Words of inspiration from... Piglet.  Yes, Piglet-and-Pooh, Piglet.

The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue. (2 Sam 23:2)
Now we have received...the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. (1 Cor 2:12)

What does the truth say about you?  Here's a hint: it's a "good testimony."  The truth is not like "everyone."  The Gospel-Truth does not wait around assessing your works.  Rather, it is a plain statement about Jesus' works and what they mean for you.

The Big Idea of 1 Samuel 13-15 is that we need a King who listens to and obeys the Voice of the Lord, with faith: like Prince Jonathan and unlike King Saul.

Every passage of Scripture teaches a Big Truth.  There are other things it teaches, to be sure, but the passage has A Point.  The point of the passage is the Truth the Holy Spirit inspired it to communicate.  It reveals.  Without that revelation, we would be blind. 

What is that work of ministry?  Here I'd like to tie together a few strands of Scripture, Theology, and life.

To know a fact about a person is different than knowing a person.  To know from a book is different than knowing from experience.  To know how is different than to know how and why.  To be able to teach is different than to know enough to ace the test. 

James and John (sons of..."thunder"?), Peter (the "rock" to his face, the "mouth" behind his back), Thomas (the one who doubted became the only of the twelve to leave the Empire), Judas (betrayer, but no one suspected a thing?), Matthew (tax collector, but Judas kept the treasurer's box?), Simon (the revolutionary), etc. 

Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together..."

"Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant..."  -Psalm 86:16