Today's message introduces us to Samuel's parents, Elkanah and Hannah. Elkanah worshipped the Lord and walked in genuine obedience, evidencing his true love for God and family, even when discouraged by his wife's barrenness. Both he and Hannah modelled a faithfulness and dependence on God in the home where Samuel would be nurtured and raised. His parents' life of prayer was powerful in shaping Samuel's character, preparing him for his eventual positioning as a leader for God's people. Our children are watching - what do they see?
The discipline of fasting is the topic in today's text, but Christ's message is that which matters most to him: a pure heart. Fasting...
The Christian life isn’t always easy. There are times of drought and doubt. But as Elijah discovers in 1 Kings 17, God’s tests are...