Real Life Radio with Jack Hibbs

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel’s sons chose not follow God, and it affected both the community, as well as the nation. Living life the hard way separates us from God, and when trouble comes, we want a quick remedy, compromising our future, and the future of our children.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that despite the cost, the Israelites insist on what they want. Like other nations, they want a king to lead them. God eventually grants their request, but it’s a sobering reminder for us to choose the easy way versus going against God’s plan for us.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel knew the vital importance of creating a life of memorable worship that reminds us of all the things that God has done in our lives. The sacrifice of praise might be costly, but it is powerful enough to overcome our greatest challenges.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that as Israel cried out to Samuel in their terror over the enemy, we also need to be aware of our weaknesses. If we give fear and weakness over to the Lord, He will lead us forward, and be with us even in our most difficult of times.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that just as God desired Israel to do great things, He wants the same for our lives. He longs for us to understand His ways, and take a proactive position against pride, discontentment, and selfish thinking.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that, like Israel, it’s only when we live our lives dependent on God will we have the victory. It’s about creating a life of worship towards God, and the desire for victory over heart break and sin.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that victorious Christian living tragically escapes many believers. They’re not told that trouble will come and that their faith will be challenged. The key is to learn from the mistakes Israel made by continuing to serve the Lord whole heartedly not just for a while, but through all our days we have on this earth.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it’s only when we realize how powerful, and how holy God truly is, will we understand that God’s presence is not to be taken lightly. We must learn from what Samuel said to the people of God, and that is to respect what is sacred or serious consequences may come upon us.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we do things that greatly displease the Lord, as did the Israelites during this time, both a warning and oftentimes a judgment will follow. But, this can make us realize the holiness of God, and the seriousness of staying in line with God’s will for our lives.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that what we do for a living can project who we are. Israel’s enemy worshiped a wooden statue. Sounds ridiculous today, but we can have gods in our lives, like influence, money, even beauty, or perhaps fame. The danger is not in what we do, but how it could take the place of God in our lives.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it’s natural for us to trust in what we see. We can get lost in carved images, or material worship instead of giving God the glory that is due His name.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack asks us, “How does the meaning of Ichabod apply to us today?” The sins of our fathers and past generations can be broken when Christ comes into our lives. Heaven is possible, and we can be set free from sin when our Savior is Jesus.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Ichabod is a name that brings to light the tragic moment when God’s presence departs from Israel. It was God’s judgement to awaken His people from their trust of outward rituals and symbols to a sincere devotion of God, Himself.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we put God first, spiritual victories will come, our carnal flesh will not defeat us, and we will have a positive impact for Christ. But, when we put our trust in ourselves, or in the external world, the opposite will happen. Like a slow backward slide, our embittered heart will have no spiritual future.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we remove God from our lives, there is no spiritual awareness, no thought of His presence, and no spiritual dependence on Him. Some think that without human strength, we’re weak. But, trusting in the power of God is what makes us strong.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack reminds us that when we allow God’s glory to depart from us, there will be no spiritual worship, or influence about the things of God. Worship creates a tender heart towards spiritual things that our children need to witness, or they, too, will become complacent.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that true spiritual worship of God is not only scriptural, but also Christ exalting, renewing and truly humbling. When we consider the Heavens, how can we not want God’s glory to fill our hearts and minds?</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that when we have no appetite for the Bible, we end up investing in our own desires. Samuel experienced this firsthand while dealing with a corrupt priesthood. So, just as God led him to do, Samuel warned the people to come back to worshipping God or face the consequences.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that a true Christian wants to see God’s glory displayed in their lives. So, how do we keep from growing cold in our relationship with the Lord? One thing we are to do is to stay in God’s Word. The Bible has a way of keeping our spirits fed, and our faith strong.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when there is no appetite for the Bible, there will be no change in our lives. It’s only when we come to our senses, repent, and pray for a miracle that we can be free from the clutches of spiritual deception.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel’s ministry grew more and more powerful with time, and the more Samuel did, the more he was blessed.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that God’s calling on our lives can be overwhelming and challenging. But, it will also be compelling, as we walk in faith and in harmony with scripture.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God can speak to us through dreams, but with all things, it must be examined before an open Bible. His call on our lives will come at the right time, but we need to listen and be still before Him.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God loves to talk to us, and if we have no message from God, we must get one. If we have no direction, we must find one, and if we feel no protection from Him, we must trust Him.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that in order to know the call of God for our lives, we need to be still before Him, ready to listen. It’s a personal thing. We can’t really serve God without knowing Him personally.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that even though Samuel was still a young boy, he was already in the temple ministering before the Lord. Samuel knew opportunities would arise, and he was ready with passion and enthusiasm for the things of God.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that while Eli and his sons are losing favor with God, Samuel is growing and thriving. Samuel chose not to benefit personally, but to put God first in worship, and in everything he set out to do.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Eli, the priest who served before Samuel, had two sons who were corrupt. Eli had failed to correct their evil ways, and his weak love for them ended in tragedy.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that true worship is like a covering, a spiritual protection against evil. And one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to teach them how to worship God. We must not lose sight of the next generation, or those who are called to serve in God’s ministry.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack explains that when spiritual leaders lose sight of God, the people they lead often follow, and worship begins to feel empty or even unwanted. This kind of ministry neglect misses the point: spiritual worship is our offense, our protection against corruption.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that one of the most powerful things a person can do is worship God. Our lives can change radically when we put our complete trust in Him. Worship isn’t just a private devotion; it pushes back against the schemes of our enemy. Spending quality time with the Lord becomes a spiritual defense.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that the path to victory is the desire to see God in all His glory, and to praise Him for all He has done. Especially, when our prayers are answered in our most trying of times.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that true spiritual worship comes from a militant faith, where we’re not blind to the Lord’s return, or ignorant of the Holy Spirit, or of Satan and his schemes.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Hannah picked up the pieces of her life by turning to God in her anguish. God heard Hannah’s plea and granted her request. He gave her Samuel, who would live in the temple and serve the Lord for the rest of his life.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that we often give up on prayer even though prayer is what invites God’s will into our lives. Self-reliance might feel natural, but it keeps us stuck and blinds us to what God can do through us.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Hannah’s barrenness was allowed by God, yet she remained obedient and continued to worship Him through her sorrow.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel’s mother, Hannah, endured many hardships and tears. Devotion to the Lord is not without sorrow, but when we obey God in the midst of pain, His grace is always enough.</p>

<p>Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that, like Samuel, we’re all called by God to stand in the gap: to serve, to pray, and to trust.</p>