Main Verse: 1 Samuel 7:3-8:9

Good morning!

Samuel was a Seer and Israel’s 12^th and final judge. The Philistines had previously defeated the nation, and the Ark of the Covenant was stolen. When the Ark was recovered, Samuel called the people to repent and turn from their wicked ways (Deuteronomy 4:30). When the Philistines heard that Israel was gathering at Mizpah (Watch Tower), they went there probably thinking that the 2^nd battle would go like the first. Just as Samuel was offering a sacrifice to the Lord, the Philistines attacked only to be confronted by the Lord’s Spirit. When the Spirit of the Lord unleashed on the Philistines, they started frantically killing each other and then the Israelites chased the Philistines as far as Beth Car. Samuel built a monument between Mizpah and Jeshanah and named it, “Ebenezer” or, “Watch Tower” as a reminder to Israel and the Philistines what had happened and who it was that had helped Israel (Parallel Joshua 22:10-20). The Philistines did not raise their hand to Israel until after Samuel died, so the land had peace.

            It is important to note that the Ebenezer stone was not the reason Israel had peace any more than having peace in the USA because we have a Declaration of Independence. Israel had peace because of Samuel’s undying love of the Lord and commitment to honoring God’s laws. After Samuel passed away, that stone would be as useless as a screendoor on a submarine. When Israel became disobedient God removed his blessing and hedge of protection around the nation exposing their weaknesses to a revenge-hungry enemy and the same is said about America today. I will be honest with you, even if the President-Elect successfully reimplements the old laws, we will still be no closer to God than we are now because, until we confess our sins and turn back to Him, all of it will be an exercise in futility. We all need Jesus Christ my brothers and sisters and I cannot think of a better time to reevaluate where we stand in the Kingdom of God than New Year’s Eve. If it is you who is estranged from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, I encourage you to pray this prayer with me:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus’ Name, amen.” Copied from: Peace with God

I.H.S. MK

Father,

You have many dreams and aspirations for your children and things you want to tell us but our eyes and ears get caught up in world affairs and our senses are numbed from the continued senseless violence (1 Corinthians 2:6-13). Jesus came to earth to make a way for us to be free from “Fear’s Treadmill” (John 14:5-7). Samuel called the nation to repentance and I believe, there were probably some in the group who didn’t think it would help them but when it did, they didn’t ever doubt him again. We may not have a  Samuel to lead us but we have someone much better, we have your Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer (John 16:1-11); for that, I am eternally thankful. As the world goes into the Year 2025, I pray that you will grant me the wisdom to write what you will have me say to the reader. I also pray that what you have to say to this lost and dying world will reach the intended audience. Holy Spirit please convict my heart and mind to not only talk about Your righteousness but, live it and speak it in and out of sight of the world.  

Yours in Jesus’ name.