God's Lovingkindness

Conrad Hilario
2 Samuel 9

God's lovingkindness can transform us by inspiring our loyalty, by inspiring grateful trust, and by liberating us from envy. Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, knew that he deserved nothing good from King David, but David lavished him with blessings because he had made a covenant with Jonathan to take care of Jonathan's family when he became king.

Loving God with All Your Heart

James Rochford
2 Samuel 5-6

Loving God with all your heart involves letting yourself display emotions. David's source of his passion was his deep trusting relationship he had with God. His wife, Michal, on the other hand kept aloof, allowed hard-heartedness to take root, leading her to develop a twisted narrative of David's joyous dancing before the Lord.

He's My Neighbor?

Patrice McCormac
Luke 10:25-38

With the sea of complex needs surrounding us, it is easy and tempting to just keep on walking past people in need. This parable is a challenging call to action. God has placed you where you are today and He will make you adequate and work through your weaknesses to love your neighbors as yourself.

The Friendship of David and Jonathan

Conrad Hilario
1 Samuel 18-20

The deep relationship David and Jonathan shared was based on a love and trust in God. They both put God first before anything else. They also both shared the three traits of a friendship of constancy, transparency and generosity. Rather than looking for a friend like Jonathan, try becoming a friend like Jonathan! But remember you can't have a friendship like their's unless you put God at the center.

Spiritual Friendships

Scott Risley
1 Samuel 18-20

Spiritual friendships are impossible if there is unbridled anger or envy present. Replace the fear underlying the anger and envy with service. If you are under attack from an angry person, first, get out of an unsafe situation. Then, try to do good and be humble, and let the situation fuel your prayer life. Spiritual friendships take initiative, encouragement plus affection, and sacrifice plus vulnerability.

We Want a King!

Scott Risley
1 Samuel 8-10

The calling of Saul can teach us important lessons in spiritual leadership. Servant leaders need to prepare ahead of their calling and must be willing to be different. God calls them to cling to these three truths of spiritual leadership: Listen to Me and I will supply all you need, these people are Mine, and I love you.

Biblical Leadership and Followership

Mike Woods
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Leaders of the people God has entrusted to them, are called to lead with accountability, stewardship, hard work, and true service, admonishing and instructing from the Word of God. As followers, we are called to appreciate, esteem, support and cooperate with our leaders out of gratitude for their sacrifice.

So, Is This the Christian Life?

Patrice McCormac
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Paul writes a letter to follow up his earlier visit to the Thessalonian church . He is pleased with Timothy's report of how they are doing but encourages them to excel still more in loving others. By living in such a way that outsiders see the great love we have for others, they are attracted to become followers of Christ themselves.

Holy Sex

Lee Campbell
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

God's design for sex is for developing oneness with your spouse. Our culture instead, views sex as solely for satisfying personal pleasure. This attitude is destructive to others, to your relationship with God and to yourself. Use sex as God intended. It is a picture of God's nature and character.