Friday, January 8, 2016

Hello?

The Lord is calling to us just like He did Samuel!

    1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.  2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
   6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  11 And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. -1 Samuel 3:1-11

What’s wrong in this story? (Sounds a lot like today)
- The Word is not preached.
- Few are seeking the Lord.
- Church is business as usual.
- The Voice of God is not recognized or understood.

Just like Esther maybe we were made for such a time is this (Esther 4:13-14) We must ask ourselves who or for what  are we living for?

What We Need to Do: (Respond as Samuel did)
- Realize God’s voice and follow His plan.
- Listen and Answer Him.
- Be about His purpose and be obedient.

What areas in your life do you need to get better at, and where should you start?