Podcast appearances and mentions of king saul

In this episode of Bible Stories, hosts Matt Mullins and Todd Haymans continue their Confrontations series by examining the powerful story of Samuel confronting King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. Together they explore one of the Bible's most challenging lessons: "To obey is better than sacrifice." Why did Saul lose God's favor? What does partial obedience reveal about our hearts? How should Christians lovingly confront sin, and how should we respond when we're the ones being corrected? In this Bible study, you'll discover: • Why partial obedience is still disobedience • The meaning of 1 Samuel 15:22: "To obey is better than sacrifice" • How to confront others with truth and grace • Why humility is essential for spiritual growth • Biblical principles for repentance, accountability, and Christian discipleship Whether you're studying 1 Samuel, preparing to teach the Bible, leading a small group, or simply seeking to grow in your walk with Christ, this episode offers practical, biblical encouragement for everyday faith. Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:10–26 Topics: King Saul, Samuel, 1 Samuel 15, obedience, confrontation, repentance, humility, discipleship, Christian living, Bible study, Old Testament, spiritual growth.

Welcome to our 200th Episode. During the last 5 years, we have released 200 talks covering 175 complete chapters of the King James Bible, studying each chapter verse-by-verse and word-by-word.Today we reach 1 Samuel 21, with David in a truly desperate state, fleeing from King Saul, who is determined to kill him. David first goes to Nob, the town of the priests, where he begs for bread and a sword. Then he goes to Gath, the town of his enemy, the Philistine champion Goliath, hoping for a safe place of refuge from Saul's anger. On the way, there's deceit, and fear and danger, and the chapter doesn't show David at his best. But even so, David is learning a deeper trust in God too, and his experiences in this chapter provided the inspiration for two of the Psalms, Psalm 56 and 34.Please also visit our website, usefulbible.com

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com Garth Heckman   Point 4:  Pain Trains, It Doesn't Just Test Greek: γυμνάζω (gymnazo) — Hebrews 12:11: "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness for those who have been trained (gymnazo) by it."    Samuel 30 - David has been on the run for 14 years from King Saul… now they get sent packing from the Philistines… “not good enough”. They get back to camp and all of their wives, children, goods, food everything was taken by the Amakelites.  His men have had it… they want to stone him. V. 6 But David found strength in the LORD THIS IS DAVID IN TRAINING -  HE found strength   And he wrote Psalm 13 Psalm 13: 1 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. 4 Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don't let them rejoice at my downfall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. 6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me   This verse is from David in the midst of his final crushing painful experience running from Saul…   He is ready to give up… his life. Literally… I'll just let them kill me!    But he goes to God… seeks his guidance. - what should I learn from this pain… They go and kill the Amalekites and not only get everything back but more….   HERE IS THE POINT HE WAS ONLY MONTHS AWAY FROM BEING KING!     What is around your corner of pain?

Join Pastor Derek Walker from the Oxford Bible Church as he explores the inspirational story of Mephibosheth. Delve into the biblical narrative revealing the profound lessons about covenant love, redemption, and the transformative power of God's promises through Jesus Christ. This enlightening talk offers a deep understanding of the parallels between the ancient covenant made between David and Jonathan and the eternal covenant between God and humanity through Jesus. The story of Mephibosheth is a picture of our salvation in Christ. David (God) made a covenant with Jonathan (Jesus), and those in Jonathan who accept the covenant (Mephibosheth) receive his blessing.

Join Pastor Derek Walker from the Oxford Bible Church as he explores the inspirational story of Mephibosheth. Delve into the biblical narrative revealing the profound lessons about covenant love, redemption, and the transformative power of God's promises through Jesus Christ. This enlightening talk offers a deep understanding of the parallels between the ancient covenant made between David and Jonathan and the eternal covenant between God and humanity through Jesus. The story of Mephibosheth is a picture of our salvation in Christ. David (God) made a covenant with Jonathan (Jesus), and those in Jonathan who accept the covenant (Mephibosheth) receive his blessing.

This sermon explores the nature of desperate, fervent prayer as modeled by David in Psalm 142 while hiding in a cave from King Saul. The preacher argues that such intense crying out to God is not a sign of weak faith but rather an expression of deep trust and reverence for God's covenant promises. By examining David's plight and his subsequent persuasion that God knows his path and serves as his refuge, the message encourages believers to abandon self-reliance and stoic silence in favor of honest, vocal supplication. The text emphasizes that God delights in hearing the cries of those who are overwhelmed, offering comfort and deliverance when human help fails. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to view their own crises as opportunities to experience God's bountiful care and faithfulness.

This sermon explores the nature of desperate, fervent prayer as modeled by David in Psalm 142 while hiding in a cave from King Saul. The preacher argues that such intense crying out to God is not a sign of weak faith but rather an expression of deep trust and reverence for God's covenant promises. By examining David's plight and his subsequent persuasion that God knows his path and serves as his refuge, the message encourages believers to abandon self-reliance and stoic silence in favor of honest, vocal supplication. The text emphasizes that God delights in hearing the cries of those who are overwhelmed, offering comfort and deliverance when human help fails. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to view their own crises as opportunities to experience God's bountiful care and faithfulness.

Many voices today promise that faith will bring money, influence, success, and comfort right now. But in today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that Jesus never promised a life of ease—and the Gospel does not guarantee worldly riches. Psalm 16 points us to a far greater inheritance. David likely wrote this psalm not from a palace, but while running for his life from King Saul. He had no earthly comfort, no secure home, and no access to the land of his youth. Yet through eyes of faith, David could say, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” David understood that true inheritance is not found in money, land, luxury, or temporary success. Those things can be lost—and all earthly promises end at death. But the inheritance God gives His people is spiritual, supernatural, eternal, and kept in heaven. Most of all, David knew that no inheritance would be worth having apart from the presence of God. Like Moses, who refused to move forward without the Lord's presence, David declared, “Apart from you I have no good thing” and “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup.” The greatest gift believers will ever receive is God Himself—and in His presence, there is fullness of joy and eternal pleasure. Pray with me.  Father God, I delight in Your mercy and goodness—You are my greatest treasure. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Send us Fan MailGrab this week's free Episode Guide at michellenezat.com/541download — a one-page PDF that walks you through the Scriptures and Bible Interaction Tool Exercises from this episode so you can engage with God's Word for yourself.Josiah Queen's "demons" says darkness has to leave and fear doesn't get a home in your mind. But what happens if we don't tell those demons to run and hide?In this episode, we take the BITE of considering the opposite and let King Saul's story in 1 Samuel show us what it looks like to refuse to resist:Why reading in context (all the way back to 1 Samuel 8) reveals why the Spirit of the Lord departed from SaulHow Saul treated his calling as if it outranked his obedience—and why that's a warning for usWhy disobedience is still rebellion, even when we call it worshipHow the New Covenant doesn't soften the warning—but gives us what Saul never hadCome discover that resisting the devil isn't white-knuckled willpower. It's obedience—done in the power of everything Christ has already accomplished for you.Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

As David prepares to pass the crown to his son Solomon, his heart and mind continue to be fixed on God's glory, particularly through the building of the temple and structuring it properly. David has spent years of his life amassing materials for it's construction, and not only that, he has also drawn up architectural plans, built instruments, and created systems for all who work in and around the temple. For someone who knew scarcity and insecurity for a good portion of his life while running from King Saul, it is notable that David gives so much away and invests in the future of God's worship, rather than in himself. 1 Chronicles 24 - 1:09 .  1 Chronicles 25 - 5:03 .  1 Chronicles 26 -  9:59 .  Song of Songs 7 - 15:31 .  Song of Songs 8 - 17:50 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ancient Israel had no king, mandatory literacy, and private land ownership 3,000 years before America existed, and the men who founded the United States studied it obsessively. Historian Bill Federer joins Lance Wallnau to reveal the "Hebrew Republic" blueprint hidden inside America's founding, and how it shaped the Constitution you live under today. In this episode, Bill Federer traces how the Puritans and Pilgrims looked past King Saul to ancient Israel's 400 year run with no monarchy, a nation where even children could read, land was permanently owned by families, and leaders like Deborah were elected on merit, not bloodline. You'll learn why John Calvin's writings pioneered government without a king, why James Madison spent a year studying Hebrew before drafting the Constitution, and what the First Amendment was actually written to prevent. Then Lance tells the untold story of what Declaration signers like Richard Stockton, Charles Carroll, and Stephen Hopkins actually sacrificed to defend it: homes burned, families imprisoned, and a will that left nothing but faith. In this episode: - Is America's 250th the bookend or a new chapter? - Bill Federer joins: faith's role in the founding - The Hebrew Republic: 400 years, no king - What Israel's demand for a king cost them - Calvin, the 22-letter alphabet, and Deborah the judge - The First Amendment's real target, explained - The state constitutions that required faith to hold office - The signers who paid with everything - The martyr's crown and the call to sacrifice today Podcast Episode 2192: Shocking History - The 'Hebrew Republic' Blueprint Shaped America's Founding | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast

Today we finish up our series, Who is King?, in 1 Samuel. In the final chapter of 1 Samuel, Saul and his sons die in a battle against the Philistines, as the prophet Samuel warned King Saul just a few chapters earlier. Pastor AJ highlights three points from the chapter: 1) Earthly kingships only end one way. 2) What we do affects others. 3) Our lives answer the question, “Who is King?”.

If you think obedience is costly, try calculating the price tag of rebellion. King Saul tried to bargain with God through partial obedience, keeping the best spoils for himself, and it cost him his entire kingdom. Jonah tried to take a geographic shortcut away from his assignment, and it cost him a violent storm, his peace of mind, and three days in pitch darkness. Disobedience always promises freedom, but it delivers a prison. It always takes you further than you wanted to go and costs more than you wanted to pay.

Jonathan tested the attitudes of his father, King Saul, towards David. Alas, the situation was much worse than Jonathan had ever imagined. An angry outburst from Saul was so violent that he almost killed Jonathan himself.So it was a sad and difficult message that Jonathan brought to David as David hid in the field. It had become plain that Saul's cruelty had, at last, forced the two friends to separate.Separated, yes - but still the love remained. Apart from each other, in life or even after their deaths, their friendship must continue. Their covenant, their serious promises to each other in front of God, demanded it.

What happens when a person continually rejects God's voice? Pastor Jeff Schreve delivers a sobering message from the tragic life of King Saul, revealing how rebellion, pride, and delayed repentance can lead to spiritual silence and disaster. Through Saul's encounter with the witch of En-dor, this episode warns listeners not to ignore God's truth while there is still time to respond.

I'm examining Christian lamenting. You could describe it as a prayer language, which God encourages us to use when we're in deep grief or anger or confusion. But this desperate prayer, as raw and painful as it may be, intentionally maintains trust in God's character. Some have characterized lamenting as “crying human but lamenting Christian.” I have a note taped to my desk that says, “Today I will not complain about anything!” It's there to remind me complaining in general is not good, not biblical, and should not be the language of a Christ-follower. Yet when David was hiding in a cave, running for his life from King Saul, he begins Psalm 142 like this: With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him (Psalm 142:1-2). He complains! Guess he never saw a sign like mine! But here's the thing: David is lamenting to the Lord about a very grievous, frightening situation. There's a difference in biblical laments and sinful complaints. Remember when the children of Israel were in the wilderness, having been miraculously rescued from slavery in Egypt. And what did they do? They complained! They complained about the food, about missing what they had in Egypt, about not having water, and they complained to Moses and to God. That is sinful complaining. I've done more than my share of it, too, haven't you? From complaining about the weather to having to deal with a difficult coworker or not getting a raise, complaints can truly become our language. We have to be intentional about not complaining and griping, and truly learning to give thanks in everything, as the Bible says. But a biblical lament is not a complaint against God; it is an appeal to God, and it's based on trust in who God is, on what he's done for you in the past, on his very character. Lamenting should move you along toward finding that peace that passes understanding, even when your questions are not answered. Complaining, on the other hand, will keep you mired in selfish attitudes and bring you down.

Summary: Through the lives of David and King Saul, we see that a heart focused on God — through prayer, patience, and trust — will always outlast a heart driven by fear, jealousy, and personal agenda.Series: King of HeartsTitle: Part 12: The Heart of the MatterDate: 7/22/26, 6:30pm, Wednesday Bible StudySpeaker: Pastor Jeff BoothApproximate Outline:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome02:00 - Come Ready to Give05:30 - The Heart of the Matter09:00 - Four Dangers: Losing Your Mission13:00 - Stopping Prayer, Starting Assumptions17:00 - Manipulated by Wrong Voices20:30 - Fighting the Wrong Battles23:00 - Four Traits: Trust God's Timing31:00 - Faith Over Feelings35:00 - A Tender, Focused Heart

The tragic story of King Saul highlights how seemingly small compromises can lead to a significant downfall. This teaching explores the progression of disobedience, pride, and jealousy, and how these traits ultimately unraveled his life and leadership. Key Verses: 1 Samuel 13:7b-14

In the latest episode on Pastor Allen's series on the life of David, Pastor Allen explores what we can learn from David's years on the run from an angry and jealous King Saul. Get ready to hear how this powerful story can help impact your life for the best.

Hanging back might win you an accidental Olympic gold medal, but King Saul’s passive story shows why we can’t afford to just float through our faith. Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 9:1-27 Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel Gene Pensiero Jr Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings Subscribe on […]

Real leaders aren't made on the throne—they're made in the cave.When David had the perfect chance to take down King Saul, everything in him screamed to act. His men urged him. Logic demanded it. But David asked a different question: "Why aren't you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?" This wasn't about self-control. This was about transformation.Submission costs everything, but on the other side? Your life. Real freedom in Christ. Our King didn't seize a throne—He took up a cross. The question isn't whether you'll restrain yourself from going after your "Saul." It's whether you revere God enough to trust Him with your vindication.

Hanging back might win you an accidental Olympic gold medal, but King Saul’s passive story shows why we can’t afford to just float through our faith. Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 9:1-27 Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel Gene Pensiero Jr Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings Subscribe on […]

Introduction: The Warning Signs of Fake Repentance (Numbers 14:39-45) Regret Without CHANGE . (Num 14:39-40) 2 Corinthians 7:10 - For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. Resistance to CONSEQUENCES . (Num 14:41) Reliance on SELF . (Num 14:42-45) John 5:6 - When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! For Our Example: Ancient Warnings for the Church Today - Do Not Be Fake Repenters Taylor Brown Download Audio Transcript 00:48Please turn your Bibles to Numbers chapter 14 verses 39 through 45. Numbers chapter 14 verses 39 through 45. It can be hard to spot something that is fake if you don't sit up and pay attention to the warning signs. Raise your hand if you've ever been tricked into believing that an AI generated image or video was actually real. It's okay, you're among friends. We've all been bamboozled.01:17and no, I have too. We've all been tricked. So many people are fooled by AI on social media. So many friends and family members have sent me a new trailer for a new movie that is completely fake. I have to awkwardly break them. The bad news. A reel will pop up on social media or Facebook and it looks legit, but if you sit up and pay attention to the warning signs, you'll see that something, is off.01:48There are lighting inconsistencies.01:51A person's hand has seven or six fingers instead of five.01:55A car crashing doesn't obey the law of physics.02:00Or maybe someone's mouth moving doesn't line up with what they're saying.02:05I don't want to lecture you about the dangers of AI because you are very well aware.02:10Slander, misinformation, cyber attack, even framing people for crimes that they didn't actually commit. With each passing year, AI is getting more and more advanced, and it's getting more and more difficult to tell the difference between what is genuine and what is fake, what is real and what is not, what is true and what is phony. AI is a really serious issue in 2026, isn't it?02:41But do you know what's an infinitely more serious issue that has spanned the entirety of human existence? Sin and a person's response to it. The Bible commands you. The Bible commands me. The Bible commands everyone to repent. Repentance is a total change of mind and direction. You are called to turn away from your sin and to turn towards Jesus Christ.03:10You are commanded to repent, not just on the day of your conversion, but every single day after that as well. But here's the problem. How can you tell if a person's repentance is genuine or not? How can you tell if your repentance is the real deal or not? Similar to AI, you need to sit up and pay attention to the warning signs.03:39You'd be on the lookout for the warning signs of phoniness. We have taken a brief pause on our series in the book of 1 Corinthians to focus on the books of Exodus and Numbers. We're in the third week of our latest series for our example, Ancient Warnings for the Church Today. We have been studying some serious cases of sin and disobedience. The Israelites have provided negative examples for us to avoid, and the Lord has provided warnings for us to heed. Warnings such as, do not be idolaters. Do not be doubters.04:17This morning, the Lord has another warning for you and me.04:22That warning is, do not be fake repenters.04:27Do not be fake repenters.04:31And the stakes of this warning are extremely high.04:34The ramifications are a matter of life or death.04:38Heaven or Hell. So I beg you to not lean back and daydream during this sermon. Instead, sit up and pay attention. Be on the lookout for the warning signs of fake repentance in your life. Because the Lord may convict you today that you've never truly repented. Or the Lord may convict you that you haven't truly repented.05:08in a very long time.05:11So let's go to the Lord and ask for His help.05:14Please pray for me that I will faithfully proclaim God's Word.05:18And I will pray for you that you will faithfully receive God's Word.05:24Father, we come before You today to acknowledge our many sins.05:30We come before You to acknowledge the reality that we so often do not deal with our sins in the ways that You want us to.05:37We so often don't deal with our sin. Or we deal with our sin in the way that we want to. Lord, today, may we truly deal with our sin in the way you called us to in your word. And that way is genuine repentance. By the end of this service, Lord, may we all be able to say before you with integrity that we are genuine repenters. May your Holy Spirit move in a great and mighty way. May he seek and save the lost. May he He give faith where there is none. We ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen. The warning signs of fake repentance. The warning signs of fake repentance. Number one in your outline, regret without change. Regret without change. Last week we studied the story of Israel's doubt and their refusal to enter into the promised land.06:37to scope it out, to see where the enemies were and where their cities were as well.06:42And they're commanded to be of good courage, but many of them choose to be cowards.06:48Ten of them came back with a very bad report.06:53And this bad report led the Israelites to doubt the Lord, to grumble against Him, and to refuse to enter the Promised Land.07:04There are immediate consequences for this disobedience. Immediately, the ten unfaithful spies are killed by a plague. And the Lord shares the long-term consequences of their disobedience. The older generations will not enter the promised land. The only two people who will are Joshua and Caleb. Because they were the two faithful spies who gave a good report and were faithful to the Lord.07:34Everybody else, 20 or older, will never enter the Promised Land. The younger generations will see the Promised Land, but they have to wait for 40 years. They have to wander in circles for 40 years. Now it's time for Moses to break that bad news to the Israelites. God has shared that with him. Now he has to share it with them. How do you think that's going to go? Is it going to go well?08:04Are they going to respond positively or negatively? Are they going to respond with genuine repentance or fake repentance? Let's see their response in verse 39. When Moses told these words to all the people of Israel, the people mourned greatly. This seems positive, right? This seems like a good development. The people seem crushed. They aren't grumbling.08:35anymore. They aren't shaking their fists at the heavens. They aren't kicking the sheep in anger. They are crying. That's good, right? But are these tears genuine? Is this genuine repentance? That is the question. And we find the answer to that question in verse 40. And they rose early in the morning and went up to the heights of the hill country saying, here we are. We will go up to the place the Lord has promised for we have sinned.09:07The Israelites still are not getting it. They still are not listening. They are not doing what God tells them to do. At first, God says, go into the promised land. And they say, you know what? We're not going. Now he says, do not go into the promised land. And what do they say? Oh yeah? Well, we're going. It's the same disobedience dressed up in different clothing.09:33They still are not repentant. They still are not changed. They may have some regrets. But they are not truly sorry for their sin. And we see this kind of fake repentance all throughout the Bible. Esau regretted that he sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a stupid bowl of stew. He even put on the waterworks show.10:031217, Esau never truly repented of his ungodly behavior. He never truly changed. King Saul disobeyed the Lord and his throne was stripped from him. Sure, on the outside, Saul looked upset. He looked sad, but on the inside, he was still stubbornly disobeying the Lord. He was not changed. He was not truly repentant. What about Judas?10:33Judas betrayed our Lord for 30 pieces of silver. He immediately regretted the worst betrayal in human history, but he didn't turn to the Lord for forgiveness as Peter did when he denied Jesus three times. The Bible is very clear that Judas was not saved. He was not repentant. He was not changed. The mourning of Esau, Saul, and Judas, meant nothing. And it led to nothing good. The Israelites' repentance in this passage, their regret, means nothing. And it leads to nothing good. Listen to what Paul has to say about this in 2 Corinthians 7.10. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. Whereas worldly grief produces death.11:33So many people live with regret every single day, don't they? So many people feel bad about their bad decisions. They try to numb their pain. They try to ignore it. They try to push it down. Are any of those plans a good idea? Are any of those plans biblical repentance? Not at all.12:05While true sorrow, true brokenness over your sin produces a repentance that leads to internal transformation and eternal life. If you are truly, genuinely repentant and saved, then you will not regret that you repented. You will not regret that you put your old life of sin in the rearview mirror. If you are truly repentant and saved, then you will not remain the same You will not remain unchanged. The genuineness of your repentance is proven by how you think, how you speak, how you act, and how you react. For those of you who don't know me very well, I have two children, Sam and Emmy. Sam is almost seven years old and Emmy is four and a half. I have to say that half because that means a lot to her. She would get mad if I didn't say it. She's four and a half. For the most part, our kids, get along. But there are some moments when they brawl. They're mean to each other. Hands are used for shoving. On occasion, Emmy's fingernails are used for scratching. And when I separate them, I'll say, what happened? Sam was rude to me. Emmy scratched me. And I'll say to Sam, Sam, was that okay? He goes, no, I'm sorry. I'll say to Sam, It's great that you say that you're sorry. But how can you show us that you're sorry? He'll say, but not being rude to Emmy. Right. Exactly right. You show me that you're sorry for being rude to Emmy by not being rude to her in the future. But I'll take Emmy aside. Emmy, was that right to do that to Sam? No. I'm sorry. Emmy, how can you show me that you're sorry for scratching your brother? And she'll say, by not scratching Sammy. That's exactly right.14:03You show that you're sorry for scratching your brother by not scratching him in the future. It's that simple. These examples may seem ridiculous to you, but this principle applies to your life as well. Yes, you should say that you're sorry, but that's not the end goal. That's just the beginning. That's just the first step. You must show that you're sorry.14:33How can you show that you're sorry for being harsh with your wife? Stop being harsh with her. Stop saying rude and unkind things to her. Stop belittling her to her face. Start building her up with your words. Start showing her that you love her. Don't just say that you're sorry. Show her that you're sorry. How can you show that you're sorry for belittling your husband?15:03Stop belittling him. Stop making fun of him behind his back. Stop making fun of him to his face. Stop putting him down in private or in public. Instead, start building him up in private and in public. When he's faithful at home, when he's faithful at work, encourage him. Don't just say that you're sorry. Show him that you're sorry. How can you show your kids that you're sorry for losing your temper yet again and blowing up at them. Stop losing your temper and blowing up at them. Stop acting like a child. Act like an adult. Start walking away and gathering your composure before you deal with their behavioral problems. Don't just say that you're sorry to your kids. Show them that you're sorry. How do you show a friend that you are sorry for lying to him?16:04Stop lying. Stop stretching the truth. Stop exaggerating. Stop saying what they want to hear. Start telling the truth no matter what. Don't just say that you're sorry. Show him or her that you're sorry. How can you show that you're sorry for an impure and out of control thought life? Stop allowing your mind to wander in every direction. Start cleaning up your thought life.16:35Stop consuming mass quantities of garbage on TV and social media. Start consuming mass quantities of God's Word. Biblical podcasts, good Christian books. Don't just say that you're sorry. Show that you're sorry. This is so simple in theory, isn't it? Is this easy in execution? No. Repentance.17:03is hard. Changing is hard. It's inconvenient. It's humbling. It's an up and down roller coaster. It's a two steps forward, one step back process. And sometimes even a two steps forward, two steps back journey. You will fail. You will fall along the way. But brothers and sisters, genuine repentance is worth it because it leads to life both now and forever.17:32Changing leads to blessing in the present and in eternity. Do not be a fake repenter by just saying that you're sorry. Prove that you are a genuine repenter by showing that you are truly sorry for your sin. The warning signs of fake repentance. Number two, resistance to consequences. Resistance to consequences.18:06Moses is not pleased with the Israelites' attempt to take the promised land that was taken away from them. Check out what he says to them in verse 41. He asks a question. But Moses said, why are you now transgressing the command of the Lord when that will not succeed? Moses is frustrated. He asks this question in frustration. Why in the world would you Would you try to take the promised land if you know that you're not allowed to and that you will not succeed? Moses just told them the consequences for their actions. They cannot enter the promised land for 40 years and most of them will die. But do they accept these consequences? No, instead they push against the consequences. They resist with everything in them.19:02They are resisting the consequences of their actions. Since childhood, you have learned about the relationship between cause and effect. Action and consequence. Finish this sentence with me. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. All right, action. I throw this ball up in the air. What is the consequence?19:32I come back down due to gravity, right? Action. I go out onto the stone patio and join your kids in their favorite activity, throwing rocks. Action. I lob this rock into the parking lot. It heads directly for your passenger side window. What's the consequence? It shatters the window and makes a huge mess that I am personally responsible for. Action. Consequence.20:03But here's the question.20:05Am I going to accept the consequence for my action?20:09Or will I resist it?20:12Will I be a fake repenter or a genuine repenter?20:16Here's what fake repentance looks like.20:20I mean, yeah, I probably shouldn't have thrown that rock, but your window should have been able to take that hit.20:26Obviously, your window is flimsy and faulty.20:29You should have parked far away like I do.20:31You know the kids play with rocks. Anyway, it was an accident. I didn't mean to. I'm not going to pay for that. Fake repentance. Resisting the consequences. Whereas genuine repentance looks like accepting that consequence. It was stupid and wrong for me to throw that rock. I am so sorry. I will cover the damages. We can go through my insurance or I can just give you cash or a check right now.21:01Genuine repenters do not resist the consequences of their actions. Genuine repenters accept the consequences of their actions. Let me give you some examples of what this actually looks like. You betray a fellow church member by gossiping about her behind her back. And she finds out what you said and she confronts you about it. Fake repentance looks like this.21:30What I said wasn't that bad. It wasn't that big of a deal. I was just concerned about you. I was sharing that concern with somebody else. Don't be upset with me. The woman, in turn, is upset with you. And you act very inconvenienced that she's upset with you. You cut this woman out of your life. You exit your small group. You tell everyone this woman is bitter, angry, and toxic. Fake repentance.22:00What does genuine repentance look like? I should not have said that about you. I am so sorry. There is no excuse. You have every right to be upset with me. Genuine repentance. You let that member of your family down yet again. You keep telling this guy that you'll be there for him, and you keep letting him down. And in turn, he no longer thinks you are dependable.22:31by saying, well, sorry, my whole life doesn't revolve around your schedule. Come on, man. You know I have so much going on in my life. Or you can be a genuine repenter and say, I let you down again. No excuse. I shouldn't have done it. I know my word doesn't mean very much to you, but I hope that it will again someday. I understand if I won't be the first person that you call when you need something.22:58You get together with your friends and you drink way more than you should. At family get-togethers, you say dumb things and you do dumb things because of your drinking. You can be a fake repenter and resist the consequence by pointing the finger at others. Oh, come on, just relax. Life's so stressful, I just need to cut loose sometimes. You all need to just calm down. It's not a big deal.23:28people don't invite you to family activities anymore.23:32Because they don't like to see you when you're drinking.23:36Whereas genuine repentance looks like this.23:38I do have a problem.23:40I have wrecked so many relationships.23:42I have ruined so many moments.23:44I have destroyed trust.23:45I'll do whatever it takes to rebuild that trust with you.23:52Genuine repenters do not put a timeline on the healing of other people.23:58Genuine repenters give those they have wronged the space they need for the relationship to be restored. Genuine repenters do not demand forgiveness. They ask for forgiveness. I may not have addressed your particular situation with all these examples, but I hope and pray the Holy Spirit has laid His hand of conviction upon you because I guarantee you, there is a situation in your life when you are not repenting. I had to deal with situations in my life this week when I was not truly repenting. I pray that God has revealed how you may be harming yourself. How you may be hurting others. How you may be hindering a close relationship with the Lord by refusing to submit to the consequences you brought upon yourself. By trying to escape.24:58the effects that you have caused.25:02Do not be a fake repenter by resisting the consequences of your sin.25:08Prove that you are a genuine repenter by accepting the consequence of your sin.25:17The warning signs of fake repentance.25:19Third and final warning sign.25:21Reliance on self.25:23Reliance on self.25:29In verses 42 through 43, Moses gives the reason why the Israelites will fail if they try to take the promised land. He says, do not go up, for the Lord is not among you, lest you be struck down before your enemies. For there the Amalekites and the Canaanites are facing you, and you shall fall by the sword. Because you have turned back from following the Lord, the Lord, will not be with you.25:59Why will the Israelites fail?26:02Why will they not succeed?26:03They try to take the promised land?26:05Because God will not be with them.26:08Because God will not fight for them.26:12They will lose because God will not give them victory.26:17Israel's effort minus God's help equals defeat.26:22They cannot fight this battle on their own.26:25And the same is true for you and me. Your effort minus God's help equals defeat. You are not strong enough to fight your battles on your own. Do you believe that? Do you live like you believe that? The Israelites don't seem to believe it. They certainly don't live like they believe it. This message should stop the Israelites' dead in their tracks, but it doesn't. Once again, they ignore his command and do whatever they want to do. In verse 44. But they presumed to go up to the heights of the hill country, although not the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed out of the camp. The Israelites do not seem to care that they are going into battle without two essential ingredients. The Ark of the Covenant and Moses himself. The very presence of God, rests upon the ark, on the mercy seat, in between the two golden cherubim. Moses is God's chosen leader. God is the boss, and Moses is the manager. God expresses his commands and his plans for Israel through Moses. So let's cover Israel's battle plan one more time. The people of God are going to wage war without God's blessing, without God's presence and without God's chosen leader. This is a purely human effort and endeavor. The Israelites are relying on their own strength instead of God's strength. Let's see how that plays out for them in verse 45. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and defeated them and pursued them even to Hormah.28:26It shouldn't shock us that Israel lost because Moses told them that they would. They pushed their chips all in on themselves and the gamble did not pay off. They pay a massive price. So for the third week in a row, our story ends on a down note. And you may be thinking, oh man, this series is just so heavy. I need like a nice and fluffy conclusion. Come on, I really need, If you feel that way, think about how I feel. I've been studying this for three weeks. I understand that desire. I understand that feeling. But I encourage you to instead answer this question. What should I learn from this sad ending? What should I learn from this sad ending? When you rely on yourself, you will disappoint yourself.29:25When you rely on yourself, you will disappoint yourself. Self-reliance leads to self-destruction. Fake repenters try to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, while genuine repenters ask God to pull them out of the pit that they have dug for themselves. Fake repenters fight their battles in their own strength, while genuine repenters fight battles in the Lord's strength.30:01We know what it looks like for the Israelites to rely on themselves. We see it right here. What does it look like for you to rely on yourself? How are you trusting in yourself rather than the Lord right now? Maybe you never pray.30:24You rarely ask other people to pray for you. Prayer says a lot about you because prayer is the major metric of faith. Bible reading, Bible meditation, and memorization are negotiable tasks instead of non-negotiable things that are blocked off in your schedule. Church attendance, participation, and fellowship are add-ons and not essentials to your life. Maybe you will not commit to this church or any other church.30:53You've been a free agent for a long time and responsible to no one. Maybe it's not hard to convince you to skip on Sunday morning. You're too tired. You need to rest. You had a busy weekend. You have plans later today. You're just not feeling it today. You show up to church occasionally, and when you do show up, you make no effort to build up other relationships with other believers. You make no effort to make genuine connections.31:26Maybe you always come up with reasons why you can't join a small group. Or you've been a part of a small group in the past, but you've just been shut off. And you didn't really share anything. As a result, you have no accountability in your life. You are not known by anyone in this church, and you do not know anyone else in this church. An unknown Christian, is a dangerous Christian. An unknown Christian is an accident waiting to happen. You need God's strength. And one of the greatest ways to receive God's strength is to ask his people for help. When I came on staff four years ago, Pastor Jeff taught me to ask people in counseling the same question that Jesus asked the paralyzed man in John 5, 6.32:22And the question is this. Do you want to be healed? Do you want to be made well? Does that seem like a strange question to you? It seemed like a strange question to me for a little while. But time and experience have proven to Pastor Jeff and myself that it's really not a strange question because most people do not want to be healed. Most people do not want to be made well.32:51Most people really do not want help. They are fine with staying right where they are, even though right where they are is a terrible place to be. Fake repenters do not share their struggles with others. Instead, they keep their sin a secret. Is that what you're doing today? How's that working out for you? I'm guessing not very well.33:21People know what they are going through because they want to save face. They want to look spiritual. They don't want other people to know what's going on. They want to solve their problems on their own. Genuine repenters do not keep their sin a secret. Genuine repenters share their struggles with others because they want to find God's solution. Do you want to be healed? Do you want to be made Well, are you willing to admit that you need help? Do not be a fake repenter by relying on your own strength because you have none. Prove that you are a genuine repenter by going to the Lord for His strength because He has it in abundance and He wants to share it with you right now. In Numbers 14, verses 39-45, the Israelites refused to change.34:22They refuse to obey. They refuse to accept the consequences of their sin. And they end up experiencing even more consequences. They refuse to rely on God. They refuse to genuinely repent. That's them. What about you? As you've evaluated your heart over the course of this message, has your repentance proven to be fake?34:51or genuine, real or phony. Maybe you've come to grips with the fact that you've never repented even once in your life. If that's you, it's not too late. You can repent today. You can repent right now. Stop trying to hide your sin because God already knows your sin and He is willing to forgive it. Stop trying to save face and look good to other people around you while you are withering away and dying on the inside.35:26What is the point of saving face if your soul is not saved?35:30It's pointless.35:34Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, for new life.35:38I promise you, if you turn to Christ in faith, He will never turn you away.35:45Tell the Lord that you're sorry for your sin.35:48and show that you're sorry by humbly reaching out and accepting the free gift of salvation that he offers in his son. Maybe you are a genuine believer who genuinely repented in the past. But your repentance has been anything but genuine lately. You've been going through the motions you've been putting on the show, you've been playing the part, you've been pretending. You've been giving into temptation and holding.36:18on to sin.36:20What should you do?36:24As one pastor said many years ago, you need to repent of your repentance.36:31You need to repent genuinely of your fake repentance.36:36Tell the Lord that you're sorry and show Him that you're sorry by taking the steps of change today.36:45Please bow your heads and close your eyes.36:49Whether you need to repent for the very first time or for the millionth time, spend the next several minutes in prayer. Push aside every other concern in your life because nothing else matters more than dealing with your sin. If you need someone to pray with you, we have someone in the prayer corner. We also have someone back in guest reception. We have one of our elders, Brian Behe. For you men and for you ladies, Marina Kraus will be.37:17back there as well.37:20They're there to judge you and make you feel bad.37:23They're there to help you and point you to the grace of Jesus Christ.37:28I beg you, don't worry about saving face.37:32Don't worry about what other people might think.37:34Because you know what? Their eyes are closed.37:36And they're going to be focused on their own issues.37:40So do business with the Lord by praying in your seat.37:43Or going to pray with one of the people in the back.37:48Father, all of us in this room need to repent. All of us in this room need to change from the heart level. We have sinful thoughts, sinful motivations. We also say sinful words and do sinful things. But Lord, we thank You for Your mercy and Your grace, which is more than enough to cover all of our sins and cover all the sins of anyone who trusts in your Son and what he accomplished through his perfect life and his death upon the cross. Lord, I pray that there are men and women in this room who have not bowed the knee to your Son and repented. Lord, give them restlessness until they find rest in you today. And for the rest of us, Lord, may we take the path to change.38:46in our lives. May we be honest about who we have wronged and how we have wronged them. Father, may we not just feel bad right now. But may that godly grief produce genuine repentance that truly lasts. We ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead Numbers 14:39-45What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What are the warning signs of fake repentance? Are any of these warning signs present in your life?How is the Lord calling you to change right now?Why are we so slow to ask other believers for help? BreakoutPray for one another.

Diligent Teacher with Lisa Earl A Bible podcast for ladies Ep315 - The Prideful King Saul

Not every opportunity is from God.Sick of ads? SUBSCRIBE TO PREMIUM for interruption free messageshttps://takingthelandpodcast.comPREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION for WORLD EVANGELISM:• NO ADS, Early releases, Full-Length Testimony Tuesdays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast⁠: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Subscribe for only $3.99/month on Spotify⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts⁠: https://apple.co/4owjo5ZIn this practical message from 1 Samuel 24 and 26, Pastor Bryan Castillo explores one of the most important questions every Christian must learn to ask:“Is this really God?”Using David's encounters with King Saul, this sermon exposes how Satan often disguises temptation, compromise, and bad decisions as “God's will.” Learn how to recognize spiritual traps through Scripture, prayer, godly counsel, and the witness of the Holy Spirit.If you're facing a major decision about relationships, finances, ministry, career, or direction in life, this message will help you develop biblical discernment before taking your next step.Chapters00:00 Introduction: The importance of discernment in spiritual decisions01:48 How the devil disguises himself as an angel of light04:06 Biblical examples of deception: David and Saul07:54 Recognizing false signs of God's involvement12:14 How to identify a trap: sin, peace, counsel, and witness16:01 The danger of appearances and superficial signs19:48 Biblical stories of deception: Eve, Lot, and the young prophet23:53 Practical steps to discern God's will: prayer, scripture, counsel, and witness30:14 The importance of seeking God's confirmation and peace34:57 Decisions that shape destiny and how to avoid risky choices39:57 Conclusion: Trusting God's guidance and avoiding deceptionShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:• Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b• Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

How does a person who starts well end up wrecking their life spiritually? Pastor Jeff Schreve examines the tragic downfall of King Saul and the deadly consequences of partial obedience and stubborn pride. Through powerful biblical truth and practical application, this message warns believers against compromising with sin and encourages wholehearted obedience to the Lord.

You've picked a good day to join us as we embark on a new verse by verse journey through Second Samuel, here on Sound Doctrine. And the book begins with the death of Israel's first King, Saul! Who killed Saul? Pastor Jeff Johnson believes there are two possibilities. Whatever conclusion you reach, pastor Jeff will draw out some helpful lessons, like how to deal effectively with our flesh. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29?v=20251111

We're dealing with a heavy subject today. We'll be looking at the tragic end to the life of King Saul. He died in despair, an empty, unfulfilled man! He reaped what he had sown and it wasn't pretty. But that doesn't have to be your story if you'll learn from the pitfalls of Saul.That's what we aim to do today. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29?v=20251111

Why would anyone trade the rule of God for something far less? Pastor Jeff Schreve examines Israel's demand for King Saul and the devastating consequences of rejecting God's leadership. Through convicting biblical truth and practical application, this episode challenges listeners to stop minimizing sin, trust God fully, and return to the only King who truly gives hope and life.

Welcome to Day 2903 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2903 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 142:1-7 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2903 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2903 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: Echoes From the Cave – Finding Our Sovereign Refuge in Utter Isolation On our last trek together, as we navigated through the profound protective boundaries of Psalm One Hundred Forty-One, we listened as David begged the Lord to set a vigilant watchman over his mouth and to guard the door of his lips. He was deeply concerned about his internal response to external pressures, praying that he would not be lured into testing the wicked delicacies of spiritual compromise. Today, we step directly onto a contiguous trail as we enter Psalm One Hundred Forty-Two, verses one through seven. This psalm serves as an incredibly raw, beautiful companion piece to our previous studies. As we look closely at the landscape of this new passage, we notice that David has been plunged into an even more acute, claustrophobic crisis. The historical background of this psalm describes it as a maskil—a psalm of deep instruction—written when David was hiding deep inside a cave. Whether it was the damp, pitch-black cavern of Adullam or the desolate crags of En-gedi, David was physically trapped, hunted like an animal by the relentless armies of King Saul. The internal walls of his soul were closing in, matching the cold, rocky boundaries of his physical hiding place. Yet, even in this profound state of darkness, abandonment, and severe isolation, David does not despair. Instead, he transforms his damp subterranean prison into a magnificent anteroom of the heavenly palace, casting his eyes upward toward the sovereign council of the Most High God. The first segment is: Pouring Out the Cosmic Complaint: The Heavenly Deposition Let us open our ears to the raw, uncut emotion of this prayer, as recorded in the New Living Translation, grouping together the urgent thoughts found in verse one and verse two. I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord's mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. In this opening movement, David wastes absolutely no time masking his desperation under a veneer of false stoicism. He cries out, “I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord's mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.” The vocabulary here is highly intense, painting a picture of an overflowing vessel that can no longer contain the pressure of its contents. To fully appreciate the structural depth of these verses, we must view them through the fascinating lens of the Ancient Israelite divine-council worldview. In the ancient Near East, when an individual suffered severe injustice, they did not merely vent their frustrations into the void. They brought a formal, legal petition before the king or the supreme assembly. The Hebrew word for “complaint” used here is siyach, which carries a strong legal connotation. It refers to filing an official lawsuit or a formal legal deposition. David is bypassing all localized, corrupt earthly courts—which have completely failed him and are actively hunting him down—and is taking his legal case directly to the ultimate Supreme Court of the universe. By pouring out his troubles directly before Yahweh, David is demonstrating an advanced level of spiritual intimacy. He knows that the Creator of the universe, sitting enthroned among His holy heavenly council, is not indifferent to human suffering. David does not sanitize his prayers; he brings his raw, unfiltered agony into the courtroom of the Sovereign King, completely confident that his voice is being heard by the highest authority in existence. The second segment is: Overwhelmed and Utterly Alone: Traps in the Dark The narrative of David's subterranean struggle deepens as he links his overwhelming internal state with the reality of his external traps, combining the logical thoughts found in verse three and verse four. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have hidden a trap for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one seems to know me! No one cares what happens to me. David completely uncovers his soul, admitting, “When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have hidden a trap for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one seems to know me! No one cares what happens to me.” This section beautifully illustrates the ultimate dark night of the soul. In the original language, the phrase “when I am overwhelmed” literally means that his spirit is fainting, wrapped in a suffocating shroud of profound weakness and anxiety. But notice the immediate, brilliant flash of cosmic confidence that pierces through the darkness: “You alone know the way I should turn.” This thought beautifully ties right back to the grand, transcendent themes of Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Nine, where we discovered that God completely maps out our paths and knows our sitting down and our rising up. Even when David cannot see two feet ahead of him in the pitch-black cave, the omniscient King of heaven already sees the entire exit path fully illuminated. David then reports the terrifying reality of his surroundings, explaining that everywhere he goes, his enemies have hidden a trap for him. This directly echoes the toxic, predatory environments we encountered in Psalm One Hundred Forty and One Hundred Forty-One. His human adversaries, acting under the corrupting influence of dark, rebellious spiritual principalities, have laid hidden nets to trip his steps. To make matters worse, David looks around for human support and finds absolutely nothing, crying out that no one knows him and no one cares what happens to him. He feels utterly abandoned, forgotten by his friends, Isolated from his community, and discarded by society. Every earthly refuge has completely vanished, leaving him entirely exposed in the dark. The third segment is: The Ultimate Inheritance: Aligning with the True Portion Finding himself completely stripped of human protection and earthly security, David makes a monumental, paradigm-shifting pivot in his spirit, anchoring his thoughts securely in the sovereign character of God as recorded in verse five and verse six. Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. When every earthly door is violently slammed shut, the vertical door to heaven remains wide open. David cries out, “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.' Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.” Think deeply about the sheer theological weight of that statement. In the ancient Israelite worldview, the various nations of the world were assigned to lesser spiritual beings, but Israel was Yahweh's unique possession, and Yahweh was the unique “portion” or inheritance of His people. When David declares, “You are all I really want in life,” which can be translated as you are my portion in the land of the living, he is making a profound cosmic allegiance. He is stating that even if King Saul strips away his earthly inheritance, his royal status, his home, his reputation, and his family, he still possesses the ultimate, indestructible treasure because he has Yahweh. He then presents his urgent petition to the heavenly throne, pleading for rescue because he has been brought very low and his persecutors are far too strong for him. He openly confesses his human limitations. He recognizes that Saul's royal army, and the dark spiritual forces fueling their irrational hatred, are far too powerful for his small band of men to defeat on their own. He does not rely on human military tactics or political manipulation; he throws himself entirely upon the supernatural, intervening strength of the Sovereign King of the cosmos. The fourth segment is: From the Dungeon to the Congregation: The Final Verdict Let us now examine the final, climactic verse of this beautiful prayer, where David looks completely past his current imprisonment and envisions a glorious day of public vindication in verse seven. Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The righteous will crowd around me because you are good to me. David closes his cosmic legal brief with a powerful plea for...

ike a loving shepherd who keeps His sheep close, God gently redirects us when we begin drifting toward temptation, unhealthy desires, or paths that lead to disappointment. While His boundaries can sometimes feel frustrating, they are expressions of His love. He sees dangers we cannot see and lovingly guides us back to the path that leads to life and lasting joy. When we experience delays, closed doors, or the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit, we can trust that God is not withholding good from us. Instead, He is protecting us and inviting us to remain close to Him, where we discover security, purpose, and the fullness of His presence. Highlights: God's guidance is an expression of His love and protection, not punishment. Psalm 16 reminds us that true joy and fulfillment are found in God's presence. God often redirects us when we begin wandering toward temptation or unhealthy desires. Delays, closed doors, and conviction can be evidence of God's loving care. Staying close to God allows us to experience His peace, wisdom, and lasting joy. We can trust that God's boundaries are always for our eternal good, even when we don't understand them. Join the Conversation Have you ever looked back and realized God was protecting you through a closed door, delay, or unexpected change in direction? How has staying close to Him brought greater peace and joy in your life? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When You’re Prone to Wander By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV). I recently learned something about myself—and my Savior—from watching my black cat, Mowgli. Each morning, I take Mowgli out on the patio with me so we can enjoy the cool of the morning. Mowgli has to be on a leash every time he’s outside, even if I’m right next to him, because he is afraid of other people and sounds he can’t identify. When he becomes frightened or when he starts to wander and his leash wraps around something and he suddenly feels restrained, he will panic, struggle out of his harness, and try to run away. For the most part, Mowgli and I enjoy peaceful mornings outside together as I work on my laptop and he sits contentedly on the patio, leash securely attached. When he tries to get a little further away from me to explore, I will say, “Not too far, Mowgli” and tug on his leash. But now and then, when a hummingbird swoops in low to tease him, or when a critter is rustling in the leaves nearby, he will lunge forward, panic at his sense of restraint, and wiggle quickly out of his harness and make a run for his potential kill. After I catch him, he’s very angry to be restrained. I bring him back inside and tell him firmly, “No going outside again if you can’t stay in your harness.” Today I found myself saying to him, after he was back inside and whining that he couldn’t go out again, “Why can’t you stay in your harness? Don’t you know I want to keep you close so I can keep you safe?” Oh, how God must want to tether my heart to Him to keep me safe as well. In Psalm 16, David—who knew what it was like to be hunted like a wild animal, to run for his life from King Saul, who wanted him dead—said this about the security of being tethered closely to his God: “You make known to me the path of life” (in other words, “You know how to keep me safe and alive). And David sang, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” David was saying,” I am not only safe and secure in Your presence, but I am full of joy when I’m close to You, and I’m able to experience eternal pleasures.” Intersecting Faith & Life: How often have I tried to wander too far from God’s instruction, too close to temptation, and too close to something I might start loving more than Him, and He gently pulls me back to His side? How often has my Lord seen me try to escape the harness of His love and pursue something that will never satisfy? Certainly, He wants to keep me close to His side so I will be content and can enjoy life with Him. When have you sensed God restraining you as you started to wander from Him? What might God be protecting you from in the disappointments and delays you are experiencing? Can you, too, see how God’s restraints on us—what He keeps us from, what He won’t allow us to have or go near—are not restraints to punish us or make our lives miserable? He knows what’s best for you and me, and He wants to keep us close so we are not only safe, but filled with joy at being near His presence. When you sense that gentle nudge backward, that might feel frustrating because you can’t get ahead to what you want, will you trust that God knows exactly what He’s allowing—and not allowing—for your eternal best and for your pleasures forevermore, not just temporarily. Lord, Your Word says in Your presence is abundant joy. Why would I ever want to wander? Keep me close to Your side, ever bound to You so that I can experience Your very best for me and enjoy Your company like no other. Further Study:Psalm 71:15 For daily encouragement to stay close to your Savior, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we continue our series on King Saul and King David by looking at the accounts of the private and public anointing of Saul by the prophet Samuel. In these moments, we get a close-up look at God's grace and His faithfulness to His people, and His power to change lives. We will be encouraged by glimpses of obedience from Saul, and will ultimately see that Jesus, the eternal King, is a far greater source of hope than anyone else could ever be.

So many Christians wrestle with exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout all because they are striving for God's approval rather than striding with God as His loved child. In this message, Renna Nightingale helps us learn the difference between striving and striding and shares how we can walk with God from a place of being fully loved.

The sermon explores the tragic end of King Saul through the lens of Greek tragedy, focusing on his fatal flaw of hubris. It examines 1 Samuel 28, where Saul's desperation leads him to consult a medium at Endor after God refuses to answer his prayers. The preacher highlights that Saul's rebellion and refusal to repent over decades resulted in divine judgment and isolation from God. By contrasting Saul's victim mentality with the certainty of God's word, the message urges listeners to recognize their own pride and seek genuine repentance rather than manipulation. Ultimately, it emphasizes that while sin carries inevitable consequences, God remains faithful to His promises and offers grace to those who humble themselves.

God's WORLD; God's MAN; God's GARDEN; God's UNION; God's Worldview - If marriage is foundational to a strong spiritual society then is it no wonder society is struggling so? Psalm 11:3Scripture Reading: Mt. 22:23-33I. The Union - 2:18-251. God acts - vv. 18-222. Adam reacts - v. 23• At last• Same body (bone/flesh)• Same root name 3. Moses speaks - vv. 24-25II. The Break Up - 3:1-131. From bliss to blame 2. Covering our own sin 3. Consequences of sin 4. In Christ reconciliation and healing is possible - Love God more than spouse; Love even your enemies (like ex's)5. Anger blinds us from seeing - Matthew 7:1-56. Jordan P - divorce of parents is more damaging on kids that the death of a parent III. The Reunion (After the Fallin') - God's Word speaks as if we can walk in marital bliss even after the sin of Adam and Eve and after our own sin!1. We will learn a lot from the marriage of Adam (Eve) - 2. We don't learn much about the marriage of Noah (don't even know her name) - 3. We can learn a lot about the marriage of Job (unnamed) - 4. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Abraham (Sarah, “Hagar” - Ishmael, Keturah after Sarah died w/ whom he had 6 sons) 5. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Isaac (Rebekah) - twins after 20 years of marriage (Jacob & Esau sibling rivalry not all that different from Cain & Abel).6. We can learn a lot from the marriages of Jacob7. We don't know a lot about the marriage of Joseph arranged by the Egyptian Pharaoh (Asenath - daughter of priest Potipheri)/. She bore Joseph the forefathers of 2 of the 12 tribes (Ephraim & Manasseh)8. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Moses (Zipphorah) - She saves his life and then in anger throws something at Moses - Ex. 4:24-26; don't hear that every day in our biblical counseling sessions!9. We can learn a lot from the marriages of David (8) - from Michal (daughter of King Saul) to Bathsheba (mother of Solomon). He had children with 7 of them!10. I wouldn't put anyone through studying the marriages of Solomon - however he had some great things to say about wives: Proverbs 5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-31(1) Passages that apply very well to marriage:         *Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 -        *I Corinthians 13:1-13 -       *Ephesians 4:32 -      *Philippians 2:3-4 -(2) Marriage according to Paul - *I Corinthians 7:8 - don't do it *Ephesians 5:18-21, 22-33 (In what culture is Christ the Head of the Church?); Colossians 3:18-19(3) Marriage according to Peter - I Peter 3:1-7 (“likewise”; “grant her honor”; “fellow heir”)(4) Marriage according to Jesus - Matthew 19:1-9; 22:23-33 5 Marriages Worth Studying:• Adam & Eve (forgiveness) • Boaz & Ruth (selflessness) • Zechariah & Elizabeth (communication - 9 months of non-verbal communication)• Joseph & Mary (trust) - Put her away privately • Aquila & Priscilla (mutuality) - I Corinthians 18; Romans 16:13-14

David knew what it was like to feel hunted. While fleeing from King Saul with only 400 men against 3,000 soldiers, he learned that God keeps His promises and chose to trust God's timing instead of taking revenge when the opportunity came.Like David, we all live in the "in between," waiting for God's promises to befulfilled. As we wait, God uses our trials to shape us for eternity and calls us to trust Him every step of the way.

As we begin our series on King Saul and King David, we first explore how Israel's demand for a human king reflected their desire for control rather than trust in God. Through the early life of Saul, we are reminded that God often uses the mundane detours of our daily lives to quietly orchestrate His ultimate plans. Key Verses: 1 Samuel 9:15-21

No one wakes up one day and suddenly walks away from God. Spiritual compromise is usually slow, subtle, and almost impossible to notice until the damage has been done. From King Saul, we learn how to recognize the warning signs and cultivate a faith that finishes well.

The sermon examines the tragic decline of King Saul, focusing on his inability to repent and his pattern of deflecting responsibility through pride. It contrasts Saul's performative prayer in 1 Samuel 28 with David's consistent reliance on God, highlighting that Saul sought answers rather than a relationship with the Lord. The preacher warns against approaching God with entitlement or hidden agendas, noting that God responds to sincere humility rather than demands made in crisis. By comparing Saul to Ahab, the message illustrates that even those with wicked histories can find favor if they genuinely seek God's presence over His blessings. Ultimately, the teaching urges believers to examine their hearts during prayer, ensuring they submit to God's will instead of trying to manipulate Him for personal gain.

King Saul was highly successful in destroying the Amalekites, but we note what Samuel said to him (1 Sam 15 v.1-3) before he did this!  After giving him the reasons why the Amalekites should be destroyed, Samuel tells him, “Now go and strike Amalek, and devote to destruction all that they have.  Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.”    In v.7 to 9 we read “And Saul defeated Amalek … and devoted to destruction all the people … But Saul and the people spared … the best of the sheep and oxen … and all that was good …. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.”    What a valuable lesson there is in the LORD's reaction to Saul's selective obedience to his commands.  Samuel is sent to express God's anger at his failure to obey him properly, he tells Saul, “Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD?  Why did you pounce on the spoil  and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” [v.19]  Saul claims in reply, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD” [v.20], but he only did so partly.  His claim is that the animals were saved to offer as sacrifices – and of course, as a result, Saul and the people enjoyed much feasting! The phrase “the voice of the LORD” should cause us to meditate – they did not hear his actual voice – and neither do we!  We have his word – that is “the voice of the LORD” for us.Then Samuel makes a very vital point, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?” [v.22]  What a clear and vital lesson this is for us – it dovetails in with Isaiah's message at the start of today's ch. 59.  “Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save … but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”     If there were prophets like Samuel and Isaiah around today what kind of message would they give?  Let us not pick and choose only the parts of God's word we like – to believe and obey – let us live so that we can in truth say in our prayers – and on THAT day, “I have obeyed…”

King Saul was hunting David, determined to kill the man God had anointed to take his place. Then, in a moment that seemed perfectly arranged for revenge, Saul entered the very cave where David and his men were hiding. David had the opportunity to end his suffering—but instead of killing Saul, he cut off a corner of Saul's robe and spared his life. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to David's restraint as a powerful example of faith in God's justice. David could have justified vengeance, especially after years of running for his life while Saul remained safe in the palace. But David knew a Truth declared throughout Scripture: God is the righteous Judge. Psalm 37 reveals David's hard-won confidence. Though the wicked may appear successful for a season, their triumph is temporary. God sees every injustice, every plot, every cruelty, and every hidden motive—and He will make all things right in His time. When you are mistreated, overlooked, or tempted to envy the temporary success of the wicked, don't lose heart. Keep calm. Look up. Your heavenly Father is sovereign, and the meek will inherit His promised peace. Prayer: Lord, may I be filled with compassion and also find comfort in the promise that evil will receive Your righteous judgment. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Psalm 37:10-11). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon God Has the Answer to Every Problem You Face, Stay Calm and Look Up:LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Thursday, 2 July 2026   Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9   “The ‘also crowds', those preceding, and those following, they croaked, saying:   ‘Hosanna! The ‘Son, David'! Having been blessed, the ‘coming in Name, Lord!' Hosanna in the uppermosts!'” (CG)   In the previous verse, it was noted that a great multitude spread their clothes on the road while others cut down branches from the trees, spreading them on the road as well. It next says, “The ‘also crowds'.”   These would be those just described who thronged around Jesus. The scene would have been rather incredible with Jesus in their midst, being highlighted among them. The description of the crowds is seen in the words, “those preceding, and those following.”   Some wanted to lead the way, as if they were a king's guards, going before him to herald his name and clear out anyone who stood in the way to hinder the progress. Others would follow behind, as if they were a king's loyal subjects, willing to follow him into battle or in a victory procession. Such a scene is recorded in 1 Samuel –   “Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 7 So the women sang as they danced, and said: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.'” 1 Samuel 18: 6, 7   Of those who went before and followed after Jesus, it notes that “they croaked.”   The word has been seen before, krazó, to croak as a raven. Thus, it would be a distinct and loud shout from the masses. They were “saying: ‘Hosanna! The ‘Son, David'!”   It is a new word in the New Testament, coming from the Hebrew words yasha, to save, and na, pray, as in “pray tell.” The form of the verb in the Hebrew would be causative imperative with an emphatic paragoge, thus hoshia (you must surely cause to save) na, pray. The importance of this is because it is what is recorded in the 118th Psalm –   “Oh, pray, Yehovah! You must (surely) cause to save (hoshia), pray (na)!” Psalm 118a (CG)   The people were aware that the psalm anticipated the coming Messiah. Their calling out “Hosanna” was an acknowledgement that they believed that He is the fulfillment of that expectation. Their words of this acknowledgment continue with, “Having been blessed, the ‘coming in ‘Name, Lord'!”   This is also found in the 118th Psalm –   “Blessed the ‘coming' in ‘name, Yehovah'.” Psalm 118:26a (CG)   Matthew's words in the Greek use a perfect participle, “having been blessed.” That is followed by a present participle “coming.” Thus, it indicates that the people are proclaiming that Jesus was the fulfillment of the anticipated Messiah and that He continues to fulfill that role. His coming is in the name of Yehovah.   There is no doubt about the intent of their proclamation. The people believe Jesus has been appointed by Yehovah to work His salvation in the name of Yehovah. Because of this, they continue, saying, “Hosanna in the uppermosts!”   Another new word is seen, hupsistos, the plural of hupsos, elevation. Thus, it is a superlative normally translated as “highest.” To preserve the plural, the word “uppermosts” gives the most literal sense. This would be comparable to the Hebrew and Aramaic adjectives elyon, uppermost. When referring to God, it is normally translated as Most High.   It should be noted that the words of the people do not mean that they believed Jesus is God. Rather, they believed He was sent by God to fulfill the messianic role and promises contained in Scripture. It is only in the resurrection and the theology surrounding that event (mixed with an understanding of the virgin birth) that the deity of Christ Jesus can be deduced and explained.   Life application: There is no doubt that the masses of Israel thought that Jesus was the anticipated Messiah. However, the rulers, meaning those who spoke for the nation, rejected this. In their rejection of Him, they had Him crucified.   In His crucifixion, the people then believed the lies of the leaders. Many were saved through faith in Jesus after the resurrection, as testified to in Acts. However, the nation as a whole was led astray by the leaders. In their rejection of Him, they were punished according to the curses set forth in the Law of Moses.   A point should be gleaned from this. We should not allow our spiritual understanding of what God is doing to rest in the hands of others. It is true that we have leaders appointed over us for gaining knowledge about the word, and about what God has done and is doing.   But we should not blindly trust anyone. Look at the disaster that has been caused in cults like the Seventh Day Adventists, the Mormons, the Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. Look at how people follow Roman Catholicism without regard to Scripture.   Our doctrine and theology must be derived from somewhere. Where is it that you should obtain it? The answer is from God. As God has given us the Bible for this purpose, we should be in the Bible, studying it, and checking out what we are told. Israel, the entire nation of them, has been led astray by false leaders for two thousand years.   Many in the church have followed suit, following leaders who have misdirected people away from the truth of God in Christ. Don't let anyone do this to you. KNOW YOUR BIBLE and check what you are told.   Lord God, help us to be responsible and check out everything we are told. Your word alone is the instruction we need to know You and what You expect. As we are taught from it, give us the wisdom to then verify what we have been instructed. Amen.

Experience the unexpected power of meekness through the compelling story of David sparing Saul.In this episode, we explore the profound strength found in humility as we recount the powerful tale of David sparing King Saul's life. Discover how meekness can transform even the most tumultuous relationships and reveal the true meaning of leadership in God's kingdom.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:5, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this message, we look at insecurity and the damage it created in King Saul's life.

Have people ever counted you out because of what you look like, what your background is, or what they think you're capable of? In this week's call, we are breaking down why you need to drop the baggage, stop listening to the critics, and remember that you are significantly stronger than you think.It all starts with a quick personal story about a surprise encounter with an unwelcome visitor—a bee—that reminded me just how fiercely we have to fight when something invades our personal space.That little battle led me straight to 1 Samuel 17:32-49, the classic story of David and Goliath. When King Saul tried to count David out and tell him he wasn't qualified to fight the Philistine, David didn't just back down. He ran down his entire professional resume! He reminded Saul of the lion and the bear he had already defeated.Here is what we are standing on this week: Your Labor is Not in Vain: Just like David, your past preparation matters. Speak boldly about what God has brought you through. God Puts His Super on Your Natural: David didn't defeat Goliath with heavy armor that didn't belong to him. He used what he knew, and God gave him supernatural strength to win the battle. You are Victorious by Default: We aren't fighting for victory; we are fighting from victory because Jesus has already won the war. It's a fixed fight!

When David stepped into the Valley of Elah, he wasn't just facing a 9-foot giant named Goliath; he was facing an army of doubts, armor he couldn't wear, and brothers who didn't believe in him. If you are facing massive "giants" or hiding in the "caves" of your own life right now, David's journey from shepherd boy to anointed king provides the ultimate blueprint for victory. Summary: In this episode, we chart the epic rise of King David across 1 Samuel 17 through 2 Samuel 10. We bypass the standard Sunday School narratives to explore the deep spiritual grit, covenant loyalty, and absolute humility required to step into our divine inheritance. David vs. Goliath: We analyze the stark contrast between Saul's heavy, untried armor and David's simple sling and stones. We explore why true power lies in trusting the name of the Lord rather than relying on human architecture. The Wilderness of Jealousy: We trace David's years running from a paranoid King Saul. We study David's remarkable restraint in the cave of En-gedi, where he refuses to "stretch forth his hand" against the Lord's anointed, teaching us how to handle unjust leadership and wait on God's timetable. Abigail the Peacemaker: We dive into 1 Samuel 25 to study Abigail, a brilliant woman who stepped between her foolish husband Nabal and a vengeful David. She serves as a profound type of Jesus Christ, taking the blame upon herself to prevent bloodshed and restore peace. Steadying the Ark: We confront the tragic story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6. We break down the spiritual danger of trying to "steady the ark"—or attempting to correct God's kingdom using human methods—and contrast it with the pure joy David felt dancing before the Lord as the Ark entered Jerusalem. Establishing the Kingdom: We finish with a united Israel, looking at how David chose to heal generational trauma by showing kindness to Mephibosheth (Jonathan's son) instead of wiping out his political rivals. Call-to-Action: Saul relied on his physical stature, but David relied on the Lord of Hosts. What is the "heavy armor" of the world that you need to take off so you can fight your battles God's way? Share your insights in the comments below! If you want to keep your faith firmly anchored and "Unshaken" as we study the kings of Israel, please like, subscribe, and share this video!

Brother Mike Madsen traces the downfall of King Saul through 1 Samuel 20-26, contrasting his pride and jealousy with Jonathan's loyalty and Abigail' s Christlike intercessions, and the hard, personal work of forgiving and laying down a vengeful heart.FREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00 - Part 2 - Brother Michael Madsen1:37 Alma 29 and the abundance vs scarcity mentality3:16 Saul consumed by “I” disease4:57 David at Nob5;42 David flees to Gath, then to caves6:33 Doeg the Edomite and the slaughter of 85 priests8:04 D&C 121–power, the priesthood, and unrighteous dominion9:01 “What makes you think you're not in a similar spot now?”10:39 Tending your own small kingdom13:19 Why do you want to be with the Savior?14:59 Two kings, three temptations, and one prevailed15:24 Looking for Christ in everything and 1 Sam. 2316:33 Abiathar, the ephod, David spares Saul20:52 Samuel dies and Nabal's request22:44 David's weakness and marching to take revenge23:57 Abigail intercedes26:52 Sister Yee: ‘Abigail as type of Jesus Christ”28:53 Nabal's death29:13 Sister Yee's “Beauty for Ashes”32:28 Was David traumatized and receiving counsel35:52 The boy caught in the cog37:22 “Take all you'd like,” and the heart that changed in a cornfield38:11 President Oaks held at gunpoint43:00 President Nelson: “He is coming, get the youth ready”46:53 End of Part 2 - Brother Mike MadsenThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com