John Vandervelde - Program Director   

This week Scott Eppler is the leader of our staff devotions, which takes place from 7:45am - 8:00am each day.  Scott's theme this week is "The Greatest Hits from the Old Testament".  Each day he'll be walking us through a story in the Old Testament that has been particularly meaningful in his life.  This is my favorite type of devotions.  I love it when a staff person opens God's word and shares how it has personally touched their life, how it has changed them, how they've grown or how they've been comforted by Scripture.  The openness and vulnerability that is shown draws us in and brings us closer as a community.  There is something special that happens when, in community, we open up our hearts and minds up to be shaped and molded by God's word.  Don't you agree? 

Today Scott shared with us from I Samuel Chapter 1 which has been a particular meaningful part of Scripture for him and his wife, Anne, as they waited for the birth of their son, Samuel.  I was touched by Hannah's deep desire for a child, her fervent prayers, and her selfless giving back of Samuel to the Lord.  What a powerful woman of God! 

This week I hope you and your family (or a community in which you are a part) can get together, open God's Word, and reflect on its meaning for you today.  Open your hearts and minds to his teaching and guidance.  Open up with each other and be a little vulnerable - it may feel awkward, but God works in those moments in meaningful ways.