The text for this morning's message is First Samuel 12, 16 to 25.

First Samuel 12, 16 to 25.

Now, therefore, stand still and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your

eyes. Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord that he may send thunder and rain,

and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the

Lord in asking for yourselves a king.

So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and reined that day,

and the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.

And all the people said to Samuel,

pray for your servants to the Lord your God

that we may not die,

for we have added to all our sins this evil to ask for ourselves

a king.

And Samuel said to the people, fear not, you have done this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve

the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after vain things which cannot profit or save, for they are vain.

For the Lord will not cast away his people for his great name's sake,

because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.

And I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, for consider what great things

he has done for you.

But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away,

...