revival

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 7:3-17

Notice the three elements of this period of revival and peace in Israel:

  1. A man – Samuel, the circuit riding judge.  He stood for the LORD, and helped his people stay close to him.
  2. A movement – the Israelites forsook their idols and worshipped God alone.
  3. A monument – the Ebenezer stone reminded everyone that loyalty to the LORD was working, and it was worth it.

LORD, restore us as you did the Israelites under Samuel. Show us all the idols that are keeping us from serving you alone, and give us the courage and wisdom to forsake them.

Posted in discipleship, encouragement, idolatry | Tagged | 1 Comment

traders of the lost ark

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 5:1-7:2

The ark of the LORD’s testimony was in the possession of 5 Philistine lords for 7 months.  The people of the 5 cities suffered and became frightened.  Even after it was returned to Israel, the city it came to suffered because some unauthorized people looked at the ark.  God’s presence is not a light thing to be trifled with.

LORD, forgive us for taking you too casually – for mistaking your grace for something that it is not.  We seek to honor you.  We want your presence, and are willing to submit to your will.

Posted in reverence, submission | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Ichabod

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 4

Eli’s grandson was born on the day he and Phinehas died.  His mother also died that day, after she named him: Ichabod: the glory has departed.  In truth, the glory had departed from  Israel the moment its leaders decided that a little sin, a little selfishness – was OK for them to tolerate.  God cannot abide unrighteousness in the ranks of those who represent him.

LORD, protect us from ourselves.  Help us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and set ourselves apart for your holy service.  May this kind of dreadful day not come into our lives.

Posted in holiness, Holy Spirit, sanctification | Tagged | 1 Comment

chicken or egg?

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 3

Judges had described this era as one in which every man did what was right in his own eyes.  This chapter describes it as one in which a word from the LORD was rare.  Which comes first?  That’s probably a chicken or egg question.  One thing is certain: if we don’t obey the word that we have (the Bible) we cannot expect to get more input from its source.  God has spoken to us more than three times (as he did young Samuel).  The question is, will we finally be wise enough to recognize his voice – and heed it.

LORD, here we are. Speak to us through your word.

Posted in dependence upon God, scriptures, will of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

our choices and God’s choice

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

106_0609 (2)1 Samuel 2:12-3:6

Hophni and Phinehas could have had the honor of installing the first king in Israel, but they brought shame and destruction upon their house instead.  The choices we make in ministry are important.  We either choose to be faithful and considerate or we get caught up in the pride and perks of public office.  Samuel was God’s choice because Samuel would choose God first.

LORD, help us to serve others instead of using our status to be served.

Posted in discipleship, hypocrisy, judgment | Tagged | 1 Comment

responding to grace

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

8th1 Samuel 1:1-2:11

Hannah’s dedication of Samuel to the LORD shows us what prayer can do.  It can bring about a double glory to the LORD.  For the LORD gets glory when his servants pray to him, seeking his justice.  He answers prayers.  Then, the LORD can receive the double portion of glory when his servants dedicate what they have received from his hand back to him.  For Hannah, that meant “lending” Samuel to the LORD as long as he lived.  The LORD did not need Samuel, and he did not need Hannah.  Neither does he need what we can give him.  But he does get the glory when we dedicate what he has given us by grace.

LORD, give us the wisdom to not just enjoy your grace, but to return it again to you – to serve your purposes.

Posted in giving, glory, grace | Tagged , | 2 Comments

remembering an old shoe

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Ruth 4

“LORD, you have blessed me beyond measure.  I was a foreigner in your land and you showed me kindness and grace.  You brought me to my redeemer, and he gave me a son.  Who knows what you have planned for my Obed and his descendants?  I think about that old shoe – that sandal that a man took off and gave to Boaz, as a sign that he could marry me.  What a blessed day that was!  What a symbol of hope and faithfulness that old shoe turned out to be.  You did not abandon me. You have ben faithful.”  — Ruth

Posted in deliverance, faithfulness, grace | Tagged | 1 Comment

sleeping on a threshing floor

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Ruth 3

“I cannot believe I have been so bold as to do this.  I followed Naomi’s instructions, and went to Boaz’ threshing floor, and uncovered his feet.  I was terrified.  But all it took was one look into the eyes of Boaz to assure me that God is in this.  Could this kindly man be my rescue – my redeemer?  Thank you LORD, fort the hope that you have placed in my heart. ”   — Ruth

Posted in hope, redemption | Tagged | 1 Comment

gleaning in a field

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Ruth 2

“I definitely did not expect this, LORD.  The master of the harvest is showing favor to me.  His name is Boaz, and Naomi explained to me that he is one of our family’s redeemers – whatever that means.  He is protecting me, and making sure I glean enough to survive, and enough to share.  Am I starting to see a glimmer of hope?  Is this a God thing?  Oh, LORD, I cannot help but thank you for the kindness that this man has shown me.  It is enough to know that you have not forsaken me in this foreign land.  I trust you.”  –Ruth

Posted in deliverance, grace, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment

clinging to Mara

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Ruth 1

“LORD, are you there?  Do you listen to the prayers of a Moabite woman?  I thought you loved me.  You brought a wonderful family into my life, and showed me what it is like to live within your favor.  Now, all I have is three graves.  And the one last glimpse of grace and truth is now walking out of my life.  I watched as my sister kissed Naomi and let her go.  Well, there’s no way I’m going to do that.  I know, she says that she is no longer pleasant, but she’s now bitter, because your hand has been against her, taking away her husband and her sons. I know she wants us to stay. We remind her of the joy that has been taken from her.  But I cannot let her go alone.  Where she goes, I must go. Her God is my God.  My husband trusted you to the end, and so will I.  So, here I am, LORD – clinging to Mara.  Even sorrow is better than the nothingness I had before I met you.  I have renounced all for your kingdom  — because my all is not enough.  I cling to your grace.”   –Ruth

Posted in faithfulness, grace, kingdom of God, sorrow | Tagged | 1 Comment