Why do we prefer substitute gods? They meet our immediate needs pragmatically. They enable us to be like everyone else. And they promise to make our lives easier. However, they can do none of those things. They ultimately enslave us by forcing us to worship them while treating us harshly. We should embrace the freedom of following God even though it is often hard to live free.

Though we cannot force God's Spirit to move toward revival, we can do three things to prepare our hearts and lives for it. We must put away the idols of our hearts, devote ourselves fully to the LORD, and serve him alone. These were Samuel's instructions to the Israelites, and they are God's to us today. 

Is the God of the Bible the supreme God of all gods? Yes, he is. He is supreme in his victory, supreme in judgment, supreme in grace, supreme in providence, and supreme in holiness. May we know this supreme God through faith in Christ. 

Like the ancient Israelites, we are tempted to turn our faith into superstitions. We fall prey to the false ideas of our world regarding why things are the way they are. We must learn to trust God as he is and rest in him alone for our hope in this life. Superstitions come from our pretentious pride and idolatrous hearts.

What must a prophet possess if he is to be used by God? How does God use each of us? Should we have the same qualities as the prophets so God can use us to proclaim his gospel? Yes. We must know our Lord, have a willing heart, understand the gospel, and have the courage to proclaim it.

Will you be faithful to your God? is the question that 1 Samuel 2 asks us by contrasting Hannah and the priests, Hophni and Phinehas. She was faithful, humble, and pure. They were not. How will we respond to God's call on our lives? 

What will you give God? Will you give him everything? Will you give him your all? Will you fully surrender to him in faith? Are you willing to surrender your life to him?

1 Samuel 1:1-20 confronts us with four challenging questions. They are: How do you deal with your grief? Are you honest with God, or do you let it fester in your heart? Do you believe that God can and does work in chaos? Do you know that God honors the worship of his people?

The Lord gives abundant life to his people. In him, we find refuge, protection, triumph, and satisfaction. May we know the blessed and eternal life of Christ.

Psalm 90 is a song that starts in the mire of death, focuses us on God's everlasting dwelling place, and teaches us the wisdom of numbering our days before God. Join us as we work our way through the psalm's story.