1 Samuel
So long as we trust God to empower and guide us, what does our own experience level and social status matter? The prior sentence feels dangerous. It allows for unproven and immature leaders to take leadership roles. It counters human ability to vet candidates and denies attempts at gatekeeping power
1 Samuel
Spiritual leadership is never a path to social elite status. God did not send Jesus to assert His superiority over us; God sent Jesus to us to serve us because we could not save ourselves. God’s model in Jesus is one of servant leadership. Those who follow Jesus should
1 Samuel
God is the focus. He is our creator. He put the universe in motion. His hand is where the blessings of life – both big and small – originate. As Saul and his servant come to Ramah, they meet some young women coming out to the town’s well to draw water.
1 Samuel
To impact the world requires forward thinking, not reactionary responding. It is always easier to deal with life when we anticipate. Anticipation gives an opportunity to plan responses before they are needed. Forward thinking people have an opportunity to shape the world around them. Saul, the man who becomes the
1 Samuel
When a human is our king, they take because it is due to them. My country doesn’t exactly have a king, but America certainly does have a government. The rules governing what the government takes are substantial. The tax laws, including the IRS regulations that go along with them,
1 Samuel
When we turn to the world and look upon it with envy or jealousy, we demonstrate a lack of interest in being set apart and holy for God’s purpose. To walk with God requires humbleness as we submit to His will. We follow Him and His ways. Samuel grows
1 Samuel
As the psalmist says, “A broken and contrite heart, oh God, you will not despise.” Perfect is an idealistic dream. It’s not wrong to shoot for perfection, but it is wrong to expect it and not have a plan for when we miss. Everyone falls short of perfection. One
1 Samuel
How many bad decisions are made because we act out of fear rather than purpose? How many bad decisions are fearful responses to the what ifs instead of taking time to discern? God does not want us acting out of fear. We cannot know everything, and sometimes we must make
1 Samuel
The best apology is the apology coming after evidence of repentance is visible. It is good to apologize for a mistake, but the most heartfelt apology is one where the wronged individual can see evidence of correction to alleviate the possibility of similar future mistakes. Nobody is perfect, a fact
1 Samuel
The path to truth resides in having no other gods before Him. It is one of the primary laws given to Moses as the foundation of the legal code. It is also the core of our sin. All sin is fundamentally formed by a break in our desire to pursue
1 Samuel
Life is best lived when God sets the course. He knows the plan for our lives. He’s always had the plan. My dreams are fleeting; His dreams are eternal. After some of the men of Beth-shemesh die in the presence of the ark, the people send word to
1 Samuel
In asking questions, we get to truth. I had a great conversation recently with a friend where I was reminded that spiritual experiences often start conversations rather than end them. The journey of spirituality is about seeking truth. We’ll reach the end eventually, but I am not there yet.