The Lord Answers Hannah’s Prayer

A search of I Samuel 1 (KJV):

Elkanah, who was from Ramathaim-zophim of mount Ephraim, had two wives.  One wife was named Hannah who had no children.  The other wife was named Peninnah who had children.  Yearly, Elkanah went to Shiloh for worship and sacrifice to the Lord.  When Elkanah offered, he gave his family their portion also.

Hannah was provoked yearly by her adversary because ‘the Lord had shut up [Hannah’s] womb’ (v. 6).  The provocation caused Hannah to weep and she would not eat.  Elkanah wondered why she weeped and he tried to console her.

In her bitterness, Hannah turned to the Lord in prayer to request a male child.  Hannah vowed, if given a male child, she would ‘…give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (v. 11).

Eli, the priest present while Hannah prayed, said for Hannah to “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him” (v. 17).  Afterwards, Hannah ate and was no longer sad.

The Lord answered Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son who Hannah named Samuel.  Hannah told her husband that she would not go to worship until Samuel was weaned and then she would “…bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever” (v. 22).

“And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young.  And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.  And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.  For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath giveth me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord.  And he worshipped the Lord there” (vs. 24-28).

Boaz Takes Ruth as His Wife

A search of Ruth 3, 4 (KJV)

The events in chapter 3 lead up to the decision between two kinsman of Ruth who would ‘do the part of a kinsman to [her]’ (C. 3, v. 13).  The process involved the buying/selling exchange of land that belonged to a deceased relative.  In Ruth’s case, Naomi was selling land which was that of her deceased husband, Elimelech.  There were only two relatives who qualified to be the kinsman to buy the land—Boaz and another relative.  Whoever purchased Naomi’s land was also required to purchase land from Ruth who was the widow of Mahlon.

The one kinsman could not redeem the property for fear it would blemish his own inheritance.  “Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.  Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee.  So he drew off his shoe.  And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.  Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day” (C. 4, vs. 7-10).

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.  And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.  And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.  And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it” (C. 4,vs. 13-16).

“And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.  Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David” (C. 4, vs. 17-22).

Ruth Rewarded for Her Good Toward Naomi

Ruth 2 (KJV)

In my search of the scriptures in chapter 2 of Ruth, I saw where God is working things out for Ruth’s good for trusting in Him.

Ruth was to only glean in Boaz’s field.  Naomi inquired of Ruth’s work to find out that Ruth was working for Boaz, a relative through Elimelech.  Naomi recognized the good for Ruth to only glean in Boaz’s field.  Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s field throughout harvest and lived with Naomi.

Ruth Remains Loyal to Naomi

Ruth 1 (KJV)

The judges ruled that there was a famine in Judah which caused Elimelech to move to Moab with his wife, Naomi, and two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.  The family remained in Moab.  The time came when Elimelech passed away and left Naomi with her sons.  Mahlon and Chilion remained in Moab where they took Orpah and Ruth from there as their wives.  They lived there around ten years.  The time came when both of the sons died.  Naomi was left without her husband and sons.

“Then [Naomi] arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread” (v. 6).  Naomi left Moab with Orpah and Ruth to return to Judah.  “And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.  The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.  Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.  And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people” (vs. 8-10).

“And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband.  If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me” (vs. 11-13).

“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.  And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.  And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her” (vs. 14-18).

“So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem.  And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.  I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest” (vs. 19-22).

Two Beloved Ladies Named Ruth

As I come upon the book of Ruth, two dear and special ladies that I knew by the name of Ruth come to mind.  I’ll refer to them as Ruth O. and Ruth N.  I knew Ruth O. in my early childhood years as a church friend of my mother’s.  I later met and befriended Ruth N. at work.  I have fond memories of Ruth O. and Ruth N. as good Christian friends in their respective settings.

Ruth O. was a country woman who dressed in modest apparel and wore her long red hair in a beehive style.  Ruth O. was a woman who exuded kindness and peace.  A kindness and peace shared with her brothers and sisters.  A kindness and peace shared with God.  Ruth O. was a true spiritual woman of God who I loved to be around.  I especially loved to hear her sing in church.  Ruth O. wrote songs and sang them in front of the church.  I can visualize how she shared her testimony with the congregation as she unfolded the paper with the song words.  Music was played.  The Holy Spirit would overwhelm Ruth O. as she sang.

Ruth N. was a dear work friend.  We often shared our break times together where Ruth N. would joke me about being her boyfriend and wondered when I was going to take her on a trip to Hawaii.  We shared many laughs over the ongoing joke of the time.  Ruth was a fun person to be around who was always hospitable as well as concerned about the welfare of others.

Before journeying into the book of Ruth in the bible, I wanted to briefly share with you two Ruths in my life.  Two unique and special people who will always be remembered.  Is there a beloved Ruth in your life?

Final chapters of the Book of Judges

Judges 19-21

For those of you who follow this blog, continue to read the last three chapters in the book of Judges.  I’ll  begin the book of Ruth tomorrow!

Danites Take Man-made gods; Land of Laish

Judges 18:14-31

On their way to conquer Laish, the Danites stopped at Micah’s house where the five men who searched out the land informed their brothers of the ephod, teraphim and images that were there.  The brothers who numbered six hundred were armed and decided to take the items from the house.  The priest was there and said to them, “What do ye? And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel? And the priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people” (vs. 18-20).

The party departed Micah’s house to continue on to Laish.  “And when they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men that were in the houses near to Micah’s house were gathered together, and overtook the children of Dan.  And they cried unto the children of Dan.  And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company? And he said, Ye have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and ye are gone away: and what have I more? and what is this that ye say unto me, What aileth thee? And the children of Dan said unto him, Let not thy voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life, with the lives of thy household.  And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house” (vs. 22-26).

“And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people that were at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.  And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob.  And they built a city, and dwelt therein.  And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the first” (vs. 27-29).

“And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.  And they set them up Micah’s graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh” (vs. 30, 31).

Danites Seek More Inheritance

Judges 18:1-13 (KJV)

The tribe of the Danites of Israel had not received all of their inheritance, so they sent five family members from Zorah and Eshtaol to search out the land.  In their search, they came to the house of Micah and lodged there.  “When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this place? and what has thou here? And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.  And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.  And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the Lord is your way wherein ye go” (vs. 3-6)

“Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and there was no magistrate in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing; and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no business with any man.  And they came unto their brethren to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their brethren said unto them, What say ye? And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.  When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands: a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth” (vs. 7-10).

“And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with weapons of war.  And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-jearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahaneh-dan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-jearim.  And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah” (vs. 11-13).

Worship Confusion in Israel

Judges 17 (KJV)

In this chapter, confusion is shown in Israel through mixing the worship of the real God with idol worship.  The chapter begins with the introduction of Micah from Ephraim whose mother had complained about losing eleven hundred shekels of silver.  It turns out that Micah was the one who took the silver.  Micah admits taking the silver and returns it to his mother.  “And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my son” (v.2).  “…I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the Lord from my hand for my son, to make a graven image and a molten image: now therefore I will restore it unto thee” (v.3).

“Yet he restored the money unto his mother; and his mother took two hundred shekels of silver, and gave them to the founder, who made thereof a graven image and a molten image: and they were in the house of Micah.  And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.  In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (vs. 4-6).

As the chapter continues, a young Levite man from the family of Judah travels from Beth-lehem-judah to find a place.  Along his journey, the Levite came to Micah’s house.  “And Micah said unto him, Whence comest thou? And he said unto him, I am a Levite of Beth-lehem-judah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place.  And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals.  So the Levite went in.  And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons.  And Micah consecrated the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.  Then said Micah, Now know I that the Lord will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest” (vs. 9-13).

Prayers Directed to Coalition War Leaders

I hope you will join me in continued prayers of wisdom for the coalition leaders in the war against Libya since diplomatic efforts did not work.

Prayers Directed Toward Situation in Libya

Today, I hope you join me in directing your prayers toward the situation in Libya.  My prayers are for hopes that diplomacy works with Gadhafi instead of war resulting from the situation!  

Samson Opens His Heart to Delilah

Judges 16 (KJV)

In this chapter is the story of Samson and Delilah.  Samson loved Delilah who lived in the Valley of Sorek.  Delilah was approached by the Philistine lords to “…[e]ntice [Samson], and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver” (v. 5).

Delilah pressed Samson until he finally opened up his heart to tell her the secret of his strength.  Samson said, “There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.  And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart.  Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand” (vs. 17, 18).

“And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.  And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson.  And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself.  And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.  But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.  Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven” (vs. 19-22).

The Philistines praised their false god, Dagon, that they claimed delivered Samson into their hands.  “And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport.  And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.  And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.  Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport” (vs. 25-27).

“And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.  And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.  And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines.  And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein.  So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.  Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father.  And he judged Israel twenty years” (vs. 28-31).

Then and Now: God, Our Sovereign Refuge and Strength

Judges 15:9-20 (KJV)

In returning to Chapter 15 in the book of Judges, you can see that God was the refuge and strength for His people then as He is now.  Samson had been captured and bound with cords by the men of Judah to be turned over to his enemy, the Philistines.

“And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.  And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.  And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.  And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi” (vs. 14-17).

“And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day.  And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years” (vs. 18-20).

God is Our Sovereign Refuge and Strength

Psalms 46:1-5; 10, 11 (KJV)

1) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Selah.

4) There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

 

10) Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11) The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah.

Remember Haiti, Japan

Let’s continue to remember those recovering in Japan.  Let’s also remember those in Haiti who endured an earthquake over one year ago.  Let’s pray for their broken spirits to be healed as they all move forward one day at a time.  Amen!

Turn to Jesus for Help through Quake Recovery

Christ’s Word is the most needful thing that shall not be taken away (Luke 10:38-42).  “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but [Christ’s Words] shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).  Following are some of Jesus’ Words from the book of John to help the earthquake victims of Japan with recovery:

John 3:

15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 8:

12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 13:

34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another

John 14:

1) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.

3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

23) Jesus answered and said unto [Judas], If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24) He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

25) These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:

33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

When you believe in Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, He will be right by your side through any difficult situation.  The Comforter or Holy Spirit who was sent in Jesus’ name “…shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance…” (John 14:26).  Pray to God in Jesus’ name for strength through your tough times.  Put your mind on Christ and remember the agony He suffered on the cross for our sins.   There is hope of heaven after this difficult world where “…God shall wipe away all tears from [His peoples’] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain…” (Revelation 21:4).  Godspeed to you on your recovery!

Jesus’ Word Shall not be Taken Away

In continuing to keep the people of Japan in my thoughts and prayers, I pray that through the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami the people come to know Jesus through His Word which is the most needful thing that shall not be taken away (Luke 10:38-42).  Amen!

Let’s Unite in Prayer and God’s Word

My Aunt Joan and my cousin Kathy called this morning to make sure all is going to be alright where I live because of the potential tsunami waves from the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan.  It turns out everything is going to be alright in Washington where I live.  Thankfully, no evacuation will be necessary!

Kathy is going to spend the day in prayer to remember those in Japan and all affected by the earthquake.  Let’s unite with Kathy and join her in prayer to remember them too!

In addition to prayer, this would be a good time to revisit Matthew 24 in light of all that is going on around us.  As I previously mentioned, Aunt Joan as well as Uncle George have referred me to that chapter.  Be sure to read the recent entries for PAT dated for March 5 and 7. 

God’s Word, God’s Will

When you read this blog, I hope you are moved to turn to the bible for more of God’s great treasures to be revealed to you. I share what is placed on my heart or what is revealed to me from my reading. Oftentimes, the entries are word-for-word from the bible (KJV). At times there are ommissions of sections. This is not because they are not important. It is because it has not been placed on my heart to write about it or there is no revelation to write about at the time. This is why I hope you always turn to the bible for more of God’s Word. There is no replacement for God’s Holy Word directly to us! If you wish to experience a gladness better than the best gladness you have experienced on earth, turn to God’s Word! “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased” (Psalms 4:7).

At times, after I have written a blog entry, something about that blog entry or the verses involved will begin to weigh on my heart. When this happens, I believe that is God’s way of saying to me there needs to be clarification or elaboration on a matter. This is the case for the recent situation involving Samson in the book of Judges where he had an interest in marrying a Philistine woman. Samson’s parents were against this because the Philistines worshipped false gods and the Children of Israel were not to have anything to do with them for that reason. Since Israel had turned to false gods themselves, the real God delivered them into the rule of the Philistines. Israel was still not supposed to mingle with the Philistines. They were not, of course, unless it was the will of God which turns out to be the case in Samson’s situation. As shown in the previous blog entry, God ‘sought an occasion against the Philistines’ through Samson’s wish for a Philistine wife.

Long story short: Israel was not to have anything to do with the people who worshipped false gods! There is only one real and true God!

The Lord’s ‘Occasion Against the Philistines’

Judges 15 (KJV)

Continuing in the book of Judges, it is shown that the occasion the Lord sought against the Philistines comes through Samson.  The father of Samson’s wife thought that Samson hated his daughter, so he gave her to Samson’s friend.  Because of this, Samson burned the Philistines’ crops.  Then, the Philistines burned Samson’s former wife and her father.  “And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.  And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam” (15: 7,8).

“Then the Philistines went up, and pitched in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi.And the men of Judah said, Why are ye come up against us? And they answered, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to him as he hath done to us” (vs. 9, 10).

“Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them".  And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines.  And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.  And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee.  And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock” (vs. 11-13).

“And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.  And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.  And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.  And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi”(vs. 14-17).

“And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day.  And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years” (vs. 18-20).

Samson Seeks Philistine Wife

Judges 13:24, 14:1-4 (KJV)

Now, in returning to the book of Judges, Samson had grown and was blessed by the Lord, so the time came that he went down to Timnath where he saw a Philistine woman he wanted to become his wife.

Samson’s parents tried to get Samson to find a wife among his own people, but he was so pleased with the Philistine woman that he said to his father, “Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well” (14:3).  Scripture reveals that Samson’s parents did not know, but the occasion was of the Lord for “…[H]e sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel” (14:4).

Be Ready

I hope you have taken the time to read Chapter 24 in the book of Matthew.  There are so many things in that chapter that reminds me of what is going on today.  Maybe you found the same to be so.

The best thing for all of us is to always be ready for the Lord.  There are certainly hardships ahead, “[b]ut he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (24:13).  Whether the Lord comes back in our time or not, we should be ready.  “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven but [God] only.  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (vs. 36-39, 42).

Of course, if we knew when the Lord was coming back we might choose to be evil and do whatever we wanted to do until that time.  God has chosen, however, not to reveal to us when He is coming back.  The Lord will come back when we least expect it.  If we are not ready, God will cut us off from Him.  There will be weeping.  There will be gnashing of teeth.  Pretty scary, if we are not ready, huh?

Eye-opening Reference for Believers/Unbelievers

Believers and unbelievers alike may be drawn to the words in this blog. Believers may find the words that speak to their current condition. Unbelievers my be convicted of their sins by the Holy Spirit which leads them to Jesus for forgiveness.

Whether you are a believer or unbeliever, I would like to refer you to Chapter 24 in the book of Matthew in the bible. My Aunt Joan and Uncle George have referred me to it on several occasions. When you read it, I believe you will find it to be eye-opening. It has certainly made me to stop and take a closer look at things taking place around me and in the world we are living.

PAT Must Go On!

In one way or another, I believe there is a unity brought about by the Holy Spirit through the words written in this blog.  Specifically, a unity of Christians whose hearts have been spoken to by God!  PAT must go on!  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalms 133:1 (KJV))!  Now, let me bid us all Godspeed on our journey as we continue here and through life!