WalkwithGod.com

In reading Samuel again, I was struck by something I hadn’t thought of before. In chapter 16, when God tells Samuel to go anoint a new king, we are told that Samuel looked at Jesse’s firstborn and said, “Surely God’s anointed is standing right here.”  God told Samuel that He had rejected Eliab because God looks on the heart, not the outside as man does. We’ve heard that before. What hit me is who God was speaking to:  Samuel.  This is the guy who had served in God’s presence since he was a child.  He heard the voice of God as a youngster and became established as a prophet in Israel.  Scripture even says that “God did not let his words fall to the ground.” Now, as a much older man, he had walked … Read entire article »

Had some thoughts while listening to a sermon on Jonah. In Jonah 3, it says God spoke to Jonah the second time.  What happened between the first time God spoke and the second time?  We know. Jonah rejected God’s word. Jonah’s life took a decidedly downhill turn (repeated use of word “down”). Jonah possibly attempted suicide by telling the mariners to cast him into the sea.  (“I’ll show you, God.  I’ll die before I obey you.”)  That’s at least one way of interpreting his actions. God overrules Jonah even in the face of certain death. When the fish swallows Jonah, Jonah hit rock bottom. Jonah learned that you cannot run from God. Jonah repented. This all happened because Jonah did not obey God the first time that God spoke to him.  Wow. Jonah’s walk of obedience began while he was … Read entire article »