Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
One of the characteristics of a person who has virtue is that they have filled their heart with wisdom. Scripture tells us that out of the abundance of the heart, does the mouth speak. Your mouth will not speak […]

Proverbs 25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
What is your response when you are reproved? Do you change your ways, or do you continue to do what seems right in your own eyes.
Look at the life of King Saul and King […]

Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
Go find a world class athlete who does not train. The athlete understands that they must remain at the top of their game. If they do not maintain the top of their game, then there is some new person who is at […]

Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
The slothful man does not want to work and as such, will find himself trapped by the circumstances of his life. The righteous man is diligent in seeking the direction that the Lord […]

Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
You have heard that the Lord desires your obedience over your sacrifice. Saul had been instructed to kill all of the inhabitance of Amalek and to destroy everything they possessed. Saul however saved the […]

Proverbs 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
The reputation of those whom you associate with do have an affect upon your reputation. If the world looks at you and sees you hanging around fools, why should they perceive you any differently? You thus […]

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
You are a fool if you do not listen to counsel. You are a fool if you think that you do not need the help of others. You are a fool if you are proud […]

Proverbs 12:2 A good man obtaineth favor of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
One of the best illustrations in the Bible for this passage can be found in the story of Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer and he brought the fruit of the ground as an offering unto […]

Proverbs 7:1 My son keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
How can you keep that which you have not obtained? You cannot keep a rare family heirloom if you have never received it. As such, you need to obtain the words of God. When you understand what God has to say to […]

Proverbs 4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
In this passage, we see the benefits of those who attend unto the words of God and who incline their ears to the sayings of God. Those who seek after the words of God shall find fulfilling life. When […]

Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
Most Christians will tell you that they do not know the voice of God. They read the stories out of the Bible of God speaking to people and they wished that they […]

Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
Ananias had heard that of the deeds of Saul back in Jerusalem. Ananias understood that Saul was coming to Damascus to persecute the Christians. Most likely, […]

Psalms 99:8 Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
This verse is about Moses, Aaron and Samuel. The Psalmist tells us how these men called out to God and HE heard them. God spoke to these men and they kept HIS testimonies. […]

James 4:2 yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

In this passage you see a very important element of prayer, asking. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus told you �Ask, and it shall be given you�. He went on to say in verse 8 �For every one that asketh receiveth�. Christ taught the importance of asking when HE promised you in Matthew 21:22 �And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.�

It is important to ask, but just as important in asking is making sure you are asking for the right thing. James went on to tell you in verse 3 �Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.� Thus it is not only important that you ask but that you ask for the right thing. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus analogized our relationship with God to that of a son asking his father for bread. Jesus explained that a father would not give his son a rock when he asked for bread. Jesus then said in Matthew 7:11 �If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Genesis 22:12 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Isaac upon the altar, when all of a sudden Abraham heard the voice of an angel calling him. Abraham�s ears were prepared to hear the voice of God. Abraham was prepared to hear from God and Abraham did hear from God. If Abraham had been so wrapped up in what he was doing, he could have easily missed God�s message to him.

Abraham understood the importance of always being ready to hear the voice of God. Regardless of where you are at or what you are doing, you need to be ready to hear God. Samuel heard God�s voice while he was in bed, David heard God while fleeing from his enemy, Moses heard God on a mountaintop, Daniel heard God�s voice through a vision, Joseph heard God while in prison, and Elijah heard God through a still small voice. God speaks in many different ways, and regardless of where you are or what you are doing; you need to be prepared to hear God.

I Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Paul is instructing Timothy that his age should not be a limitation on his ability to lead the church. While some people may look down on Timothy because of his age, Paul told Timothy to simply be an example of how one should live. Even though Timothy was young, he could demonstrate the way a Christian should behave.

Samuel was a child, while Eli�s sons were committing abominations in the sight of the Lord; Samuel was living his life according to God�s rules and was an example in word.

Prior to killing Goliath, David served Saul with music. Saul loved David and David found favor in the sight of Saul because David was an example of good conduct in both his private and public life.

When Jesus feed the 5,000, he was able to do so because one young boy was willing to give up his lunch in order for others to eat. This lad was an example in love.

Daniel and his three friends refused to compromise their standards and it was evident to all that these young men had a different spirit about them.

Naaman the leper had a young maid who was an example in faith when she told her master that there was a man of God in Israel who could heal her masters.

Joseph was fairly young when Potiphar�s wife tried to have a martial relationship with him. Joseph was an example in purity to all today.

Paul understood that God uses youth to do great things for HIM. When Jesus was on the earth, he rebuked those who prohibited the little children from coming to HIM. Jesus taught his disciples that they needed to have the faith of a little child. While there is wisdom that comes from age, youth can still be an example and remind others of God�s perfect will. Just because Timothy was young it does not mean that he could not minister.

Regardless of your age, others are watching you and you are also to be an example to others on how to live for God. God is looking for those who will be willing to live for HIM and be an example to others. If you are not an example, why should the Lord expand your ministry? If you desire to be used of God, then you need to live what you preach even if it is in the privacy of your own home. As you live Godly behavior, it will become a part of you and God will be able to use you in ways you never imagined.

It is so important that you not only teach others how to live by faith but that you also are an example of how to live by faith. People hear words and they see actions, but of the two, the actions are going to have a greater impact upon their life. That is why testimonies are so powerful. You can preach all day that God will take care of your every need, but an example of how the Lord took care of you will be much more powerful. Is your life an example to others of how to live your life for the Lord? It does not matter your age, you are to be an example so that no one will stumble and fall short of the glory of God. Are you an example in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith and purity.

I Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

In order to be even qualified to be a deacon, the steps that are required ensure that the individual must have great boldness in the faith. Paul laid out so many qualifications that if one is truly qualified, the church should not have to wonder if this individual would lead them astray. Paul is basically saying that if a person met all of God�s qualifications, then he could predict with certainty the fruit that will be evident in this person�s life.

The world will know you by your fruit. Your life should be clear and convincing evidence before man that God is number one in your life. If you desire to lead others to draw closer to God, there should be evidence in your life of a boldness that you have in sharing with others the power of the living God in your life. If you do not have a natural boldness in sharing your faith with others, what makes you believe that you are qualified to assist others in drawing closer to God?

God does not have you living on this earth to see how much money you can make and spend upon yourself. God does not have you living on this earth to see how much fame and prestige you can obtain. One of the biggest purposes of your life is to draw glory to God, to cause the world to see that God is living and that they are accountable to HIM for every thought, action, and deed.

God desires that you live your life for HIM. HE has commanded you to let the light of your life shine and that you are not to hide it. If you do not have a boldness of preaching the gospel of Christ, then what business do you have in teaching others to do the will of God? If you want to be a leader, then you first must be a follower of Christ and must first demonstrate to God that you are a faithful soldier who has a track record of fulfilling the commands of Christ.

One indication that you have the boldness in the faith is that you do not fear man. Your life should be a beautiful illustration to others of an individual who fears God and is not afraid to tell others how they are failing to live up to God�s perfect standards. There is too much political correctness going on in the church today. Believers are not holding themselves accountable let alone holding their fellowman accountable. Sin is sin, and if you see a brother in sin, rather then beating around the bush, you should have the boldness to approach that believer and tell them were they are falling short. Samuel demonstrated great boldness in telling king Saul that his actions did not please the Lord, and Nathan sure did not beat around the bush when he confronted David about his sins of murder and adultery.

There are many qualifications for you to be a leader, and if you have met all those qualifications, then it will be evident in your life a boldness of faith. Until you have that boldness to put God first in your life and not fear what man will think or do to you, then you are not ready to lead others in the local church. Your daily walk with the Lord should be evident to all and should cause others to see and desire to follow your example. You cannot afford to hide your faith from the world. Your faith is what draws the world�s attention to the fact that there is a living God who they are accountable to today.

I Samuel 3:21 And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

Samuel had heard the Lord and Lord had told him that HE was going to judge Eli�s house in accordance with the previously declared word of God by the man of God. Eli was like a father unto Samuel and as such, Samuel was not eager to tell Eli the word of the Lord. Nonetheless, Eli must have perceived that the message spoken to Samuel was regarding HIM and he thus insisted that Samuel tell him.

This was not the only message Samuel heard from the Lord. Once Samuel understood how to hear from God, Samuel did not allow any words to fall to the ground. Samuel pronounced judgment whenever the Lord requested. Because of Samuel�s boldness and thoroughness regarding pronouncing God�s word, it became evident to all of Israel that God was with Samuel.

Would God have continued coming and speaking to Samuel if Samuel had not been willing to pronounce judgment upon the house of Eli? There is a reason why God started with such a difficult message for young Samuel. This was a test by God to see if Samuel was willing to fear the Lord more than man. Samuel passed the test and the Lord expanded his ministry and allowed all Israel to see that the Lord was speaking to Samuel.

God may at times ask you to do a difficult thing. You may not understand why HE has asked you to do what you were asked to do. Nonetheless, you must be like Samuel who was willing to tell the word of the Lord even though it was against someone who had a major impact in his life. You must understand that God can and does tell you to do difficult things. It is not your position to question God it is your position to obey HIM.

Moses was commanded to gather the people and strike the rock. Moses would have looked funny had nothing come out of the rock. Nonetheless, Moses had seen the faithfulness of God and as such, he was willing to follow God�s instruction. When God asks you to do a difficult thing, stop and look back and see how the Lord has been with you and guided you in the past. Remember God�s faithfulness. Having remembered God�s faithfulness; be bold in following God for HE will take you through that which HE has commanded you to do.

God desires to use you and to guide you. However, if you are not faithful to do what HE shows you to do, then HE is less inclined to use you because you are an unstable servant. Samuel was used of God because HE passed God�s test. While all Israel may not have known the difficult task that God had required Samuel to bare, it is clear that the nation knew Samuel was chosen of God and that Samuel was hearing God�s voice.

Others may not know the deep burdens you face. Others may never understand the pressure you face in obeying God. However, God knows and HE is faithful to enable you to complete that which HE has assigned for you to do. As you demonstrate your faithfulness, the Lord will bless you in other ways by bringing you additional opportunities that you never thought possible. God is looking for individuals who have the faith to trust in HIM. Will you be the individual who God uses?

I Samuel 3:10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Samuel did not know the voice of the Lord. He was in bed one night when he heard his name being called. Since Eli would be the only person calling him, he went to Eli. Eli stated that he had not called Samuel and sent him back to bed. Three times, Samuel was called and he ran to Eli. Finally, Eli perceived that the Lord was calling Samuel and he told Samuel that the next time he heard his name called, that he should respond, �Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.�

Samuel was about to learn to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Samuel most likely had heard stories of the Lord speaking to others, now the Lord was going to show Samuel that HE was going to be speaking to Samuel also. God was speaking to Samuel, but Samuel first needed to learn how to listen. Samuel had to learn the voice of God.

It is very easy to put yourself in an environment that enables you not to hear the voice of God. You can run around and make yourself busy fulfilling your responsibilities and thus create a situation that you cannot hear God. Samuel could not hear God as long as he was running back and forth trying to serve Eli. In order to hear God, you have to take the time and stop everything else and just listen. You need to express your interest in hearing God�s voice.

God desires to speak to you. However, the question is, are you ready to put everything else aside and listen? God had come to Samuel four times to speak to him, but it was only the fourth time when Samuel was prepared to listen that Samuel received the message. God�s voice did not change between the four occasions. The way God came did not change between the four occasions. The only thing that changed was that Samuel was ready to hear from God.

How often do you have a difficult problem that caused you to come before God and ask HIM to show you the way? You have asked God to answer your prayers. However, after you have asked, have you spent the time with God so that you could hear HIS answer to you? Have you put yourself in a position that you could actually hear God speak to you?

God desires to have a personal relationship with you. HE desires that you give HIM the opportunity to speak in your life. Think about your best friend. If your friend did all the talking and all you did was sit back and nod your head, what kind of relationship would that be. God is not up in heaven just waiting to hear your requests and answer them. God yearns for your relationship to go to the next level. In order to take the relationship to the next level, you must be willing to be like Samuel and stop everything and acknowledge the Lord and just listen.

By faith you understand that God is trying to speak to you and you put aside all other distractions and listen. It is too easy to crowd your life with distractions so that you cannot hear God. However, hearing God is a vital part of your relationship with God and is necessary if you truly desire to live a life pleasing to HIM. You cannot afford to hide from God with your busy schedule. Instead, make the time and listen to God.

I Samuel 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Hannah made a vow with the Lord that she was willing and able to keep. She apparently thought through her vow and determined what she would do should the Lord actually give her the desire of her heart. She understood that the Lord had closed her womb and that any child given to her was strictly from God. She was willing to give back to God that which God gave her which is why she was and did make the vow unto God.

Hannah had no obligation to make a vow. In fact, there was a chance that her husband would veto the vow if he disagreed in the day that he heard the vow. Her husband however understood his wife�s desire to have a child, and did not veto the vow.

Hannah also vowed that her child would never have his hair cut just as Samson. She did not obligate her future son to a full Navarite vow. God had chosen Samson, but Hannah choose her son to be at least follow part of the Nazarite vow.

Hannah was willing to give back to the Lord the son that the Lord gave unto her. She understood the child was from God and that if God gave her a son, there was a purpose for that son and that she had an obligation to God to ensure that her son was in the proper position to be used of God. She made the vow and scripture is clear that she fulfilled her part of the vow.

Hannah is an excellent example to you of an individual who understood that if God gives you a good thing, it really belongs to the Lord and that HE has a purpose for the good thing that HE is giving to you. What is the good thing that you desire from God? Whatever it is, have you determined how if the Lord gives you the desire of your heart how you can use the desire of your heart for the furtherance of God�s kingdom? Could it be possible that one of the reasons why God has not given you the good thing that you request because you have not taken the time to think of how you are going to use the desire of your heart for HIS benefit.

Imagine a son coming up to his parents requesting of his parents that they extend his bedtime from 8:30pm to 9:00pm. His parents decline. Now a couple days later the son comes back and states that he is having a hard time finishing his chores and his school work in the time designated by his parents and that if they extended his bed time by 30 minutes, he could allocate that extra time to properly finishing his obligations. This son now has a better chance at receiving his request.

God has no obligation to answer your requests. However, HE is much more likely to give you your request when you understand how you plan on using your request to magnify HIS name. By faith you will reason with God and demonstrate to HIM how HE is benefited by giving you something that you request of HIM. You should be like Hannah in that you take the time to give God the reasons why HE should answer your prayer. Do not be hasty in making a vow, but you can make a vow you can keep.

Hebrews 11:32f and Samuel,

Samuel was conceived as a result of his mother�s faith. By faith Samuel lived his life in service to God in obedience to his mother�s vow. Samuel belonged to God and he diligently served God. It was by faith that Samuel learned to hear God�s voice. Samuel was in bed when God called him and Samuel tried to minister to Eli. Three times God called before Eli recognized that God was speaking to Samuel. Eli taught Samuel what to say to God. Samuel went back to bed and waited for God to speak again.

God desired to speak to Samuel and Samuel demonstrated his faith by learning to hear God�s voice. Learning to listen to God is not easy. Just as Samuel needed Eli�s help, so too God puts individuals in our lives to help us learn to hear HIS� voice. Later in Samuel�s life he did not need help in hearing the voice of God, Samuel had a proven track record of hearing and obeying God. Yes, there were times that Samuel heard God and he further questioned God. Nonetheless, Samuel served God and obeyed HIM.