Scripture Carvings
even his own brothers did not believe in him.
John 7:5
· Had to sting.
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
1 Samuel 13:6
o Wouldn’t it be something to have that kind of courage? Ready to move and act even if I can only summon a “perhaps” the Lord will act!
This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt.
1 Samuel 15:2
· We have to remember that with the Lord, “Not Now” does not equal “Never will”.
o Amalekites acted in evil during the exodus.
o NOW, generations later, God remembers and acts on behalf of his people.
o This story is the background to Esther’s story. (Agag is the ancestor of Haman).
§ NOTE: Partial obedience = disobedience.
The leader is to lead: 1 Samuel 15:24, Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the LORD's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them.
· When the leader does not lead, the consequence is tragic for the leader and the people.
“hem of his robe”
As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore.
1 Samuel 16:27
· Saul is grabbing at the hem of Samuel’s robe.
· Later David will snip the hem of Saul’s robe.
o Both times signify the “changing of the guard” of leadership.
§ Saul grabs but comes up empty.
§ David takes because Saul is empty.
How do you treat the powerless?
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group
John 8:3
· How horrible: “Stand before us in your sin.”
They were using this question as a trap…
John 8:6
· Using the question / Using the woman.
· Didn’t matter if they “used the truth” or “used the woman” …
Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.
1 Samuel 17:36
· When the first bear and lion showed up, David couldn’t see that it was just training for the future task. How often do we want out of a difficult spot; instead of learning the lesson that will equip us for the future task to come?
Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
1 Samuel 18:9
· Afflicted with the evil eye!
A mocker resents correction;
he will not consult the wise.
Proverbs 15:12
· How do you do with correction in your life?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
Psalm 113:7
· Do you think God cares about the poor?
Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
Proverbs 15:16
· And why is it we work so hard for wealth?
1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
2 Why do the nations say,
"Where is their God?"
Psalm 115:1-2
· Psalmist laments that other nations can’t see God.
· Makes me wonder, do we live in such a way that others can see OUR God?
o Sometimes I’m afraid they do … they see OUR gods, but not THE God.
So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.
1 Samuel 24:2
· God has purpose for us being in the desolate places of life.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD :
"O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
Psalm 116:3-7
· These words capture the heart of all I felt when I had my stroke.
· They also speak the gratitude I still feel for the amazing healing he provided.
