Good day dear friends.
Here is our study guide for today:Sunday: 1 Samuel 1, 2, 3Speaking of unsung heroes, as we did earlier with Samson’s parents, what qualities of strength do you see in Samuel’s mother, Hannah?
PRAYER THEME FOR THE WEEK: I will daily pray for these people in positions of prominence, that they will not be stumbled by their own sense of importance: I will pray daily for these in hidden places, that they love their calling: I will pray for myself, that I will know more of who I am, and be glad of it.See you in worship!
There is possibly nothing stronger in this world than a momma who prays! I am blessed in that I have seen it in four generations. I had a godly grandmother who prayed, a mom who prayed, a wife who prays and a daughter who prays! With those prayers comes strong faith. And with strong faith comes strong living. With strong living comes the model example all children need.
Hannah was a unique woman. First wife, second fiddle, so to speak. The second wife had children, the first wife did not. In those days usually your first wife was chosen for beauty and love, second wife for usefulness. Elkanah, the husband, was a man of faith, he worshiped in Shiloh at the place of the prophet where he shared with his family portions of the sacrifice, and saved a generous portion for Hannah. What made worship time unbearable was that the other wife would taunt her about how God had not given Hannah any children. On this particular trip she was so brokenhearted, her prayers of silence caused her lips to move and her expression fooled the old man prophet as he watched. He was convinced this woman was drunk and worshiping in the sanctuary! He scolds her but she explains who she is and Eli blesses her and her request.
Hannah was also a woman of her word. She had told God that if He gave her a son, she would give that son to Him for His service. And not just a "when he graduates from high school, I'll send him to a Christian university, then a Christian seminary so that he can become a servant of God" - no, this was a "as soon as he's weaned (think very, very young), he's yours!" Not many women would do that!
When it comes to your children or the children in your life, what do you hold back from God? If your child thought she or he was called to ministry, would you support that decision with your prayers and service? Or would you secretly pray that God have the wrong person in mind so that your child could do something more meaningful (read: more money)?
PRAYER: God of all good things, we thank You for the children in our lives. We dedicate them to You and Your service. Let me be a model for them with my prayers, presence, gifts and service to You. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
Here is our study guide for today:Sunday: 1 Samuel 1, 2, 3Speaking of unsung heroes, as we did earlier with Samson’s parents, what qualities of strength do you see in Samuel’s mother, Hannah?
PRAYER THEME FOR THE WEEK: I will daily pray for these people in positions of prominence, that they will not be stumbled by their own sense of importance: I will pray daily for these in hidden places, that they love their calling: I will pray for myself, that I will know more of who I am, and be glad of it.See you in worship!
There is possibly nothing stronger in this world than a momma who prays! I am blessed in that I have seen it in four generations. I had a godly grandmother who prayed, a mom who prayed, a wife who prays and a daughter who prays! With those prayers comes strong faith. And with strong faith comes strong living. With strong living comes the model example all children need.
Hannah was a unique woman. First wife, second fiddle, so to speak. The second wife had children, the first wife did not. In those days usually your first wife was chosen for beauty and love, second wife for usefulness. Elkanah, the husband, was a man of faith, he worshiped in Shiloh at the place of the prophet where he shared with his family portions of the sacrifice, and saved a generous portion for Hannah. What made worship time unbearable was that the other wife would taunt her about how God had not given Hannah any children. On this particular trip she was so brokenhearted, her prayers of silence caused her lips to move and her expression fooled the old man prophet as he watched. He was convinced this woman was drunk and worshiping in the sanctuary! He scolds her but she explains who she is and Eli blesses her and her request.
Hannah was also a woman of her word. She had told God that if He gave her a son, she would give that son to Him for His service. And not just a "when he graduates from high school, I'll send him to a Christian university, then a Christian seminary so that he can become a servant of God" - no, this was a "as soon as he's weaned (think very, very young), he's yours!" Not many women would do that!
When it comes to your children or the children in your life, what do you hold back from God? If your child thought she or he was called to ministry, would you support that decision with your prayers and service? Or would you secretly pray that God have the wrong person in mind so that your child could do something more meaningful (read: more money)?
PRAYER: God of all good things, we thank You for the children in our lives. We dedicate them to You and Your service. Let me be a model for them with my prayers, presence, gifts and service to You. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
