“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32 ESV). These words of Jesus come after a striking moment in John’s Gospel. Some Greeks had come to the feast and expressed a desire to see Jesus. Rather than responding directly to their request, Jesus declared that
“His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.” (John 12:16 ESV). John reflects on the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah by riding on a young donkey. At
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22 ESV). This proverb teaches us that success is often found by those who humbly seek the wise counsel of others. When we act independently without guidance, we are prone to missteps. But when we surround ourselves with wise, godly advisers, our plans are
“When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, ‘Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.’” (1 Samuel 24:1 ESV). David’s time in the wilderness of En Gedi was not merely a season of hiding—it was a season of refining. Though he was anointed to be king, he found himself running for his
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14–15 ESV). Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd, setting Himself apart from the unfaithful leaders of Israel who failed to
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15 ESV). This biblical proverb teaches the importance that attitude has on perception. If someone is “afflicted,” meaning disheartened or discouraged, then even a sunny day appears stormy to them. But even on the darkest of days
“And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.” (1 Samuel 18:5 ESV). David was an obedient and enthusiastic servant of King Saul. God
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45 ESV). What David said to Goliath as they closed for battle revealed his
‘And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, ‘Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.’” (1 Samuel 15:12 ESV). This moment reveals Saul’s heart more than his words. Though commanded by God
“Then Jonathan said, ‘My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.’” (1 Samuel 14:29 ESV). It’s heart-breaking to read the stories about King Saul, Israel’s first king. Although he reigned for forty years, his leadership style was fraught with short-sighted and ill-conceived