1 SAMUEL 2:12-35
Eli knew how to hear God’s voice. He even taught Samuel the art. But compromise and corruption had made him dull of hearing. He had to get heaven’s latest headlines through a third party. And this time it wasn’t good news. One scandal after another had tarnished the priesthood. Obedience was replaced by obesity, greed, embezzlement, immorality and nepotism. Finally God had had enough! He said, “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest…” (v. 35). A story was told of a shady CEO of a large banking firm. One day he put a bag in Simon’s hand. Simon took it home. On opening it, he found enough money to clear his house mortgage. Hush money? Sensing something fishy he and his wife invited the boss to a meal. In the fear of the Lord, they returned the money. “That’s funny,” said the boss, “You’re the first Christian to refuse it.” God will have a faithful priesthood, unblemished by compromise and scandal.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
- For all nations to experience adequate rain and healthy harvests
- For the curse of witchcraft, historic blood shed, superstition and idol worship in our nations to be broken
- For the youth of the nations to move away from sensation seductions to true worship of the living God
PRAY FOR THE CHURCH
- For the pastors who are serving under extreme pressure, stress, fear and who are vulnerable to burn out to be refreshed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit
- For the church to be purified and empowered to witness for Jesus
- For every need of the pastors/believers in our churches to be met
- For the body of Christ to seek after the baptism of the Holy Spirit
- For each pastor and every congregation be be revived
PRAYER FOCUS
Spend some time in prayer today for pastors, missionaries and ministries in Central America.