The narrative of David’s downfall in 2 Samuel 11 is given with such detail and in such a matter of fact manner that it is impossible to miss the point.  David made a series of decisions that brought him and those around him misery.  There were several switchpoints in thisContinue Reading

2 Samuel 13 As the remainder of David’s life unfolds in the book of 2 Samuel, the narrative is filled will examples of how Nathan’s prophecies about David and his family are fulfilled.  The record states that one of David’s sons, Amnon, loved his beautiful half-sister, Tamar, who was theContinue Reading

The story in 2 Samuel 6 of Uzzah steadying the ark, although well known amongst adults in the church, is not known by our youth.  When asked if they had ever heard of Uzzah steadying the ark, my students responded that they had never heard the story before. To understandContinue Reading

The showdown between David and Goliath has many relevant parallels to the youth of the Church today.  In many ways Goliath represents the temptations and trials of the world.  He also represents the demands of the world that we must meet.  The author of the text goes on to illustrateContinue Reading

The Downfall of Saul See also: This house is your wedding present Saul’s decision to leave the path of righteousness is taken one step at a time.  At each moment of decision he falls deeper and deeper into jealousy and rage as his power slips from his fingers.  The authorContinue Reading

1 Samuel 13 relates the story of Saul making an unauthorized offering.  After waiting seven days for Samuel to come and make the offering, Saul went ahead and performed Samuel’s duties.  The text suggests that Saul felt pressure as the Philistines were gathered against him and some of his menContinue Reading

1 Samuel 10:27 tells us that the children of Belial spoke harshly of Saul.  Said these individuals, “how shall this man save us?”  We read that they “despised him, and brought him no presents.  How Saul deals with these individuals is applicable to the youth. We read that Saul “heldContinue Reading

1 Samuel 9-10 teach us that even in the exercising of our agency in unwise ways, the Lord will do all He can to help us to be successful. The Israelites chose to have a king, against the counsel of Samuel.  Despite this poor choice, the Lord did all heContinue Reading

1 Samuel 3 teaches so many important principles.  One idea that is particularly applicable to youth is that we need to be ready when called upon.  Samuel heeded the voice of the Lord when called upon, but the two men who should have been ready to hear the voice ofContinue Reading

As Samuel grows, he learns to hear the voice of the Lord.  The experience in 1 Samuel 3 illustrates how the Lord works with us to communicate his will.  We need to grow in the process of hearing and following the still small voice of the Spirit. Sister Julie BeckContinue Reading