From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 6:09 AM

Subject: 11-2-21 THOUGHTS

11-2-21 THOUGHTS

We often gain valuable learning from examples.  Sadness is converted to happiness below, as faith in the future is gained.  We do well to note earnest prayer poured out by Hannah. “If you will O God...  I will...”  was the format.  We don’t often pray like that do we?  History bears out that Hannah meant every word she said!   Indeed the prophet Samuel becomes the object of this discussion.  And what a man of God he became!  In Hebrews 11:32, Samuel is the one prophet mentioned, as “the prophet’s”  faithful representative.

1Sam 1:6-18    Her rival, however, would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.  7  It happened year after year, as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she would provoke her; so she wept and would not eat. 8  Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" 9  Then Hannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10  She, greatly distressed, prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. 11  She made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head." 12  Now it came about, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli was watching her mouth. 13  As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk. 14  Then Eli said to her, "How long will you make yourself drunk? Put away your wine from you."
15  But Hannah replied, "No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16  "Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation." 17  Then Eli answered and said, "Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him." 18  She said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

Ps 25:1     To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
Lam 3:41   We lift up our heart and hands Toward God in heaven;
Rom 8:26    In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Ps 143:8    Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul.

My Prayer:
Help us O Lord to lift up our very souls to you and not just words.  May we learn to open our hearts truly, and lay them before your throne.  Purify us O God.  Thank you for the promise of your Spirit interceding as we seek YOU.  May we find you in the most personal way, and may we abide in you always.          In Jesus name                    Amen