Mike's Memo
1 Samuel 3:1 says in those days, the word of the Lord was rare and there were not many visions. Hannah had prayed for a child and God had given her Samuel. Samuel was dedicated to God and was being raised by Eli. One night, the Lord spoke to Samuel but he believed that it was Eli calling him. After this happened three times, Eli realized that God was speaking to Samuel and when God spoke the fourth time, Samuel responded, "Speak for your servant is listening" God never got angry with Samuel. Scripture tells us that the word of the Lord had not been revealed to him. He had some pretty bad news for Samuel concerning Eli and his wicked sons. As Samuel grew, God continued to reveal Himself through His word.
This is how God reveals Himself to us today It is through His word. As I read the Bible, I expect that God will reveal some spiritual truth to me. Like Samuel. I will tell God to speak to me because I am listening but I will usually add that He should only tell me what I want to hear.
I can't help but wonder how much I miss because I am listening but not really listening. Like the Rich Young Ruler, I often go to God looking for affirmation and not conviction. As a church, are we willing to listen to God even if it challenges us to embrace something difficult or different?
By 1 Samuel chapter 4, the Philistines had captured the Ark of God and both of Eli's sons were killed. Eli heard the news and fell off his chair and died. Eli's daughter-in-law gave birth to a son and named him Ichabod which means the glory of God has departed. Not exactly the happiest part of Scripture.
As we continue to focus on God's glory this can serve as a reminder that we must make sure that our existence really is about His glory coming through us to a lost world. The removal of that glory would be devastating.
Love you, Mike
Church Facts & Figures for February
Sunday School Enrollment 326
Sunday School Weekly Average 210
Autumn Winds Weekly Average 11
New Church Members 4
Decrease in Church Members 0
Budget Tithes / Offerings $64,691
Hispanic Ministry Offerings $2,439