Thursday, May 16th: 1 Samuel 18: 5-30, 1 Samuel 19, John 8: 31-59, Psalms 112: 1-10, Proverbs 15: 12-14 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 15:12-14

1 Samuel 18:29 NIV
Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.

Three times this portion of scripture talks about how Saul was afraid of David, and how the Lord was with David. Saul then became even more angry.

Saul was obviously on the wrong side, we are too at times. How do I act? Do I make things worse by acting out, or do I admit that I'm wrong and change?

The portion of scripture from John today was heavy with a lot to think about. Would I honour and listen to all that Jesus said, if I was alive during that time? I hope so, I don't want to get caught up with the crowd around me if they aren't believing in and honoring God.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

Wednesday, May 15th: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111, Proverbs 15:11 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111, Proverbs 15:11

Everybody loves the story of David and Goliath. 

Goliath, of course, represents evil, and David represents good.

Goliath is a symbol of all the forces of darkness, and David shows us that with God's power we can defeat the darkness.

And what we need to remember is that just as Goliath represents the darkness that threatens us, we can rest assured that our Champion, the far greater son of David, is ready to fight for us and He will prevail!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 15:12-14

Tuesday, May 14th: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 15:8-10 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 15:8-10 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 
1 Samuel 16:7

This is a really great passage to remember and live out. But it's not always easy to do. It's so much easier to look through our human eyes and see what we see on the surface rather than what's in the heart. I think because it takes more time and effort to see the heart so we take the easy way out and judge what's on the surface.

I pray that God will open my heart and mind to those around me that I am not quick to judge and rather take the time to get to know people and see them as God sees them.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111, Proverbs 15:11

Monday, May 13: 1 Samuel 14:1-52, John 7:31-53, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 15:5-7

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 14:1-52, John 7:31-53, Psalm 109:1-31,  Proverbs 15:5-7


Scripture: 26 
Help me, O Lord my God!
    Save me according to your steadfast love!

Observation: Whatever we need deliverance from, God hears our prayers

Application: Sometimes people may ask: where is God in times of trouble? Why does bad stuff happen to good people? If God is so good, why is there suffering?

However, it is in those times of trouble where people are forced to lean on God, to trust in His ways, and to submit that they are not the ones in control. Whether we realize it or not, we all need saving and deliverance from our sin. Only God can do that.

Prayer: Creator God. You are the Almighty and All-powerful Creator of the universe. You know everything and we do not. In our times of trouble, help us to draw near to You and lean on You for all our needs and comfort. Save us and redeem us and remind us that You have everything under control.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 15:8-10 

Saturday, May 11th: 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3 

We already know how Saul's story ends, and it's not good.  His journey as King starts so promising - he's humble, he submits to God's plan, and he gives God glory for the army's victories. 

A reminder to us to always stay vigilant in our spiritual walk with God.  We cannot allow the temptations of this world to sway us!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 12:1-13:23, John 7:1-30, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 15:4

Friday, May 10th: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27, John 6:22-42, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27, John 6:22-42, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35 

1 Samuel 8:1 As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel.2 Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. 3 But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Unfortunately, it seems that Eli's parental failings rubbed off on Samuel.  You would think that having witnessed the rebellion of Eli's sons and the destruction of their family that followed, that Samuel would've done all that he could to make sure things turned out differently in his family.  But that doesn't seem to have been the case.

Children grow into adults and ultimately they are responsible for their behaviour. However, as parents, we too are responsible for how we raise our children. 

A good reminder to take our parental roles very seriously!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3

1 Samuel 5:1 - 7:17, John 6:1-21, Psalm 106: 13-31, Proverbs 14: 32-33

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 5:1-7:17, John 6:1-21, Psalm 106:13-31, Proverbs 14:32-33 

1 Samuel 5:11-12
So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it  will kill us and our people.” For death had filled the city with panic; God’s hand was very heavy on it. [12]  Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.

Even though the Philistines had just defeated the Israelites, you would think they would feel confident and would dismiss anything of importance to the Israelites. In warfare the victor gets everything of value and the loser suffers in every way.

Here we see how the Philistines obviously came to realize that the nation they had just defeated had something way more powerful then anyone could imagine. If I was a Philistine leader I would then want no part of the Israelites and would leave them alone.

If foreign powers obviously recognized God's power, how could the Israelites ever doubt? How can we doubt God after all He's done in the past and for us presently?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 8:1-9:27, John 6:22-42, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35 

Wednesday, May 8th: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

Eli's sons probably thought they wouldn't be held accountable for their actions, that they could continue to sin against God and smear His name as they refused to repent even though they were supposed to be in positions of spiritual leadership.

God may have delayed their punishment, giving them a chance to repent, but the punishment was inevitable and eventually God's patience ran out.

The same is true today.  He is patiently waiting for as many to be saved as possible, but eventually the time will come when His patience will end. 


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 5:1-7:17, John 6:1-21, Psalm 106:13-31, Proverbs 14:32-33

Tuesday, May 7th: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, John 5:1-23, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 14:28-29 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, John 5:1-23, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 14:28-29

The story of Eli and his two sons is an interesting story. His sons were very obviously disobeying God's instructions and Eli just ignores it. It's really hard when we have to watch someone we love do something we know is wrong and it's sometimes so much easier to not say anything. We are afraid to rock the boat and possibly have them walk away from us. But are we really helping them or ourselves by ignoring such obvious sins? God doesn't like complacency any more than he likes the sin. We need to find ways to lovingly be clear and certain about right and wrong. And pray that God opens the hearts of those we may need to confront.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

Thursday, April 19th: 1 Samuel 30-31, Luke 24 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 30-31, Luke 24

1 Samuel 30:6
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

David's men felt that David had let them down, and it bothered David that his men felt this way. It was a time of great stress for David, and as he was feeling this way he turned to God, and he found great strength.

How do I handle stress or pressure? Do I turn to God first, or feel sorry for myself first? David was under great pressure from his men, and he turned to God for strength, and God helped him!

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Luke 24:51
While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

What an incredible ending to this part of Jesus life! He died and rose from the dead, and then went up to Heaven, and is now there waiting and hoping that we join Him!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Samuel 1-3, Acts 1

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 25-27, Luke 22:39-71

Luke 22:51 states,  "But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him." Here Jesus is talking with the leading priests and he healed one of their slaves' ear, and no one said anything about it, it confuses me how the miracles are happening right in front of the priests eyes and they just ignore them and choose to ignore the fact that no ordinary human can do these things, only God could heal a man's ear just by touching it.

In our lives we need to see what God has laid out for us, and as he works through us, we need to give him the glory, because without him none of this could happen.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 28-29, Luke 23:1-31

Friday, April 13th: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 21 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 21

““I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.” - ‭Luke‬ ‭21:3‬

The widow gave a small amount of money, but it was everything she had. We need to give our very best to God, no matter if it’s money, a talent or skill, or work ethic. We need to always make sure we are offering the best of what we have to God, because without Him we would have none of it. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Chronicles 4-6; Luke 22:1-28

Monday, April 9: 1 Samuel 13-15, Luke 17 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 13-15, Luke 17

8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.10 As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. 

I can totally understand Saul's impatience. I am not the world's most patient person and I get that if Samuel said he would come in 7 days, I would get impatient too. How often do we too, take God's timing into our own hands instead of being patient and waiting on God's timing. Saul choosing to sacrifice ahead of God's plan had consequences as likewise, we also face consequences when we deviate from God's plan.

Saul doesn't learn:

3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction[q] all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”

....

 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves[r] and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.

We too are slow learners to obey God's will and do what He has commanded.

and so we also face the consequences that come from disobedience. 

There is a chance for repentance and forgiveness

24 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.” 

However, the consequences still remain even after repentance.

The new testament reminds us that after repentance comes forgiveness.

4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Finally, the readings close today with the reminder that we don't know when the kingdom of God will come but we are told:

3 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

When we put God first, obey his Commands, wait on His timing, forgive others even when they don't deserve it, then we will lose our lives according to society and yet gain the live God wants for us.

 Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 16-18, Luke 18

Friday, April 6th: 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 15 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 15

““If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?” - Luke‬ ‭15:4‬

This is how much God loves us, that He would leave the ninety-nine to find that one lost soul. He cares about each and every one of us that much. We should rejoice just as much when we hear one person has come to know Christ, not just when we hear numbers like 100 or 50 or even 20. And we need to remain hopeful over that one lost soul. I think of my friends at school who are against God, I need to remain hopeful and stay positive that God is searching for them. That will be a joyful day when they come to know Christ, and it will be worth all the searching and praying.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 16

Thursday, April 5th - 1 Samuel 4-6, Luke 14: 25-35 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 4-6, Luke 14:25-35

1 Samuel 6: 19-20
But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they looked into the ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them. [20] And the people of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?”

We see an example here from the Israelites, of a people who didn't follow exactly what God wanted. I believe they respected God, but they didn't take the time to realize they needed to follow Him completely, all the time.

Do I listen to what He wants all the time? Or do I do my own thing at times?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 7-9, Luke 15

Wednesday, April 4th: 1 Samuel 1-3, Luke 14:1-24 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 1-3, Luke 14:1-24

1 Samuel 1:12 As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. 13 Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking.

Hannah was praying at the tabernacle, but the priest thought she was drunk.  Talk about hastily jumping to conclusions without all the facts! 

This is a good reminder to me to not be quick to judge on appearances, particularly without knowing the facts. Eli was way off base here, and I'm sure I've done the same many times!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 4-6, Luke 14:25-35

Monday, April 17th: 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24

S: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11

O: Jesus often mentions that the first will become last and the last will become first. Jesus put himself last in every situation. He was born in a filthy stable. He lived with bare essentials, allowing God to provide everything He needed. He talked with all the weird people. He ate lunch with tax collectors. He died for sins he didn't even do.

A: Live in a "WWJD" (what would Jesus do) kind of way. Offer to be last, for we know we will get our full reward in heaven.

P: Dear God, thank you for showing us how to live in this world in a way that is different. Help us to put ourselves in last, just like you did. Remind us that we will be rewarded greatly in heaven. Amen.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35

Sunday, April 16th: 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35

1 Samuel 30: 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

He replied, 24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. 

We can't earn our way into the Kingdom.  It is all God!  God sent His only Son who lived a perfect life and became the only acceptable sacrifice to pay the punishment for our sins on our behalf.  He took our sin and gave us His righteousness.  That's all God.  But even though Jesus died for everyone, and even though God extends the offer of forgiveness to everyone, not everyone accepts it.

The Bible teaches both the doctrine of election, and the doctrine of free will - it's like they are two side of a coin. We don't understand exactly how they work together, but God does!  He elects.  We choose to follow, and daily commit to carrying our cross while we follow.  We work, not to earn salvation, but as proof of our salvation.  We work to please Him and become more like Him because we are grateful for His saving power in our lives.

We need to desire to know Him, and we need to diligently strive to follow him no matter the cost.  And we cannot put this decision off forever, because at some point the narrow door will close - whether it's because of our own death, or because of the second coming of Jesus.

This Easter Sunday, I am thankful that He not only paid the price for our sin, but rose 3 days later, conquering death and sin forever!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24

Saturday, April 15th: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22

Luke 13:13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.
What was this woman's immediate response to God's healing?  She glorified Him.

How do we respond to God's working in our lives?  Do we glorify Him? Do we thank Him? Or do we take credit, or presume upon His grace, or just go on with our lives as though nothing had happened, or celebrate without giving Him the glory?

Little things or big - God deserves the glory for it all!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35

Friday, October 14th: 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59

In our OT passage we read the story of the wicked Nabal and his wise wife Abigail. What struck me when I read this story this time was the mention that Nabal was a Calebite. Caleb was a godly man, one of the only two spies to trust in God's promise of victory against all odds (the other being Joshua, who became the leader of Israel after Moses' death).

Nabal was nothing like his ancestor Caleb. This reminds us that there are no grandchildren of God, only children. We each have to commit to following Him, we don't get an "in" because of our heritage. We are not Christians by default because our parents or grandparents were believers. We won't coast into heaven riding anybody's coat tails.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22