God Speaks
Samuel’s Conception, Birth and Early Life
Verse of the Day: [Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10) is a wonderful model of heart-felt worship and thanksgiving. Here is just a part of it.] He [the LORD] will guard the feet of His faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth.” (1 Samuel 2: 9-10 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 1 Samuel 1-3
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
1 Samuel 1
1. God understands the heartache of a childless woman like Hannah; He wants us to bring all of our heartaches to Him as she did.
2. People may misinterpret our situation and ridicule or rebuke us as Hannah experienced.
1 Samuel 2
1. God sees and accepts the praise and gratitude of the righteous (Hannah), but He rejects the pride and arrogance of the wicked.
2. People need to encourage the righteous and to expose and reject the wicked.
1 Samuel 3
1. God blesses those who listen to and obey Him.
2. People need to emulate young Samuel in his obedience and courage.
Prayer
3. How might I pray regarding 1 Samuel 1-3?
Thank You, LORD God, that You understand the heartache of a childless woman like Hannah. You want us to bring all of our heartaches to You as she did. When people misinterpret our situation and ridicule or rebuke us as Hannah experienced, please help us to trust You to accomplish Your will in the situation. It will always work out to be the best and most loving result even if that is in eternity. God, You see and accept the praise and gratitude of the righteous, but You reject the pride and arrogance of the wicked. Holy Spirit, please help people in my day to encourage the righteous and to expose and reject the wicked. I know, LORD God, that, in Your perfect time and way, You will bless those who listen to and obey You. Holy Spirit, help me to emulate young Samuel in his obedience and courage so that I will bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 1 Samuel 1-3?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will pray diligently regarding a heartache in my life.
- I will keep my vows to the LORD as Hannah did.
- I will use Hannah’s prayer as a model in praising and thanking God.
- I will work with others to expose and reject evil in my spheres of influence.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.