November 24, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 28, 1 Samuel 31
The conclusion of our journey through 1 Samuel focuses on the tragic end of King Saul, challenging us to examine our faith and relationship with God. True surrender goes beyond religious activities; it involves a heartfelt commitment to follow God's will. Saul's life serves as a warning that partial obedience and superficial faith lead to spiritual downfall. We must prioritize our relationship with God, trust His timing, and repent of unconfessed sin to maintain fellowship with Him.
How To Get Revenge
November 17, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 25
Explore the powerful lessons from 1 Samuel 25, where David's struggle with revenge is met with Abigail's wise intervention. This chapter offers profound insights into faith, human nature, and the importance of trusting God over our impulses. Learn about the necessity of godly counsel, the impact of wise actions in difficult situations, and the importance of trusting God's timing!
Wait For It
November 3, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 24, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 57:1–7
Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, leaving us questioning God's plan. By examining David's life, we learn valuable lessons about patience, faith, and obedience. David's highs and lows, including his encounter with Saul in the cave of En Gedi, teach us to trust God's timing and resist taking matters into our own hands. Practical steps include resisting revenge, seeking joy in God, avoiding compromise, and being patient.
When Fear Is The Driving Factor
October 27, 2024 • 1 Samuel 23, 1 Samuel 21, 1 Samuel 22
Fear can often drive our decisions, leading to unintended consequences. By examining David's journey through Nob, Gath, Adullam, and Hereth, we learn valuable lessons about faith, integrity, and trusting in God. David's lies at Nob led to tragedy, his compromise in Gath resulted in humiliation, but his transformation at Adullam showed God's power to change lives. Ultimately, David's accountability at Hereth teaches us the importance of owning our sins and seeking forgiveness.
Biblical Friendship
October 20, 2024 • 1 Samuel 18, 1 Samuel 19, 1 Samuel 20
The story of David and Jonathan from 1 Samuel 18-20 offers profound insights into true biblical friendship. In a digital age where meaningful relationships are declining, this narrative highlights the importance of selfless love, intentionality, and truth-telling in friendships. Jonathan's unwavering support for David, even at great personal cost, exemplifies the depth of biblical friendship. By following their example, we can cultivate friendships that shield, strengthen, and shape us, reflecting God's love in our lives.
Giant Courage
October 13, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 17:1–51
Fear is a universal experience, but the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 teaches us about true courage and faith in God. David, a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with unwavering faith, demonstrating that true courage comes from trusting in God. This narrative also foreshadows Jesus' victory over Satan, reminding us that our ultimate victory is secure in Christ. As we face our own fears, we can draw strength from these timeless lessons and trust in God's promises.
The Unexpected King
October 6, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 16:1–13
Periods of silence or inactivity in our faith journey, often referred to as 'blank spaces,' are times when God is shaping our character for greater things. Using David's anointing and his years in the pasture as an example, we learn that God values character over outward appearances. These blank spaces are opportunities for growth, humility, and preparation for future responsibilities. Embrace these moments, trusting that God is at work in your life.
The Compromising King
September 29, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 9:1–2, 1 Samuel 15:2–28
The story of Saul from 1 Samuel 9 and 15 highlights the importance of character over charisma. Initially humble and reliant on God, Saul's disobedience and pride led to his downfall. This narrative teaches that true leadership and faith are rooted in a heart fully surrendered to God. Compromising God's commands and rationalizing disobedience result in spiritual decline, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and prioritizing character in our lives.
The Better King
September 22, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 8:4–22
Trusting in God alone and not seeking fulfillment in earthly kings or http://things.the While it is natural to desire security, identity, and happiness, these should be sought in God rather than in relationships, careers, health, or material possessions. Israel demanded a king in 1 Samuel 8, highlighting how their desire for an earthly king was a rejection of God's kingship. This passages serves as a warning that every other 'king' in our lives will ultimately take from us and leave us unfulfilled, unlike King Jesus who serves and satisfies us completely!
Here I Am
September 15, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 3:1–18
Hannah's Quest
September 8, 2024 • Matt Embry • 1 Samuel 1, 1 Samuel 2:1–21
