Samuel grieves. He fears. He makes assumptions. Samuel is profoundly human. Yes, even Samuel, what a relief. I want to sit with Samuel for a moment because it’s easy to forget that the great heroes of Scripture were not immune to disappointment. Samuel was a prophet unlike any other. Scripture tells us that not one … Continue reading Revealed Part 1 | 1 Samuel 16
God’s initial call often aligns with a person’s natural abilities or desires (what they can and want to do). Over time he tests not their ability but their heart. The test reveals the heart by demanding surrender in the very area where self-will is strongest. This test works to deepen relationship and intimacy with God. … Continue reading 1 Samuel 15 | Called and Tested
I battled low self-esteem and body-image issues throughout my teens and early twenties. Feet, oddly enough, were a thing for me. I wanted beautiful feet so badly. I remember once flipping through a Lands' End catalog looking at bathing suits when I noticed a swimsuit model—beautiful, thin, everything I thought I wanted to be—and she … Continue reading Good Enough | Kim Blenkhorn
What Saul teaches us in this portion of Scripture is that poor leadership, focused inward rather than outward toward the people, will often lead people into sin. For these kinds of leaders, being obeyed becomes more important than guiding others to obey God. Their authority serves to bolster their own confidence and preserve their image. … Continue reading Saul’s Foolish Command | 1 Samuel 14:24-46
1 Samuel 13 | The Illegitimate Offering The people of Israel were about to go into battle against an army much larger. They were waiting for Samual to arrive and make the offering, they wouldn't go into battle without it. Saul wanted the battle to begin, Samuel was late. Saul decided to make the offering … Continue reading The Illegitimate Offering | 1 Samuel 13
There is an account on Mount Horeb where the prophet Elijah is afraid and hiding. The Lord approaches him and a there is a violent rushing wind passes that breaks the rocks, then there is earthquake and then a fire, God is in none of them. Then comes a gentle breeze, and in the still, … Continue reading The Spirit: Gentle Breath or Violent Wind | 1 Samuel 10-11
Israel asked for a king like all the other nations—for three reasons they said: to judge them, to go before them, and to fight their battles. The Judge They wanted someone to uphold justice and teach truth. someone who was an expert in the law of God—like Moses—who could punish the wicked and pardon the … Continue reading King , Judge and Mediator | 1 Samuel 8 | Kim Blenkhorn
We learn a lot about Saul in chapter 9—some clues about who he is, and subtle foreshadowing of what sort of leader he will become. Saul’s hidden insecurities are not neutral traits; they look for protection—either through control and anxiety, or through performance and pride and both exist in Saul at the same time in … Continue reading The Insecure King | I Samuel 9
What should have been a day of celebration turns into tragedy—the ark is returned to Israel but God strikes down fifty thousand of His own people at Beth Shemesh. Israel now seems caught on both sides: enemies on one side, God’s judgment on the other. Why would God strike His own people? And why are … Continue reading Return | 1 Samuel 6–7
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