“When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, ‘Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.’” (1 Samuel 24:1 ESV). David’s time in the wilderness of En Gedi was not merely a season of hiding—it was a season of refining. Though he was anointed to be king, he found himself running for his
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14–15 ESV). Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd, setting Himself apart from the unfaithful leaders of Israel who failed to
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15 ESV). This biblical proverb teaches the importance that attitude has on perception. If someone is “afflicted,” meaning disheartened or discouraged, then even a sunny day appears stormy to them. But even on the darkest of days
“And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.” (1 Samuel 18:5 ESV). David was an obedient and enthusiastic servant of King Saul. God
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45 ESV). What David said to Goliath as they closed for battle revealed his
‘And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, ‘Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.’” (1 Samuel 15:12 ESV). This moment reveals Saul’s heart more than his words. Though commanded by God
“Then Jonathan said, ‘My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.’” (1 Samuel 14:29 ESV). It’s heart-breaking to read the stories about King Saul, Israel’s first king. Although he reigned for forty years, his leadership style was fraught with short-sighted and ill-conceived
“For not even his brothers believed in him” (John 7:5 ESV). Jesus had four younger half-brothers named James, Joses, Judas and Simon and several unnamed sisters (Mark 6:3) by his mother, Mary and his adopted father, Joseph. Prior to Christ’s resurrection his brothers didn’t believe in him. We don’t read much about them, but here
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” — John 6:51 (ESV) In this powerful statement, Jesus identifies Himself as “the living bread that came down from
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” (John 6:27 ESV). Jesus challenged the motives of the crowd who followed Him after the miraculous feeding of the