Bible Fellowship Church

03/17/2026

Carl Royse's family is excited and proud to announce his 100th birthday celebration!

A community open house honoring Carl will be held on **Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.** at the White Oak Events Center in Olney, Illinois.

Friends, neighbors, and members of the community are warmly invited to stop by and help celebrate this incredible milestone! Join us for an afternoon of fellowship, memories, and birthday wishes as we honor 100 wonderful years. Feel free to join the family if you wish, and dress up in something generational to help take Carl down a trip on memory lane!

Cards and well-wishes are greatly appreciated. Your presence will make the celebration even more special.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

12/15/2025

07/05/2025

20250705 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 186 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through 2 Kings 12-13 and 2 Chronicles 24. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

2 Kings 12 – Jehoash became king in Jerusalem during the seventh year of Jehu and reigned for forty years, doing right in the sight of the LORD under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada. Despite his good intentions, the high places for sacrifices remained. Jehoash instructed the priests to collect money for repairing the temple, but by the twenty-third year of his reign, no repairs had been made. He then ordered the priests to stop collecting money and instead use the existing funds for repairs. Jehoiada the priest set up a chest for donations, and the collected money was used to pay workers for the temple's restoration, though no new sacred items were made. Meanwhile, Hazael, king of Syria, threatened Jerusalem, prompting Jehoash to send sacred treasures to him. Ultimately, Jehoash was assassinated by his own servants and was buried in the City of David, with his son Amaziah succeeding him.

2 Kings 13 – Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria during the reign of Joash of Judah, ruling for seventeen years while doing evil in the sight of the LORD, following the sins of Jeroboam. The LORD's anger led to Israel being oppressed by Hazael, king of Syria. Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD, who provided a deliverer, allowing Israel to escape oppression, yet they continued in their sinful ways. Jehoahaz's military was severely diminished due to Syrian attacks. After his death, his son Joash succeeded him, reigning for sixteen years and also committing evil by not departing from Jeroboam's sins.

Elisha, the prophet, fell ill, and Joash visited him, expressing his sorrow. Elisha instructed Joash to shoot arrows as a sign of deliverance from Syria, but Joash struck the ground only three times, leading to a prophecy of limited victories against Syria. After Elisha's death, a miraculous event occurred when a dead man revived upon touching Elisha's bones. Hazael continued to oppress Israel until his death, after which Joash recaptured cities from Ben-Hadad, Hazael's son, defeating him three times.

2 Chronicles 24 – Joash became king at seven and ruled for forty years, doing right in the sight of the LORD under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest. He focused on repairing the temple, gathering priests and Levites to collect funds for the restoration. However, the Levites were slow to act, prompting Joash to command Jehoiada to ensure the collection was made. A chest was placed at the temple gate for contributions, and the people joyfully donated. The funds were used to hire workers to restore the temple to its original condition, and they created new articles for worship.

After Jehoiada's death at 130, Joash listened to the leaders of Judah, who led him away from the LORD, resulting in the worship of idols. Despite warnings from prophets, the people ignored them. Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, confronted Joash, but the king ordered his ex*****on. Subsequently, the Syrian army attacked Judah, defeating Joash's forces due to their abandonment of God. Severely wounded, Joash was later killed by his own servants in revenge for Zechariah's death. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal tombs, and his son Amaziah succeeded him.

Here’s my God thot – 2 Kings 12:2 says, “And Johash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoida the priest instructed him.” If we want to be blessed and used of God, we have to spend time with God’s people and receive counsel from God through His Word and His servants. We can’t go it alone, we have to receive God’s direction from sources outside ourselves (Bible, etc.).

04/21/2025

20250421 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 111 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through 2 Samuel 1-4. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

2 Samuel 1 – After Saul's death, a man from his camp approached David, mourning and bearing news of the battle's outcome. He reported that many Israelites had fallen, including Saul and his son Jonathan. The man claimed he had killed Saul at his request, believing he was dying. David, horrified that someone would harm the Lord's anointed, ordered the man's ex*****on for his actions. Following this, David lamented the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, instructing the people of Judah to learn a lamentation known as the Song of the Bow. In this song, David expressed sorrow over the fallen, emphasizing the tragedy of their deaths and the loss to Israel. He praised Saul and Jonathan, highlighting their valor and the bond they shared. David's lamentation mourned not only their deaths but also the impact on the nation, urging the daughters of Israel to weep for Saul, who had provided for them. The lament concluded with a reflection on the fallen warriors and the loss of their strength.

2 Samuel 2 – David inquired of the LORD about going to Judah and was directed to Hebron, where he and his two wives settled. The men of Judah anointed David as king over them, and he acknowledged the kindness of the men of Jabesh Gilead for burying Saul, promising to repay their kindness. Meanwhile, Abner, commander of Saul’s army, made Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, king over Israel, but only the house of Judah followed David. David reigned in Hebron for seven years and six months.

Conflict arose between the houses of David and Saul. Abner and Ishbosheth's men met Joab and David's servants at Gibeon, leading to a fierce battle. Asahel, one of Joab's brothers, pursued Abner but was killed by him. Joab and Abishai continued the pursuit until Abner called for a ceasefire, urging Joab to stop the bloodshed. Joab agreed, and they returned, with David's forces suffering fewer casualties than Abner's. Asahel was buried in Bethlehem, and Joab and his men returned to Hebron at dawn.

2 Samuel 3 – The text describes the ongoing conflict between the houses of Saul and David, highlighting David's growing strength and Saul's diminishing power. David has several sons born to him in Hebron, including Amnon, Chileab, and Absalom. Amidst the war, Abner, a commander for Saul, becomes frustrated with Ishbosheth, Saul's son, after being accused of wrongdoing regarding Saul's concubine. In response, Abner pledges loyalty to David and seeks to unite Israel under his rule, negotiating a covenant with David that includes the return of Michal, Saul's daughter, to David.

Abner successfully brings Michal back, and he communicates with the elders of Israel about David's kingship. After a feast in David's honor, Abner leaves in peace. However, Joab, David's military commander, perceives Abner as a threat and, without David's knowledge, lures him back and murders him in revenge for the death of his brother Asahel.

David publicly mourns Abner, expressing his innocence in the matter and condemning Joab's actions. He leads the people in mourning, emphasizing Abner's significance and lamenting his untimely death. David's refusal to eat until evening further demonstrates his grief and solidifies his reputation as a just leader, ensuring that the people recognize he did not intend for Abner to be killed. The chapter concludes with David acknowledging his vulnerability as king amidst the harshness of Joab and his brothers.

2 Samuel 4 – Ishbosheth, son of Saul, lost heart after Abner's death, causing turmoil in Israel. Two captains, Rechab and Baanah, murdered Ishbosheth while he rested at home, beheading him and fleeing with his head. They presented it to David, claiming it was vengeance for Saul's pursuit of him. David condemned their actions, recalling how he had executed a man who falsely claimed to bring good news about Saul's death. He ordered the ex*****on of Rechab and Baanah for killing a righteous man and had their bodies displayed, while Ishbosheth's head was buried in Abner's tomb.

Here’s my God thot – These chapters signify the beginning of David’s throne. He starts with Judah and will eventually rule over all of Israel. Along the way, David has to deal with people who thought that they were helping David or doing David a favor by handling things wickedly. David always responded in a way that honored God. As we go about life, we need to always honor God in all our actions.

04/21/2025

20250420 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 110 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through Psalms 121, 123, 124, 125, 128, 129, and 130. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

Psalm 121 – Psalm 121 expresses trust in the Lord as a protector and helper, emphasizing His vigilance, preservation from evil, and constant support for those who seek Him.

Psalm 123 – Psalm 123 expresses a plea for mercy from God, highlighting the feelings of contempt and scorn faced by the faithful from the proud and comfortable.

Psalm 124 – Psalm 124 expresses gratitude for the LORD's protection against adversaries, emphasizing that without divine support, Israel would have faced destruction. It celebrates deliverance and acknowledges God as the ultimate help.

Psalm 125 – Psalm 125 emphasizes the strength and permanence of those who trust in the Lord, contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. Peace is wished upon Israel.

Psalm 128 – Psalm 128 describes the blessings for those who fear the Lord, emphasizing happiness, family prosperity, and peace in Israel.

Psalm 129 – Psalm 129 expresses Israel's resilience against oppression from youth, affirming that enemies have not prevailed. It calls for shame upon those who hate Zion and wishes for their demise.

Psalm 130 – Psalm 130 expresses a deep cry for help to the Lord, emphasizing forgiveness, hope, and waiting for redemption, highlighting God's mercy and the promise of salvation for Israel.

Here’s my God thot – These Psalms are Psalms of Ascent. Psalms of Ascent were focused as songs of worship that were used as people approached Jerusalem to worship at the temple. Our relationship to God ought to prompt a song of worship in our hearts as we draw close to God.

04/19/2025

20250419 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 109 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through 1 Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 18. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

1 Samuel 28 – In the days of war between the Philistines and Israel, Achish, the Philistine king, assured David that he would fight alongside him. David confirmed his capabilities, leading Achish to appoint him as a chief guardian. Meanwhile, Saul, distressed by the Philistine army's approach, sought guidance from the Lord but received no answer. In desperation, he turned to a medium in En Dor, disguising himself to avoid detection. The medium was initially fearful, knowing Saul had banned such practices, but he assured her of safety. Saul requested the medium to summon Samuel. Upon seeing Samuel, the medium recognized Saul and was alarmed. Samuel questioned Saul's actions, revealing that God had abandoned him due to his disobedience. He foretold that Saul and his sons would die in battle against the Philistines, and Israel would be defeated. Overcome with fear, Saul collapsed. The medium, concerned for him, urged him to eat for strength. Eventually, Saul accepted food from her, and they ate before departing that night.

1 Samuel 29 – The Philistines gathered their armies at Aphek, while the Israelites camped at Jezreel. The Philistine princes questioned David's presence, despite Achish defending him, stating he had found no fault in David. However, the princes were concerned David might turn against them in battle, recalling the songs praising David over Saul. Achish, acknowledging David's loyalty, advised him to return to avoid displeasing the princes. David questioned why he couldn't fight for Achish, but Achish insisted on his departure. Consequently, David and his men left early in the morning, while the Philistines advanced to Jezreel.

1 Samuel 30 – David and his men returned to Ziklag after a three-day journey to find it burned and their families taken captive by the Amalekites. Overcome with grief, David and his men wept until they could weep no more. Facing the threat of being stoned by his distressed men, David sought strength from the Lord. He inquired of the priest Abiathar for guidance and was instructed to pursue the Amalekites, promising that he would recover everything. David set out with 600 men, but 200 stayed behind due to exhaustion. They encountered an Egyptian servant of the Amalekites who revealed their location after being fed and cared for. David attacked the Amalekites, recovering all captives and spoils, with only a few escaping. Upon returning, some men opposed sharing the spoils with those who stayed behind, but David insisted on equitable distribution, establishing a statute that those who guard supplies share equally with those who fight. David then sent portions of the spoils to various towns in Judah as gifts, acknowledging the Lord's deliverance and the support of his allies.

1 Samuel 31 – The Philistines fought against Israel, resulting in the deaths of Saul and his three sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, on Mount Gilboa. Severely wounded, Saul asked his armorbearer to kill him, but the armorbearer refused and subsequently died by his own sword after Saul's death. The Israelites, seeing their defeat, fled, allowing the Philistines to occupy their cities. The next day, the Philistines found Saul's body, decapitated him, and displayed it. The men of Jabesh Gilead retrieved Saul and his sons' bodies, burned them, and buried their bones under a tamarisk tree.

Psalm 18 – Psalm 18 is a song of praise by David, expressing his love and trust in the Lord as his strength, rock, and deliverer. He recounts his distress, surrounded by death and fear, and how he called upon God, who heard his cries. The psalm describes God's powerful response, with the earth shaking and darkness enveloping Him as He intervened. God sent arrows and lightning to scatter David's enemies, revealing His might and authority.

David acknowledges that he was delivered from his strong enemies because of his righteousness and adherence to God's ways. He reflects on how God rewards the merciful and humble while bringing down the proud. The psalm emphasizes God's guidance and strength, enabling David to overcome obstacles and pursue his foes successfully.

David celebrates God's faithfulness, proclaiming that the Lord lives and is his rock and salvation. He expresses gratitude for being lifted above his adversaries and vows to give thanks among the nations. The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's great deliverance and mercy towards David and his descendants, affirming God's eternal support for His anointed.

Here’s my God thot – The final passages of 1 Samuel record the tragic end of Israel’s first king. He seeks the Lord at the end when he faces the Philistines but God is quiet. It’s tragic that in the midst of sin we don’t even recognize the Lord’s departure. Saul dies which leaves the door open for David to finally become king. It doesn’t happen yet but it is closer now than before. David records this Psalm to celebrate God’s faithfulness. It’s a common theme. We need to keep our eyes upon David regardless of what comes our way.

04/19/2025

20250418 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 108 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through Psalms 17, 35, 54, and 63. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

Psalm 17 – Psalm 17 is a prayer by David, expressing confidence in God's justice and salvation. David asks the Lord to hear his just cause and to vindicate him, emphasizing his integrity and commitment to righteousness. He seeks protection from wicked enemies, describing their aggressive nature. David calls upon God for deliverance and expresses his desire to see God's face in righteousness, finding satisfaction in being in His likeness. The psalm highlights trust in divine justice and protection.

Psalm 35 – Psalm 35 is a plea from David to the Lord for vindication against his enemies. He asks God to fight for him and protect him from those who seek to harm him. David expresses his desire for his adversaries to be shamed and confused, wishing for their plots to backfire. He recalls his compassion for them during their times of trouble, contrasting it with their malicious behavior towards him. David calls upon the Lord to rescue him from destruction and to not remain silent in the face of his suffering. He seeks divine justice and hopes for joy among those who support his cause, ultimately committing to praise the Lord for His righteousness and goodness.

Psalm 54 – Psalm 54 is a prayer by David seeking deliverance from adversaries. He asks God for help against oppressors, expresses faith in divine support, and vows to praise God for past deliverance.

Psalm 63 – Psalm 63 expresses David's deep longing for God while in the wilderness. He seeks God's presence, praises His lovingkindness, and finds satisfaction in Him. David reflects on God's help and protection, contrasting the fate of his enemies with the joy of those who trust in God.

Here’s my God thot – All of these Psalms are reflections of David’s desire for deliverance. Even in the two occasions that David could have taken Saul’s life, he continues to trust in God. This final Psalm reflects David’s desire for his close relationship with God once again. In the midst of trials, it is easy to feel that God has departed from us when He has never moved. The problem we have. We need to stay focused on staying close to God no matter what comes our way.

04/19/2025

20250416 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 106 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through Psalms 56, 120, 140, 141. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

Psalm 56 – Psalm 56 is a prayer by David seeking relief from his tormentors, expressing his trust in God amidst fear and oppression. He acknowledges the many enemies against him but resolves to praise God and not fear what man can do. David emphasizes God's protection and deliverance, vowing to render praises for his salvation.

Psalm 120 – Psalm 120 expresses a plea for relief from deceitful enemies, highlighting the distress of living among those who oppose peace and promote conflict.

Psalm 140 – Psalm 140 is a prayer by David seeking deliverance from evil and violent men who plot harm. He asks the Lord for protection from their snares and schemes, expressing trust in God's strength and justice. David desires that the wicked face consequences for their actions, while affirming that the righteous will ultimately give thanks and dwell in God's presence.

Psalm 141 – Psalm 141 is a prayer by David seeking protection from wickedness. He asks the Lord to listen to his cries, guard his speech, and keep his heart from evil. David expresses a willingness to accept righteous correction and seeks refuge in God, hoping the wicked will fall into their own traps.

Psalm 142 – Psalm 142 is a prayer by David, expressing his distress and plea for help from the Lord while feeling overwhelmed and persecuted. He seeks refuge and deliverance, hoping for divine intervention and support from the righteous.

Here’s my God thot – There is a constant thread that runs through these Psalms. Whenever we feel the attacks of the enemy or the world, we can call out to the Lord and He will strengthen us.

04/19/2025

Grief Turned to Joy

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
John 16:20 (NIV)

These words, spoken by Jesus nearly 2,000 years ago, have been a lifeline for countless people facing sorrow. Today, let’s think about the first ones who clung to them: his disciples.

Jesus spoke these words on Thursday of Holy Week in the Upper Room. By Friday, he was crucified, and the world rejoiced in his death. Then came Saturday—a day of grief, confusion, and silence.

Perhaps the disciples were back in that same Upper Room, their tears breaking the quiet. Did the words from Thursday echo in their hearts? “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

Did they dare believe it?

When Jesus said this, he wasn’t offering wishful thinking. He was declaring a truth written across the story of God’s people. From Abraham’s journey to Israel’s exodus, God had always turned grief into joy. It took time. It often involved loss. And it was always wrapped in mystery. But God was faithful.

If today feels like “Saturday” for you—a day of waiting, mourning, or uncertainty—know this: “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

Cling to this promise. It is true because of the One who spoke it and the empty tomb that followed.

Your joy is coming. Hold on with hope, because God is still turning mourning into dancing, sorrow into singing, and grief into joy.

04/18/2025

20250413 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 103 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through 1 Samuel 18-20. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

1 Samuel 18 – After David's victory over the Philistines, Saul became increasingly resentful of him. Jonathan, Saul's son, formed a close bond with David, leading to a covenant between them. Saul took David into his service, where David excelled and gained the people's favor. However, when women sang that David had slain ten thousands while Saul had only slain thousands, Saul's jealousy intensified. He began to view David as a threat to his kingdom and attempted to kill him by throwing a spear, but David escaped. Recognizing that the Lord was with David, Saul distanced himself from him, promoting him to captain over a thousand men.

Saul then offered his daughter Merab to David as a wife, but she was given to another man. Instead, Saul offered his daughter Michal, hoping she would be a snare to David. David, feeling unworthy, accepted the proposal, and Saul demanded a dowry of one hundred Philistine foreskins, intending to have David killed in battle. David succeeded, bringing back two hundred foreskins, and married Michal. Saul's fear of David grew, leading to a continuous enmity between them, while David's reputation continued to rise.

1 Samuel 19 – Saul, seeking to kill David, confides in his son Jonathan, who warns David to hide. Jonathan defends David to Saul, reminding him of David's loyalty and past victories, leading Saul to promise not to harm David. However, Saul's jealousy resurfaces, and he attempts to kill David with a spear while David plays music. David escapes and is warned by his wife Michal, who helps him flee through a window. She deceives Saul's messengers by placing an image in David's bed. David then seeks refuge with the prophet Samuel. Saul learns of David's location and sends messengers to capture him, but they are overcome by the Spirit of God and begin prophesying. Saul sends more messengers, but they also prophesy. Eventually, Saul himself goes to Naioth, where he is also overtaken by the Spirit and prophesies, leading to the question of whether Saul is among the prophets.

1 Samuel 20 – In this passage, David seeks refuge with Jonathan, expressing his fear for his life due to King Saul's intentions. Jonathan reassures David, insisting that his father would not act without informing him. David, however, believes Saul is concealing his plans to protect Jonathan from distress. They devise a plan to determine Saul's intentions regarding David's safety during the New Moon feast. David will hide, and Jonathan will assess Saul's reaction to David's absence.

Jonathan promises to inform David of any danger, swearing an oath of loyalty and kindness between their families. As the feast begins, Saul notices David's empty seat and questions Jonathan about it. Jonathan lies, claiming David is in Bethlehem for a family sacrifice. Saul's anger erupts, revealing his intent to kill David, and he lashes out at Jonathan for his loyalty to David. Realizing the severity of the situation, Jonathan becomes upset and leaves the table.

The next day, Jonathan meets David in the field, using a coded message involving arrows to communicate Saul's intentions. After confirming that David must flee for his safety, they share a heartfelt farewell, swearing eternal friendship and loyalty to each other and their descendants. Jonathan returns to the city, while David departs, both aware of the gravity of their situation and the bond they share.

Here’s my God thot – In the middle of God’s will is no failure, while outside of God’s will is not success. As much as Saul plotted to kill David, God continued to circumvent his plans.

04/16/2025

20250412 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 102 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through 1 Samuel 15-17. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

1 Samuel 15 – In this passage, the prophet Samuel conveys God's command to King Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely, including all people and livestock. Saul gathers an army and attacks the Amalekites but spares their king, Agag, and keeps the best livestock, contrary to God's instructions. When Samuel confronts Saul, he falsely claims to have fulfilled God's command. Samuel hears the sounds of the spared animals and questions Saul about his disobedience. Saul deflects blame onto the people, stating they saved the livestock to sacrifice to God.

Samuel emphasizes that God values obedience over sacrifices, declaring that Saul's rebellion is akin to witchcraft and that God has rejected him as king. Saul admits his sin, citing fear of the people as his reason for disobedience, and pleads for forgiveness. However, Samuel informs him that God has chosen another to take his place. As a sign of Saul's rejection, Samuel tears his robe, symbolizing the division of the kingdom. Samuel then executes Agag, fulfilling God's command. Afterward, Samuel mourns for Saul, and God expresses regret for making Saul king, marking a significant turning point in Israel's leadership.

1 Samuel 16 – The LORD instructs Samuel to anoint a new king from Jesse's sons, as Saul has been rejected. Samuel fears for his life if Saul learns of this, but the LORD guides him to conduct a sacrifice in Bethlehem. Upon arrival, the townspeople are apprehensive, but Samuel reassures them. He examines Jesse's sons, initially believing Eliab to be the chosen one, but the LORD reveals that He values the heart over appearance. After rejecting seven sons, Samuel inquires about any others, leading to the youngest, David, being brought in. The LORD confirms David as the chosen one, and Samuel anoints him. Meanwhile, Saul is troubled by a distressing spirit, prompting his servants to seek a skilled harp player. They recommend David, who is brought to Saul and becomes his armor-bearer, playing the harp to soothe Saul whenever the distressing spirit afflicts him.

1 Samuel 17 – In the biblical account of David and Goliath, the Philistines gather for battle against Israel in the Valley of Elah. Goliath, a giant champion from Gath, challenges the Israelites to send a warrior to fight him, promising that the losing side will serve the victor. For forty days, Goliath taunts the Israelite army, instilling fear among them. David, the youngest son of Jesse from Bethlehem, is sent by his father to deliver food to his brothers at the battlefield. Upon arrival, David hears Goliath's challenge and questions why no one has stepped forward to fight him.

David expresses his willingness to confront Goliath, citing his experience defending his father's sheep from lions and bears. King Saul initially doubts David's ability due to his youth, but David insists that God will deliver him from Goliath as He did from the beasts. Saul eventually agrees and outfits David with armor, which David finds cumbersome and removes.

Instead, David chooses five smooth stones and approaches Goliath with only his sling. Goliath mocks David, but David declares that he comes in the name of the Lord. As Goliath advances, David slings a stone that strikes Goliath in the forehead, killing him. David then beheads Goliath with the giant's own sword. The Philistines flee, and the Israelites pursue them, leading to a victory for Israel. David is later brought before Saul, who inquires about his lineage. David identifies himself as the son of Jesse.

Here’s my God thot – The scene begins to change from Saul to David. In an ultimate act of disobedience, Saul doesn’t follow God’s instructions but handles things his way. Samuel pronounces that God has removed the kingdom from Saul and given it to another. God desires obedience rather than sacrifice.

04/15/2025

20250411 Reading Plan

Hey Bible Readers! We are on Day 101 of our Chronological Reading Plan through the Bible. Today we are reading through 1 Samuel 13-14. Here are few highlights from today’s reading…

1 Samuel 13 – Saul reigned for two years over Israel and chose three thousand men, with Jonathan leading a thousand in Gibeah. Jonathan attacked a Philistine garrison, prompting Saul to call the Israelites to arms. The Philistines responded with a massive force, causing fear among the Israelites, who hid in various places. Saul waited seven days for Samuel, but when he did not arrive, he offered a burnt offering himself. Samuel arrived just after Saul completed the offering and reprimanded him for acting foolishly and disobeying God's command. As a consequence, God would not establish Saul's kingdom. Following this, Saul and his remaining men were in Gibeah, while the Philistines camped in Michmash. The Philistines prevented the Israelites from having blacksmiths, leading to a lack of weapons among Saul's troops, as they had to go to the Philistines for sharpening tools. On the day of battle, only Saul and Jonathan had swords or spears.

1 Samuel 14 – In this passage, Jonathan, the son of Saul, decides to attack a Philistine garrison without informing his father. Accompanied by his armor-bearer, he expresses faith that the Lord can deliver them regardless of their numbers. They reveal themselves to the Philistines, who invite them to come up, which Jonathan interprets as a sign of victory. They successfully defeat about twenty Philistines, causing panic among the enemy camp. Meanwhile, Saul, unaware of Jonathan's actions, notices the confusion among the Philistines and gathers his men to join the battle, leading to a significant Israelite victory.

However, Saul imposes a rash oath, forbidding his men from eating until evening, which leads to distress among the troops. Jonathan, not knowing of the oath, eats honey and feels revitalized. When informed of his father's command, he criticizes it, suggesting that allowing the men to eat would have resulted in a greater victory. The soldiers, weakened by hunger, begin to eat the spoils improperly, prompting Saul to intervene and establish proper sacrifices to God.

Later, Saul seeks divine guidance for further action against the Philistines but receives no answer. He then casts lots to determine who has sinned, leading to Jonathan being identified. Despite Saul's decree that Jonathan must die for breaking the oath, the people defend Jonathan, arguing for his life due to his significant contributions to Israel's victory. Ultimately, Saul relents, and Jonathan is spared. The passage concludes with Saul's continued military campaigns against various enemies, establishing his reign over Israel.

Here’s my God thot – Saul goes to war against the Philistines and struggles in his battle with them. He is to wait on Samuel again and this time, out of frustration, offers a burnt offering to God himself rather than waiting on God. There are always consequences to our disobedience. Saul loses his kingdom in God’s eyes as a result.