And the Boy Grew in the Presence of the Lord
Slowly, slowly life crashed down on Hannah. Year after year she longed for a child, but God closed her womb. Her default mode…
As Long as He Lives
How many of us make desperate promises in an attempt to influence God to give us what we want, especially when life doesn’t…
Peninnah – Life-Taker?
Catch the words of conflict in Today’s Treasure: her rival, provoke, grievously irritated, so it went on year after year…
For This Child I Prayed
The morning after Hannah’s spiritual experience, her family worships one more time before returning home. Hannah’s facial expression…
No Rock Like Our God
Do you ever wonder what Elkanah thought about his wife’s vow to give their firstborn son to God? It’s likely she told…
No, My Lord
Hannah’s story teaches us so much about being a life-giver rather than a life-taker. Remember how…
A Pilgrimage Fueled by Hope ~ Week 8
Where are you on your pilgrimage? Are you taking time to “taste and see that the Lord is good?” Are you intentionally building systems into your life
Though the Fig Tree Should not Blossom
God moved in Hannah’s pain and turned her heart toward His presence and grace. Hannah left this intimate time with her God, refueled and energized to face Peninnah and…
Hannah’s Countenance
When Peninnah takes great delight in reminding Hannah that God has forgotten to fill her womb with life, I imagine…
Hannah’s Lament
As soon as their family meal ended, Hannah found a private corner of the temple where the desire of her heart drove her to the arms…
How Far Can Hannah Go?
Year after year Hannah traveled to Shiloh with her family to praise and worship God for all His blessings. No doubt Peninnah’s torment began…
Hannah Shows Up
Every year, Elkanah took his family to worship and sacrifice at Shiloh out of obedience to God’s call to go to the tabernacle for…
The Tale of Two Wives
Two wives, one husband. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children because the Lord closed Hannah’s womb. Hannah’s rival provoked her…
A Pilgrimage Fueled by Hope ~ Week 7
Every time I study Hannah’s life or read her story, my stomach clenches a little. For many years Hannah lived with not only a broken heart, but also a sister-wife who…
It’s All About Him
What is your default system when life comes crashing down? What systems are in place that will act as weight bearing walls, so that life…
Even in Old Age
We meet Anna when she is at least eighty-four years old, some think she is 105! Little did she know that when her husband died and left her as a young widow, that her perseverance…
Anna the Missionary
For over eight decades Anna persevered in her pursuit of intimacy with her God and sacrificial service that displayed her complete reliance on God’s love and character. On this particular day…
Anna: Help Her
In keeping with the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought their little baby boy to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. Like Anna, Simeon was…
Anna: Helper
God created us to need one another. That is certainly clear way back in Genesis 2:18 when God declared that Adam should not be alone. God made a…
Anna Chooses the Life Road
Anna’s name means grace, favor and beautiful. In Luke’s brief description of this elderly widow, we recognize a woman who reflects all of the characteristics of…