From the Pulpit...

The Lord speaks to the prophet Samuel to stop mourning for Saul, but to go to the house of Jesse where He will reveal to Samuel who He had chosen to become king of Israel, a man after God's own heart. Samuel, fearing Saul would seek to kill him, responds to God asking for help. God provides a safe solution for Samuel in the means of bringing a heifer to Bethlehem as a sacrifice to God. So Samuel did what the Lord said, went to Bethlehem, and the elders of that town trembled at Samuel's coming. Samuel puts the concerns of the elders to rest by announcing he has come in peace to sacrifice to the Lord. The Lord's solution to Samuel's dilemma preserved not only the life of the prophet, but the town, the sons of Jesse, and the coming king of the Lord's own heart. This is the guiding principle that should inform our prayer life and its simply this: when we are faced with obstacles on the path of obedience, we must turn to our Lord in sincere heartfelt and specific prayer. We must turn our concern to Him! This demonstrates our total dependence on the Lord and ultimately gives Him the glory that He alone is due. We must turn our problems... into prayers...