September 12-18

In-Law or Outlaw?

Memory Verse:

Psalm 18:3 (NLT) I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

Day 1

1 Samuel 19-20; Psalm 59

Why did Saul want to kill David (see 1 Samuel 18:6-9)?

Why is Jonathan more loyal to David than his own father (19:1-2)?

Even though Saul sought to do David harm, how did David respond?

David has Michal, Samuel, and Jonathan all help him escape from Saul, but at the end of chapter 20, David is alone. Describe a time when you felt alone with no one to help you.

Think of a time when you were unfairly treated. How did you respond? Did you respond in a God-pleasing way? According Psalm 59, how should we respond to others when they seek to do us harm?

David refers several times to God as his fortress in Psalm 59. What does it mean that God is our fortress?

Day 2

1 Samuel 21-22 (extra credit: Psalm 34 and Psalm 52)

Chapter 21 begins with David alone and hungry. Where does he go (21:1)? What two things does he receive there (21:4-9)? Where do you go in times of need?

Where does David go next (21:10-15)? Who do you remember was from Gath (see 1 Samuel 17:4)? Compared to what David gained by going to the priests, what does he lose by going to the Philistines?

Where is the third place David goes to (22:1)? Describe a time you felt you were in a deep dark cave? Who came to David in that place (22:2)? What do you think these people were looking for in David? Who would these people become (see 2 Samuel 23:8-39)?

What does the killing of the priests at Nob tell us about Saul (22:6-18)?

David felt guilty for Saul’s actions (22:20-23). Have you ever felt guilty for another persons actions? Was it appropriate for David to feel guilty? Why or why not?

Day 3

1 Samuel 23-24

Even though David is on the run to save his own life, he goes to help the people of Keilah (23:1-6). What does this say to you about when you encounter other people in need?

How does Saul respond to this good deed David did for the people of Keilah (23:7-8)?

How has Saul’s jealousy of David, hindered Saul from fulfilling his responsibility as king? What should the Israelite army have been doing instead of chasing David (23:8)?

How does David go about making decisions at this point (23:9-14)?

In the decisive moment, when all seems lost, and it looks like David is going to be captured by Saul, what happens (23:26-29)? Describe a time in your life where God intervened at just the last moment.

David had the opportunity to kill Saul in chapter 24, but instead he just tore off a piece of his clothing. Why was David conscience-stricken when he could have killed Saul and didn’t (24:5-6)? How do we justify our sins by comparing our seemingly smaller sins to bigger sins?

How does David make his appeal to reconcile with Saul (24:8-21)? Are David and Saul truly reconciled after this incident (24:25)?

Day 4

1 Samuel 26; Psalm 18

Saul continues to seek David’s life and David once again has the opportunity to kill Saul. Why does he not do it (26:8-11)?

In whom does David express his confidence for deliverance (26:10)?

Why would Saul call David his son when he is trying to kill him (26:17)?

Why would David not come back to Saul as Saul had requested (26:21)?

It seems Saul recognizes God is on David’s side (26:25). Yet, why do you think Saul continues to pursue David?

David says he calls to the Lord and the is saved from his enemies (Psalm 18:3). How does David describe the Lord’s response in verses 7-19?

What is David’s response to the Lord’s deliverance (18:49)?

Day 5

1 Samuel 27-28

Whose idea was it to go to the land of the Philistines (27:1)? God or David’s? How does the beginning of this chapter differ from the beginning of 1 Samuel 23?

How many other people did David’s decision affect (27:2-3)?

How long did David live among the Philistines (27:6)?

Why did the Lord not answer Saul (28:4-6)? What did Saul have left to consult (24:7)? Who fears God more, King Saul or pagan witch (24:10)?

Is there a place in your life you are eagerly seeking to hear from God, but God is seemingly not responding? We consider that Saul failed to hear from God because of his continued disobedience and selfish self-interest. How might we respond differently to hear from God?

Psalm 121 is one of my all time favorite Psalms. In 1997 I had the privilege to spend a summer studying in Jerusalem. My time in the Holy Land helped me to understand the Bible in a whole new way. Psalm 121 was certainly one of those places where I discovered a new appreciation.

The city of Jerusalem during David’s time sat upon a hill. When David looked to the east he would have seen the Mount of Olives. When David looked to the west he would have seen what it he modern day Mount Zion. Both of these mounts would have stood taller than city in which David resided.

I picture David looking out over the walls of Jerusalem and lifting his eyes to the mountains that surrounded the city. As he lifts his eyes, he contemplates the question: “Where does my help come from?”

Why would David have asked this question? As he looked out upon the mountains David would have seen what was called the high places. The high places were places that were set aside for worship of the gods. In ancient Israel many people practiced what was called Baal worship. Baal was a fertility god. The people believed that if they worshiped Baal that Baal would supply them with healthy crops, plenty of livestock, and abundant offspring. They believed Baal helped them to inhabit and live in the land.

In contrast David asks, “where does my help come from?” David did not worship Baal. David worshipped Yahweh! Yahweh was the Old Testament name for God. David says my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

I am going to pause for a moment to give you a short aside lesson. In your Bible you probably see the name Lord written in lower case capitals.

The reason for this was because in the original Hebrew the name Yahweh was used. Again this was the personal name of God. However, according to the 10 Commandments we are not to take the name of the Lord our God in vain. To avoid taking the name of God in vain the name of God was not used.

When reading the name of Yahweh in the text, the reader would substitute the Hebrew word Adonai. Adonai in English is translated lord. They would not dare say the name of Yahweh in fear of violating the commandment. So the word Adonai was used in its place.

When it came to translating the English Bible the word Lord was used with small case capitals to indicate the Hebrew text reads Yahweh who is referred to as the Lord.

So it is Yahweh who David says his help comes from. There is no other name by which salvation comes. It is Yahweh who would send his son as our savior, Jesus Christ.

Now back to Psalm 121. I read Psalm 121 I also think about the story of David and Goliath. The battle between David and Goliath took place in the Elah Valley. David would have looked across the valley to the opposite ridge and there he would have seen the Philistine army. He remembers God’s promise to Abraham that the descendants of Abraham would occupy the land. David knew God was true to his promises and would remain faithful. This gave him the confidence to face Goliath and the Philistine army. David was claiming the promise to Abraham as a descendant of Abraham.

The ability of David and the army to defeat the Philistines would not come by the size of their army, the advancement of their weapons technology, or the tactical skill of the commanders. God was the one who would deliver them.

In light of this, it makes sense for David to ask the question, “where does my help come from?” What is David’s confident response (121:2)?

David responds his help comes from Yahweh (the Lord). He is the only true God. Anyone or anything else we put our hope in will let us down.

What is the time of day that you normally sleep? Why is it significant God does not sleep during this time (121:3-4)?

We sleep at night. We need sleep. We cannot go without sleep. But when we sleep we loose consciousness of what is happening around us. When you are asleep you are not alert or prepared. Psalm 121 says God does not sleep. There is never a moment when he is not aware or alert as to what is happening. Nothing happens which is unseen. Nothing happens outside his awareness.

Describe a time when the Lord protected you or intervened in your life?

Every moment of my life. This world is filled with dangers. We often don’t even think about the danger we walk through because God is protecting us. We are unaware and even ignorant. The only thing protecting us is the Lord.

A few years back I was living in Virginia. My wife and I had bought a new computer which I needed to go and pick up in suburban Maryland just outside of Washington, DC. It was a beautiful day and I went on my way picked up the computer and went home.

Later that night we heard on the news that 8 people had been randomly shot in the area I had been just hours earlier. One of the shootings was at a gas station right next door to where I had picked up the computer. As we would later find out this was the first of many incidents related to the DC Sniper. I had spent that day entirely ignorant of the danger that was so close. God was protecting me.

Where is your coming – the places you are called to serve (121:8)? Where is your going – the place God is taking you both now and eternity (121:8)?

I think about this last verse of the Psalm and the places God has called me to serve. He has called me to serve my family, my church, and my community. He has even called me beyond those places to the ends of the earth. Jesus say, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It is up to me to see the opportunities God puts before me every day to be a blessing to others and to shine his light.

Finally, I know that this earth is not my home. You and I are just passing through. We have an eternal destination that is awaiting us. So the question that needs to be asked is if we are storing up treasure for the here and now to leave behind or are we storing up treasure for where we are going to be spending eternity.

Today, we are going to take a break from the story line. For the last week we have been engrossed in the history behind the life of David. Psalm 27 provides us with a different perspective. We are able to peer into the mind and heart of David through many of the Psalms. It gives us insight as to what was going through his mind during these different moments in his life.

The Psalms are poems or songs. Many of the Psalms are attributed to David. He was the author. We discover an incredibly tender heart within David. It is not something we might to expect to find in a warrior. But there is much that is unexpected when it comes to this man.

What are the three ways David describes God in verse 1? How does this give David (and us) confidence?

David describes God as his light, his salvation, and his stronghold. Each of these three things have special meaning. In 2 Samuel 21:17 David is described as the lamp of Israel. He certainly shined brightly. But David acknowledges in this Psalm that any light he might shine comes from the Lord. He is only using borrowed light. His life’s purpose is to reflect the light of God. Of course Jesus would later declare that he is the light of the world. And at the end of the Bible in the book of Revelation there is no need for the sun or the moon, because the Lord is the light for the new creation.

God is also David’s salvation. David is saved by God. He is kept safe because of the hand of the Almighty. There were many dangers David faced throughout his lifetime. There were many times when David might have been killed. But God watched over him and kept him safe to fulfill his purpose on this earth. God will keep you safe to fulfill his good purpose.

The last thing David acknowledges is that the Lord is his strength. David could have easily have given up. He could have walked away from the purpose God had called him to. But he did not. David recognized everything he had came from the Lord. The Lord provided everything David needed even in the darkest times. If David seemingly did not have enough, God would provide. It was not always in a conventional way, but God would come through as long as David would take the step of faith.

What does David acknowledge happening in verses 2-3?

Evil men advanced against him seeking to destroy him. Armies would besiege him. His life would be in danger. He lived life on the edge. But he trusted God to protect him so he would not live in fear. He remained confident in spite of his challenges.

The enemy can taunt and intimidate all he wants to. He can threaten catastrophe. But Jesus say the gates of hell will not prevail against his people (see Matthew 16:18).

If you could have one thing from the Lord, what would it be (27:4)?

David asks to dwell in the presence of God each and every day and moment. What an incredible request this was. There is nothing more we need that for God to be present in our life. If we have him, we have everything we need and more.

I was once told we all have a hole in our heart. It is a God sized hole that only God can fill. The problem is we try to fill it with all kinds of other things. We think these other things will make us happy. The last thing we try to fill it with is God. We think we need more money, better friendships, more success, or greater recognition. The one thing we really need is more Jesus.

What is David’s response to God’s deliverance (27:5-6)?

David says he will offer sacrifices to the Lord at the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the place dedicated for worship. David says he will sing and make music. In other words he would gather with God’s people for corporate worship.

David talks about seeking (27:4,8) and waiting (27:14). What is the relationship between seeking and waiting for a follower of Jesus?

We are always to be seeking God in anticipation and expectation. Jesus says, “seek and you shall find.” If we look for God we will find him. We should not give up. We keep digging in the Word. We keep worshipping with God’s people. We persistently go to him in prayer. Sometimes it may seem like God is not listening or God is not near. Yet, we wait, confident he will hear and answer us when the time is right. Being able to “feel’ God’s presence has nothing to do with God truly being present with us. He is with us always. It is in the times when he might feel the furthest from us that he is actually the closest.

How do we learn the ways of the Lord (27:11)?

We learn the ways of the Lord through the Word of God. We are studying the Scripture now as we look at the life of David. We join together in prayer that God would give us insight into these various texts we are looking at. We pray God would give us revelation and he would teach us to follow him. There is a commitment involved in learning the ways of the Lord. They do not just come to us. As we make ourselves open, God will teach us.

Saul has demonstrated he is not fit to lead. He is not seeking to follow God’s direction. He is blazing his own trail. It is one that leads straight to the depths of hell.

Now god will raise up another to lead his people. David is introduced to the story in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. A second reading for today is from (Luke 22:24-30)(http://youversion.com/bible/nlt/Luke/22/24).

Why did Samuel have reason to stop grieving (16:1)?

Samuel did not to grieve because God was in control. God had a plan here. Things were not going great, but it was not for Samuel to fix everything. It was for Samuel to remain obedient and to follow the Lord’s instructions.

How is Samuel falling into the same sin as Saul (16:2)? What does Samuel’s fear of Saul say about Saul?

Samuel gives in to the fear of man. He is worried about Saul and what will happen if Saul finds out what he is up to. But again, Samuel’s role is to remain obedient and to do what God tells him to do. If he does that, God will protect him. He has nothing to worry about.

Samuel’s fear of Saul tells us how far gone Saul is. Samuel was a man of God. He walked with integrity. If Saul would seek to do harm to Samuel, there is nothing that would be beyond him. When a person is not walking with the Lord, it does not take much for them to fall to incredible depths.

Why did Samuel think Eliab was the one God had chosen (16:6-7)? What do you base your judgment of other people on?

He was good looking and charming. He sounds a lot like King Saul. We saw how that worked out. But God had a different plan this time. God did not choose the best looking of the bunch. He chose David.

We so often base our assessments of others on the externals. What do they look like? How much money do they have? How educated are they? We become very good at sizing people up.

When God looks at us, what does he see (16:7)?

The verse says God looks at the heart. God sees inside of us what no one else sees. He sees us as we truly are. We cannot deceive him.

How would you have felt to have been one of David’s brothers? What is would have been the God honoring response?

There is no doubt his brothers were jealous toward him. Next week we will read in the story of David and Goliath how Eliab was resentful towards David.

The God honoring response would have been to rejoice at the special honor David was given. But instead of rejoicing with others, we are more likely to cast a jealous eye because we are not the one chosen or recognized.

Why was David not considered at first (16:11)?

David was not considered first because he was last. He was the youngest. He had the servants job of tending the sheep. The rest of the family did not think David would amount to much. Jesse, David’s father, did not even think of including him in the line up to be considered.

Who does Jesus say will be the greatest (Luke 22:24-30)

Jesus says the last will be first and the first will be last. Often times God will use the people we least expect. He chose Jacob over the first born Esau. He chose the 12 disciples who were not part of the religious establishment. They were mostly fishermen.

1 Corinthians 1:26 (NLT) say, “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.” God is in the business of using imperfect people who are the less than ideal candidates.

As we close this first week’s study I want you to consider how you are a man or a woman after God’s own heart. Are there parts of your life you have not given over to the Lord? Our church is called Lord of Life and it is our desire that the Lord would truly be the Lord of our lives. This Sunday we want to give you the opportunity to make that commitment to be a man or a woman after God’s own heart.

So don’t miss this opportunity to set aside and to commit your life for God’s purposes as was the life of King David. Our worship this weekend is at 9:15am. There is no 8:30am or 10am worship. Just the ONE worship. It only takes ONE to make a difference. That is ONE man or woman who is after God’s own heart!

Yesterday’s reading looked at the beginning of the end for King Saul. Saul disobeyed Samuel’s instruction. Now Samuel tells Saul, “Now your kingdom must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.” (1 Samuel 13:14)

In today’s reading from 1 Samuel 14-15, Saul wanders even further from walking with the Lord. By the end of chapter 15 it says, “The Lord was grieved that he had made Saul king over Isreal.” Something needed to change. Tomorrow we will see what God does.

What do you think about Jonathan’s attack against the Philistines (14:1-23)? A) Courageous and Expectantly Confident, B) Foolish, C) Prideful, D) Other ___________; What is the reason for your answer?

At the beginning of chapter 14 Jonathan attacks the Philistine camp together with his armor-bearer. It seems like an incredibly foolish thing to do. They faced seemingly unsurmountable odds.

But when we look closer at this story we can see the courageous and expectant confidence of these two men. By faith they knew God was on their side. They knew God would win the day. What they saw with the eyes of faith was that they had nothing to loose.

Although this does not mean they were absent any doubt. In verse 6 Jonathan says, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.” Perhaps? Not really the voice of confidence here. Faith does not mean the absence of doubt. Faith is the ability to take action in spite of our doubts.

Why do you think Saul made an impulsive oath in 14:24? What did Saul need to make better decisions on the battlefield?

There is not much thought that goes into Saul’s oath. He never consults or asks the Lord about this decision. It just says he made the oath. There is no basis or reason for this oath.

Even though Saul had failed to be obedient to God, why did God still give him victory (14:47-48)?

It was not about Saul, it was about the people over whom Saul reigned. They were God’s chosen people. Even though Saul was not walking faithfully with the Lord at this point, God would still use Saul for his own purposes.

What does God command Saul to do in 15:3? Why would God command Saul to kill the innocent (Deuteronomy 25:17-19)?

Saul is told to totally destroy and annihilate the Amalekites. When we go back to the book of Deuteronomy we read how the Amalekites had attacked the Israelites after they had come of slavery in Egypt. God would execute his judgment through Saul over the Amalekites for the evil they had done.

What is Saul’s first response to Samuel (15:13)? Do you think Saul expected to get away with this lie?

Saul’s first response is to tell Samuel he had done everything as instructed. If Saul expected to get away with his lie, he was only fooling himself.

What is Saul’s second response to Samuel (15:14-15)?

Saul’s second response is to rationalize his disobedience. In other words it was to come up with an excuse.

What is Saul’s third response to Samuel (15:20-21)? Does Saul admit fault? What finally causes Saul to admit fault (15:22-25)?

The third response of Saul was to blame the soldiers. Saul does not admit fault. He lies, he rationalizes, and then he blames. Saul does not admit any wrongdoing or fault until Samuel tells Saul he has been rejected as king.

Why is Saul so insistent for Samuel to not leave (15:27-31)? Who’s heart does Saul really seek to please (15:30)?

Saul does not want Samuel to leave because he does not want to be dishonored before the elders of the people. Samuel fears man more than he fears God. He does not plea for Samuel to interceded in his behalf before the Lord. His main objective is to save face before the people around him.

In difficult situations, are you led by the fear of God or the fear of man? Do you seek to please God and live obedient to him, or to be a people pleaser?

Unfortunately, we are not much different than Saul. We often show a greater fear of man than of God. We seek to please people more than we seek to please God. We make decisions based on if people will like us and if they will agree with us. We want to look good. There is great risk if we stand out from the rest of the crowd.

We are midway through week 1 of our study on the life of King David. I pray this study has been uplifting and beneficial to you up to this point. I pray that as you engage in God’s Word you are experiencing the presence of God in a powerful way.

On the other hand, maybe you feel yourself struggling a little bit. Maybe you are having a hard time finding the time to do your readings and answer the questions. Maybe you are a bit lost trying to make sense of it all. At this point in time, I want to encourage you not to give up. We are just beginning. This may be something new for you. Any time we start something new and make a commitment like this we will meet resistance. Just keep pushing and ask God to give you the wisdom and ability to do so. We know it is God’s will for us to be in his Word. Believe he will help you with this task.

Todays reading is 1 Samuel 12-13. In this reading, God rejects Saul as King and tells how he has chosen another man who is after his own heart. Of course, we know this new man is David. We will introduce David with Friday’s reading.

What is the purpose of Samuel’s speech in 12:6-19?

1 Samuel 12 begins with a sermon where Samuel reminds the people of God’s past faithfulness. He reminds them about how God has been with them and will continue to guide them if they remain faithful. However, Samuel also adds a word of caution against disobedience and unfaithfulness. He warns them if they fail to obey that calamity will be brought upon them.

How does God respond when the people pray and ask for forgiveness (12:19-25)? In what part of your life have you been unfaithful unto the Lord and need to ask forgiveness?

God tells the people not to be afraid. He tells them not to persist in their sin. This is called repentance when we confess our sin and then turn from it. They are God’s special people and he promises he will be their God. It is a picture of grace. The people rebelled against God by asking for a king. God could have easily given them a king and then abandon them. He could have said, “you don’t want me. Fine! Have your king and let him protect you.” But he did not do this and remained their God and their protector.

I know there have been many times when I have been unfaithful unto the Lord. I have put my trust in my money, in my education, in my ability more than I put my trust in God. In many ways I made these things to be king in my life. But even though I failed to trust God, God did not abandon me. He remained faithful to his promise to never leave or abandon me.

Saul’s purpose as king was to overcome the Philistine threat (see 9:16), yet the odds seemed stacked against him (13:2-7, 19-22). Describe the what Saul and the Israelites faced against the Philistine threat.

The situation seemed dire. The Philistines were out for revenge against the Israelites after Jonathan, Saul’s son, had attacked one of their outposts. The text says the Israelites became a stench to the Philistines. The Philistines had three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore.

In the meantime the Israelites are at Gilgal trembling in fear. Already badly outnumbered, the few men on Saul’s side start to desert the army. To make matters worse Israelites had no weapons of war except for Saul and Jonathan. The Philistines were able to make weapons out of iron. This did not look good.

While badly outnumbered and without weapons, what did the Israelites have on their side?

The Israelites had the living God on their side. It was the same God who had delivered them many times before. Samuel had reminded them of these moments when he gave his speech at the beginning of chapter 12.

What was wrong with Saul making the offering (13:8-14, 10:8)? Who were to properly make sacrifices in ancient Israel (Leviticus 1:3-8)?

The problem was that Saul was king. The sacrifices in the Old Testament were not to be made by the king. Rather the sacrifices were properly offered to God by the priests. Saul had been told to wait for Samuel to make the sacrifice, because it was Samuel who was to properly make the sacrifice. Samuel told Saul he would come to make the sacrifice. But Saul did not follow Samuel’s instruction.

Instead of admitting he is wrong, what does Saul do (13:11-12)? Why is Saul not considered a man after God’s own heart (13:13-14)? Do you think there is something Saul could have done at this point to change the situation?

Saul begins to make excuses. He tells Samuel he was afraid and so he decided to take matters into his own hands. He rationalizes how he had no other choice than to do what he did.

Because Saul disobeyed, he is not a man after God’s own heart. To be a man or a woman after God’s own heart is not about doing what we think is best, but doing what God has told us to do. Being a man or a woman after God’s own heart is about listening then obeying. Saul had heard Samuel give his instruction, but then he did not obey. Because he did not obey, God would choose another who would obey.

At this point in time all is not yet lost. Unfortunately, the text does not say that Saul anywhere confessed of his sin. If at this point in time he would have confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness, God would have likely restored Saul’s position. But there is no mention of this. The story ends with Samuel and Saul parting ways.

Every man or woman after God’s own heart will have times where they fail to obey. But what separates those who are after God’s own heart and those who are not is how they respond after they fail. Do we try to make excuses while never admitting our fault? Or do we confess and repent of our sin to amend our ways and to correct our disobedience?

We have come upon the second day of our journey through the life of King David. Yet, it will be a few days before David is introduced into our readings. For much of this first week we will be looking at the life of King Saul. Understanding the failures of King Saul help us to better grasp the success of David.

Our reading for today is 1 Samuel 10-11. This reading gives record of the glory days for Saul. Things are going well. To this point he is living up to expectations. However, things will change in tomorrow’s reading. But for today things are looking up.

How is Saul changed? Why does God give Saul the Holy Spirit (10:9-10)?

Verse 9 tells us Saul’s heart was changed. The prophecies of Samuel were fulfilled and the Holy Spirit comes upon Saul. Saul begins to prophecy among the prophets. God got a hold of this man and changed his life. He was no longer a timid man. He had gained a boldness and confidence he did not have before.

God gives him the Holy Spirit because he was called to a holy task to lead the people of Israel. He was called to a job where he would need to rely upon more than just his own strength and wisdom. He would need the power of God. When a person is doing the work of God they will be assigned a task that is beyond their own ability. If the size of your vision so small that you do not need God’s help. Then it is not of God.

What was the reaction of the people who knew Saul (10:11)? Do people notice a difference in you? Why or why not?

They cannot believe it. They saw an incredible change in Saul. He did not seem like the same man. He was different in a good way. He had abilities that he did not have before.

If the Holy Spirit is in you, people will take notice. People will wonder why you talk different. The will wonder where your confidence and hope comes from. They will wonder why you are not burdened by the same worries as everyone else.

Why do you think that Saul did not tell anyone about being anointed king (10:16)? Do you ever fail to tell others what you believe God has called you to do? Why?

At this point in time he probably has more questions than answers. He is wondering what just happened to him. Was all this real or was it just a dream? Samuel had told him all this wonderful stuff but he still was not sure of himself. He needed to learn to rely and trust in God.

I know I often fail to tell others what I believe God has called me to do because I am afraid. I know if I tell someone what God has called me to do then I will need to follow through. They will be watching me to see if I follow through. When you share God’s vision with others, you now have people to hold you accountable.

There is a gap between good intentions and good deeds. There are few people in this world who do not have good intentions. But good intentions do not always translate into good deeds. As long as we keep our good intentions to ourselves they rarely become good deeds.

Why do you think there was a mixed reaction to Saul being made king (10:26)?

We seem to be better critics than we are encouragers. We easily see the faults in others before we see God’s ability to use them. These Israelites were no different.

Another possible reason some people despised Saul was because they were jealous. They were jealous he was chosen to be king. There was much rivalry between the tribes of Israel at this point.

How does Saul distinguish himself as a leader(11:1-11)? Is there an injustice you are turning a blind eye to? Are you rallying the troops against injustice?

The city of Jabesh Gilead was under siege by the Ammonites. No one came to their rescue, but Saul was willing to stand in the gap. He did not want this injustice to be served. He heard their plea for help and was moved to respond to the plea. Saul did what no one else was willing to do. That is a mark of the leader. A leader does not wait, but will blaze a trail when he sees a wrong that needs to be made right.

There are injustices all around us. There are people pleading and calling for help. But so many pleas fall on deaf ears. We are too busy. We are too distracted. We are too concerned about our own lives. We are apathetic to the needs of so many others. It is my prayer that our hearts would break for what breaks God’s heart. I pray we would be so moved by the plight of others that we would respond and take action. I pray we would not be content to allow injustice to be served. And that when we respond God would move others to follow us and support us in carrying out his mission.

Describe the ways which unity was important for the nation in chapter 11? Are you one who strives for unity or one who creates division?

In the end Saul is made king. There is a great celebration. Samuel prepares to leave the scene. All is well. The nation had stood together to win a great victory over their enemy oppressors.

The people wanted to put to death those who opposed Saul. But Saul would have none of it. With God there is forgiveness. There was no place for bitterness. The past was the past. It was time to move on. There was a new day. To go back in time would have destroyed the unity that had been achieved.

Unity is fostered when our agenda is God’s agenda. Too often Christians carry around agendas that are not from God. Our agenda is our agenda. It is about what we want and who we want to be. It becomes about what we want to achieve. If you find yourself constantly engaged in conflict, ask yourself “who’s agenda am I serving?”

Unity is what we are called to fight for in our families and in our marriages. Unfortunately, too often we are fighting against each other. God’s Word reads: Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:3 NLT