Many of us have fallen victim to acting out of the heat of the moment, whether we care to admit it or not. In most cases, we have loved ones around us who can speak wisdom and help us get our heads level before doing something we'd seriously regret. In today's message, Pastor Mike reflects on Abigail's plea with David, who was seeking to take vengeance into his own hands. In his study, you'll be reminded that vengeance is The Lord's, and we have no place in executing severe judgments towards others.

We would be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn't agree that David was well within his rights to defend himself from Saul and others. However, David actually exhibited the exact type of behavior that we should display, save for a few slip-ups here and there. In today's message, Pastor Mike will remind you that no matter how justified you might feel, love is always the answer to evil. In his study, you'll learn the importance of turning the other cheek and offering kindness and forgiveness, rather than wrath.

Due to our fallen nature, each and every one of us succumbs to the diminishing effects of sin as we grow older and eventually pass. When it comes to our leaders and those we look up to, we sometimes can't help but get anxious or worried about their replacement. However, as Pastor Mike will teach you in his message today, God's work isn't limited to any certain individual. In his study, you'll learn that as one passes on, God raises up another to continue in their stead, and faithfully serve The Lord.

When you’re lifting weights, it doesn’t always feel good. In fact, it hurts and causes a soreness later that makes you wonder if you regretted working out at all. But as you work day-in, day-out, you start to build up muscle because of those painful workouts. This is sort of how it is with trials you face in life too. Pastor Mike reminds you today that God allows these trials to build up your faith and your trust in Him, rather than removing the trials from your life altogether. So in the hurt, strengthen your faith!

You might have a wealth of opinions about the current administration and how you think it’s right or wrong, with the policies they’re putting into place. But when it comes down to it, are you seeking to honor God by being respectful of the people God’s put in authority over this nation? It’s a bit of a heart-check today as you listen to Pastor Mike relate this to David’s time, and how he dealt with a king who was trying to kill him. Despite that fact, David still had regard for the king and honored him.

“Who knew that distraction was an act of God?” You don’t hear people say that too many times, do you? But what if it’s true? What if God inserts Himself into a situation, in order to bring about good for you? But at the time, it seems like a rabbit trail that doesn’t make any sense. Today, Pastor Mike talks about God intervening at times when you feel like there’s no way of escape. But He makes a way! Isn’t it great to know the all-powerful God who’s in control of everything that happens?

Sometimes, you just need a listening ear…someone who will hear what you have to say but isn’t quick to offer advice for the solution. Other times, you do need someone to give you some input, to help counsel you through a difficult circumstance that you feel lost in. Throughout today’s teaching, Pastor Mike mentions how important it is to point people to Scripture rather than offering your own advice because God’s truths are something you can’t mess up. So look to God’s Word to feed your soul!

When you’re in a conversation with someone, it’s only natural to ask questions, and then wait for an answer from the person you’re talking to. This is how you have healthy interactions with others and get to know them better. So why do you think it would be any different with God? Today, Pastor Mike relays the idea that it’s important to talk to God and even ask Him for direction. God craves that time with you where you submit your hopes, your fears, and your requests to Him - and He’s there to answer!

When you think about a piece of steak to cook, you want that meat to still be soft and juicy, not hard and crusty. The flavor comes through so much more when it’s cooked just right, and you can cut into that steak in a way that the juices flow out. But when that same piece of food is overcooked, it becomes hard and nearly impossible to eat or enjoy. Today, Pastor Mike talks about two men who went to these extremes. One was willing to have a soft heart, and the other became harder and stubborn.

What brings you together in relationship with others? Many times, it’s going through a shared experience. It might be a really memorable trip, or a very difficult circumstance that bonds you together because you helped one another get through it. In an interesting twist today, Pastor Mike shares how this passage in 1 Samuel relates to the church and God - even today - and what that means for you! The things you experience may help unite you with others because of what you go through together!