Because I Rejoice in Your Salvation

There is so much to be gained in reading the Word of God each day!  I awoke early this morning and have been reading the Book of 1 Samuel.  Hannah's prayer encourages me.  Her faith and her confidence in the Lord, which she exhibits through leaving her first born in the temple, reveals the secrets of God to my spirit.  Quiet, confident trust; the assurance that comes from seeing God above all else or everyone else--awesome!

I was praying for a friend this morning who happens to be going through a trial that is far greater than she could ever manage on her own--the kind that does the greatest work in our hearts and lives--and as I was praying God revealed to me the bondage of intimidation in her life and said to pray that it be broken.  He showed me that when we allow others to intimidate us, we are actually honoring that person over God. 

In the Book of Samuel, Eli the priest was intimidated by his own sons and did not correct  and discipline them as he should have.  When God pronounced the judgement on Eli's house and cursed the generations of men to come, He did so, because Eli exulted his children over God, and allowed them to despise the offerings (sacrifices) to the Lord.  They were evil; yet God saw Eli as equally guilty, because He knew of their sin and did nothing.  He was intimidated by them; he did not recognize his  God ordained position, not only as chief priest, but also as father.

We too have a God ordained position.  We are first and foremost children of the Living God.  We are heirs of the King of Kings!  We have been given authority, through Christ, and we need to use the authority given us for the will of God on earth.  We need never be intimidated--we have the power of God behind us--in us!

"My heart exults and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength)  is lifted up in the Lord.  My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation."
1 Sam 2:1 

There is none like you, Lord!   You have set your blessings over us, to a 1000 generations.  I love you Lord, be exalted!   Amen