Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 8:1-22, Proverbs 1:29-33, 1 Timothy 1:15-17
This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Pentateuch into the second section of the Old Testament, the Historical Books.
The Book of 1 Samuel: The book of 1 Samuel documents the reign of Israel’s first king, Saul. It is also a history of the nation’s pattern of sin and repentance, as well as a history of the prophet Samuel’s spiritual leadership during Israel’s transition from theocracy (governed by God) to monarchy (governed by a king).
How 1 Samuel Fits Into the Story: God raised up Samuel as a final judge to rule over Israel and to call the people back to Himself, speaking on His behalf. As Samuel advanced in age, the people of Israel continued to reject the Lord and demanded a king like those of other nations. God granted their request, and His covenant faithfulness continued to prepare the way for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does the rebellion and rejection in today’s reading reveal about Israel’s posture toward God?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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77 thoughts on "1 Samuel"
Israel wanted to be like everyone else and have a king rule over them they didn’t want to be set apart and have God who is the king over all the nations. God listened to the people of Israel and gave them a king named Samuel to rule over them. As Samuel got older in age the people of Israel started to deny the Lord. So we need to remember that when we truly accept God in our lives we don’t need anyone to be king over us accept for God, because He is the one who created us❤️✝️
When I read about Samuel’s sons not walking in his ways, I was actually comforted to think that sometimes good parents produce corrupt children. Not because we want that, but because so much scripture seems to lay guilt at our feet for the behavior of our prodigal children. But scripture describes patterns, not absolute promises, because everyone has free will. (And we also don’t know the end of the story.) But God still chooses to work in families and through relationships because he is a relational God. Our job is to model God’s love and grace and to remember that our children are not rejecting us, and that God understands every hurt and longing that we feel for our children to return to him. Only may I not be a hindrance to his work in their hearts.
Margaret, I had the same thought yesterday! I look back at things I wish I had done differently with my 19 year old, but I also see her strong spirit that was evident as a toddler, and know I tried to lead her Biblically as best as I could.
Seeing many examples of “men after God’s heart” having straying offspring in the Word is a (strange) comfort.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does the rebellion and rejection in today’s reading reveal about Israel’s posture toward God?
That their posture is fickle just like we are today. When things are bad we cry out to the Lord for help, but when things are good we forget who paved the way for the good things we’ve reaped. Which is why it’s good to have the Word and the Holy Spirit to keep reminding us of what’s real and true.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? To keep sticking to the Word for that constant reminder of the truth. To keep the faith, love, and hope in our Lord.
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I’ve said before that my mom was exhausting… I had NO IDEA, really. I took her to a CT appt. today. She was not ready when I asked her to be. I felt like I was teaching preschool again. (And my patience levels have been dwindling the last few years!) I need prayers for strength and understanding. I am so very tired. We have another appt. on Monday.
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Our son, Jon, has two more interviews on Monday. Prayers for that too, please?
Oh, I am so sorry! Praying as requested! ❤
I thought Jon’s interviews were tomorrow so thanks for clarifucation! I’ve been praying that way, but at least God knows the right day!
Prayers! Also, I find that I become less patient with those around me when I am not being patient/kind to myself. You may look into that potentially being why you’re feeling like that. It might be that your mind is trying to let you know you need some time to “be” and to recollect and get back to your patience. 10-20 minutes does wonders when you feel overextended or overwhelmed. I hope things smooth out. You are doing an amazing job with balancing things and I pray all works out in the way it is intended to. ❤️❤️❤️
Reflection Questions:
1. What does the rebellion and rejection in today’s reading reveal about Israel’s posture toward God? When the heart wants a king, GOD reminds us, “They have not rejected you; they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Samuel 8:7). I can’t help but notice the root cause here, the Israelites focused on the corrupted sons of Samuel (discontent in flawed humans). Discontent is often the gateway to sin. But this discontent was not brought before GOD to be cured of the grievance, but as a justification to compromise. This pattern still exists in the church today, when people feel discontent with the church, with ministry leadership, or with their sons and daughters that fail morally, we must be careful. Discontent with flawed human leaders becomes the foothold for rejecting the Lord who appointed them. Don’t reject the faith because of failed shepherds. Do not let the corrupted sons of ministry leaders cause you to abandon the Father of all ministry. Samuel’s sons failed. But Samuel’s God did not. This is a big snare, and that is why the devil attacks pastors’ children a lot, some in harsh bondage, that has caused so much pain for the parents and the congregation (spiritual warfare). The right response to corrupt situations is to run faster toward the one true Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
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2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? God is not merely a prayer-answering machine. He is a Father who sometimes in His holiness and His sorrow permits us to walk the road we have chosen so that we might learn what He was trying to tell us all along. The invitation of this redemption passage for us today is, bring our discontentment to GOD, and not away from Him. Lay the church hurt at His feet. Where in your life has discontent with imperfect people begun to pull your heart away from God rather than toward Him? Don’t worship human leaders. Remember, if we demand and insist, the idol would be given, but that “king” won’t satisfy. After all the warnings Samuel gave, the taxation, the loss of freedom, the grief that was coming, God said to Samuel: “Listen to their voice and appoint them a king”, God gave them what they asked for. This should not comfort us, this isn’t a blessing, but should be a wake up call.
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GRAMSIESUE- rejoicing with you for the great news, and continued prayers for healing and strength for your husband.
KIRA H- praying for HARPER and her older sister, oh my goodness. Kids are so sweet and attached to one another. This hurts my heart.
TESERA DONLEY- praying for your peace as you wait till next Thursday. May all the details come together for your good by GOD’s arrangement.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
EVERYthing you wrote is so good, Mercy!
“Don’t reject the faith because of failed shepherds. Do not let the corrupted sons of ministry leaders cause you to abandon the Father of all ministry.”
“God gave them what they asked for. This should not comfort us, this isn’t a blessing, but should be a wake up call.”
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Mercy, once again your thoughts and insights are so helpful. Thank you
I am a people pleaser by nature. 1 Samuel 7 “they have not rejected you, they have rejected Me as their king” stood out to me today. It made me think, when we are walking according to God’s word and will, it takes the pressure of “rejection” off of us. Praying that this perspective makes me more bold to go out and share the Gospel!
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I think it applies to all of us. His redemption doesn’t rely on us.
Such ignorant and greedy people! If only they knew the wrath about to come to them!
They just don’t care. That was my only answer today.
These are some very sad words, “They have not rejected you; they have rejected me as their king.”
Proverbs 1:29 Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the lord, were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, they will eat the fruit of their way and be gutted with their own schemes.
Sad sad sad.
But I too rejected God for years. “And I am the worst of them.” So thankful that God did not reject me.
My thoughts as well.
Amen!
GramsieSue, PRAISE THE LORD! So thankful this morning for answered prayers with the results from the MRI! I will continue to pray for Steve and you as well. What an encouragement that God answers our prayers.
This is such a true and disturbing account of human foolishness. God had heard Moses’ plea to free the Isaraelites from BONDAGE. God heard and gave them FREEDOM. In their quest to have a king (v. 20- who, they ironically thought would fight their battles for them – exactly what they already had with God) they offered themselves up to more BONDAGE. They wanted to ‘be like the other nations’ knowing God had ‘set them apart’ to be an exampke for those other nations.
Foolish and fickled people much like people of today. Thank Godbfor His faithfulness and mercy!!!
God was not surprised by their request. Just a few of verses shared here, but there are many to cknfirm that:
Genesis 35
11 Then God said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants!
Genesis 49:
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants,[a]
until the coming of the one to whom it belongs,[b]
the one whom all nations will honor.
Deuteronomy 3
14 “You are about to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you take it over and settle there, you may think, ‘We should select a king to rule over us like the other nations around us.’”
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SONG SHARE:(I love this song; the lyrics are so fitting.)
Matthew West – Good (Lyric Video)
Lyrics:
I used to think grace was a ladder
Every sinner had to climb
If only I could just do better
I could earn it over time
Tried to work my way to good
Trouble is I never could
But then You showed me
Just exactly how grace works
I’m good at always falling down
You’re good at never giving up
I’m good at getting turned around
You’re good at saying I’m still loved
And I was wrecked by mercy
The day I understood
I’m not loved because I’m worthy
I’m loved because You’re good
I think Paul wrote the book of Romans
For people just like me
For all the beat up and the broken
Who need to know that grace is free
Why do I do the things I shouldn’t
And I don’t do the things I should
That’s just the proof
You’re the only part of me
That’s good
I’m good at always falling down
You’re good at never giving up
I’m good at getting turned around
You’re good at saying I’m still loved
And I was wrecked by mercy
The day I understood
I’m not loved because I’m worthy
I’m loved because You’re good
Loved because You’re God
I’m loved because You’re faithful to me even when I’m not
Oh God You are so good
When there’s nothing good in me
Just a grateful sinner saved by You
Is all I have to be
I’m good at always falling down
You’re good at never giving up
I’m good at getting turned around
You’re good at saying I’m still loved
And I was wrecked by mercy
The day I understood
I’m not loved because I’m worthy
I’m loved because You’re good
Loved because You’re God
I’m loved because You’re faithful to me even when I’m not
Oh God You are so good
When there’s nothing good in me
Just a grateful sinner saved by You
Is all I have to be
And I was wrecked by mercy
The day I understood
I’m not loved because I’m worthy
I’m loved because You’re good
Songwriters: Matthew West, AJ Pruis
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Love, hugs, and prayers- specifically:
Harper
Steve and Sue
Linda in NC
Teresa Donley
Wendy B
Adrienne’s son
Taylor
Lanie H
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Exceptional lyrics (reads like a beautiful poem). I love this so much. I never heard of it before. Thank you for another great gem ❤️. You are so good!
❤❤❤ I hear it on the radio occasionally and just happened to hear it yesterday so it was fresh on my mind. I do appreciate your compliment, though! ❤.
They did not value their relationship with God. They wanted to be like everyone else.
Sometimes God gives us what we think we want in order to draw us back to Him.
This sounds like so many believers including myself! If I just have my life this way, I will
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Yes, so true!
What comes to mind (1) is that they didn’t trust Him, or lost trust even though our God had proven faithful over and over. I read in the comments sometimes even being spoiled children. “I want” “I want”
Many times it may not be the way we (today) perceive but Daddy knows best. His ways are always best. YET our God had a plan (2): KING JESUS! Our Jesus will never let us down! Our JESUS came to offer freedom of our sin through HIM! All we have to is accept it. AND even when we mess up (as we “I” often do), His arms are open wide ready to forgive me.
TODAY is our last day with our kiddos! I’m going to miss these little munchkins! BUT I’m honestly SO ready for the break. Mainly I want good sleep and not be up SO early (before daybreak) in the morning. I’m tired. BUT will miss them GREATLY! They promised to come visit our class!
So glad you get a break; I remember how hard that schedule is and I love not having to set the alarm- most days! ❤
15 days and counting for me Mari! I can’t wait to not get too when it is dark!
Yay..happy for you two!
The Bible is always so current. Reading 1 Samuel makes me want to shout to the Israelites to be careful what you ask for. Their history for rebelling, then repenting, then rebelling should have taught us to always walk in God’s ways. But, I know, speaking for myself, I’ve had that same pattern in my own life. I’m so thankful God is always willing to forgive and take me back when I repent. His forgiveness is complete. Jesus paid for all my sins. May I keep my eyes on him, and learn from His Word that walking in my own way is never the way to go.
GramsieSue, your news about Steve is a wonderful way to start the day! I’m praising God with you for this miracle.
The Israelites were participating in the same pattern of sin we’ve seen exist from the beginning- shaping their lives and decisions around what “seems right” to them. The fruit that Adam and Eve were being protected against “seemed good”. Their eyes became focused on something that wasn’t God and the result was disordered perspective. In these passages, the people’s eyes were tightly fixed on anything but God, therefore their perspectives were skewed and desires distorted. When they complained to Samuel about his sons, I noticed they never complained the sons were not following in the ways of GOD, but in the ways of Samuel. Samuel was appointed as a judge who was to act in a way as to point to/reflect the ways of God, but their disordered view and understanding made their desires “seem” right. For me, it’s a sobering example to check my own heart for ways I am idolizing the patterns of the world around me, versus living in gratitude of the enormously gracious God who only seeks after my good.
Always good to see your reflections! ❤
Preach sister. I hope you are doing well and your husband is back.
they wanted a king, they got one!
Yup!
How like little children the Israelite’s actions displayed: “No!”, “We want”, “we will be like others” – stubborn, rebellious and foolish. So much like our world today.
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What would ever make us think that our ways are better than God’s?
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But here we are. Living in a world that daily rejects our God and King. And what good has it got us? None.
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Praying that the world will wake up and see God for who He is. He is LORD, He is King of Kings, Savior of the world.
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Thanking God for His extended hand of mercy and grace to me each day – a sinner, saved by His grace.
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@GrammieSue – What wonderful news!! Oh the power of prayer! God is good! Will continue to pray for Steve and that each MRI will show the same – no tumors! May God’s healing hand continue to be upon him. ❤️
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Happy Thursday She’s – and welcome to any new She’s that have recently joined. You picked a wonderful place to be!
I kept thinking that the Israelites were like teenagers who think they know everything and want to be like everyone else! I imagine God as the frustrated parent who finally said. “Fine. Have it your way.” And let them suffer the natural consequences. Some people only learn the hard way…
Thankfully our God loves us so much that he sent his only sone Jesus to pay for our sins. Praise be to God!
Yes, so true! I am one for sure!
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Good morning. I was struck by the number of times Samuel said, “He can take…” when he was describing a king. The Israelites preferred a king that was going to take from them rather than the King who wanted to give them eternity with Him.
They said they wanted a king who “will judge us, go out before us, and fight our battles.” They already had a king that was doing all of these things.
The passage in Proverbs described the Israelites perfectly. It also describes society today. But in spite of our rejection of Him He still pursues us…”Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” His plan continues and one day Jesus will return and all will be made right.
Have a blessed day!
Insightful point! Give vs take! How often we are willing to follow or attempt to impress the takers.
Yes, Kathy! My thoughts echoed exactly what you said here, “They said they wanted a king who “will judge us, go out before us, and fight our battles.” They already had a king that was doing all of these things.”
My takeaway today too! The words “take away” and the quote KIRA shared never stood out to me as strongly before.
My church is doing a series right now on the different attributes of God. Last week, our pastor mentioned that justice is interwoven into our very being because it is one of God’s attributes. In reading today’s passages, I see just how important it is to look to God for guidance just as Samuel did.
So true! ❤
“Motivation for such a request is stated succinctly:” such as all the nations have “(8:5). This alarming statement reveals a profound dissatisfaction with who they are as a people. They are grasping for something they fail to understand and will lose the very things they hope to ensure by having a king.”
THE NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY continues with this :
” In our clearest and most honest moments, we all to often seek security by conforming to the zeitgeist, the spirit of the times, rather than serving in the world as as God’s counterculture, as we were created to do. Like Israel, we tend to forfeit the lordship of God in order to become ” like all nations”
❤ Don’t you love those commentaries?!
At times I rebel against (and even reject) God. But because of His gracious mercy and love He pursues me to bring me back to Him. Thank you Lord ❤️
Me too sadly.
Yes!..Thank you Lord for loving us and your grace and mercy! ❤️
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Israel’s rebellion revealed a pattern of wanting things their own way rather than trusting God’s leadership and provision. It reminded me how easy it is to seek control instead of surrender.
What stood out to me about redemption is that God’s plan continues despite human failure. Even when His people rejected Him, He remained faithful and continued working toward the redemption He would ultimately provide through Christ.
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Amen
Amen❤️
A theme in many of these books of the Old Testament is the Israelites rebel, follow their own hearts, and seek what the world has. At some point they repent and God in His love and mercy redeems and protects them. Today my attention was stuck on they wanted what the nations around them wanted. How often does my own heart lean towards what the world offers? Father God hold my heart tightly to you and your will.
Grammiesue-Praise God what a miracle!
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GM ladies. Q1 – Israel has a short memory. Instead of obeying God’s commands, they want what they want what they want. Like a spoiled child, they whine and complain until God gives in and allows them a king. God knows where this is heading but Israel needs to learn a lesson, “they will eat the fruit of their ways”. What struck me is that not even Samuel’s sons were walking in obedience! Like Pharaoh, their hearts were hardened and it is only God who can soften them. #2 Time and time again, Israel rejected God, and time and time again, God shows them mercy. “But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them,
Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience.” Like the Israelites, I forget, I whine and complain, I reject God, but he always welcome me back with open arms.
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Israel’s posture toward God had turned to indifference. They wanted to be like the other nations more than they wanted to be like God, set apart and holy.
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Today’s reading shows that we humans are clueless about what is best for us and truly need God’s redemption. Even when we have trusted Jesus to save us, we will only live in peace when we listen and obey the Lord.
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AZ WALKER – thanks for asking. The young mama’s life is stable, but she still has many obstacles. She would like to go back to work, but daycare costs for the little one is a big hurdle. My mom is doing ok. Shetakes things day by day.
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SEARCHING – praying for CC’s healing and recovery.
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Praying for your other requests too, Shes
“Even when we have trusted Jesus to save us, we will only live in peace when we listen and obey the Lord.” So true.
Kind of where my mind went today.
Glad to see the update on young mama. I wanted to ask last week, but also wanted to focus on your mom. ❤ Crazy thought hete: 2 ladies who ‘need somebody’ – too bad they live in different areas; what a glorious ending that could be.
I willl continue to pray for young mama’s situation to get better and your Mom as she takes it one day at a time.
Despite God’s faithfulness to them, the people of Israel still wanted their own way. God is still merciful however and even through the challenges of living under a human king, God paved the way for Jesus, our perfect king who comes to save eternally and establish His glorious reign forever!
My thoughts went straight to today’s culture from this reading, Ladies. When we reject God as our King, we are destined to ‘eat the bitter fruit of our ways and choke on our own schemes’ (Prov 1:31 NLT).
Our culture has rejected God and has no fear of the Lord and sadly, all around us, we are seeing the bitter consequences of those actions. We must cling tightly to the Lord and listen to His word so that we may ‘live in peace, untroubled by the fear of harm’ all around us. And pray our nation will return to the Lord!
My thoughts as well. As a whole and
individually. Trust and Obey…for there’s no other way. That is following God.
Great word and verse, Sally! ❤
‘eat the bitter fruit of our ways and choke on our own schemes’ – so good!❤️
What a sad, sad statement from the Lord our God, “for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”
Q1 The posture of the Israelites then is much like the posture of most of the world today, preferring to submit and live essentially under man’s very flawed thumb rather than under the Lord’s perfect love, grace, freedom and mercy.
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It’s hard to imagine, but just think if everyone lived according to God’s word, following His commandments. Waiting for heaven, in God’s timing.
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Q2 Jesus Christ was the perfect, unflawed, sacrificial Lamb who, by His death and resurrection, provided a way for us to be really, truly forgiven. Accepting His gift of salvation is our first step in choosing to do our very best to live under the Lord’s perfect love, grace, freedom and mercy – that same guidance and protection that the Israelites rejected.
Praying for the lost and the prodigals.
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GRAMSIESUE ❤️ praise the Lord for the great report! Praying for you and Steve in day to day life, especially that he would be careful moving about.
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CAROLINE BRIDGES ❤️ we are all lifetime learners of all things God! We are in various stages of life, we’ve all started the learning process at different ages and in different circumstances, we all find ourselves still stumbling – yet, we are all called to be in a relationship with our Lord and our Savior through the rollercoaster of life on earth. Through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, He is always us. Through our best choices and through our worst decisions, He’s always there, with you and with me, working for our benefit in ways we can’t always see.
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KIMBERLY Z ❤️
KIRA H praying for relief of pain for Harper, and comfort for her big sis as she sees the pain from the sidelines ❤️
VANESSA BALE ❤️
VICTORIA E ❤️ you are missed!
TERESA COOPER DONLEY ❤️ agreeing with you that this schedule change didn’t surprise God ❤️ will be praying for next Thursday’s procedure
LESLEY TURNER MCMAHON ❤️ welcome! And yes, gratitude can turn things around for me – looking at what God has done and trusting what He will do.
MELISSA VANDIVER ❤️❤️
CAT-TEE ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
Great reflections!
Praying with you and also fo CC. I prayed for her when I woke uo, but neglected to put her on my list in comment. ❤
Love your note to CAROLINE and for all of us. Praying for CC, how scary that fall must have been. I fell down a flight of stairs once holding 2 kids on 2 arms (lacking sleep as a new mom and missed the steps), fracturing my tailbone, took me six months to heal, stairs are no joke. Hoping she is recovering well.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 GNT
[15] This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, [16] but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life. [17] To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God—to him be honor and glory forever and ever!
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Amen.
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This will be the shape of my heart today as I go through my day singing, humming, CEE GEE, you know it!
Immortal, invisible, God only wise..
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A couple of verses should you wish to sing along..
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Immortal invisible God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
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Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rules in might;
Thy justice, like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
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To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on a tree,
And wither and perish, but noughtvchangeth Thee.
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Immortal, invisible God only wise..
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To Him be Glory and Honour, forever.. Amen
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Happy Thursday to ya’ll, happy Thursday, covered in much much love and prayers from across the pond..❤️❤️❤️
Oh, yes, I do! Singin’/hummin’ with you, sister! ❤❤❤
” Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.”
Wow I hadn’t heard that one in a while. It is going on my hymn memorization list!
GRAMSIESUE, What wonderful news to wake up to! My feet and heart are dancing to the beat of ‘Every praise is to our God…
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Sing Hallelujah..’
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God is GOOOOOOD!
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AMEN.
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Continued prayers for you all.❤️❤️❤️