Weston Park Baptist Church

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Our passage tells the famous story of David having the opportunity to kill King Saul in the cave but he chooses to spare his life. Indeed, Saul is delivered into the hand of David but David waits upon God to act in his behalf. The narrative invites us to reflect upon the question What is in our hand? We also are given opportunities and capacities to know and serve God. May we recognize our chances to serve God and do so with grateful and trusting hearts.

David is on the run from King Saul who wants to kill him and there doesnt seem to be any opportunity for a peaceful resolution. It is in this stressful situation that Prince Jonathan seeks David out to encourage him and to show him loyalty and support. Indeed, Jonathans desire is to strengthen Davids hand through the Lord. When everything seems to be falling apart for David he has at least one friend who risks all to support him in his ongoing crisis. May we also experience Gods strengthening hand through our friends and be individuals who strengthen the hands of others.

The story of King Saul, his son, Jonathan and the shepherd, David, is triangular in nature. King Saul is envious of David and wants to kill him; Johnathan the son loves David and is committed to him; David is not ambitious himself but is chosen by God to become the new King of Israel. Hence it is a complicated web which is difficult for all three players to navigate properly. For the reader it is an opportunity to consider our own loyalty, faithfulness and commitment to God. Do we pursue simply our own interests (and comfort) or do we wish to faithfully serve God regardless of our own personal trajectory?

What giants are you facing today? Whether it's fear, uncertainty, or overwhelming challenges, the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17 reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord. Join us as we explore how Davids unwavering faith in God helped him overcome impossible odds. Through this powerful narrative, well uncover how Gods strength triumphs over human limitations and how we, too, can face our giants with bold, God-centered faith.

God chooses the shepherd boy/musician named David to become the new king of Israel. By physical appearances he is not as striking as King Saul but interiorly he has a heart after God (and God above all looks at our heart.) God takes the smallest of Jesses sons to replace the tall and mighty Saul. Even so, God can take us in our littleness to do powerful things for His kingdom. In this new year of 2025 may we offer ourselves completely to our Lord and above all may we seek to have a heart after God.

Join us this Sunday as we dive into Philippians 3:12-21 and explore how to press onward in faith. Together, we'll embrace God's call to leave the past behind, focus on the goal ahead, and live with purpose as citizens of heaven in the year to come.

As we approach this Christmas canticle we hear of the faith of both Elizabeth and Mary. They demonstrate the ability to both listen to God's voice and to act with intention and purpose. Their commitment is to serve God above all and to do so with enthusiasm and zeal. Doing so they become models of Christian discipleship for us to learn form and to emulate in our own journey of faith.

The Messiah of God is a Leader who is completely concerned for the well being of his people and of all creation. Gone are the days of selfish ambition, avarice and exploitation of the environment. It is a day of The Peaceable Kingdom where everyone is respected, valued, and loved. Together with the prophet Isaiah we look forward to this blessed season of Advent pastpresentand future.

Advent is a season of preparation, a time to ready our hearts for the Lord's arrival. Isaiah 40:3-5 calls us to clear the obstacles in our lives and embrace the transformative work of God. As we anticipate the revelation of His glory, were reminded that true preparation leads to hope, renewal, and deeper communion with Him.