The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Mercy Upon Mercy, I Samuel 25-26, OT S1:E170

A wise woman Abigail interceeds with David on behalf of her arrogant husband and convinces David that showing mercy is a better way to get your way than acting in wrath. In the very next chapter, David has opportunity to kill Saul, but chooses mercy instead. Despite David's propensity towards violence, he exercises much mercy in these chapters.

Forced into Hiding, I Samuel 23-24, OT S1:E169

David, even while hiding from Saul, rises to rescue the town of Keilah. Betrayed by those he rescued, he retreats to En Gedi, where he gets a chance to take the life or his arch-enemy Saul. Instead, he shows Saul mercy, buying a slight reprieve by a ninja-like act of bravery.

Have No Fear, Little Flock, Luke 12:1-35 NT S1:E88

Jesus takes time, on His journey to Jerusalem, to teach His disciples the blessing of setting their hearts on the things of God. It is too easy for us to get distracted, and miss out on the Lord's blessing. Putting first things first keeps us on track and living into the Lord's will for our lives.

A Murderous, Jealous Anger, I Samuel 21-22, OT S1:E168

Saul is so consumed by his anger that he orders the execution of many priests. He accuses them of treason for aiding David. These innocent prophets die for their righteousness, and so become a great encouragement for us to stand up against evil, regardless of the consequences.

The Best of Friends, I Samuel 19-20, OT S1:E167

David and Jonathan grow close, even while Jonathan's father King Saul tries, on a number of occasions, to kill David. Here we learn a lesson of true friendship. David and Jonathan will love each other with undying love, even though the anger of Saul and the events of life separate them for the foreseeable future.

Ask, Seek, Find Luke 11, NT S1:E87

The Lord's Prayer is God's will for us in the form of promise. We are thankful for God's unconditional love. But sometimes we forget that our challenges and issues are no problem for God. Jesus reminds us of God's love, even when we can't see it.

David, Goliath, and a Bitter Old Man, I Samuel 17-18, OT S1:E166

David becomes a folk hero when he slays Goliath, the champion of the Philistines. Saul, who blessed David before the battle, begins to despise the young shepherd boy. But as Saul loathes David, Jonathan loves him and the two quickly become best of friends.

The Lord Looks At The Heart, I Samuel 15-16 OT S1:E165

When Saul spares Israel's enemies, the Lord rebukes him and rejects him as king. A fearful Samuel is sent to anoint a new king, one who will have a heart for the Lord. David is anointed, then called into Saul's service, where he will be well prepared to become king himself.

Seeing As God Sees, Luke 10 NT S1:E86

Jesus challenged even His disciples when He showed them how God sees people. Many who had been blessed to hear His teaching and see His miracles were condemned in their unbelief. Many outsiders were welcome in His kingdom. Even His dear friend Martha risked missing out on His blessings, when she was so busy doing good, that she forsook the greater blessing.

Saul and Jonathan, I Samuel 13-14 OT S1:E164

Saul loses the Lord's blessing because the man who began as a humble king grows so much in pride that he no longer listens to the Lord. Saul's son Jonathan, meanwhile, rallies the troops and leads them to a great victory over their foes. This victory was clouded by Saul's egotistical wrath that threatened even the life of his son, whose heroic bravery had won the day for Israel.