Seeds in the Wilderness

Saul’s story begins with such beauty. He is humble, reluctant to take the throne, empowered by the Spirit, and used by God to rescue Jabesh-gilead. Chapter 11 shows a leader full of potential—a man who could have shaped Israel’s future with faith and courage. But just a few pages later, the promise of Saul’s kingship collapses under the weight of his own choices. His life becomes a sobering reminder that how we begin is not as important as how we continue. Saul’s first great mistake comes in chapter 13, when fear overtakes faith. Faced with a massive Philistine army and a scattering Israelite force, Saul panics. Instead of waiting on God’s timing, he tries to fix the situation himself. Fear makes him impatient, and impatience makes him disobedient. Samuel’s words echo through Scripture: “You have not kept the command of the Lord.” Our walk with God collapses whenever we let fear dictate our decisions. Then Saul’s insecurity takes over. In chapter 14, his rash vow nearly costs Jonathan ...

If you ever thought donkeys were just background animals in the Bible—think again. These long-eared, slow-trotting creatures keep popping up right in the middle of divine drama, almost as if God enjoys reminding us that He can speak through anyone… or anything. Take Balaam’s donkey, for example. When the prophet was spiritually blind, the donkey saw the angel standing in the way. Imagine Balaam—renowned prophet—arguing with a donkey who’s actually saving his life! Sometimes the people (or circumstances) we dismiss are the ones God uses to stop us from crashing head-first into trouble. Lesson: if your “donkey” is trying to get your attention, maybe listen before it has to speak in full sentences. Then there’s Samson, who defeats a thousand Philistines with nothing but a donkey’s jawbone. Not exactly standard military equipment. If God can use a random jawbone lying in a field, He can certainly use your simple gifts. It’s comforting—and slightly hilarious—to know that divine power isn’...

In 1 Samuel 7:12, after a season of national repentance and divine intervention, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He called it Ebenezer , saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” This simple stone became a powerful symbol for God’s people—a marker of divine faithfulness, a testimony of God’s saving help, and a reminder that every victory belongs to Him. What makes Ebenezer so meaningful is that it stands at the intersection of past defeat and present victory. Earlier, in 1 Samuel 4, Israel was defeated at a place also called Ebenezer. They sought God’s presence without true repentance, and the ark was captured. But in chapter 7, after turning back to God with sincere hearts, the same God who once allowed defeat now fought for them, thundering against their enemies and granting victory. The stone Samuel raised declared a profound truth: Failure does not have the final word when God steps in. Christians have embraced “Ebenezer” because it captures something...

The journey of the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel 4–7 is one of the most dramatic movements of God’s presence in Scripture. It begins with tragedy, moves through judgment, and ends in restoration. Yet woven through these events are rich spiritual insights that speak directly to our lives today. Israel began by treating the Ark as a religious charm, believing that carrying it into battle would guarantee victory. But God’s presence cannot be manipulated. He desires obedience, not superstition. Like Israel, we sometimes cling to spiritual habits or symbols, hoping they will fix what only repentance and surrender can heal. God reminds us that His presence rests not on rituals but on relationship. When the Ark was captured, it seemed like God had been defeated. Yet in Philistine cities, God demonstrated His unmatched glory by toppling Dagon and striking the enemy with plagues. God does not need human armies to defend His name. Even in seasons when we feel helpless or when circumstances a...

Every family carries the sacred opportunity to shape not just one lifetime, but generations yet to come. Scripture reminds us repeatedly that the seeds we sow today—through our choices, values, and obedience—will echo across our children, grandchildren, and far beyond. As Psalm 126 teaches, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Even small, faithful acts done in surrender bear fruit that lasts. In Psalm 78, we are reminded of generational obedience that follows generational blessing. In the latter part of the Psalm there is a powerful contrast through the stories of Ephraim and Judah . Ephraim walked away from God’s ways, forgot His covenant, and eventually lost identity and inheritance. But Judah guarded the temple, honored the Scriptures, and preserved spiritual identity even through Babylonian exile. Their outcomes show that generational blessing is not accidental—it is built through obedience, steadfast faith, and commitment to God’s Word. In 1 Samuel 1-3, we se...