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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 37
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Those who are in Real Estate know that there are some unwritten rules about buying and selling property. One of the most common unwritten rules is that it’s better to purchase a lesser house in a nicer neighborhood than it is to purchase a nicer house in a lesser neighborhood. A decent house in a nice neighborhood is more likely to increase in value long term. Whereas a really nice house in a not-as-nice neighborhood is less likely to increase in value as much.
This same unwritten rule applied to the ancient world as well. God had given the people of Israel a section of land that, on the surface, may not have looked like much. But this small sliver of land had direct access to three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe). This made it excellent for foreign trade.
As a result, the nation became very rich, but this came at a cost. In time, Solomon’s wives led him to worship other gods. And the wealth of the nation led the people of Israel to begin to trust in wealth instead of God.
As you read today, consider this: What similarities are there between the life of Solomon and your own? What differences are there?
READING & JOURNALING:
What similarities are there between the life of Solomon and your own? What differences are there?
What is the one thing God has most revealed to you this week as you’ve read through the life of Solomon?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Genesis 33 & 35
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, As I’ve read through the lives of David and Solomon, I’ve been struck by how similar my life is to theirs. In the same way David experienced tremendous suffering, I’ve experienced suffering. And in the same way Solomon experienced temptation, I have experienced temptation. While there are still differences between our lives, I’m discovering there is much I can learn and apply from people in the Old Testament. Continue to lead me, guide me, and help me as I engage in Your Word. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The kings of old were real people. They had real thoughts, real struggles, and real experiences…just like we do. But there were still some parts of their culture that were quite different from ours. One of those differences, was regarding a place for God to live.
In the ancient world, people of all nations believed that the gods they worshiped truly lived in and around them. They would build temples for their gods, so their gods could live near them. They would carve idols for their gods, believing that a sliver of these gods lived within these idols.
Israel was to be different. In fact, God explicitly commanded them not make idols. But God did declare that if Solomon and His people kept His decrees and regulations, His presence would be with them always, and they would not be abandoned.
As you read today, consider this: God promised to be among His people forever. Today, He is not only among us, but living within all who have professed faith in Christ. How does this reality change the way you see God? How does it change the way you see yourself?
READING & JOURNALING:
1 KINGS 6:1-38, 8:12-21, 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
How does the reality that God lives within you change the way you see God? How does it change the way you see yourself?
The people of God took tremendous care and concern in building and maintaining God’s temple. In what ways does God desire us to care for our bodies (a temple)? If possible, use Scripture verses to support your answer.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Genesis 31 & 32
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 many days in which I function on my own strength, neglecting to remember that You aren’t just around me, but that You live within me. My prayer today is that this truth would penetrate deeply into my heart, so that I may better reflect You in every way. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
It’s a question often asked of children: If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? (Of course, you’re weren’t permitted to ask for more wishes. That wouldn’t be fair.)
The answers children (and many adults) give for this question often have to do with money or fame. We wish for money so we wouldn’t have to work, or we wish to be extremely talented in a sport, music, or other art.
As king, Solomon likely wasn’t expecting to be asked, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you.” But that’s exactly what happened. In ways we may not fully understand, God appeared to Solomon in a dream, and essentially gave him a free wish. He could ask for anything, anything at all. But his response to this question changed the trajectory for his life and for the entire nation of Israel.
Solomon answered, “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.” Solomon asked for wisdom. And God would provide it.
As you read today, consider this: How regularly do you pray for wisdom?
READING & JOURNALING:
How regularly do you pray for wisdom?
Be honest: When you do pray for wisdom, are you truly praying for wisdom, or are you praying for God to give you something else you want?
Would you agree that God has granted you wisdom in a situation when you recognize that the right thing to do is harder than you hoped it would be. Explain your answer.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Genesis 29:1-30:24
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 have occasionally learned that sometimes the wise thing to do is often more difficult than I want it to be. This shows that while living in wisdom may not always be easy, it is still good. I pray today that You would give me the wisdom to know what’s right, and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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:
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.
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?
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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