1 Samuel 15

We go astray when faith is no longer a contributing factor in decision-making.

We go astray when our views are compromised, because we are compromising.

We go astray when we know better. (Or at least think we do!) 

We go astray when we’d rather give reasons and justifications rather than repent.

We go astray when we’d rather decide to answer evil with evil.

1 Samuel 14:24-52

1.Saul took his eyes off of God.

2.Saul allowed pride to take root and failed to live a repentant life.

3.Saul was no longer sought after for advice.

4.Saul started hanging out with losers.

5.Saul wasn’t present in moments when people needed him most.

6.Saul was impulsive in making promises and commitments without forethought, planning, or

knowledge.

7.Saul was self-focused, not others-focused.

8.Saul became destructive and toxic.

9.Saul led others into sin.

10.Saul became a Pharisee.

11.Saul was willing to harm another in order to save himself.

1 Samuel 13:16-14:23

Be consumed by the opportunity, not the odds.

Choose zeal over comfort and complacency.

Surround yourself with like-minded, passionate lovers of God.

Be proactive, not reactive.

Get confirmation from God. 

Climb and fight!

Pray for the faith to believe and do what the Lord calls you to!

Fear is a tool in the enemy’s hand. 

There is safety in the waiting.

When we choose disobedience, we invite consequences.

Pray to recognize the Lord’s 6ming for big decisions and the willingness to wait!

1 Samuel 12

The reliability of God’s man, Samuel, was established

A reminder of the righteous acts of God establishes His faithfulness.

A riveting warning against demands we might make.

A regrettable indictment (confirmed by divine signs). 

A righteous exhortation: Obey God! 

Thank God for His faithfulness and leadership!

Pray for the power and desire from The Holy Spirit to obey the Lord in every way!

The enemy loves to bring shame to the children of God.

Righteous anger can be appropriate and necessary.

We should frequently return to our ‘Gilgal’ moments: Salvation, consecration, repentance

Corporately: Pray for a firm resolve to live out God’s truth, regardless of the circumstances.

Personally: Reflect on the moments of salvation & repentance. Thank Him and remember.

1 Samuel 9-10

The person of God who wishes to see things clearly must go low…and stay there.

We must cultivate the right character and call up the right leaders.

Great moments do not equal godly consistency…God desires continued faithfulness.

The best of men are, at best, just men.

1 Samuel 8:1-22

Our role as parents is critical. We must prioritize godly parenting! (See vs. 1-3)

Take ownership - Don’t blame God for your failures. (See vs. 4-8)

Be very certain about what you seek – God may give it to you and all of the consequences

that go along with it. (See vs. 9-20)

Our calling is to be light in the world, not to be like the world. (See Vs. 21-22)

1 Samuel 6-7

1. Put yourself in God’s presence and watch Him handle your idols for you.

2. Pray for good and godly leadership!

Pray through Psalm 139:23-24, and that you’d be made aware of the idolatry in your heart.

Pray for our upcoming election, and that hearts of our elected leaders would be God-seeking.

1.If your beliefs keep falling down, maybe you’ve believed a lie.

2.When you believe a lie long enough the truth becomes a pain in the buttocks!

3.The ultimate lie of the devil is that God does not love you.

4.The Ark: The highest physical representation of God’s presence (before Christ).