Juggling Fire

If it weren’t for potty breaks, we wouldn’t get to see God’s mercy in this chapter. I love how we get the human side of people in this story. In other words, we see that kings pee in caves like everyone else and that this territory was so familiar to the Israelites in the community… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 24

What a suspenseful chapter! Can’t you just imagine these scenes being played out on the big screen? I wish someone would make an epic series based on these chapters of the Bible. If it’s ever been done, I’ve never seen it or even heard about it. The things that must have happened in between the… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 23

If King Saul had not sealed his fate already, he certainly has now. We could say he’s gone off the deep end. He’s killed 85 priests and their families in his wrath to end the unbegun (I think I made a new word there) reign of King David. More than this, however, he has caused… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 22

So, the lesson from this chapter is that it’s ok to lie to a priest as long as you’re running for your life from the king? That might be what some people read into this. For me, the lesson here is that David, even though selected by God to be the next king, is just… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 21

Jonathan is in such a tough spot, and I won’t deny that I got that big lump in my throat a couple different times in this chapter. Imagine the inner conflict Jonathan must be enduring. He has found a best friend in David and accepts his appointment as future king, even though Jonathan himself is… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 20

It’s strange times in the land o’ plenty. Tormenting spirits, prophesying and kings lying naked in the street! Oh my! The one thing that caught my eye in this chapter is that not just one of Saul’s children is protecting David, but two of them are defying their father’s wishes and making sure the future… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 19

Talk about frienemies! My former boss and mentor, Larry Hammer, used to live by the motto: keep you friends close and your enemies closer. I think King Saul may have been the inventor of this concept. It seems Saul is a little conflicted about his relationship with David, but more than that, he should be… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 18

Even if you’ve never read the Bible before, you’ve more than likely heard the story of David and Goliath. And remember way back when, when we discussed the possibility of giants still roaming the earth? As this chapter describes Goliath, we can safely assume that this guy is one of those leftovers. He’s more than… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 17

There’s a line in this chapter that has forever confused me: “ … the Lord sent a tormenting spirit … “ Yikes! I never, ever, ever want God to send a spirit to torment me, but you know what, I bet we’ve all had one. I believe these types of spirits are meant to send… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 16

Looks like King Saul is in a bit of trouble with God - and with Samuel. There are lots of juicy little tidbits telling us why God is so angry with Saul, and I’ll be honest, most of them, I am just noticing for the first time even after having already read this chapter. I’ve… Continue reading Bible studies for writers | 1 Samuel 15