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 MoreSobering Results from the American Worldview Inventory 2025
I recently read the results of a survey called the American Worldview Inventory 2025. The study was led by George Barna and the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Barna has been highly respected for years as a Christian researcher, so I’m always interested in his findings. I’ll state here at the beginning that…
Read MoreWhat I’ve Read This Past Year
It’s always fun to look back over the past year at the books I’ve read. This past year, I’ve read some classics, some new books, some fiction, non-fiction, and Christian/theology. I’d love to hear what you’ve read in the last year, so post in the comments and give me your recommendations. Here’s what I’ve read…
Read MoreJuly 2025 Update
It’s summertime! Is it as hard for you as it is for me to believe that we’re over halfway through 2025? I can’t say enough how much I appreciate each of you who read the blog! It’s a joy to put in all the study and work to write the posts, and an even greater…
Read MoreShortcut 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…
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