"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him."

The story of the prodigal son strikes a resounding note in our hearts and minds. Though the prodigal, wayward and once filled with thoughts and plans of grandeur outside of the father's watchful eyes and guidance. only to find no fulfillment in the world. All the while, like our heavenly Father, he waited and watched, hoping and believing the best, praying for his child. His son's return was not filled with chiding or scolding, but with great joy and celebration. And so it is, as many of us who have strayed, heaven is filled with a celebration beyond our belief, as one comes home to be with the Father.

Pastor Russell

"Now Samuel was ministering before the Lord before the Lord as a boy wearing a linen ephod."

Amidst all the distractions and improprieties in and around the tent of meeting caused by Eli and his sons, we find young Samuel, seemingly undeterred by the goings on. The young lad had not lost focus on his worship of the Lord. For the child of God today, Samuel becomes a model of one adorned with a robe of righteousness, whose devotion is not hindered by all the goings on of the world, but continues on with eyes fixed on the Lord.

Pastor Russell

"And she was greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly."

The stigma and disappointment of a childless woman in the day of Samuel brought not only heartache, but was tempered by the constant taunting of her close rival. Distress at the situation would not move her to inaction, and bitterness would not drive her away and into the arms of more fleshly pursuits. Much to her credit we find her in prayer. A great example we find for all of us, not wrapped up in a place of woe, or paralyzed by the situation, but with hopeful confidence, trusting in God's outcome. We may, at one time or another face differing circumstances, but how we face them is the question.

Pastor Russell

The Spirit reminds us at the close of Hebrews, "Let brotherly love continue." And, "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

The practical encouragements of God, bring reminder of the basics, love for one another, the admonition to do good, and to share. How basic are the desires of the Lord's heart. Not so much the burnt offerings, or the announcement of large gifts, but the sacrifices that bring praise to the Lord as we love, pray and encourage each other. In Him good works flow out from us, and sharing, whether in word, deed or acts of charity, as we are moved in the Spirit.

Pastor Russell

"We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat."

As the priest along with the offeror could partake of a portion of the offering sacrificed at the temple, the meal was always flavored with an admixture of the legalism of the law. Rigid, with possibly the flavor of the resentment of having to do so. Whereas, the Christian coming before the Lord's Table, sitting or reclined, in a position of ease, rest and safety, no longer incumbered by the law, enjoying the love and grace of Jesus. The emblems of the bread and the cup, which we freely partake of, now reminding us of His completed work on the cross, done on our behalf.

Pastor Russell

"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled"

The Spirit, warns the believer of underlying circumstances that would allow a root to take hold within their life that would allow bitterness to take hold. Many are the reasons which cause us to question the faithfulness of God. How come? Why this? Where are You? It's taking too long, may be some of the commentary toward the Lord as we question the situation. The solution, we all could use more of His grace. It's His favor, His lovingkindness towards us, His mercy that bears us up in the time of testing. Resting in His love is a great place to be at, trusting in Him. In all things, recall His faithfulness, taking your eyes off the situation, and placing them upon Him.

Pastor Russell

But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord save me!"

"I know, I know" had been a pat answer for many years from one brother to another. Having given his life to the Lord many years prior, yet since leaving his old church, friends and ministry, embarking on a new life that sought employment, housing, the pursuit of old life styles, all of a long sudden the cares of life crowded out the joy and peace he once knew. Oh, I catch it on the radio......when he had a vehicle, now things of employment, health and other troubles came his way, still he only sees the wind. In the midst of the storm, we can too often fail to engage our lives with the Lord, failing to reach and lay hold of all He has. "And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him....." vs 31. In all things, we in faith, need to grab on to His hand stretched out to us. Bible reading, prayer, in person worship and fellowship, loving and serving are all key to stay afloat. 

Pastor Russell

Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord.

The first verse of one of six Psalms, 113 through 118 that were chanted or sung by the priests as the Passover lambs were scarified at the altar. They were to be reminded of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness towards His people. Psalm 118 is especially telling, as we see in verse 24, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Though the brutality of the crucifixion endured by our Lord was horrendous, it would mean a new beginning for all who would receive Him. It would mean for those in Christ Jesus, life in His death and resurrection. "I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord." verse 17 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting." verse 29

Pastor Russell

"And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him"

Jesus, in speaking with the rich young ruler, looked upon him with great love. Though our Lord, on His way to keep His appointment with the cross, took the time from His journey to dialogue with this one, who seemingly had much going for him. Power, prestige, wealth, youthfulness and honor was just some of the long list of items attached to his resume. Having much, but not really having anything, the emptiness within his heart brought no real hope or assurance of eternal life.  Seeking Jesus' counsel would bring the real answer for him. Though not immediately heeded, we can only hope that down the road, the words of Jesus were taken to heart. For those we have had the opportunity to in love, share the good news of the gospel, we pray for receptive hearts.

Pastor Russell

"They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and in holes in the ground."

In the great hall of faith, we've seen those who exemplified their faith and trust in the Lord, some to the point of giving everything, including their very lives for the sake of the gospel. Though we in the western world face little of this type of persecution, we would be well advised and forewarned that times of temptation will come our way. Temptation that would seek us to turn away and discourage God's work and hold us captive. Stay the course, keep your eyes on Him, press onward in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Russell

"that all this assemble may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or spear; for the battle is the Lord's and He will give into our hands."

David, a youthful shepherd boy, untested in battle, facing a giant of a warrior, was unfazed by the railing taunts of intimidation called out against the Lord and himself. As now and in the future, David would face many challenges that would present themselves as ominous , formidable foes, some by his own doing, others as outright challenges to his trust in the Lord. David did, as he would continue to live by his word, "for the battle is the Lord's and He will give into our hands." David would simply put his trust, in quiet belief of God's faithfulness. Can we too do the same in Christ, whatever the situation.

Pastor Russell

"Please do not depart from here, until I come back to Thee, and bring out my offering and lay it before Thee. And He said, "I will remain until you return."

Gideon, speaking with the Lord, was uncertain, fearful, probably hungry with doubt and discouragement all rolled in, yet in faith did not want the Lord to depart without bringing an offering to present to Him. Casting all other feelings aside, Gideon in faith displayed a heart of worship. We can glean a strong encouragement from the word of God here, that we ought to be a people of worship in the good and not so great times. We can count our blessings past, present and future, in faith, trusting that the lord is at work.

Pastor Russell