The Word

The celebrated Sermon on the Mount. Our Lord teaches spiritual and behavioral truths never heard before as He touches the very depths of human motivation, and directs us to put our heart into everything, from prayer to giving, to loving others. And He introduces the Jews to a revolutionary idea: God as a heavenly Father.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

John the Baptist preaches the gospel of the Kingdom, and baptizes multitudes in the river Jordan when Jesus appears to be baptized also. God speaks, the Spirit appears, and Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil himself. He victorious return marks the beginning of Jesus’s ministry.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

Season 3 kicks off with a complete reset: New Testament, Matthew’s Gospel, Chapters 1 and 2, which presents us with the 42-generation lineage of Jesus Christ from Abraham. Jesus is born of the virgin, Mary, and Joseph, His adoptive father, is warned to flee from the murderous intent of King Herod. His Bethlehemite birth, His return from His sojourn in Egypt, and His settling in Nazareth of Galilee are all foretold by the prophets o...

In today’s reading, King David calls for the Ark of the Covenant to be brought to him at the City of David, but fails to have it moved in the manner commanded by the LORD. A man is slain and the celebration turned into mourning. Psalm 68 is a call to praise the God of the heavens.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, David is again anointed king over Israel, having first reigned over Judah. Under David’s rule, he and his armies go up to Jerusalem (Jebu’s Salem) and take the city, establishing it as the seat of the kingdom. 1 Chronicles 11 is a “clone chapter”, recounting in greater detail the same account as the opening of 2 Samuel 5.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, power plays continue as the remnant of the House of Saul maneuvers for advantage. Abner, a cousin of Saul and captain of his army, seems to position himself for the throne, but is blocked by Saul’s last living son, the lame Ishbosheth. Abner opens a dialog with David and all seems well, until it isn’t. The House of Saul is wiped out, and those responsible for the end of Saul’s line are killed.

Into/Outro mu...

In today’s reading - two accounts of the same event which are virtually identical - the Philistines make war against Israel and the armies of Saul, and prevail. All three of Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, are killed in battle, and Saul is mortally wounded. In both accounts when Saul sees that his cause is utterly lost, he commands his own armor bearer to run him through, and when he refuses, commits suicide, ending his reign.

In today’s reading, the Philistines amass their armies for an invasion at Jezreel, and David’s men are understandably excluded from the campaign. David takes his men back to Ziklag and discovers the aftermath of an Amalekite invasion: the city burned, their wives and children taken captive, and their possessions looted. David enquires of God and God answers… “Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them.”

Into/Outro music: "Une...

In today’s reading, David finds sanctuary among the Philistines with Achish, King of Gath. Saul, no longer hearing from the LORD, seeks counsel from a necromancer - the witch at Endor - and learns in no uncertain terms his death is imminent.

Psalm 141 presents a cry of David to God for help and discretion, declaring his ultimate trust in the LORD.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

After a modest hiatus, we resume our daily recitals where we left off: 1 Samuel, and King Saul’s drama concerning David. In today’s reading, Samuel - priest, prophet and judge of Israel - dies, and is mourned by all the people. David and his men are aided by Abigail, whom he later marries. Saul continues his pursuit of David, and David once again thwarts him. Saul is stricken anew in his heart by his own obsessive wickedness.

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In today’s reading, King Saul is delivered into David’s hands, and David shows him mercy. Saul, not too far gone to realize just how far he’s fallen, palavers with David, honors him, and bids him vow not to end his family line once David ascends the throne.

Psalms 57, 58 and 63 of David speak directly of these events.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, the Philistines attack the city of Keilah, and David and his company go by the word of God to defend it, saving the city and its people. Upon learning from the LORD that the inhabitants of the city will prove unfaithful to him when Saul comes, David and his company flee to the wilderness of Maon. Saul pursues, but is called away to counter another Philistine attack.

Psalm 17, 31 and 54 reflect David’s challenges...