Pastor's Corner is a page where our pastors will share
selected bible verses and commentary. We look forward to seeing what
God is laying on their hearts to share with us each month.
The message, "I'm Listening Lord!" by Pastor
Joe Beadle
1 Samuel 3:7-10
".... Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had
never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third
time, and once more Samuel got up.....and Samuel replied, "Speak your
servant is listening....."
It has been said that one of most important factors
in communicating is listening. Surprised? In an age where we pride
ourselves on our advancements in communication technology, listening has
become a lost art.
Now, I realize that cell phones, Blackberry's, laptop
computers are virtually necessities. However, none of these can replace
hearing someone's voice. There is just something special about listening
to the voice of a close loved one or dear friend.
The challenge before the Christian in 2010 is simply
this: Listen to the Lord as He speaks to you. Find the guidance you need
and the desire for your life. During your prayer time allow for those
moments when you speak less and listen more. Samuel was a young priest
in training. He was a rookie, or as some may put it, he was "green".
Yet, despite his inexperience he was in the right place, God's house.
Scripture tells us he even slept in the tabernacle under the supervision
of Eli!
We can learn from the example of Samuel and Eli, a
few lessons on listening. The first one is to keep your heart in the
right place. Samuel lived in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God! Keep
your heart near to the Lord, always available to the presence of God.
Secondly, have a willing spirit and attitude to hear
from God. No one has heard everything or experienced everything, so
allow God to speak to your heart He may speak to you through scripture,
the Holy Spirit, or a still small voice, in a dream, or a vision. The
crucial point is to stop talking, and let Him speak.
Finally, when listening to the Lord always be ready
to respond to His message. Samuel stated, "...Speak your servant is
listening...." We need to surrender our ears to hear, and quiet our
spirits to receive what God is speaking to us.
So in this New Year why not make a new resolution to
listen intently, willing and responsively to the Lord. Be blessed in the
Lord! Happy New Year.
The message
"COURAGE" by Pastor Joe Beadle
Recently, during my devotional time, I came across a passage in Joshua
1:5-9. It reads, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of
your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you
nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall
divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give
them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do
according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn
from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you
go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall
meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then
you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good
courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with
you wherever you go..."
Three times in the Scripture text God tells
Joshua to be strong and of good courage/or courageous. There is a reason
Joshua is essentially commanded to be strong and courageous. We will delve
into that in a moment.
I believe that
God is speaking to us (His church) with the same message He gave to Joshua.
He is calling His disciples to be strong and courageous in this present day.
Listen closely to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us.
First,
remember Joshua was the newly appointed leader of the Israelites after Moses
died. He inherited a congregation of over 600,000 (probably over a million
including women and children). He would need plenty of strength and courage
to carry out his responsibilities and duties.
He also had the
unenviable challenge of leading his new flock into the Promised Land of
Canaan. His military and people skills would be put to the test and
don't forget that he was following in the footsteps of Moses the servant of
the Lord who was used mightily. Joshua had big shoes to fill!
The
time had come now for Joshua to rise up in leadership and provide direction
and inspiration for the people of God. Once again the need for courage and
strength would be crucial to his success.
What exactly is courage
then? Note the following definition given by Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus:
Courage - a quality of mind or temperament that enables one to stand fast in
the face of opposition, hardship, or danger. The biblical definition of
courage carries the idea of being alert, steadfastly minded, behaving
valiantly, prevailing, or making strong.
What then is the application
of this passage for us today? What is God speaking to us through His Word
for daily living?
First, like Joshua, God may be prodding you to rise
up and become a leader or mentor. Whether you lead your family spiritually
or become involved in the ministry of the church, be ready to answer that
call with the strength of the Lord, and a heart of courage.
Secondly,
know that any success depends on your spiritual state of obedience to God.
You see God desires faithfulness and consistency more than moments of
sacrifice.
We also need to understand that God offers His care,
protection and presence as we serve Him. His promise of never leaving us nor
forsaking us is genuine. Remember to meditate or reflect on the truths of
God's Word, and apply them in daily living too.
Our Heavenly Father
is sounding the battle cry to be strong and courageous for the challenge at
hand. What is that challenge? Reaching the world, our cities with the
life-changing message of Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Deliverer.
The
times we live in are changing, but our message has not. Jesus Christ can
transform lives!
So, the question before us is this: Are we ready to
become the people God desires us to be as leaders, mentors, or workers for
His kingdom? Time is of the essence.
Rise up men and women of God. Be
of good courage and be strong in the Lord.
