Monthly Study
September 2020

Listening for God's Call

The Book of 1 Samuel

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” —1 Samuel 3:10

When God calls, are you listening? As we study the book of 1 Samuel with Today in the Word, we’ll see how God speaks to His people. We’ll encounter famous biblical characters including the faithful prophet Samuel, the disgraced king Saul, and David, “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). This book contains some well-known stories you may have learned as a child: the defeat of the Philistine giant Goliath by a humble young shepherd (chapter 17), the friendship between David and Jonathan (chapter 18), and others. But this month, we’ll look at these familiar characters and the events in their lives through the prism of God’s call.

We’ll compare the importance of speaking and being silent before God. We’ll consider the blessings of holiness and the devastation of sin in relation to people and their leaders. We pray this study will encourage you and show you:

  • How to listen to God’s word to you personally
  • How to trust God in difficult circumstances
  • How to apply the example of David’s faith to your life

Thank you for being a part of this growing family of Today in the Word readers! We are grateful for your prayers and financial support. May you hear God’s voice and may He fill each day of your life with His presence.

Volume 33Edition 9
Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz, Senior Editor: Elena Mafter, Contributing Editor: John Koessler, Writer: John Koessler, Art Director: Lynn Gabalec, Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson, Marketing & Production: Paul B. Currie

About the Author

John Koessler

Dr. John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the "Practical Theology" column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor.

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