Faithful in Enemy Territory When we step into 1 Samuel 27–30, we find David in one of the hardest seasons of his life. He is still running from Saul, and he is worn out. In 1 Samuel 27:1 we hear him say to himself, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul”(ESV). That... Continue Reading →
Put Down The Sword
God's Provision in the Ordinary Have you ever cried out for a miracle and felt abandoned when nothing changed? That is exactly where we find David in 1 Samuel chapter 21. The giant-slayer is now a fugitive. He is desperate. He is hungry. He is alone. When David arrives in the city of Nob, the... Continue Reading →
Kingdoms We Cannot Keep
Introduction: The Song That Started a War Imagine the scene with me. The war is over. The soldiers are coming home. There’s music in the streets, tambourines shaking, people laughing, kids running beside the procession. And leading the way is David, the shepherd boy who stepped up when no one else would. Goliath is dead.... Continue Reading →
Israel Asks For A King
Sermon Audio: LINK I. The Crisis of Leadership and the Question of Kingship (1 Samuel 8:1-5) In 1 Samuel 8, Israel stands at another crossroads. The chapter begins, “When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel” (1 Samuel 8:1, ESV). Samuel had served faithfully as prophet, priest, and judge. But with age... Continue Reading →
Prayer for an American Flag Raising Ceremony
O Lord God of Hosts, the King of the nations, unto You we lift our eyes and hearts on this occasion. As we raise the banner of this land, we acknowledge You as the giver of all good things, the Defender of the just, and the Judge of all the earth. We bless You, O... Continue Reading →
The Loss and Return of the Ark:
Sermon Audio: LINK I. The Danger of Presuming on God's Presence (1 Samuel 4) In 1 Samuel 4, Israel makes a fatal mistake. They presume on God's presence without submitting to His authority. Facing the Philistines, a fierce warrior people from the island of Caphtor (modern-day Crete), Israel believes the battle can be won by... Continue Reading →