Chronological Bible Blog

1 Chronicles 9:35-39; 1 Samuel 13:1-5; 1 Samuel 13:19-23; 1 Samuel 13:6-18; 1 Samuel 14:1-52
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In 1 Samuel 13 we see Saul’s disobedience toward God, through his impatience.  I wonder again about us today – are we patient people?  Or are we impatient?  Do we wait on God when things are not moving as quickly as we would like them to…?  Should we be waiting on God or trying to hurry things up like Saul did…?  Below is a painting by artist Guye Rowe of Samuel rebuking Saul from today’s readings:

Interesting First Samuel chapter 14 readings today!  Jonathan was quite brave going to the Philistine camp like he did.  Verse 6 was impressive: “Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the LORD will help us, for nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!””  Fortunately God helped him with an earthquake and what looked to be some unique strength in verse 13: “So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell back as Jonathan and his armor bearer killed them right and left.”

Then, Saul seems to be having some power & ego & oath issues in today’s readings…  First he makes and oath that the men cannot eat until evening – not so wise when in the midst of battle.  Then he says in verse 39 – “I vow by the name of the LORD who rescued Israel that the sinner will surely die, even if it is my own son Jonathan!””  Well… it was Jonathan.  Fortunately the people were smarter than Saul and saved Jonathan.  Below is a painting by the artist C.F. Vos of Saul on this day of battle in today’s readings:

Bible.org’s commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled “Saul Sacrifices His Kingdom” is at this link and “Saul Fights the Philistines” is at this link.

Got K-LOVE?  A couple of times each year, I enjoy sharing the impact K-LOVE radio has had in my life. First and foremost, I want to simply share with each of you that listening to K-LOVE has absolutely redeemed so much time I have spent in my car. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve jumped into my car thinking or worrying about x, y, or z and then some amazing song comes on K-LOVE (which is, oh, about all the time!) and I just start singing along and oftentimes worshiping God. This radio ministry has blessed my relationship with God significantly and turned me into a frequent car worshiper! I have a hunch there are many of you out there who know exactly what I am talking about here? I used to be someone who would listen to news or talk radio frequently while driving. However, I now pretty much listen to K-LOVE all of the time in the car. I can get my news easily from other news sources at different times of the day. I cannot get back the opportunity to worship God so frequently in my car that K-LOVE affords.

So, if you’re not a K-LOVE listener, I want to encourage you to please find your local station and give this ministry some time to work in your heart and life! I have a hunch you’ll soon realize how K-LOVE can redeem the time in your car significantly. You can find your local K-LOVE radio station by simply typing in your zip code at this link: http://www.klove.com/Music/StationList.aspx. Also, you can easily listen to K-LOVE online at klove.com or on iTunes under their Radio tab, then select “Religious” category, then K-LOVE.

If you are a K-LOVE listener, I do want to encourage you to please consider supporting their ministry. They have been doing their Spring Pledge Drive this past week and I encourage you to please make a monthly pledge if you are not doing so already? Will you join me in making a gift of $10 (or more) each month to K-LOVE? You can even make a monthly pledge, one-time gift, or pledge of prayer support right now at this link: https://www.klove.com/pledge/. Thank you so much for your support of K-LOVE!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, ‘Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.’”  1 Samuel 14:6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that our God is a God who saves! Pray in thanksgiving if you are in a saving relationship with God through your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike