Orchard Ridge Church

TONIGHT @ 7:00 PM ~ Prayer for needs local and global
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TIME in the WORD ~ 1 Samuel chapter 7 ~ discussion based teaching

Orchard Ridge Church, 64600 Mound Road, Washington, MI 48095

1 Samuel 6 ~ “Not By Chance” ~ Sunday morning, May 31, 2026

Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight. – 1 Samuel 6:13

The Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the pagan Philistines after the Israelites had been routed in a battle against them. The spiritual leadership in Israel was at an all time low. Many had failed by egregiously sinning against the LORD their God (see Samson, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas). But God is setting the stage for revival. He is cleansing hearts in the land and is raising up a true man of God named Samuel to lead Israel.

One thing stands out to me as I read 1 Samuel chapters 5-6. God doesn’t need an Israelite army to fight His battles. In chapter 5 He knocks down the Philistine god Dagon all by Himself. Also, God doesn’t need an Israelite army to return His Ark to its proper home in Israel! He orchestrates the Ark’s return all by Himself. He knows the way home.

It leaves me thinking how many times I’ve battled and strived trying to fix things when maybe I should’ve trusted God to handle it all by Himself. Because He’s pretty good at that! LORD, help me to trust you more and let you fight my battles and guide my paths.

1 Samuel 6 tomorrow at Orchard Ridge Church. Hope you can attend.



Orchard Ridge Church meets for worship every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM & 10:45 AM

LIVE Worship meets @ 64600 Mound Road, Washington, MI 48095

Online LIVE Streaming @ www.facebook.com/orchardridgechurch/

Online Giving: https://orcn.churchcenter.com/giving

Key Scriptures: (NIV) Romans 12:19; Matthew 27:45; Mathew 27:50-51; Hebrews 10:19-20; Psalm 34:19; Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 1:26-27; Joshua 5:13-15

Find our worship songs for today on this Spotify worship playlist: Orchard Ridge Church 053126