TRANSFORMATION

 TRANSFORMATION

1 Samuel 10: 8-16
"What is this that has happened to the son of Kish?" (1 Sam. 10;11b).



Everything touched by the Creator God is Transformed.

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DELIVERANCE

 DELIVERANCE

1Samuel 10: 1-7

"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you with power, .....and you will be changed into a different person" (1 Sam.10:6).




The goal in Christian living is to find and claim God's best (Harold Bonner).

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WAIT ON THE LORD

 WAIT ON THE LORD

1 Samuel 9: 15-27
Samuel said to Saul.... "but you stay here awhile, so that I may give you a message from God" (1 Sam. 9:27b)



When faced with a difference between what God wants and what I want, I will discipline myself to choose his way over my own (Harold Bonner).

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GOD LEADS US

 GOD LEADS US

1 Samuel 9:1-14

I will instruct you and teach you along the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you (Ps. 32:8).

GOD LEADS US




But this we know, to seek less than God's best is to settle for less than God's best (Harold Bonner).

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WHOSE KING DO YOU SERVE?

 WHOSE KING DO YOU SERVE?

1 Samuel 8:10-22
"No," they said. "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations" (1Sam. 8: 19b-20a).







"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him" (Psalm 62:11).

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REJECTION TO REJOICING

1 Samuel 8:1-9
And the Lord told [Samuel]: "... [I]t is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king" (1 Sam. 8:7).
REJECTION TO REJOICING

Nancy Shaver
Leawood, Kansas
Writer and speaker
Church of the Nazarene


God gives where he finds empty hands (Augustine of Hippo).

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OUR SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Hebrews 13:9-21
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name (Heb. 13:15).


OUR SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
Duane Brush


[T]hose moments of God's deliverance and blessing acknowledged in praise can bind our hearts to him more firmly for the days ahead (Harold Bonner).

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THE UNBROKEN VOW.

Hebrews 13:1-8
"Never will I leave yoy: never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5b).

THE UNBROKEN VOW.
Duane Brush

 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faith (1 Cor. 1:9).

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THIS IS THE DAY TO REJOICE

 Psalms 118: 15-29
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Ps. 118:24)

 THIS IS THE DAY TO REJOICE
Duane Brush


Rejoice in this day. It carries enough of God's blessings for him to deserve all our praise.

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FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK

 Psalms 118: 1-14
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Ps. 118:6).

FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK





Christ"s command, "Peace, be be still," was as much for the disciples as for the storm.

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EBENEZER STONE, NOT SCROOGE

1 Samuel 7:10-17
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up... He named it Ebenezer, saying "Thus far has the Lord helped us" (1 Sam. 7:12).


 EBENEZER STONE, NOT SCROOGE



Every life can have those moments, those Ebenezers, markers along the road of memory when God came with his hand of blessing (Harold Bonner).

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THE PATH BACK

 1 Samuel 7:2-9
They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us" 1 Sam. 7:8a).

 THE PATH BACK
Duane Brush

The Israel was back at Mizpah: this time not to settle a family quarrel, but in hope of national revival,. Spiritually, economically, and militarily Israel languished before their enemies. How do you rebuild hope, confidence, and strength? Samuel proposed a seven-step program of national restoration  (vv. 5-6):

1. Forsake the Idols: To return to God required removing all they had set in his place and to serve him only.

2. Assemble: As long as Israel remained scattered, they would be a weak people.

3. Intercede: Samuel set the example in prayer. God's people must "stand in the gap" and pray for the fallen, near and far.

4. Demonstrate: They drew water and poured it out before the Lord, symbolically offering their very lives to God.


5. Fast: The ancient spiritual discipline combines self-denial and a refocusing of life priorities upon seeking God.


6. Confess: The previous steps prepared Israel for this crucial step. Without confession, there would be no restoration. Confession opens the door to God's blessing.


7. Offer: The offering of a lamb sealed their re dedication, "and the Lord answered" (v. 9b). He still answers today.







The Christian can no more live without prayer then a fish can  live in a sandbox. (W.E. McCumber).

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SILENT WITNESS TO MISTRUST

 Genesis 31:43-55
It was also called Mizpah, because he said, "May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other" (Gen. 31:49).

SILENT WITNESS TO MISTRUST
Duane Brush

 Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" pictures neighbors reparing a stone wall between their fields. Frost's character wonders why the wall, which requires constance maintenance, is even necessary. The neighbor replies, "Good fences make good neighbors."

Mizpah, another heap of stones, marked an agreement between two men who could never trust each other- Jacob and Laban. Both were shrew scoundrels who could stretch the truth like salt water taffy. They had "history," and most of it was good. Mizpah witnessed their covenant that neither would cross to the other's side.

Every fence, every wall, every lock, every contract, every law, every nation's army is a testimony to our fallen nature. Since we cannot find security in ourselves, we seek to guarantee it by force or law.

Jesus Christ has given us a "ministry of reconciliation" (2Cor. 5:18). "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations" (Eph. 2:14-15a). In Jesus, every barrier will one day be torn away. His cross is our "mending wall".


 Many promising reconciliations have broken down because, while both parties came prepared to forgive, neither party came prepared to be forgiven (Charles Williams).


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TIME TO CELEBRATE

Psalm 96:1-13
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord... proclaim his salvation day after day (Ps. 96:1-2).


 TIME TO CELEBRATE
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 

June is a time of celebration for many graduating students. These celebrations come only after years of dedicated study. In fact, the longer one has endured their course of study, the greater and more meaningful the celebration becomes!

Psalm 96 calls on God's people to celebrate. They have been through much .Despite all the challenges they have faced, God has proven that he is faithful even when they were not. As the psalmist remembers who God is and how he has worked in their lives, the only adequate response is ti "[let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad" (Ps.96:11a).

The celebration continues continues today and the invitation extends to you. Whoever you are, whatever you have been though, you too can join in the celebration. Take a moment to re-read Psalm 96. Think of all the times that the Lord has been faithful to you. Consider how he has led you to this point in your life and were he is taking you. Then put yourself as the one who sings to the Lord and let the celebration begin!


A new song is a song that shall be ever new, and shall never wax old or vanish away; it is an everlasting song, that shall never be antiquated or out of date (Matthew Henry).


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ENTER WITH CONFIDENCE

Psalm 29:1-11
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splender of his holiness (Ps. 29:2).


 ENTER WITH CONFIDENCE
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 

Security clearance is an important part of national security. Those who have various levels of security clearance are able to access confidential or secret information. Without security clearance, certain documents are beyond reach.

For many people, God seems to be beyond reach. He seems far away and distant, someone to fear and dread rather than approach and embrace. And yet the truth of today's scripture shows an amazing paradox. In contrast to the desperate question in 1Samuel 6:29b ("Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?"), we find an amazing invitation in Psalm 29:2b - an invitation to "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness."

Coming into the presence of the holy God is something we can do on our own. Through the power and presence of Jesus Christ in our lives, we have special clearance to not only enter into God's holy presence, but to come with confidence and joy.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). 

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GOING TOO FAR

 1 Samuel 6:13-7:1
"Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?" (1 Sam. 6:20b).

GOING TOO FAR
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene

The Israelites had lost it; the Philistines had sent it back; now 70 men died because they looked inside it. We don't know what the 70 men found when they opened the ark of the covenant, but it was likely the last thing they ever did see.

Since the ark represented God's presence among his people, it seems strange, almost ironic, that the ark would be the cause of so much suffering; and yet it was, again and again.

The problem wasn't the ark. The problem was man's sinful condition. Ever since the first act of disobedience, humankind has been unable to freely enter into the presence of God without being overwhelmed by one's own sense of sin. Our sin prevents us from drawing near to God, that is, until we come to the Good News in 1Jhon 2:1b: "[w]e have one who speaks to the Father in our defense- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."

We don't need the ark to find God. Through Christ we can enter into the presence of God and we can do so in confidence, "by the blood of Jesus" (Heb. 10:19b). What are we waiting for?


Personal holiness, genuine devotion, is what [God] wants. Whatever fosters that, he encourages. Whatever hinders, he removes (Harold Bonner).

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IF ONLY!

 1 Samuel 6:1-12
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Ps. 46:10).

IF ONLY!
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 


If only I had a new car. If only I had a nice house. If only I was married. If only I had that job. We are all looking for something just a little beyond what we have, believing that if we can only take possession of something then all our problems we be solved!

The Philistines thought that if only they could get their hands on the ark of the covenant, everything would turn out all right. For seven months, they suffered under affliction until they decided they had enough. Their plan had backfired. What they thought was good for them them turned out to be a disaster. They decided to "return the ark of the god of Israel" (v.3a) and "pay honor to Israel's god" (v.5a).

We're experts at thinking we know what we need. We think we know what is best for us. But it doesn't always work that way.

Instead of looking for something or some situation to be the answer to all our problems, we need to look to the Lord himself. His grace is sufficient and he will supply every need in his time.



It is not the things you have, it is the things that have you which are the problem.



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THERE IS NO OTHER

1 Samuel 5
"Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you-majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (Exod. 15:11)

THERE IS NO OTHER
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 

After the Philistines defeated the Israelites and captured the ark of the covenant, they brought the ark and placed it in the temple of Dagon. Perhaps they wanted to show the superiority of Dagon, or they were  trying to appease all gods by bringing one more into their temple. Whatever was their intention, it didn't work out very well for them.

Not once, but twice, they found Dagon fallen on its face, the second time with its hands and head broken. But that was only the start. Wherever the ark was taken among the Philistines, it resulted in death and suffering.


In capturing the ark, perhaps the Philistines thought that their god had defeated the God of the Israelites! But now the presence of the ark had destroyed their idols and was afflicting their people. They came to understand, after much suffering, that their false could not stand up to the true God.

God is very patient with us, but there's one thing he cannot stand and that is an imposter. There is only one true God. "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other" (Isa. 45:22).



The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of him (A.W. Tozer).



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NOT IN A BOX

 1 Samuel 4:12-22
"How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another" (Isa. 48:11b).

NOT IN A BOX
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene

Things could not get worse. The Israelites had been defeated. not once, but twice. Eli's sons were killed in battle. But perhaps the worse news of all was the ark had been captured by the Philistines. This was too much for Eli. He fell backward, broke his neck and died. His daughter-in-law came to the only possible conclusion:"The glory has departed from Israel" (1 Sam. 4:22a).

The question everyone was wondering was "Were was God in all this?)

The reality was that Gog was teaching them a lesson.The Israelites came to depend on the ark instead of God. The people had put their trust in a physical object instead of the unseen God who provided for them through many years. By allowing the ark to be taken, God provided the opportunity for the people to really put their trust in him.

God's presence does not rest within an object, even a sacred object. God's presence rest in our relationship with him. It's not a question of whether we have God in our presence, but whether God has us in his presence.

You cannot shut God up in a box nor squeeze him into a crucifix. He makes his home in holy hearts (Harold Bonner).

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

 1 Sammuel 4:1b-11
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity (Joel 2:13b).

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 

"In case of emergency, break class." We've all seen signs like that posted beside emergency equipment. For the Israelites, their "in case of emergency" resource was the ark of the covenant.

After an initial defeat at the hands of the Philistines, the Israelites brought out the ark of the covenant, believing that with the ark in their presence, they were to sure have victory over their enemies. The Philistines also believed in the power of the ark, as seen in their fearful response. Both sides were surprised when the Israelites were soundly defeated a second time, having lost 30,000 soldiers.

What went wrong? The Israelites knew the ark represented the powerful presence of God and assumed that having the ark, they had God on their side. What they learned was that they couldn't simply bring God out whenever they needed to win a war.

Then, and today, God wants to be part of our lives, not just in case of emergency when things go wrong, but every day and in every situation. He is not there just for emergencies.






[God] will not be anybody's good luck charm (Harold Bonner).

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A DAY OF REJOICING

 Psalm 105:37-45
He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy (Ps. 105:43)

A DAY OF REJOICING
 Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 

There were times when it would have been hard to even remember what shouts of joy sounded like. The pain, the suffering, the abuse were too much. Many would have wondered if things would ever change, if there were any hope of escape. How refreshing it was when the day came for the Israelites to leave Egypt.

There are people today who feel that their lives are trapped in some situation with no way of escape. The song is gone from their heart. They've lost ambition. They've lost hope.

As God did for his people, he can do for you as well. Today is a new day. Today is a day of celebration. Just as the Israelites were released out of Egypt, and just as Christ was set free from the tomb, so also today may be the day when God does something in your life that will make you shout for joy.

As God's people gather together for worship on the Lord's Day, perhaps this will be the day when God will give you something to shout about. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps. 118:24)

Joy is a foretaste of heaven.



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NEVER TOO BUSY

 Psalm 105:16-36
Afather to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling (Ps. 68:5)

NEVER TOO BUSY
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 

Ask someone how they are doing and chances are they will respond by telling you how "busy" they are. Many people are running around, from one urgent crisis to another, never having time to get involved with and be present at the activities and events that are really important.


No doubt their were times when the Israelites wondered if God himself was to busy for them. When things went from bad to worse, it it would have been easy to wonder if God was even present in their lives.

Today's reading reminds us that God is indeed involved in the lives of his people. It might have taken awhile, but God did act in history according to his timetable. The people were never forgotten. Even if it seemed like nothing was happening, God was working behind the scenes then and he still is today.

Even though God is "in his holy dwelling", he is still involved in the lives of the fatherless and the widows (Ps. 68:5b), and no matter what your personal situation is today, he is not too busy to listen to your heart and respond in his time. Call on him today.


A monkey can give a banana  to another monkey, and even do it affectionately, but only [people] can talk to God in prayer (W.E. McCumber).



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GETTING TOO COMFORTABLE

Psalm 105: 1-15
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always (ps. 105:4).

GETTING TOO COMFORTABLE

Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 


The first day on the job is always the hardest. We have many questions. We are unfamiliar with the routine. We may not even know what is expected. With such inexperience, we often need to ask direction. As we gain experience, our questions are fewer. There is a shift from dependence to independence.

While this shift is expected and normal in the workplace, a similar but not harmful shift can rake place in our spiritual growth and development. The longer we follow the Lord, the easier it becomes to believe we know everything we need to know. When we think we have all the answers, that's usually when we run into trouble. 

When it comes to our spiritual life , there is no independence. We can never assume we have it all figured out. Not only must we continually look to the Lord for strength, we need to seeking his face, today and every day.

What we learn and what we did yesterday was great, but today is a new day. Today, I need to once again depend on the Lord by seeking his face.


Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near (Isa. 55:6)


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COME CLEAN

 1Samuel 3:10-4;1a
"He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes" (1 Sam.3:18b).

 COME CLEAN

Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene 

We have all experienced the sinking feeling when we did something wrong; sooner or later, we know we will be held accountable. We can either own up to what we did or we can wait for the inevitable consequences. Sometimes waiting is worse then th punishment itself!

Eli knew it was coming, he just didn't know when it would happen. He had failed to restrain his sons, and in the process they had strayed from the lord. Certainly Eli's sons exercised their free will in rebelling against the Lord., but Eli, too, did wrong when he knowingly avoided disciplining  his sons when he had  the opportunity. The result was God's judgment; first told to Eli through a "man of God" (1Sam.2:27a), and now given through Samuel.

While Eli rightly accepted the judgment of God, things may have been different for him if, instead of waiting for the inevitable, he started to deal with what he had done wrong.


"If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins" (1John 1:9a), but if we ignore our sins, we are simply waiting for the inevitable. Now is the time to come clean.



A godly heritage is not abandoning your child at the house of God. It is making where you live with them a house of God (Harold Bonner).


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READY TO LISTEN

 1Samuel 3: 1-9

"Go and lie down, and if he calls you,say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening'" (1Sam. 3:9b).

 Ready To Listen
Norayr (Norman) Hajian
Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory Canada
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene

Today's news is rarely good: wars, famine, earthquakes, storms, disease. In their distress, people call out to God and to some, it seems as though God is paying attention.

In today's scripture, it was the Lord who was trying to get Samuel's attention. Three times Samuel heard his name, but didn't understand the source of the voice. It was only after receiving some instruction from Eli that Samuel was able to respond to the Lord. Then, when the Lord called on him the fourth time, Samuel was ready to listen and receive the message from God.

Many times, we long for God to speak. We want God to respond to our situation. We want God to answer us. But maybe the problem isn't with God; maybe the problem is with ourselves. As Samuel, we are not going to hear God unless we're ready to listen..

In Ezekiel 12:2b, God complained that these people have "ears to hear but do not hear." We need to have hears to hear and then maybe we will hear and understand what the Lord has to say.



It is no little thing to be caring...and close enough... to say to the young people..."It is the Lord. He is calling you> Listen to him. You will never be sorry" (Harold Bonner)..


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Ruth's wish book - Summer Time/amazon.com

 While you are letting your kids be kids, making memories with them or taking a vacation.... They might want some new clothes to fit there mood of the day!!!

Ruth's wish book - Summer Time/amazon.com

What is on your Book Shelf?

What is on your Book Shelf?

This is a joint page some books are through commission junction, some are through WU Pay and some through  amazon.When you click on the banner it will take you to a book store. Hope you find the book you are looking for.


RuthE

NO EASY STREET

! Samuel 2:27-36

"I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to that which is in my heart and mind"(1 Sam. 235a).

No Easy Street
written by: Duane Brush
(Editor of Word Action)

In the 1902 novel, It's Up to You, a prosperous character was said to have walked on Easy Street, meaning he was able to live life comfortably; he had no worries.

In today's reading, Eli's sons thought they were living on Easy Street. They were part of the priestly line that God had promised would stand forever. They had access to all the offerings coming in from the people. They were in a position that they thought was secure. Even their father didn't do anything to stop them from taking advantage of the offerings. Nevertheless. God did not over look their sins. God would put a stop to it one way or another.

As we move forward in our spiritual journey, we are grateful that nothing "in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom.8:39b). But that doesn't give us license to sit back and take it easy, thinking that we are now safe. We must remain faithful in God's service today and every day; otherwise,God will raise up others who will be faithful. There is no "Easy Street."


Lord, help me to live in such a way that my children will want to put their hands in the hand of God (Harold Bonner).

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Father's Day

 Father's Day is just around the corner. Have you gotten dad that perfect gift yet?
Shop at Ruth's Best Buys. Follow the link below to get dad that gift he is looking for.

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OUT OF OPTIONS

1 Samuel 2:12-26

" If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?" (1Sam. 2:25a).


Out of Options
written by: Duane Brush
(Editor of Word Action)

Since the 1966 Miranda v. Arizona Supreme Court case, law enforcement officers in the United States have been informing criminal suspects that they are entitled to an attorney. If they can't afford one, one would be provided for them. No matter how heinous the crime, a suspect has the right to an attorney as well the right to make his or her appeal to a judge or jury.

In today's reading, Eli's sons didn't listen to their father. They took advantage of others whenever they could. Everywhere they went, they left trail of disappointment and hurt. But perhaps worst of all, they ran out of options. Eli rightly points out that by sinning against the Lord, there was no one left to intercede for them.

Unlike Ernesto Miranda, who was originally released because his rights had been denied, Eli's sons would not get off on a technicality. By sinning against the Lord, they were, in effect, out of options. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Prov. 14:12).

Good things happen when god speaks and people listen, when God directs and people obey (Harold Bonner)

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BY DEED AND WORD

Psalm 71:14-24

My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure (Ps. 71:15)

By Deed and Word
Written by: Duane Brush
(Editor of Word Action)

"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words," has probably been inaccurately attribute to Francis of Assisi. Still, it is a noble sentiment in some ways--"Let your life and actions so clearly proclaim the good news of Christ that become superfluous." From  a practical standpoint, however, words are usually necessary. It is through words that we provide context and meaning to our actions.

Peter and John were entering the temple when they encountered a crippled beggar. Peter extended his hand to the man and he was instantly healed. When Peter noticed the crowd staring at them, he asked "Men of Israel,.... Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12b). He proceeded to explain that it was through Jesus, and by his name, that this healing had come.

King David knew that the next generation needed to hear of the mighty acts and the righteousness of  God. We need to proclaim by word and deed all that our gracious God has done for us so that others may come to know and place their faith in him.



And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col. 3;17).

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FAITH TO LAST A LIFETIME

 Psalms 71:1-13

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth (Ps. 71:5)>

Faith to last a Lifetime
Written by: Duane Brush
(Editor of Word Action)

Her T-shirt made me laugh. "Growing old isn't for sissies." it read. "My granddaughter bought this for me," the woman wearing the shirt explained. "She thinks I'm a tough old bird."

King David would probably have agreed with the sentiment on the shirt. You would think a king who had forged a single nation out of disparate tribes, defeated their enemies, and brought economic prosperity would have earned some peace in the sunset of his years, but no. The later part of his life was marked with tragedy, scandals,and outright rebellion led from within his own family.

David hadn't forgotten the lessons learned in his youth. The Lord was his rock of refuge. Since he was a youth fighting off the predators that attacked  his father's flocks, David had learned to rely on God. "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone," he prayed (v.9).

There is no shame in getting older (we all are, after all). However, it would be a shame to get older and not have learned that our God is a rock and fortress to those who place their confidence in him.



I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread (Ps. 37:25).

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A SANCTUARY FROM FEAAR

 Psalm 54: 1-7

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me (Ps.54;4).

 A Sanctuary from Fear
written by: Duane Brush
(Editor of Word Action)

David was a wanted man. King Saul posted David's face in every Israelite post office. David was hiding in a desert area south of Hebron known as "the Desert of Ziph" (1 Sam.23:15). Some of the people who lived in that area saw their opportunity to score some points with King Saul. "Is not David hiding among us?" they said (23:19). They even volunteered to apprehend David. It would not be, however, because "God did not give David into [Saul's] hands"(23:14).

David"s fate was not or Saul to decide; it wasn't in the oily hands of the sons of Ziph. David was in God's hands. It was God who sustained his life.

Too often we are tempted to look at our enemies, whether they can stand on two feet or inhabit our hearts, our minds, or or our circumstances. Like David, we need to cry out to the Lord and abide in the stronghold of faith. In that place, fear rolls away like an ocean wave from a granite shore. In that place, we can sing with David, "For he has delivered me from all my troubles (Ps.54:7a).

He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind (1 Sam. 15:29).


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