1 Samuel 16:7
"for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
For most of mankind, we are always first attuned to the outward appearance of others. Oh, he looks cool, or she is well dressed, or they look kind of weird, or oh yeah, they look like they would be a good leader. Much like the people then, we too have the thought of the first impressions, appearances and dress and carriage form our views but really tell us nothing of the real person. Take a lesson from the Lord, try and look pass the first impressions, and seek to look inward and find the heart of man. Soft , tender, loves the Lord, or hard and self-centered, pride filled? Throughout the word, we find all sorts and everything in between. For us, it may be well to look beyond the veneer and look for the good in Christ.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 15:11
"And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the Lord all night."
Saul's incomplete obedience would bring far reaching consequences not only to himself, but for the good of Israel. The Lord had given the people their desires, a king like the rest of the nations. The man Saul was head and shoulders above all the people, anointed and brought before the people as king. Yet he would prove to be half-hearted in God's instructions. As the prophet Samuel grieved, he manifested the heart of the Lord, who had entrusted the well-being of the nation to Saul. Saul becomes an example to us, as we too have been entrusted with the word of God, instructed to follow through with firmness our commitment Him.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 14:6
"Come and let us crossover to the garrison of these uncircumcised: perhaps the Lord will work for us,"
Pressed on all sides by the enemies of God's people, many were paralyzed by a wait and see attitude. Here mentioned in this verse, were the sentiments of two who chose to move forward, probing and seeing what the Lord would do. In faith they refused to see the obvious before them, but were moved by what was not seen, by faith and trust in the Lord. Many, even the staunchest of believers, are stymied by what is going around in the world today, settling and not going forward in faith, trusting that God still is in control. Child of God, pray and go on in in faith in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 13:6
"(for the people were hard pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, thickets, in cliffs, and even in pits."
Here in this verse, you may see the root of the saying, "I'm in the pits!" Moving forward in the things of the Lord wasn't so simple or easy. There were lots of challenges, temptations, fatigue, fear, lack of communication, lousy leadership were just a few to make people throw up their hands and say I didn't sign up for this! We have a distinct advantage today, having the full counsel of God, the bible, yet it doesn't take us step by step addressing every scenario. Too often for our liking is the faith, hope and love part, where we are called to trust Him to get us through, moving forward in the love of Christ.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 12:20b
"You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart."
Though guilty of sin against the Lord, Samuel counsels the people to recognize their sin, and move forward in the Lord, not turning to either side, but to continue on in Him, in love and service. As it is today, confession and repentance, then moving out in Christ, loving Him and following Him, all good words of wisdom for us to follow.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 11:13
But Saul said, "Not a man shall be put to death today, for the Lord has accomplished deliverance in Israel."
Anointed, touched and filled with the Spirit, Saul now a changed man.... a servant of God, raised up to shepherd the children of Israel. Wisdom and grace and compassion now filled and directed the servant leader. For the child of God, He sets our track in Him, day by day, one step at a time, hand in hand as long as we choose to hold on. Don't let go!
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 9:20
"And as for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found."
Saul, in obedience to his father, had chased around the countryside for three days, in search of their lost donkeys. All this would perfectly coincide with a meeting with God's prophet Samuel. Samuel would reassure Saul, everything is okay, your perfect heavenly Father has a plan for your life. Much as for us today, why am I here, how come this or that, nothing seems to be working. God where are you? While not being able to tell you the answer, only reiterate of God's faithful and His perfect timing and plans. Psalm 37 tells us; " Do not fret, trust in the Lord, commit your way to Him....." In all things, remember He is able....
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 7:6
And they gathered to Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, "We have sinned against the Lord." And Samuel judged the sons of Israel at Mizpah.
With the return of the Ark to the children of Israel came confession and repentance. Note that along with prayer and fasting came an offering of water that was poured out before the Lord. Not gold or silver or the animal sacrifices, but the precious commodity of water was freely poured out as a sacrifice of praise. In a dry and thirsty land, water truly sustains life and brings wellbeing to men. Consider what you give to God, as to your time, talent and your treasures, as worthy of praise unto Him.
Pastor Russell
Mathew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle, and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light."
As we celebrate the holiday, we call Labor Day, we think of the American worker, who has toiled tirelessly for the betterment of family and country. Today, however, we find ourselves living in more and more precarious situations. Moms parenting children and grandkids while still out working, dads doubling down with multiple jobs, singles and elderly juggling the budget to keep a roof over their head, those pushing off retirement for fear of the unknown, the prospect of becoming a caregiver, the lists goes on. Hear the words of Jesus, calling to those who are His to come find rest in Him. Come today, take His yoke, and lay your burdens down at His feet.
Pastor Russell
Mark 2:15
"Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him."
Just being in the presence of these "sinners" immediately raised the ire of the religious leaders. Critical hearts and condemning spirits were quick to discount the good work of the Lord to these social outcasts. As we go about our business today, we must view those around us with the Lord's eyes of compassion and mercy, knowing that He loves just as we are, sinners needing the saving grace of Jesus.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 5:9
"And it came about after they had brought it around, the hand of the Lord was against the city with very great confusion; and He smote the men of the city with very great confusion; young and old, so that tumors broke out on them."
The ark of God, captured by the Philistines as a trophy or souvenir of victory, was placed by their god Dagon in its house. They quickly discovered Dagon could not stand alongside the ark of God as it was toppled over, its head and hands dismembered from the torso. Confusion, as well as a physical malady called tumors ravaged the men. The Philistines would discover that the ark, was truly much more than an emblem of God, but where God's presence resided in the midst of His people. Hordes of mice would soon ravage the crops as they realized the power of God. It was quickly sent back, with a new respect for the God of Israel. How the world needs a new found respect for the true and living God.
Pastor Russell
Mark 1:35
"And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there."
A great reminder for us is that Jesus sets the importance of prayer for us. Amidist all the business of His ministry, the throngs all seeking for Him, the questions of His disciples, He seeks quiet solitude, rest, and communion with the Father. How much more should we take to heart His example for us, sweet fellowship with our Lord.
Pastor Russell
Mark 1:15
and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel."
Since the fall in the garden, God had prepared and put plans into motion for the redemption of all mankind. Fellowship broken, and restoration would come in the form of our Lord Jesus, who would be born and walk in this world, to die on the cross for our sins. Turning from our way and seeking Him, as we receive the good news would accomplish a healing from the brokenness that sin had once brought. Now free from sin, alive in Christ.
Pastor Russell