Chronological Bible Blog

April 17th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Samuel 23:13-29; Psalm 54; 1 Samuel 24-25:44
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

I love the mini-reunion of Jonathan and David in First Samuel 23 verses 16 & 17 - "Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. "Don't be afraid," Jonathan reassured him. "My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father is well aware."  What great words of encouragement from Jonathan!  Who is the last person you encouraged?  Do you make it a habit to encourage people around you regularly?  Who is someone you can encourage big-time today or tomorrow?

 

I like Psalm 54 verse 4 a lot - "But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!"  Is this true in your life?  Is God the one who keeps you alive?  Or are you trying to lean on other things as your source of life?  I believe it is such a blessing to surrender more and more to God until we get to the point where truly this true for us - God is the one - and only - who keeps us alive.  I am not saying I am there yet - but I'm trying to get there.  I'm trying to surrender more and more each day to Jesus and the Father - all that I am - all that I am living for.  I pray that in your life and in mine God will be the one who keeps us alive!

Interesting chapters today!  David is essentially put to the test by God over the next 3 chapters - 2 tests today and 1 tomorrow.  And the test is this - obedience.  You'll recall that Saul fails the test of obedience early in his kingship.  David passes the tests - he does not kill Saul and he does not kill Nabal.  He could have killed both.  First Samuel 24 verses 5 through 7 are a great look at David's character when Saul was in the cave - "But then David's conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe. "The LORD knows I shouldn't have done it," he said to his men. "It is a serious thing to attack the LORD's anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him." So David sharply rebuked his men and did not let them kill Saul."

How impressive is Abigail in First Samuel chapter 25!  Her speech to David in verses 24 through 30 is awesome.  She takes all the blame.  Calls out Nabal.  Gives David gifts.  And smartly lets him know he doesn't need this blood on his hands.  David is clearly impressed.   Below is Dutch artist Jacob Willemsz de Wet's painting from the 17th century titled "The Meeting of David and Abigail":

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "A Friend Indeed" is at this link and "A Time to Kill, or Not" is at this link and "Dear Abby" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings in 1 Samuel and the Psalms reminded me of Rebecca St. James' song "You Are Loved:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq0gtxumSrU

Do you know that you are loved? Click here and receive His Great Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." Psalm 54:4 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that God is your help. Pray that you will receive God's gifts of sustaining you on a daily basis and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 16th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Samuel 22:1-2; Psalm 57; Psalm 142; 1 Chronicles 12:8-18; 1 Samuel 22:3-23; Psalm 52; 1 Samuel 23:1-12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Old Testament - Very sad readings today in First Samuel 22 as we read about the slaughter of the priests.  Sadly fitting that Doeg betrayed the priests to Saul and then Saul commanded Doeg to kill the priests, because no one else would.  This whole incident shows how far Saul has strayed away from God.  He has lost his moral compass completely. It's interesting to recall earlier in our First Samuel readings how Saul looked like he might be a decent king initially.  But, then he was disobedient to God.  And then his sin continued and continued to where he is in today's readings.  This should be a warning to each of us to not stray from God like this.  If we are allowing ourselves to be disobedient to God or if we are continuing in a sin, we are slaves to that sin.  And this slavery to sin can grow and grow until we lose all moral control, as Saul has.  This image below by Gerard Hoet from a 1728 Bible is courtesy of Bizzell Bible Collection, University of Oklahoma Libraries:

Psalm 57 verse 8 is amazing - "Wake up, my soul!"  What 4 great words. . . wake up my soul!  Do you ever feel like you need to say this to your soul?  I know that I have in my past.  There have been times in my life where I have felt spiritually asleep.  Just completely slumbering. . .  and I have begged my soul to wake up!  Fortunately, I finally learned that I could not wake up my soul on it's own.  I needed the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to wake up my soul. . .  and the Spirit keeps it awake today.  If you feel that you need your soul to wake up, will you prayer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to indwell your soul and to wake it up?

Psalm 142 is a prayer of David's when he was fleeing Saul and was hiding in a cave.  David is praying for deliverance to God from his enemies.  I thought verse 3 was powerful - "For I am overwhelmed, and you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me."  Have you ever felt this way?  Overwhelmed?  And traps every which way you look?  And you have no idea which way to go?  At a time like this, will you cry out to God as David did in this Psalm?  Will you "pour out your complaints before him and tell him all your troubles"? (v. 2)  Do you believe that God knows which way you should turn?  Will you allow God to ""be your place of refuge"?  In times like these, will you allow God to be "all you really want in life"?  (v. 5)  Some say that David wrote Psalm 142 while in a cave in Adullam.

Worship Video: Today's readings in 1 Samuel and the Psalms reminded me of MercyMe's song "How Great is Your Love:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Giwd-i4QNk

Do you know how great God's love is? Click here and receive His Great Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I cry to you, LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'" Psalm 142:5 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray to God in thanksgiving that He is your portion in this land of the living. Pray that God will always be your refuge, now and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 15th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; Psalm 34
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Great readings about Jonathan & David today!  1 Samuel 20 verse 13 today seems to indicate that Jonathan realizes that David will be the king after his father Saul: "May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father."  Verse 17 is beautiful - "For Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself."  Who are people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself?  Do you think that there should be people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself?  Do you love Jesus as much as you love yourself?  Do you think that God loves you as much as He loves Himself?

Below is the artist Rembrandt's take on Jonathan & David from possibly verse 41:  "Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David."

In First Samuel 21 as David is fleeing from Saul, we read verse 6 which Jesus refers to in the New Testament - "So, since there was no other food available, the priest gave David the holy bread--the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread."  Jesus uses this incident to illustrate the principle that the ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner in Matthew chapter 12 verses 3 & 4 - "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests."  I love verse 13!  David is definitely a good actor - "So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard."

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "When Saul Slings His Spear, Jonathan Gets the Point" is at this link and "A Man Without a Country" is at this link.

Psalm 34 verse 9 in the NIV reads: "Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing." What does fearing God mean to you?  Do you think that fearing God is a good or bad thing?  Why?  Do you think it is possible to both love God and fear God at the same time?  What do you think of when you hear the word "saints"?  Do you believe that you are a saint?  Do you want to be a saint?  Are you acting like a saint?  Do you believe that those who fear God lack nothing?  Why would this be?  Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 34 titled "The Fear of the Lord" at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings in 1 Samuel reminded me of Phil Wickham's song "Safe:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzhuirT74VU

Are you safe in His arms? Click here for Safety!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have tasted and seen that the LORD is good. Pray that you will run to the LORD for refuge today and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 14th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Samuel 17:32-19:17; Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:18-24
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today in 1 Samuel chapter 17 read about David & Goliath. In verse 45 we read – “David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty.” How often in our lives today are we like Goliath, where we try to make things work or do things with our own strength or our latest technology? Goliath relied on his strength and sword and spear and javelin – and perhaps we today rely on our intellectual pride and Blackberry and career and money. David simply relied on God. David moved in the name of God. How often do you move in the name of God today? How often do you completely rely on only God today? Can you move beyond relying solely on your “strengths” and “technologies” and instead move and breathe and rely on God in every circumstance in your life?  Below is "David Slaying Goliath" by Peter Paul Rubens from the year 1620:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings titled "David and Goliath" is at this link.

This is a powerful verse in First Samuel 18:14 today: "David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him." I think that is so important to know - David succeeded in all he did because God was with him.  And I believe this applies to us today as well.  We will succeed in all we do if God is with us.  Now - don't get me wrong - when I say succeed, I do not mean "succeed" as the world might define this word.  I mean we will succeed spiritually in all we do if we are in a loving and growing and obedient relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son (who is God).  This success might mean that we actually become "poor" in the world's eyes and serve overseas or in our own town in a ministry that won't make us a million.  But - if we are living in right relationship with God than we have truly succeeded in life.  Nothing else matters.  Below's an image of a young David succeeding in saving a lamb from the jaws of a lion and offering up praise to God for the success!

It is great to see Jonathan asking his father Saul to not murder David in First Samuel chapter 19.  I read a commentary that said Jonathan had really been won over by David after David killed Goliath.  It is thought that perhaps David shared with Saul and Jonathan his faith in God and why he was fearless of Goliath early in chapter 18 or late in chapter 17 (in yesterday's readings), and that Jonathan believed David's faith was true.  In any case, we do see in chapter 18 verses 3 & 4 these words: "And Jonathan made a special vow to be David's friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt."  Jonathan is obviously living up to this pact here in chapter 19. (the images above and below are really from yesterday's readings, but I thought they were both quite good pictures of David - and Jonathan below. Oh, and Goliath too... :)

An image by Gustave Dore is below for First Samuel 18 verses 10 & 11: "The very next day, in fact, a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave like a madman. David began to play the harp, as he did whenever this happened. But Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David jumped aside and escaped."

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "David Joins Saul's Family" is at this link and commentary titled "David's Divine Deliverance" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings in 1 Samuel about David & Goliath reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "Voice of Truth:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCLFOtBP1KU

Do you believe with God you can defeat "Goliaths" in your life? Click here for the Voice of Truth!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "David said to the Philistine (Goliath), 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied... All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.'" 1 Samuel 17:45,47 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not attempt battles against "Goliaths" in your life on your own, but that you will realize the battle is always the LORD's. Pray that you will never trust your technologies over the LORD.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 13th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Samuel 15:1-17:31
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Wow.  Big reading day today! David is anointed by Samuel. Saul meets David for the first time! The story of David begins!  I am excited!  In First Samuel 15 we read about Saul destroying most - but not all... - of the Amalekite nation.  God's commands were clear to destroy all.  Saul, simply put, disobeyed.  Verses 22 and 23 sum up this chapter powerfully when Samuel says this to Saul: "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king.""  Obedience is far better than sacrifice...  think this is still true today?  Are you more of an obedient person or a sacrificial person before God?  Do you believe that rebellion is as bad as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols?  Below is a powerful painting of Samuel reproving Saul from today's readings by the Boston-born colonial artist John Singleton Copley from the year 1798:

The One Year Bible Companion has a great answer to this question about today's readings, "Why did David not become king after he was anointed?" as follows:  "David was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later in Second Samuel 2:4 and 5:3.  Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities.  The anointing oil poured on David's head stood for holiness.  It was used to set people or objects apart for God's service.  Each king and high priest in Israel was anointed with oil.  This commissioned him as God's representative to the nation."  First Samuel 16 verse 13 is the first mention of David's name in the Bible, and it is a great verse to begin the story of David's life in relationship with God: "So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on."  Below "Samuel Anoints David" by the Renaissance artist Raphael from the early 16th century:

At the end of First Samuel chapter 16 today we read about David being summoned by Saul to play the harp to relieve Saul from the evil spirit that tormented him.  The current and future (and now anointed) Kings of Israel meet!  Below is "David Playing the Harp for Saul" by the French painter James Tissot from the year 1858:

We are beginning the story of David, which is always a blessing to read. As you know, David wrote many of the Psalms, so we’ve been reading some of David’s writings already this year. Now we begin his story! Hang on! This is a wonderful part of the Bible – reading about David and reading the Gospel of John at the same time. . . great stuff!  Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org has a terrific overview of David becoming Israel’s King at this link.

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "Saul and the Amalekites" is at this link and commentary titled "The Designation of David as King" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Zach Williams song "Less Like Me:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkYL1b7MCEw

Do you want to be less like you? Click here and be more like Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But Samuel replied: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"  1 Samuel 15:22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are obeying the LORD in your life today. Pray that you give heed to God in your life above all else.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!