I’ve been shocked by only a few sermons in my life. I lived a sheltered childhood in a Southern Baptist church, and when I got out on my own, I was surprised that everyone didn’t believe like I did. So, when a preacher would say something I’d never heard before, my brain would go on…
Read MoreCategory: Bible Study
Lessons and studies from the Bible
Shortcut to a Throne, or Faith in God’s Timing?
In chapter 16, we saw David anointed as king of Israel and, as part of God’s plan, placed in service to Saul. The king liked David very much, and David’s music helped ease Saul whenever an evil spirit would overcome him. But then David won a great victory over a man named Goliath (chapter 17),…
Read MoreHe Sees the Heart: What We Miss, God Knows
In chapter 15 of 1 Samuel, God rejected Saul as king because he repeatedly failed to obey Him. The people of Israel had sinfully demanded a king, and God allowed them to have the king of their choice. By the end of chapter 15, it was obvious to everyone that their choice had been a…
Read More99% Obedience Is 100% Disobedience: The Fall of Saul
If you were approaching a brand-new bridge over a massive canyon and you saw a sign that said, “Bridge construction is 99% complete,” would you head across? Well, you could, of course, but a 99% complete bridge still puts you at the bottom of the canyon. Partial obedience, like a brand-new bridge, might look impressive…
Read MoreGood Start, Bad Finish: The Rise and Fall of a Man Named Saul
I love sports. Watching it, that is, not playing it. I never was good at playing sports, but I consider myself somewhat of an expert at watching it. As I’m writing this, I’m remembering watching a basketball game in which my team had a large, seemingly insurmountable lead. The other team didn’t cooperate, and they…
Read MoreFinishing Well: A Lesson on Integrity, Faith, and the Unfailing Love of God
The book of 1 Samuel starts with a godly woman praying for a son, and that son, Samuel, grew up and became one of the most important people in Israel. He was both judge and prophet, and he led the people well. He was as godly as his mother and a great man of faith….
Read MoreBe Careful What You Ask For: Israel’s First King
Israel asked God for a king (see here), and he gave them what they wanted. The question was, who would be that king? There once lived a well-off man named Kish. He was from the tribe of Benjamin, and he had a son named Saul. Saul was an impressive young man, at least to the…
Read MoreWhen God Lets Us Have Our Way
When I became a dad, I made an important decision — I was not going to say certain things that my parents had said to me. Things like, “Because I said so,” “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” and “Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.” And the classic, “If Jimmy jumped off…
Read MoreQuick Fix Faith: When We Want God’s Help Without Holiness
One of mankind’s greatest inventions is duct tape. Nothing breaks that can’t be fixed with good old duct tape. I’ve seen water bottles sealed, shoes fixed, cell phone screens repaired, and even side-view mirrors held onto cars by duct tape. Don’t knock that last one until you try it — I know from experience. Deep…
Read MoreGod Still Speaks: Will You Listen?
The third chapter of 1 Samuel marks a turning point in the history of Israel. God had not spoken to his people for a very long time. Sin was so rampant among his people that he chose to remain silent: Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of…
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