Samuel, my son."
And he answered, "Here I am."
17 (Ru 1:17; 2Sa 3:35) He said, "What is the thing that the Lord has spoken t
o you? Do not hide it from me. Thus may God do so to you, and more also,
if you hide from me a word out of all the things that He spoke to you."
18 (Job 2:10; Isa 39:8) Samuel told him everything, and did not hide from
him a thing. And he said, "It is the Lord; let Him do
what is good in His eyes."
19 (1Sa 2:21; 9:6) And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him
and did not let any of his words fall to the ground.
20 (Jdg 20:1; 2Sa 3:10) All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that
Samuel was proven to be a prophet of the Lord.
21 (Ge 12:7; 1Sa 3:1) And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh.
For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
[1] And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word
of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
[2] And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place,
and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
[3] And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the
ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
[4] That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
[5] And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he
said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
[6] And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli,
and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not,
my son; lie down again.
[7] Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD
yet revealed unto him.
[8] And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went
to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that
the LORD had called the child.
[9] Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he
call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So
Samuel went and lay down in his place.
[10] And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel,
Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
[11] And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at
which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
[12] In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken
concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
[13] For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the
iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he
restrained them not.
[14] And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of
Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
[15] And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of
the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
[16] Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here
am I.
[17] And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I
pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou
hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
[18] And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said,
It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
[19] And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his
words fall to the ground.
[20] And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was
established to be a prophet of the LORD.
[21] And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to
Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
[Hide nothing the Lord says, for He is in control]
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 April 2024 titled
Five Good Things
Psalm 107:1-9
1 Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,
for His mercy endures forever!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out,
whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) and gathered them from the lands,
from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) They wandered in the wilderness on a deserted path;
they found no city to dwell in.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted in them.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble,
and He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He led them on a level road,
that they might go to a city to live in.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Let them praise the Lord for His goodness
and for His wonderful works to the people!
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) For He satisfies the longing soul
and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
[1] O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for
ever.
[2] Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the
hand of the enemy;
[3] And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west,
from the north, and from the south.
[4] They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no
city to dwell in.
[5] Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
[6] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them
out of their distresses.
[7] And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of
habitation.
[8] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works to the children of men!
[9] For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with
goodness.
According to research, people who are intentionally grateful for what
they have report better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, and more happiness.
Those are impressive benefits. Psychologists even suggest keeping a
"gratitude journal" to improve our well-being, writing down five things
we're grateful for each week.
Scripture has long promoted the practice of gratitude. From meals
and marriage (1 Timothy 4:3-5) to the beauties of creation (Psalm 104),
the Bible has called us to see such things as gifts and to thank the Giver
for them. Psalm 107 lists five things Israel could be especially grateful
for: their rescue from the desert (vv. 4-9), their release from captivity
(vv. 10-16), healing from disease (vv. 18-22), safety at sea (vv. 23-32),
and their flourishing in a barren land (vv. 33-42).
"Give thanks to the Lord," the psalm repeats, for these are all signs
of God's "unfailing love" (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).
Do you have a notepad handy? Why not write down five good things you're
grateful for now? It might be the meal you just enjoyed, your marriage or,
like Israel, God's rescue points in your life to date. Give thanks
for the birds singing outside, the smells from your kitchen,
the comfort of your chair, the murmurs of loved ones.
Each is a gift and a sign of God’s unfailing love.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think Scripture so often calls us to be thankful?
What five good things are you grateful for today?
Father God, I'm grateful for every good thing
You've brought into my life. And most of all, I'm grateful for You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave
Col 3:13
13 Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone
has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man
have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.
"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things
look good, to have me condone her new relationship.
I won't do it. I won't forgive her."
Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving
his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are
the victims of "unforgivable" offenses; many of us, as well,
are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need
to be forgiven.
Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"
hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,
but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound
to forgiveness for one simple reason:
because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.
"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ
forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He
forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,
before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,
before we came to him in repentance.
Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of
his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees
the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant
from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses
against us when we focus our attention not on the offender, but on Christ,
who forgave us.
Application
a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?
What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?
b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?
How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 day of Prayers from 18 March 2023 to 18 April 2023
Pray for the Afar of Ethiopia
Luke 15:4
4 (Eze 34:11-12; 34:16) "What man among you having a hundred sheep
and losing one of them does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness
and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
[4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth
not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is
lost, until he find it?
The Afar people group mostly live in East Africa, in the nations of Ethiopia,
Djbouti and Eritrea. They are almost entirely Muslim - there are less than
0.5% known believers in their ethnic group. With a population of only
2 million, they are a small population but they have existed for centuries
- they claim to be the descendants of Ham, the son of Noah. The Afar have
been known as Muslims since the earliest recording of them, although there
are traces of their ancient spiritual beliefs in their customs,
such as wearing amulets, divination and folk magic.
Most Afar - around 1.5 million - live in Ethiopia. Most of them live
a nomadic life and work as herdsmen, while others work in the salt
mines of the Danakil Depression - a feature of the dry land where
they have survived heat and drought for generations.
There are many obstacles to the Afar people hearing the gospel.
Their nomadic lifestyle, a strong cultural identity shaped around Islam,
and social pressure to remain faithful to the tribal beliefs make it
very challenging to introduce the message of Jesus. As drought and famine
force more Afar into urban areas for work, they may have more opportunities
to meet a Christian but it is still unlikely.
How to Pray
Pray for the Afar people to have dreams
and visions of Jesus that lead to salvation.
Pray that ministries in Ethiopia will find creative ways
of sharing the gospel with the Afar.
Ask the Lord to bless the Afar people, and to send them
ways to experience His great love for them.
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Conclusion:
Lord Jesus, l know that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness. I
believe that You died for my sins and l trust in You alone for my salvation. I
choose to turn away from the things in my life of which You don't approve
and now surrender my life to You. I invite You to come and reign and rule in
my heart and fife and open my spirit Establish Your presence within me
and please bring me Your peace. I want to know the power of the Holy Spirit
working in me and live forever with You in the Kingdom of God. I choose to
trust and follow You as my Lord and saviour. Amen
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a good steward of what the Lord has given you
and to dedicate your children to Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, I'm grateful for every good thing
You've brought into my life. And most of all, I'm grateful for You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a genuine forgiver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to receive His Grace.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in the Lord,
]even in tiems of troubles.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Pray for the Afar people to have dreams
and visions of Jesus that lead to salvation.
Pray that ministries in Ethiopia will find creative ways
of sharing the gospel with the Afar.
Ask the Lord to bless the Afar people, and to send them
ways to experience His great love for them..
Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God