Day 136: Absalom Is Defeated (2022)

Fr. Mike uses King Saul as an example that God does not unchoose those he has chosen, and never loses faith in us. Even if we feel someone is in power unjustly, it's God who decides who holds power, not us. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 24 and Psalm 57. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike explores the actions of David before saving the city of Keilah, and how he sets an example for us while discerning God's will. He also points out how God is working constantly in our lives, even if we don't see half of what he's doing. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 23 and Psalm 54. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike zeroes in on the deep friendship between Jonathan and David and the enduring power of their brotherly bond. He breaks down the different kinds of friendship according to Greek philosophy, and points out how true and virtuous friendship is so rare and special. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 142. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike contrasts Jonathan's brotherly friendship with David, and Saul's bitterness and envy towards David. We also learn from Psalm 59 that David still praised God in his distress as Saul tried to kill him. Today we read 1 Samuel 18-19 and Psalm 59. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Today we read the epic story of how David defeats Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior. Fr. Mike points out that David's heroic courage in this battle came from David's faithfulness to God and to the small tasks entrusted to him as a shepherd. We learn that when we are faithful and courageous in small matters, we can face the giants in our bigger battles. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we continue to read about Saul's vanity and disobedience, Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of the virtue of obedience in our relationship with God. He also points out how God chose David to be anointed as king because David was a man after God's own heart. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 15-16 and Psalm 61. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike highlights Saul's brokenness and vanity as he makes an unlawful sacrifice and a rash oath in order to save Israel in the midst of war. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 13-14, and Psalm 58. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we continue reading from 1 Samuel, Fr. Mike points out how God gave the people a king like they wanted, even though it was not part of his plan. This reveals to us that even when we choose things that God does not want for us, he is still with us. The readings are 1 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 55. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Welcome to the Royal Kingdom period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene for this time period. They review the major players, and why the people of Israel asked for a king. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.