October 9, 2013

It is a great morning out! I awoke at 5:30 rested and ready for the day. One of our members, Kent, was running by the house as I got the paper. We spoke briefly, as we did a couple of weeks ago when he ran by about this same time. He is running at 8 ½ - 9 minute pace. I have much to do today. I lead the staff roundtable in the morning and the executive leadership team in the afternoon. I have work to do on the adoption process, trustee approval, charge conference direction per Discipline, etc. I will write an email to Nate, Elmer, and Bart with my questions. 

My phone would not charge past 40% yesterday, but overnight it charged fully. During the last 14 months I have had trouble with it due to getting it wet while camping. I have replaced the expensive internal battery, and the next step might be to buy a used identical one, hoping it would last a couple of years. Technology is such a tool, and requires decisions and investments.

I Sam 7
Samuel leads Israel to victory over Philistines. He instructs them “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth.” (7:3) They gathered at Mizpah, poured out water from a well, and went without food all day, confessing they had sinned against the Lord. It was here at Mizpah that Samuel became Israel’s judge.

After the victory over the Philistines, “Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means ‘the stone of help’), for he said, ‘Up to this point the Lord has helped us!’” (7:12) Thus the great line we sing "Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I've come. I and hope by thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home..."

This chapter relates to the message I am preparing for this weekend, with getting rid of foreign gods, going without food, and raising up a symbol of God’s help. Guide me Lord as I trust you today for your help in the work of pastoring and leading this flock.