God sends panic in the Philistine army, creating such a commotionthat even Saul‘s lookouts notice it. Saul realizes that Jonathan and his armor-bearer are missing. - P98
God defeats the Philistine army in spite ofKing Saul when Israel is at its weakest. They lack weaponry, they areoutnumbered, and they have a leader who does not know how to motivate his troops. - P98
God is committed to His purposes regardless of ourfailures. - P98
He still acts on our behalf for the sake of His glory. And Heis still at work today, healing and saving the world and defeating thepowers of Satan. - P98
The battle belongs to Him, but He invites us to joinHim in what He does. - P98
Faith shapes the kind of lifestyle we live. Many of the people of faithwe read about in Scripture did not live a comfortable life. - P99
Noah livedas a minority in a society that opposed God and His ways. The workof building the ark must have been tiresome and lonely. - P99
Abrahamchose to live in tents rather than permanent houses because he waslooking for something better-a heavenly city (Heb. 11:9-10). - P99
Faithis the ability to take God at His Word even when the things aroundyou may not be working out exactly as you expected. - P99
Like those whohave gone before US, let us entrust our lives to God through JesusChrist and serve Him wholeheartedly. - P99
At the end of the day, this iswhat really matters. - P99
Heavenly Father, there have been moments I have felt inadequate and ill-equipped for the tasks ahead of me. When such moments come, please helpme to know that my help is in You, for You are able and willing to save. InJesus‘ name, amen. - P99
[NIV] 24 Now the Israelites were in distress that day, be-cause Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, "Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!" So noneof the troops tasted food. - P100
28 Then one of the soldiers told him, "Your fatherbound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed beanyone who eats food today!‘ That is why the men arefaint."
29 Jonathan said, "My father has made trouble for thecountry. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted alittle of this honey. like that - P100
32 They pounced on the plunder and, taking sheep, cattle and calves, they butchered them on the groundand ate them, together with the blood. 32 That evening they rushed for the battle plunder and butchered the sheep, goats, cattle, and calves, but they ate them without draining the blood. - P101
Saul swears a curse upon anyone who eats food before he has avengedhimself on his enemies. Unaware of this, Jonathan eats honey he finds in thewoods. - P101
After the Israelites strike down the Philistines, they butcher and eatthe plundered livestock. Saul takes a large stone and slaughters the livestockthere so his men will not sin by eating meat with blood in it. - P101
King Saul makes a harsh and unreasonable decision that prohibits hissoldiers from eating food until the war is won. But the war is still farfrom over. - P102
The soldiers need to be physically strong in order for themto be effective on the battlefield. Although there is much honey in theforest, no soldier dares to touch it except for Jonathan who is not awareof his father‘s orders. - P102
Saul‘s irrational order puts his soldiers at great risk. With some more physical strength they could have done more. - P402
Leadersmust learn to be considerate by putting the interests of others beforetheir own. - P102
We need to think through the implications of our decisionsbefore we act. - P102
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