Category: Bible Study

DAY 1: Solomon Becomes King

If you were dying and had one final conversation with your children, what would you say? Similarly, if one of your parents was about to die and they were able to have one final conversation with you, what would expect them to say? 

This is the situation in which David finds himself late in life. As he’s old and dying, he learns that one of his sons, Adonijah, has claimed the throne and declared himself king. Politically speaking, it made sense for Adonijah to take this step. But he took it without talking with his father, David. While we may not know for certain, it’s quite possible David had already told his sons who would be king after his death.

As soon as David hears the news, he calls for his son Solomon. He tells his son in 1 Kings:2-3, “Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.”

As you read today, consider this: In what ways would your final words to your child/children be similar? In what ways would they be different? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 KINGS 1:1-2:12

In what ways would your final words to your child/children be similar to David’s final words to Solomon? In what ways would they be different?

David also shared some harsh words about his enemies. This was to ensure those opposing God and the king of Israel would not interfere with God’s plan (see also Exodus 22:28). What are some things that may be interfering with God’s plans for your life? What steps can you take to eliminate them?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 27 & 28

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I recognize there are many things that try to interfere with Your plans for my life, and I confess I sometimes allow them to interfere. Today, may I remember that Your plans for my life are better than any plans I may make myself. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

DAY 5: Review

READING & JOURNALING:

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about how the people of God followed and trusted Him and His Word?

Similarly, what did the Scripture readings reveal to you about how well you follow and trust the Word of God?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 25:1-34 & 26:1-35

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

DAY 4: David the Murderer

David’s story is lot like an opera. There is so much beauty, yet so much drama and tragedy. After his rise to prominence and becoming king of Israel, David gives in to the temptation and believes he can do whatever he wants and not suffer any major consequences. He sees a beautiful woman bathing, and commits adultery by sleeping with her. Later, after learning she had become pregnant, he has Bathsheba’s husband murdered. 

It’s easy to read his story and ask, “What in the world were you thinking? You had done so much good and were clearly a man after God’s own heart. What happened?” 

But perhaps the story of David should be thought of in a different way. For example, how confident are you that you would’ve responded differently? How confident are you that if you had all the wealth, power, and influence a person could have, you wouldn’t give into a similar temptation?

This one decision in David’s story changes his life, and the lives of his family for many generations. But remarkably, God will still use David’s family for the good of all humankind. 

As you read today, consider this: What have you found most interesting about the life of David? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 SAMUEL 11:1-27; PSALM 51:1-19

What have you found most interesting about the life of David?

Can you think of a time when you were tempted to do something and thought you should be able to do whatever you want and not face any consequences?

What do you find most interesting about David’s prayer in Psalm 51?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 24

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be a person who thinks I can do whatever I want and not face any consequences. I want to be a person who trusts You, and recognizes You have my best interests at heart. Continue to help me to see that wisdom comes first from loving and trusting You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

DAY 3: David the King

Think back to your old high school history class for a minute: How did somebody become a king? The answer, most of the time, is that somebody simply inherited the title. His father was a king. His father’s father was a king. And so on. 

As you’ve read through some of David’s story, you’ve likely discovered his path to becoming king of Israel was much different. He wasn’t related to the previous king, Saul. His family didn’t have a lot of political influence in his day. He wasn’t the firstborn son, but was instead the youngest son. From the outside, he seemed like a fairly regular guy. Seemingly, there wasn’t anything that set him apart that would’ve made people think, “That man is going places!” 

To use a stronger term, David seemed insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But God saw something different.   And God was going to work through David to accomplish    some things of great significance for the people of Israel.

As you read today, consider this: Do you see your own life as insignificant in the grand scheme of things? What are some things of great significance He may be accomplishing in you right now?  

READING & JOURNALING:

     SAMUEL 2:1-31; 2 SAMUEL 5:1-5:5

Do you see your own life as insignificant in the grand scheme of things? 

What are some things of great significance He may be accomplishing in you right now?  

Similarly, what are some things of great significance He already has accomplished within you and through you?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 22

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times in which I see my life as insignificant. But today, I remember that even thought there are over 7 Billion people in the world, You still created me. You must have a wonderful purpose for my life, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Thank You for creating me, and giving my life meaning. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

DAY 2: David the Warrior

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a shepherd? For many, the title of Shepherd causes them to think about the Christmas Nativity scene, with peaceful shepherds standing around a manger. Baby Jesus is there, along with Joseph and Mary. A bright star from a clear sky is shining down, and angels are singing a lovely melody. 

But this view of a shepherd is far from reality. As a shepherd, David was constantly on alert. When a lion or bear tried to attack the flock of sheep, David attacked back. He didn’t have a rifle or even a bow and arrow. He had to hunt the hunter, and it required an extreme amount of skill and courage. 

So when a soldier from the opposing military mocked the people of Israel and their God, David was unafraid to step forward and meet him in battle. The story of David and Goliath isn’t a mere fairly tale to encourage children. It’s the story of a man who may not have had the build of a warrior king, but had the heart of one. 

As you read today, consider this: Read the story of David & Goliath as-if you’re reading it for the first time. What resonates with you most from the story? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 SAMUEL 17

What resonates with you most from the story of David & Goliath? 

Think about it: What kinds of life choices had David made that helped him to be unafraid in his battle against Goliath? What kinds of choices can you make today to put you on a path of being unafraid to face life’s battles?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 20 & 21

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, Today I am recognizing that the story of David & Goliath isn’t just a story, but is a true life example of how trusting and following You can lead me to overcome any obstacle. May my trust in You grow ever stronger. I praise You today in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

DAY 1: David’s Inner Life

Take a moment to think over just the past two or three days of your life. How much time did you spend bathing, dressing, and preparing the outside of your body to look good for others? An hour a day? Perhaps more? 

Now, also thinking over just the past two or three days, how much time have you intentionally focused on your internal life? For example, anything that may be hindering your growth in the areas of integrity and personal character. Does how you spend your time reflect more concern on your outward appearance, or your inner character? 

After king Saul lost favor with God, the prophet Samuel goes off to discover the next king of Israel. But God gives Samuel some very specific instructions. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells 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.”

As you read today, consider this: Is there anybody in your life , including yourself, you regularly judge by their outward appearance?

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 SAMUEL 16

Is there anybody in your life , including yourself, you regularly judge by their outward appearance?

How do you think God sees this person (think of at least 3 ways)? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 18 & 19

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, we live in a culture in which outward appearance is what matters most. The houses we live in, the cars we drive, the clothes we wear, and even the food we eat…it regularly points to class and status. There are literally dozens, if not hundreds of things I see or hear each day that focus on outward appearance. God, help me to see the way You see. Help me to see that’s what’s within a person is of much more value than what’s on the outside. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

DAY 5: Review

READING & JOURNALING:

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about how the people of God followed and trusted Him and His Word?

Similarly, what did the Scripture readings reveal to you about how well you follow and trust the Word of God?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 16 & 17

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

DAY 4: God Rejects Saul as King

God’s Word is clear in saying that one day, each and every one of us will give an account for our actions (see Romans 14:12, Revelation 22:12). This isn’t because God wants to shame us, but is more so that God can reveal to us just how much our own ungodly choices impacted our relationship with Him and others. 

In 1 Samuel 15:22, we read a line that is quoted many, many other times throughout the Bible: “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” God is more interested in us trusting and obeying Him than He is interested in sacrifices. He doesn’t need anything we can offer. We make sacrifices as an act of love and obedience. But when those sacrifices are hollow, they’re meaningless to God. They’re nothing more than lip service without real trust.

For Saul’s disobedience, he will lose the title of ‘king.’ The LASB notes, “God wasn’t rejecting Saul as a person; the king could still seek forgiveness and restore his relationship with God, but it was too late to get his kingdom back.”

As you read today, consider this: Be honest: is there an area of your life in which you’re paying lip service to God?

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 SAMUEL 14:1-15:35

Saul said that he wanted what God wanted, but his actions showed otherwise. Be honest: Is there an area of your life in which you’re paying lip service to God? An area in which you may say you’re fully trusting God, but your actions show differently? 

Take the opportunity to write out a personal prayer to God, acknowledging your lack of trust in this area. Ask God’s forgiveness, and pray for wisdom in how you can be intentional to grow in this area of your life. 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 15

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Today’s prayer is to be written on your own (see above). 

DAY 3: Saul Oversteps

Think about a time when you were a child and your parents told you that you needed to finish something (perhaps your homework or some household chores) before you could do something else you really wanted to do. But as the time dragged on, you really struggled to follow through. Your favorite TV show was coming on, and even though your homework wasn’t completely finished, you felt like it was finished enough that you could justify turning the TV on. 

What happened? Chances are, you got caught. And the punishment was far more severe than you anticipated. 

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul finds himself and his troops in a bad situation. The prophet Samuel had given Saul specific instructions on what not to do (1 Samuel 10:8), but Saul disobeyed. He felt under pressure to do what needed to be done, so he trusted in himself instead of the instructions God had already provided. The lesson he learned is clear: How we accomplish a goal or task is more important than completing the task.

As you read today, consider this: Read 1 Samuel 13. Would you have responded any differently to the situation than Saul? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 SAMUEL 13:1-23, DEUTERONOMY 12:4-14

 

Would you have responded any differently to the situation than Saul?

Why do you think Samuel was so displeased with Saul’s decision? (See also, Deuteronomy 12:4-14)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 11 & 12

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there are many times in which I want to see something get done, and that I’m more concerned about it being done than I am concerned about how it was accomplished. Saul’s story is a reminder that how something is done is much more important. Father, my desire is to complete the projects and tasks before me with character and integrity. Reveal to me my character defects, and break me and make me into the person You most desire me to be. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

DAY 2: Saul’s Military Might

What’s one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of ancient kings? For many, it’s that kings were warriors. They didn’t just stand towards the back of the battlefield and direct the troops. Instead, a king was on the front lines. He wasn’t just willing to go into battle, he was willing to lead the rest of the soldiers in battle. 

During Saul’s lifetime, the nation of Israel was surrounded by other people groups who could invade their lands. Saul knew that as a king, he would be required to show that he was more than a soldier. He would need to show those who supported him, and those who didn’t, that the nation could have superior military strength. In 1 Samuel Chapter 11, Saul does so, and proves that he has the military prowess to be king. As a result, all 12 of Israel’s tribes agreed to support him, and the people offer God a peace offering (1 Samuel 11:15). For now, they’re still following God. But this will not last. 

As you read today, consider this: What is the large ‘battle’ you’re currently facing in life? What’s holding you back from turning your fears in confidence?

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 SAMUEL 11:1-15

Peel back the layers: What would you say is the large ‘battle’ you’re currently facing in life?

What’s holding you back from turning your fears in confidence?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Job 40, 41, & 42

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I recognize there are many times in my life in which I don’t want to appear confident, because confidence can also have the appearance of arrogance. Today’s reading has been a great reminder that it’s OK to be confident as long as it doesn’t lead to be cocky or arrogant. 

As such, I simply pray today that You will turn my fears into confidence, and that I may rest in knowing the largest battle has already been won. I thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.