Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 19 September 2010.
In 1 Samuel, we read about favour on Hannah and Samuel.
By way of background, being barren was a dishonour for Hannah. Nonetheless, she remained committed and faithful to God.
Fast forward into our day, their lives are very similar to ours - and we should have the same focus and favour. God's love, just with Hannah and Samuel, is for all people.
Hannah, for example, prayed that if God gave her a child, she would commit him to the Lord. Read from 1 Samuel 1:26.
Hannah did, at times, struggle with feelings of self doubt and fears about self worth. But our feelings of unhappiness do not stop God's favour.
Hannah was consistent and effective in prayer. And when he was born, she fulfilled her commitment. From 1 Samuel 3:19, we read how he was favoured by God - revealed through His Word. That direct relationship with God that he had made the accomplishments possible.
Psalm 119:24 encourages us that He is in control.
17-24 Be generous with me and I'll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I'm a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don't let them mock and humiliate me;
I've been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors! (Psalm 119:24, The Message)
For Samuel, that control and favour began with dedication to God.
God's promises never return void. Continue on being faithful, worshipping and praying. He is committed to you.
Stay faithful to His purposes and His promises will come about.
He loves you.
Stay dedicated and He will bring about favour.
Image source: By Phil Ware, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
In 1 Samuel, we read about favour on Hannah and Samuel.
By way of background, being barren was a dishonour for Hannah. Nonetheless, she remained committed and faithful to God.
Fast forward into our day, their lives are very similar to ours - and we should have the same focus and favour. God's love, just with Hannah and Samuel, is for all people.
Hannah, for example, prayed that if God gave her a child, she would commit him to the Lord. Read from 1 Samuel 1:26.
Hannah did, at times, struggle with feelings of self doubt and fears about self worth. But our feelings of unhappiness do not stop God's favour.
Hannah was consistent and effective in prayer. And when he was born, she fulfilled her commitment. From 1 Samuel 3:19, we read how he was favoured by God - revealed through His Word. That direct relationship with God that he had made the accomplishments possible.
Psalm 119:24 encourages us that He is in control.
17-24 Be generous with me and I'll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I'm a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don't let them mock and humiliate me;
I've been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors! (Psalm 119:24, The Message)
For Samuel, that control and favour began with dedication to God.
God's promises never return void. Continue on being faithful, worshipping and praying. He is committed to you.
Stay faithful to His purposes and His promises will come about.
He loves you.
Stay dedicated and He will bring about favour.
Image source: By Phil Ware, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
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