May 12th-16th Devotional
5 Day Devotional: Mom’s, Be Good Examples!
Listen to the devotional podcast here
Day 1: A Mother's Heart and God's Blessings
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:21-28 (excerpted in sources and Deuteronomy 7:13-14 (excerpted in source).
Reflection: The sermon begins by celebrating mothers and acknowledging how loved they are. The preacher shares personal memories of his own mother, describing her as a wonderful example, even though she was short, she "had a big punch" and could still scare him with a look when he did something wrong. He states there was nothing his mom wouldn't have done for her kids. While sometimes moms say or do "craziest things," it's because they love you.
We are introduced to Hannah, a woman who desperately wanted to be a mom but couldn't. In her culture, having children was seen as a blessing. Not being able to have a child meant you were not considered a "blessed individual". The source cites Deuteronomy 7:13-14, which speaks of God blessing His people, multiplying them, and blessing the "fruit of your womb". This emphasizes the cultural context where children, particularly sons (for carrying on the family name), were highly valued as a sign of God's favor. Hannah's story begins with this deep longing for a blessing she felt was denied to her.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of mothers and the love they pour out for their children. We remember Hannah's deep desire for a child and the cultural significance of being blessed with offspring. Lord, we pray that You would bless and strengthen mothers today, acknowledging their sacrifices and dedication. Help us to appreciate the unique ways mothers demonstrate love, even in their "crazy" moments. May mothers feel seen and valued in their role. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that children are a blessing from the Lord, and we honor the hearts of mothers who long for and cherish them. We declare that we see the love behind the actions of mothers, even when we don't always understand them. We appreciate the dedication and selflessness that defines so many mothers.
Day 2: Hannah's Intense Prayer
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:10-15
Reflection: The sources tell us that Hannah was married to Elkanah, who also had another wife, Peninnah. Every year, Elkanah's family would go to offer sacrifice to God. While Elkanah loved Hannah more than Peninnah, Peninnah received more portions of the sacrifice because she had children, while Hannah only received one. This ongoing situation caused Hannah "torture," and she eventually had "had enough".
Hannah's response to her distress was to go to the Lord in prayer. The sermon emphasizes that this was not just an everyday prayer; it was an intense prayer. She was "deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly". Her prayer was so intense that when Eli the priest saw her, he thought she was drunk and told her to put her wine away. However, Hannah was simply pouring out her heart to God, lamenting her situation and asking for a child. The sermon encourages us to learn from this, suggesting we shouldn't wait until we've "had enough" to pray, but should go to the Lord in prayer even when we have plenty.
Prayer: Lord, we lift up those who are experiencing deep distress and longing, just as Hannah did. Thank You for the example of Hannah, who poured out her heart to You in intense prayer. Forgive us for waiting until we are desperate to seek You. Help us to be people of prayer in all circumstances, trusting that You hear us even when others may not understand. Strengthen us to pray with fervor and honesty. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that prayer is powerful and essential. We commit to bringing our needs and desires before God, even the deepest longings of our hearts. We declare that we will not be afraid to pray intensely and honestly, trusting that God hears and understands us. We declare that we will make prayer a regular part of our lives, not just a last resort.
Day 3: Hannah's Extraordinary Vow and Fulfillment
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Numbers 6:1-8 and 1 Samuel 1:11
Reflection: In her intense prayer, Hannah made a vow to God. She promised that if God would give her a son, she would give him back to the Lord "all the days of his life" and "no razor shall touch his head". The sermon identifies this as a Nazarite vow. Numbers 6:1-8 describes the requirements of such a vow, including separation from wine, not cutting one's hair, and not going near a dead body. The sources highlight that Hannah is the only mom in the Old Testament who is said to have made and fulfilled a vow to the Lord. While Samson's parents were told by an angel that their son would be a Nazarite, Hannah herself initiated and kept this vow.
God granted Hannah's petition, and she conceived and bore a son, Samuel. True to her word, Hannah did not go up to Shiloh for the yearly sacrifice immediately after Samuel's birth. She stayed home to nurse and wean him, explaining to her husband, Elkanah, that she would bring him "as soon as the child is weaned" so he could "appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever". Elkanah supported her decision. Weaning in that time took about three years. When Samuel was weaned, she took him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, along with the necessary sacrifices. She presented Samuel to Eli, declaring that she was the woman who had prayed for this child, and God had granted her petition. She then stated, "Therefore I have a lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord". The story concludes with Hannah giving Samuel back to God, making her the only mom in the Old Testament who gives her child as a living sacrifice back to God.
Prayer: Faithful God, we stand in awe of Hannah's faithfulness in keeping her vow to You. She desired a child so deeply, yet she was willing to give him back to You. Strengthen us to be faithful in our commitments to You, Lord. Help us to understand what it means to dedicate what is most precious to us back to You. Give us the grace to follow through on our promises and vows. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that we will honor our vows and commitments to God. We declare our willingness to surrender to God what is most important in our lives, trusting that He knows what is best. We commit to living lives of dedication to the Lord, recognizing that everything we have is ultimately His.
Day 4: Being Examples of Trust
Reflection: One of the key lessons from Hannah's life highlighted in the sermon is the importance of being an example, particularly for mothers. Moms are called to be an example in trusting God. Hannah trusted God; she believed that God would honor her.
The sermon uses the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to illustrate this kind of faith. These men trusted God so completely that even when facing a superheated furnace, they told King Nebuchadnezzar that their God could deliver them. But their faith went deeper: they declared that "even if He doesn't" deliver them, they still would not worship the king's gods. Their trust was not conditional on God acting the way they expected. Because of their faith and trust, they were thrown into the fire, but God was with them, and they emerged unharmed, not even smelling like smoke.
Moms have a "great opportunity" to show this kind of faith in God to their children. By trusting God in their daily lives, they teach their children how to rely on Him. Hannah's story shows that she aligned with the blessings of God by trusting Him even in her brokenness and desire for a child.
Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for the examples of Hannah and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who demonstrated unwavering trust in You. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may trust You completely, no matter the circumstances. Help mothers, in particular, to be shining examples of trusting You for their children. May our lives reflect a deep confidence that You will take care of us and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that we will trust God completely, even when we don't understand His plan or when things are difficult. We declare that our faith is in God Himself, not just in what He can do for us. We commit to being examples of this trust for those around us, especially our children. We declare that we will have faith that God will deal with our situations and bring honor to Himself.
Day 5: Being Examples of Prayer and Submission
Reflection: Beyond trusting God, moms are also called to be examples in praying to God and submitting to God. The sermon references the movie "War Room" to illustrate fervent, intense prayer, suggesting that while some might not understand it (like Eli not understanding Hannah's prayer), God hears it. Moms are encouraged to "Let your kids see you pray".
Being an example in submission means saying "no to what the world is wanting you to do". This can be hard, but our kids are watching. Submission is not just about following rules; it's about following the Lord and Savior. The preacher shares a personal example of not buying his son a shirt with a skull on it, explaining that this decision was based on who he follows, not just being a preacher.
Hannah's story teaches us that our standing before God is not about our position in society but about our "posture before God". Moms are reminded of the profound influence they have: the kind of woman their daughter will become and the kind of woman their son will marry are influenced by their mother's example. The traditional saying, "Don't do as I do, do as I say," is contrasted with a better model: "Do as the Lord says, and you will do as the Lord does". The sermon warns that what we do in moderation, our kids may do in excess. If we are not fully committed followers of Christ, our kids may drift even further away; but if we are prayer warriors, our kids may exceed us in faith. The preacher shares that his own mother, though not raising him in church, was a great example against negative behaviors, influencing him deeply.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for calling us to be examples of prayer and submission. Help us to pray fervently and consistently, letting our children and others see our reliance on You. Give us the strength to submit to Your perfect will, saying no to worldly pressures when necessary. May our posture before You be one of humility and obedience. Empower mothers to be powerful influences for good in their families, pointing their children to You through their actions and words. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that we will strive to be examples of fervent prayer and faithful submission to God. We commit to letting our children see our faith in action. We declare that our choices will be guided by who we follow, our Lord and Savior. We embrace the principle: "Do as the Lord says, and you will do as the Lord does". We declare our intention to live lives that reflect God's love and glory, influencing the next generation for Christ.
May this devotional be a blessing as you reflect on the powerful examples found in the sources and the call to be good examples in faith. Happy Mother's Day!
Listen to the devotional podcast here
Day 1: A Mother's Heart and God's Blessings
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:21-28 (excerpted in sources and Deuteronomy 7:13-14 (excerpted in source).
Reflection: The sermon begins by celebrating mothers and acknowledging how loved they are. The preacher shares personal memories of his own mother, describing her as a wonderful example, even though she was short, she "had a big punch" and could still scare him with a look when he did something wrong. He states there was nothing his mom wouldn't have done for her kids. While sometimes moms say or do "craziest things," it's because they love you.
We are introduced to Hannah, a woman who desperately wanted to be a mom but couldn't. In her culture, having children was seen as a blessing. Not being able to have a child meant you were not considered a "blessed individual". The source cites Deuteronomy 7:13-14, which speaks of God blessing His people, multiplying them, and blessing the "fruit of your womb". This emphasizes the cultural context where children, particularly sons (for carrying on the family name), were highly valued as a sign of God's favor. Hannah's story begins with this deep longing for a blessing she felt was denied to her.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of mothers and the love they pour out for their children. We remember Hannah's deep desire for a child and the cultural significance of being blessed with offspring. Lord, we pray that You would bless and strengthen mothers today, acknowledging their sacrifices and dedication. Help us to appreciate the unique ways mothers demonstrate love, even in their "crazy" moments. May mothers feel seen and valued in their role. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that children are a blessing from the Lord, and we honor the hearts of mothers who long for and cherish them. We declare that we see the love behind the actions of mothers, even when we don't always understand them. We appreciate the dedication and selflessness that defines so many mothers.
Day 2: Hannah's Intense Prayer
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:10-15
Reflection: The sources tell us that Hannah was married to Elkanah, who also had another wife, Peninnah. Every year, Elkanah's family would go to offer sacrifice to God. While Elkanah loved Hannah more than Peninnah, Peninnah received more portions of the sacrifice because she had children, while Hannah only received one. This ongoing situation caused Hannah "torture," and she eventually had "had enough".
Hannah's response to her distress was to go to the Lord in prayer. The sermon emphasizes that this was not just an everyday prayer; it was an intense prayer. She was "deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly". Her prayer was so intense that when Eli the priest saw her, he thought she was drunk and told her to put her wine away. However, Hannah was simply pouring out her heart to God, lamenting her situation and asking for a child. The sermon encourages us to learn from this, suggesting we shouldn't wait until we've "had enough" to pray, but should go to the Lord in prayer even when we have plenty.
Prayer: Lord, we lift up those who are experiencing deep distress and longing, just as Hannah did. Thank You for the example of Hannah, who poured out her heart to You in intense prayer. Forgive us for waiting until we are desperate to seek You. Help us to be people of prayer in all circumstances, trusting that You hear us even when others may not understand. Strengthen us to pray with fervor and honesty. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that prayer is powerful and essential. We commit to bringing our needs and desires before God, even the deepest longings of our hearts. We declare that we will not be afraid to pray intensely and honestly, trusting that God hears and understands us. We declare that we will make prayer a regular part of our lives, not just a last resort.
Day 3: Hannah's Extraordinary Vow and Fulfillment
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Numbers 6:1-8 and 1 Samuel 1:11
Reflection: In her intense prayer, Hannah made a vow to God. She promised that if God would give her a son, she would give him back to the Lord "all the days of his life" and "no razor shall touch his head". The sermon identifies this as a Nazarite vow. Numbers 6:1-8 describes the requirements of such a vow, including separation from wine, not cutting one's hair, and not going near a dead body. The sources highlight that Hannah is the only mom in the Old Testament who is said to have made and fulfilled a vow to the Lord. While Samson's parents were told by an angel that their son would be a Nazarite, Hannah herself initiated and kept this vow.
God granted Hannah's petition, and she conceived and bore a son, Samuel. True to her word, Hannah did not go up to Shiloh for the yearly sacrifice immediately after Samuel's birth. She stayed home to nurse and wean him, explaining to her husband, Elkanah, that she would bring him "as soon as the child is weaned" so he could "appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever". Elkanah supported her decision. Weaning in that time took about three years. When Samuel was weaned, she took him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, along with the necessary sacrifices. She presented Samuel to Eli, declaring that she was the woman who had prayed for this child, and God had granted her petition. She then stated, "Therefore I have a lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord". The story concludes with Hannah giving Samuel back to God, making her the only mom in the Old Testament who gives her child as a living sacrifice back to God.
Prayer: Faithful God, we stand in awe of Hannah's faithfulness in keeping her vow to You. She desired a child so deeply, yet she was willing to give him back to You. Strengthen us to be faithful in our commitments to You, Lord. Help us to understand what it means to dedicate what is most precious to us back to You. Give us the grace to follow through on our promises and vows. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that we will honor our vows and commitments to God. We declare our willingness to surrender to God what is most important in our lives, trusting that He knows what is best. We commit to living lives of dedication to the Lord, recognizing that everything we have is ultimately His.
Day 4: Being Examples of Trust
Reflection: One of the key lessons from Hannah's life highlighted in the sermon is the importance of being an example, particularly for mothers. Moms are called to be an example in trusting God. Hannah trusted God; she believed that God would honor her.
The sermon uses the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to illustrate this kind of faith. These men trusted God so completely that even when facing a superheated furnace, they told King Nebuchadnezzar that their God could deliver them. But their faith went deeper: they declared that "even if He doesn't" deliver them, they still would not worship the king's gods. Their trust was not conditional on God acting the way they expected. Because of their faith and trust, they were thrown into the fire, but God was with them, and they emerged unharmed, not even smelling like smoke.
Moms have a "great opportunity" to show this kind of faith in God to their children. By trusting God in their daily lives, they teach their children how to rely on Him. Hannah's story shows that she aligned with the blessings of God by trusting Him even in her brokenness and desire for a child.
Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for the examples of Hannah and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who demonstrated unwavering trust in You. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may trust You completely, no matter the circumstances. Help mothers, in particular, to be shining examples of trusting You for their children. May our lives reflect a deep confidence that You will take care of us and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that we will trust God completely, even when we don't understand His plan or when things are difficult. We declare that our faith is in God Himself, not just in what He can do for us. We commit to being examples of this trust for those around us, especially our children. We declare that we will have faith that God will deal with our situations and bring honor to Himself.
Day 5: Being Examples of Prayer and Submission
Reflection: Beyond trusting God, moms are also called to be examples in praying to God and submitting to God. The sermon references the movie "War Room" to illustrate fervent, intense prayer, suggesting that while some might not understand it (like Eli not understanding Hannah's prayer), God hears it. Moms are encouraged to "Let your kids see you pray".
Being an example in submission means saying "no to what the world is wanting you to do". This can be hard, but our kids are watching. Submission is not just about following rules; it's about following the Lord and Savior. The preacher shares a personal example of not buying his son a shirt with a skull on it, explaining that this decision was based on who he follows, not just being a preacher.
Hannah's story teaches us that our standing before God is not about our position in society but about our "posture before God". Moms are reminded of the profound influence they have: the kind of woman their daughter will become and the kind of woman their son will marry are influenced by their mother's example. The traditional saying, "Don't do as I do, do as I say," is contrasted with a better model: "Do as the Lord says, and you will do as the Lord does". The sermon warns that what we do in moderation, our kids may do in excess. If we are not fully committed followers of Christ, our kids may drift even further away; but if we are prayer warriors, our kids may exceed us in faith. The preacher shares that his own mother, though not raising him in church, was a great example against negative behaviors, influencing him deeply.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for calling us to be examples of prayer and submission. Help us to pray fervently and consistently, letting our children and others see our reliance on You. Give us the strength to submit to Your perfect will, saying no to worldly pressures when necessary. May our posture before You be one of humility and obedience. Empower mothers to be powerful influences for good in their families, pointing their children to You through their actions and words. Amen.
Declaration: We declare that we will strive to be examples of fervent prayer and faithful submission to God. We commit to letting our children see our faith in action. We declare that our choices will be guided by who we follow, our Lord and Savior. We embrace the principle: "Do as the Lord says, and you will do as the Lord does". We declare our intention to live lives that reflect God's love and glory, influencing the next generation for Christ.
May this devotional be a blessing as you reflect on the powerful examples found in the sources and the call to be good examples in faith. Happy Mother's Day!
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