Raising the Ebenezer

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, and named it Ebenezer for he said, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." I Samuel 7:12 NRSV

When singing the hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" [Words by Robert Robinson, 1758, based on this verse] I always think of two things: Ebenezer Scrouge and a mug of beer. Okay, I think you can see why  "A Christmas Carol" - but the beer? Well, when we raise the Ebenezer, I think of raising a drink to toast God's health or something.

But the scripture is not something out of an 18th century tavern. Instead, the word ebenezer actually means Stone of Help. Samuel is using a rock to remind the people that it is God who helps. You see, the people were fighting against the Philistines and they got scared. They cried out to Samuel, their religious leader (but not a fighter) to keep praying to God on their behalf. Samuel got busy and not only prayed but offered up a special sacrifice. The Israelites were victorious, running their enemies from their lands much farther than they had hoped. Samuel is reminding them whose victory this really was.

What ebenezer do you need to remind you that God is your source of help? Perhaps you are right now looking for help so that you can lift up an ebenezer. In either case, we need to pray and to remind ourselves that it is God who is the source of all our help and victory.

God, thank you for helping me in the past but please don't stop! I recall all of the times when you have been the helper of my life. Help me now! In Jesus' Holy name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Thanks for Help

Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the sound of my pleadings. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.  Psalm 28:6-7 NRSV

Thank you, God, for your help.

Sounds pretty simple. Straightforward. Easy to do.

But how many times do we say that simple prayer?

This psalm reminds us that even the most insignificant things are thanks-worthy. And this verse reminds us that we do often need to keep our thanks simple and focused on the smaller things. God does lots of big, glamorous things in people's lives, including our own. But we can easily overlook the answers we receive to our small pleas. God acts quietly, in the background and we don't often thank God enough for those actions that strengthen our trust in God.

God's smallest actions and efforts can open our hearts and our mouths to being thankful.

God, thank you for hearing my pleas. You are my strength and my shield, in you my heart exults. I trust you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Name one thing you are thankful for in this moment.


Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

One Act of Revenge

Then Samson called to the Lord and said, "Lord God, remember me and strengthen me only this once, O God, so that with this one act of revenge I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes." And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on one and his left hand on the other. Then Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines." He strained with all his might; and the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So those he killed at his death were more than those he had killed during his life. Judges 16: 28-30 NRSV

Okay, so Samson kills more Philistines here at the end of his life. But it was all for the wrong reason! Instead of saying, God let me have my strength back just this once so I can defeat the Philistines for the good of the people of Israel, he asks for revenge on his two eyes!

Self-centered until the end.

But God does grant his request. What's up with that?

That seems to be the main theme throughout the book of Judges: God's power and might have been shown through the actions of some very unusual and (at times) troubling people. God is not limited to the good, just and "normal" folks.

Thanks be to God!

Question of the day: Have you ever asked God for help for the "wrong" reasons? And was your prayer answered?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

You need help!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything to stand firm. Ephesians 6: 10-13 NRSV

I can do it myself.

Those of us with small children have probably heard this often. Those of us with even older children may not hear this but see it in action on a daily basis.

And I am truly guilty of trying to do it (all) myself.

I would rather get it done my way, in my time without having to ask for any help. Also, I like doing it without appearing weak or helpless.

But Paul point us in the right direction: toward God and God's power.

This is not a battle you can fight on your own, with your own strength. No matter how physically fit you are, you will need God's power and God's protection to withstand what is truly dangerous. You may possibly not put much stock in the devil's power. Nevertheless, we all need God's strength to be the people whom God calls to carry out God's mission and message in the world.

Don't try doing this on your own.

You need help: God's help.

God, we need your strength, your full armor and your power. We cannot do this on our own. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What battles do you need help with right now?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims