May 3rd

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Prelude to Disaster

1 Samuel 28:3-25


Deuteronomy 18:10-12


Did the witch of En dor call up a demon?

No! Why?

  • The woman and Saul recognized his as Samuel.
  • Samuel reffered to specific conversations with Saul.
  • Scripture says it was Samuel
  • If it was a demon, it would have lied or said something pleasing for Saul.
  1. A leader allows fear to be his motivation. (v5)
  2. A leader does not search for the reason behind God's silence. (v6) May be unconfessed sin or God's wants us to lean in closer to hear Him.
  3. A leader replaces the silence of God with the abomination of the ungodly. (v 7-15)
  4. A leader fails to heed the final warnings of God. (v 16-18)
  5. A leader does not allow for the continuance of those who follow him. (v 19) They are collateral damage.

How do we avoid disaster?

  • Fear God
  • Listen for God's voice
  • Practice repentance for your sake and those around you.

April 26th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Consistency in the Life

of a Godly Leader

1 Samuel 27:1-28:2


A Godly leader must consistently...

  1. Listen for God's direction. (v 1) David made the decision and followed through.
  2. Trust in God's spoken word. 
  3. Seek the company of those committed to the Lord. Proverbs 27:17  “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
  4. Fights the Lord's battles, not his own.
  5. Honors the truth. For 1 year and 4 months, David lied.  (1 Samuel 27:7)

April 19th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Avoiding the Easy Way Out

1 Samuel 26: 1-25


The easy way out . . .

  1. Would have been to eliminate the opposition. (v 8-12) Saul was David adversary. Saul was not the ultimate greatest enemy. Ephesians 6:12
  2. Would have been to allow others to eliminate the competition keeping his hands clean. (v 8-9) The godly leader always does what is tight and true.
  3. Would have been to disappear quietly into the backgound. (v 17-25) The easy way out isn't necessarily the Godly way out.
  4. Would have been to gloat at another's weakness.

It's never about the leader.  It's about the God we choose to follow.

Depression 

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

Series

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.  (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the one problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)

Notes

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression 

2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  

Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening  Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22