After the Israelites lamented and turned back to the LORD, some of the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together. So, the Philistines decided to attack the Israelites. When the Israelites heard about it they were afraid and so they went to Samuel and asked Samuel to call upon God to save them.
The children of Israel knew the enemy was coming against them but this time in their fear they sought the LORD. Through Samuel. They recognized they needed a Savior. They knew they needed God. I can imagine God just smiling from ear to ear and thinking, “Listen to My kids. Calling on Me in their time of need. Thinking of Me first as their answer. In fear seeking God. Oh, it’s music to My ears. Music to My ears!” Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 AMP
The primary Hebrew definition for love (as used in this verse) is “to have affection for”. Basically, the verb is equivalent to the English “to love” in the sense of having a strong emotional attachment to and desire either to possess or to be in the presence of the object. And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. Mark 12:30a AMP Christian love has God for its primary object and expresses itself in implicit obedience to HIS commandments. It expresses the deep and constant love and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects producing and fostering a reverential love in them towards the Giver. That’s taken from the Greek definitions for love as used in Mark 12:30. So, maybe God wants us to love HIM with our entire life. Everything. All that we think, say or do expressed by our trusting obedience to HIS Word. HE wants us to be in awe of HIM. To desire HIS company. God wants to be our favorite. Love. Whether in the days of old or today it is the same. For there is nothing new under the Son ☺️ Just a little something to think on today. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the ashtaroth from among you, and direct your heart to the LORD, and serve HIM only, and HE will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 7:3 ESV
After the Israelites lamented, Samuel spoke to the house of Israel and told them if they returned to the LORD with all their hearts, and served God only HE would deliver them. And there it is! Just what God desires. Get your house in order. No if ands or buts about it. God is a jealous God. There can be no one else before HIM. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz …and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. 1 Samuel 7:2b ESV
In layman’s terms, they mourned and grieved and weeped and wailed. They hollered. They cried. They cried loud. They groaned. They felt and expressed their sorrow and deep regret. Lament. Imagine the posture and demeanor of the Israelites when they finally came to their senses. Imagine the words of sorrow spoken and expressed to God. Lament. Such a powerful concept. Is there something breaking your heart? Is there something going on in your life and the reality of it all just seems too much to bear? Is there something causing you pain, disappointment or fear? Call on God and just let it all hang out. Speak from your heart. Lament. Bear your soul. Yes, it’s messy. I mean after all it’s raw emotions exposed and confessed. That’s what God wants from us. LAH. Yes, LAH. Lament and Acknowledge it before God. Then once you have emptied your heart get up and go find your Hope in Him. Find one or more Scriptures of hope. Find Scriptures of His promises. Speak them over your life. Over and over and over again and begin to praise and worship Him. Praise Him for His faithfulness. Praise Him for His deliverance. Praise Him for His promises which you confidently know will come to pass. Praise Him! LAH…LAH…LAH. That’s the key to breakthrough. Lament and Acknowledge then Hope! Father, Today, we thank You that we can come to You just as we are. We can be real with You for You already know us fully well. We are safe with You. Always. In Jesus Name, Amen. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz |
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
March 2021
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