Devotionals for November 1, 2023
Do you know any middle and high schoolers? Invite them to join us for New Life Students this Wednesday at 6:00pm!
READ
1 SAMUEL 3:6-10
Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
REFLECT
Oh, the value of older generations leading us to the voice of God! Even though Eli’s own sons smeared his reputation, he invested in the boy Samuel. He led Samuel to the voice of God. From there, Samuel became a pivotal prophet and priest for all of Israel: He raised up and corrected Saul as their first king. Later, he anointed and instructed David, who became a major part of Jesus’s lineage. Thanks to Eli investing in a younger generation, Samuel led a long life, leading many to focus on God as the true King.
APPLY
Q: Eli could have lectured Samuel or attempted to handle the situation for him. Rather, Eli told Samuel to speak openly and ask for the Lord. Why did Eli take this approach?
Q: How can you take on the heart of Samuel today, asking God to lead you as His servant?
Q: Who can you encourage to listen for and speak to the Lord?
Q: How can you take on the heart of Samuel today, asking God to lead you as His servant?
Q: Who can you encourage to listen for and speak to the Lord?
SING
“Be Praised” by Maverick City Music
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, you are the Bread of Life. You fulfill all of my needs, physically and spiritually — thank you! Help me to rely on your word. Thank you that your Son is the Word, my way and life. Speak, Father, for your servant is listening. Amen.
Lord, you are the Bread of Life. You fulfill all of my needs, physically and spiritually — thank you! Help me to rely on your word. Thank you that your Son is the Word, my way and life. Speak, Father, for your servant is listening. Amen.