 Only fear the LORD and serve HIM faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things HE has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 ESV
Today, in the midst of all that is going on in our world, pause, and take a moment to consider what great things God has done for you. 🙌🏽 Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz
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 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23 ESV
There was a season where Samuel was anointed to be judge over Israel. I like to say he was their assigned leader. But sometimes the Israelites sure didn’t act like it. Sometimes they ignored his guidance taking it upon themselves to do whatever they felt was best. But Samuel didn’t quit. Whether the flock listened or not. Whether they did what they were supposed to do or not. Samuel continued to pray for the Israelites and guide them. In the face of adversity, Samuel continued at his post fulfilling the purpose as God intended. He did what he was called to do. He remained focused and was obedient to the will of God for his life. An aspect of leadership: Standing firm and letting nothing move you knowing who God created you to be Father, As we serve in our positions, whatever they may be, help us to remain focused on fulfilling the purpose as You intended for us. Especially in the moments when it feels as if no one is cooperating or even listening. In Jesus Name, Amen. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz  And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.”
And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the LORD will not forsake HIS people, for HIS great Name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for HIMSELF.” 1 Samuel 12:19-22 ESV The Israelites finally realized that asking for a king was a mistake. Plain and simple, the people had messed up. No doubt. My interpretation, if I may, of God’s response to the Israelites: Come on home. I want nothing more than a relationship with you. I take delight in calling you My own. I am here. Waiting on you. All day. Every day. 💜 I am so grateful, no matter what, it is HIS response to you and me, too. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV  So, me, I imagine this:
Samuel standing before the Israelites, trying so hard to keep his composure, heart swelled in disappointment, fighting back the raw emotions. And then after a long pause, in exasperation, I picture Samuel saying: So here’s the king you wanted, the king you asked for. God has let you have your own way, given you a king. If you fear God, worship and obey Him, and don’t rebel against what He tells you. If both you and your king follow God, no problem. God will be sure to save you. But if you don’t obey Him and rebel against what He tells you, king or no king, you will fare no better than your fathers. 1 Samuel 12:13-15 MSG Imagine the sick feeling deep down in the pit of Samuel’s gut now because he knows the Israelites have made a horrible mistake. It’s as if he has just sounded the trumpet, hoping they hear and understand, longing for them to just remember one simple truth: “God is KING!” Though, deep inside, he knows the warning has been silenced by the fulfillment of their idolatrous hopes and desires. The problem with having a king is that we may begin to worship him. Author unknown. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz And when you saw that Nahash the king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to Me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the LORD your God was your King. 1 Samuel 12:12 NIV And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!” Revelation 15:3 ESV |
Hey There! I'm LizFounder of Ezra728 with a purpose of creating inspiring messages to strengthen and encourage primarily us gals across the globe. Guys, don't fret. You are definitely welcome, too. Archives
April 2020
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