Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 1-2

Congratulation to all – we are now into 1 Samuel, 9th Book of the Bible! This is the starting point for Israel as a Monarchy around 1100 B.C.

I always love this story of Hannah, which is also my daughter’s favourite bible story. She always asks me if I pray as hard as Hannah to receive her from God. I always say “yes, I did”. In fact, I prayed so much that God gave me two children at the same time to make sure that Janeen has a playmate right away from my womb. My answer always makes her so happy. For those who did not know, I indeed prayed very hard before I had my twins because I was not able to conceive for 4 years – very short time compared to many other ladies, but it was hard and I feel Hannah’s grief and despair so personally this morning. I can just see her weeping on the ground – “I am a woman who is deeply troubled… I was pouring out my soul to the Lord… I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief”… Then, her joyful praise – “My heart rejoices the Lord; I the Lord my horn is lifted high” Have you ever felt such despair and joy in your life?

I just finished reading a book called “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman. I highly recommend it, but I must warn you to get ready to be shaken and repented and loved at the same time! As I read this morning’s passage, I recall something I read in that book. God wants us to pursue him passionately! Do you remember how you pursue your spouse when you were dating? Do you remember how you pursue your career or education without a single side-glance? Do you remember how you want your child so badly? God wants you to pursue him with that passion in your heart. In Revelation 2:4, “you have forsaken your first love”. In Revelation 3:15 – 16, “you are neither cold nor hot cause you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth”. Do you feel the passion in your heart for God? Or are you just lukewarm? Are you so tired and worn out of your first love for God? Then, let’s wake up! Let’s re-kindle our passion for God. Let’s pursue him with at least the same or bigger passion we seem to have for our family, career, job, entertainment, friendship, wealth, fame!