 Image CR: Greogry Dickow According to Acts chapter 7, verse 11, famine and other troubles occurred that directly affected Jacob’s (Israel) household. The problem was so severe that there was no sustenance anywhere. Despite the severity of the famine, so long as Jacob and his family were in good standing with God and in the place where God called them to be, God provided for them abundantly (Acts 7:12). So, what does Jacob’s circumstance reveal to us? if you won’t work, you will not eat Too often, we think, it is our duty to provide for our families and meet their daily needs. Although, in general, this is true. We are responsible for providing for our families. For the Scriptures say at 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Also, the Scriptures strongly talk against being lazy. For example, at Matthew chapter 25, verses 15, 18 through 19, and 24 through 30 says
So, the Bible talks against laziness, but working to the fullest and effectively and properly using your abilities, gifts, and talents. there was no sustenance Similarly, this is no different for us today. When we consider Jacob and his family’s situation mentioned at Acts chapter 7, verses 11 and 12. Things will come up that are beyond our control. When they do, it is not necessarily our job to fix them. Well, it is, but it isn’t. Let me explain so you all don’t think I’m being double-minded. (Compare to James 1:8). Our part or role when difficulty comes up is to be in the place or go to the place God has called or expects us to be. When we are where God NEEDS US, then we are readily available for God to use us as He NEED for His purpose and Kingdom Work. How He chooses to use us (use our talents, gifts, and abilities), we will benefit directly from the Work produced. I hope that makes sense. In the case of Jacob and his family. During the pre-famine, they all were living in Hebron, the place God had them during that time. Because they were in the place God had and needed them to be, God could sustain and meet their needs. But when the famine hit, the place in which they were, God could no longer sustain them there. The Scriptures reads at verse 11 of Acts chapter 7
Therefore, the place they were, God could and would not any longer provide for them there. So, what did that mean for them? It meant that Jacob and his family would NOW need to inquire of God to UNDERSTAND what was God going to do NOW AND NEXT. How did the “shift in what God was doing” influence Jacob and his household – His new instruction, guidance, and direction? What God required them to do differently? Jacob had to understand and do whatever God was requiring of him and his family, in that moment, if he wanted to continue to receive God’s blessings, along with new revelations and new bread and wine. Jacob had to shift, move, do something different than he did before when he was in Hebron. Because God was moving Jacob to a new region. And therefore, Jacob had to operate and trust God as Jacob moved and managed his lifestyle differently under God’s covering. ask yourself So, ask yourself. Are you willing to move, shift, change direction, and receive new guidance and revelation? To do everything differently when you know God is doing things in a different way? Or, are we that set and suck in our ways? The danger in such a mindset is. When God is moving and heading in a different direction, we refuse to move and head in the direction God is going. As a result, God can no longer provide and meet our needs. We end up in the same predicament as the first Adam. Remember that? The incident in the Garden? Where God had provided Adam and Eve EVERYTHING they needed and they lacked nothing? In fact, the Scriptures said at verse 25 of Genesis chapter 1.
EVERYTHING was good and ready to meet ALL the needs of the first human pair – Adam and Eve. They had everything they need. The point I want you to get is that God did or provided all of the hard work that was required to produce His creative works in the beginning. Now, Adam had his work to do in this process. He had his part. But his part was truly much easily because God had already done all the hard work that was required to make everything function and work as it should. God had provided all the hard parts of what Adam needed to sustain himself and his family, in order to be happy and live a thriving, successful, and full lifestyle. Adam was in the right place to receive the provisions God had for him. And all Adam had to do was follow God’s instructions and do everything God gave Adam to do. But the moment Adam disobeyed God and decided to do EVERYTHING in his way. The moment he decided to get from under and out of the place God arranged for Adam, God could no longer provide for Adam in the way God had done before. Take this point. God said to Adam shortly after Adam decided to do things his way.
Because of Adam’s disobedience and getting out of the place God had provided for him. Now, he would have to work in a way God never intended Adam to work. Work will now become
You see, no matter how hard Adam worked – it will never be enough. My brothers, do you not feel like that? That no matter what you do or how you do it, it is never enough? You feel unfulfilled. Life is hard and dissatisfying. Like you cannot provide the provisions your family needs. This is because your land, your work, and everything you try to produce is a curse because of YOUR FATHER’S (Adam) sin.
You have to understand this! No matter what Adam did, he will never be able to meet or sustain his family because He was out from the place, God told Adam to be. In other way, Adam disobeyed and rejected God’s plan for Adam and his life. He was disobedient! And therefore, God could NO LONGER SUSTAIN Adam and his wife, the way God provided for them before. Adam missed out on ALL of God’s future promises and blessings because he was disobedient; wanted and did things Adam’s way. And therefore, Adam was cursed. BUT GOD!! God did not leave things that way. He provided for Adam another way that eventually broke the curse for him and YOU. Unfortunately, we don’t have the time today to address how God broke that curse. Just know and understand. Because Adam failed to be obedient – to do as God was showing and instructing him. Because Adam had gotten out of his place of provision – GOD COULD NOT PROVIDE. God can only provide for Adam or you, IF YOU ARE IN THE PLACE, God has called you to receive your blessings [(provision(s)]. god will provide! |
| 1. His family 2. His things 3. His mindset 4. His habits 5. His preferences 6. and move from Hebron |
He had to moved from the place he was receiving God’s provisions for him (the old wineskin). NOW, Jacob had to move to Egypt in order to continue to be blessed by God and for God to continue to provide for him and his household (the new wineskin).
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Photo CR: Holy Mass Images
The purpose of the Book of Acts. It tells us what the RISEN Lord (Jesus Christ) continues to do and teaches through HOLY SPIRIT. That's key.
Through Holy Spirit!
And not through Christ. And yet, Holy Spirit is either kicked out, ignored (not acknowledged), or not used by many churches, ministries, and church leaders today. 🤔
Never mind what Jesus himself said at Acts chapter 1, verses 2 and 8.
Never mind what Jesus himself said at Acts chapter 1, verses 2 and 8.
| The former account I made… of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen…. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” |
You see in the book of Acts; the Spirit of the LORD was coming (Acts chapter 2). BUT! TODAY, the Spirit of the LORD – HOLY SPIRIT is here!! Already here.
Jesus expected big things for his CHURCH. They were assigned to do big things in their ASSIGNED territories. Hence, why he said to his disciples’ days before going to the Cross.
Jesus expected big things for his CHURCH. They were assigned to do big things in their ASSIGNED territories. Hence, why he said to his disciples’ days before going to the Cross.
| What I’m about to tell you is true. ANYONE who has FAITH in me will DO what, I have BEEN doing…. (John 14:12). |
Well, what things have Christ been doing?
- Casting out evil spirits
- Walking on water
- Healing the sick from demonic oppression – sickness, diseases, illnesses, and crippiness
- Teaching with much authority, that is God's Word, etc.
He not only fed the needy. But filled them on the substance of the Word of God. Jesus was not doing that FAKE STUFF that we see today. He was and is the real deal. And he expects no less from his church today. Hence, he continues to say in that same verse of John 14:12.
| “IN FACT, he (meaning us – God’s people; God’s Church) will do even GREATER THINGS.” |
The Webster Merriam defines the phrase “in fact” this way.
- Something that has actual existence
- An actual occurrence
- … Having objective reality
- A thing done
- In truth
God wasn’t playing with this thing. He expected much from His church, His body. The Church of God is supposed to be a living organism and not the dead present of God’s glory as we know it to be today. Yes, from God’s perspective – His church, His leaders are dead and not alive.
So, let me get back to my point. I get so easily sidetracked when speaking of God, especially His glorious glory - His Spirit.
So, let us read that latter part of John 14:12 again.
| “IN FACT, he (meaning us – God’s people; God’s Church) will do even GREATER THINGS.” |
It is to your advantage
He explains it very elaborately and clearly to his disciples at John chapter 16, verse 7.
| Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. |
There you have it. Jesus made it clear to his disciples here on the earth. They (us – God’s people, God’s church) were to work along and with the Spirit of the LORD – Holy Spirit. Jesus had to leave this earthy realm and return to his Father. And in his replacement, he was sending back the best substitute – the Spirit of the LORD – Holy Spirit.
And this is what the book of Acts is about – outlined in great detail for us. The book of Acts shows us (Jesus’ disciples) how to live under the power of Holy Spirit. (Compare to Acts 2:42; Acts 4:32-35).
And this is what the book of Acts is about – outlined in great detail for us. The book of Acts shows us (Jesus’ disciples) how to live under the power of Holy Spirit. (Compare to Acts 2:42; Acts 4:32-35).
lacking the presence of holy spirit in your place of worship
If your church or ministry is not about ushing in the Spirit of the LORD – God’s Spirit – Holy Spirit. THEN YOU DO NOT HAVE A CHURCH OR A MINISTRY. What you have is a gathering hall. A place of followers for socializing. A party. I'M JUST SAYING.
I look forward to exploring the book of Acts these next few weeks to see what all God has to share, show, and teach me about Holy Spirit – how to govern myself and my ministry by His Spirit; that is Holy Spirit.
I look forward to exploring the book of Acts these next few weeks to see what all God has to share, show, and teach me about Holy Spirit – how to govern myself and my ministry by His Spirit; that is Holy Spirit.
Photo CR: Jehu Kubiak
Persistent Prayer Series: Part II
Every year, Hannah and all of God’s people go down to Shiloh, where the tabernacle of the LORD rest, to participate in the annual Passover feast. On one occasion, Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, journeyed to Shiloh and positioned herself in front of the tabernacle to pray. As she prayed, she did in an inaudible voice (in her heart but she did not move her lips) (1 Samuel 2:13).
As she was supplicating the LORD there, the High Priest Eli was observing her behavior. To him, Hannah appeared to be drunk, for she seemed to be acting in a disorderly manner to Eli. So, Eli approached Hannah and chastised her for her conduct. But Eli misunderstood Hannah’s behavior and mistaken her to be drunk when she was not. When Hannah realized Eli’s error, she explained what she was doing and the reason behind her awkward behavior. Once Eli realized his error concerning Hannah, he immediately apologized and then says this to her.
As she was supplicating the LORD there, the High Priest Eli was observing her behavior. To him, Hannah appeared to be drunk, for she seemed to be acting in a disorderly manner to Eli. So, Eli approached Hannah and chastised her for her conduct. But Eli misunderstood Hannah’s behavior and mistaken her to be drunk when she was not. When Hannah realized Eli’s error, she explained what she was doing and the reason behind her awkward behavior. Once Eli realized his error concerning Hannah, he immediately apologized and then says this to her.
| “Go in peace….” (1 Samuel 1:17) |
Let’s come back to this point in a minute and go back a few verses in First Samuel chapter 1.
Starting with verse 10, we see Hannah praying to God about her hopeless situation. She said to God in verses 10 and 11
Starting with verse 10, we see Hannah praying to God about her hopeless situation. She said to God in verses 10 and 11
|
hannah’s specific prayer
Hannah was very specific to God about her prayer request and how her years of sterility have negatively affected not only her health but her emotional state. Emotionally, Hannah described to God how her inability to get pregnant made her feel. She said she was full of bitterness and her soul was sorrowful. That she was so outdone by her circumstance that as she prayed to God about it, she wept in anguish (1 Samuel 1:10). This brings us back to verse 17, when Eli said to her, “go in peace….”
According to the Strong’s Concordance, “peace” (#7965) or shalom in verse 17 of First Samuel chapter 1 carries several different meanings. The definitions that are fitting for this verse are completeness, wholeness, health, soundness, perfectness, fullness, and the absence of agitation or discord. Peace (shalom) is taken from the root word shalam which means to be complete, perfect, or full.
When Hannah was pouring out her soul before the LORD concerning her matter in front of the tabernacle, she was saying to God – I am not complete because I am without a male offspring. I am not perfect because my body is not producing as God has designed women’s bodies to do so. That she was not full because she was lacking the one thing her heart truly desire and that was a male offspring that she could call hers.
She wanted God to intercede in her imperfect situation and make it perfect so that her womb was able to produce a child. She needed God’s Spirit to invade her body and give it life – good health so that her female organs would receive the gift of life that God provides every woman the ability to do. She needed God to be God in her situation and changed it so that she can become pregnant by her husband and not just produce any child. But specifically, have a male child who can serve God all the days of his life in a specific role. Hannah wanted God to provide her very specific outcome concerning a newborn that will directly impact his entire life span. NOW THAT WAS BOLD!
Hannah wrestled with God and made her claims and declarations before Him. But like Jacob (Israel) did Hannah won (prevailed) in her wrestling match with God?
According to the Strong’s Concordance, “peace” (#7965) or shalom in verse 17 of First Samuel chapter 1 carries several different meanings. The definitions that are fitting for this verse are completeness, wholeness, health, soundness, perfectness, fullness, and the absence of agitation or discord. Peace (shalom) is taken from the root word shalam which means to be complete, perfect, or full.
When Hannah was pouring out her soul before the LORD concerning her matter in front of the tabernacle, she was saying to God – I am not complete because I am without a male offspring. I am not perfect because my body is not producing as God has designed women’s bodies to do so. That she was not full because she was lacking the one thing her heart truly desire and that was a male offspring that she could call hers.
She wanted God to intercede in her imperfect situation and make it perfect so that her womb was able to produce a child. She needed God’s Spirit to invade her body and give it life – good health so that her female organs would receive the gift of life that God provides every woman the ability to do. She needed God to be God in her situation and changed it so that she can become pregnant by her husband and not just produce any child. But specifically, have a male child who can serve God all the days of his life in a specific role. Hannah wanted God to provide her very specific outcome concerning a newborn that will directly impact his entire life span. NOW THAT WAS BOLD!
Hannah wrestled with God and made her claims and declarations before Him. But like Jacob (Israel) did Hannah won (prevailed) in her wrestling match with God?
eli intervenEs in hannah’s situation
Continuing where we left off at verse 17, Eli said to Hannah, “go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you asked Him.”
Now, if we read these few verses as it is in 1 Samuel chapter 1, verses 12 through 17. It appeared Hannah did not provide Eli with the full extent of her story. She seemed to only tell Eli that she was sorrowful in spirit and therefore she was supplicating the LORD in heart to receive an answer (a resolution) from the LORD. Despite Eli’s limited knowledge concerning Hannah’s root problem in her situation, Eli used his authority and deific power that was granted to him by God to divinely change Hannah’s circumstances. Therefore, he was able to say to Hannah in verse 17, “go in peace” or go in wholeness (shalom). Or go in good health (shalom). Or go in completeness for God will grant you what your heart most desired. (Compare to Psalm 37:3-4).
There are two things we need to understand here.
Now, if we read these few verses as it is in 1 Samuel chapter 1, verses 12 through 17. It appeared Hannah did not provide Eli with the full extent of her story. She seemed to only tell Eli that she was sorrowful in spirit and therefore she was supplicating the LORD in heart to receive an answer (a resolution) from the LORD. Despite Eli’s limited knowledge concerning Hannah’s root problem in her situation, Eli used his authority and deific power that was granted to him by God to divinely change Hannah’s circumstances. Therefore, he was able to say to Hannah in verse 17, “go in peace” or go in wholeness (shalom). Or go in good health (shalom). Or go in completeness for God will grant you what your heart most desired. (Compare to Psalm 37:3-4).
There are two things we need to understand here.
| 1. Eli, as God’s authorized representative, was obviously in good standing with God. Because he was in a prime position to grant Hannah’s prayer petition to God. This is a good example for us today when we are seeking or allowing another vessel of God to approach God on our behalf. God does not work through or hear the prays from any old vessel. (Compare to 1 Peter 3:7). When God uses a vessel, that vessel must have clean hands, a clean heart, and is not practicing any forms of wickedness (aka sin). Now, keep in mind we are not talking about being perfect. We are talking about God using imperfect but repentant people to do great works of signs and wonders such as healing in Hannah’s case. Any leader who approaches God on behalf of another servant of God must be in good standing with God according to God’s Word the Bible. When God does hears the prayer of His servant on the behalf of another servant, that servant must have the right authorization granted to him or her to operate in that role to represent another person’s prayer request. SERVANTS OF GOD WHO ARE OPERATING IN UNAUTHORIZED ROLES OR HAVE SELF-APPOINTED THEMSELVES IN ROLES GOD DID NOT POSITION THEM IN WILL NOT. LET ME REPEAT. WILL NOT RECEIVE AN ANSWER FROM GOD WHEN SUBMITTING PRAYER REQUESTS. Take into consideration the case of Saul. God authorized Saul as the first king of Israel under the guidance and support of Samuel as a prophet. But later, Saul lost his kingship due to his unrepentant spirit for sins he did under his kingship and an authorized representative of God. Therefore, God removed Saul’s anointing and power as His king over Israel long before God physically removed Saul from his post. Therefore, although Saul still held onto his title as king over Israel for many years. He lost his God-giving anointing, divine power, and authority. Therefore, Saul no longer had the right authorization to operate as king under God's Kingdom on earth nor in heaven’s records. But in the case of Hannah, because Eli was operating in a role that God had appointed and authorized him to do so, Eli had the right credential, authority, anointing, and divine power to grant Hannah her request. Just to make sure we do not miss this point. Let me add that it is interesting that Hannah’s husband, Elkanah, could not, not only impregnate his wife – resulting in her barrenness. But for some reason, he did not have the divine ability to change Hannah’s health dilemma. However, Eli had the right title, position, authority, anointing, and divine power to do so. 2. Hannah too had to play a role in her circumstance when she encountered God’s High Priest, Eli. Not only was it important for Eli to be in good standing with God and operate in the right role assigned by God. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 12:11, 18). Hannah too had to be in good standing with God for God to answer her prayer – positioning her to receive Eli’s petition to God on her behalf. In God’s eyes, she had a part, Eli had a part, and then God can do His part, once their parts meet the standards of God based on His Holy Scriptures. |
Let your maidservant find favor
Let’s close this out. There is so much I can say about Hannah’s story. But I will end with this.
After Eli blessed Hannah’s prayer request in verse 18, she agreed with the words Eli spoke in verse 17 by saying. “… Let your maidservant, find favor in your sight.” Notice that Hannah not only verbally agreed with Eli’s prayer concerning her. But she understood that she had to be in good standing with her Creator to benefit from Eli’s petition to God.
Again, she said, “… let your maidservant find favor….” The word favor means grace, which is the Hebrew word Hēn (H2579). Zechariah 12:10 explains the word grace or favor this way. “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication….”
According to the Strong’s Concordance, grace (#2580) (or favor in this case) derives from the root word chanan which means “to act graciously or mercifully towards someone; to be compassionate; and to be favorably inclined.”
So, in the case of Hannah. Through the High Priest Eli, God was able to show Hannah favor or grace or to act mercifully towards her to grant or answer her prayer, which was to be able to get pregnant and to give birth to a healthy baby boy.
Did God fulfill everything Hannah asked for in her state of affliction? Well, let’s check off every item she listed in her prayer to see if God did what she asked.
After Eli blessed Hannah’s prayer request in verse 18, she agreed with the words Eli spoke in verse 17 by saying. “… Let your maidservant, find favor in your sight.” Notice that Hannah not only verbally agreed with Eli’s prayer concerning her. But she understood that she had to be in good standing with her Creator to benefit from Eli’s petition to God.
Again, she said, “… let your maidservant find favor….” The word favor means grace, which is the Hebrew word Hēn (H2579). Zechariah 12:10 explains the word grace or favor this way. “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication….”
According to the Strong’s Concordance, grace (#2580) (or favor in this case) derives from the root word chanan which means “to act graciously or mercifully towards someone; to be compassionate; and to be favorably inclined.”
So, in the case of Hannah. Through the High Priest Eli, God was able to show Hannah favor or grace or to act mercifully towards her to grant or answer her prayer, which was to be able to get pregnant and to give birth to a healthy baby boy.
Did God fulfill everything Hannah asked for in her state of affliction? Well, let’s check off every item she listed in her prayer to see if God did what she asked.
god weighed hannah as well as eli by their actions
First, in verse 11 of 1 Samuel chapter 1, Hannah asked God to remember and not forget her. Secondly, in that same verse, she told God how He can remember her by blessing her with the ability to get pregnant with a male offspring. And then, when she conceived, he would be (1) born as a Nazarite, and (2) he would be willing to serve God all of his days. Hannah knew exactly what she wanted and she clearly expressed it to God through prayerful complaints and grievances.
So, did God fulfilled her request? Did God remember and not forget her struggle with barrenness for years? Yes, He did. God did remember and did not forget Hannah. How do we know this?
So, did God fulfilled her request? Did God remember and not forget her struggle with barrenness for years? Yes, He did. God did remember and did not forget Hannah. How do we know this?
| 1. God provided and positioned an authentic, authorized servant to take notice of Hannah’s plight (1 Samuel 1:9, 12, 17). Upon learning of her situation, God used this spiritual earthy vessel who was able and gifted to resolve Hannah’s complex medical problem. 2. After Eli activated his divine power to help heal Hannah's infertility, we read later in verses 10 through 27 that she and her husband Elkanah were able to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby boy. 3. What was the outcome of that baby boy’s life as a man? Samuel was his name. He became a very powerful and anointed prophet of God at a very early age – who served God faithfully, all the days of his life just as Hannah requested through her prayers of weeping anguish and bitterness. |
Hannah wrestled with God and won. She prevailed through persistent prayer.
To read part I of this sermon series, visit my blog at https://www.deaidrenewby.com/encouraging-scripture/persistence-in-prayer-wrestling-with-god.
Encouraging Scripture
God's word is for the edification, exhortation, and consolation; for teaching, reproving, correcting, and training so that every Christian is equipped for the work of service, to build up the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:3; 2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 4:12).
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