While Matt and I were on vacation, a great deal of time was afforded to me to study and prepare for the summer ladies' Bible study that I host. Last year after "Hannah, the Power of Prayer," I began reading and studying a topic that is so relevant for today's Christians. God has given each of us a unique set of talents and gifts. Our personalities, family backgrounds, and experiences all … [Read more...] about Outside the Zone
Bible Study
Outside the Zone
I know, being "in the zone" is usually the goal. Basketball- you want to make the baskets. Baseball- get it in the strike zone. Volleyball- inside the lines. Soccer- kick it in the goal. I love sports and I'm all about the rules. For a minute, indulge me.As Christians, suppose that God wants to use you "outside the zone?" He has given you a unique set of talents and you are 100% about using … [Read more...] about Outside the Zone
Hannah’s Prayer Path
I Samuel 2:18-21You may have heard the statement, "You can never outgive God." But how many of us really believe it? We all know about Hannah desperately begging God for a child and God granting her request. And most of us have read far enough along to know that Hannah made a coat for Samuel every year, which she took to him at the yearly sacrifice time. Imagine the joy of sewing that precious … [Read more...] about Hannah’s Prayer Path
Waiting… and “Action!”
I Samuel 2:11-18Wait up! Wait for me. Wait a minute….Wait, wait, wait. We hear the word "wait" and automatically think of a temporary hold. We see a sign that says "waiting room" and immediately picture people sitting in lethargy, yawning extensively.In our passage today, continuing in the story of Hannah, we arrive at the doorstep of Eli's wicked sons. Because the focus of this lesson is not … [Read more...] about Waiting… and “Action!”
The Princess and the Pauper: From Spiritual Rags to Riches
I Samuel 2:6-10In chapter 2 of I Samuel, Hannah is praising God in prayer and thanksgiving. Her reflection of God's power and provision is full of depth! In the last entry, we discussed that verse 8 essentially describes the wonderful power of God to take the worst and exalt it to the best. Hannah describes this process as going from being a beggar in the "dunghill" (KJV) to being a princess in … [Read more...] about The Princess and the Pauper: From Spiritual Rags to Riches
What God and Superman have in common
I Samuel 2:6-10At this point in our study, we are halfway through Hannah's prayer of praise to God. Though she has just completely turned over her son to God and physically left him with Eli, she is praising God for all He has done and is going to do. One of my children started kindergarten this year and I wanted to sit on the couch all day the first day with a tissue box and tub of Starbucks … [Read more...] about What God and Superman have in common
A Standing Ovation: Our God the Rock
A Standing Ovation:Our God the RockI Samuel 20:1-5At the end of chapter 19 in our study of Hannah, she has left her little Samuel at the tabernacle under Eli’s care. Can you imagine how this must have felt? When I read the next chapter, I am amazed at the attitude of Hannah. She is praising God with her whole heart! A paraphrase of the first five verses could read like this: “I’m not afraid to … [Read more...] about A Standing Ovation: Our God the Rock
Mission: Impossible Answers to Prayer 3
Mission: Impossible Answers to Prayer 3I Samuel 19:20-28The last two entries in this series have been about impossible answers to prayer. The Biblical examples of this topic have been phenomenal. We have viewed examples of: the entire nation of Israel being freed from slavery, Elijah’s sacrifice to God being devoured by fire from heaven in the competition with the prophets of Baal, and … [Read more...] about Mission: Impossible Answers to Prayer 3