The Philistines had the Ark of the Covenant for seven months. As discussed yesterday, the hand of God was upon them in judgement during that time. They sought wisdom from their priests and diviners as to how to send the Ark back to Israel. They told them to send it with gifts, five golden tumors … Continue reading The Ark Returns to Israel (I Samuel 6:1 – 7:1)
Ichabod in Shiloh; God is Boss in Ashdod (I Samuel 4:19 – 5:12)
After Eli fell back and died upon hearing of his son's deaths, Eli's daugher-in-law, Phinehas' wife, went into labor and delivered their child. The women who stood by her congratulated her on having a son, but she did not answer them. She named the child Ichabod, which means, "The Glory of the Lord has departed." … Continue reading Ichabod in Shiloh; God is Boss in Ashdod (I Samuel 4:19 – 5:12)
The Death of Eli (1 Samuel 4:12 – 18)
After the battle with the Philistines, a Benjamite ran to Shiloh to tell of the defeat. Eli, now ninety-eight years old, sat by the roadside. When Eli heard the commotion, he asked what news the man brought, for he feared for the Ark. 1 Samuel 4:17 (NKJV) 17 So the messenger answered and said, “Israel has … Continue reading The Death of Eli (1 Samuel 4:12 – 18)
The Cold, Dark Winter
Sermon Notes from Sunday sermon Jnauary 24, 2016 The Certainty of Seasons Genesis 8:22 (NKJV) 22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” Choosing Where You Winter Acts 27:12 (NKJV) 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority … Continue reading The Cold, Dark Winter
God Speaks to Samuel; The Hand of Judgment Falls (1 Samuel 3:1 – 4:11)
Samuel, by now, is moving in the flow of the ministry in the temple. Because of Israel's sin, there were only rare occurrences of God's Word being shared. There was no widespread revelation. In this Godless time, the Lord called to Samuel, and Samuel answered and ran to Eli, thinking he had called him. This … Continue reading God Speaks to Samuel; The Hand of Judgment Falls (1 Samuel 3:1 – 4:11)
Warning! (1 Samuel 2:18 – 36)
Samuel, but a child, is in full swing as a helper/minister in the house of God, learning under the tutelage of Eli. His parents visit him often, and Hannah usually brings him a robe every time. God blessed Hannah for her gift to the Lord of lending Samuel to the Lord, and gave her three … Continue reading Warning! (1 Samuel 2:18 – 36)
Rejoicing in Blessings and Danger in Corruption (I Samuel 2:1 – 15)
After the birth of Samuel and his being lent to the Lord, Hannah sang a song of praise unto God, outlining how things that seemed desperate or impossible had been reversed by the power of the Lord. She rejoiced, where she once mourned and travailed before God. When God comes on the scene and answers … Continue reading Rejoicing in Blessings and Danger in Corruption (I Samuel 2:1 – 15)
A Desire for a Son Fulfilled (I Samuel 1:8 – 28)
Hannah refused to eat at the feast during their pilgrimage to Shiloh. Elkanah was concerned about her and asked if she would eat something. She was full of anguish and arose from the table to pray again. She made a vow to God that if He would give her a son, she would give Him … Continue reading A Desire for a Son Fulfilled (I Samuel 1:8 – 28)
From Bitter to Pleasant (Ruth 4:13 – 22; 1 Samuel 1:1 – 7)
Ruth and Boaz were married, and thus Naomi's estate was redeemed. They had a child, and named him Obed. Obed would become the grandfather of David the king. Naomi took the child and became a nurse to him, and her days of bitterness were ended. She was again called Naomi, which means "pleasant." The … Continue reading From Bitter to Pleasant (Ruth 4:13 – 22; 1 Samuel 1:1 – 7)
Seed for Sowing – Psalm 126:5–6 (NKJV)
Psalm 126:5–6 (NKJV) 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. The Precious Seed A passionate, intimate investment of life can result in more than a nuisance or an interruption of … Continue reading Seed for Sowing – Psalm 126:5–6 (NKJV)