The Prophet Samuel

In the Old Testament, the Lord was instructing the children of Israel in dreams and visions to His prophets and priests. There were several periods during which the children of Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord by worshipping idols. During those periods the word of the Lord became rare and there were not many visions. The Lord also delivered them to the hands of their enemies until they repented and returned to Him. He then gave them prophets and judges to lead them to His way and to rescue them from their oppressors.
Samuel, who was dedicated to the service of the Lord before his birth, became a prophet. He anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. During his lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines.

The birth of Samuel
During the time of Eli the priest and his two sons Hophni and Phinehas were priests of the Lord in Shiloh, a man called Elkanah from Ramathaim had two wives Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah who had children used to provoke Hannah who was barren, and this went on year after year.
Every year, Elkanah used to go to Shiloh and offer his sacrifices to the Lord in the Tabernacle. There Hannah wept to the Lord in the Tabernacle with bitter soul and prayed that He would remove her shame and give her a child. She vowed saying "O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:11)
Eli the priest saw Hannah mumble, for she was praying silently, and rebuked her thinking she was drunk. When he realized she was praying out of anguish and grief he blessed her saying "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of him." (I Samuel 1:17)
A year later, Hannah gave birth to a son and called him "Samuel" (which means "heard of God") for she has asked him of the Lord. When Samuel was two years old, she presented him in the Tabernacle in Shiloh to serve the Lord all his life.
Meanwhile Eli's two sons who were priests were wicked, and the Lord rejected them because they did not listen to their father's rebuke. A man of God came and told Eli the priest, their father that He will bring their wickedness on all his house and that they will all die in the prime of life. God also told him that his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be killed together in the same day as a sign for the Lord's anger against them.

The Lord calls Samuel
Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli the priest as a child girded with a linen ephod. His mother Hannah made him a little coat and brought it to him along with their yearly sacrifices. Now Eli the priest blessed Elkanah and his wife to have more children. Hannah later on had three more sons and two daughters, while Samuel grew before the Lord.
One night when Eli the priest grew old and his sight became weak, Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle, where the ark of God was, God called Samuel, so he ran to Eli the priest and answered "Here am I; for thou calledst me". Eli then denied and asked him to go back to sleep. But then again the sound came calling Samuel, and he did the same, and Eli sent him back again. The third time, Eli understood that it was the Lord calling Samuel and sent him saying: "Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." (I Samuel 3:9)
Then the Lord came again and called Samuel. When Samuel did as Eli instructed him, the Lord told Samuel about the things He will do to Eli's house for the evil doings of his sons and for he has failed to restrain them.
Samuel then grew and the Lord was with him and all of Israel knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. The Lord appeared again in Shiloh and revealed Himself to Samuel.

Israel asks for a king
Samuel judged for Israel all his life in Ramah where he also built an altar. He also went on a circuit every year to judge for all Israel, but he always went back to his house in Ramah. When he grew old he made his sons judges over Israel, but they did not walk in his way but perverted judgement. Then, all the elders of Israel gathered to Samuel at Ramah asking him to appoint a king to rule over them as all the other nations had. This displeased Samuel for they have rejected God as their king, but the Lord allowed it asking Samuel to warn them about how the king will rule over them, how they will suffer form him and the Lord would not answer them. The Israelites insisted on having a king and refused to listen to Samuel.
Some time later, the Lord revealed to Samuel that a Benjamite man would come to him, and that to anoint king over Israel. The following day, Saul son of Kish lost his way while looking for his father's donkeys, and he went to ask guidance from Samuel. The Lord pointed him to Samuel who praised him and invited him to dine with him. Before Saul left, Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him and told him that the Lord has chosen him as king. As Saul left Samuel, God changed his heart, and he prophesied. Later that day, Samuel called the Israelites to Mizpeh to choose a king and the Lord chose Saul and he was made king.

Samuel's farewell speech
The Ammonites then besieged the city of Jabesh and were going to gouge out the right eye of every one of the Israelites. Saul then, moved by the Spirit of God and His power, and lead the people of Israel to slaughtered the Ammonites. He was confirmed king over Israel at Gilgal. That same day, Samuel addressed the Israelites and told them again how evil was it from them to ask for a king instead of God. He asked for a sign from God for them to believe; he called upon the Lord and asked Him to send thunder and rain during that wheat harvest season. The Israelites stood in awe of the Lord and Samuel, and wept and asked for God's forgiveness. Samuel assured them that as long as they feared the Lord and followed His commandments He will save them.


Samuel anoints David
The Philistines rose again to fight the Israelites and scared them. Saul was waiting for Samuel to come to the camp but when he tarried, Saul offered the burnt offering. Soon after, Samuel came and rebuked Saul for his foolish act. God spoke on Samuel's tongue that Saul's kingdom would not endure and that God has chosen a man after God's own heart to be a king.
Later on, the Lord sent Samuel to ask Saul to go and punish the Amalekites and not to spare any of them or their animals. Saul fought them all the way to the east of Egypt and captured Agag their king and their best cattle but destroyed all the rest. Again God sent Samuel to rebuke Saul, who wanted to offer these animals to God. But God was not pleased by these offerings more than by obeying His words; and since God rejected Saul. Samuel killed Agag and went back to Ramah and grieved for Saul. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit tormented him.
The Lord then said to Samuel: "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons." (I Samuel 16:1) When Samuel did not choose any of Jesse's seven sons who were presented, they sent for the youngest, David, who was tending his father's sheep. He was the one with whom God was pleased and Samuel anointed him, and the Spirit of the Lord came on David in power.
When Saul heard of David, he brought him to play the harp when the evil spirit from God comes upon him. But when David killed Goliath by the name of the Lord Almighty, Saul kept a jealous eye on David for his success and because the Lord was with David. He also tried to kill him twice while playing the harp for him. David fled, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. Sometime later, David sought refuge in the land of the Philistines.

Saul and the witch of Endor
When Samuel died, all Israel mourned for him and buried him in Ramah. Then the Philistines gathered to fight against Israel and scared Saul and terror filled his heart. He sought help from the Lord but God did not answer him. He sought a woman spiritist (because he had expelled them from the land). He found one in Endor, disguised himself and asked her to bring up Samuel.
When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed out of fear; she also realized that the man who sought her was Saul himself. When Saul asked Samuel for help and guidance, Samuel answered: "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up? ... Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors--to David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines." (I Samuel 28:15-19)


Samuel is also mentioned in the Qur’an
Samuel is also a revered prophet and seer in the Islamic faith. Although he is mentioned in the Qur'an, his name is not given but he is instead referred to as "a Prophet". According to Islamic history, the Israelites, after the time of the prophet Moses, wanted a king to rule over their country. Thus, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king for the Israelites. The Qur'an states:
Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a prophet whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in God's way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in God's way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. God is aware of evil-doers.
—Qur'an, sura 2 (Al-Baqara), ayah 246

The Qur'an goes onto state that a king was anointed by the prophet, whose name was Talut (Saul in the Hebrew Bible). However, it states that the Israelites mocked and reviled the newly appointed king, as he was not wealthy from birth. But, in sharp contrast to the Hebrew Bible, the Qur'an praises Saul greatly, and mentions that he was gifted with great spiritual and physical strength. In the Qur'anic account, Samuel prophesies to the children of Israel, telling them that the sign of Saul's kingship will be that the Ark of the Covenant will come back to the Israelites:
Their Prophet said unto them: Lo! God hath raised up Saul to be a king for you. They said: How can he have kingdom over us when we are more deserving of the kingdom than he is, since he hath not been given wealth enough? He said: Lo! God hath chosen him above you, and hath increased him abundantly in wisdom and stature. God bestoweth His Sovereignty on whom He will. God is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
—Qur'an, sura 2 (Al-Baqara), ayah 247

Conclusion
God knows the hearts and his promises never fail. God puts down the mighty ones from their seats and exalt the humble. God talks to His loved ones and reveals His acts to them. God's Spirit helps His servants and supports them. God is pleased by obeying His commandments more than by oblations and sacrifices.

Peace

Lev 26:6 And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Num 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Num 25:12 Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

Jdg 6:23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

2Ch 18:16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

Job 22:21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

Job 33:33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

Psa 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psa 7:4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

Psa 28:3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

Psa 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Psa 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Psa 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psa 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Psa 55:20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

Psa 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.



Psa 122:7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces

Pro 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Pro 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace

Pro 11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Pro 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

Pro 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isa 26:12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

Isa 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Isa 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Isa 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isa 57:2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Isa 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.



Isa 66:12 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.

Jer 29:7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.


Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jer 30:5 For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace

Jer 33:6 Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

Eze 34:25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

Dan 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me

Zec 8:16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Mar 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luk 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Luk 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

Luk 10:6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Luk 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

Luk 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division

Luk 19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out

Luk 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid

Joh 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.



Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Act 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

Rom 3:17 And the way of peace have they not known:

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Rom 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1Co 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith

Gal 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.



Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

1Th 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Th 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Tit 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Phm 1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Jas 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1Pe 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it

1Pe 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.



2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

2Jn 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Jud 1:2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Rev 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

May the peace of the lord Jesus Christ, and the comfort of his word be with you all throughout the Year .

The Bible

The Bible, contains the mind of God.
State of man.
The way of Salvation.
The doom of sinner’s.
And the happiness of believer’s.

Its doctrines are holy
Its Precepts are binding .
Its stories are true .
And its Decisions are all immutable.

Read it to be wise.
Believe it to be safe .
And practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you .
Food to support you.
And comfort to cheer you.

It is the travelers map.
The pilgrim’s staff .
The pilot’s compass .
The soldier’s sword .
And the Christian charter.

Here paradise is restored .
Heaven opened.
And the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject.
Our good the design.
And the Glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory.
Rule the heart.
And guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth,
health to the sole .
And a river of pleasure .

It involves the highest responsibility.
Well Reword the greatest labor.
And would condemn all who, trifle with its secret condenses.

Prayer it in.
Read it through.
Live it out.
And pass it on.

The Goodness Of God

"The Lord is GOOD, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Nahum 1:7)

Human Beings are born sinners and some try to become good. Some work hard at being good. It is not so with God. Goodness comes natural to God. He is good. He does not have to work at it.
God's goodness is made visible in what He does for His people. In the passage above the goodness of the Lord is noted for His protecting His people and knowing those who trust Him. God's goodness is not just a theological fact but it is something that can be personally experienced.
Most people including sinners believe that God is good.
God is too good to send people to hell. He demonstrates His goodness by sending His only begotten Son to die on the cross (John 3:5-18; Rom. 5:6-8). Out of His goodness He gives each man the choice to either accept or reject His Son. After all, He is too good to force a decision on anyone.
Unfortunately, many reject the provision that Jesus Christ made on the cross for us and sends themselves to hell (John 3:18). Unfortunately, these people never experience God's goodness even though it is made available to them.
The Bible shows us that it is the goodness of God that leads one to repentance:

"Or dispiseth thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." (Rom. 2:4)

Most people turn to God, not because of fear of punishment, but because they find out that He is the only solution to their problems.
There are some in the Body of Christ who seem to think that once they are in the kingdom God for some reason withdraws His goodness. They seem to think He puts them through tragedy, sickness, pain, poverty, temptations, and a multitude of trials to either chasten them or strengthen them. Such thinking comes from the EVIL one - Satan.
God's goodness is bestowed on every sinner by giving them a provision for their sin through Jesus Christ. Once we have come into the kingdom of God He does not give us less of His goodness. He bestows upon us even more. He actually stores up goodness for His people:

"How great is your GOODNESS! You have stored it up for those who fear you. You do GOOD THINGS for those who TRUST you. You do this for all to see." (Ps. 31:19; The Everyday Bible).

We repeat here that God's goodness is not just a theological fact. It is something that is to be experienced. It is demonstrated by what He DOES for those who trust Him. The requirement is that you must TRUST Him. If you have not been experiencing the goodness of God in your life then this may be an area that certainly needs your attention.
The reason for these lessons is to build your trust and confidence in God concerning His goodness. Many people are not experiencing God's goodness for lack of trust. There are various reasons why they do not trust God, but all of these reasons arise from the pit of hell and must be dealt with.
If you are not experiencing the goodness of God it is not because He has run out of it, withdrawn it, or is holding it back. He has it stored up for you. It is up to each individual to appropriate it for themselves.

The main reason many do not experience God's goodness is because they have no real revelation of it. They have sat in church and heard people say that God is good. Yet, in the same church they will hear that God allows sickness, pain, and misery to come into our lives to prepare us for glory. They will hear that God took their little baby or their little child because He wanted a little flower in heaven.
People hear such nonsense in the church and wonder how could God truly be good. Everything that they hear about God in religious circles contradicts what their understanding of good is. We attach religious explanations to it such as "God works in mysterious ways" or "God knows what is best for us."
If preachers would preach the Bible more often and Christians would learn to study the Bible for themselves instead of taking the word of the preacher or their denominational creed then most of us would begin to have a better conception of God's goodness.



In Psalms 107, we are told to give praise to God for His goodness. The Psalm tells of several acts performed by God that demonstrates His goodness towards men. Psalm 107:1 starts off like this:

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: for his mercy endureth forever."

Then it goes on to talk about God's redemption of His people and His acts of deliverance in trouble. Then verses 8 and 9 go on to say this:

"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his GOODNESS, and his wonderful works to the children of men. For he satisfieth the hungry soul with goodness."

This statement is made four times in this Psalm. It speaks of God's goodness in His delivering people from bondage, healing, protection, and provision.
In verse one the Psalmist tells us that God is good. In verse eight, fifteen, twenty-one, and thirty-one, we are told about His goodness. God is able to extend His goodness towards the children of men because He IS good. A person always acts according to their nature. God is naturally good and His purpose for creating man was to have someone to demonstrate His goodness too.
The Bible tells us of the goodness of God. Religion has a totally different concept of God's goodness than the Bible. Psalm 107 goes into detail about exactly what His goodness is and how it is demonstrated. The last verse in this Psalm tells us:

"Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord." (Ps. 107:43)

It would be wise to observe what the BIBLE says about God's goodness and not what tradition and religion has said. The reason many do not understand the lovingkindness of God is because they have not observed His acts of goodness towards the children of men. They know that God is supposed to be loving and kind, but few can ever truly say that they consistently experience it. God does not want us to have a theological knowledge of Him. He wants us to EXPERIENCE Him.

The Word of God is written for our benefit. It is written to give us revelation and insight into God's true nature and dealings with men. Its primary purpose is to build our faith in God and not to run us away from Him. Religion and tradition have run many people away from God, but the truth of God's Word has broken bondages and has drawn people TO the true and living God.

If you desire to experience God's goodness in your life you will have to search out, mediate upon, and claim His promises. The Bible tells us that God's promises are good:

"Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant." (1 Kings 8:56)

"Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every every one was fulfilled." (Josh. 21:45; NIV).You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." (Josh. 23:14; NIV).

God's promises do not fail because God Himself will not fail. If there is any failure in receiving any of God's promises then the failure is on our part, not God's. God does not go back on His promises. He is good so naturally His Word is good:

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it GOOD?" (Num. 23:19)



There was a time when a man's word was his bond. Nowadays, people will make and break promises without thinking twice about it. "Promises are made to be broken." I have heard some say. This is MAN'S philosophy. This did not originate from God.
That is why God tells us not to compare Him to a man. "He is not a man that He should lie." Lying comes natural to man. God will never do that. If He has spoken a promise He will make it good because He is good. He will do what He said He would do.
Whenever you find a promise from God it should strengthen your faith. It should give you the confidence to know that whatever God says will come to pass in your own personal life.
Yet Satan has fed the church several lies that hinder God's people from claiming and receiving all that He has made available to them. These lies have been taught from the pulpits of many churches. Satan is never more dangerous than when he is able to get into the pulpit. It is there that he is able to do his greatest damage to the church.
In order to restore faith in the TRUTH concerning God's goodness we must find out what God's Word says. God's Word is truth (John 17:17) and Satan is a liar (John 8:44). Anything that contradicts God's Word comes from the pit of hell and is to be discarded as such.
These errors keep God's people in bondage and keep them from experiencing the fullness of God's goodness that has been stored up for them. It is the truth of God's Word that will make us completely free (John 8:31-32).
Things can be stored up for a long time and never be claimed. It is not the fault of God since He has made it available to us. It is our fault for not knowing the truth about what belongs to us when knowledge is made available to us.

Noha-rest; a guide

The word Noha means: rest; a guide

A. A strong foundation

Enoch had a son called Methuselah:
Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
In the Book of Encoh , it tells that God took Encoh to the heaven and told him all about the time from Creation and also about the end of the world.
In the New Testament, in the book of Jud this is said about Enoch.

Jud 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

Methuselah had a son called Lamech.
Lamech had a son and he called his son Noah.
Lamech prophesies about his son
Gen 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.

Here we see a pattern of faithful fathers, who believed in God and lived with God.
This gives us an idea that Noah was raised in a family of believers, were the foundation of faith was laid in the heart of Noah, even when he was a child, which latter helped him to act upon his faith in God in building the Ark.


B. But something terrible happened, man refused to obey God
Genesis 6:5-6
Man did only evil continually
They did nothing pure, nor noble, nor good, nor honorable
Man had become a festering sore
The Bible teaches that a man can become so morally reprobate as to go beyond the point of return
Hebrews 6:4-6
This was happened to those in the days of Noah

C. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8)
Noah was a great man who lived in the midst of runaway immorality

D. It is possible to live righteous in the midst of unrighteousness
1. Daniel did it
2. Abraham did it
3. Moses did it
4. Jeremiah did it
5. Paul and Silas did it
6. Remember Exodus 23:2 … this includes our kinfolk


Let us now for a few moments look at the life of Noah.

A. NOAH WAS A MAN OF COURAGE
1. Noah was courageous because he stood alone against the world
2. Noah was courageous because the odds did not stop him
a. He spoke boldly in God’s name
b. 2 Peter 2:15
3. Noah preached many years without a single convert
a. Only his family heeded his preaching
b. And we think we have it tough!!!
4. Noah to his eternal credit did not become discouraged nor did he begin to doubt the message.
a. I see many becoming discouraged today … but Galatians 6:9 says …
b. Noah kept sowing the seed, but saw it fall only on hard ground
c. We need to remember 1 Corinthians 3:6
5. It would be great if we could convert the whole world!
a. But Jesus said … Matthew 7:13-14
b. We need to be like Noah, and do our part and let God take care of the rest
6. In the midst of wickedness, we must do as Noah did:
a. Preached righteousness
b. Taught truth
c. Defend the faith
d. Sow the seed
e. Don’t worry about the results

B. NOAH WAS JUST AND PERFECT
1. Genesis 6:9
2. To be just (or righteous, as other versions have) is to do what is right
a. Psalm 119:172
b. 1 John 3:7, 10
3. Noah was perfect
a. Not sinless, but blameless
b. How was Jesus made perfect?
1) Hebrews 5:8-9
2) Though Jesus did not sin, He was not made perfect until He obeyed
c. How was Noah perfect?
1) He obeyed God
2) Because Noah was just and perfect he was said to “walk with God”



C. NOAH LIVED BY FAITH
1. Hebrews 11:7
a. Notice that Noah “moved” with godly fear and “prepared” and ark
b. Action describes the faith of Noah
2. If Noah would not have been a man of action, he would not have been a man of faith
a. Faith must obey
b. Vain faith does not obey
3. James 2:22, 24
a. Faith produces works of obedience
b. No man was ever blessed on account of his faith until that faith manifested itself in acts of obedience

D. NOAH HAD GODLY FEAR
1. Hebrews 11:7 says that Noah “… moved with fear”
2. This is another thing that moved Noah to obey
3. Noah was one who knew the majesty of God, and knew He was to be reverenced in Godly fear
4. To be godly means:
a. Love God
b. To be a follower of God
c. To emulate God
5. To have godly fear means:
a. To have respect and reverence for God
b. Being unwilling to do anything that would cause God to be displeased



E. NOAH WAS OBEDIENT TO GOD
1. Obedience is the one word that best describes the life of Noah
2. One can not be courageous, just, faithful, and have godly fear unless they are obedient
3. God told Noah to build an ark and gave him exact dimensions and a list of materials to be used
a. “And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him” (Genesis 7:5)
b. Noah was given a pattern and he obeyed – plain and simple
4. Today we have been given the dimensions and materials to be used in the present day ark of safety – the church
a. How it is to be constructed
b. What it is to be made of
c. How to take care of it
5. What would have happened to Noah’s ark had he not obeyed God’s plan? – It would have sank!
6. Today if we do not build the ark of safety according to God’s pattern, it too will sink!
7. Noah was saved through his obedience, and will we.

Noah is an example we should emulate:
1. Courageous
2. Righteous
3. Faithful
4. Full of godly fear
5. Obedient
B. 1 Peter 3:21
1. Water cleansed the world of filth in Noah’s day
2. Today the waters of baptism will wash away the dirt of sin if we have :
a. Believed
b. Repented
c. Confessed the name of Christ
Let us all strive to be more like Noah

Scripture On.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Psa 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Psa 7:1 Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

Psa 11:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower

Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him

Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psa 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

Psa 31:6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

Psa 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psa 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psa 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD

Psa 64:10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Psa 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Psa 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psa 115:9 O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.



Psa 115:10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

Psa 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

Psa 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psa 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Psa 125:1 A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

Psa 141:8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Pro 22:19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

Pro 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Pro 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Isa 14:32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

Isa 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Isa 31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!



Isa 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Jer 7:4 Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these.

Jer 39:18 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.

Nah 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him

Zep 3:12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF YOUR BATTLES

Psalm 27:1-6

As I read the words of this psalm, I see the imagery of battle being portrayed in these verses. Words like “enemies” and “foes” in verse 2; “host” in verse 3; “war” in verse 3; and “enemies” in verse 6 all speak of warfare. Phrase like “though an host encamp against me”, verse 3; and “though war should rise against me”, verse 3 speak of a battle being waged against David. It appears that he is in a difficult situation. Yet, it is also very clear from reading these verses that even in the midst of the battles he is fighting, David still has hope.

The Bible teaches us a vastly different definition of hope. Listen to the words of Jeremiah, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is,” Jer. 17:7. Hear also Paul, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity,” 1 Cor. 13:13. The world says that hope is merely a fond wish or desire. But, the words used for hope in the Bible tell a different story. They teach us that hope is “A deep settled confidence that God will keep His promises!”

Now, I know you have battles; but do you have hope? Are you resting in the sure confidence that God will do just as He has promised He would? That is the essence of hope and hope is a possession we all need to be sure we own in large quantities. I want to look into these verses for a while today and I want to tell about Hope In The Midst Of Your Battles. I want to show you, from the words of David, why you and I have a reason to hope in the Lord

OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE
David tells us that God is his “light”, his “salvation” and his “strength.” There is a tremendous blessing in these three titles attributed to our God.
1. As Light, God delivers His people from Darkness – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:,” Colossians 1:13. As Light God guides our Steps – (Psa. 37:23; John 16:13; Psa. 119:105)
2. As Salvation God delivers His people from Damnation – “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life,” John 5:24. As Salvation God secures our Souls – (John 10:28; 1 Pet. 1:5; John 6:37)
3. As Strength God delivers His people from Defeat – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Cor. 15:57. As Strength God guarantees our Success – (Rom. 8:37; 2 Cor. 2:14; Isa. 54:17)

Confidence In The Performance Of The Lord – David declares that his present hope in the Lord rests upon that which the Lord has done for him in the past. God did not fail him then, and He will not fail His child today.
That same confidence is ours today! The God we serve is unchangeable, Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8. He is the same God with the same power that He has always been. He has never, and He will never change. Because He has been faithful in the past, we can count on His being faithful now.
(Ill. Think of all the things He has done; the victories He has won; the enemies He has vanquished; the mountains He has moved; the victories He has won. Think on these things and remember that the God who performed countless wonders in the past is still that same God today! That should give His people hope!)



OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

He Is Committed To Lingering Near The Lord – David wants to spend his entire life in the house of the Lord. He wants to be in that place where the Lord dwells and where the Lord’s presence is real. This is a theme David repeated in Psalm 84:1-4. There, David envies the little birds that make their nests around the tabernacle. They can be near the house of God all the time, while David cannot. He has a desire to be where God is; to be in that place where God is worshiped and honored. That is his heartbeat.
That ought to be our desire as well. We need that same passion to be where the Lord is honored and where He is worshiped. Of course, we have the church and we are commanded to be in attendance, Heb. 10:25. But, I think there ought to be a desire to find that place of closeness and intimacy with the Lord. We can have that place where we can linger in His presence all the days of our lives.
If there is a genuine desire to be near Him, it will manifest itself in clear action. Those who want to linger near the Lord will find a way. And, when we make a move toward Him, He will make a move toward us, James 4:8.

He Is Committed To Loving The Lord – David wants to “behold the beauty of the Lord.” That is, he wants to “seek His face.” You see, not only is David committed to being where the Lord is; but he is also committed to worshiping the Lord. That is a worthy goal for life!
This should be the goal of every believer as well. If we are going to worship the Lord, we are going to have to do it His way. Jesus told us how to worship in John 4:24. As we yield to the Spirit of God and worship God for Who He is as He is revealed in the Word of God, we will be engaged in the business of loving Him. How long has it been since you just loved on the Lord?

He Is Committed To Leaning On The Lord – David also expresses his desire to call upon the Lord; to commune with God; and to make requests of God. This is another image of worship. David here declares his utter dependence upon the Lord for the necessities of life. David looks beyond his own abilities and sees the limitless provisions of the Lord. Therefore, he wants nothing more than to be able to call upon the Lord
My, what a limitless resource we have been given in prayer! We are invited to pray, Jer. 33:3; Matt. 11:28. We are promised that God will hear and answer our prayers, Isa. 65:24; John 14:13-14; John 16:23-24. Therefore, let us also learn to lean upon Him! Instead of worry and fear, let us learn to turn to the Lord. He will see to our needs, Phil. 4:6-7; 19. He will never fail us nor will He ever turn us away empty-handed, Matt. 7:7-11.


OUR COMFORT IN THE LORD PROVIDES HOPE

God Has A Sheltered Place For Us – David tells us that the Lord will hide him in His pavilion. A king’s pavilion was a tent that erected in the middle of the army’s encampment. The tent was then surrounded by an army of brave soldiers. With all the host of the army camped about, the king’s pavilion was the safest place on the battlefield. Those who were fortunate enough to be allowed to enter the king’s pavilion were protected by the soldiers and entertained by the king during the battle! (Note: The word “hide” means “to treasure away.”)
As the battles of life rage about us, we are safely tucked away in our King’s pavilion. The Bible tells us that “your life is hid with Christ in God”, Col. 3:3! Could there be a safer place in all the universe? Of course not! Those who have entered His pavilion are protected by Him and, even while the battles rage around them, they are entertained with the peace and joy of the King Himself. This is promise to those who will abide in that close place! No enemy can penetrate the defenses and enter this private place. It is protected from the enemy!
The assurance of His sheltering place allows us to weather the storms of life with hope. This was what allowed David to face Goliath. This was the confidence that kept Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. This was the assurance that gripped the heart of Daniel! This was the knowledge that allowed Paul to continue, even when he suffered greatly, 2 Cor. 12:7-11.

God Has A Secret Place For Us – The word “tabernacle” brings to mind the place of worship. The “secret” refers to the “holy of holies”. That place which was off limits to all but the High Priest, and he could only enter there one day per year, and the only with the blood of an innocent sacrifice. It was a place that other men entered under the penalty of death.
Yet, it is that secret place, to which God takes His precious friends. The Holy of Holies was a place where the very presence of God dwelt and the glory of God could be seen. It was there that God took David during the battles of his life. It was there David found himself shut up with God and shut off from the world around him.
In a king’s home, this place referred to the private apartment of the king. It was a place no one could enter unless they did so at his bidding. To do otherwise invited instant death. (Note: The word “hide” means “to conceal”.)
It is amazing that there is a place of solitude in a world filled with people. There is a place that you and I can flee to during the crushing battles that rage about us. A place that affords us quiet, peace and the profound presence of God. Those who have learned to abide in Him have been to that place and know the glory of it. It is a place where the enemy dares not follow. It is a place reserved for those who love the Lord their God. Have you ever been to that place? That place where God meets with you and you alone. That place where all else falls away and you are left with Him and Him alone? That is the place He invites those who abide to enter!
Stephen was in that place at the moment of his death, Acts 7:55-56! Paul was in that place during his life, 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Acts 27:23. It is possible for us to enter that sacred, secret place where the world dims away and God becomes larger than everything else!



God Has A Secure Place For Us – David has the assurance that even when life threatens to overflow him, the Lord will set him on a rock, a place that is unchangeable, powerful and immovable. Of course, this Rock he refers to is none other than the Lord Himself, Psa. 40:1-2. The rock referred to in these verses is a “great craggy rock”. It is a rock that juts far above the battles going on at its feet. It allows those who ride its heights to rise far above the tumult beneath!

This is the gift to all those who know Him! We are promised that we have a place of refuge that will lift us far above the stormy seas that would threaten to drown us. Like the eagle, who takes refuge above the storm until it has passed; those who abide in Him are given grace that bears them higher than the storms and keeps them safe until danger has passed, Isa. 40:31. Those who wish to rise above there circumstances are given wings to do so!

Notice the passive nature of all the things mentioned in verse 5. All of these things David mentions are not things he does to himself; but they are things done to him by the Lord. The believer is required to do nothing but be in a close relationship to the Lord. These things are done by the Lord for His child.

God Has A Special Place For Us – David says that he will worship the Lord; he will praise the Lord; because of the things the Lord has done for him. Because the Lord has lifted him above the battles; because the Lord has hidden him away in the secret place; because the Lord sheltered him away from the terrors of the battles; he will praise His name!
What a lesson to us! When hope has turned to reality in our lives; when the Lord has come through for us again and delivered us from the enemy; we should be quick to praise Him and offer to Him the worship and adoration He deserves. When He brings us through our battles, He will put us in a special place from which we can exalt His lovely Name, Heb. 13:15!
Are you fighting some battles today? Of course you are! But, in the midst of your battles, do you have hope? Do you have the deep settled confidence that everything is going to be alright? If you do praise the Lord, for He has already brought to that special place of blessing from which you can offer praise to His name.
But, if you lack that hope this evening, it can be obtained. How? You can do this by Reaffirming your Confidence in the Lord; by Renewing your Commitment to the Lord; and by Resting in your Comfort in the Lord. Do you need to talk to Him about your battles and about your hope? If you do, this altar is a good place to take care of that business!