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Sorry for being AWOL the past two days.  I have had internet issues at my office and a really crazy schedule.  I have kept up with the reading but not posting.  I am glad to be back today.

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14.

John 8:44 (NIV) 
    You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Think about how many voices you hear in a day.  How many of them speak the Truth?  How many of them verbalize lies?  One of Satan’s strategies is to simply speak lies into our lives.  If we believe the lies, we will have a warped view of God, reality, and ourselves.  His job is done.  This highlights again the importance of immersing ourselves in the Truth of God’s Word to counteract the lies that bombard us each day.  With what lies are you being confronted presently?  What does God’s Word say in response?

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 13:23-14:52; John 7:30-52; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7.

1 Samuel 14:6-7 (NLT)
“Let’s go across to see those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
[7] “Do what you think is best,” the youth replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”

I love this passage.  Jonathan had such a strong faith in God.  His armor bearer had a strong sense of loyalty.  These qualities were a winning combination in battle.  This story is a living illustration of the saying, “Little is much when God is in it.”  He is able to take our meager resources and do extraordinary things when we completely surrender them to Him.  What amazing thing does God want to do through you this week?

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 12:1-13:22; John 7:1-29; Psalm 108:1-13;
Proverbs 15:4.

1 Samuel 13:7-11 (NIV)
Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. [8] He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. [9] So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. [10] Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.
[11] “What have you done?” asked Samuel.

Saul panicked.  He walked by sight rather than by faith.  And so, rather than wait on the Lord and His perfect timing, he took matters into his own hands.  The result was tragic.

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 10:1-11:15; John 6:41-71; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 15:1-3.

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)  
    A gentle answer turns away wrath,
        but a harsh word stirs up anger.
 

Our culture is characterized by harsh words and anger.  Gentle answers are rare and powerful.  May we learn to repay harsh words with gentle answers.

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27; John 6:22-40; Psalm 106:32-48;
Proverbs 14:34-35.

John 6:29 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

What would my life look like if I really believed in Jesus?  What if I really believed that Jesus is everything that he claimed to be and wants to be that in my life today?  I think my life would be different –really different.  I think I would be more bold and courageous.  I  think I would give more, love more, and rejoice more.  So, what is stopping me?

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 5:1-7:17; John 6:1-21; Psalm 106:13-31; Proverbs 14:32-33.

John 6:18-21 (NIV)
A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. [19] When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. [20] But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” [21] Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Too often I am rowing my boat against the wind without Jesus.  I get tired, and I get frustrated about my lack of progress.  But, when I cease striving and allow Him to be my source of strength, my boat skims effortlessly across the water.  I love the quote that says, “When I work, I work.  But when I pray, God works.”  I would much rather have God at work than me.

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 2:22-4:22; John 5:25-47; Psalm 106:1-12;
Proverbs 14:30-31.

Proverbs 14:31 (NIV)
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

I am one of those–the kind of person who is quick to judge those in need.  I tend to think self-righteous thoughts like, “If they would have made better choices…” or “If they would stop doing this and start doing this…” or “They aren’t really doing their part…”  Anyway, it is a very humbling deficiency in my character.  It is only by the grace of God that I am what I am today.  And it is exactly that grace He calls on me to give to others–without judgment.  If I walked in their shoes, I could easily be where they are.  God, make me a person who is quick to give grace.

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 1:1-2:21; John 5:1-24; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 14:28-29.

John 5:6 (NIV)
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

Interesting question, isn’t it?  Jesus asks the same of us.  Do you want to get well?  Do you want to be delivered from the sin that holds you in bondage?  Or would you rather remain in a dysfunctional universe where you believe that you are the center?  Many reject the offer to be healed.  They would rather live in their familiar bondage without having to deal with their sin.  But those who recognize the futility of such a live are set free indeed.  Do you want to get well?