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THE PARABLE OF THE WAFFLE IRON

In a previous message I used a waffle iron to briefly illustrate the principle of abiding in Christ, the True Vine.   God often uses the simplest of everyday things to speak His truth to us so that we can easily understand His ways.   The more that I have thought about this illustration, the more I have seen the powerful lessons and applications that it holds for simple-minded believers like me.   To God be the glory! The first U.S. patent for a waffle iron was issued on August 24, 1869 by Cornelius Swartwout.   Waffles had been around since the 14th century but were just two plates of metal hinged together and mounted on long poles so that they could be held over a fire.   It was Mr. Swartwout, though, who invented an improved design that could be used on a wood or gas stovetop.   In 1911, General Electric introduced the first electric waffle iron.   Every inventor/designer has a very specifi...
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HANNAH: BY STRENGTH SHALL NO MAN PREVAIL

The story of the prophet Samuel's mother, Hannah, is one which reveals much about Christ and the true nature of grace.   The story begins in the first chapters of 1 Samuel.   There we are introduced to Elkanah and his two wives Hannah (whose name means "grace") and Peninnah (whose name means "jewel," or "precious stone").   Peninnah had several children with her husband, but Hannah had none.   As important as childbearing was in those days, this created an adversarial atmosphere between the two wives.   Hannah felt badly that she could not have children of her own and share that special bond with her husband, and Peninnah used the situation to provoke Hannah and make her feel even worse.     During this time, the tabernacle of God was in a place called Shiloh, and Elkanah and his family would go up there to worship and offer sacrifices to God yearly.   While they were there, Hannah was bitter in her spirit over her circumstance, and she wept b...
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SPEAK, LORD

The story of Samuel the prophet is an amazing one, and it holds many treasures of wisdom that we can learn from today.   This man was the direct product of his mother's faith, and of God's promise.   His mother, Hannah, was barren and prayed to God for a son.   In exchange for this son, Hannah vowed to "lend" him in service to the Lord for all of his life.   In fulfillment of this vow, she presented Samuel to Eli the priest to be taught and raised in the tabernacle at Shiloh right after he was weaned.   According to Jewish tradition, this may have been between the ages of 18 months and 5 years.     Besides being lent to the Lord for life, scripture says that Samuel "ministered unto the Lord before Eli," and that he was in "favor with the Lord, and also with men" (1 Samuel 3:1 and 2:26).  These same three qualities should be found in every true child of God:    ·      First, they should consider their lives to be ...
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