The story of two Sauls.In the first (Old Testament reading of 1 Samuel 28), King Saul who has utterly abandoned God, cannot get a vision of Him (he is only trying to save his own hide), so he seeks a medium, an instrument of the devil. There is so much that is confusing about this entire interaction, but seeing it in context is a reminder that when we abandon God and make ourselves god, we can nev...  Read More

Do you ever get the sense that God is trying to get your attention about something that matters to Him and to you and to the Church? If you listened to Rev. Jim Hughes' sermon on Sunday, you were reminded of it when you read today's Prayer Journal devotional. "Without vision, the people throw off restraint." We do need a fresh vision! So, Kevin Jack, the devotion writer, challenges us: "Ask God fo...  Read More

The Heart of HannahHannah came to God with a desperate desire...it was God-given and natural. Hannah wanted to be a mother. Hannah reminds me of Mary (or is it the other way around?). Hannah's surrender was simple, singular, and sincere. Her obedience was opulent...the answer to her God-given desire was given back to God. The impact was/is immeasurable...the heart of Mary, the heart of Hannah.Rob ...  Read More

Who doesn't love a good story? Parables were relatable lessons that Jesus shared with His followers and anyone who would listen. Luke 15 is a perennial favorite. A lost sheep and lost coin, everyone could identify with these in Jesus' day. Of course, everyone is fascinated by wealthy families. In this case, though, they were horrified by the action of the younger son, the total disregard for decor...  Read More

One of the favorite childhood Bible stories remains a powerful source of hope and determination. Giants are no threat to God, so they are no threat to us...for, we are His. In a day of mounting opposition to what is true and right, and, therefore, outright condemnation of those who embrace Truth, David's strong words followed by faith-in-action, are very relevant.David said to the Philistine, “You...  Read More

It may be cliché, but the heart of the matter is truly a matter of the heart. It did not take the humble Saul very long to become proud. It was not long before he was performing the duties of the priestly judge, Samuel, making himself the law of the Lord, and erecting a monument to himself (1 Samuel 15:12). The proud heart is hard and deadly. God's heart was sad! But, God had a plan, and it includ...  Read More