Welcome to River of Life, First Baptist Lake Monroe and Ridge Crest Bible Church’s Chronological Bible Reading Plan.  Over the next several years, the members of these sister churches will be reading through their Bibles together in a chronological way, following the events of the Bible in the order in which they occurred rather than in the order in which they were recorded.  In addition the pastor and adult Bible study teachers will be teaching from the same passages we read each week.  At times, additional passages from the Psalms will be provided along with the chronological reading portion.

     I hope that you will prayerfully consider making a commitment to reading through the Bible with us.  As you approach each days’ passage and questions let me encourage you to: 

Pray – Pray before you read.  Ask God to make the scripture real to you and show you how it applies to your life.

Read – Read the scripture passage(s).

Ask – Ask yourself, “in what I just read is there a lesson to learn, a truth to embrace, an example to follow, a sin to avoid, a mistake to dodge, a change to make or a promise to claim?”

Meditate – Think about what you have read.  We are to be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Remember God’s promise and condition in Jeremiah 29:13

 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

If you miss a lesson and would like it emailed to you,

 send me an email at rolwebperson@yahoo.com

Want a link to read the Scriptures?

http://www.biblegateway.com/



Monday, June 29 - Read for today: 1 Samuel 7

Continued Obedience: I Samuel 7

     In 1 Samuel 6, we find that the ark had been miraculously returned to the Israelites. When it came back to Israel, the people rejoiced. They celebrated. They worshipped.

      That’s a good start in the life of a believer. To celebrate and worship the Lord. It does not, however, stop there.

      In chapter 7 we read, “Then the whole house of Israel longed for the Lord.” The people’s hearts, and minds turned to the Lord. Revival came. So, Samuel told them, “If you are returning to the Lord with your whole heart, then get rid of these idols in your lives. Get rid of those other Gods.”

     The people obeyed, revival came, and they were given a victory over the Philistines that lasted.

      When we become followers, the Lord often points out areas in our lives that need to be changed. There are sins that need to be dealt with and priorities that need to be changed. That is just a start, though. As we grow and mature as Christians, the Lord will continue to point out areas that need to be corrected and attitudes that need to changed, as we are transformed more and more into the image of Christ.

   The Christian life is a process of sanctification. It is a process of old things becoming new, and us embracing the things of Christ more and more.  It is a “continued obedience in the same direction”.

      Don’t settle for where you are. Don’t settle for who you are. Ask the Lord to show you attitudes, and areas that need attention, so you can daily become more like Jesus, and see more and more victories in your life.

Questions for thought:

  1. When was the last time the Lord pointed out a new area in your life that needed attention? When was the last time you asked Him? Did you address it, or did you make an excuse for staying like you are?

  2. Can you honestly say that you are more like Jesus and walking closer to Him today than you were a year ago?

For further study:

  1. Read 2 Peter 3:18. What does this verse encourage us to do? How does one do that?

  2. What does Philippians 2:1-5 encourage us to do?

Tuesday, June 30 - Read for today: 1 Samuel 8

Wanting to be like everyone else

     In verses 19 and 20 we read, “but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles”.  Really?

     Let me see if I have this right.  The Israelites were brought out of Egypt by miracles the Lord performed.  He parted the Red Sea for them.  Fed them with manna from heaven and gave them water from a rock.  When they invaded the Promised Land, the Lord went before them.  He sent hail stones from heaven.  He made the sun stand still in the sky.  He gave them houses they did not build, water from wells they did not dig and produce from vineyards they did not plant.  He led them by a pillar of fire by night and cloud during the day.  Now they say, “We don’t want this.  This isn’t good enough.

       Instead of the Lord, we want to be led by kings, like other nations and have them take the best of our stuff.  We want finite man to lead us instead of the infinite, all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful God.

     Why would you trade the best for second best?  When you’ve been blessed, and guided, and victorious, why would you want to be like everyone else and settle for less than you could have?

     Yet, we do the same everyday.  We have the opportunity to live exciting lives, victorious lives, joy-filled lives that can change the world; and we compromise, settling for living like everyone else.

     Live exceptional.  Live another level life.  Carpe’ diem.

  
Questions for thought:

  1. Are you living life the way God intended?

  2. Are you settling for living like everyone else?  

For further study:

  1. Read Romans 12:1-2.  What does Paul plead for in this passage?

Wednesday, July 1 – Read for today: 1 Samuel 9

The difference it would make

     Saul and his helper went to the city to hear from the “man of God” and to see if he could tell them where their donkeys were.  What happened when they got to the city?  Samuel told them where their donkeys were.  He told them that they had been returned.  He had set aside a special piece of meat from the feast for Saul, and recognized immediately that Saul was the man to be the new king.  How was he able to do such a thing?  The Lord told him.

     Some folks spend time reading their Bibles each day.  Some pray each day.  Others, do these things only in passing or occasionally.  Can you imagine the difference it would make if more of God’s people spent time with Him each day?  Can you imagine the difference it would make if more Christians did not take an action or make a major decision until they had checked with the Lord and had asked His will?  Can you imagine how different believers’ lives would be if they spent time listening and responding to the Lord, until they could easily and quickly recognize His voice when He spoke?

     Moses knew when God spoke.  Abraham did.  David did.  Isaiah did.  It was important to them, so they spent time with the Lord until they could.  Can you imagine the difference it would make if it was that important to us?

Questions for thought:

  1. When was the last time you knew for certain the Lord had spoken to you?  How did you know it was Him?

  2. How does the Lord usually speak to you?  Henry Blackaby said that when he was in class he always took notes; so, he kept a notepad at hand when he was reading his Bible in case the Lord spoke to him.  Do you often write down what the Lord tells you so you can remember it, or refer back to it later?

For further study:

  1. Read John 10:1-5 & Deuteronomy 4:29 & Jeremiah 29:13.  How do these passages relate to our discussion for today?

Thursday, July 2 – Read for today: I Samuel 10

A King is Chosen

     Who me?  This was Saul’s reaction when first told he would be the king chosen to lead God’s people. He was only out on a job for his father to find lost donkeys, but God had His eye on him. He was chosen to be the king of Israel by God.  It was not God’s desire for them to have a king, but he allowed it for the nation. God was their king so why did they need a human one?  God allowed it and Samuel explained to them the rights and duties of a king. Saul was not looking for the job and this was a good thing because at this point in his life he was not proud but very humble. God can use a person like this as they are pliable in His hands. If only this had continued though out his career but as time went by pride and self moved to the throne of his heart.  But in the beginning, he was humble. Samuel anointed him and gave him specific directions to follow concerning certain men he would meet as well as the event at Gibeath-elohim where the band of prophets came down a hill playing instruments and prophesying then Saul also began to prophesy as the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. All these events came to pass as Samuel had described. Saul was anointed is a special way to serve the Lord and all about him were amazed. If you are a believer today, please know that God has a special purpose for your life. Today, believers are indwelt with the Spirit of God, but we still must yield to Him in obedience for a life of successful service. Saul would only be blessed as he honored God above all.

     The tribal leaders were called together, and a person was selected as directed by God to be the king, but where was he?  He was hiding in the baggage.  The thoughts of the responsibilities of being a king was more than Saul could accept but this was good so Saul would depend upon God for direction and strength.  Solomon also began this way and God blessed him as long as He could. Where are we today?  Are we depending on God or relying on our own strength?  Remember that our own power will not take us far at all and then our whole perspective changes from serving God to serving ourselves!  God is the one who gave Saul a new outlook and hope and He will do the same for us as we lean on Him for every decision and path we take. Let us be careful not to throw away the opportunities God has given us so we can stand before Him some day as a faithful servant!

Thoughts to consider:

 Isaiah 55:6 –speaks of seeking God when He is near. What do you think it really means to be near God? What are the advantages?

 Hosea 10:12- What do you think the phrase “unplowed ground” refers to in our lives? What are the choices and results?

For further study:

 Proverbs 25:6-7—What steps can we take to stay humble before God and what are the consequences if we become proud?

 Proverbs 25:27—Too much sweetness can spoil us and take us to a place where we only seek our own honor. What would compare to honey in your life that would distract you away from God?

  Matthew 23:12—How will a person be exhaled or humbled by choices they make? Why does God desire to lift up the humble?



 Friday, July 3 – Read for today: 1 Samuel 11

There are other possibilities

     I recently saw a post which said, “When you ask, ‘WWJD’ (What would Jesus do?), remember, turning over tables and clearing the place with a whip is within the realm of possibilities”.  Reading the passage for today reminded me of that post.

     Saul got angry.  He cut up oxen and sent the pieces throughout the land, and said, “The same will happen to the oxen of anyone who doesn’t come and follow Saul and Samuel” (vvs 6 & 7).  When did this happen?  It happened AFTER the Spirit of God took control of him (v 6).

     God loves us.  He loved us enough to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).  God is love (1 John 4:8).  That doesn’t not mean, however, that He doesn’t get angry and that He won’t get upset when people mess with His children.

     Those of you who are parents, how do you feel when someone messes with, or shirts one of your children?  Do you think the Lord is any less affected or any less angry when people mess with His children?

     Some think all God does is bless everyone.  There are other possibilities.  The folks in Haiti made a deal with the Devil that they would worship him if he gave them victory over the French and if he gave them their own country.  Today, Voodoo is the official religion of Haiti and it is considered a 4th world country.

       God is love, but the Bible also quotes the Lord as saying, “vengeance is Mine saith the Lord, I will repay” (Romans 12:19).The Lord does bless, but there are other possibilities.

Questions for thought:

  1. What conditions might trigger the Lord’s vengeance, or less than ‘blessing”?

  2. Many believe it is wrong for a Christian to get angry.  Do you agree?  If not, what conditions or situation might justify a Christian’s anger?

For further study:

  1. Read Ephesians 4:26.  How is this possible?

  2. Read John 2:14-16.  Was Jesus justified?  What might one learn from Jesus’ actions?

Monday, July 6 – Read for today: 1 Samuel 12

Both and/ not either or

     The last paragraph of this chapter is an interesting one.  We notice several things in this paragraph.  First, notice the importance Samuel placed on prayer.  He said that for him to fail to pray for the Israelites would be a sin “against the Lord.”  It would be easy to understand how it might be a sin against the Israelites, but a sin against the Lord?

     Could that be because of how frequently the Lord chooses to work in response to the prayers of His people?  O think of the number of times, just in the Bible, that the Lord chose to work through His people’s prayers.

       Paul, recognizing the importance of prayer, and recognizing how praying for people demonstrated a love for those people often wrote about praying for people in His letters to the churches.

  1. To the Romans,

ROMANS 1:9

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

  2. To the Ephesians

EPHESIANS 1:15

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus,and love unto all the saints,

EPHESIANS 1:16

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

  3. To the Colossians

COLOSSIANS 1:9

For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

  4. To the Thessalonians,

1 THESSALONIANS 3:10

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

  5. To Timothy,

2 TIMOTHY 1:3

I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

There is no substitute for prayer.

     Notice in this paragraph, however, that Samuel didn’t stop with prayer.  In the same sentence he says, “I will teach you the good and right way.”  He followed up prayer with action.  He prayed for the people’s protection and that they would return to and remain in fellowship with the Lord, and then taught them how and reminded them the importance of doing so.

     James said it this way, “Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:20).

     We must pray.  God can do more in an instant in response to our prayers, than we can accomplish in a lifetime without Him; however, praying does not excuse us from acting to address the situation when circumstances allow for it.  It is both and/not either or.

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you consider prayer an obligation, or a privilege?  How would that effect the way you pray?

  2. Is it possible for prayer to be both?

  3. What things, attitudes, sins might impact or hinder one’s prayers?

For further study:

  1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  This is one of the shortest verses in the Bible, considered significant enough to be set aside by itself.  How might one obey this command?



 Tuesday, July 7 - Read for today: 1 Samuel 13

God makes the rules

     Forty years ago, Bangladesh was facing a health crisis. Contamination of water sources throughout the country were causing an incredibly high rate of child mortality, with more than a quarter-million children dying each year from waterborne infectious diseases. As a solution, international charity organizations launched a massive humanitarian effort to bring cleaner water to the Bangladeshis, installing roughly 10 million hand-pumped wells that brought up water from deep underground.     It wasn’t until more than 20 years later that scientists discovered how that well-intentioned plan had backfired. Though the underground water was free from the bacterial contamination of surface sources, it was tainted instead with arsenic, the toxic chemical that can cause skin abrasions, cancer, and other diseases. A survey by the World Health Organization found that as many as 77 million people – half the population of Bangladesh – were drinking water with levels of arsenic higher than the recommended safe limit of 10 µg/L. Unflinchingly, the WHO characterized the situation as “the largest mass poisoning of a population in history.”

     The results, published this weekend in The Lancet, were staggering. For the quarter of the subject pool drinking water with the highest levels of arsenic (an average of 27 times the safe level), the risk of dying from a chronic disease was nearly 70 percent higher compared to those below the safe level. Those drinking a more moderate dose of arsenic in their water – from just above the safe limit of 10 µg/L to 15 times the limit – also showed an increased risk of mortality of roughly 20-30 percent. (The Toll of Good Intentions Gone Wrong; Posted on June 21, 2010 by Rob Mitchum in Cancer, Global Health, Infectious Disease, public health).

     Some have the mistaken idea that good intentions are enough.  As long as you mean well, it’s all good.  Some may try to excuse Saul in this passage when he made the sacrifice before Samuel arrived.  He wanted the Lord’s blessing before he and the troops went into battle; that’s a good thing.  God, however, makes the rules.  He is the One Who said that only the priests could make sacrifices.  Saul took things into his own hands and lost the kingdom.

     Some folks try to make their way to heaven by doing “good” things.  Others by giving money, or attending church or whatever.  God says, “That’s not the way”.  There are not many ways to heaven, only one.

    God is God and He makes the rules.

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you let the Lord be the Lord?  Do you allow Him to make the rules and strive to follow His guidance, or do you try to figure things out for yourself?

For further study:

  1. Read Luke 6:46.  How would this apply to Saul?



 Wednesday, July 8 - Read for today: 1 Samuel 14

What could have been

     I come from a military family.  My dad was in the military.  Both of my brothers were in the military.  My granddad, and uncles on both sides of the family were in the military.  I wanted to go in the military and would have gone that direction if I hadn’t failed the physical and the Lord had other plans.  With all of that being said, the last verse in this chapter still irritates me, The conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or brave man, he enlisted him.”

     Before the folks demanded to have a king, the Lord raised up an army or gave the folks the victory over their enemies whenever they prayed, repented, and asked for His help.  Now, with a king, they needed a standing army.  Now, with a king, their new king felt the need to enlist any strong or brave man he could find.  Can you imagine what those strong and brave men could have accomplished if their services were not constantly required in a standing army.

     One wonders, what could they have built?  Who could they have taught or encouraged?  What might they have accomplished and how much better off might their nation have been if the strongest and bravest’s energies were not spent in a pursuit where it was not previously required.

     Energies wasted, a price being paid, because of a decision they made earlier.  Imagine what could have been, if they still wanted God as King.

Questions for thought:

  1. Looking back, where do you see that you have wasted time, energies and/or resources?

  2. Are there things in your life now, you think you might look back on with regrets; or, are there things missing in your life that should be?  What are you doing about it?

For further study:

  1. Read Galatians 6:7.  How does that apply here?



Thursday, July 9 - Read for today: I Samuel 15

The Consequences of Disobedience

     What happens when a man believes his own lies? In this chapter Samuel was very clear about God’s instructions of the destruction of the Amalekites. The destruction was to be total including all the people young and old and all the livestock. Saul was not the same man now that he was at the beginning as king but had assumed to much upon himself and had no problem taking liberties in a given situation if he so desired. King Agag was spared and the best of the sheep and the oxen. Why did Saul do this? He explained to Samuel later that the people had put pressure on him to do so and perhaps they did but who is Saul listening to? The pressure of people will always be on God’s leaders on this present earth but obedience is required by God. He is the one we should listen to regardless of what anyone says or thinks. Aaron offered the same excuse for allowing the children of Israel to make a golden calf. That excuse was unacceptable then and now for Saul as well and Samuel called him on it. Samuel mourned for Saul all night which shows his love and concern but Saul had made his choices. Apparently, Saul had lied to himself and bought the lie because he was so cheerful when he greeted Samuel. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked who can know it”? Well God knows it and consequences for our actions will follow the decisions we make.

     Saul who began well would now end in defeat as his kingship would be removed. When faced with his sin he still denied any wrong doing and made excuses blaming the people and stating that the sheep and oxen were for sacrifices to the Lord, but that is not what God commanded him to do. God expects us to take personal responsibility for our actions and stop deceiving ourselves as this will affect not only us but all around us. In the days ahead we see how hurtful his actions were to Jonathan his son as well as David. He also could not be a good leader for Israel. Rebellion continued in his heart until he was destroyed. God has better for His servants but obedience is required. This is complete obedience not half. He wants the whole heart involved.. So where are we today? Is there any part of our life that is withheld from God? Self-examination is required for victory and sin must be dealt with harshly. Notice what Samuel did to king Agag. In the end. Samuel had to finish the job that Saul refused to do. Let us finish completely all that God commands us in His Word lest we lose our position of responsibility and someone must finish the job for us. Remember the words “Obedience is better than sacrifice”. We want to hear the words from our Lord “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.

Thoughts to consider:

Matthew 7:24-What kind of foundation in life does the obedient servant have?

Matthew 12:50-What kind of relationship does God have with obedient children?

For further study:

John 14:23—Consider the relationship God has with the obedient child.

I Samuel 12:15-How does God promise to hold us responsible in every generation? 



Friday, July 10 - Read for today: 1 Samuel 16

It’s what’s on the inside that counts

     Have you ever walked through a watermelon patch and tried to decide which ones were ripe and which were not?  Kinda tough isn’t it?  I’ve seen people plunk melons and listen to the sound and try everything else in the world, and still get it wrong.

     There are some that are really good at making that call, however.  While living in Arkansas, one of my neighbors had a watermelon patch, and he had trouble with coyotes and deer getting into them.  He said, however, that they only messed with the ripe ones.  They never ate the green ones.  I wonder how they knew the difference?

     Regardless, no matter how they looked on the outside, it was what was on the inside that counted.  That’s where it was important.

       The same is true of the Lord.  No matter how you dress up, or change the outside or your habits, or actions, or whatever, the Lord looks at the heart.  That’s what’s important to him.

     Samuel looked at Jesse’s boys and thought, “This must be the one”, or, “that must be the one”.  He looked at the outside.

     The Lord looks at the heart.  It is a clean, a good, and a loving heart that matters to the Lord.  It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Questions for thought:

  1. How does one get a clean heart?

  2. How do you judge others?  Do you usually look on the outside, or do you wait until you get to know them and get to know their heart before you judge them?

For further study:

  1. Read Matthew 23:23-28.  How does Jesus describe those who dress up the outside while ignoring the inside?