Last week, we considered the place of God in this situation. We saw how God watched over and protected David through individuals and circumstances. Yet, as the weight of the battle grows heavier, sadly we often fail - giving into worry and anxiety. Yet God has given us a path to overcoming worry and anxiety. Today, we will consider David's succumbing to anxiety and the lessons that we can draw from it.

How do we, or should we, respond in the midst of this type of hostile situation? Where is God in all of this? Today, we will continue to see the blessing of God upon those who have been "called according to His purpose" ... to those He has anointed.

David and Saul

Today, we come to a much known passage ... the encounter of David and Goliath ... From Agony to Victory .... From Despair to Exhilaration

In our last study, we saw that God (via Samuel) told Saul: "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you." (1 Samuel 15:28) Today, we see the introduction of that neighbor!

On this Easter Sunday we explore the parallels between the original Garden with Adam and Eve and the Garden in which Christ was buried.

Over the past month we considered the process of Saul's coronation. Today, we will consider the flaw which leads to Saul's demise.

Samuel speaks to the people one last time, inquiring of them if anyone has been wronged by him. After receiving no condemnation, he reminds them one final time of the folly of asking for a king.

When the nation gathers together for the new king to be chosen, Saul is found hiding in the luggage tent! God had called and anointed him to be the king. But he tried to hide from that calling. However, there is no hiding from God! God emboldened and empowered Saul to be the vessel through which He would deliver the people of Jabesh. This act would also be that which solidified Saul as the king in the eyes of the people.

The world is infatuated with the concept of true love. However, apart from knowing God, an individual will never find the ultimate true love. The love of God is the standard for true love. Those who have received His gift of salvation are called to be imitators of God. We are to love as He loved us.