1 Sam. 5-7

God’s destructive oppression and punishment can fall upon His enemies. Nations that troubled Israel incurred this penalty 24/7. For instance, the people of Ashdod were afflicted with hemorrhoid tumors, causing a great panic. Yuk! (God can hit you where it hurts)

Our concern should NOT be with those who trouble us. They are probably already experiencing some form of pressure from God. Hopefully it will lead them to repentance and a place in His Kingdom where they can begin receiving from His hand of provision. and blessing.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. [2 Cor. 2:14-16]

1 Sam. 3, 4

On a very significant night, God began speaking to the boy Samuel by calling his name. Eli got it right this time. He instructed Samuel on how to respond to the Lord’s voice. The key was listening.

Samuel went on the become God’s spokesman to the nation of Israel.

Wise parents keep their children near to God’s voice … reading the Bible to them, taking them to church and keeping them in children’s activities at church, cultivating a home atmosphere where prayer and praise are encouraged, telling them Bible stories to build their faith etc.

“Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of My doors.” [Pr. 8:34]

1 Samuel 1, 2

Hophni and Phinehas, Eli’s sons, were scoundrels. Eli had failed at raising them. They defiled the Lord’s altar by seducing female worshipers and corruptly taking the prime selections of meat offered for themselves. They were good at using the priesthood as an opportunity to advance themselves. (Sadly, this practice still happens TODAY in churches)

Eli paid a dear price for neglecting to raise his sons properly. His whole family in essence was cursed by God. Samuel was raised up by God to become what Eli’s sons had failed at.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. [Pr. 22:6]

Ruth 3, 4

Naomi knew Boaz was a diligent man. After Ruth had followed her mother-n-law’s instructions to procedurally make herself available to Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer, Naomi disclosed, “This man won’t rest until he has settled this matter today.” He obviously had the reputation of being a direct and efficient businessman. It was as she had predicted; he forthrightly secured his right as kinsman-redeemer to have her in marriage. Historical references allude that he was around 80 and she, 40.

Diligence is an honorable character quality. A less diligent man may have squandered the opportunity to find a place in the bloodline of King David and King Jesus.

Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth. [2 Tim. 2:15 ASV]

Ruth 1, 2

Boaz was a good boss. He was organized, thoughtful, respectful, and generous. His outstanding character was on display in the beautiful love story of Ruth. His honor was rewarded with Ruth’s love and devotion.

God knows how to reward us for putting Him first. What the Lord does for us, we couldn’t do for ourselves. God always knows what we REALLY NEED.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. [Ps. 84:11]

Judges 20, 21

The tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out because all of Israel rose up to defend the man whose wife had been murdered. It is a sad discourse of how an unrepentant tribe suffered near extinction because they refused to acknowledge their transgression and permitted sexual perversity to continue.

God must be deeply offended by the way our nation justifies its horrific perverseness and abortion. If we get what we deserve, we can’t survive as a nation. It is time to humble ourselves before the Lord and call out for His mercy.

If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their evil ways, then will I hear from heaven and will for their sin and heal their land. [2 Chron. 7:14]

Judges 17-19

A sad story appears in the book of Judges, one of gross sexual perversion and horrific murder. It’s about a woman who was severely abused and murdered by perverted, lustful men in the town of Gibeah. They actually preferred to violate the men in this story. Hence, this form of sin is nothing new.

Sadly, many leaders and legislators in our nation have embraced and openly promote sexual perversion like the evil men of Gibeah. As responsible Christian citizens, it’s imperative that we let our voice be heard by voting against politicians who embrace and defend what the Bible calls gross sin. We may be branded as incorrect politically, but when we stand before the Lord, we will glad we upheld His moral code.

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. [Pr. 14:34]

Judges 14-16

Eventually, Samson’s misdeeds were used by God to “bring down the house” upon enemy leaders, but he seemed to be an easy mark for deceptive Philistine women.

God’s gifts are given without repentance, but they are to be used wisely and for His Glory alone.

Elvis was gifted by God, but his potential for impact for God’s Kingdom was eroded by his own proclivity to pleasure and worldly fame. At age 42, he died of a heart attack due to habitual drug use and failing health. All his money and fame couldn’t merit him a normal, rewarding life. Such a waste.

Judges 12, 13

God sent His angel to Samson’s parents to inform them of the purpose of their boy’s life. He didn’t tell them where to go to church. He didn’t tell them what school to put him in. He didn’t tell them what books to read, or what gym to join … He instructed them about what they were to eat and drink. Amazing point.

There is a purpose for every person born into a Christian family. Parents have a profound role in nurturing and shaping their children to hit the mark. Obviously, God’s GRACE is the predominant factor in this process, but faithful obedience to and compliance with His Kingdom Principles is a given.

In the contemporary Christian church, we take seriously the occasion and ceremony of dedicating children to the Lord. God, give us the grace to do our part in preparing our children for service in Your Kingdom.

And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him. [Judges 13:24]

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. [Like 2:52]

Judges 10, 11

Because they had forsaken Him and were worshiping the Gods of the Canaanites, apostate Israel was experiencing the misery that results from living in sin. (The way of transgressors is HARD -Pr. 13:15) This was tough for God to watch. It pained Him to see them suffer when they could be living in blessing if they would turn away from sin. He raised up Jephthah, a mighty warrior, to be a deliverer for them.

Why is it that we think partaking of the worldly vices will bring any lasting reward? The devastation we will eventually experience causes pain for us and everyone who loves us, especially God.

The Lord does not want any person to be punished forever. He wants all people to be sorry for their sins and turn from them. [2 Peter 3:9b NLV]