October 29 | I Samuel 4:1-11

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DAILY READING

I Samuel 4:1-11

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REFLECTION

Are You Leading or Following?

by Julie Ogg

This passage is sad in many ways: the prophesied death of Eli’s sons, the defeat of the army of Israel, the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. Were the Israelites following God at this moment?

In the preceding chapter we learn that “the Word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions” (3:1). There is no indication that Israel sought the Lord’s guidance before going out to fight against the Philistines or when taking the ark from Shiloh. In this account, they seem to try to convince the Lord to follow them! Then the elders wonder why the Lord allowed the Philistines to defeat them. But they don’t appear to have inquired of Eli the priest or the Lord about what to do. They take matters into their own hands. “If the presence of the Lord dwells in the Ark,” they reason, “and we take the Ark, God will have no choice but to follow us into battle.” They felt compelled to make something happen. So they send men to Shiloh to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. (4:4) It is interesting that there is no indication that the presence of the Lord accompanied the Ark as is mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. This strategy of “bringing God along” did not work well for the Israelites. Thirty thousand foot soldiers were killed and the Ark was captured by the Philistines. What went wrong?

As is too often true of us, the Israelites wanted to bring God into their plans instead of seeking to follow His lead. They wanted the Lord to help them out with this battle, make their lives easier, solve this problem for them, follow their lead. Have you ever done this? Have you charged ahead with a decision and then asked God to take care of the outcome? Have you asked God to bless something He never led you to do? Have you sought after the treasures of this world and then expected to have peace? Our God is a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love. I’m so grateful that He does not treat us as our sins deserve. But how much better would it be to leave the leading to Him? Be assured, He is the author and perfecter of our faith and He can be trusted!

PRAYER

Lord, give me faith to follow you knowing that you are a good and loving God and will lead me according to your good plan. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JULIE OGG

I have lived throughout the Midwest, the last twelve years in Columbus with my husband, Dan, and dog, Lollipop. I love to cook, travel, read, garden, and spend time with our nieces and nephews. I am naturally drawn to the Old Testament, particularly the poetic and prophetic books. I am grateful to be a part of the community of believers at UALC.

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October 28 | 1 Samuel 3:1-14

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DAILY READING

1 Samuel 3:1-14

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REFLECTION

The Lord's Calling

By Dave Mann

Samuel had a clear calling from the Lord.  It was a time in history when it was rare for people to sense a word from God.  Nonetheless, Samuel heard God’s voice so clearly that he thought surely Eli was calling him.

Few people in our day have heard the Lord speak audibly.  I have spoken with some people who have, but I have not yet had that experience. However, the Lord still calls people to specific tasks in life.  How have you heard a message from God?  Has it been audible?  Even if the Lord has not audibly communicated with you, has the Lord’s intent been clear?

Here are a few of the many ways God calls people.

• In prayer, in a quiet moment, have you sensed God speaking in a still, small voice?

• Has it seemed that certain words in Scripture “have leaped off the page” as if to say, “This is meant for you!”

• Has someone with a prophetic gift received a word intended for you, and then other mature counselors confirmed it?

• Have you felt a growing urgency over time to lead your life in a certain direction?

• Have trusted fellow believers agreed and encouraged you to proceed on a clear path?

• Has a spiritual gift seemed to grow in your life, where you have had increasing effectiveness and increasing opportunities to use that gift?

• Have you had a dream from the Lord?

If you have sensed God’s calling in any of these ways (or others), be sure to respond as Samuel did, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  This is to say, you are making yourself available to the Lord, you are taking the role of a disciple, you are teachable, and you want to learn more from the Lord of your life.

Of course, responding to the Lord’s calling does not guarantee only a bed of sweet-smelling roses.

With the roses come thorns. In fact, Jesus promised as much.  Samuel’s first specific action as a prophet of the Lord was to deliver a difficult message to Eli. Some parts of following the Lord can be pleasant; others can be challenging.  Whether God’s call brings joy and peace or difficulty and stress, you will be where the Lord wants you to be.

PRAYER

Lord of all, thank you for testimonies in Scripture of the many ways you call people. Help me be attentive to the ways that you employ in my life.  Inspire me to respond unreservedly, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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October 27 | I Samuel 1:9-11, 2:1-10

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DAILY READING

1 Samuel 1:9-11, 2:1-10

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REFLECTION

Mary and Hannah

By Elaine Pierce

I think Mary knew Hannah's song, don't you? (Take a look at Luke 1:46-55). Both women focused their praise on God- his character, his holiness, and his faithfulness to keep his promises. One - Hannah - had prayed desperately for a child, and she vowed that her child, if she was able to conceive, would serve God from a young age. Mary, on the other hand, was a young woman (most scholars think she was a teenage girl) who found herself miraculously pregnant by the Holy Spirit! But each recognized God's goodness and his plan for their lives.

Hannah notes that outward wealth is not necessarily a sign of God's favor:

He sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor (I Samuel 2:7-8).

Mary notes similar things about God's attitude toward wealth and poverty:

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty (Luke 1:52-53).

Both Mary and Hannah were steeped in scripture, but neither of them were considered important or likely to be remembered after they were gone. And yet, today we know both of them well, and we honor their legacy and their faithful witness. Yes, God uses ordinary, flawed people. People just like you and me. He has a job for you, he has a job for me. Ask him to show you each day how you can serve him. Spend time, like Hannah, like Mary, in his word, and he will surely speak to you.

PRAYER

Lord, you use unlikely people to do your work. I so often choose my own way rather than spending time with you in prayer, reflection and meditation. Help me each day to listen, to obey and to serve you. Thank you for Hannah and Mary - two unlikely women who were obedient to your calling. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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