March 20th

March 20th -- 1 Samuel 3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%203&version=NLT)

The Lord speaks to Samuel ; Samuel speaks to the Lord

So Samuel grows up serving the Lord by helping Eli at the Tabernacle. In those times, messages from God were rare, and visions were extremely uncommon. One night, Eli, who's basically blind, goes to bed, but forgot to put out the lamp of God. Samuel was asleep in the Tabernacle when God called out to him. Samuel jumps up and runs to Eli, asking what he needs and why he called. Eli says he didn't call and sends Samuel back to bed. This happens again and he is sent to bed again. When the happens the third time, Eli realizes it is God calling to Samuel. He tells Samuel to go back to bed, but if someone calls, say "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." When the voice calls this time, Samuel answers with that phrase. God tells him that He is soon going to carry out all his threats to Eli and his family, for though He warned Eli, Eli did not stop his sons' blaspheming God, so now they will not be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.

Samuel stays in his bed until morning, but then gets up and closes the Tabernacle doors as usual. However, he was afraid to tell Eli what God had told him. Eli asks, though. Samuel tells him everything, and Eli replies saying God will do what it best.

As Samuel grows up, God is with him. All the things Samuel said were reliable. All Israel recognized him as a confirmed prophet. God continued appearing at Shiloh at the Tabernacle to give messages to Samuel, who then told the rest of Israel.

I think the thing that stood out to me most is Eli's acceptance of Samuel's news. He simply accepts it, saying God's will is best and it is His will that will be done. He does not argue or protest, but simply accepts. In my opinion this shows a huge level of faith. He knew what was coming for him and his family would probably be brutal, but he trusted God so much that he also recognized it had to be done and would be done in the best way possible. I wish we could accept our trials - especially those we know are coming but cannot change - like Eli accepted his. We need to recognize and remember, but also truly believe, that God's will is best.

Also, I think it'd be cool to be a prophet. Just a personal opinion but I think it would be awesome to be able to directly influence people for God like that.

Anyways, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!