"Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people." -1 Samuel 9.1-2
Saul would become the first king of Israel, and outwardly he has all the makings of a king. He is the descendant of a hero, a mighty man of valor. He stands out, as the most handsome man in Israel. He stands head and shoulders above everyone else. To top it off he is from the tribe of Benjamin, so he is a bit of an underdog, and a man of the people. If physical appearance, stature and heritage were the makings of a king then Saul had it all. But there is more that makes a king than simply what he looks like and who his family is.
Saul's reign, as we'll see, is full of paranoia, failure, and drifting from God. The things that set him apart at the beginning do not translate into action when he enters power. A king must do more than simply look the part, he must rise to play it. A king is not determined by what he looks like, but what he does.
Men, do you look the part of a King? Are you well groomed with a solid last name? Do you stand out? What is your motivation to rule? How have you wielded power before? What makes you fit to rule? There is more to a king than what he looks like or who his father is. Looking the part may help you get to power, it may even help you hold on to some support for a while, but if kingship only goes skin deep, everything will shortly fall apart.
Let us be men who live the part, not just look it to seize power. Let our lives be dedicated to the service and betterment of others. Let us be and live the part.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Who is Your King
"Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and they said to him, 'Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations.' ... The Lord said to Samuel, 'Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them... Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall solemnly warn them and tell them of the procedure of the king who will reign over them.' Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, 'No, but there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.' Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the Lord’s hearing. The Lord said to Samuel, 'Listen to their voice and appoint them a king.'" -1 Samuel 8.4-5, 7, 9, 19-22a
Israel knows the condition of Samuel's sons, and they want nothing to do with their leadership. They know that they need a leader, and so they ask Samuel to appoint a king over them. The request is disturbing to Samuel, so he turns to God in prayer. God tells him to give the people a king, and that it is not a rejection of Samuel, but of God Himself. God is the King, Samuel is just His representative, and the people are seeking a new king. God instructs Samuel to warn them of all that a king will do, how he will take what they have to make himself comfortable, and how they will become his servants, but the warning falls on deaf ears. They demand a king, and God permits Samuel to appoint one.
One of the only sermons I remember my dad preaching is from this passage. He shared his testimony, and the various kings he followed in his life. Humans are created beings. The universe existed before any of us were born, and it will be here after we are gone. God existed before the universe, and He will be around long after it has been made new. God is the King, and yet time and again we enslave ourselves to something physical and temporal.
God permits us to pledge ourselves to other kings because He is not a tyrannical dictator. He gives us the power, and the freedom, to choose, and allows us to make our own decisions about whom we will serve, but He sends us out with a warning. He is a good king, and he offers life, peace, meaning, and love. Apart from Him there is death, shame, emptiness, and longing. He warns us, but allows us to go if we choose.
Men, we all have a king, who is yours? Alcohol? Porn? Money? Approval? Success? God? You get to decide where your allegiance lies. Alcohol and porn will consume you and leave you unfulfilled. Money will never satisfy. Approval can't fill the emptiness inside, nor can success. But God offers real life, a life that requires all of us, but a life that fulfills and satisfies as nothing else ever could. Who is your king?
Let us be men who refuse to serve any created thing. Let our allegiance be pledged only to the true King. Let us faithful serve God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel knows the condition of Samuel's sons, and they want nothing to do with their leadership. They know that they need a leader, and so they ask Samuel to appoint a king over them. The request is disturbing to Samuel, so he turns to God in prayer. God tells him to give the people a king, and that it is not a rejection of Samuel, but of God Himself. God is the King, Samuel is just His representative, and the people are seeking a new king. God instructs Samuel to warn them of all that a king will do, how he will take what they have to make himself comfortable, and how they will become his servants, but the warning falls on deaf ears. They demand a king, and God permits Samuel to appoint one.
One of the only sermons I remember my dad preaching is from this passage. He shared his testimony, and the various kings he followed in his life. Humans are created beings. The universe existed before any of us were born, and it will be here after we are gone. God existed before the universe, and He will be around long after it has been made new. God is the King, and yet time and again we enslave ourselves to something physical and temporal.
God permits us to pledge ourselves to other kings because He is not a tyrannical dictator. He gives us the power, and the freedom, to choose, and allows us to make our own decisions about whom we will serve, but He sends us out with a warning. He is a good king, and he offers life, peace, meaning, and love. Apart from Him there is death, shame, emptiness, and longing. He warns us, but allows us to go if we choose.
Men, we all have a king, who is yours? Alcohol? Porn? Money? Approval? Success? God? You get to decide where your allegiance lies. Alcohol and porn will consume you and leave you unfulfilled. Money will never satisfy. Approval can't fill the emptiness inside, nor can success. But God offers real life, a life that requires all of us, but a life that fulfills and satisfies as nothing else ever could. Who is your king?
Let us be men who refuse to serve any created thing. Let our allegiance be pledged only to the true King. Let us faithful serve God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, March 29, 2015
The Work of God
"And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice." -1 Samuel 8.1-3
Samuel is old, and he knows that he cannot continue as Israel's judge forever. He appoints his sons to take his place so that Israel will not be leaderless. However, his sons are not righteous men. They don't live as Samuel does. They take the position of power, but not for the purpose of serving and bettering the lives of the people. They take it and realize that there is the potential for them to become rich and comfortable. They are bought off and don't act justly.
Samuel didn't have a relationship with his biological father, he was raised by Eli in the temple. Both of Eli's sons were worthless men, because Eli wasn't involved in their lives as he should have been. Samuel learned by watching Eli. The end of chapter 7 tells of Samuel's ministry, how he would go on a circuit each year, and then return home where he had an altar built. The text doesn't tell us how he was at as a father, but if I had to guess, I'm betting he followed Eli's example. The work of God took him from his family, and, based on the results, seems to have been his primary focus.
What would have happened if he had taken his sons along on his circuit ride? He might have, we aren't told either way, but what if his main focus was on investing in his sons and raising them to be godly leaders? In the next verse we see that the people of Israel are aware of the actions of Samuel's sons, and they ask for a king. His sons are not like him, and the people know it.
Men, are you investing in your children? Or do they take a backseat to your career? I've known many pastor's kids who grow up angry at the church because it took their father away from them. They want nothing to do with God because their dad was never around. How many sports orphans are there? How many dad's are just "too busy" working on their own thing to invest in their kids?
Someone else can do your job. Someone else can do the work of the church. Your sports hero will get by without your support. But no one else can be a father to your children. Being a father is the most important work God has given you to do.
Let us be men who invest in our families. Let us be men who teach our children to love and serve God. Let us be men who do the work of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Samuel is old, and he knows that he cannot continue as Israel's judge forever. He appoints his sons to take his place so that Israel will not be leaderless. However, his sons are not righteous men. They don't live as Samuel does. They take the position of power, but not for the purpose of serving and bettering the lives of the people. They take it and realize that there is the potential for them to become rich and comfortable. They are bought off and don't act justly.
Samuel didn't have a relationship with his biological father, he was raised by Eli in the temple. Both of Eli's sons were worthless men, because Eli wasn't involved in their lives as he should have been. Samuel learned by watching Eli. The end of chapter 7 tells of Samuel's ministry, how he would go on a circuit each year, and then return home where he had an altar built. The text doesn't tell us how he was at as a father, but if I had to guess, I'm betting he followed Eli's example. The work of God took him from his family, and, based on the results, seems to have been his primary focus.
What would have happened if he had taken his sons along on his circuit ride? He might have, we aren't told either way, but what if his main focus was on investing in his sons and raising them to be godly leaders? In the next verse we see that the people of Israel are aware of the actions of Samuel's sons, and they ask for a king. His sons are not like him, and the people know it.
Men, are you investing in your children? Or do they take a backseat to your career? I've known many pastor's kids who grow up angry at the church because it took their father away from them. They want nothing to do with God because their dad was never around. How many sports orphans are there? How many dad's are just "too busy" working on their own thing to invest in their kids?
Someone else can do your job. Someone else can do the work of the church. Your sports hero will get by without your support. But no one else can be a father to your children. Being a father is the most important work God has given you to do.
Let us be men who invest in our families. Let us be men who teach our children to love and serve God. Let us be men who do the work of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Trust God
"Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, '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; and 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. Then Samuel said, 'Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the Lord for you.' They gathered to Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day and said there, 'We have sinned against the Lord.' And Samuel judged the sons of Israel at Mizpah.Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. Then the sons of Israel said to Samuel, 'Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.'" -1 Samuel 7.3-8
The ark has been returned a priest has been consecrated to take care of it, but the Philistines are still an issue. The sacred item has been returned, but Israel's lifestyle has not changed. Samuel has grown up, he is no longer the little boy who does not know the voice of God, but has become a man who serves as God's leader in Israel. He calls the people to wholeheartedly return to God, and to destroy the pagan worship that they have adopted. If they will do this, God will deliver them from the Philistines.
The people do what Samuel instructs them to do. Samuel calls them to gather at Mizpah for prayer, and the Philistines find out. They can't resist the opportunity of such an easy target. They march to battle, well more of what would be a massacre, and Israel hears that they are coming. They are afraid, but rather than make battle plans, they turn to God.
God comes through for them. God thunders and confuses the Philistines, allowing Israel to defeat them. Samuel sets up a memorial stone, declaring that God has been with Israel, and the Philistines do not come back into Israel. The people turned to God, trusted God, and God delivered them from their enemies.
Men, is this true of you? Have you turned to God? Are you serving Him with all your heart? Do you trust Him? When hard times arise do you make plans to fight yourself, or do you focus your attention on seeking God?
Israel had previously tried to do things their way. They had lived how they wanted, and when they went to battle they expected God to be with them because they had the object of His presence. They lost the fight, they lost the ark, and even when it was returned they lost over 50,000 men. But here, they turn to God, repent of their sin, and trust Him. When they do they win victory not simply in a battle, but in the war. Their lands are retaken and the Philistines are subdued.
Let us be men who turn from sin to God. Let us be men who trust Him fully, and direct our attention to Him. Let us be men who are victorious because of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The ark has been returned a priest has been consecrated to take care of it, but the Philistines are still an issue. The sacred item has been returned, but Israel's lifestyle has not changed. Samuel has grown up, he is no longer the little boy who does not know the voice of God, but has become a man who serves as God's leader in Israel. He calls the people to wholeheartedly return to God, and to destroy the pagan worship that they have adopted. If they will do this, God will deliver them from the Philistines.
The people do what Samuel instructs them to do. Samuel calls them to gather at Mizpah for prayer, and the Philistines find out. They can't resist the opportunity of such an easy target. They march to battle, well more of what would be a massacre, and Israel hears that they are coming. They are afraid, but rather than make battle plans, they turn to God.
God comes through for them. God thunders and confuses the Philistines, allowing Israel to defeat them. Samuel sets up a memorial stone, declaring that God has been with Israel, and the Philistines do not come back into Israel. The people turned to God, trusted God, and God delivered them from their enemies.
Men, is this true of you? Have you turned to God? Are you serving Him with all your heart? Do you trust Him? When hard times arise do you make plans to fight yourself, or do you focus your attention on seeking God?
Israel had previously tried to do things their way. They had lived how they wanted, and when they went to battle they expected God to be with them because they had the object of His presence. They lost the fight, they lost the ark, and even when it was returned they lost over 50,000 men. But here, they turn to God, repent of their sin, and trust Him. When they do they win victory not simply in a battle, but in the war. Their lands are retaken and the Philistines are subdued.
Let us be men who turn from sin to God. Let us be men who trust Him fully, and direct our attention to Him. Let us be men who are victorious because of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, March 27, 2015
Know Better
"He struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. He struck down of all the people, 50,070 men, and the people mourned because the Lord had struck the people with a great slaughter. The men of Beth-shemesh said, 'Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom shall He go up from us?'" 1 Samuel 6.19-20
The hand of God has been against the Philistines, and so they have returned the ark to Israel along with a guilt offering. The people of Beth-shemesh, where the ark has returned to, make a burnt sacrifice to God, praising Him, for the return of the ark. But at some point during the worship someone gets the idea to open the ark and look inside. Maybe they were just innocently wanting to make sure the sacred items were still inside. Maybe they thought the Philistines could have made a replica and given them back a fake ark. But whatever the reason, they open the ark and look inside, and God struck down 50,070 men.
The people of Israel knew that the ark was a sacred and holy object, it was where God would descend and where His presence would dwell with the people. When it was in the Tabernacle it was behind a thick, heavy curtain, so that no one would see it except the high priest on the Day of Atonement each year. When they traveled the curtain was taken down and covered the ark so that it would not be seen by the people. They know this, and yet over 50,000 of them not only look at it, but look in it as well. God's judgment does not show favoritism.
The Philistines didn't know any better. To them it was spoil of war, their gods had helped them defeat Israel's God and so they did what they would have done with any other nations deity objects. God's hand is against them and they return the ark. When it gets back to Israel, they not only look at it, but they open it and look inside, which they knew better than to do, and so God kills those who look inside. His judgment is fair and equal. (Fortunately Indiana Jones remembered this story when he was captured by the Nazis)
Men, are you doing something that you know better than to do? God's justice will be done, and it will be stricter on those who know better. We are held to a higher standard because we know God and have, or at least claim to have, a personal relationship with Him.
Let our lives be lived with respect and obedience to God's standards of holiness. Let us value and protect the sacred. Let us be men who know better.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The hand of God has been against the Philistines, and so they have returned the ark to Israel along with a guilt offering. The people of Beth-shemesh, where the ark has returned to, make a burnt sacrifice to God, praising Him, for the return of the ark. But at some point during the worship someone gets the idea to open the ark and look inside. Maybe they were just innocently wanting to make sure the sacred items were still inside. Maybe they thought the Philistines could have made a replica and given them back a fake ark. But whatever the reason, they open the ark and look inside, and God struck down 50,070 men.
The people of Israel knew that the ark was a sacred and holy object, it was where God would descend and where His presence would dwell with the people. When it was in the Tabernacle it was behind a thick, heavy curtain, so that no one would see it except the high priest on the Day of Atonement each year. When they traveled the curtain was taken down and covered the ark so that it would not be seen by the people. They know this, and yet over 50,000 of them not only look at it, but look in it as well. God's judgment does not show favoritism.
The Philistines didn't know any better. To them it was spoil of war, their gods had helped them defeat Israel's God and so they did what they would have done with any other nations deity objects. God's hand is against them and they return the ark. When it gets back to Israel, they not only look at it, but they open it and look inside, which they knew better than to do, and so God kills those who look inside. His judgment is fair and equal. (Fortunately Indiana Jones remembered this story when he was captured by the Nazis)
Men, are you doing something that you know better than to do? God's justice will be done, and it will be stricter on those who know better. We are held to a higher standard because we know God and have, or at least claim to have, a personal relationship with Him.
Let our lives be lived with respect and obedience to God's standards of holiness. Let us value and protect the sacred. Let us be men who know better.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Provoking God
"Now the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon." -1 Samuel 5.1-2
The Philistines manned up, fought Israel, and emerged victorious with spoils of war. They captured the ark of the covenant and placed in the temple of their god, Dagon. They offer tribute to their god, but their actions provoke God. First the image of Dagon is found face down before the ark, the next day it is face down and destroyed. The Philistines move the ark to a new place, but the people are afflicted with tumors. It is moved again and the same thing happens. It is moved a third time, and again the people are afflicted.
The holiest item in Israel, the thing that symbolized the very presence of God, is being treated as a common deity object and presented to a pagan god as tribute. It is not revered in anyway by those who have captured it, and it brings the judgment of God upon the Philistines.
Several years ago I was in Turkey, a place that is full of churches that became mosques and are now museums. In these museums you can still see mosaics from when they were churches. The faces of Jesus, Mary, and the disciples are intact. When the Muslims captured the churches and converted them, they didn't destroy the images, they simply covered them with tapestries. At the end of Kingdom of Heaven Saladin, a Muslim leader, is enter Jerusalem after winning the city. There is a stone in the street with cross on it, and he walks around it, refusing to step on it. Shortly after there is a small golden cross laying on the ground, which he picks up and gently places on a table.
Men, what do you do with the sacred and holy? How do you treat the Bible, or the church? Do you treat them with reverence or as common items? Yes, the Bible might be a book, but the words that it contains are the very words of God. The church may just be a building, but it is the house of God, a place where His people gather together to worship Him. How do you treat them?
Let us never treat the sacred as common. Let us not provoke God's anger by shaming the most precious gifts He has given us.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The Philistines manned up, fought Israel, and emerged victorious with spoils of war. They captured the ark of the covenant and placed in the temple of their god, Dagon. They offer tribute to their god, but their actions provoke God. First the image of Dagon is found face down before the ark, the next day it is face down and destroyed. The Philistines move the ark to a new place, but the people are afflicted with tumors. It is moved again and the same thing happens. It is moved a third time, and again the people are afflicted.
The holiest item in Israel, the thing that symbolized the very presence of God, is being treated as a common deity object and presented to a pagan god as tribute. It is not revered in anyway by those who have captured it, and it brings the judgment of God upon the Philistines.
Several years ago I was in Turkey, a place that is full of churches that became mosques and are now museums. In these museums you can still see mosaics from when they were churches. The faces of Jesus, Mary, and the disciples are intact. When the Muslims captured the churches and converted them, they didn't destroy the images, they simply covered them with tapestries. At the end of Kingdom of Heaven Saladin, a Muslim leader, is enter Jerusalem after winning the city. There is a stone in the street with cross on it, and he walks around it, refusing to step on it. Shortly after there is a small golden cross laying on the ground, which he picks up and gently places on a table.
Men, what do you do with the sacred and holy? How do you treat the Bible, or the church? Do you treat them with reverence or as common items? Yes, the Bible might be a book, but the words that it contains are the very words of God. The church may just be a building, but it is the house of God, a place where His people gather together to worship Him. How do you treat them?
Let us never treat the sacred as common. Let us not provoke God's anger by shaming the most precious gifts He has given us.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Be Men and Fight
"Take courage and be men, O Philistines, or you will become slaves to the Hebrews, as they have been slaves to you; therefore, be men and fight." -1 Samuel 4.9
The Philistines hear the cries from the Israelite camp, and they become discouraged and terrified. They know the stories form Egypt, how the God of Israel brought the plagues and parted the Red Sea. Now they fear that they are about to face this same God in battle and they are terrified, believing that certain death awaits them.
But in this we see the actions of men. They can surrender, save their lives, but live as slaves for the rest of them. Or they can go out as men, facing the end with courage, dying on the battlefield. This is not to say that the only way for a man to die as a man is on the battlefield against overwhelming odds. What it is saying is that a man looks fear and the strong possibility of loss in the face, and chooses to courageously charge the field anyway. A man chooses to fight the battles he knows are worth fighting, even if it likely to cost him his life. A man knows that there are certain things worth dying for, and he is willing to give his life for a worthy cause.
Men, where do you need to take courage? Where do you need to fight? Is it for your marriage? Is it for the hearts of your children? Maybe it's for your own heart and identity. The battle will be fierce, and there is no assurance of victory. You can choose to play it safe, surrender now before shedding any blood, but it will cost you dearly. Are you willing to sacrifice your family? Are you willing to sacrifice your strength and passion?
Let us be men who take courage in the face of fear. Let us be men and fight.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The Philistines hear the cries from the Israelite camp, and they become discouraged and terrified. They know the stories form Egypt, how the God of Israel brought the plagues and parted the Red Sea. Now they fear that they are about to face this same God in battle and they are terrified, believing that certain death awaits them.
But in this we see the actions of men. They can surrender, save their lives, but live as slaves for the rest of them. Or they can go out as men, facing the end with courage, dying on the battlefield. This is not to say that the only way for a man to die as a man is on the battlefield against overwhelming odds. What it is saying is that a man looks fear and the strong possibility of loss in the face, and chooses to courageously charge the field anyway. A man chooses to fight the battles he knows are worth fighting, even if it likely to cost him his life. A man knows that there are certain things worth dying for, and he is willing to give his life for a worthy cause.
Men, where do you need to take courage? Where do you need to fight? Is it for your marriage? Is it for the hearts of your children? Maybe it's for your own heart and identity. The battle will be fierce, and there is no assurance of victory. You can choose to play it safe, surrender now before shedding any blood, but it will cost you dearly. Are you willing to sacrifice your family? Are you willing to sacrifice your strength and passion?
Let us be men who take courage in the face of fear. Let us be men and fight.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Trying to Force God
"The Philistines drew up in battle array to meet Israel. When the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. When the people came into the camp, the elders of Israel said, 'Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us take to ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may come among us and deliver us from the power of our enemies.' So the people sent to Shiloh, and from there they carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. As the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth resounded." -1 Samuel 4.2-5
Israel goes out to fight the Philistines, but they are defeated, losing four thousand men in the battle. They are slightly confused by the result, to say the least. they are the people of God, and He is supposed to be with them in battle, giving them victory and delivering them from their enemies. Someone thinks back to the conquest of Canaan, Israel would carry the ark of the covenant before them into battle. It was a symbol of God's presence with them, and victory was assured. They go to Shiloh, take the ark, and return to camp where the men are ready to fight again.
Long story short, they lose the battle because God was not with them. They tried to force the hand of God by grabbing the holiest object they had, but it was just an object without the presence of God. Thousands of years later the Crusaders would do something similar with what they claimed was the cross of Christ. They would carry it before them, into battle, believing it would give them victory, but just as Israel would lose the ark because God was not with them, the crusaders lost the cross because God was not with them.
Men, we cannot force God to move on our behalf. No ritual or object is going to appease God and cause Him to look favorably on a cause or endeavor when the life that tries to manipulate Him is far from Him. Not only do we end up defeated, but we lose what we hold to be most sacred. We cannot force God to move on our behalf when our lives do not live according to His standards. We cannot expect an object to bring the presence of God into our lives, that's a form of idolatry.
Let us be men who live righteously before God. Let us humble seek Him in prayer. And may we accept whatever decisions He makes.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel goes out to fight the Philistines, but they are defeated, losing four thousand men in the battle. They are slightly confused by the result, to say the least. they are the people of God, and He is supposed to be with them in battle, giving them victory and delivering them from their enemies. Someone thinks back to the conquest of Canaan, Israel would carry the ark of the covenant before them into battle. It was a symbol of God's presence with them, and victory was assured. They go to Shiloh, take the ark, and return to camp where the men are ready to fight again.
Long story short, they lose the battle because God was not with them. They tried to force the hand of God by grabbing the holiest object they had, but it was just an object without the presence of God. Thousands of years later the Crusaders would do something similar with what they claimed was the cross of Christ. They would carry it before them, into battle, believing it would give them victory, but just as Israel would lose the ark because God was not with them, the crusaders lost the cross because God was not with them.
Men, we cannot force God to move on our behalf. No ritual or object is going to appease God and cause Him to look favorably on a cause or endeavor when the life that tries to manipulate Him is far from Him. Not only do we end up defeated, but we lose what we hold to be most sacred. We cannot force God to move on our behalf when our lives do not live according to His standards. We cannot expect an object to bring the presence of God into our lives, that's a form of idolatry.
Let us be men who live righteously before God. Let us humble seek Him in prayer. And may we accept whatever decisions He makes.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, March 23, 2015
Teaching Others to Recognizing the Voice of God
"Then he ran to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' But he said, 'I did not call, lie down again.' So he went and lay down. The Lord called yet again, 'Samuel!' So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' But he answered, 'I did not call, my son, lie down again.' Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord yet been revealed to him. So the Lord called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' Then Eli discerned that the Lord was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, 'Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."' So Samuel went and lay down in his place.Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening.'" -1 Samuel 3.5-10
God has spoken, but Samuel has never heard the voice of God. He assumes Eli has summoned Him and so he goes to see what he needs. But it wasn't Eli and so he goes to lie down again. A second time his name is called, and a second time he goes to Eli, only to be sent away again. A third time it happens, and this time Eli realizing that God is trying to speak to Samuel. He instructs him as to what to do, and then sends him back to wait for God.
I work with a guy who is an agnostic. His attitude towards God is, "You leave me alone, I leave you alone." He even told me a few months ago, "If God does exist, he doesn't want anything to do with me." To that I responded, "He does, but maybe you just aren't listening." That sort of grabbed his attention, but that was as far was it went. I truly believe God is trying to speak to him, he just doesn't know the voice of God, and there are so many distractions that he isn't able to hear it.
Samuel was a boy, he didn't know God yet, and he had never heard Him speak. When he hears his name being called, he naturally assumes Eli needs him for something. Three times it happens, and three times Eli tells the boy that he has not summoned him. But the third time Eli begins to realize what is happening. The old priest understands that God is wanting to communicate with Samuel, and so he instructs him on what to do the next time.
Men, do you know the voice of God? Do you hear it, and recognize it, amid all of the distractions? If not, how could you teach others to recognize it? How can you instruct your children, and guide them into a deeper, more personal and intimate relationship with God, if you yourself don't have such a relationship? If you want your children to know God, you must know God. If you want them to know the voice of God, you must know the voice of God.
That is not to say that children can only find God if their parents lead them to Him. But parents were intended to lead their children in the worship of God, and to set their feet on the paths of righteousness. Without this, the road leading to God is much more difficult to find.
Let us be men who know the voice of God because we speak with Him regularly. Let us teach our children, both biological and spiritual, to recognize His voice.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has spoken, but Samuel has never heard the voice of God. He assumes Eli has summoned Him and so he goes to see what he needs. But it wasn't Eli and so he goes to lie down again. A second time his name is called, and a second time he goes to Eli, only to be sent away again. A third time it happens, and this time Eli realizing that God is trying to speak to Samuel. He instructs him as to what to do, and then sends him back to wait for God.
I work with a guy who is an agnostic. His attitude towards God is, "You leave me alone, I leave you alone." He even told me a few months ago, "If God does exist, he doesn't want anything to do with me." To that I responded, "He does, but maybe you just aren't listening." That sort of grabbed his attention, but that was as far was it went. I truly believe God is trying to speak to him, he just doesn't know the voice of God, and there are so many distractions that he isn't able to hear it.
Samuel was a boy, he didn't know God yet, and he had never heard Him speak. When he hears his name being called, he naturally assumes Eli needs him for something. Three times it happens, and three times Eli tells the boy that he has not summoned him. But the third time Eli begins to realize what is happening. The old priest understands that God is wanting to communicate with Samuel, and so he instructs him on what to do the next time.
Men, do you know the voice of God? Do you hear it, and recognize it, amid all of the distractions? If not, how could you teach others to recognize it? How can you instruct your children, and guide them into a deeper, more personal and intimate relationship with God, if you yourself don't have such a relationship? If you want your children to know God, you must know God. If you want them to know the voice of God, you must know the voice of God.
That is not to say that children can only find God if their parents lead them to Him. But parents were intended to lead their children in the worship of God, and to set their feet on the paths of righteousness. Without this, the road leading to God is much more difficult to find.
Let us be men who know the voice of God because we speak with Him regularly. Let us teach our children, both biological and spiritual, to recognize His voice.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Ready to Hear from God
"Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli. And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was, that the Lord called Samuel; and he said, 'Here I am.'" 1 Samuel 3.1-4
Samuel is growing up and learning to minister in the temple. It was getting late, but the lamp had not yet gone out, and even though it was rare for God to speak, Samuel was lying down in the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was. The ark symbolized the presence of God among the people. The chest contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, and the lid, the Mercy Seat, was where God would descend and receive the blood offering presented by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. God had been largely silent, but Samuel is there, in the place where God would meet with man.
The people's infidelity, and the actions of Eli and his sons, have caused God's silence, but God has promised to raise up a faithful priest who will walk be for Him (1 Samuel 2.35). Samuel is growing up, and is finding favor with both God and men (1 Samuel 2.26). And here in this moment, alone and quiet, in the place where God would descend to meet with man, he is ready to hear from God.
Men, are we ready to hear from God? Are we alone, with all distractions removed, ready to meet with God? God may have been silent recently, but His silence is not the same as His absence. Words from God may have been rare, but they are not nonexistent. God will speak, but we must be listening. Are you?
Let us make time to clear away the chaos and distractions that life throws at us. Let us intentionally enter the presence of God. Let us be ready to hear from God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Samuel is growing up and learning to minister in the temple. It was getting late, but the lamp had not yet gone out, and even though it was rare for God to speak, Samuel was lying down in the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was. The ark symbolized the presence of God among the people. The chest contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, and the lid, the Mercy Seat, was where God would descend and receive the blood offering presented by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. God had been largely silent, but Samuel is there, in the place where God would meet with man.
The people's infidelity, and the actions of Eli and his sons, have caused God's silence, but God has promised to raise up a faithful priest who will walk be for Him (1 Samuel 2.35). Samuel is growing up, and is finding favor with both God and men (1 Samuel 2.26). And here in this moment, alone and quiet, in the place where God would descend to meet with man, he is ready to hear from God.
Men, are we ready to hear from God? Are we alone, with all distractions removed, ready to meet with God? God may have been silent recently, but His silence is not the same as His absence. Words from God may have been rare, but they are not nonexistent. God will speak, but we must be listening. Are you?
Let us make time to clear away the chaos and distractions that life throws at us. Let us intentionally enter the presence of God. Let us be ready to hear from God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Father Failure
"Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the Lord and the custom of the priests with the people. When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand. Then he would thrust it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. Thus they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Also, before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, 'Give the priest meat for roasting, as he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw.' If the man said to him, 'They must surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as you desire,' then he would say, 'No, but you shall give it to me now; and if not, I will take it by force.' Thus the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for the men despised the offering of the Lord." 1 Samuel 2.12-17
Eli the priest has two sons who serve as priests along with him. But the text tells us that they were worthless men who did not know God or the customs of the priest. They use their position to benefit themselves, hindering the people from proper worship. Their father failed to instruct them on who God was and how to serve before Him as priests. As they abused their power, he failed to discipline them for it, allowing them to drift further and further into sin.
Eli's failure is one that is seen over and over, father's failing to teach and correct their sons. It doesn't have to go to the extreme of allowing them to become abusive and threatening. It can be from simple neglect. I think Eli may have become very preoccupied with his work ministering before God, and neglected his sons. He valued the work of God over the work of parenting, not realizing that parenting is the work of God. He wasn't involved in his son's lives enough to teach them, and then when the problems arose he hadn't been involved enough to have them listen and submit to his correction.
Men, you may be following the example of Eli, and the example of Eli may be what you experienced growing up. You must break the cycle. If your dad wasn't involved in your life don't retreat from your own children because you aren't sure how to engage with them. Don't hide behind work, or a hobby, allowing it to have the moments that your children desperately crave and need. You are the only one that can be a father to your children. You are the only one who loves them enough to discipline them and correct them. If God has given you a family, take the role seriously because it is the most serious work you will ever engage in.
Let us sacrifice our careers for the sake of our children. Let us abandon a hobby for our children's well being. Let us be men who refuse to fail as fathers.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Eli the priest has two sons who serve as priests along with him. But the text tells us that they were worthless men who did not know God or the customs of the priest. They use their position to benefit themselves, hindering the people from proper worship. Their father failed to instruct them on who God was and how to serve before Him as priests. As they abused their power, he failed to discipline them for it, allowing them to drift further and further into sin.
Eli's failure is one that is seen over and over, father's failing to teach and correct their sons. It doesn't have to go to the extreme of allowing them to become abusive and threatening. It can be from simple neglect. I think Eli may have become very preoccupied with his work ministering before God, and neglected his sons. He valued the work of God over the work of parenting, not realizing that parenting is the work of God. He wasn't involved in his son's lives enough to teach them, and then when the problems arose he hadn't been involved enough to have them listen and submit to his correction.
Men, you may be following the example of Eli, and the example of Eli may be what you experienced growing up. You must break the cycle. If your dad wasn't involved in your life don't retreat from your own children because you aren't sure how to engage with them. Don't hide behind work, or a hobby, allowing it to have the moments that your children desperately crave and need. You are the only one that can be a father to your children. You are the only one who loves them enough to discipline them and correct them. If God has given you a family, take the role seriously because it is the most serious work you will ever engage in.
Let us sacrifice our careers for the sake of our children. Let us abandon a hobby for our children's well being. Let us be men who refuse to fail as fathers.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, March 20, 2015
God Worshiper
"Now this man would go up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord there." 1 Samuel 1.3
1 Samuel begins by introducing us to Elkanah, a man who lived in the hill country of Ephraim. We are told that he had two wives, one who had children and one who did not. But we are also told that he would go from his city each year and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. The book of Judges described a time when people did what was right in their own eyes. Many worshiped idols and chased after the pagan religions, but this man finds it right to worship God. In the midst of the darkness, he has found the light and is pursuing it.
There was freedom and no shortage of options, giving people the ability to do whatever they wanted, just as there is today. People choose to live in a variety of ways, for a variety of gods, but the reality remains that there is only one true God. There is one true light shining in the darkness.
Men, are you following the light or being led astray by will-o-the-wisps? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will-o%27-the-wisp) Among all of the options have you chosen to serve and worship God? What is right in your own eyes?
Elkanah was a man living in a time without a king to point the people to God. It was left to each man to determine what was right, and so many chose what was false. Today, in our world of political correctness, we find ourselves in much the same place. There is no leader to point people to the truth, and so people are led astray after whatever feels good, or makes them happy. May this never be true of us.
Let us be God worshipers.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
1 Samuel begins by introducing us to Elkanah, a man who lived in the hill country of Ephraim. We are told that he had two wives, one who had children and one who did not. But we are also told that he would go from his city each year and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. The book of Judges described a time when people did what was right in their own eyes. Many worshiped idols and chased after the pagan religions, but this man finds it right to worship God. In the midst of the darkness, he has found the light and is pursuing it.
There was freedom and no shortage of options, giving people the ability to do whatever they wanted, just as there is today. People choose to live in a variety of ways, for a variety of gods, but the reality remains that there is only one true God. There is one true light shining in the darkness.
Men, are you following the light or being led astray by will-o-the-wisps? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will-o%27-the-wisp) Among all of the options have you chosen to serve and worship God? What is right in your own eyes?
Elkanah was a man living in a time without a king to point the people to God. It was left to each man to determine what was right, and so many chose what was false. Today, in our world of political correctness, we find ourselves in much the same place. There is no leader to point people to the truth, and so people are led astray after whatever feels good, or makes them happy. May this never be true of us.
Let us be God worshipers.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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