In Samuel 17:31-37, David has been brought before King Saul.  People have heard David’s bold words about how Goliath had to be faced.  Saul has sent for him.
When David expresses that he will fight Goliath, King Saul says this is impossible due to his youth and inexperience.
David shares the story of fighting against a lion [...]

In reading Samuel again, I was struck by something I hadn’t thought of before.
In chapter 16, when God tells Samuel to go anoint a new king, we are told that Samuel looked at Jesse’s firstborn and said, “Surely God’s anointed is standing right here.”  God told Samuel that He had rejected Eliab because God looks [...]

Had some thoughts while listening to a sermon on Jonah.
In Jonah 3, it says God spoke to Jonah the second time.  What happened between the first time God spoke and the second time?  We know.

Jonah rejected God’s word.
Jonah’s life took a decidedly downhill turn (repeated use of word “down”).
Jonah possibly attempted suicide by telling the [...]

As I’ve been rereading Samuel, one of the thoughts that strikes me from Chapter 1 is that Hannah gave up her son to God at such an extremely young age. The Bible says she kept him until he was weaned. How long was that? In Western countries, about one year or less. [...]

I’ve been reading through Samuel again.  In chapter 9, Saul is looking for his father’s lost donkeys.  At the prodding of his servant, they try to find Samuel the Seer (prophet) to find out if he can help them locate the asses.
In vv 23-24, Samuel tells the cook at a feast he had called to [...]

I have an interesting view on relationships for young believers, one that’s not popular and not easy to swallow. It’s a view that stems from my life experience.
During my early high – school years I was probably one of the most insecure, overly sensitive girls I think I’ve ever known. I felt ugly, undesired, [...]