Bible Journey For Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Sorry for being AWOL the past two days.  I have had internet issues at my office and a really crazy schedule.  I have kept up with the reading but not posting.  I am glad to be back today.

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14.

John 8:44 (NIV) 
    You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Think about how many voices you hear in a day.  How many of them speak the Truth?  How many of them verbalize lies?  One of Satan’s strategies is to simply speak lies into our lives.  If we believe the lies, we will have a warped view of God, reality, and ourselves.  His job is done.  This highlights again the importance of immersing ourselves in the Truth of God’s Word to counteract the lies that bombard us each day.  With what lies are you being confronted presently?  What does God’s Word say in response?

Bible Journey For Sunday, May 13, 2012

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 13:23-14:52; John 7:30-52; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7.

1 Samuel 14:6-7 (NLT)
“Let’s go across to see those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
[7] “Do what you think is best,” the youth replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”

I love this passage.  Jonathan had such a strong faith in God.  His armor bearer had a strong sense of loyalty.  These qualities were a winning combination in battle.  This story is a living illustration of the saying, “Little is much when God is in it.”  He is able to take our meager resources and do extraordinary things when we completely surrender them to Him.  What amazing thing does God want to do through you this week?

Bible Journey For Saturday, May 12, 2012

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 12:1-13:22; John 7:1-29; Psalm 108:1-13;
Proverbs 15:4.

1 Samuel 13:7-11 (NIV)
Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. [8] He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. [9] So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. [10] Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.
[11] “What have you done?” asked Samuel.

Saul panicked.  He walked by sight rather than by faith.  And so, rather than wait on the Lord and His perfect timing, he took matters into his own hands.  The result was tragic.

Bible Journey For Friday, May 11, 2012

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 10:1-11:15; John 6:41-71; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 15:1-3.

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)  
    A gentle answer turns away wrath,
        but a harsh word stirs up anger.
 

Our culture is characterized by harsh words and anger.  Gentle answers are rare and powerful.  May we learn to repay harsh words with gentle answers.

Summer Camp Promo Video

Video by Zac Cannon

On Deck

Bible Journey For Thursday, May 10, 2012

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27; John 6:22-40; Psalm 106:32-48;
Proverbs 14:34-35.

John 6:29 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

What would my life look like if I really believed in Jesus?  What if I really believed that Jesus is everything that he claimed to be and wants to be that in my life today?  I think my life would be different –really different.  I think I would be more bold and courageous.  I  think I would give more, love more, and rejoice more.  So, what is stopping me?