1 Samuel 4

This chapter discusses the confrontation/battle between Israel and the Philistine's. The Israelites suffer heavy losses and lose the battle as well as the ark of God. What get from this is that God does not always answer us the way we expect him to. God listens to our prayers and answers in his way. This may not always to be clear to us. Just because I ask for something from God does not mean I will always get what I ask for. But I trust that God will do what is best for me.

This weeks challenge: To continue spending time with God and his word each day.
Something to be thankful for: A great job that I love.
Something to pray for:Patience in waiting for God to answer my prayers.

1 Samuel 2-3

I think that the simple title for these two chapters should be God hates Sin. God makes his displeasure towards Eli the priest and his sons abundantly clear. He states that those whom despise him will be disdained and those who honor him will be honored. This is something that I need to remember at all times. While I am blessed to have forgiveness through Christ this does not change the fact that God despises my sin. I need to try to bring honor to God in all things that I do. Sometimes things can come out of my mouth that I know do not bring honor to God, I need to think before I speak.

This weeks challenge: To continue spending time with God and his word each day.
Something to be thankful for: A great bible study group in which encourages me greatly.
Something to pray for:That God would remind me to think before I speak.

1 Samuel Chapter 1

I guess this first chapter is all about Hannah. More specifically about about the power of prayer and Hannah's faith. Hannah is unable to to have a child and so she prays a prayer to the Lord in her despair and promises to give any son she would bear to God. She is then blessed with a son who she names Samuel.
Personally I found this passage very encouraging. It for me is all about God knowing the faith of Hannah and listening to her prayers. The power of prayer is great and God always listens to us. While his answers may not always be what we want, he listens and cares about us. I need to remember to talk to God not just when things are hard and I need something but also when things are great and I should be thanking him for this.

This weeks challenge: To continue spending time with God and his word each day.
Something to be thankful for:Dave and Fiona's wedding, it was a great day.
Something to pray for:My unsaved friends

Challenged

Lately I have been feeling challenged as to where I stand with my faith. A series of events have had me taking a good hard look at myself. Some really good sermons, some comments from friends and a wedding have all contributed to making me realise that I have some things I really need to start doing in my life. One of those is spending some time both looking at Gods word and spending time talking with God each day. Rather than just posting rubbish on this sight I am going to put some of my thoughts in here each day about what I have read and my christian life. To anyone who might read this stuff please feel free to comment and if you see that I have have not posted in a while feel free to keep me accountable with my bible reading especially. I may decide to post other stuff from time to time also.