via TJC
1 Samuel 1: 27-28 - For this boy, I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my request, which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the Lord.” . - Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel.
The book of 1st Samuel is the story of two people actively devoted to the Lord of Hosts. The story is so rich it requires a second book. While the prophet Samuel gets the lion’s share of attention in both, without his devoted mother, Hannah…there is no story.
Hannah’s plea and song set the stage for Samuel’s life.”My heart exults in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies.” Exulting and speaking! Action verbs are the story of Samuel. As seen in Hannah and Samuel’s spoken requests, the Lord answered. This is a book of requests to and responses from the Lord!
Samuel responded when the Lord called on the young boy: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” Are you and I poised to listen? Is it our habit to ask Him to speak, and do we anticipate a response? But listening is not enough. Action is then required.
Samuel’s very first public proclamation to Israel was a command for action. “If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; then He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the LORD alone.
IF you return, remove, and direct, THEN He will deliver you from the hand of your enemies!
Daily Battle Order:
As we read 1st Samuel this week, lay hold of the words of action. God has the power to set you free even if you remain passive. But He only acts once we act. Daily return to Him, remove those foreign gods, and direct your heart towards Him.
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