The spot on which the ark is first placed when it arrives at Beth Shemeshbecomes an enduring memorial for the people. - P30
However, in a sad turnof events, some of the people make the mistake of peering into the arkand are struck dead on account of their defiance against the holiness ofGod. - P30
In a similar way, while we should rightly rejoice at the free gift ofsalvation that comes to us in the gospel, we must never diminish theholiness of our God who grants it. - P30
Our salvation through Jesus‘ bloodis not a license to continue in sin. Rather, He cleanses us so that wemight flee from sin and be transformed into His image, in all holinessand purity. - P30
"A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy onothers and hard on himself." - A. W. Tozer - P30
It never ceases to amaze me how straightforward the Bible is in re-porting the most perplexing stories-like God striking down someof the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh (1 Sam. 6:19-21) or breakingout against Uzzah (2 Sam. 6:6-7), for their improper handling of theark. - P31
The Holy Spirit never sugarcoats the narrative of Scripture. TheBible contains uncomfortable passages, and God expects us to engagewith them. - P31
One thought that occurred to me while reading about those unfortunate people of Beth Shemesh was, "I‘m sure they meant no harm;it could have just been curiosity." Then it dawned on)me: harm hadalready been done when they failed to treat God with the reverenceHe is due! - P31
Now, believers today do have an invitation to come into God‘s presenceand Christ‘s blood and righteousness have enabled us to comeas His children. - P31
But even so, a careless attitude shows that we mattermore than God in our own eyes. It is this same attitude that causes usto become angry with Him when He does not let us have our way. - P31
Ihave found it helpful to reflect upon what God would feel in responseto my words and attitude. And while I still stumble many times, thispractice has cultivated in me a healthier fear of the Lord and a sweeterfellowship with Him. - P31
Lord God, hallowed be Your name! Forgive me for my casual attitude towardYou. - P31
Open my eyes to gaze in awe at Your holiness and help me to set all things in my life apart for Your glory. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P31
3 So Samuel said to all the Israelites, "If you are return-ing to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselvesof the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commityourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he willdeliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." - P32
9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it asa whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to theLORD on Israel‘s behalf, and the LORD answered him. - P33
10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, thePhilistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But thatday the LORD thundered with loud thunder against thePhilistines and threw them into such a panic that theywere routed before the Israelites. - P33
The ark of God is taken to Kiriath Jearim where it remains for twenty years. - P33
When Samuel tells the Israelites to get rid of foreign gods and serve God only, they gather at Mizpah to fast and repent. - P33
The Philistines prepare to attackIsrael, so Samuel cries out to the Lord on Israel‘s behalf. God answers Samuel‘sprayer, and the Israelites defeat the Philistines. - P33
With the ark residing for a long time in the home of Abinadab inKiriath Jearim, Israel takes the opportunity to repent and turn to theLord. - P34
Samuel leads them in corporate confession of their sins, for theyknow that their idolatrous practices keep them under the oppression ofthe Philistines. - P34
As pressures mount against Christians all over the globe, let us also come before God in repentance while we still have time left, putting away any attitudes and practices that displease the Lord andconsecrating ourselves anew as His people. - P34
May our actions not bemotivated by our own personal interests, but by the glory of God andHis reputation among the nations - P34
The Philistines prepare to attack Israel right when they are seekingGod‘s face as a nation. God hears the cries of His people and fights forthem, granting them victory. - P34
Corporate confession, prayer, and fastingare powerful weapons in the hands of the church. Rather than toolsthat attempt to manipulate God or twist His arm, they are the meansthat God uses to sanctify His people so that we can better discern Hiswill and walk in His ways. - P34
Nothing angers and intimidates the forcesof darkness more than God‘s people rallying together in repentance andworship. - P34
When we are aligned with the Lord, He will hear our prayersand come to our aid as we call on His name. - P34
Whenever my heartis in turmoil because of my circumstances, I know only one thing willhelp-fixing my eyes on Jesus. This does not come naturally to the - P35
Yet whenI let others into my pain and they remind me that they are prayingfor me, my load feels much more bearable. Beforeyou findfind yourselfin a trial, do your best to prepare. - P35
Gather songs and Bible verses thatwill remind you of truths you may be too weak to remember on yourown. And cultivate friendships with other believers so that you mayhave someone to bear burdens with you when troubles come. - P35
Dear God, thank you for drawing me into Your life-giving presence. - P35
Help meto not neglect the disciplines of confession and prayer but to always remainvigilant against the schemes of the enemy. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P35
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