Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Reflections on I Samuel 19-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Saul in his continued jealousy pursues David, but Saul’s son Jonathan has a different heart.  Consider:

  • Saul’s jealousy – The jealousy that began in chapter 18 reigns throughout our passage today as Saul seeks David’s life. Is there jealousy in your heart?  Are you treating someone poorly out of jealousy or envy?
  • Jonathan’s loyalty – Saul’s son remains loyal to David in spite of his dad’s jealousy, and in spite of the fact that David’s life will keep Jonathan from ever being king. Jonathan accepts the lot God has given him and loves David as a brother.  Are you loyal to your friends?  To God’s people?  Even to your own hurt?  Even when others are against them (and may turn against you)?

I Samuel 25-31: Faithful

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(19-24) God is faithful to David.  How does God faithfully guide and protect David?

19:1-7 –

19:8-9 –

19:10-17 –

19:18-24 –

20:1-42 –

21:1-15 –

22:1-23 –

23:1-14 –

23:19-29 –

24:1-22 –

What application do you find for your own life?

(19-20, 23) Despite his dad’s murderous attempts on David’s life, Jonathan remains faithful to David, and David to Jonathan.  How do they show their faithfulness to one another in these passages?

19:1-7 –

20:1-42 –

23:17-18 –

What does it mean that Jonathan “strengthened his hand in God”?  How might we strengthen a friend’s hand in God?

How might we further apply their example to our own friendships?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Using Self-Examination for Spiritual Formation – Joe Carter (TGC)
The Christian life requires frequent self-examination to ensure we are overcoming sin and growing in obedience.

Fears and Fleeting Faith – Tim Challies
…there is no situation beyond God’s knowledge, no condition beyond God’s control, no circumstance beyond God’s power. The one who holds us in the storm is the very same one who holds the storm.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Helping the Hurting– Dave Furman (TGC)
No one wants to be like Job’s friends. We have hurting people in our lives, and we want to help them, but how do we manage to not make fools of ourselves? And how can we actually help hurting people without discouraging them even more?

The Best Day of the Week…for Your Kids – Nick Kennicott (TCC)
Here are eight ways we can help our children view Sunday as being the best day of the week…

Hope you have a great best day of the week!

The Stones Cry Out

On By BrianIn Stones Cry Out

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Rocky Beach along Lake Superior in Michigan

As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—
the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice
for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying,
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered,
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
– Luke 19:37-40

And the stones do cry out – proclaiming the glory and beauty of our Creator!

Reflections on I Samuel 16-18

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

In our passage today, God chooses a new king.  Note:

  • Heart – God looks not on the outward appearance, but on the heart. God chooses David because David has a heart for God.  What does God see when he looks at your heart?
  • The battle is the Lord’s – David goes out to fight Goliath, but he doesn’t go alone. He goes in the name of the Lord for the glory of God.  What battles are you facing?  You need not fight the battle alone.  Look to the Lord for help and fight for his glory.