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

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  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 ...

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

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  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,...

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

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  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 ...

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

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  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...

"Sin's Horror" March 26 Readings: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 32, 51

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  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 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 32, 51 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Today's reading is well-known. David and Bathsheba. A good man does a bad thing. Books could be (and have been) written about this story. The repentance in Psalm 51 is powerful and exemplary. Daily Devotional:  Sin's Horror 2 Samuel 11 is the turning point of the book. In chapters 1-10, David experiences one blessing and one victory after another. From chapter 12 on, David's life is filled with heartbreak, challenges, and tragedy in both ...

"Why, God, Why?" March 25 Readings: Psalm 65-67, 69-70

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  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 65-67, 69-70 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The Psalms are "worldly" - in the best sense. They are the effort of the Psalmist (David and others) to put the events of this world into a divine perspective. The writer looks at his life's events and asks what God is doing. Daily Devotional:   Why, God, Why? Why did God let that happen? It is one of the most frustrating questions people ask because it is one for which I seldom have an answer. I don't understand the glory of God, nor do I have a playbook...

"Humbly Confident" March 24 Readings: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20, 60, 75

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  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 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20, 60, 75 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The passages in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles recount more of David's victories, leading up to, in 2 Samuel, his fall into sin. The Psalms we read today all deal with those victories and explain that they come by the power of God. Two key passages in these Psalms for our meditation. Psalm 20:7-8. Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and sta...