The Champions Spirit
Volume 69, Issue 18
May 9, 2010
In This Issue
Of Mothers and the Prophets
In considering the concept of mothers and the prophets, I want to travel back a bit in time before our current reading to another son and his mother. While they are of an earlier age, they do fit into the category of our discussion.
In this reading, before he was born, the prophet's mother wanted a son. "Wanted" just might not be a strong enough word. The desire for a son was an intense, driving desire that caused her to lose her appetite and her happiness. Her longing for a son was so intense that she sought aid from the Lord. On one occasion, amidst her bitter tears, she made a vow to God in prayer, "O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life...."
Even though others, such as her husband or the priest, would not understand her longing, she knew what would bring her satisfaction and joy—a son.
Ultimately, God gave her that son—his name, as you no doubt have already guessed was Samuel. The mother of prayer—Hannah.
From her story (as we find it in 1 Samuel 1:1ff) just a couple of quick notes—did you notice her faith? She went to God for help with her problem! Did you notice her view of herself? She was the Lord's maidservant—so she would sincerely ask, not tell God what to do! She was willing to put her son in the full-time service of the Lord, and promptly carried out that commitment while continuing to show her care and love for her son. Her prayer, found in chapter 2:1ff, is most beautiful as the following lines indicate: "There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God."
Samuel served the Lord God with a long and useful life. He was a good man. He was a man of God. There is no doubt that one of the reasons he was the man that he was...and that he was the prophet that he was...is because he had a godly mother like Hannah. How blessed the world is by modern-day Hannahs. What great mothers! What a blessing to reflect on such stories—Of Mothers and the Prophets.
—Larry Keele
FAMILY MATTERS...
Travelers will affect us today. Some have traveled here to be with their mother on her special day. Others have traveled away from us for the same purpose. Certainly, mothers are blessings and should be honored. We see one more reason we are so blessed as we worship the Most High God.
Angels rejoiced at the decision of Sean Gist to be baptized into Christ. Sean made this decision during the youth retreat and was baptized by his father upon his return. We are thankful for the many influences of the Lord upon Sean's life and look forward to his growth in the Kingdom.
This evening we will have youth-led services. I hope you will be here to encourage these young men as they lead us in a closer walk with God through worship.
John Qualls has done a good job in lining up our speakers for our "Summer Series." These men will continue in our theme of "Look at the Book" and will bring lessons from the reading for the week. We are blessed with this great opportunity for a deeper look into the Word.
Look at the Book: Read Isa. 1-39.
Jeremy's Junction
Hebrews 11
By Faith
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Wednesday night, little Madison Phillips was standing on a stool getting ready to fall back. I was in front of her and Glen and his friend Matt were bracing it. Her back was to Tyler and she couldn't see him but knew he was there. I could tell she was afraid but reassured her that I wouldn't let her get hurt. She fell backwards and Tyler caught her.
Following this I questioned her about faith. I asked her why she was willing to do this and she said she trusted that Tyler would not let her get hurt. He was tall, strong, and would not let her get hurt. If this doesn't express our faith in God I don't know what does.
I don't see God. I can feel His presence. I can see Him working in people's lives. The more I study the Bible and do spiritual things the closer to Him I feel. This is what builds a firm foundation in our faith. When we fall, we know that God is there to catch us. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. There is a point where we have to give up control of our lives and give that control to God with the faith that He will take care of us. Madison and Tyler helped show us the example in class. Now, how do we live lives that show we have faith in a God we cannot see but believe He is there for us? Just live a life worth of the calling you have received. Love Jesus and follow Him.
—Jeremy Geurin
John's Jogs
ON MOTHER'S DAY it is appropriate to honor our mothers and remember what they do for us. Mothers are our first caregivers, our first teachers, and our first love. Most of us look to them as examples of ideals we cherish. Mothers teach children their greatest lessons:
A mother teaches her infant love. A mother's heart is her child's classroom. As a mother nurtures her child from the cradle she demonstrates her love. Mothering and love are almost synonymous. Maternal love is a reflection of God's design in our world. Mother's love is shown in different ways. They sing lullabies to their babies, speak to them in loving tones, gently and tenderly provide for all the child's needs. In response, the child learns to love its mother and others. Research has proved that babies who are fondled and loved by mothers develop better in all ways than those who are denied love.
A mother teaches her child gentleness and kindness. The child learns kindness by the example of the mother. Not only are needs provided for, but also all is done in a gentle and kind manner that communicates her care.
A mother teaches her child to pray. We learn the habit of prayer from our mothers. Many began as our mother's tucked us into bed with "Now I lay me down to sleep" How many of you can finish the prayer? It shows how well we have been taught by mothers.
A mother teaches her child purity and honesty. By word and example mothers attempt to guard their children from all that defiles and makes them impure. Integrity and honesty are not just taught, they are instilled by living examples. A mother teaches children to be honest and to guard their lips from falsehood.
A mother teaches her child courage and faith. A wise and good mother teaches her child to trust in God and to be aware of His presence. In times of fear or need, the testimony of her faith gives strength and assurance to her child.
A mother teaches her child unselfishness and sharing. The little child is taught to share with others, especially with brothers and sisters. Mothers are referees who teach their children to share and always to give the larger or better share to the other. Sharing is an important preparation for life.
The faithful mother teaches by word and example the great principles of right living. She molds the character of the child. From the cradle she fashions the crown worn by each of her children. She is also multiplying the stars she will wear in her eternal crown. Let us honor and praise our mothers!!!
—John Qualls