Intended to be our Guide as the repository of truth, Ancient Words have been preserved for all time. We know truth is not found in organized religion, for men have a tendency to stray- to seek their own glory. Let's win battles, not with religious articles, but through God's power as revealed in His Word.
On Memorial Day we remember fallen soldiers of old who paid the ultimate price for freedom. We also want to glean from God's Word in 1st Samuel and learn why some of God's chosen fell on the battle field unnecessarily. Let's focus on 2 Chronicles 7:14 and march onward.
Initially when God called, Samuel did not identify that voice correctly. There are so many voices today who claim to speak for God. It's important that we are studying God's Word for ourselves so we can be sure what we're hearing aligns with the rest of Holy Writ. Let's get to work.
Hannah's prayer in chapter 2 exalts our great God, revealing His stability, strength, and permanence. It also reveals the godly woman God used to bring a man into the forefront whom God could work through. Prayer makes a difference.
The key verse in 1st Samuel is "To obey is better than sacrifice." The book provides a contrast between those who follow that principle and those who don't. Because Hannah followed through on her vow, her son became a leader in all Israel who dispensed God's law impartially. Let's obey out of appreciation for our great God.
What a picture the book of Ruth presents of what our Redeemer did for us! That which was lost could be redeemed by a kinsman redeemer if he was asked.
Dealing with Judaizers who would have had the Galatians trusting in religious activity for salvation, Paul reminds them that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. May we never minimize the fact that the work needed for our salvation was done at Calvary by the Redeemer.
Phil. 3:7-14 The resurrection is proof that our sin-problem was resolved by a Savior who willingly laid down His life to pay a debt we could never pay. He desires a relationship with the ones He died for.
The key verse for Judges is found in chapter 17 verse six. It was a commentary on the fact that in Israel everyone did what was right in his own eyes. That philosophy led to trouble for Israel, but a few leaders allowed God to use them. That brought rest to the land. Will we let God use us?
In 2nd Corinthians Paul handles rejection by the very people he was commissioned to teach God's Word to. We see his grace, his goals, and his genuineness. May we test ourselves against our Savior's example and Paul's.
