January 12, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 1:1—2:10
This study begins with the heartfelt prayer of Hannah, the future mother of the prophet Samuel—the man who would anoint David as king. At a time when Israel was spiritually depraved and given over to paganism, Hannah, though burdened by barrenness, chose to worship and trust in God. In response to her faith, God blessed her with a child whom He appointed as a future leader of Israel. Pastor Lloyd teaches how God used one faithful woman, despite her grief, to bring forth a prophet who would call His people back to Him.
Hearing from God Again
January 19, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 2:11—3:21
In this message, Pastor Lloyd contrasts the early life of Samuel with the wickedness of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Though called to be priests, Eli’s sons defiled the temple through their sinful actions, leading Israel into a spiritually dead state. In contrast, God raised up one faithful boy—Samuel—who listened to His voice and served Him wholeheartedly. This study challenges believers to fear God, walk in His commands, and avoid the careless and sinful ways of Hophni and Phinehas.
Misguided Faith
February 2, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 4
This study highlights Israel’s backslidden state and the righteousness of God’s judgment. Hophni and Phinehas treated the Ark of God as a tool for their own ambition, leading Israel into a devastating defeat against the Philistines. Pastor Lloyd teaches that God is not a magic charm to be used for personal gain. Hophni and Phinehas had a misguided faith driven by passion rather than truth, which ultimately led to Israel’s defeat. This study reminds believers that true faith is rooted in obedience to God, not in relying on emotions and self-interests.
The Hand of the Lord at Work
February 9, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 5—6
Despite our sins and shortcomings, God remains faithful. In this message, we see Israel’s defeat due to their lack of reverence for God, and the Ark of the Covenant is taken by the Philistines, signaling the removal of God’s presence from Israel. However, even in their unfaithfulness, God’s mercy abounds. Pastor Lloyd emphasizes that, despite our sins, the hand of the Lord continues to move powerfully, working to bring redemption and righteousness to His people.
Steps to Revival and Victory
February 16, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 7
In this study, revival and repentance break out in Israel. Pastor Lloyd teaches how oppression and struggles often lead us to realize how helpless we truly are. Like Israel, we too struggle with remaining faithful to the Lord, yet in His mercy, we come to understand how deeply we need Him. In 1 Samuel 7, Israel learns that revival begins with a repentant heart, turning back to God in faith and surrender.
Is God Your King?
February 25, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 8—10
After Israel repented and God restored the Ark of the Covenant to His people, they still chose to reject Him as their king. God, in His patience, gave them what they wanted. This raises an important question: Have we ever given kingship over to anyone or anything other than God? The Lord warns Israel about the consequences of having an earthly ruler. Pastor Lloyd teaches that we must reflect on our lives and ask ourselves if we are truly trusting in Jesus as our king or if we are relying on worldly solutions.
The Hidden Dangers of Success
March 2, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 11—12
This message delivers a warning to believers. Like Saul, the first king of Israel, everyone experiences success and victory at some point. However, Pastor Lloyd cautions against forgetting the true source of those successes—God. It is easy to become blinded by personal achievements and lose sight of His faithfulness. This study serves as a reminder that God alone is our victory, and without Him, we are helpless.
Led by Faith or Driven by Fear?
March 9, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 13—14
Have you ever struggled with fear when God was calling you to step out in faith? Pastor Lloyd contrasts Jonathan’s bold trust in God with Saul’s fearful hesitation. This study shows how faith in God produces the courage to move forward, even in uncertainty, while fear hinders us from fulfilling God’s calling. This encouraging message challenges us to trust God fully and step out in faith because without Him, we can do nothing.
The Deception of Disobedience
March 16, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 15
This message explores the dangers of disobedience and pride, revealing how sin deceives us into justifying our wrong actions. Through the tragic example of King Saul, Pastor Lloyd illustrates how our flesh wars against our spirit, distorting the truth and leading us away from God’s will. Saul’s pride and empty sacrifice blinded him to true obedience. The prophet Samuel reminds us that God values obedience more than sacrifices or rituals, calling us to genuine submission to His will.
David: Unexpected Anointed and Positioned
March 23, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 16
In this study, Samuel follows God’s leading to select a new king after Saul’s pride and disobedience cost him the throne. God's sovereignty is powerfully displayed in choosing David, the least expected candidate. Pastor Lloyd highlights how God does not see as man sees; He looks at the heart, not outward appearance. This passage reminds us that God’s plans are not limited by human expectations. Just as He anointed and positioned David in His perfect timing, He is always at work, shaping hearts and preparing His people for His purposes.
By Faith Not By Sight (David Conquers Goliath)
March 30, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 17
This message highlights the infamous battle between David and Goliath, as Pastor Lloyd emphasizes the importance of faith in David’s life. Unlike David, King Saul allowed fear to override his faith, preventing him from fulfilling God’s calling. Through this study, we are reminded that God is not searching for an old king—He is looking for a faithful servant willing to submit to His plan.
Facing Greater Dangers Than Goliath
April 6, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 18—19
In this powerful message, we explore a new kind of battle in David's life, not against giants like Goliath, but against hidden enemies: praise, popularity, envy, and betrayal. As Saul turns against him, David faces persecution. Pastor Lloyd reminds us that sometimes the most dangerous threats aren’t the obvious ones we can see, like Goliath, but the ones that come through success, praise, and the people closest to us. Through it all, David is being refined to become the king God has called him to be. In every trial, David learned the importance of trusting God over man.
David Navigating Severe Trials
May 4, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 20—21
In this message from 1 Samuel 20–21, we see how fear shaped David’s choices as he fled from Saul. Yet even in uncertainty and hardship, God was at work. As Pastor Lloyd explains, the trials David faced were not wasted—they were part of God’s refining process. Be encouraged: the same God who walked with David is using your trials to shape you into who He’s called you to be.
In the Wilderness
May 11, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 22—23
Self-Restraint in the Wilderness
May 18, 2025 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • 1 Samuel 24
Acting out of desperation can lead to lasting consequences. In 1 Samuel 24, David learns the value of self-restraint and the importance of walking in the Spirit rather than the flesh. As he flees from Saul, God proves His unfailing faithfulness by protecting David from harm. Through this powerful moment in David’s life, we see a reflection of God’s steadfast love and protection for His people.
