August 16th, 2026
Calling: Keeping, Finding, Growing
Digging Out the Old Calling
Jon Fredricks
Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:1-4 NIV
1 Samuel 7:1-4 NIV
So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord. They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the Lord. 2 The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. Then all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord. 3 So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the Lord only.
1) SETTLE YOUR SERVE
1 Samuel 2:26 NIV
26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.
Matthew 4:10 NIV
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people
2) FAITHFUL BEFORE FRUITFUL
1 Samuel 3:19-21 NIV
19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. 21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Matthew 25:23 NIV
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
3) CHANGE THE METHODS - NOT THE MESSAGE
1 Samuel 3:19-21 NIV
19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. 21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.
4) BUILD EBENEZER
1 Samuel 7:12 NIV
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
1 Samuel 7:15 NIV
15 Samuel continued as Israel’s leader all the days of his life.
AFTER THE LIVESTREAM
Pray!
Jesus, I know that I have been separate from you my entire life. I have tried to pretend otherwise, but I realize today that my decisions, choices...my sin has separated me from God. I believe you are the Son of God and my only way forward. Please save me as I surrender the rest of my life into your hands. Thank you that you hear me!
Let us know!
We want to be in this journey with you and help in way we can. Fill out a Connection Card - or even text it to the prayer line!
Start Reading!
We think the Gospel of John is a great place to start. Consider using the app: YouVersion.
