Suddenly – April 8, 2009

Suddenly

1 Samuel 3:4

Jim Stephens

04-08-09

 

Scripture:

 

Suddenly, the Lord called out, “Samuel! Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” (1 Samuel 3:4 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

In those days messages from the Lord were very rare.  Suddenly, the Lord called out to young Samuel, waking him from sleep by calling his name.  Samuel ran to Eli’s room and said, “Here I am.  What do you want?”  After a couple of times, Eli caught on that God was calling to Samuel and instructed him how to respond properly to God’s voice.

 

This call in the night, a call that came suddenly and unexpectedly, became a turning point in Israel’s history and in God’s redemption story.

 

In this case, it was important that Samuel be sensitive and responsive to God’s call and it was important that Eli instruct and encourage Samuel even though it meant that Eli’s era was ending and a new era was beginning.

 

Application:

 

God is at work behind the scenes even when it seems that life is going on and on and everything is merely routine and uneventful.  Then when the time, God’s time, is just right, God suddenly speaks.

 

How important it is that we not let the ordinariness of life dull our spiritual senses.  How important it is that we be quick to respond, even when we are not completely clear on the details of God’s call to us.  How important it is that the current generation of leaders instruct, coach, and encourage the next generation and not selfishly cling to position, prestige, and power.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, I ask for two things today.  First let me be sensitive and responsive to your “suddenlies.”  Second, may I be an encourager and equipper of those who will take your purpose to the next level, those who will move your Kingdom forward in the next generation.  Amen.

 

Something Happened – March 10, 2009

Something Happened

Galatians 1:14-15

Jim Stephens

03-10-09

 

Scripture:

 

14 I was one of the most religious Jews of my own age, and I tried as hard as possible to follow all the old traditions of my religion.  15 But then something happened!  For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born!  What undeserved mercy!  (Galatians 1:14-15 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Paul had a “Then something happened!” experience in which he encountered the risen, living Christ and he told that story over and over all his life.  Even though he was thoroughly educated and trained in the doctrines and traditions of his religion, his sense of purpose and calling was based in his “Then something happened!”

 

Application:

 

I have a “Then something happened!” experience too.  I was a Christian who attended my church religiously, served as a Sunday School teacher, tithed and gave to the church, and believed the doctrines of the church completely.  My business was steadily growing and I expected to live a fulfilled life as a member of my church and a Christian businessman.

 

Then in a season of seeking more reality in my faith, I had an experience with God’s Holy Spirit that changed everything.  I encountered the power and presence of the risen, living Christ.  I became aware that from before I was born, God had determined a purpose for my life – the privilege of serving Him.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, Thank you for that “Something happened!” experience in my life.  Help me never to forget that season of hungrily and desperately seeking, that encounter with your Spirit, and the certainty of your call and purpose for my life.  Today I reaffirm my commitment to your purpose and plan for me.  Amen.