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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

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1 Samuel 1:9-20
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8
Mark 1:21-28

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receiving the blessing of a lifetime

"The Lord remembered her. She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him." —1 Samuel 1:19-20

Hannah was crying bitterly because she could not conceive a child (1 Sm 1:10). Through her tears, she silently moved her lips in prayer (1 Sm 1:13). Rather than having her prayer answered or at least receiving peace, she was falsely accused by the priest Eli of being drunk in the Temple (1 Sm 1:14). Instead of taking offense, she explained herself to the priest and received his blessing (1 Sm 1:17). Then she miraculously conceived Samuel, who became one of the greatest prophets (1 Sm 3:20), turning the whole Israelite population to the Lord (1 Sm 7:2).

To receive a miraculous blessing that will lead the world to Jesus, we may have to:

  • fight off depression,
  • pray in pain, and
  • forgive our detractors.

The greatest blessings are often surrounded by the greatest obstacles. However, the One in us is greater than the one in the world (1 Jn 4:4). By faith, we can receive God's grace (Eph 2:8). By faith, expressing itself through love (Gal 5:6), repentance, forgiveness, prayer, and action, we will be fruitful and have victory in Jesus. Receive a miraculous blessing for the salvation of the world!

Prayer:  Father, do in me what You must in order to do through me what You will.

Promise:  "What does this mean? A completely new teaching in a spirit of authority! He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey!" —Mk 1:27

Praise:  George was expected to die after suffering a massive heart attack. Three Christians prayed for him, and he was out of bed and miraculously healed within an hour.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013

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