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Q3. (1 Samuel 25) What do we learn about David's character in this incident with Nabal and Abigail? We have many examples of how David listened to God, and how it helped his life and those around him. His character was often tested and this is a good example of how he took the time to listen and perceive that a wise woman was giving him good advice to curb his anger and taste for vengence. What do we learn about Abigail's character? Nabal's character? Abigail was a Godly and wise woman, she had God in her heart and was humble in her offering to David, and he could appreaciate her wisdom and advice. Nabal is the example of a person far from God, and the consequences of His selfish actions and foolish habits were demonstratd along with God's timing. Why do you think this story was included in 1 Samuel? What important knowledge does it add to our understanding? This story shows that God's timing is perfect, and the consequences of our sins will be deadly if we remain far from God in our daily habits, and thoughts. We desperately need to sek Him, stay close to Him, let Him lead us to maintain good habits, and to profit from the blessings He'll give if we only learn to listen and obey. We can expect to be tested in trials, it is the only way to grow.

Q4. (1 Samuel 28:7-14) Why do you think God condemns occult practices of communi-cating with the dead and channeling spirits of the dead? How might such practices open Christians to victimization and oppression by evil spirits? What should you do if you’ve been involved in such practices in the past? Jesus raised the dead three times; each time it was for a reason to show God's power and glory, and also to help people believe in Him. There is no example in the Bible that suggests we should do this. We are to focus on the lost who are alive and let God use us so they can be saved. This is the great commission; this is what we are here for. We are only asking for trouble is seeking something with the departed. But there are people who are gifted to help solve crimes, or to find the bodies of people who have been murdered. God put these people in this world to serve Him and His bow humble to His will. People who have this give in truth take care not to sek out the wrong things, or they will pay the price.

NabalQ3. (1 Samuel 25) What do we learn about David’s character in this incident with Nabal and Abigail? What do we learn about Abigail’s character? Nabal’s character? Why do you think this story was included in 1 Samuel? What important knowledge does it add to our understanding? It was obvious after God punished Nabal that we must learn to be reasonable, and kind to others, especially to those who have helped us along the way. The foolish stone heart of Nabal was asking for destruction. His wife only delayed the process. When she found him drunk, it was clear he was insensitive to the help he got from David. It is like him ignoring the reality of the power of David and the need to support him. He paid the price. God expects us to hear Him call us to be kind and give to others what they deserve, and to do it with a good heart. In such way we can safely follow Abigail's actions, which were to save her husband. God had other plans for this good and Godly woman, to become David's wife, and ad moral value to his family.

nyhtingQ2. (1 Samuel 24:12) How do we apply the principle of not lifting a hand against the Lord’s anointed in our day? What provisions are there in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 for calling leaders to account. What do you think God will do to those who slander, persecute, and martyr his appointed leaders? We know that many speak against our newly elected president, Obama, for all the spending he has done without much results so far. This is truly against God and his will. President Obama was properly elected. Now we must support the legal process which will enact new laws, taxes, and cuts. We pray that this will bring our people closer to God. Anything else is disobedience to God's word

Q1. (1 Samuel 24:1-15) Why doesn’t David kill Saul when he has the chance? What motive do he and his men have for killing a king who is trying to kill them? What is David’s rationale for sparing Saul? What does this tell us about David’s character? About his faith? What does it say about David’s leadership ability that he is able to dissuade his men from killing Saul? David knows that God's commandments includes "thou shalt not kill," yet he has killed many at the command of God, starting with Goliath. So in some whys it makes no sense for a 'killer' to not kill Saul. David believes that it is by God's will and not David's hand that Saul shall leave this world. So he is trusting God, even though he has ben anointed to become king. He trust it will happen in God's time, not by his hand. His men will follow him fully; they believe in David and know his motivation if from and with the Lord's will. That is enough for his me.

Q3. (1 Samuel 23:14-18) Why does Jonathan visit David in the wilderness? What risk is there for David? What risk is there for Jonathan? What do you think it meant to David? Have you ever received a visit from a friend when you needed it most? Johnathan and David had a covanent with God as their witness. Johnathan felt he needed to help David at this time, so he went to him. The risk is death if Saul would uncover their covanent. Getting a call or visit from a real friend at the right moment can be priceless. These are people who really care about you, and its a very short list of people who you can really count on. We expect these special friends to be Christians. When they hear us and speak, it is coming from God and we really need to listen. Everything happens for a reason; these visits or conversations are no exceptions. They are blessings.

Q2. (1 Samuel 22:20-23:12) What did Abiathar and the ephod have to do with "inquiring of the Lord?" Why did David inquire of the Lord? What huge advantage does the person have who seeks God's will before acting? How can you find God's will at key points in your life?
 The key points in my life with God are all about NOW; being constantly pryerful and greatful is what the bible tell us to do.Thessalonians 5:17 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. This is the secret the discipline the way to stay in contact with GOd at all times. "Inquiring of the Lord" is beter if we are already in contact with HIM and listening for HIS guidance. It seems I am attempting to do this more and more, since my habits are not at all like this; rather I'd seek what I think God wants me to do, or what I think si best from all my life habits. This is a mistake and I feel it can be overcome with as close to constant prayer as possible. Just being reminded that Psalm 29:11 promises we'll be blessed with peace. Are we really doing what God wants? We should be inquiring all the time. I pray that this become my lifestyle. Thsi is how to learn to truat HIM; there is no other way. AreAre

David's reputation was giant. Many were soldiers, fighters, or aggressive men against Saul. David had to be wise and strong to keep them under his control. He needed God's will to accomplish anything with them.

Q3. (1 Samuel 19:18-24) What does it tell us about Saul’s faith that he pursues David even when he has sought the sanctuary of the prophet Samuel? Up til now I was thinking Saul was a very bad person; but then I started to think about how I react when I feel insecure about my earthly future, my mortgage, paying my family bills. Frankly, I can be just as "bad a sinner" as Saul, i.e. being far from God in my thought process. I have talked to pastors and also sen how some of them react. We are all human, and have no right to judge anyone for the way they react. So without God, the situation is bad or hopeless. Thank goodness he loves us so much, thank goodness for His grace and mercy. We're human and we sin a lot more than we realize. Thank you Jesus; you came as a human and you saw us and read our minds and could see how we'd react to anything. Thank you for the tests we get every day; thanks for the warnings via these bible examples. It help us rationalize there is no other choice than to trust and Love the Lord above all else.

Q4. (1 Samuel 20:35-42) What is the nature of the covenant between David and Jonathan? What does David receive? What does Jonathan receive? Who benefits the most from this covenant? Is it self-serving -- or not? What is the significance that God is witness to the covenant? This covenant kind of frightens me for many reasons. Jesus said, let your yes be yes, anything more is from the evil one. Still bringing their God into the promises they make to each other is like doing it as a prayer. It makes me want to make another covenant with God: I need you, please help me listen better to you. I love you more than anything. Please teach me to remain in you to receive this love and to increase my humility. Teach me to fear you more, bow to your word more and seek to glorify you more. That is the covanant and wish that I have from hearing Him after reading this lesson. Lord please make me nothing so I can better hear and serve you; in Jesus name, Amen

Q3. (1 Samuel 19:18-24) What does it tell us about Saul's faith that he pursues David even when he has sought the sanctuary of the prophet Samuel? Why do people prophesy when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? What is the relationship between this incident and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)? Having lost the Sprite of God, Saul, nothing is sacred and he can be expected to do foolish things that will not endear him to his own people and soldiers. Saul trying to kill David in Samuel's sanctuary shows Saul's fear and lost of contact with God an God's will. Saul can not win. His desired to control leads to total rebellion against God. He forgets that God has anointed David to be king. All the prophecies that occur have no positive impact on him as he is caught up in himself and worldly desire to retain control of the kingdom. He is a lost soul and caught up in his ego, pride and fear, all not being fruits of the spirit. God's messengers of prophesy give us warnings, as do certain events that come about each day. We must pay attention and be obedient to God's word. Easy to say, but when you are inflexible to God's evolving plan, it is time to be prayerful and ask for guidance. This Saul didn't do. He would suffer the consequences later, just as David would when he sinned against God's commandments. Just as we will suffer consequences in sinning against God's commandments. and will

Q2. (1 Samuel 18:18-22) Which of the following is David's chief motive for marrying Michal, in your opinion? Argue for the motivation that makes the most sense to you: (1) pride in his military prowess, (2) obedience to Saul's desires, (3) love or desire for Michal, or (4) enjoyment in killing Philistines. Saul tries to appeal to David's military skills, but really hopes David will be killed. Since David is already anointed, he has no problem in killing 2x the enemies that Saul requests. So Saul's strategy backfires and David becomes stronger. And Saul then says to David, "Now you will become my son-in-law." Simply put David has followed the orders of the King of Israel. And on the King's terms he succeeds from his efforts with his men. He is elevated to son-in-law; this being the reverse of what Saul had hoped for.

Q1. (1 Samuel 18:13-16). Why does Saul send David into battle? What is the result? To what does the narrator attribute David's success? Saul has seen David defeat Goliath. Giving him more to do in the army is a natural evolution. And as David succeeds more he is promoted; but he is also becoming more loved by the people and army leader than Saul would like. He become a threat in the insecure heart of Saul. This is because God had taken HIs spirit of protection from Saul in order to anoint David. So it is a matter of time before David will lead and Saul will be finished. It is God's plan that David succeed and lead Israel as King. Nothing will stop this, no efforts by Saul will be able to overcome God's will. This is true in our lives, we need to trust and obey, and listen and see what is evolving as we trust God.

Q3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that “the battle is the Lord’s”? What does that phrase actually mean? How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles (“God is on my side”), rather than engaging in His battles (“I am on God’s side”)? Trusting God and letting His will be done is what this is all about. The Psalms continually tell us to call upon Him, trust Hi, and wait upon Him. He knew us when we wee in our mother's womb. He know everything. This is amazing and is not logical or worldly. God grows us as we learn more about His unfailing promise and unfailing love. God has put us in a path to have experiences and learn to trust Him. All that is happening in ou lives today. Our best choice is to learn to trust and to pray more.

Q2. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) What does David’s explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David’s faith? How lethal is David as a warrior? Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? Does Saul have faith? If so, what is the source of it? It is true that David won the battle before he stepped in front of Goliath. It is his faith from how God prepared him for the moment before Saul and then Goliath. David lived in the present and killed lion and bear; it was God's will. David didn't hesitate to kill when he had to. We don't know how prayerful David was before going to save the sheep from the lion or bear. He was just doing his job. God was surely with him. His faith was natural; and his anger at Goliath was genuine for defiling his God and God's people Since this bible story is about God's will being done in the world by God's chosen people, it is one example of many where people who were of strong faith were given tasks to do by God and then executed them in a faithful manner. This story is not about judging with worldly values. This story is not a challenge to be like David; it is about referring to the bible and confirming God will find a way for us, no matter what. Such a strong faith can only be built by learning to be obedient to God's word/laws and hearing Him and then following God's will as it unfolds in front of us. Its easy and its hard, it only come by trust and experience in how he delivers us. God is the source of this growth in faith; let us be strong and courageous and follow him. This I pray in Jesus name, for all men who read this.

Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26-30) Why is David so upset about Goliath’s taunt? Why is Eliab, David’s brother, so upset with David? What does this teach us about David’s faith? What does it teach us about Eliab’s character? David has been trained being out in the field with the sheep to protect them, and killed the lion and bear. This was God's will. When he hears that the giant is saying bad things about God's chosen people, David becomes angry and upset. He wants to do something about it, and feels he is ready from his past experiences. God is with him. Eliab, his brother, id no in the same zone. He as a soldier has been caught up in the fear of "size;" this is also about him making God little, which we all often do in viewing our life problems. We get caught up in the world's view of things. It is hard to remember that Jesus said, "remain/abide in me ... and I will grant what ever you ask in my name... and your joy will overflow." Lord, grant us the strength and focus to abide in you. We need you desperately to make it gloriously through the moments of each day. We should not settle for less than God's promise in our life. I confess it is often not easy, Lord I need you, I need you; Amen

God is very big, infinite, all knowing. I should spend my time waiting and listening Arrogance is easy for me to understand since I rebel against the almighty all the time; not seeking to hear his will regularly, But is it realy okay for me to wander off the path of God who ants to take care of me. I'd rather be grateful for God's presence rather than arrogantly choosing my own way and having to live with the consequences. But I'm slow to learn, and realize that only by reading the bible, and a lot more praying will there be hope for me in contributing to God's kingdom. So I say heaven help us all, as much as we can "allow it" as much as we can surrender to his loving will. Thank you Jesus for dying for these sins we commit in our wanderings from the God who loves us so much.

Q4. (21:33) How does the realization that God is El-Olam, the Eternal God, effect you? How does it alter the way you live your life? God is humbling me; sometimes it is painful. I have been inflexible, and stubborn; but He made me this way, He knew how I'd react to many different situations I need to trust God more and more, and avoid mistakes that I made by going too fast, very often. Missing signs from people, I could go on and one. But God will give me another chance to glorify Him better than I have in the past. It is so great how he has saved me and loves me. He is the pearl that we all will seek as we get to know him better and better. The is no one like HIM. Why not adore Him more as He opens our eyes to His great love for all humans!

Q3. In what ways has God blessed Abraham in this difficult chapter 21? Given what we know about Ishmael's character (16:12; 25:18), how has Abraham been blessed that he sent him away? How has Isaac been blessed? What might have happened if Ishmael hadn't been sent away? Have you ever been rejected or sent away? Where is God in all of this? I relate to the present, my only brother has rejected me and said that I am guilt ridden by previous divorce and that there is no God. My father has tried to reconcile but since he is very old, 89, and dependent on my brother, he is not strong enough to heal this wound between his sons. I can see better my own short comings and why I have been rejected. It has been a good maturing process. I pray that our hearts with not become hardened, but it has not been easy. Still, now I can pray for my brother to know Jesus and have no malice, like he was a distant 'friend' It is a little sad that other family members in my home town have all gradually stopped communicating with me, but this is all God's plan. I have become humbled and needed it. Praise God to keep humbling me so I can better submit to Him, be used by Him in His Kingdom and love Him for beter running my life for me than I could alone.

Q2. (21:8-10) What motivates Sarah to demand Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's family encampment? Is she righteous in this? Have you ever tried to force your spouse to act against his or her principles? Have you ever been forced yourself My wife is a Hispanic minister from El Salvador where they might pray for hours to our Savior as a normal daily event. At least once a month they pray all Saturday night into the early morning of Sunday. My wife told me that it was very bad to celebrate Halloween and her pastor brother has been warning all the congregation not to do this 'devil worship." Frankly, at first I though this was crazy and said it was cultural. She argued it was written in the Bible and such activities should not be done. So after the argument when I prayed about it, in a moment God told me that she was right. She is very very biblical in her way of living, very narrow and strict, e.g. no dancing was allowed by her or her sisters when they were young. They constantly remind me that Americans in general are not Christians or not good worshipers. I come to appreciate how they are, very old fashioned, loving God and the Bible. It is all good and part of His plan for me. Praise the Lord for my deep transformation, and for showing me that I'm a sinner like all the rest and no better than anyone else; saved by grace and not by any works. Amen.

Q2. (21:8-10) What motivates Sarah to demand Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's family encampment? Is she righteous in this? Have you ever tried to force your spouse to act against his or her principles? Have you ever been forced yourself My wife is a Hispanic minister from El Salvador where they might pray for hours to our Savior as a normal daily event. At least once a month they pray all Saturday night into the early morning of Sunday. My wife told me that it was very bad to celebrate Halloween and her pastor brother has been warning all the congregation not to do this 'devil worship." Frankly, at first I though this was crazy and said it was cultural. She argued it was written in the Bible and such activities should not be done. So after the argument when I prayed about it, in a moment God told me that she was right. She is very very biblical in her way of living, very narrow and strict, e.g. no dancing was allowed by her or her sisters when they were young. They constantly remind me that Americans in general are not Christians or not good worshipers. I come to appreciate how they are, very old fashioned, loving God and the Bible. It is all good and part of His plan for me. Praise the Lord for my deep transformation, and for showing me that I'm a sinner like all the rest and no better than anyone else; saved by grace and not by any works. Amen.

Q1. (21:5-7) The name Isaac means "he laughs." What is Sarah's laughter like now compared to her laughter in 18:12-15 and Abraham's laughter in 17:17? What does this tell you about God's sense of humor Such an interesting consideration. I recall how Jesus said to take the plank out of one's own eye before trying to take the splinter of wood from one other's eye. I saw this done in a movie of th ebook of Matthew and it was done with great humor. It make me feel God is telling me to lighten up and enjoy life because he hs got it all under his control, and it will end up being good for me; I just need to trust him better and listen closely to all that is happening; i.e. to "remain in Jesus, and ..." let Him do it for me.

Q3. (19:26) After being nearly delivered, why did Lot's wife stop and gaze rather than escaping? What was in her heart? Have you ever struggled with this in your heart? What lesson does Jesus draw from Lot's wife in Luke 17:31-33? This is indeed scary. Being saved is not like being almost saved. God will never give us more than we can handle, because he loves us an dis so wise and powerful. His hand directs His will on our hearts and minds; we must submit to His love to have the blessing. and if we don't we become a pillar of salt, or become useless in His kingdom. This is telling me to let go further, trust God further, realize that my trust before was blocked by my ego and self-reliance and inability to pray before all encounters. The time has now dome to worship in spirit and in truth and enjoy God running the show, and praising him for His blessing on our life.

Q2. (19:15-16) Why did Lot and his family hesitate? Have you ever hesitated when you should have been fleeing a danger? What is the lesson for us? Jesus said, abide in me .... stay with me, stay close to me, keep your eyes on me. When he sends a messenger, we must listen, but often we do not. At least I do not always follow, but when I do I'm rewarded. EXAMPLE: I was just now preparing for a job interview and took a break. God came to me and said to send an email to a man proposing to fix my outdooor deck, and suggest a lower price. So I carefully did this and then didn't feel good, right after sending the email. Immediately the man was calling me, so I told him about the email and he said he had not received it. Then I said it was about asking for a lower price. He told me he loved God so much and immediately agreed to the lower price. In some moments he'll come to my home and share some other stories he has had like this one today. So when we hesitate, we can lose out on God's planned blessing, though He knows in advance how we'll choose, since he knows everything. PRAISE GOD, may we have the courage to follow Him., when He calls us.

Q1. (19:4-11) How can Christians keep balance on the issue of homosexuality in our day? Is it really possible to be loving and compassionate toward practicing homosexuals at the same time as you condemn the sin? Should the church be silent about homosexuality? If not, what should we be saying? Where should we be saying it? (Be gentle and loving as you discuss this subject -- please!) I was not happy when President Obama spoke in favor of homosexual marriage. Last night a lady supporting Obama called me as part of a Telethon to ask for my vote. When I asked her about this, she said that he is right because everyone should be able to be free to love and live with the person they want. Does this mean that the USA is headed to become lo become like Sodom? No, the USA is already a very "lost civilization" worshiping football teams and sports stars while ignoring our Savior Jesus. I was praying that most of the people watching Sunday football in the afternoon had already gone to church, but had no way to do a survey. As a first class sinner, I have no right to judge a homosexual or anyone else, as they are part of God's perfect plan in this universe. So we must be tolerant and take the piece of wodd out of our own eye first, so we can see God's truth.