Devotional -May 8, 2004

It's a wonder to me that we as God's children, seek to know God's will every way but the primary way He intended. There are probably more books written on the subject of knowing God's will than any other single subject. But God reveals himself through his word and he will do it for you if you listen.

What was the message that Samuel heard through the revealed word of God? "I'm about to do something here that will make everyone sit up and take notice; no one will be able to ignore it. I will fulfill my word in the life of Eli and his family. His sons did detestable things even while they served me in God's house. Even though Eli didn't commit the sin himself, he is nevertheless responsible because he knew what his family was doing and he took no action to stop it. Therefore I will never hear their confession again." (Paraphrase)

I wonder how many of us have presumed on our faith to the point we are unaffected by the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Eli had no way of knowing if the words of the young Samuel would come to fruition, but he must have known no good could come from his neglect and disobedience. But because he failed to act responsibly, God condemned him for the sin of his sons. Don't you think Eli must have felt either guilt or remorse by ignoring God's word?

Has God revealed to you something from His word that you need to address? If not, it can only be because you've not read it, listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit or He just isn't talking to you at all.

You can be sure that Paul read it and listened to God's word. In his letter to young Timothy he said, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2Tim 16-17)

In John chapter five, Jesus told the unbelieving Jews that Scripture does one of two things in every person: It either CONFIRMS our faith (Vs. 24) or CONDEMNS our lack of it. Vs. 37-38)

How is God's word working in you? You might ignore God, but that doesn't mean He will ignore your ignorance.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1Sa. 2:22-4:22 Jn. 5:24-47 Ps. 106:1-12 Pr. 14:30-31 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society