Thursday, October 17, 2019 - SPEAK LORD. . .

Day 290 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 3:1-24; Psalm 105:1-22; Mark 7:31-8:10)

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy... 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”  (1 Samuel 3:8 &1 0 ESV)

The Lord calls Samuel several times until Eli realizes that it is the Lord. What is noteworthy is how Samuel responded: “Here I am...” Courtesy and a quick response when summoned are signs of Samuel’s respect for his elders. However, it is his response when he realizes that it is God who is calling that we would do well to emulate daily.

“Speak, for your servant hears.” 

Are you listening to the Lord? In other words, are you listening to God speak to you as your read the Bible and as you attend worship services at church? The hymn writer captures the blessings God showers upon us as we listen to Him. 

    Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens,
    Let Your Word to me come near;
    Newborn life and spirit give me,
    Let each promise still my fear.
    Death's dread pow'r, its inward strife;
    Wars against Your Word of life;
    Fill me, Lord, with love's strong fervor
    That I cling to You forever!
    (Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #589, stanza 1)

Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. I am especially listening for Your words of mercy, grace and forgiveness proclaimed by Your Son and my Savior, Jesus. Please use me to help others listen to Your life-giving words too. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2019 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!