Posts

"Let His Children Be Fatherless" April 2 Readings: 1 Chronicles 23-25, Psalm 108-110

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   1 Chronicles 23-25, Psalm 108-110 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     We are back to riveting reading in 1 Chronicles, as the division of labor for the Levites, priests, and musicians in the House of God is spelled out. While there may not be great emotional blessings from this reading, it is worthwhile to note that our God of order spelled out how to use each man and divided the labor so each person would have a part in the service of God. We also note that there were three families, or guilds of Temple musicians, that of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Sing a New Song" April 1 Readings: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalm 30, 97-99

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalm 30, 97-99 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     We read today both the 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles accounts of David's numbering of the fighting men,  one of Scripture's anomalies. In 2 Samuel, it says that God incited David to number the fighting men, but in 1 Chronicles, the blame is placed on Satan. A contradiction? Of course not. Much like in Job, when Satan acted only under the permission of God, Satan is the active force of evil, but can only do what God permits. No, I don't und...
Post a Comment
Read more

"The Act of Worship" March 31 Readings: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57, 95

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57, 95 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Our readings today wrap up the life of David in 2 Samuel, recording the second of his two major sins. This time, he numbered the fighting men. Though this seemed like a small thing, it was big to God, because it was an act of pride and self-reliance instead of dependence on God. Daily Devotional:   The Act of Worship Wow, we had a great worship service today! What do people mean when they say that? Usually, they mean that there was a full building an...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Words that Wound" March 30 Readings: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalm 5, 38, 41-42

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Samuel 19-21, Psalm 5, 38, 41-42 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     David repented of his sin when Nathan confronted him and was fully and completely forgiven. But because the consequences of his sin did not end, I suspect that his sorrow for his sin was also constant. Every trial he had was a reminder not only of the wickedness of man but also of his own failure. We live in that paradox often. As sinners, we often give those who hate us, who oppose us, who would hurt us, ample reason to criticize, but that doesn't mean ...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Falsely Accused" March 29 Readings: 2 Samuel 16-18, Psalm 61-62, 64

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Samuel 16-18, Psalm 61-62, 64 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The tragic story of Absalom is today's focus. A consequence of David's sin was bitterness in his son's heart and David's loss of clear moral authority to deal with his sons and their misdeeds. When he fell, he seemed to lose his way in other ways. Sin never helps us! But David saw God's gracious hand, and the Psalms we read continue the theme of seeking God's help in the dark times of life. Daily Devotional:   Falsely Accused All around him were liars,...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Burdened" March 28 Readings: Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 29, 55

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 29, 55 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     These Psalms tend to focus on dealing with trials and hardships. What is interesting here is that we know that most of David's trials at this point in his life were self-inflicted - consequences of his sin with Bathsheba. But still, even though he was not pristine and innocent, he could still go to God and seek his help. God cares about you and your problems, even the ones you have caused yourself. He may not deliver you from every consequence of your own sin and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Grace in the Darkness" March 27 Readings: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalm 58, 86, 122

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Samuel 13-15, Psalm 58, 86, 122 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Having sinned and beautifully repented, David was restored in his relationship with God. But that did not protect him from the basic rule of life. "You reap what you sow." He sowed sin into his family and reaped a terrible harvest. A son raped a half-sister, and another son murdered the offender. That son rebelled against David and almost overthrew his kingdom. Forgiveness is complete and immediate, but it never shields us from consequences. David's house...
Post a Comment
Read more