Coffee and Devotions

A — What is this passage about? Saul's paranoia and hunger for power escalate into violence. He accuses the priests of conspiracy with David and orders their execution. Doeg the Edomite carries out the massacre, destroying the priests of Nob. David grieves when Abiathar escapes and finds refuge with him. B — Best verse to summarize this passage 1 Samuel 22:8 (NKJV) – "All of you have conspired against me, and there is no one who reveals to me that my son has made a covenant with the son of Jesse…" C — What are we called to do? Do not place ultimate trust in earthly leaders or power. Instead, trust God as the true King and remain faithful to Him even in a world corrupted by fear, pride, and injustice.

A — What is this passage about? David escapes to the cave of Adullam while fleeing from Saul. His family joins him, along with people who are distressed, in debt, and discontented, forming a group of about 400 men under David's leadership. God continues protecting David by providing followers, safeguarding his parents in Moab, and sending the prophet Gad to guide him. B — Best verse to summarize the passage 1 Samuel 22:2 — This verse highlights the gathering of the distressed and discontented around David, showing how God begins forming David's leadership and protecting him through people. C — What are we called to do? Trust that God is working behind the scenes even when life seems uncertain. Follow God's direction faithfully, just as David obeyed when instructed to move. Recognize that God often gathers broken people and leads them under His righteous King.

A – About: This passage focuses on David fleeing from Saul and seeking refuge with Achish, king of Gath. In desperation, David pretends to be insane to preserve his life. The emphasis is not on imitation of David's behavior, but on God's sovereign protection even when His servant makes fearful and questionable decisions. B – Best Verse: 1 Samuel 21:13–14 — David feigns madness before Achish, resulting in his dismissal rather than execution. C – Called to Do: We are called to trust God's providence in fearful and uncertain moments. Rather than imitating David's actions, we rest in the truth that God is sovereign, protective, and faithful—even when our judgment falters.

A – About: David flees from Saul and seeks refuge with Ahimelech the priest. In haste and fear, he receives the holy bread and the sword of Goliath. Though flawed and fearful, David experiences God's provision and mercy during his flight. B – Best Verse: 1 Samuel 21:6 – "So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread, which had been taken from before the Lord…" C – Called to Do: Trust in God's mercy and provision even in seasons of fear, failure, or uncertainty. Seek Him as refuge, remembering that His grace sustains imperfect people.

A – What is this about? This passage recounts how Jonathan confirms that Saul is determined to kill David. Through a secret signal with arrows, Jonathan protects David, and the two friends share a sorrowful farewell marked by covenant loyalty, even as Saul's pride and jealousy spiral further. B – Best verse to summarize this: 1 Samuel 20:42 — "Then Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD… May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'" C – What are we called to do? We are called to practice loyal, covenant love—standing for what is right even at personal cost, rejecting pride and jealousy, and trusting God's sovereign plan rather than clinging to power or control.

A – About: This passage focuses on King Saul's growing jealousy and repeated attempts to kill David, despite promising not to harm him. God sovereignly protects David through Jonathan, Michal, and ultimately by overpowering Saul and his messengers through His Spirit. B – Best Verse: "But the Spirit of God was upon him also…" (1 Samuel 19:23) — showing that God ultimately controls even the king's actions. C – Called to Do: We are called to trust God's sovereignty rather than grasp for power, to reject jealousy and pride, and to serve under Christ our true King with humility and faith.

A — About: Saul schemes to destroy David through manipulation and political marriage, yet despite Saul's plotting, the Lord continues to exalt David and cause him to prosper. B — Best Verse: "Thus Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David… So Saul became David's enemy continually." (1 Samuel 18:28–29 NKJV) C — Called To Do: Trust God over human manipulation. Walk wisely, remain faithful, and leave outcomes in the Lord's hands, knowing He governs increase and decrease.

A – About: This passage highlights the deep friendship between Jonathan and David, the growing jealousy and paranoia of Saul, and the clear evidence that God's favor had shifted from Saul to David. B – Best Verse: 1 Samuel 18:14 – "And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him." C – Called To Do: We are called to reject jealousy, submit to God's sovereign will, and faithfully follow the true King—trusting that we cannot fight against the Lord's purposes.

A – About: This passage recounts the battle between Israel and the Philistines in First Samuel 17, where David faces Goliath. While Israel trembles in fear, David trusts the Lord to deliver him. God displays His power and glory by granting victory—not through human strength, but through faith. B – Best Verse: "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's…" (1 Samuel 17:47 NKJV) C – Called to Do: We are called to trust the Lord rather than our own strength, walk in faithful obedience, and rest in the greater victory of Jesus Christ—our true and better Champion.

A – About: In 1 Samuel 16:14–23, the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul, and a distressing spirit troubles him. God sovereignly uses David—newly anointed yet still unknown publicly—to bring temporary relief through music. The rejected king is soothed by the chosen king, revealing both God's judgment and His mercy. B – Best Verse: 1 Samuel 16:23 — "Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him." C – Called to Do: We are called to seek true peace from the Lord rather than cling to pride or self-rule. Saul's distress flows from rebellion, while David becomes an instrument of relief. Ultimately, this points us to Christ, the greater Son of David, who alone gives lasting peace to troubled souls.