a note from pastor justin - wordpress.com
TRANSCRIPT
This Reading Guide has been designed for use during Part I of the “The Kings of Old” message series at South Ridge Church: September - October 2019
A Note from Pastor Justin: ThroughouttheOldTestament,thepeopleofGodweresetaparttobedifferent.God—whohadrescuedthemfrombeingenslavedinEgyptandledthemtoanew,frui?ulland—providedHispeoplewithguidelinesinwhichtolive.TheseguidelineswerenotintendedasrestricAonsonlife,butwereinsteadawayinwhichHispeoplecouldliveandexperiencelifetothefull.
However,someofGod’speoplerejectedHiswayofliving,leadingthemtobeenslaved.NotenslavedastheywereinEgypt.Butenslavedtotheirownself-centeredness.InsteadofGodbeingtheruleroftheirhearts,thepeopleaskedforaking.Andoverthenext500+years,variouskingsruledoverthepeopleofIsrael.SomeofthesekingsfollowedGodwiththeirhearts,soul,mind,andstrength.Manydidnot.
Today,thereismuchwecanlearnaboutthesekingsofold.Aswebeginthismessageseries,wewillseethatourlivesmaynotbesodifferentfromtheseancientkings.WewillseethatGodcanusepeoplewhoareseeminglyinsignificanttodoextraordinarythings.Andwewillseethatourlifedecisionsdon’tonlyimpactourownlives,butthelivesofcountlessothers.
Myhopeforthismessageseriesisthatyouwillread,journal,andprayaboutyourlifeandthedailydecisionsyoumake.Thatyouwillreflectonhowthesedecisionsimpactnotonlyyourownlife,butthelivesofcountlessothers.MayyoualsogrowinbecomingapersonwhotrulyfollowsGodwithyourheart,soul,mindandstrength.MayyouconAnuetogrowintothepersonGodhasmadeyoutobe.
Aswebeginthisnewmessageseries,weencourageyouto:
• Committojoininguseveryweekofthisseries.
• CommittoreadingthroughthisReadingGuide,reflecAngandjournalingthroughthequesAonsprovidedwithineachdailyreading.
• UseagoodStudyBibleand/orotherresourcesasyoureadthroughthisReadingGuide.RefertohZps://southridgeblog.com/study-bible-infoformoreinformaAononmanyexcellentStudyBiblesavailabletoday.
• WritedownquesAonsyouhaveaboutwhatyou’rereading,andtakeopportuniAestoseekoutanswerstothosequesAons.
DevoAonal&ScriptureReadingGuideSeptember-October2019
SouthRidgeChurch
MESSAGE SERIES OUTLINE:
SEPTEMBER 15: SAMUEL
SEPTEMBER 22: SAUL
SEPTEMBER 29: DAVID
OCTOBER 6: SOLOMON
OCTOBER 13: JEROBOAM & REHOBOAM
DAILY READING EXAMPLE:
DAY 1: LOOKING FORWARD
Thele`sideofeachdailyreadingwillcontainabriefdevoAonalandquesAonforreflecAon.
READING&JOURNALING:
TherightsideofeachdailyreadingwillcontainafewScriptureversestoread,andaddiAonalquesAonsforreflecAon.YouwillmostbenefitfromthisstudybywriAngoutanswerstoallofthequesAonsinanotebook.ThiswillhelpyoutopauseandreflectontheScripturesandtopicsforeachreading.
F260READING:
ThisisanaddiAonalScriptureReadingforthosewhowanttoreadthroughthefoundaAonalpassagesofScripturethroughouttheyear.ThisF260ReadingPlanpairedwiththe“7Arrows”methodforreflecAonisanexcellentwaytoRead,Reflect,andRespondtoGod’sWord.
PRAYER:Therightsideofeachdailyreadingwillalsocontainabriefprayertoreadandreflecton.
THE KINGS OF OLD
DAY 1: Promises Promises Haveyouevermadeapromiseyouweren’tsureyouwantedtokeep?Somethinglike,“God,ifyouwouldjustgetmeoutofthissituaAon,thenIpromiseI’llneverdoanythingthisstupideveragain?”
Guesswhat?You’renotalone.IntheOldTestamentbookof1Samuel,welearnaboutSamuel’smother,Hannah.Hannahwasunabletohavechildren,andshesodesperatelywantedachildthatsheprayedtoGod,saying,“…ifyouwillonlylookonyourservant’smiseryandrememberme,andnotforgetyourservantbutgiveherason,thenIwillgivehimtotheLordforallthedaysofhislife.”(1Samuel1:11NIV)
GodheardHannah’sprayer,andHeansweredit.Asaresult,shehadtogiveuptheonethingshemostwanted.Shedesiredason,andGodgaveherason.Buttofulfillherpromise,shehadtogivehersonbacktoGod.Thelessonforus:GodkeepsHispromises.Andwemustbepreparedtokeepoursaswell,nomaZerthecost.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Whatisapromiseyou’vemadetoGod(orsomeoneelse)thatyoudidn’twanttokeep?Didyouendupfulfillingyourendofthepromiseornot?
READING&JOURNALING:
1SAMUEL1:1-2:11
WhatisapromiseyoumadetoGod(orsomeoneelse)thatyoudidn’twanttokeep?Didyouendupfulfillingyourendofthepromiseornot?
IsthereeveraAmewhenbreakingapromisemaybeOK?Explain.
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis1&2
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,todayIsimplywanttooffermythanksthatYouhavealways,andwillforever,keepYourpromises.IalsopraythatinthesamewayHannahwaswillingtosacrificesomethingshedearlylovedtoYou,thatIwillalsobewillingtosacrificethingsthatIloveforYou.MaymydevoAontoYougrowstrongerandstronger,sothatImaybeZerknowYou,andbeZerunderstandwhoYou’vemademetobe.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 2: Speak Lord, I’m Listening
Thinkaboutit:Onascaleof1-10,howwelldoyoulistentothevoiceofGod?Howwelldoyoulistentoothers?
Formostofus,wedon’tlistenverywell.Whenwelisten,weo`endosowhilethinkingabouthowwe’llrespond,nottounderstand.Welistentohearwhatothersarethinking,butnottounderstandtheirheart.Ifwewerebeing100%honest,wewouldalladmitthatwecangrowinourabilitytolisten.
In1SamuelChapter3,youngSamuelfindshimselfinaposiAoninwhichhehearsGod,butdoesn’trecognizeHisvoice.Samuelisyoungandinexperienced,andlikelyexpectedGodtocommunicatemoredirectlywithElithanwithhimself.
ButthisisoneofmanysituaAonsthroughouttheScripturesinwhichGodshowsHewillspeaktoand/orthroughunexpectedpeopleinunexpectedways.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:DoyoutakeintenAonalAmetolistenforthevoiceofGod?HowwellareyouabletorecognizeHisvoice?
READING:
1SAMUEL3:1-21
DoyoutakeintenAonalAmetolistenforthevoiceofGod?HowwellareyouabletorecognizeHisvoice?
HowmayGodbeinviAngyoutospeakintothelifeofafamilymember,colleague,orfriend?HaveyouconsideredGodmayuseyouinunexpectedwaystotellothersaboutHim?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis3&4
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IconfessthatIdon’talwaysspendAmebeingintenAonaltolistenforYourvoice.IcommitthisdaytoYourwill.AndIpraythatYouwilllead,guide,anddirectmeonthepathbeforeme.AsIlistentoYourvoicetoday,IinviteYoutouseme,God,tospeakintothelivesofothers.ProvidemewordsofencouragementandaffirmaAontosharewithothers,inthesamewayYouspeakwordsofaffirmaAontome.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
Samuel’sstoryistoldin1Samuel1-28.HeisalsomenAonedinPsalm99:6;
Jeremiah15:1;Acts3:24;13:20;&Hebrews11:32.
The Kings of
Old
DAY 4: Saul Anointed as King
Haveyoueverhadadog(orotherpet)wanderawayfromhome,andyouhadtospendhoursroamingtheneighborhoodtofindit?SomethingsimilarhappenstoSaulin1Samuel9.Thedonkeysownedbythefamilywanderoff,andSaul’sfathersendshimouttolookforthem.
WecanimaginewhatSaulmayhavebeenthinking.Stupiddonkeys.Thisisthethird7methisyearthey’vewanderedoff!Andofcourse,hecoversmilesandmilesoflandlookingforthem,tonoavail.Asalastditcheffort,heandhisservantsgotoamanofGod,Samuel,toaskforhishelp.ButSamueldoesn’tjustgivetheminformaAonaboutthelostanimals.HetellsSaulthathe’sgoingtobethekingofIsrael!
TheLifeApplicaAonStudyBiblenotes,“O`enwethinkthatevents‘justhappen’tous,butaswelearnfromthisstoryaboutSaul,Godmayusecommonoccurrencestoleaduswherehewants.ItisimportanttoevaluateallsituaAonsaspotenAal‘divineappointments'designedtoshapeourlives.”
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:CanyouthinkofaAmewhensomething‘justhappened’butitturnedoutGodhadabiggerplan?
DAY 3: Israel Asks for a King
Haveyouevergonealongwiththechoicesofothers,eventhoughsomethingdeepwithinyouknewitwouldn’tbewisetodoso?
ThroughoutthestoryoftheOldTestament,it’sclearthatGodhadcalledIsraeltobedifferent.HisdesireforHispeoplewasthattheywouldrelyonHimandHimaloneastheirGod,Lord,andKing.In1Samuel8:5,thepeoplecametoSamuelandsaid,“Youareold,andyoursonsdonotfollowyourways;nowappointakingtoleadus,suchasalltheothernaAonshave.”
Allinall,theirdesiretohaveakingwasnotwrong,butthereasontheywantedakingwaswrong.TheywantedtobeliketheothernaAonssurroundingthem,eventhoughGodhadcalledthemtobedifferentfromallothernaAons.Inshort,thepeopleofGoddecideditwouldbebeZertobuildtheirnaAonundertheruleofakingthanitwouldbetobuildtheirnaAonundertheruleofGod.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Fromwheredoyourvaluesand/ordecisionscomefrom?(Isitpleasingothers?Workinghard?Physicalappearance?Somethingelse?)OrdoyourgreatestvaluestrulycomefromGod?
DAY 5: REVIEW WhatdidtheScripturereadingsthisweekrevealtoyouabouthowSaul,Samuel,and/orthepeopleofIsraelfollowedandtrustedHimandHisWord?Similarly,whatdidtheScripturereadingsrevealtoyouabouthowwellyoufollowandtrusttheWordofGod?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Job1&2
Reflect:WhatdidyouH.E.A.R.fromGodtoday?(Seebackpage.)
READING:
1SAMUEL8:1-22
Fromwheredoyourvaluesand/ordecisionscomefrom?(Isitpleasingothers?Workinghard?Physicalappearance?Somethingelse?)OrdoyourgreatestvaluestrulycomefromGod?
WhydoyouthinkthepeopleofIsraelwantedtobelikeothernaAons?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis6&7
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,TodayIacknowledgethateventhoughtImaynotregularlythinkaboutwhatImostvalueinlife,IrecognizethatIliveandactbasedonwhatImostvalue.LikethepeopleofIsrael,I,toohavevaluedthingswhichareinsignificanttoYou.SotodayIsimplypraythatYouwillrevealtomethethingsthataremostimportanttoYou.Maythesealsobecomewhat’smostimportanttome.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
READING:
1SAMUEL9:1-10:8
CanyouthinkofaAmewhensomething‘justhappened’butitturnedoutGodhadabiggerplan?
LikeSaul,Godhasaplanforyourlife.Ifyoucouldwriteitoutinjustonesentence,whatwouldyousayGod’splanforyourlifeis?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis8&9
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,Iconfessthattoday’squesAonaboutYourplanformylifeisoneofthemostchallengingquesAonsIhavewrestledwiththroughoutmylife.AndeventhoughIcanwritewhatIthinkmaybeYourplanformylife,IsAllhavesomedoubtsorfearsaboutwhatexactlythatmeansandhowtoliveitout.Assuch,IpraytodayforYourtremendouswisdom.ThatYouwillconAnuetoleadandguidemetonotonlyknowYourwill,buttoliveYourwill.IpraythisinJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 1: Saul’s Inadequacy Shows
Imaginethatonedayyou’resentonaveryimportanterrand.Forexample,thePresidentoftheU.S.handsyouasealedenvelopeandentrustsyoutodeliverthisenvelopetoanotherworldleader.You’renottomailit,andthecontentsmustnotbeseenbyanybodyelse.YouandyoualonehavebeenentrustedwiththisinformaAon,andit’sessenAalthatyoudeliverit.Butuponyourarrival,thisotherworldleaderrefusestoseeyouandsendsyouaway.Thenextdayyou’resupposedtobemeeAngwiththePresidenttogivehimasummaryofeverythingthatoccurred.Whatdoyoudo?
WemayrespondtodifficultcircumstanceslikeSauldoesin1Samuel10,bygivingintofearorourownfeelingsofinadequacy.It’sherethatSaullearnsheissupposedtobethefirsteverkingofIsrael.ButwhentheAmecomes,hehides.Chancesare,hefeelscompletelyinadequateforwhathe’sbeencalledtodo,orhe’ssimplyafraidtofulfilltherole.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:WhatisonesituaAoninwhichyouwereafraidtohaveahardconversaAonorfulfillachallengingtask?Howdidyourespond?
READING&JOURNALING:
1SAMUEL10:17-27
WhatisonesituaAoninwhichyouwereafraidtohaveahardconversaAonorfulfillachallengingtask?Howdidyourespond?
Wheredoyouthinkthesefearsorthoughtsofinadequacycomefrom?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Job38&39
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IacknowledgethatIliveinaperiodofAmeinwhichfearisn’tsomethingpeopleliketotalkabout.ButIknowIhavefears,andIrecognizethesefearsimpactmemuchmorethanIwouldlike.Thisweek,IpraythatYouwouldrevealtomethedepthsofthefearsIhave.Butinsteadofallowingthesefearstorulemylife,mayIinsteadrememberthatinChrist,Iamaccepted,significant,andsecure!IpraythesethingsinJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 2: Saul’s Military Might
What’soneofthefirstthingsthatcomestomindwhenyouthinkofancientkings?Formany,it’sthatkingswerewarriors.Theydidn’tjuststandtowardsthebackofthebaZlefieldanddirectthetroops.Instead,akingwasonthefrontlines.Hewasn’tjustwillingtogointobaZle,hewaswillingtoleadtherestofthesoldiersinbaZle.
DuringSaul’slifeAme,thenaAonofIsraelwassurroundedbyotherpeoplegroupswhocouldinvadetheirlands.Saulknewthatasaking,hewouldberequiredtoshowthathewasmorethanasoldier.Hewouldneedtoshowthosewhosupportedhim,andthosewhodidn’t,thatthenaAoncouldhavesuperiormilitarystrength.In1SamuelChapter11,Sauldoesso,andprovesthathehasthemilitaryprowesstobeking.Asaresult,all12ofIsrael’stribesagreedtosupporthim,andthepeopleofferGodapeaceoffering(1Samuel11:15).Fornow,they’resAllfollowingGod.Butthiswillnotlast.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Whatisthelarge‘baZle’you’recurrentlyfacinginlife?What’sholdingyoubackfromturningyourfearsinconfidence?
READING:
1SAMUEL11:1-15
Peelbackthelayers:Whatwouldyousayisthelarge‘baZle’you’recurrentlyfacinginlife?
What’sholdingyoubackfromturningyourfearsinconfidence?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Job40,41,&42
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IrecognizetherearemanyAmesinmylifeinwhichIdon’twanttoappearconfident,becauseconfidencecanalsohavetheappearanceofarrogance.Today’sreadinghasbeenagreatreminderthatit’sOKtobeconfidentaslongasitdoesn’tleadtobecockyorarrogant.
Assuch,IsimplypraytodaythatYouwillturnmyfearsintoconfidence,andthatImayrestinknowingthelargestbaZlehasalreadybeenwon.IthankYouinJesus’name.Amen.
Saul’sstoryistoldin1Samuel9-31.HeisalsomenAonedinActs13:21.
The Kings of
Old
DAY 4: God Rejects Saul as King God’sWordisclearinsayingthatoneday,eachandeveryoneofuswillgiveanaccountforouracAons(seeRomans14:12,RevelaAon22:12).Thisisn’tbecauseGodwantstoshameus,butismoresothatGodcanrevealtousjusthowmuchourownungodlychoicesimpactedourrelaAonshipwithHimandothers.
In1Samuel15:22,wereadalinethatisquotedmany,manyotherAmesthroughouttheBible:“ObedienceisbeZerthansacrifice.”GodismoreinterestedinustrusAngandobeyingHimthanHeisinterestedinsacrifices.Hedoesn’tneedanythingwecanoffer.Wemakesacrificesasanactofloveandobedience.Butwhenthosesacrificesarehollow,they’remeaninglesstoGod.They’renothingmorethanlipservicewithoutrealtrust.
ForSaul’sdisobedience,hewilllosetheAtleof‘king.’TheLASBnotes,“Godwasn’trejecAngSaulasaperson;thekingcouldsAllseekforgivenessandrestorehisrelaAonshipwithGod,butitwastoolatetogethiskingdomback.”
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Behonest:isthereanareaofyourlifeinwhichyou’repayinglipservicetoGod?
DAY 3: Saul Oversteps
ThinkaboutaAmewhenyouwereachildandyourparentstoldyouthatyouneededtofinishsomething(perhapsyourhomeworkorsomehouseholdchores)beforeyoucoulddosomethingelseyoureallywantedtodo.ButastheAmedraggedon,youreallystruggledtofollowthrough.YourfavoriteTVshowwascomingon,andeventhoughyourhomeworkwasn’tcompletelyfinished,youfeltlikeitwasfinishedenoughthatyoucouldjusAfyturningtheTVon.
Whathappened?Chancesare,yougotcaught.AndthepunishmentwasfarmoreseverethanyouanAcipated.
In1Samuel13,SaulfindshimselfandhistroopsinabadsituaAon.TheprophetSamuelhadgivenSaulspecificinstrucAonsonwhatnottodo(1Samuel10:8),butSauldisobeyed.Hefeltunderpressuretodowhatneededtobedone,sohetrustedinhimselfinsteadoftheinstrucAonsGodhadalreadyprovided.Thelessonhelearnedisclear:HowweaccomplishagoalortaskismoreimportantthancompleAngthetask.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Read1Samuel13.WouldyouhaverespondedanydifferentlytothesituaAonthanSaul?
DAY 5: REVIEW WhatdidtheScripturereadingsthisweekrevealtoyouabouthowthepeopleofGodfollowedandtrustedHimandHisWord?Similarly,whatdidtheScripturereadingsrevealtoyouabouthowwellyoufollowandtrusttheWordofGod?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis16&17
Reflect:WhatdidyouH.E.A.R.fromGodtoday?(Seebackpage.)
READING:
1SAMUEL14:1-15:35
SaulsaidthathewantedwhatGodwanted,buthisacAonsshowedotherwise.Behonest:Isthereanareaofyourlifeinwhichyou’repayinglipservicetoGod?Anareainwhichyoumaysayyou’refullytrusAngGod,butyouracAonsshowdifferently?
TaketheopportunitytowriteoutapersonalprayertoGod,acknowledgingyourlackoftrustinthisarea.AskGod’sforgiveness,andprayforwisdominhowyoucanbeintenAonaltogrowinthisareaofyourlife.
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis15
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
Today’sprayeristobewriZenonyourown(seeabove).
READING:
1SAMUEL13:1-23,DEUTERONOMY12:4-14
WouldyouhaverespondedanydifferentlytothesituaAonthanSaul?
WhydoyouthinkSamuelwassodispleasedwithSaul’sdecision?(Seealso,Deuteronomy12:4-14)
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis11&12
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IconfesstherearemanyAmesinwhichIwanttoseesomethinggetdone,andthatI'mmoreconcernedaboutitbeingdonethanIamconcernedabouthowitwasaccomplished.Saul'sstoryisareminderthathowsomethingisdoneismuchmoreimportant.Father,mydesireistocompletetheprojectsandtasksbeforemewithcharacterandintegrity.Revealtomemycharacterdefects,andbreakmeandmakemeintothepersonYoumostdesiremetobe.IpraythesethingsinJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 1: David’s Inner Life
Takeamomenttothinkoverjustthepasttwoorthreedaysofyourlife.HowmuchAmedidyouspendbathing,dressing,andpreparingtheoutsideofyourbodytolookgoodforothers?Anhouraday?Perhapsmore?
Now,alsothinkingoverjustthepasttwoorthreedays,howmuchAmehaveyouintenAonallyfocusedonyourinternallife?Forexample,anythingthatmaybehinderingyourgrowthintheareasofintegrityandpersonalcharacter.DoeshowyouspendyourAmereflectmoreconcernonyouroutwardappearance,oryourinnercharacter?
A`erkingSaullostfavorwithGod,theprophetSamuelgoesofftodiscoverthenextkingofIsrael.ButGodgivesSamuelsomeveryspecificinstrucAons.In1Samuel16:7,GodtellsSamuel,“Don’tjudgebyhisappearanceorheight,forIhaverejectedhim.TheLORDdoesn’tseethingsthewayyouseethem.Peoplejudgebyoutwardappearance,buttheLORDlooksattheheart.”
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Isthereanybodyinyourlife,includingyourself,youregularlyjudgebytheiroutwardappearance?
READING&JOURNALING:
1SAMUEL16
Isthereanybodyinyourlife,includingyourself,youregularlyjudgebytheiroutwardappearance?
HowdoyouthinkGodseesthisperson(thinkofatleast3ways)?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis18&19
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,weliveinacultureinwhichoutwardappearanceiswhatmaZersmost.Thehouseswelivein,thecarswedrive,theclotheswewear,andeventhefoodweeat…itregularlypointstoclassandstatus.Thereareliterallydozens,ifnothundredsofthingsIseeorheareachdaythatfocusonoutwardappearance.God,helpmetoseethewayYousee.Helpmetoseethat’swhat’swithinapersonisofmuchmorevaluethanwhat’sontheoutside.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 2: David the Warrior
What’sthefirstthingthatcomestomindwhenyouthinkofashepherd?Formany,theAtleofShepherdcausesthemtothinkabouttheChristmasNaAvityscene,withpeacefulshepherdsstandingaroundamanger.BabyJesusisthere,alongwithJosephandMary.Abrightstarfromaclearskyisshiningdown,andangelsaresingingalovelymelody.
Butthisviewofashepherdisfarfromreality.Asashepherd,Davidwasconstantlyonalert.WhenalionorbeartriedtoaZacktheflockofsheep,DavidaZackedback.Hedidn’thavearifleorevenabowandarrow.Hehadtohuntthehunter,anditrequiredanextremeamountofskillandcourage.
SowhenasoldierfromtheopposingmilitarymockedthepeopleofIsraelandtheirGod,DavidwasunafraidtostepforwardandmeethiminbaZle.ThestoryofDavidandGoliathisn’tamerefairlytaletoencouragechildren.It’sthestoryofamanwhomaynothavehadthebuildofawarriorking,buthadtheheartofone.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:ReadthestoryofDavid&Goliathas-ifyou’rereadingitforthefirstAme.Whatresonateswithyoumostfromthestory?
READING:
1SAMUEL17
WhatresonateswithyoumostfromthestoryofDavid&Goliath?
Thinkaboutit:WhatkindsoflifechoiceshadDavidmadethathelpedhimtobeunafraidinhisbaZleagainstGoliath?Whatkindsofchoicescanyoumaketodaytoputyouonapathofbeingunafraidtofacelife’sbaZles?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis20&21
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,TodayIamrecognizingthatthestoryofDavid&Goliathisn’tjustastory,butisatruelifeexampleofhowtrusAngandfollowingYoucanleadmetoovercomeanyobstacle.MaymytrustinYougroweverstronger.IpraiseYoutodayinJesus’name.Amen.
David’sstoryistoldin1Samuel16-1Kings2.HeisalsomenAonedinAmos6:5;MaZhew1:1-6;22:43-45;
Luke1:32;Acts13:22;Romans1:3;&Hebrews11:32
The Kings of
Old
DAY 4: David the Murderer David'sstoryislotlikeanopera.Thereissomuchbeauty,yetsomuchdramaandtragedy.A`erhisrisetoprominenceandbecomingkingofIsrael,DavidgivesintothetemptaAonandbelieveshecandowhateverhewantsandnotsufferanymajorconsequences.HeseesabeauAfulwomanbathing,andcommitsadulterybysleepingwithher.Later,a`erlearningshehadbecomepregnant,hehasBathsheba’shusbandmurdered.
It’seasytoreadhisstoryandask,“Whatintheworldwereyouthinking?Youhaddonesomuchgoodandwereclearlyamana`erGod’sownheart.Whathappened?”
ButperhapsthestoryofDavidshouldbethoughtofinadifferentway.Forexample,howconfidentareyouthatyouwould’verespondeddifferently?Howconfidentareyouthatifyouhadallthewealth,power,andinfluenceapersoncouldhave,youwouldn’tgiveintoasimilartemptaAon?
ThisonedecisioninDavid’sstorychangeshislife,andthelivesofhisfamilyformanygeneraAons.Butremarkably,GodwillsAlluseDavid’sfamilyforthegoodofallhumankind.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:WhathaveyoufoundmostinteresAngaboutthelifeofDavid?
DAY 3: David the King
Thinkbacktoyouroldhighschoolhistoryclassforaminute:Howdidsomebodybecomeaking?Theanswer,mostoftheAme,isthatsomebodysimplyinheritedtheAtle.Hisfatherwasaking.Hisfather’sfatherwasaking.Andsoon.
Asyou’vereadthroughsomeofDavid’sstory,you’velikelydiscoveredhispathtobecomingkingofIsraelwasmuchdifferent.Hewasn’trelatedtothepreviousking,Saul.Hisfamilydidn’thavealotofpoliAcalinfluenceinhisday.Hewasn’tthefirstbornson,butwasinsteadtheyoungestson.Fromtheoutside,heseemedlikeafairlyregularguy.Seemingly,therewasn’tanythingthatsethimapartthatwould’vemadepeoplethink,“Thatmanisgoingplaces!”
Touseastrongerterm,Davidseemedinsignificantinthegrandschemeofthings.ButGodsawsomethingdifferent.AndGodwasgoingtoworkthroughDavidtoaccomplishsomethingsofgreatsignificanceforthepeopleofIsrael.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Doyouseeyourownlifeasinsignificantinthegrandschemeofthings?WhataresomethingsofgreatsignificanceHemaybeaccomplishinginyourightnow?
DAY 5: REVIEW WhatdidtheScripturereadingsthisweekrevealtoyouabouthowthepeopleofGodfollowedandtrustedHimandHisWord?Similarly,whatdidtheScripturereadingsrevealtoyouabouthowwellyoufollowandtrusttheWordofGod?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis25:1-34,&26
Reflect:WhatdidyouH.E.A.R.fromGodtoday?(Seebackpage.)
READING:
2SAMUEL11:1-27;PSALM51:1-19
WhathaveyoufoundmostinteresAngaboutthelifeofDavid?
CanyouthinkofaAmewhenyouweretemptedtodosomethingandthoughtyoushouldbeabletodowhateveryouwantandnotfaceanyconsequences?
WhatdoyoufindmostinteresAngaboutDavid’sprayerinPsalm51?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis24
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,Idon’twanttobeapersonwhothinksIcandowhateverIwantandnotfaceanyconsequences.IwanttobeapersonwhotrustsYou,andrecognizesYouhavemybestinterestsatheart.ConAnuetohelpmetoseethatwisdomcomesfirstfromlovingandtrusAngYou.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
READING:
2SAMUEL2:1-3:1&2SAMUEL5:1-5:5
Doyouseeyourownlifeasinsignificantinthegrandschemeofthings?
WhataresomethingsofgreatsignificanceHemaybeaccomplishinginyourightnow?
Similarly,whataresomethingsofgreatsignificanceHealreadyhasaccomplishedwithinyouandthroughyou?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis22
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IconfessthatthereareAmesinwhichIseemylifeasinsignificant.Buttoday,Irememberthateventhoughtthereareover7Billionpeopleintheworld,YousAllcreatedme.Youmusthaveawonderfulpurposeformylife,otherwiseIwouldn’tbehere.ThankYouforcreaAngme,andgivingmylifemeaning.InJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 1: Solomon Becomes King
IfyouweredyingandhadonefinalconversaAonwithyourchildren,whatwouldyousay?Similarly,ifoneofyourparentswasabouttodieandtheywereabletohaveonefinalconversaAonwithyou,whatwouldexpectthemtosay?
ThisisthesituaAoninwhichDavidfindshimselflateinlife.Ashe’soldanddying,helearnsthatoneofhissons,Adonijah,hasclaimedthethroneanddeclaredhimselfking.PoliAcallyspeaking,itmadesenseforAdonijahtotakethisstep.Buthetookitwithouttalkingwithhisfather,David.Whilewemaynotknowforcertain,it’squitepossibleDavidhadalreadytoldhissonswhowouldbekinga`erhisdeath.
AssoonasDavidhearsthenews,hecallsforhissonSolomon.Hetellshissonin1Kings:2-3,“ObservetherequirementsoftheLORDyourGod,andfollowallhisways.Keepthedecrees,commands,regulaAons,andlawswriZenintheLawofMosessothatyouwillbesuccessfulinallyoudoandwhereveryougo.”
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Inwhatwayswouldyourfinalwordstoyourchild/childrenbesimilar?Inwhatwayswouldtheybedifferent?
READING&JOURNALING:
1KINGS1:1-2:12
Inwhatwayswouldyourfinalwordstoyourchild/childrenbesimilartoDavid’sfinalwordstoSolomon?Inwhatwayswouldtheybedifferent?
Davidalsosharedsomeharshwordsabouthisenemies.ThiswastoensurethoseopposingGodandthekingofIsraelwouldnotinterferewithGod’splan(seealsoExodus22:28).WhataresomethingsthatmaybeinterferingwithGod’splansforyourlife?Whatstepscanyoutaketoeliminatethem?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis27&28
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IrecognizetherearemanythingsthattrytointerferewithYourplansformylife,andIconfessIsomeAmesallowthemtointerfere.Today,mayIrememberthatYourplansformylifearebeZerthananyplansImaymakemyself.IprayinJesus'name.Amen.
DAY 2: Solomon Asks for Wisdom
It'saquesAono`enaskedofchildren:Ifyouhadthreewishes,whatwouldyouwishfor?(Ofcourse,you’reweren’tpermiZedtoaskformorewishes.Thatwouldn’tbefair.)
Theanswerschildren(andmanyadults)giveforthisquesAono`enhavetodowithmoneyorfame.Wewishformoneysowewouldn’thavetowork,orwewishtobeextremelytalentedinasport,music,orotherart.
Asking,Solomonlikelywasn’texpecAngtobeasked,“Whatdoyouwant?Ask,andIwillgiveittoyou.”Butthat’sexactlywhathappened.Inwayswemaynotfullyunderstand,GodappearedtoSolomoninadream,andessenAallygavehimafreewish.Hecouldaskforanything,anythingatall.ButhisresponsetothisquesAonchangedthetrajectoryforhislifeandfortheenArenaAonofIsrael.
Solomonanswered,“GivemeanunderstandingheartsothatIcangovernyourpeoplewellandknowthedifferencebetweenrightandwrong.”Solomonaskedforwisdom.AndGodwouldprovideit.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Howregularlydoyouprayforwisdom?
READING:
1KINGS3:1-15
Howregularlydoyouprayforwisdom?
Behonest:Whenyoudoprayforwisdom,areyoutrulyprayingforwisdom,orareyouprayingforGodtogiveyousomethingelseyouwant?
WouldyouagreethatGodhasgrantedyouwisdominasituaAonwhenyourecognizethattherightthingtodoisharderthanyouhopeditwouldbe.Explainyouranswer.
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis29:1-30:24
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IhaveoccasionallylearnedthatsomeAmesthewisethingtodoiso`enmoredifficultthanIwantittobe.Thisshowsthatwhilelivinginwisdommaynotalwaysbeeasy,itissAllgood.IpraytodaythatYouwouldgivemethewisdomtoknowwhat’sright,andthecouragetodowhat'sright,evenwhenit'shard.InJesus’name.Amen.
Solomon’sstoryistoldin2Samuel12:24—1Kings11:43.HeisalsomenAonedin1Chronicles28–29;2Chronicles1–10;
Nehemiah13:26;Psalm72;&MaZhew6:29;12:42.
The Kings of
Old
DAY 4: Israel Becomes a Powerful Nation ThosewhoareinRealEstateknowthattherearesomeunwriZenrulesaboutbuyingandsellingproperty.OneofthemostcommonunwriZenrulesisthatit’sbeZertopurchasealesserhouseinanicerneighborhoodthanitistopurchaseanicerhouseinalesserneighborhood.Adecenthouseinaniceneighborhoodismorelikelytoincreaseinvaluelongterm.Whereasareallynicehouseinanot-as-niceneighborhoodislesslikelytoincreaseinvalueasmuch.
ThissameunwriZenruleappliedtotheancientworldaswell.GodhadgiventhepeopleofIsraelasecAonoflandthat,onthesurface,maynothavelookedlikemuch.ButthissmallsliveroflandhaddirectaccesstothreeconAnents(Africa,Asia,andEurope).Thismadeitexcellentforforeigntrade.
Asaresult,thenaAonbecameveryrich,butthiscameatacost.InAme,Solomon'swivesledhimtoworshipothergods.AndthewealthofthenaAonledthepeopleofIsraeltobegintotrustinwealthinsteadofGod.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:WhatsimilariAesaretherebetweenthelifeofSolomonandyourown?Whatdifferencesarethere?
DAY 3: Solomon Builds a Temple
Thekingsofoldwererealpeople.Theyhadrealthoughts,realstruggles,andrealexperiences…justlikewedo.ButthereweresAllsomepartsoftheirculturethatwerequitedifferentfromours.Oneofthosedifferences,wasregardingaplaceforGodtolive.
Intheancientworld,peopleofallnaAonsbelievedthatthegodstheyworshipedtrulylivedinandaroundthem.Theywouldbuildtemplesfortheirgods,sotheirgodscouldlivenearthem.Theywouldcarveidolsfortheirgods,believingthatasliverofthesegodslivedwithintheseidols.
Israelwastobedifferent.Infact,Godexplicitlycommandedthemnotmakeidols.ButGoddiddeclarethatifSolomonandHispeoplekeptHisdecreesandregulaAons,Hispresencewouldbewiththemalways,andtheywouldnotbeabandoned.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:GodpromisedtobeamongHispeopleforever.Today,Heisnotonlyamongus,butlivingwithinallwhohaveprofessedfaithinChrist.HowdoesthisrealitychangethewayyouseeGod?Howdoesitchangethewayyouseeyourself?
DAY 5: REVIEW WhatdidtheScripturereadingsthisweekrevealtoyouabouthowthepeopleofGodfollowedandtrustedHimandHisWord?Similarly,whatdidtheScripturereadingsrevealtoyouabouthowwellyoufollowandtrusttheWordofGod?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis37
Reflect:WhatdidyouH.E.A.R.fromGodtoday?(Seebackpage.)
READING:
1KINGS10:14-29
WhatsimilariAesaretherebetweenthelifeofSolomonandyourown?Whatdifferencesarethere?
WhatistheonethingGodhasmostrevealedtoyouthisweekasyou’vereadthroughthelifeofSolomon?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis33&35
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,AsI'vereadthroughthelivesofDavidandSolomon,I’vebeenstruckbyhowsimilarmylifeistotheirs.InthesamewayDavidexperiencedtremendoussuffering,I’veexperiencedsuffering.AndinthesamewaySolomonexperiencedtemptaAon,IhaveexperiencedtemptaAon.WhiletherearesAlldifferencesbetweenourlives,I’mdiscoveringthereismuchIcanlearnandapplyfrompeopleintheOldTestament.ConAnuetoleadme,guideme,andhelpmeasIengageinYourWord.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
READING:
1KINGS6:1-38,8:12-21,&1CORINTHIANS3:16
HowdoestherealitythatGodliveswithinyouchangethewayyouseeGod?Howdoesitchangethewayyouseeyourself?
ThepeopleofGodtooktremendouscareandconcerninbuildingandmaintainingGod’stemple.InwhatwaysdoesGoddesireustocareforourbodies(atemple)?Ifpossible,useScriptureversestosupportyouranswer.
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis31&32
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IconfessthattherearemanydaysinwhichIfuncAononmyownstrength,neglecAngtorememberthatYouaren’tjustaroundme,butthatYoulivewithinme.Myprayertodayisthatthistruthwouldpenetratedeeplyintomyheart,sothatImaybeZerreflectYouineveryway.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 1: A Nation Divided
Imaginehavingasuccessfulbossatwork.Eventhoughhewasabitrougharoundtheedges,yourjobwassecureandthebusinesswasthriving.Butthenanewleaderappears,andpubliclydeclaresthathecandobeZer,andthatyouwon'tneedtoworkashardinordertoreceivethesameresults.Whatdoyoudo?
ThekingsofIsraelstartedwithSaul,David,andSolomon.AndforallthreegeneraAons,thenaAonofIsraelremainedwhole.Twelvetribeswereunitedunderonebanner,andthankstoGod,thenaAonasawholeprospered.ButbecauseSolomondidn’tfullyfollowGod’sways,thenaAonofIsraelwasabouttobedivided.
Earlyinhisrule,Solomon’sson,Rehoboam,wasaskedtolightentheburdenofthepeople.Hereceivedcounselfromhisfather'sadvisors,andcounselfromyoung,inexperiencedadvisors.UlAmately,hefollowedtheadviceofhisfriends,andtheenArenaAonsufferedforit.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:Wheredoyoumosto`engoforadvice?Arethoseyougotoexperiencedandwise,orinexperienced?
READING&JOURNALING:
1KINGS12:1-24
Wheredoyoumosto`engoforadvice?Arethoseyougotoexperiencedandwise,orinexperienced?
Whatisthebestpieceofadviceyou’veeverreceived?Whatistheworst?
Whatimpactdidthesedecisionshaveonyourlife?Yourfamily?Others?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis39&40
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IacknowledgethattherearealotofplacesIgoforadvice,andthattherehavebeenAmeswhenIhavesoughtadvicefrompeoplewhotoldmewhatIwantedtohear,insteadofseekingadvicefromthosewhowouldencouragemetodowhatisright.Helpmetofollowtheadviceofthewise,andthewisdomofYourWord.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
DAY 2: Jeroboam Makes it Easy
Imagineayoungboyhavingtocarryfirewoodfromthefrontofhishousetotheback.Hisfatherwarnedhimnottousethewheelbarrow,andinsteadgavespecificinstrucAonsthatthewoodneededtobecarriedinsmallbundles.Abouthalfwaythroughtheproject,theyoungboydecidestodisregardhisfather’sadvice,andstartstoloadthewheelbarrowwithwood.Tohischagrin,thewheelbarrowbreaksapartashe’shaulingthewood,makinghisjobevenmoredifficultthanbefore.
It’sasimpleillustraAon,butissimilartosomethingJeroboamfacesin1Kings12.ThepeopleofIsraelhadbeencommandedbyGodtoworshipHiminJerusalem.Jeroboamseesthisasaburdenforthepeople,andhecreatesalternaAveworshipcenterstomakeiteasieronthepeople.EventhoughthiswasapracAcalidea,itsAllwentagainstGod’sdesire.TheLifeApplicaAonStudyBiblenotesthatGoddesiresourobedienceinallthings.Hewantsustofollow-throughHisway,nomaZerthecost,Ame,energy,orresourcesinvolved.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:ThinkofaAmeyouhavetakentheeasywaytodoaprojectinsteadoftherightway.Whatdidyoulearnfromthisexperience?
READING:
1KINGS12:25-13:34
ThinkofaAmeyouhavetakentheeasywaytodoaprojectinsteadoftherightway.Whatdidyoulearnfromthisexperience?
Inthiscurrentseasoninyourlife,whatareatleastfivewaysyoubelieveGodisinviAngyoutobeobedienttoHimandHisWord?(Ifpossible,asksomebodytohelpkeepyouaccountabletofollowingthroughintheseareas.)
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis41
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,IknowthattrusAngandfollowingYouisbeZerthantrusAngandfollowingthewaysoftheworld.Today,IonceagainpraythatYourWordwouldpenetratedeepintomylife,andthatthewisdomofYourWordwouldconAnuetoshapemeintothepersonYou’vemademetobe.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
Rehoboam’sstoryistoldin1Kings11:43-14:31and2Chronicles9:31-13:7
HeisalsomenAonedinMaZhew1:7.Jeroboam’sstoryistoldin1Kings11:26-14:20.
The Kings of
Old
DAY 4: Rehoboam Humbles Himself Yesterdaywesawthatthere’sadifferencebetweenshameandguilt.Shameisbestunderstoodas,“Iambad.”Whileguiltisbestunderstood,“Ididsomethingbad.”There’sasignificantdifferencebetweenthetwo.
Similarly,there’sadifferencebetweenaccepAngresponsibilityforwrongdoing,andsimplypayingthepriceforit.
Forexample,somebodywhocommitsacrimemaybepunishedfortheirwrongdoing,andeventhoughtheyfulfillaprisonsentence,theymaynevertrulyacceptresponsibilityfortheiracAons.However,somebodyelseinthesamescenariomay,uponjudgment,acceptresponsibilityandhumblethemselvesbeforethecourt.
ThisiswhathappenedinthelifeofRehoboamandotherleadersinhiscourt.GodsentanEgypAanarmytoplundertheirrichesandeventosubjugatethem.AndRehoboamandtheleadersrespondbyhumblingthemselves,andsaying,“TheLORDisrightindoingthistous(2Chronicles12:6).”
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:ThinkofaAmewhenyouhumbledyourself(eitherbeforeGodorsomebodyelse)?Howdifficultwasitforyoutodoso?
DAY 3: God Punishes Jeroboam
ThereareanumberofstoriesthroughouttheScripturesinwhichsomebodytriestohidefromGod.IntheGardenofEden,AdamandEvediscoveredtheywerenaked,andtohidetheirshametheytriedtohidefromGod.In1Kings14,Jeroboamhashiswifedisguiseherselfinordertotrytogetafavorablemessageabouthissonwhoissick.Thesimplefactthathehasherdisguiseherselfisasignthathewasdesperate.Heknewhehadn’tfollowedGodinthewayhewascommandedto,andinsteadofpleadingtoGodforhelp,hetriestomanipulatethesituaAontogetwhathewants.
SomemayreadthischapterofScriptureandthinkthatGod'sresponsetoJeroboam’ssinsistoostrong.Butthispassagemustbeunderstoodinitsappropriatecontext.Jeroboamhadbeencommandedonhowtolive(1Kings11:38)andinstead,ledtheenArenaAonawayfromGod.Similarly,thepeopleofGodhadreceivedspecificinstrucAons(Deuteronomy28:15-19,36-38;30:15-20)yetneglectedtofollowthem.
Asyoureadtoday,considerthis:DoyoufindyourselfhidingfromGod,oropenlyacknowledgingyoursinsandallowingGodtorefineandrenewyou?
DAY 5: REVIEW WhatdidtheScripturereadingsthisweekrevealtoyouabouthowthepeopleofGodfollowedandtrustedHimandHisWord?Similarly,whatdidtheScripturereadingsrevealtoyouabouthowwellyoufollowandtrusttheWordofGod?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis46&47
Reflect:WhatdidyouH.E.A.R.fromGodtoday?(Seebackpage.)
READING:
2CHRONICLES12:1-12
ThinkofaAmewhenyouhumbledyourself(eitherbeforeGodorsomebodyelse)?Howdifficultwasitforyoutodoso?
Whoisthemosthumblepersonyouknow?Whatwouldyousayarethreecharactertraitsthathavehelpedthemgrowinhumility?
Overthenextweek,howcanyoubeintenAonalinpursingalifeofhumility?
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis44&45
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
HeavenlyFather,today,Isimplyprayforthesighttoseethefoolishnessoffollowingmyownpath,andthewisdomoffollowingYourpath.MayYouconAnuetoleadmeonthisjourney,onestepataAme.Iknowhumilitymaynotcomeeasily,butIknowitbeginsbysimplytrusAngYou.IprayinJesus’name.Amen.
READING:
1KINGS14:1-18&DEUT28:15-19,36-68;30:15-20
DoyoufindyourselfhidingfromGod,oropenlyacknowledgingyoursinsandallowingGodtorefineandrenewyou?
ThosewhohidefromGodexperienceshame.ThosewhoconfesstoGodexperienceguilt.OneleadsusawayfromGod,whiletheotherdrawsuscloser.Whatissomethingyou’vebeenhidingfromGod?Taketheopportunitytodaytoconfessit,andallowGodtobegintorefineyou.
F260READING:(AScriptureReadingPlanforBusyBelievers)
Read:Genesis42&43
Journal:Writeitout.FollowingthepaZernfrom“7Arrows”,(seebackpage)whatdidyoulearnfromtoday’sreading?
PRAYER:
Today’sprayeristobewriZenonyourown(seeabove).