1 Samuel 1 "Hannah's Vow"

Then Elkanah Hannah's husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” (vv.8-11)

This reminds us of the story of Sarah and the birth of Issac. In that particular story, God had promised Abraham that he would be the 'father of many nations' but late in life, he and Sarah had no children and she was past the age of childbearing. How could God's promise be fulfilled? 

One day three strangers visited their tent. One of them was the Lord Himself, who made Abraham an extraordinary promise: 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son’ (Gen.18:10). When she heard this, Sarah, who was eavesdropping, laughed to herself and thought, 'After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?' (v.12).

Yet, the Lord spoke truly and just as He had said, Sarah gave birth to Isaac who rejoiced saying, 'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me' (21:6). Like Sarah, Hannah would experience the joy of seeing God accomplish the 'impossible' and discover that nothing is too hard for the Lord (Gen.18:14). However, it would not happen until her request was in line with His will.

Hannah, having worked through years of barrenness and having thought deeply about the problems, finally realized for the first time that children are not just for parents. They are given to parents, loaned for a while, but the reason they are given is for the Lord to use. This child who was ultimately born (Samuel) was to be God's man to meet the needs of a nation. Undoubtedly God had taught Hannah deeply through hours of struggle over her barrenness, so in great distress she prays that God would have what He wanted, a man for his glory and his purposes, and that He would let her be the instrument of that blessing.

Immediately we read of a remarkable change in Hannah's heart, for the account says, Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him (v.17). Immediately, God's peace had begun to guard her heart and spirit. Now, the birth of the baby did not occur until months later, but when the baby was born she named him Samuel, which means, Asked of God. God had granted her request, yet there was peace in Hannah's heart right from that very moment of her prayer.

This chapter reminds us that, God wisely denies petitions motivated by self-interest. And, rather than blaming God for what is not being granted to us, we should ask him to re-focus our hearts toward his will.

The Truth: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). 

1 Samuel "A Short Introduction"

First Samuel tells the story of the transition in Israel from the period of the judges, to the time of the kings. It had been God's desire to rule over His people in a theocratic from of government, but the people of Israel saw how other nations were governed and wanted a human king to rule over them. To their own detriment, they insisted on having one despite God's warnings to the contrary.  

In this book we will see that God gave them over to their desires, and gave them a king - Saul. Saul had all the potential to be a great leader. He was tall, good looking, and a very charismatic person. But he had a weakness (as all men do), pride. Therefore, he did what was right in his own eyes, and did not obey God and follow Him. His story serves as an example of what happens when human leaders don't follow God. His reign ended in a dismal failure. Sound familiar? 

1 Samuel also chronicles the rise of David, Israel's second king. He was a man after God's own heart, and God used him mightily, even though he wasn't sinless. And, it would be through through David's lineage that the Messiah would come, the ultimate King of Israel. 

This book has many great stories ahead for us to learn from. The most important of which is, how a successful leader seeks leadership from God.  

Ruth 4 "Obed, The Grandfather Of King David"

 “So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (v.17b)

Every great story has a great ending, and Ruth’s story has one of the best. The writer doesn’t reveal the “punch line” until the last few verses, where we read that God blessed the romance and marriage of Ruth and Boaz by placing them in the line of the Messiah. Their son Obed would become the grandfather of king David.

Although David was still two generations away, God’s favor was on this family. For even in the dark days of Judges when everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes, God was working to provide Israel with what they needed—Godly leadership. Through this beautiful story, we see His hand providentially set the stage for Boaz to rescue Ruth and Naomi from a life of poverty and the shame of not having an heir.

Ruth could have been bitter about her status as a young widow, and Boaz might have thought that as a foreigner Ruth was not worth his time. But they recognized the hand of God in their circumstances and faithfully followed His plan. And yet, redeeming the land, the marriage of Ruth to Boaz, continuing the family name - are not the best parts of this story. Because of their faithfulness, salvation for the world was yet to come through their descendants—first David and then Jesus (Matthew 1:5-16).

This short book demonstrates that, sometimes the worst thing that happens to us can open the door for the best that God has for us, if we will follow His leading.

The Truth: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Ruth 3 "The Kinsman Redeemer"

"Then Naomi said to Ruth, "sit still, my daughter, for the man (Boaz) will not rest, until he has finished the thing this day." (v.18)

This was a time of considerable anxiety for Ruth. She had claimed her right to marriage and would be married. The only question was to whom would she be married? Would it be to Boaz, or to the nearer kindsman? The issue would be decided that very day.

Boaz had many good traits — his religious demeanor and speech, his courtesy in greeting his servants, his refusal to take advantage of Ruth’s trust; but none are more satisfactory than this well-known and acknowledged promptness of action. Naomi had recognized this quality in her kinsman, and knew that he was a man of his word, who would complete whatever he had undertaken to perform.

Apparently, though Boaz was a recognized goel (kindsman redeemer) towards Ruth, there was another goel closer in relation to her deceased father-in-law Elimelech. So, Boaz could not exercise his right as kinsman-redeemer unless this closer kinsman-redeemer relinquished his rights towards Ruth. In his statement to Ruth, "If he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you," we see the true character of Boaz. He wasn’t willing to cut corners. He would do God’s will God’s way. He knew that if it was really of the LORD, then it could be done orderly and in a proper way.

This is a characteristic we should follow. Not arousing hopes that end in disappointment, nor making promises only to forget them. Our words should be our bond. Those who commit their trust to us should feel perfectly at rest about our executing what we have promised.

Scripture tells us that Jesus is our near kinsman. Therefore, we have no need of worry or fear. We can “sit still” in assured trust that He has undertaken our cause, and He will not rest until the marriage-feast is celebrated. He has made Himself responsible for us; and He will not rest until He has accomplished our redemption.

Therefore, take the advice of Naomi, "sit still" – know that your redeemer is working.

The Truth: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Ruth 2 “God’s Direction”

And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after one in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. (v.2-3)

Today we will see another theme in the book of Ruth: initiative. Ruth arrived in Bethlehem having made the choice to leave the comfort of food, family and home. While Naomi proclaimed her bitterness, Ruth showed initiative and got right to work.

An interesting little phrase sits in the middle of verse 3 (niv translates it), “As it turned out.” It's almost a little wink from the writer, as if to alert us that something seemingly random or coincidental, was really a demonstration of God's direction. When Ruth took the initiative to glean in the fields, she had no idea what would follow. But God blessed that step by leading her to the fields of Boaz.

Boaz might have felt justified in removing Ruth from his fields. After all, she was a foreigner. He could have instructed his workers to harass her. He lived in the time of Judges—he could have just fit in with the culture around him and sought to maximize his own gain. But Boaz chose faithfulness, kindness, and generosity instead. 

As it turned out, God had a plan. He not only supplied their immediate need for food but (as we shall see later in the story) their future as well.

The Truth “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Ruth 1 " Ruth’s Eloquent Statement Of Faith"

 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”  (vv.16-17)

What an eloquent statement of faith by Ruth here. She was willing to forsake the Moabite gods she grew up with and embrace the God of Israel. She was deciding to follow the LORD. This Gentile woman, once far from God, had drawn near to Him. Her statement, "And your God, [will be] my God" meant that Naomi’s relationship with God made an impact on Ruth. This is striking, because Naomi did not have an easy life. She had been widowed, had lost both her sons, and believed that she had caused each calamity by her disobedience. Yet she still honored and loved the LORD.

People should be able to look at our life, just as Ruth looked at Naomi’s, and say, “I want your God to be my God.” Our trust in God, and turning towards Him in tough times, will often be the thing that draws others to the LORD. We will never persuade our friends or relatives to Jesus by compromise. Only a bold stand for Jesus will really do it.

C.S. Spurgeon wrote, “Ah! You will never win any soul to the right by a compromise with the wrong. It is decision for Christ and His truth that has the greatest power in the family, and the greatest power in the world, too.” 

May we all hold on in times of great trouble to our faith as is exemplified here by Ruth.

1 Corinthians 16 "Above All - Love"

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (vv.13-14)

Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians like he started it. After all the time spent to correct, rebuke, and exhort them, he now affirms his confidence in them. Returning to the theme of love, he urges the Corinthians to; stand firm in the faith, don’t waver; act like men, lead don’t follow; be strong, firm, sold in your resolve not weak; and finally, all that you do should be done in love, and expressed in tangible ways to one another.

It should be noted that we continue to struggle with some of the same issues in the 21st century, as the Corinthians did. However, the key point for all of us to draw on from in this chapter is, the attention to love. 

We as Christians are all brothers and sisters in Jesus, no one is perfect, we are all under construction but, we are His children. As such, we all need instruction, exhortation, at times correction, most certainly direction, and above all - love. 

All the watching, all the standing fast, all the bravery, and all the strength the Corinthian Christians might show meant nothing without love. They were called to do all those things in a meek, humble spirit of love.

Therefore, all that we do should be done in love. For, “There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Be on alert brothers and sisters, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and all that you do, let it be done in love.

The Truth: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, and will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) 

1 Corinthians 15 “Victory Through Jesus”

“The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our LORD Jesus Christ” (vv. 56-57)

Throughout chapter 15, Paul discusses the reality of the resurrection of Christ and, through Him, the assurance of the resurrection of all who believe in His name. Today’s text delivers the powerful conclusion to his argument in this chapter. Quoting the prophet Hosea, Paul pronounces death powerless (vv. 56-57).

In the book of Ecclesiastes, death has been shown as the great equalizer that conquers all men, rendering their labor on earth meaningless. But Paul claims triumphantly in verse 57 that, “through Jesus Christ, God gives us victory over death.” This assurance of life after death allows every Christian to live free of the dread of death.

Although the events surrounding the Second Coming are partly a “mystery," Paul makes it clear that believers will be raised bodily when Christ returns (vv. 51-53). Those who have already died and those who do not “sleep” will be changed instantaneously at the sound of the trumpet. An instant heavenly body. And with that, the power of sin and the sting of death will end forever. 

Therefore, Paul exhorts all believers (who remain until His second coming) to be, "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that our work is not in vain in the LORD." (v.58) And what is our work? Paul made it clear that the declaration of the gospel was his sole purpose in life, the work he had been called to (vv.1-8). While we are certainly not apostles, we are believers, followers of Christ. And as such called by Him to the work of the harvest, to labor for the gospel, and for the kingdom.

Therefore brothers and sisters, fulfill your calling at every turn. Speak boldly in His name, for the time is short and the laborers are few, but the field is ripe for a harvest.   

The Truth: “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

1 Corinthians 14 "The Use of Spiritual Gifts"

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (v.1)

In our text today, Paul is reminding the people of Corinth about the purpose of spiritual gifts, and how they are to function in a public worship assembly (specifically the gift of tongues and prophesy). He does not fault them for the gifts nor the desire to have them, he simply instructs them as to when and when not to use their gifts, especially tongues. 

An important instruction to note, "He who speaks in tongues speaks to God, not to man" (v.2). While he who prophesies, "speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (v.3) and "edifies the church" (v.4). Paul reminds the believers that spiritual gifts are given for the common good, and when the community gathers, priority should be given to the gift of prophecy for it convicts the heart (v. 24). Paul goes on to say while there’s freedom in the gatherings, nevertheless, there are restrictions put in place. These restrictions, such as forbidding more than one person from talking at a time or requiring interpretation for a person speaking in tongues, do not restrain the Spirit but, promotes order (vv. 26-40).

Though Paul would carefully regulate, and even discourage the use of tongues in the church, he would not forbid it. At the same time, he would greatly encourage its use in one’s personal devotions. If one were to ask Paul, “Which is greater for one’s devotional life: the gift of tongues or the gift of prophesy?” He would no doubt say “the gift of tongues,” because who do you prophesy to when you are alone with the Lord in your prayer closet?

Therefore, the exercise of spiritual gifts should always be done for edification (v.26), properly, and in an orderly manner (v.40). God is a God of order and peace, and He wants order when the church comes together. When the gifts of the Spirit are given an unscriptural focus, it discredits the true work of the Holy Spirit, and often leads people to deny the gifts because they see unbiblical excess.

A good rule of thumb when exersising ones gift is to ask yourself, "Who is this edifying?" 

The Truth: "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:9)

1 Corinthians 13 “Unfailing Love”

“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (v.13)

When people hurt us and then apologize, we often say that we forgive them. But, like a dog that won’t give up its bone, we sometimes let our minds continue to chew on past insults. Paul declared in the latter part of verse 5 that love “thinks no evil.” He was using an accountant’s term here meaning, it does not keep a record of wrongs. Instead, love forgives and refuses to keep it on the books. When we want to remember something, we go over it again and again in our minds. But Godly love deliberately and consciously lets go of past hurts, and gives them to God.

The Bible challenges each of us to this higher ground in loving others, to live out God’s kind of love. The person who exercises Godly love doesn’t do so for personal benefit or gain, but rather “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (13:7). Why? Because Godly love endures beyond life’s hurts by pulling us relentlessly toward the never-diminishing care of the Father.

Therefore, even in our struggles, we know that “His love never fails,” and nor should ours. Lord, teach us the patience of Your unfailing love that we might properly reflect it.

The Truth: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (v.7)

1 Corinthians 12 “Everyone Has A Gift”

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (v.7)

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about the purpose for which the Lord gave them their spiritual gifts. Before he listed the diversity of gifts (vv.8-10), he reminded them that “a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (v.7). God does not give His spiritual gifts for our own selfish use, but to serve others, and in so doing, we serve Him.

We are all given different gifts to be used at different times and in different ways. W. W. Dawley, referring to this truth, says, “God gave Moses a rod, David a sling, Samson the jawbone of a donkey, Shamgar an oxgoad, Esther the beauty of person, Deborah the talent for poetry, Dorcas a needle, and Apollos an eloquent tongue—and to each the ability to use that gift. In so doing, every one of them did most effective works for the Lord.”

Our heavenly Father has given at least one spiritual gift to each of us as believers, and He provides all we need to carry out our individual responsibilities (vv.6-7). Each one of us is one piece of a jigsaw puzzle that is not complete without the others. Therefore, seek out your gift, and use it, for it is an important part of the body of Christ to serve others and to bring Him honor.

The Truth: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you.” (1 Timothy 4:14)

1 Corinthians 11 “Examine Ourselves”

If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (v.31)

How often do we really take a good look at ourselves? I’m not talking about physically, for we do that constantly, but introspectively. Self-evaluation is what the apostle Paul calls for here in 1 Corinthians 11. Believers in Christ need to examine themselves, he said, to avoid being disciplined by the Lord.

The Corinthian church was especially in need of this. They were quarreling among themselves (v.18), going through the motions of celebrating the Lord’s Supper (v.20) and some were even drunk (v.21). So Paul said, in effect, “Look at yourselves. You’re a mess! If you don’t get your lives straightened out, the Lord will have to do it for you.” This warning, however, also carried a message of hope, for if we judge ourselves and repent of our sins, we will not be judged by God (v.31).

Even a righteous man like Job said it best when he saw himself in the light of his God, "I an unworthy - how can I reply to you?" (Job 40:4). But, righteous or unrighteous, we will all answer to God. For even Job heard God say, "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me" (Job 40:7) Woe to all!

Therefore, take stock, see if there be any sin in our lives, and like Job,  "repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). Better to judge ourselves now, for we will all answer to God later.

The Truth: "Jesus said, "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5) 

1 Corinthians 10 “Learn From The Past”

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (v.11)

First Corinthians 10 describes a spiritual disaster we can avoid. After the people of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt, they continued to turn away from the Lord. Recounting their recurring self-indulgence and its disastrous results, Paul wrote: “Now these things became our examples … And they were written for our admonition” (vv.6,11).

This story of reoccurring failure has been preserved in scripture so we can avoid the same disaster of disobedience. The same is true with all biblical lessons. They contain both examples and warnings to guard us against our worst inclinations and to lead us into wiser living. The question is, will we learn from the lessons of the past or repeat the mistakes of those who came before us? Scripture teaches us that, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5) Two excellent, biblical examples to apply to our lives.

Paul goes on to admonish the Corinthian believers, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (v.12). Don't think you're good because the water is clam now, Satan is always working, going to and fro seeking whom he may devour, stumble, or cause to fall. Yes, we do fall. But when we do, our goal must be to learn from our error and to avoid a second spill. When we walk in the Light, we won’t stumble in the darkness.

Therefore, read the Word daily, live carefully by its principals, be transformed by the renewing of your mind - and learn from the past!

The Truth: "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the LORD. Walk as children of the light." (Ephesians 5:8) 

1 Corinthians 9 "Discipline Your Body"

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (vv.24-27)

Sporting events were big in Paul’s day as well as in our own. This was especially meaningful to the Corinthians, because their city was the center for the Isthmian Games, second in prestige to the ancient Olympics. Paul often uses figures from arena competition (at least twelve different references in his letters), including examples of runners, boxers, gladiators, chariot racers, and trophies. 

To compete as an athlete, one must be temperate. This term refers to the manner in which Roman athletes had to train for ten months before being allowed in the games. An athlete must refuse things that may be fine in themselves, but will hinder the pursuit of his goal. Even so, the Corinthians must refuse things that are fine in themselves (like meat sacrificed to idols), because having them may hinder the pursuit of the important goal: an imperishable crown, a heavenly reward that will never pass away.

The apostle Paul was serious about the gospel. He gave himself to the task of serving God with the same dedication that an athlete devotes to preparation for competition. While athletes train for a temporal prize, Paul endured tremendous hardship to win an eternal reward. Paul made sure that his body was the servant, and his inner man was the master. The desires of his body were not going to rule over his entire self.

Although he had experienced several years of fruitful ministry, the apostle had every reason to quit. On five occasions he had felt the searing bite of 39 lashes as leather cords tore into his flesh (2 Cor. 11:24). He was also beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked, and he endured hunger, thirst, cold, and many other troubles (vv.25-27). Paul’s body must have rebelled each time he prepared to go to another place of service, but Paul made it his servant, and the servant of the gospel through discipline. May the LORD help us in our spiritual training to be discipline as well.  

Athletes’ sacrifice and determination are rewarded with medals, trophies, and money. But even greater, does our Father in heaven reward the discipline of His children (Luke 19:17).

The Truth: "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap it we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

1 Corinthians 8 “Love Over Liberty”

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” (v.9)

Here in chapter 8 Paul speaks about a situation concerning eating meat offered to idols and felt he had a perfect freedom to do so. He knew that there was only one true God and that idols were nothing. Eating meat offered to them was neither right nor wrong. But not all believers felt that way. So Paul's conclusion on the matter was, "If eating meat makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat" (v.13).

Today, many Christian believers feel as indifferent on the subject of alcohol, even though scripture does not forbid drinking. As Christians, we are free in Christ—free to engage in social practices and customs, as Jesus did, not specifically forbidden by biblical commands. And yet, the Holy Spirit may prompt us to refrain from some legitimate practices in certain situations or altogether. At that moment, the principle of love must take precedence over the principle of liberty. A mature Christian will then heed to the Spirit and not exercise his liberty to keep a weaker believer from stumbling.

Paul is not saying in this passage that we should be bound by the conscience of every person we come in contact with. He was challenging certain Corinthians’ behavior of flaunting their freedoms causing weaker brothers to sin. Therein lies our responsibility as well – love over liberty.

The Truth: “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)