1 Samuel 19-20

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 18, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 19-20. These chapters cover the final days of David in Saul’s court. Saul’s jealousy against David has turned to murder, and the king makes multiple plans to eliminate David. However, with each attempt of murder, Saul fails miserably because God is protecting David. This story reveals profound insights on the multitude of ways God saves His people, and foreshadows the gospel in wonderful ways.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

Monday: Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4 & 1 Samuel 19:1-7

As I've delved into 1 Samuel in my recent weeks of study, I couldn't help but be struck by the remarkable friendship between David and Jonathan. This reflection led me to ponder the friendships in my own life. What stood out to me was the foundation of their bond—unconditional and rooted in their deep commitment to God and His divine plan. Their friendship was not transactional, built on using each other for personal gain. It was a friendship that exemplified the truth that a true friend loves at all times. They shared a level of transparency that was truly remarkable.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the individuals we have chosen to surround ourselves with as friends. Do our friendships mirror the profound connection between Jonathan and David, where our commitment to God and His Kingdom forms the bedrock of our bond? Are we blessed with friendships that transcend personal agendas and self-interest, rooted instead in a shared pursuit of God's will?

As we evaluate our friendships, may we seek to foster relationships that reflect the principles of love, trust, and transparency. Let us prioritize companionships that inspire and encourage us in our spiritual journey. And may we, in turn, be faithful friends, committed to supporting and uplifting others in their pursuit of God's Kingdom.

Take this time for self-reflection, and may you discover and cultivate friendships that emulate the deep, meaningful connection found between Jonathan and David, founded on a shared commitment to God and His Kingdom.

Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 19 and Psalm 59

Studying the events of 1 Samuel 19, we witness the resurgence of conflict as David once more engages in battle against the Philistines, emerging triumphant. However, this victory served as a catalyst for Saul's rekindled envy, hatred, and renewed attempts to take David's life. While most of us may not be facing a literal life-or-death situation, we may be confronted with circumstances that evoke immense fear. Considering this, we can draw lessons from David's unwavering focus and perspective amidst such suffering.

David's heart remained steadfast and resolute throughout his trials. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit, David firmly believed that God was his protector, strength, and fortress. We see in Psalm 59 David declared those truths! He also said, “God will go before me”! David's example teaches us the value of declaring God’s truth over every situation, reminding our souls that nothing can touch us without going through the Mighty Hand of God.

Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 20

As we move into 1 Samuel 20, we learn more about the friendship between David and Jonathan. Let us reflect on the gospel message that resonates within their story. Jonathan's extraordinary act of selflessness, surrender, and humility in surrendering his own life serves as a powerful meditation on the essence of the gospel.

Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 20

As we witness Jonathan surrender his crown and kingdom to a better king, will you come before Jesus today and lay everything at His feet in complete surrender? Friday: Read 1 Samuel 21-22

1 Samuel 17-18

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 11, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 17-18. These chapters tell the story of David and Goliath, as well as the further dismantling of Saul’s kingdom. David triumphs over Goliath, but Saul burns with jealousy. The story is about faith in God and learning to keep your eyes on the Lord, not giants in the land.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

1. Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11. In this passage we are introduced to Goliath, a Philistine giant from Gath. Goliath was 9’9” tall. Marshall pointed out that Goliath was not the only giant recorded in scripture. (For reference read 2 Samuel 21:15-22 and 1 Chronicles 20:4-8) Fallen angels had taken human wives and created a bloodline of giants. (Please see Marshall’s notes for references in Deuteronomy 2.) In Joshua 11:21-23 we read that all the Anakim were destroyed except for a few in Gaza, Ashdod and Gath – which were Philistine cities. As a result of the Israelites not fully obeying God in their earlier conquests, we see how this resulted in the existence of Goliath. Partial obedience is still disobedience! Our disobedience can lead to consequences that have lasting effects for both us and others. Have you been living in partial obedience to God and thinking that it’s good enough?

2. Read 1 Samuel 17:12-29. We see David demonstrating real faith! He wasn’t focused on Goliath’s outward appearance, but rather on how great his God is! Do we demonstrate this kind of faith when facing the “giants” in our lives? Are we intimidated by the size of our problems, or do we stand in faith and awe of how great our God is?!

3. Read 1 Samuel 17:40-51. David’s motivation for challenging Goliath was so that the whole earth would know that Yahweh is Lord and so that God’s people would remember that he doesn’t save with sword and spear. No one on the battlefield had faith! The real issue here wasn’t Goliath – it was the sin of unbelief! Are you currently dealing with the sin of unbelief? Are you struggling to trust God in your circumstances? Whatever your giants are, God is bigger!

4. This story of David and Goliath is a foreshadowing of Jesus and his triumph over death, sin and the grave! When we see Christ’s victory over death, we should have the courage to face the lesser giants in our lives. (i.e., pain, sickness, insecurity, anxiety, fear, addiction, finances, career or world politics.) List the giants you’re facing in your life and then look at Jesus! Your giants crumble before Christ!

5. Read 1 Samuel 18:6-16 & 22-30. Unlike Saul, David trusted God. No matter what Saul tried to do to David he kept his eyes fixed on God and not at the problems. Like David, we must live out our faith. Fix your eyes on Jesus! Trust Him and fully obey Him!

1 Samuel 15-16

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 4, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 15-16. These chapters record the continued dismantling of Saul’s kingdom and the anointing of Saul’s replacement. The new king is a young man named David who is described as a neighbor of Saul, but better than Saul. The Lord regrets making Saul king and this story uncovers Saul’s sin and a powerful sermon from Samuel on the importance of obedience over sacrifice.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

Monday: Read 1 Samuel 15

When we rely solely on our limited human understanding, the instructions given to us by God can often leave us feeling confused, frustrated, or scared. These emotions can lead us to attempt negotiations or only partially follow His plan.

In 1 Samuel 15:3, the prophet Samuel relayed God's explicit command to Saul: "Attack the Amalekites and utterly destroy all that belongs to them." However, only a few verses later, we discover that Saul and his men obeyed only part of the Lord's instructions. Instead of carrying out complete destruction, they spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and kept the best of the livestock, including sheep, cattle, and other valuable possessions.

Reflecting upon your own experiences, consider a time when you obeyed God's command, even when it didn't make sense or frightened you. How did you feel during that period? What were the outcomes of your obedience? Now, in the present moment, what is God asking you to do? How will you respond to His call?

Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 15, Psalm 40, Jeremiah 7:21-23 & Hebrews 10:8-9

Will you spend time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any areas you are not walking in complete obedience?

Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 16

Like Samuel, we tend to judge others solely based on outward appearance; instead, we should focus on discerning God's heart and mind when perceiving individuals. While everyone can see our faces, only God knows the true nature of our hearts. Is your heart aligned with God’s desires?

Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 16

Have you ever experienced instances of ineffective leadership? When faced with serving under such leaders, many of us often seek ways to escape from the situation. Instead, however, we should seek guidance from God and be open to what lessons He wants to teach us.

Friday: Read 1 Samuel 17-18

1 Samuel 13-14

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 28, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 13-14. These chapters record the unraveling of Saul’s kingdom. Saul’s disobedience in obeying the Lord’s command brought ruin on his lineage and the Lord sought a new king after his own heart. This tragic tale shows how insecurity and disobedience has deep consequences and communicates a warning for all who consider their words as more valuable than the Lord’s.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

1. Read 1 Samuel 13. We see in this story the distinct contrast between Saul and his son, Jonathan’s approach to following God. Saul deferred to his own plans and ideas rather than the Lord’s. The sin of pride is glaring here! Jonathan had faith in God, His provision and instruction. Saul tried to force God’s hand of blessing by following religious practices and not the Lord’s instructions. Taking honest inventory of your life, where do you find yourself? Have you been prideful and followed your plans rather than the Lord’s? Are you following certain religious practices you prefer and expecting God to bless you, while you ignore and disobey other instruction from the Lord?

2. Samuel, (God’s prophet and voice to the Israelites) instructed Saul to wait 7 days for him to come and bring an offering. However, Saul decided to take matters into his own hands when he didn’t think the circumstances were working out the way he thought they should. Saul wanted favor from God without obedience, and he desired popularity and fame from the people more than he desired God. Saul forgot that the throne belonged to God! Saul was a steward of what God had entrusted to him. Do you see this in your life? Do you see that you are merely a steward of all God has given you? (Family, time, career, money, possessions, etc.) Have you forgotten who sits on the throne of your life?

3. Read 1 Samuel 14. Saul looked at circumstances, but Jonathan looked to God. When we look at God, our circumstances don’t seem to matter. Like Jonathan, we must cling to faith over fear or obstacles. Jonathan didn’t have a good father figure, but he didn’t let that keep him from pursuing his faith in God. Have you allowed your family, friends, life’s challenges or personal desires to keep you from pursuing God?

4. It is tragic to live a nice comfortable life without the Lord! Those who choose to use religion as a means to seek God’s blessing without true obedience to God will be swept away. They will find themselves without the Lord! How tragic that would be! Please pray over this message this week and listen to what the Lord is instructing you to do. Be obedient and do as He tells you!

1 Samuel 11-12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 21, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 11-12. These chapters reveal the early days of Saul’s reign as king. Israel has never had a king before, therefore Saul has no palace, no military, and no job description. However, the new king is presented with an opportunity to grow as a leader, united the nation, and save an oppressed people. This story teaches us about leadership and the importance of following through on our commitments to the Lord.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

1. Read 1 Samuel 11 and Judges 19-21. We see the Israelites being threatened and oppressed by the Ammonite King Nahash in the city of Jabesh-gilead. When this message reached Saul, he sent a clear message to every tribe of Israel and told them to assemble for war. Marshall showed us why Saul sent his message the way he did by reminding us of what happened in Judges 19-21. Saul knew this would significantly impact the Israelites. We see the Israelites defeat the Ammonites and are then led into a renewal ceremony in Gilgal. Can you recall a time in your life when God delivered you from a season of struggle, trial or tribulation? What was your response to Him?

2. We were reminded today that while victories, renewals and rededications are great, what happens when a few days, weeks or months pass? Do we forget what God has done and then return to our old ways or sins? In the book of Judges, we see this cycle of sin, crying out to God, being delivered, experiencing freedom and then returning back to sin. Can you identify with this cycle?

3. Read 1 Samuel 12. Notice that Samuel takes inventory of his own life and then delivers a tough message to Israel. Like Samuel, we must take inventory of our own lives before we can help someone else who is in the midst of a sin struggle. Relationships need to be treated with great care. Kind words, quality time and caring gestures are like deposits. Tough conversations are like withdrawals. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any area in your relationships where you need to make more deposits or mend an offense.

4. We see Samuel deliver the tough message to Israel of the vicious cycle mentioned in the second paragraph above. The only way to stop this cycle is simple – Obey the Lord and you will be blessed, or reject Him and you will suffer the consequences. In what ways have you been blessed by obeying and following the Lord? In what ways have you suffered by your disobedience and lack of surrender?

5. There is good news! We don’t have to live in the cycle of unfaithfulness! Make the choice to end the cycle! Turn your heart to the Lord! Commit, stick with it, and don’t let the emotion of the moment be all there is! Choose to walk in His ways with ALL your heart! Pray and ask the Lord to renew your commitment to Him and give you the strength to be faithful!

1 Samuel 9-10

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 14, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 9-10. These chapters follow a young man named Saul who is searching for his father’s donkeys. While searching for the lost livestock, Saul meet the prophet Samuel and his life takes an unexpected turn. Samuel greets Saul with hospitality and a message from God — Saul will be the new king of Israel. This story highlights the miraculous ways God works in our lives and invites us to consider how God is working today.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

Monday: Read 1 Samuel 9

In the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 8, we witness a significant event where the elders of Israel come together and tell Samuel to appoint a king to lead them, just as the other nations had. In response to their plea, God grants them their desire and provides them with a king who resembles those of other nations. This king is Saul, a man of impressive physical stature, good looks, and wealth but lacking in spiritual understanding and the heart of a shepherd.

This story prompts us to reflect upon our own prayers and cries to God. Are we merely seeking to conform to the ways of the world and be like everyone else? Or are we genuinely and earnestly searching for God's guidance and His purpose for our lives?

God has unique plans for each one of us. He has equipped us with individual talents, passions, and opportunities to fulfill His purpose. Therefore, we should focus on deepening our relationship with God, seeking His guidance through prayer, and surrendering ourselves to His divine will.

Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 9

It may often seem like the events in our lives are simply random coincidences, but if we reflect on the story of Saul, we realize that God has the power to use ordinary occurrences to direct our paths. Let's pause for a moment to contemplate the recent positive and negative experiences that have influenced us. God is actively at work in every aspect, in complete control of every detail. It's conceivable that He is nurturing certain qualities within us or leading us down a specific path for a purpose that remains hidden.

Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 10

When Saul's friends witnessed his prophetic utterances, they immediately recognized a remarkable transformation within him. It became evident that God had profoundly changed Saul's heart. God conveyed a message to him to engage in whatever tasks come his way. The divine ability to transform our hearts belongs solely to God. Yet, our duty remains to respond obediently to His calling and actively pursue His will. We should not harbor any fear, for the power lies not within us but within God Himself.

Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 10

As Pastor Marshall concluded our Sunday service, he urged us to contemplate the ways in which God is working among us. He encouraged us not to overlook the ordinary or inconvenient aspects of our lives but rather to implore God to unveil His intended purposes and grant us the courage to follow His guidance faithfully.

Friday: Read 1 Samuel 11-12

1 Samuel 7-8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 7, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 7-8. These chapters cover Israel’s repentance, the stone of hope in Mizpah, and Israel’s cry for a king. The story has powerful application for God’s people today in how we view repentance, understanding Jesus as our high priest, and the foolishness of the education fallacy.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

Monday: Read 1 Samuel 7:1-6

One of the first things that stood out to me in this passage was that the Israelites lamented for twenty years. Pastor Marshall reminded us that James tells us faith without works is dead. It is easy for us to complain about our problems but not act. But not just any action. Ephesians tells us that God has prepared in advance good works for us to do. The second thing we see in this passage is Samuel stepping up and calling the Israelites to repent. One man, following God’s calling on his life, willing to walk in obedience by himself, calls an entire nation to repentance. Will you pray today and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything He has asked you to do, and you have not been obedient? Are there any ways you worship idols and need to repent? Is there anything you love more than Jesus? Don’t rush; He will illuminate.

Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 7:1-17

In 1 Samuel 7:10-12, we see the Lord intervene on behalf of the Israelites and give them a great victory. How have you seen God intervene in your own life in times of trouble? Creating a timeline of your life and marking the significant places where you have seen God rescue you from the storm is a practical way to intentionally remember and thank God for His victories. In addition, it will encourage you and remind you to share with others.

Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 8:1-9

In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demand a king to rule over them instead of following the Lord's leadership. Israel was called to be a holy nation, separate from all others. Their motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them. Are there areas in our own lives where we resist God's guidance and seek control instead?

Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Samuel warned the Israelites of all the consequences of having a king. Nevertheless, they were blinded by their desire to be like other nations. Will you spend time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if you are praying for things outside of God’s will?

Friday: Read 1 Samuel 9 & 10

1 Samuel 5-6

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 30, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 5-6. These chapters tell the story of the Philistines bringing the ark of God to their capital cities. This proves to be an unwise decision because Yahweh humiliates their god and releases a plague on the people. The Philistines move the ark from town to town, but eventually return the ark to Israel. This story reveals how little help God needs to accomplish His plans, and how his plans include the humiliation of imposter gods and using pain to teach humanity the wisdom of trusting in Yahweh.

Watch

Listen

Reflect

1. This passage shows us that while God invites us to participate in His plan, He does not need us to accomplish His divine will. Have you ever felt that the accomplishment of God’s plans depends on you? Have you felt God inviting you to participate in His plan and yet you resisted?

2. We see in 1 Samuel 5 that the Philistines are worshiping an idol named Dagon. Deuteronomy 32:7-9 and 1 Corinthians 10:20 tell us that these idols are fallen angels or demons. They manipulate humanity into idol worship and corrupt God’s image bearers through perverse allegiance and sexual immorality. These demons have not gone away, but take new forms and work to infiltrate the church. 1 Timothy 4:1 warns against the increase of deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons in the latter days. Are there areas of your life in which you have embraced the world and its corrupt teachings?

3. In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines conjure up a plan to try and end the plagues they have caused by their rebellion. It never occurs to them to submit to God’s authority rather than their false gods, or to ask why this pain is happening. There was no humility or repentance. In 1 Samuel 6:10-7:2 we find that the Levites didn’t follow God’s instructions either, which ultimately leads to over 50,000 men dying. Are you currently experiencing a season of pain, challenge or trial?

4. Some pain is due to living in a sinful world. Some pain is self-inflicted due to disobedience to God. Sometimes pain is because Jesus is using it to reveal His superiority over our life. When we experience pain or trials, we must consider the truth that is standing just behind our pain. We must also ask the question, “What is God trying to teach me?”

5. We must learn from this passage to not be like the Philistines or the Israelites and refuse to see and embrace the truth. If this has happened to you, repent and turn back to God! Ask His forgiveness and start obeying His teaching and instruction.