Pondering with the Peters

In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, we learn that our deepest problem is not our restless hearts but our alienation from God because of sin, and that only God's Anointed King, Jesus Christ, can give the lasting peace that no earthly remedy can provide.

In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, we learn that God sees what we cannot see. We must trust his verdict about his chosen King rather than our own evaluations.

In 1 Samuel 15:12-35, we see that God desires obedience to his Word more than outward acts of worship.

In 1 Samuel 15:1-11, we see that Saul's tragedy was not that he failed to hear God's Word, but that he refused to fully obey it. The good news is that Jesus Christ, our true and better King, succeeded where Saul failed and now enables his people to follow him.

In 1 Samuel 14:24-52, Saul’s foolish leadership reveals the danger of human wisdom apart from God, and it points us to the better King who saves - Jesus Christ.

In 1 Samuel 14:1-23, we see that when everything appears hopeless God demonstrates that nothing can hinder the Lord from saving his people.

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul’s disobedience reveals the danger of not trusting God’s Word, and it points us to Jesus Christ who obeyed perfectly and secured the victory over our greater enemies of sin, death, the devil, and hell.

In 1 Samuel 12, we are called to remember the Lord's faithfulness and respond with wholehearted devotion.

In 1 Samuel 11, we see that when God’s people face humiliation and helplessness, the Lord raises up a Spirit-empowered Deliverer to rescue those who cannot save themselves, which is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

In 1 Samuel 10:17-27, Israel receives the king they wanted, but we are reminded that the King we truly need is the one whom God has given in Jesus Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-20, Paul reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is an historical fact, that it requires faith, and that it is still transforming lives today for all who believe in him.

In 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16, we see that what began as a search for lost donkeys became a reminder that God is always at work behind the scenes - leading his people to the King we truly need.

In this week's episode of Pondering With the Peters, we're diving into one of the best ways to find rest in a weary world: Sabbath. We talk about how slowing down one day a week has helped us reconnect with God, create meaningful rhythms for our kids, and push back against the busyness of life and ministry. If your week feels full or chaotic, may this episode offer hope.

In 1 Samuel 8, Israel asks for a king like the nations, revealing how easily God’s people can look to human solutions instead of trusting the Lord’s rule.

In 1 Samuel 7:3-17, we learn that our help does not come from idols, strength, or strategy, but that our help comes from the Lord.

In 1 Samuel 6:1-7:2, the question is asked, “Who can stand before this holy God?” The gospel answers by saying only those who stand in Christ.

In 1 Samuel 5, God confronts false gods, humbles human pride, and shows that his holy presence cannot be captured.

In 1 Samuel 4, we see that the glory departs from Israel because God will not be used by those who refuse to bow before him.

In 1 Samuel 3, we see that when the word of the Lord is rare, God raises servants who listen humbly and speak faithfully.

In 1 Samuel 2:27–36, God warns that those who despise his holiness will face judgment, yet he mercifully preserves his saving purposes by raising up a faithful priest in Jesus Christ.

In 1 Samuel 2:11-26, the failure of Israel’s priests and the quiet faithfulness of Samuel reveal both the depth of human corruption and God’s gracious provision in Jesus Christ.

True joy isn’t found in changed circumstances, but in the unchanging God who overturns human assumptions and reigns through his anointed King, Jesus Christ.

When suffering makes us question if God cares, 1 Samuel 1:3-28 reminds us that he sees our pain, he hears the cries of our soul, and he remembers us according to his steadfast love and faithfulness.

In the introduction to 1 Samuel, we see that God often does his greatest work where we least expect it - in places of obscurity, weakness, and waiting.

The shepherds in the Christmas story show us that when we truly seek Christ and believe in him, we cannot help but make him known with joy and thanksgiving.