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, January 18 - Read for today: Psalm 3

The source of salvation

     Verse 8 says, “. . . Salvation belongs to the Lord”.  What does that mean?

  Salvation belongs to the Lord?  It means:

1. The Lord is the source of salvation.

2. He makes the rules regarding salvation.

     We can wish and hope many things regarding salvation, but if salvation comes from the Lord, He makes the rules.  What does He require in order for a person to spend eternity with Him?

     He requires:

  1. That a person repent (Luke 13:3).  Repent means to express sincere regret or remorse for one’s actions or sin, enough so to change your actions.

  2. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-32).  In other words, no other religion or leader will work.

  3. Confess to others that Jesus is The and Your Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

  4. Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins (1 John 1:9).

  5. Tell Him that you want Him to be the Lord of your life (Revelation 3:20).

     Many believe there are many ways to be saved, there are many actions, and possibly that good works will get you there.  The Bible says that such is not the case.  The Bible says that there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we might be saved (Acts 4:12).

     There is a promise however. In Romans 10:13 we are told, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you know for certain that you are saved?

  2. If you know for sure that if you were to die today that you would spend eternity with the Lord?  On what do you base that belief?

For further study:

  1. Read 1 Kings 18:16-45?  Did the men who opposed Elijah appear sincere?  On what do you base that judgement?  Were they saved?  Where did they go wrong?  What might that say about sincerity and salvation?

Tuesday, January 19 - Read for today: Psalm 4

Righteous indignation

     In verse 4 we read, “Be angry and do not sin.”  In the New Testament in Ephesians 4:26, this command is repeated.  Several items jump out at me from this command.

  1. It is possible to be angry without sinning.  There are things we should be angry about.  When we see Christians being killed around the world, we should be angry.  When we see children, babies in our country being dissected and their body parts sold, we should be angry.  When we see people being addicted and no one doing anything to help them, and nothing being done to stop the spread of the things tearing them down, we should be angry.  When we see some in our country acting as though there are 2 systems of justice in our country, one for those with connections and another for everyone else, we should be angry.  Anger is not equal to sin. If you remember, Jesus was angry and it caused Him to turn over tables and to drive livestock out of the temple with a whip, but He was without sin.

  2. It is possible to allow sin to turn anger into a bad thing.  When someone takes the law into his own hands because of anger, there is a possibility he is sinning.  When we hurt others with no thought for their feelings or their value in the eyes of the Lord, simply because we are angry, it is a sin. It is possible for sin to turn anger into a bad thing.

  3. We can allow anger to motivate us to change and to be a change agent.  David was angry when he saw Goliath challenging the army of God and the nation of God and it caused him to do something about it.

     There is such a thing as righteous indignation.  The key is to make sure that the things that anger us are the same things that anger the Lord and then to respond accordingly.

Questions for thought:

  1. What things anger you?

  2. Would you classify them as situations of righteous indignation?

  3. What might one do to get his anger more in line with the Lord’s?

For further study:

  1. Read James 4:2.  What does this verse suggest might be a key to some people’s anger?

Wednesday, January 20 - Read for today: Psalm 12

Of great value

     In verse 6 we read, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.”

     How refreshing.  The words of the Lord are pure words.  How refreshing in days like these.  The words of the Lord are pure, unspoiled by profanity (Am I the only one offended by so many people’s conversations these days.  I often wonder [and sometimes ask] are you so ate up with the Devil that profanity is the only way you can express yourself, or are you so ignorant and uneducated that you know no other adverbs and adjectives with which to express yourself?).

     The Lord’s words are pure, unspoiled by innuendos.  He says what He means.  When He says He loves you, one doesn’t have to wonder what His motive is.  You can take Him at His word.     The Lord’s words are pure, unspoiled by dishonesty.  How refreshing is that; to know that when the Lord tells you something that He is telling the truth?  How refreshing to know that there is nothing hidden behind His words and that He is not telling you one thing while He tells someone else something different.  His words are true, honest.

      The Lord’s words are pure, without fluff.  When the Lord tells you something, He isn’t going to try to flatter, just to try to make you feel better.  He’s gonna tell it like it is.  He doesn’t hide the truth.  He told of David’s victories and His failures.  He recorded when Abraham trusted Him and when he did not.  He told us of Peter’s victories and failures.The Lord’s words are pure and of great value.

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you agree that the Lord’s words are pure AND of great value?  If so, how much time do you spend reading it?  How much time do you spend studying it?  How would you compare the time you spend in His word with the time you spend doing other things?

For further study:

  1. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  How does this passage describe the Word of God?

  2. Read Hebrews 4:12.  Have you experienced this in your own life?



 Thursday, January 21 – Read for today: Psalm 13

The Plea and the Praise

      In our Christian lives we must learn to be honest and open before our Lord in everything.  He already knows our paths each day but our expressions to Him are desired by Him.  Job never cursed God for his plight but he was certainly open about his concerns and confusion.  Hiding from God never works and does nothing to build our relationship with Him. In this Psalm David openly shares his complaint with God and concerns for the future.  Verses 1-2 is the lament of David as he feels forsaken in the midst of his troubles.

    He asked the Lord how long it will be before he is relieved of his daily sorrows.  David is having a hard time seeing God in his troubles.  He is also concerned about what his enemies are doing.  He believes that they feel victorious over him.  In verses 3-4 there is a petition for deliverance.  David pleas for information or he feels like he will die.  When troubles come our way we too experience these emotions.  We can get in a hurry but God never does.  God's clock is always right and on time for every event in our lives.  We need to remember this quote that most of us have heard--”We cannot always trace His hand but we can trust His heart.” David wanted relief within but he also wanted justice concerning the actions of his enemies. In verses 5-6 we see a confession of faith in the Lord.  David stated his trust is in God's mercy and that he enjoyed the salvation that He provided.  Even in the lowest and darkest moment David knew that God was there for him.  Fear and dread could not consume his life because he knew His God was faithful. These final two verses are a turning point from despair to hope and praise.  David now rejoices in the hope he has in His God and states that he will sing to the LORD.  Does our heart sing even in the deepest hour of fear and dread?  Are we standing on the promises of God and praising His goodness to us?

     Do we truly believe that God has dealt bountifully with us?  Are we facing the circumstances of life with the hope in our hearts that we don't have to understand why everything happens because we know that He does!  This is a sweet place of rest that every Christian does not enjoy but is available to each one as they trust in Him. Trusting Him in this way is an expression of praise and is appreciated by our Lord.  It is also a testimony for our Lord in a day when people around us need to find hope and purpose. Let us lift up our Lord daily regardless of any difficulties in our lives.

Thoughts to consider:

I Chronicles 16:29-Can we feel the urge and necessity to worship like this verse describes even when in the middle of troubles?

Psalm 84:10-Consider how much better it is to be in God's family though it may seem to be a humble place than to be an earthly king with no God to serve.

For further study:

Genesis 22:8-Consider how Abraham and Issac trusted God to supply an offering that was totally out of their sight.

Ephesians 6:16-How did David use the shield of faith in Psalm 13 to overcome his lack of knowledge as what God was doing and His timing to act? 

Friday, January 22 - Read for today: Psalm 28

Singing from the heart

     In verse 7 David says, “I will praise Him with my heart”. Perhaps you have heard about a man who was singing one of the great classic pieces of music. A man stopped to listen as he screeched out a high note. He smiled at his one man audience and asked; "Do you enjoy good music?" The listener smiled and responded; "Yes, but you go ahead and continue singing!"

     The music of the heart does not rely on the ability to carry a tune. In fact it does not require the ability to play a musical instrument.  As I think about the different Scriptures that mention music, I come to the conclusion that not all music is the same. As a child we used to sing; "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so." Parents and grandparents would beam as we sang that song from our hearts---and a little off key.

     A few years ago I read the account of a man who attended a particular church in hopes of hearing a stirring sermon from the popular pastor of that church. He was disheartened to learn that at this particular service that pastor would not be speaking. The former pastor, who was quite elderly was being honored and would be bringing the message.

     Reluctantly the visitor slumped down in the pew and reconciled himself to a dull and dated message. His fears seemed to be confirmed as he saw the old pastor shuffle toward the pulpit.

      He stood there for several minutes before speaking. Then in a shaky voice he spoke the words of that children's song. But now it had so much more meaning: "Jesus loves me. (pause) This I know! (pause) For the Bible tells me so!" With that the old pastor turned and shuffled back to his seat on the platform.

      The congregation, including the visitor, sat in stunned silence for a few minutes as they took in what had just happened. Then as one, they stood, applauded and praised the Lord for one of the most meaningful messages they had ever heard. 

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you often sing outside of church?  Why?

  2. Do you think a merry, or joyful heart will respond with singing?

For further study:

  1. Read Proverbs 15:13 & 17:22.  How does one respond to this?



Monday, January 25 - Read for today: Psalm 55

Pain caused by friends

     David, in this psalm, is hurting.  His enemies seem to be plotting against him.  His son is probably working behind the scenes to prepare the rebellion, and David is beginning to sense that there is trouble afoot, both with his son, and with some who have stayed with him for so long.

     It hurts when people you have cared about and trusted turn against you, when they begin to, perhaps, question your motives or suggest that you are not doing things right.  How is one to respond when others are not doing as they should?

     I recently read a story about a holy man sitting along the Ganges River who was engaged in his morning meditation under a tree whose roots stretched out over the riverbank. During his meditation he began to notice that the river was suddenly rising, and a scorpion caught in the roots along the riverbank was about to drown.  The holy man crawled out very cautiously onto the roots and reached down to free the scorpion, but every time he did so, the scorpion struck back at him.  After attempting to rescue the scorpion and being stung repeatedly, his hand had now begun to swell and he was in much pain.  An observer came along and said to the holy man, “You are a very foolish man.  Don't you know that is a scorpion, and it is in the nature of a scorpion to want to sting?  Why risk your life to save such an ungrateful creature?”  To which the holy man calmly replied, “It may be his nature to sting, but it is my nature to save.  Must I change my nature because the scorpion does not change its nature?"

       Betrayal by those close to you hurts, but one does not have to respond in a similar manner.  The man/woman of God takes those concerns, as David did, to the Lord and leaves the issue in His hands.

Questions for thought:

  1. Have you ever been betrayed by a friend or someone close to you? Was it a misunderstanding or was it intentional?  How did you respond?

For further study:

  1. Read Proverbs 19:11.  How does that apply here?



Tuesday, January 26 - Read For today: 2 Samuel 16 

The Error of Self-Confidence

     This cunning adviser, Ahithophel, who had been one of David’s trusted counselors, defected from David to Absalom. He advised Absalom to go into his father’s concubines to show all of Israel that he was taking the throne from his father. Ahithophel believed David would never forgive such a public insult, ensuring that Absalom could never regain David’s favor. Ahithophel wasn’t just throwing gasoline on the fire of bitterness between David and his son Absalom, he was also making sure that by helping Absalom take hold of the throne his new king would feel indebted to him. Although the kind of wisdom he had was shrewd, he was moving without God and was, in final analysis, unbelievably foolish. By ignoring God’s anointing on David as King, he was ignoring God and endangering his own life. Even though his counsel was as if he “had inquired at the oracle of God,” it wasn’t wise counsel from God, and in the end he would be exposed.

     How we need to guard against becoming a little too clever as we mature in our walk with God. Ungodly self-confidence always seems to be lurking just around the corner, waiting to grab us when we least expect it. Ahithophel had experienced a public reputation for being a good counselor but only because he had been submitted to God Almighty. After turning away from God, it didn’t take long for it to be revealed that his wisdom was flawed.

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you ever take for granted your relationship with the Lord and His direction?

  2. How can one guard against taking the Lord for granted?

For further study:

  1. Read Philippians 4:13.  How does this differ from what we find in this passage?

Wednesday, January 27 - Read for today: 2 Samuel 17

The Invisible Hand

     In his book, “The Wealth of Nations”, economist Adam Smith coined the term “the invisible hand”.  He used the term to refer to how economics and individual self-interest worked to govern and moderate the market.

     What he merely suggested in the real of economics, the Bible tells us is reality in the realm of mankind.  Behind everything our Lord has a plan, He is at work, and things come together according to will.  We see an example of that in this chapter.

     In verse 14 of our passage we read, “Since the Lord had decreed that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.”

     Absalom rebelled against his dad.  He wanted to do his own thing.  He sought counsel, but the Lord worked behind the scenes to have him, in his rebellion, choose to follow the unwise counsel, instead of the wise.

     So often, we want to do our own thing.  We think we are doing what we want and that we are getting away with something, only to discover later, that the Lord was working behind the scenes all the time; sometimes to correct us, and at other times to put us in a place or situation where we can realize the mistake of our actions.

     We do not always understand what’s going on.  We do not see all the parts, but we can trust that God is at work bringing all of the pieces together according to His will.

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you sometimes get frustrated by the things you see happening around you?  Do you think any of it is a surprise to the Lord?

  2. Do you think it might be to a person’s advantage to try and bring their actions and life into alignment with the Lord’s will instead of fighting to do one’s own thing?

For further study:

  1. Read Acts 26:13-15.  Is that what the Lord asked?



Thursday, January 28 – Read for today: II Samuel 18

Bitter Sweet

     The love of a father for a son dies hard and probably never.  King David had a great love for Absalom here and even though Absalom was after his father to kill him David’s love would not die.  In chapter 13 Absalom murders Amnon and then soon conspires to undermine David’s throne yet we see little reaction from David. Love is good but love without discipline and accountability is a dead end heading to destruction.  The consequences for David’s indecisiveness and Absalom’s actions were heading now toward a swift end.  Numbers 32:23 tells us “Be sure your sins will find you out.” which is God’s declaration that He has all knowledge of everything and nothing is hidden from Him. One has to wonder how things would have been different if choices were different at the front of these events.  In our own lives every choice must be considered carefully before every action.  We must screen everything through God’s Word first for His approval or we are heading down a dangerous dead end in our lives.  We are God’s children forever but how will we live as God’s child determines if we will be defeated or victorious as a believer.  The children of Israel made a grave decision about entering the promised land and paid for with 40 years in the wilderness. Let us be sure that that the decisions we make are under His guidance and care so that joy and harmony with be in our future and not heartbreak.  David was crushed at the news of Absalom’s death and went into bitter sorrow.  Perhaps a big part of this sorrow was regret for his personal handling of the father son relationship. The news of Absalom’s death was sweet as his enemy was gone but bitter in that the enemy was his own son.

     We surely need to exam our own lives as to decisions we make and how they affect family and friends around us. David’s love for Absalom was no less because of Absalom’s sins. David grieves for his son and his death was great because of the love he had for him. During a prison ministry of years ago I visited these inmates along with a man older than myself who had a son who had made bad choices.  He knew his son’s choices were wrong and that he was suffering because of them but he told me “You know I love him as much as I always have”.  He was grieving for the plight of his son but he loved him.  Remember that we grieve our heavenly Father when we sin but His love for us remains the same.  This should encourage us to live holy lives for His glory.  We as sons in the body of Christ should strive to live pleasing for our Lord and as earthly parents lets us guide our children into God’s plan and direction.  Consequences will come for our actions so let us seek the Lord that we make wise decisions in the days ahead. 

Thoughts to Consider:

Psalm 19:9-What comfort to you see in this verse that comes from following our God in holy living? Consider the consistency of God’s holiness.

Psalm 58:11-What is the promise here that God weighs and judges everything and what hope is there for the righteous?

For Further Study:

Romans 1:8-God seals with sins in the lives of the believer and the lost person. The believer is disciplined as a son and the unbeliever is judged as a transgressor against a holy God.

Matthew 13:38-In consideration of this verse are you the “good seed” or the “weeds”?  What is the difference?



Friday, January 29-Read for today: Psalm 26

You know you’re forgiven when . . . 

     In verses 1-3 David says, “Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind. For Your faithful love is before my eyes, and I live by Your truth.”

     Wait a minute.  Is this the guy who slept with his neighbor’s wife?  Is this the same guy who had her husband killed to cover his tracks?  This is the guy asking the Lord to examine his heart and mind?  What gives?

     There are one of two things going on here.  Either David is completely blind and is in denial, or he knows without a doubt that he is forgiven.

     I do not believe David is blind or deceived.  So many times in the psalms he admits his failures and asks the Lord to forgive him, and confesses his sins.  He knows what he’s asking and knows that he is not sinless.  That being the case, then what in the world is he thinking?  That leads us to the second option.

     David wants to please the Lord.  With the exception of that episode, David’s life is marked by obedience and by a desire to please the Lord.  He wants the Lord to search him because he wants to make sure that he’s not missed something, that there’s not some sin in his life that he’s unaware of; and second, David has an assurance that his sins are forgiven and that in the eyes of the Lord he is pure as snow again.

     David himself wrote in Psalm 51:6-7, “Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”  In spite of what David has done, he has no doubt that he’s been forgiven.

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you know that you’ve been forgiven?  On what do you base that belief?

  2. Do you know for certain that if you were to die today that you’d have eternal life?

For further study:

  1. Read 1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:4-5.  What do these verses assure us of?

  2. Read Philippians 3:13-14.  What should we dwell on?