PERSONAL JOURNAL:
SIN ( 1 Samuel 3:8-9 ): I find it interesting that Samuel was being called by you multiple times, yet he thought it was Eli calling his name. Thankfully, Eli was a man of God even though he had his faults. As a man of God, he was able to recognize for Samuel that it was, in fact, the Lord calling him. Eli gave Samuel instructions on how to proceed. The reason this is my sin confession is because this reminds me that I need Godly men in my life for spiritual wisdom and interpretation because I cannot do this alone, just as Samuel could not. I have not always been the best at seeking other Godly men in my life, although I have gotten better as of late. Please forgive me of this, Father. Help me to be even better moving forward so that I can lean on other Godly men to better hear and understand You in my life.
PROMISE ( 1 Samuel 3:12-14 ): In these verses You make a promise to Samuel about a promise made to Eli. The promise was that his entire family and lineage would pay for their sins and that no amount of sacrifice nor offerings could wipe out their debt to You. This is such a strong promise to the point that an entire lineage is essentially going to be damned because of the acts of their grandparents, great-grandparents, and even those so far back in the family tree that nobody living ever met them. I feel that is pretty harsh, Father, but You know best so You must’ve made this promise for a good reason. Thank You for all of Your promises, Father, even ones like these.
ATTITUDE ( 1 Samuel 3:15, 18 ): Help me to have an attitude like Samuel in these verses, Father. Although he was afraid to reveal the truth of Your words to Eli as reflected in verse 15, he remained faithful and true to You by speaking the entirety of Your message to Eli in verse 18. I do sometimes let this fear of speaking Your truth to others hinder my words, Father. This is not how You called me to live. If it is from You then I should have no fear residing me to speak those truths. Help me with this, Father.
COMMAND ( 1 Samuel 3:1, 19-21 ): At the start of today’s scripture, You tell us that “in those days the word of the Lord was rare and prophetic visions were not widespread.” In the end of this scripture, You paint a completely opposite picture. What happened in between? Eli’s guidance to Samuel leading Samuel to listen to and be faithful to the Lord! The reason I put this as my command journal today is because if Samuel hadn’t listened to the spiritual guidance of Eli in that moment, then he would not have become the man You wanted him to become. He would not have listened to You nor relayed that message and many other messages in the way You wanted him to, if at all. The command is that we should heed the spiritual wisdom of our brothers so that our relationship with You is not hindered! Thank You for this revelation, Father!
EXAMPLE ( 1 Samuel 3:18 ): In this verse, after being told that his entire lineage will essentially live their lives to atone for the sins of him and his family, Eli accepted everything because “He is the Lord. He will do what He thinks is good.” Even though Eli knew that him and his family had messed up pretty bad, he didn’t let this “eternal damnation” in a way move him into hatred or negative talk towards You, Father. Instead, He reinforced that You are good to Samuel who would go on to become an amazing and Godly man for You. Such a great example to live by!
*DAILY NOTE: Samuel’s story just keeps getting better and better. Now that Eli showed him that You were the one speaking to him, he is slowly but surely becoming a truly Godly man! You are using him as a vessel for great things. I do not know what Your plans are for my life, Father. What I do know is that You have blessed my family and I so much in this life. Even though my consistency has been lacking tremendously lately, You have still blessed us in ways that allow us to bless others. Thank you, Father, for all You have done and continue to do in my life and for those around me.
EXPAND TO READ: GENERAL NOTE FOR MY QUIET TIMES
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