What would you do if God began to gather hundreds of broken people around you?  This is what happened to David while he was on the run from Saul, the king who wanted him dead.  What David did is what Jesus has done for all of us: welcoming us from our various paths of distress, debt, or discontentment, becoming our Captain, and mobilizing us into an effective people!

The armies were drawn up in battle lines when the Philistine champion takes his stand.  Over nine feet tall - count 'em, NINE! - he roars his challenge to the fearful Israelite line.  For forty days the challenge continues until David arrives with provision for his brothers.  His response to the giant's taunting points to our ultimate champion, Jesus.  Jesus' unexpected battle plan, like David's, has powerful effect in the lives of those who believe.

Do you ever inadequate for the purpose of God?  Do you ever feel stuck in your past or disqualified in some way for being effective in God's kingdom?  Samuel was stuck in his grief, and David was stuck as an outsider in his own family, yet God had great purpose for both of them.  He has great purpose for us too, and it's time to move forward in faith!

Have you ever felt like a straggler in the kingdom of God?  Have you sinned "one too many times" to feel like God can work through you?  You're not alone.  As we see Saul being rejected by God in 1 Samuel 15, we also look backward and forward through biblical history to remember from where our acceptance truly comes, and how we can fulfill God's commission on our lives together.

Have you ever faced a seemingly impossible situation?  Saul was in one and so was his son, Jonathan.  They faced an enemy army that ridiculously outnumbered and "out-gunned" them.  While Saul would struggle, Jonathan had an inspiring confidence in God that emboldened him and all those around him.  As we look at 1 Samuel 13-14, imagine what can happen as we lift our eyes from our own ability or weakness to fix our hope on the God who cannot be hindered from saving, by many or by few!  (Jon also shares some significant vision and direction for Destination Church Hillyard and Spokane in the days ahead.)

What if the real problem isn't what we think it is?  What if God is doing something we hadn't even imagined?  In a time of political unrest (1 Samuel Chapters 8-12) God interrupts the life of a wealthy man named Saul, and reveals much about God's heart toward us today.

Are you ever tempted to "hack" God's power in your life?  Do you believe God is committed to displaying His glory in our world?  As we look into 1 Samuel Chapters 3-6 we see God's glory on display in a stunning fashion that challenges and encourages us still today.

Today, as Jon Meek Sr transitions the leadership of Destination Church to his son, Jon Meek II, we hear from Scripture and church history regarding the passing of the torch from one generation of leaders to the next.  When it's done well, it's very honoring to God!  We included the prayers at the end of the message today.

How do you respond when life doesn't go according to your plan?  Hannah was a woman who lived with shame and ridicule, but her response might be surprising.  She prayed.  She worshiped.  And then she gave one of the greatest sacrifices a mother can make.  As Jon Meek, Sr prepares to transition the leadership of Destination Church, he speaks of the life of Hannah, while also opening a window into his own family history.

Do you have a dream?  Can you dare to dream it?  Or do you feel like you're trying to run on empty?  This second part of the story of Naomi and Ruth, two women who have experienced severe loss, is a story of redemption, of hope renewed, and a call to us all to put our hope in the better Redeemer, Christ Jesus, in whom we can dare to dream!