Spreading Joy

Can you believe it.  The last session?  Wow.  I have enjoyed this journey with you.  I don’t know about you, but I do plan on reading through my Bible at least 2 or 3 times in a year.  Now that I know I can do it more than once a year, I will make this a priority in my life.  Plus, I do love listening to it as well.

So, let’s get to it…shall we?

This week’s reading schedule:

• Day 85 Hebrews 1:1 – James 3:12
• Day 86 James 3:13 – 3 John 14
• Day 87 Jude 1 – Revelation 17:18
• Day 88 Revelation 18:1 – Revelation 22:21

From Children’s Letters to God:

Dear God, who draws the lines around the countries? – Nan

Dear God, I bet it is hard for you to love all the people in the world. There are only four people in my family and I could never do it. – James

Dear God, we read that Thomas Edison invented light. But in Sunday School, we learned that you did it. So I guess he stole the idea from you. – Donna

Dear God, I didn’t think that orange went with purple until I saw the sunset on Thursday. That was cool. – Eugene

Dear God, thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. – Joyce

Are you getting out of the reading what you expected?  If so, what are  you getting out of it? If not, what had you hoped for and what are you getting instead?

Digging in:

1. After Stephen is stoned, the church is persecuted and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8;1). Is there any upside to this tragedy? What are other examples from your New Testament reading where adversity leads to comparable consequences?

Do you feel that your reading has more thoroughly equipped you for your service for the Lord?

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Hebrews – In this letter to the Hebrews, Christ is explained against the backdrop of the Old Testament. The author of this letter is unknown.

James - James is a half-brother of Jesus. His message here is to submit to God in humility. This book is a call to action, with James asserting a person is justified by what he does and not faith alone.

1 Peter – The apostle Peter writes on being holy, submitting to others and living for God.

2 Peter – Peter reminds Christians that he writes as a witness of Christ’s life and he encourages all to actively develop a number of Christian qualities as byproducts of our faith.

1 John – Echoing Peter, the apostle John proclaims that he writes as one who witnessed Christ’s life.  John encourages readers to walk in the light, love one another and fear not, because perfect love drives out fear.

2 John- The Spostle tells readers to love one another, but to be wary of those who do not bring the teaching of Christ.

3 John- John encourages his friend Gaius to walk in truth and protect himself from evil.

Jude – A half brother of Jesus, Jude calls on believers to build themselves p and persevere in the faith.  (I love verse 22 KJV And of some have compassion, making a difference – compassion, nothing like it.)

Revelation – The Apostle John’s apocalyptic vision is a fantastic end to an extraordinary journey through the Bible. Like the rest of the Bible, reading Revelation once is a good start, but further reading and study are necessary to begin grasping its complex and layered message.

WOW – whahoooo… celebrating the completion of our journey.  I have a  few final things:

How did this impact your life?

Will you recommend that others do it?

If you haven’t finished reading yet, do you plan on finishing?

Is there something you are chaning in your life as a result of reading all of the Bible?

What is next for you?  Do you have questions for further study?  Take a moment and jot down some things that are next for you.  Also, you’ll find “Next Steps” suggestions at www.biblein90days.org  check them out.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide: Week 13: John There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

LASTLY -

As of this writing, I’m not going to finish in 90 days.  But I will finish, as I do not give up so easily.  I have notes scribbled all over the place and will go back and get them together and place them in the comment section of each of the sessions. 

I will also be reading the study guides and commenting on them as well – so check back often – especially the comment section and see if there has been anything new added.

Thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey throught the Bible.  I hope your heart has been touched by it.  I hope you’ll start again, as each time you journey through the Bible – the journey is different.  That is the coolest thing of all.  You get something wonderfully different each time you read. 

{{HUGS}} yall

Me and Mom Mother's Day 2010

When I was growing up and dreamed of getting married, having children and being a Mommie, I never really knew what all that entailed. I knew that Mom’s did so much for so many and always loved and respected my Mom for all that she has done for me over the years.

Even though I am a wife – I may not always be one. I will, however, always and forever be a Mom!

Moms wear so many hats and I’m often amazed at what all we can accomplish when we set our minds to it!

We are wife, mom, gourmet chef, short order cook, doctor, referee, entertainer, taxi driver, organizer, event coordinator, slayer of horrible monsters that lurk in closets. We provide miracle kisses that heal all scrapes, scratches and other injuries that do not require stitches or casts. We are alarm clocks to get the day started and the light switch when it’s “lights out” for the day. We are the believer of dreams, encouragers to the end and the gentle shove out of the nest when fear arises. We are a constant reminder that can’t never could and that won’t never will but if you think you can, then you probably will. We are a light in the dark and the sunshine on a rainy day. We sacrifice great things of the present for even greater things in the future. We cry tears of joy as well as endure the tears of sorrow. We handle untimely disasters single handedly while always knowing where the other shoe is. We know that the book you need is on the 2^nd shelf to the left – if you’d just look there, you’d see. We multitask better than the most powerful CEO and can whip up a school project hours before it is due. We will believe when no one else around will and keep pressing towards the prize when everyone else is at a complete halt.

Even though we hate it sometimes, we are also the bad guy in this story of life. Hindering our children from doing what they “want” to do when they think it is ok. We are the policeman that strives to keep order and peace as well as the Security guard that keeps watch in the night for dangers that are lurking. We are the backbone when they are weak, yet softly praying that when the kids are older they will have the courage to do what is right on their own. We are determined to preserve and protect and will face the greatest danger for our children – all because we are always a Mom. Even though the kids may think of us as strict, mean, aggravating, ridiculous, uncooperative, hateful and just plain behind in the times – we will always be MOM.

I used to tell my Mom that “I’ll never say that to MY kids!” When ever she said “Because I said so.” Did that hold true? NO, absolutely not. In all honesty I probably said everything she said and then some.

That is why I LOVE this video. It reminds me that I am not alone. Other Moms say the same things to THEIR children. We are always a Mom and these things that Moms say will continue to be said by Moms all over the world!

Thanks Mom for always believing, loving and for giving me something good to grow up to be…just like you!

 Celebrating the fact that we are leaving the Old Testament and now entering the New Testament.  We are making such great progress! I’m glad to be on this journey with you. 

This week’s reading schedule:

• Day 71 Matthew 26:57 – Mark 9:13
• Day 72 Mark 9:14 – Luke 1:80
• Day 73 Luke 2:1 – Luke 9:62
• Day 74 Luke 10:1 – luke 20:19
• Day 75 Luke 20:20 – John 5:47
• Day 76 John 6:1 – John 15:17
• Day 77 John 15:18 – Acts 6:7

 Before we move completely out of the Old Testament, let’s consider some “Minor” Prophets. 

In the next 5 statements, there are 5 errors.  Can you list and correct them?

1. God instructs Obadiah to marry Gomer, a woman God knows will be unfaithful.
2. Jonah is upset when he’s swallowed by a big fish, but afterward he still doesn’t carry out God’s directive to prophesy to the Ninevites.
3. The book of Habakkuk has nothing in common with the book of Job.
4. Haggai 1:5-11 suggests that God doesn’t react to the actioins of people.
5. Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.

The Old Testament contained many warnings.  Have there been friends or loved ones in your life that have warn you about things but you’ve ignored it?  Was there any possibility that this was God’s way of getting your attention? 

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about giving in secret.  Have you given in secret during the past year?  Spend a moment silently considering something you might secretly give in the near future.

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Mark – The shortest of the four Gospels, Mark focuses on the ministry of Christ, beginning with his baptism by John the Baptist and ending with his resurrection.

Luke – Luke was a Gentile physician who traveled as a missionary with the Apostle Paul.  He also wrote the book of Acts.  In this Gospel, Luke provides “an orderly account” of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, highlighting Jesus relationship with many different kinds of people and emphasizing that Jesus came for all people, not just the Jews.

John - Harkening back to Genesis, the book of John Asserts, “In the Beginning was the Word and the word was with God and the Word was God” John portrays Jesus as the Son of God.

Acts – Written by Luke, Acts describes the coming of the Holy Spirit, the forming and persecution of the early church, the conversion and ministry of Paul, and the miraculous spread of Christianity. 

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 11: Jesus There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Talking with Grayson about Angels Watching over him.

I believe there are angels among us.  Plain, simple – true.  I’ve had too many instances that should have not ended well, but was protected.  Just last year, when I was walking in my neighborhood, two huge dogs came charging across the road at me.  It was happening so fast!  I could hear the growling, the anger and then their size did not help my fears.  The only thing I knew to do was stop walking and I uttered out loud, “Dear Lord, I need an angel!”  I stood there as the dogs growled and circled me.  I was fearful and felt the tears streaming down my cheek.  I stood still, paralyzed with fear.  The dogs quieted and simply walked away.   There was no doubt in my mind what had just happened.  An Angel stood between me and the dogs.  I had been protected.

In December, my best friend’s daughter is in the hospital having her first baby.  This is special to me as well, not just because she is my best friend but because I had a part in this young lady’s life.  I spent weeks and weeks playing with her and her sister because I wanted to as well as being their babysitter.  It has been my pleasure to remain a part of this wonderful family.

We are all chatting away, watching and waiting for baby Grayson to make his appearance.  He is taking his precious sweet time.  I see the monitor.  His heart rate races extremely high.  I walk over, not saying anything and put my hand on her tummy.  I love rubbing pregnant tummies.  Then I see the heart rate drop, alarming so.  Still, I don’t say a word.  I pray.

Lord, please set an angel in flight to cradle baby Grayson and protect him.

I know the nurses are monitoring her and do not want to alarm the family.  So I continue to rub and pray.  The nurses do come in.  I kiss my sweet girl, tell her I’m praying and that I love her with all my heart.  The soon to be grandparents see the concern on the nurses faces as they say they are going to call the doctor.  The nurses leave and I tell them what I had just witnessed.

I give my best friend and her husband hugs as I leave and promise to pray.  These girls in this family are like my very own children, so my hearts desire for baby Grayson is nothing but the best.

Several hours later, I receive a text – along with a picture of a precious little boy, safe and sound.  Prayers answered.  BUT …..that is not the only reason I believe.

I visit the next day – as I have to see this wonderful bundle of joy.  He is not even 24 hours old yet.  I get to hold him. We are discussing how he opens one eye, but not yet both and just how adorable and brand NEW he is.  I’m holding him to where I can just gaze into his precious face and start talking to him.  I whisper quietly:

Grayson, you gave us a scare little boy. Did you feel the angels holding you last night?

At that point, he coos at me and opens both eyes.  Instantly.  I smile, he closes his eyes.  I start talking about the angels again, and immediately he opens both eyes.  At this point, the tears of joy are streaming down my face.   I have NO idea what is going on around me because my heart is consumed with the fact that I KNOW this child was cradled in the arms of an angel just hours before birth.

It is later that I find out that my best friend took a picture of me during all of this.  You can see Grayson’s expression as well as the tears on my cheek.  She sends me the picture stating that he looks like he is going to tell me something and I’m all ears.   At that point, I excitedly tell her about how me and this precious soul were discussing how wonderful it was that an angel took care of him just before birth.  The photo speaks volumes.

I’m not sure how you feel about angels, but I’m glad they are here.  I’m glad they will protect us, shield us and hold us when we need it.

What do you think about angels?  Do you believe there are angels among us?  Do you feel that you’ve been protected by an angel?

{{HUGS}} y’all

We just finished up Proverbs!  Wise words to live by.  I hope you enjoyed it and applied it where applicable.  Some of them deal with our faith – “Trust in the LORD”, some of them deal with our actions. They all speak to the heart and make us wiser for it.  As you read, keep in mind there are 4 types of proverbs:

1. Synonymous – the second line repeats the first line in a little different way
2. Antithetical – the second line is contrary to the first line
3. Synthertic – the second line adds to the idea of the first line
4. Comparative – a truth is explained relative to some experience or something in nature

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

• Day 50 – Isaiah 14:1 – Isaiah 28:29
• Day 51 – Isaiah 29:1 – Isaiah 41:18
• Day 52 – Isaiah 41:19 – Isaiah 52:12
• Day 53 – Isaiah 52:13 – Isaiah 66:18
• Day 54 – Isaiah 66:19 – Jeremiah 10:13
• Day 55 – Jeremiah 10:14 – Jeremiah 23:8
• Day 56 – Jeremiah 23:9 – Jeremiah 33:22

Did you memorize a Psalm? Share that if you did.  I love Ps. 46. Many know Ps 23.  They are all awesome to hide in our heart.

Are you caught up on reading?  If not, don’t sweat it.  I’m on target with listening, (I listen while I work) but this weekend….I have got to get some major catching up done on the reading. 

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Wow, we are over half way done. This has been a wonderful experience so far.  A huge commitment but well worth it. There is a verse that says Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I want to grow my faith and I believe it can be accomplished by reading through the bible every 90 days.  That is my intention. What about you? Do you desire to grow your faith? Have you been reading? Are you up to date.  *Looks Around* Shhhh… don’t tell anyone, but I’m managing to stay a week behind.  [whispers] BUT – that is OUR little secret! I know you’ll keep that to yourself!

Reading Schedule for the Week:

• Day 43 Psalm 89:14 – Psalm 108:13
• Day 44 Psalm 109:1 – Psalm 134:3
• Day 45 Psalm 135:1 – Proverbs 6:35
• Day 46 Proverbs 7:1 – Proverbs 20:21
• Day 47 Proverbs 20:22 – Ecclesiastes 2:26
• Day 48 Ecclesiastes – 3:1 – Song of Soloman 8:14
• Day 49 Isaiah 1:1 – Isaiah 12:22

Books You’ll Encounter This Week:

Proverbs: This is a book of pithy sayings that highlight general principles about how to live wisely.

Ecclesiastes: This book is written by a wise “teacher” and contains a discourse on the meaninglessness of life, even for those who live lives of privilege. With this blead stage set, the teacher concludes the book by pointing to teh only true souce of meaning and hope.

Song of Solomon:  Where Ecclesiastes contains some depressing thoughts, Song of Solomon is an iptimistic celebration fo love. Various interpretations see it as a love poem between lovers, a representation of Christ’s love for the Church, or an illustration of God’s love for his people.

Isaiah: Prophesying during the reigns of the later kings of Judah, Isaiah warns friends and foes alike.  He foretells the coming of Christ, praises the Lord’s faithfulness and offers comfort to God’s people.

Looking forward to Jesus: foretelling Christ’s Birth Isaiah 7:14 & Foretelling Christ as Savior Isaiah 54:4-6

Think about it:

1.  As you read Job, a book in which Job’s friends comfort him by advising him on the reasons for his distress, did you agree with any of the arguments made by his friends?

2.  Have you ever felt a bit like Job? When in distress where have you gone for solutions?  Friends, family, prayer, gym, self-help book, bar? All of these?  Now that you are reading through the bible and have done so for several weeks, will the places you search for solutions change?

3.  Did you notice that God is never mentioned in the book of Esther? Even so, there are examples of His work throughout.  Can you list some?

4.  Job is often associated with suffering and patience.  Can you build a case supporting the contention that this book is about faith?

5.  What is your favorite Psalm? What is significant about it for you?

6. Did the reading this week impact your thoughts on a current event or personal experience you are currently going through.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”  I have found that sometimes we take that first step naturally, other times it is quite by accident. Then there are the times that we are forced into taking that step with no control over what is happening, no look into what will be happening or no clue as to why it is happening.

That first step can often be scary, confusing and downright difficult.  When we are facing a new direction, a new journey of yet another thousand miles, sometimes it is so easy to over look the positive because we are afraid or focused on the unknown.  Instead of checking out the scenery along the way of our journey, we are focused on the “what ifs”.  We need to eliminate the “what if” game from our life and enjoy our journey, enjoy the beauty that is surrounding us and know that even with challenges that lay ahead, joy is swirling all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. 

As my life takes a new direction, I’m not fearful, I’m not worried – I’m excited!  The last 4 years of my journey has been such a hodge podge of emotions, challenges and events.  When I embarked on that journey in April of 2006, I was fearful. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced and I literally stood, looking at my virtual mountain and thought “ok, swallow me up, get it over with….I’ll never be able to do this, NOT in a million years.”  The only thing that was consistent was change and I had never been presented with so much to learn all at once.  I was afraid of an epic fail. 

Not only was there NOT an Epic Fail – but it was the best four years ever. Challenges presented themselves. People came into my life, securing a permanent place in my heart, new things were learned, old ideas were tossed out the door.  New friendships were made, faith was increased. 

My new direction is in employment.  At my last assignment, there was lots of smiling, singing, problems and mercy – the food and gatherings were always such fun!  There were projects that seem to never end and then the easy ones that made you feel as though you accomplished something right away.  There was the infamous 3 day work week *ahem* and the immediate “NO” (with a big smile) as certain people came through the door looking for stuff.  There were those that brightened the day with their laughter, smiles and hugs, as well as the 2 that made my path smell wonderful as I journeyed down the halls.  There was the direct leadership, that was always appreciative, realistic and supportive and made the day enjoyable, regardless of the challenges and ocean of paperwork that continued to grow.

Has your direction changed recently? Are you standing at the bottom of the biggest mountain you’ve ever faced and are thinking, go ahead…swallow me up? Are you moving towards the unknown? 

What are you doing to appreciate the journey? Are you noticing the little things that make life Big while you fight your way down this road? I hope so, because the JOY is there, swirling all about you – begging for you to notice and appreciate it.

Go ahead! Take that first step….your next thousand miles awaits you!

{{{HUGS}}} Yall

We’ve come a long way through our Bible! I’ve enjoyed getting to know old characters again, being reminded that even though many failed and failed BIG that they were still mightly used by the Lord because they were willing to be used.  I’ve enjoyed hearing many, many times – do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.  I hope that you are enjoying the journey so far as well!

This Weeks Schedule:

• Day 29 1 Chronicles 1:1 – 1 Chronicles 9:44
• Day 30 1 Chronicles 10:1 – 1 Chronicles 23:32
• Day 31 1 Chronicles 24:1 – 2 Chronicles 7:10
• Day 32 2 Chronicles 7:11 – 2 Chronicles 23:15
• Day 33 2 Chronicles 23:16 – 2 Chronicles 35:15
• Day 34 2 Chronicles 35:16 – Ezra 10:44
• Day 35 Nehemiah 1:1 – Nehemiah 13:14

Books we’ll encounter this week:

1 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 2 Samuel. This book was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended as an encouragement to the returnees. Its emphasis in on the more positive events/aspects of the reigns covered.

2 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 1 & 2 Kings.  Like Chronicles, it was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended to encourage.

Ezra Overview:  When Cyrus became king of Persia, the Lord led him to free teh exiles to return to Jerusalem. Ezra, a teacher “well versed in the Law of Moses” arrives several decades later to discover that many from Judah have been intermarrying with the neighboring peoples.

Nehemiah Overview:  Whereas Ezra is a teacher and scribe, Nehemiah is a leader. The book of Nehemiah celebrates the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls against significant odds. The behavior of the residents when Nehemiah is in residence and when he is not harkens back to the era of the Judges.

Consider:

1.  How does the Lord use the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12?

2.  Does David immediately realize the significance of Nathan’s story about the rich man?

3.  What does David’s response in 2 Samuel 12:13 say about his relationship with God?

4.  What were the consequences of David’s sin?

5.  Has there been an “aha” triggered by your reading this week that you have been able to immediately apply to your life?

Do you know that we are going to be halfway through the Old Testament? *Clapping* GOOD for YOU!!  If you have fallen behind, don’t give up!! Keep reading. Keep at it! You’ll be glad you did!

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

As we near completing our first month of Bible reading, I’m excited that this goal is actually possible.  I’m still a little behind, but working diligently to catch up.   I hope that you are still on track and are enjoying your journey.  If you are behind, still work on it.  Think about it…how bad its it to have read through your bible in 100 days? hmmm? 

You can do this.  I have faith in you.

Bible Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 22 1 Samuel 28:20 – 2 Samuel 12:10
• Day 23 2 Samuel 12:11 – 2 Samuel 22:18
• Day 24 2 Samuel 22:19 – 1 Kings 7:37
• Day 25 1 Kings 7:38 – 1 Kings 16:20
• Day 26 1 Kings 16:21 – 2 Kings 4:37
• Day 27 2 Kings 4:38 – 2 Kings 15:26
• Day 28 2 Kings  15:27 – 2 Kings 25:30

In the early 1990’s H. Jackson Brown wrote Life’s Little Instruction Book. His son was going to college and he watned to share some gems of wisdom that he had gleaned over the years. He collected 511 gems of wisdom that were to guide his son’s life.  For instance – learn to make great chili, never buy a house without a fireplace, overtip breakfast waitresses, be brave – even if you’re not, pretend to be – no one can tell the difference etc etc.

His son responded enthusiastically and the document made its way to a publisher and became a best seller. It’s hard to know whether anyone was transformed by this  – but the Bible…that’s a different story.  Billions of people have been changed by its message of hope and salvation.

Books you’ll Encounter This Week:

1 Kings – The book opens with the region of Solomon, a time when Israel enjoys a great deal of influence, wealth and worldwide recognition.  Yet, even as the world’s wisest man, Solomon is corrupted by worldly matters and the faiths of his wives and concubines. At his death the kingdom becomes divided.

2 Kings – Continues the account of the kings and the divided kingdom through the fall of Jerusalem

Reading Tips:

Many new people and names are introduced that can be hard to distinguish from one another.  Some events are described more than one and the kings of Israel and Judah are handled in rapid-fire succession.  To minimize confusion, slow down, read attentively.  Notice the patterns of behavior by the various kings.

Discussion:

1. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between modern Christians and the Bible?

2.  How is your perception of the Bible changing as you read each day?

3.  What questions evolved from your readings this week?

4.  Our reading shows us many instances when Israel only partially follows God’s commands. What are some examples and the results?

5.  Based on our reading to date, talk about what God tends to do whan a society turns to him for help.

6. List the tragedies and unfortunate events that befall Naomi and Ruth in the Book of Ruth. Does any good come from all of this?

7.  What are some examples of tragedy or hardship from which good has emerged?

8.  Do you have any “life instructions” you’d like to share?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Starting Week 3 of our Journey through the Bible.  I have to confess, this is quite the challenge.  Of course everything has gotten busier to the Nth degree and reading 12 pages a day is difficult.  I have been reading everyday, but I must confess….I am behind.  I will be caught up by the end of this session. 

How are YOU doing? Are you ahead? Are you behind? What are your thoughts so far?

Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 15 – Deuteronomy 23:12 – Deut 34:12
• Day 16 – Joshua 1:1 – Joshua 14:15
• Day 17 – Joshua 15:1 – Judges 3:27
• Day 18 – Judges 3:28 – Judges 15:12
• Day 19 – Judges 15:13 – I Samuel 2:29
• Day 20 – I Samuel – 2:30 – I Samuel 15:35
• Day 21 – I Samuel 16:1 – I Samuel 28:19

This Week’s Reading Tips:

Pay attention to the following people in your reading this week. How do these people interact with God? How faithful are they to God’s will?

• Joshua: Joshua, Rahab
• Judges: Deborah, Gideon, Samson
• Ruth: Ruth, Naomi, Boaz
• 1 Samuel: Samuel, Saul, David

Books You’ll Encourter This Week:

Joshua Overview: Moses’ former assistant becomes leader of the nation of Israel. The book celebrates the many victories that God brings to the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. At the same time, the failure of the people to follow completely God’s plans plants the seeds for future failure.  KEY TEACHINGS: God kept his promise, giving the land he had  promised to Abraham many centuries earlier.   God is the one who brings victory; there is no foe that can withstand him.  God expects obedience.

Judges Overview: this book clearly delineates the impact of leaders who follow God from those who do not.  Some of the favorite Biblical personalities from children’s Sunday School are found here – Deborah, Gideon and Samson.  Key Teachings: God is patient, just and merciful.  God is able to accomplish his plan even through flawed individuals. God held the Israelites accountable to his expectations of them.

Ruth Overview: Ruth’s story of faithfulness is remarkable in its own right, made more so considering she was from Moab, a nation considerd an enemy of Israel. Ruth and Boaz are ancestors of Christ.  Key Teachings: God remained faithful to his people even when the times were characterized by unfaithfulness.  God provides for those who are faithful.

1 Samuel Overview: Samuel is not only a priest, prophet and judge, but a kingmaker. At God’s behest, Samuel anoints Saul the first king of Israel after the people call for a king.  God later directs Samuel to anoint Saul’s successor, David, which sets up a series of conflicts between Saul and David.  Key Teachings: God provided a king for his people.  God Reigns!  God’s power and sovereignty are demonstrated through his king.  God will punish even his chosen ones when they disobey.

Think about it:

“A young man asked God how long a million years was to him. God replied, it’s like a single second in your time. Then the young man asked God what a million dollars was to him. God replied, it’s like a single penny to you.  Then the young man asked God, Could I have one of your pennies? God smile and replied, sure…give me one second.”

God perceives time differently than we do. God gives us the same amount of time and the question isn’t if we have the time to read 12 pages a day, it is if we choose to.  How are we choosing to use our time?

Questions for discussion:

1.  Are you reading the Bible instead of other things in your life or in addition to?

2.  If you are still struggling with your reading, what activites can you eliminate? Where can you squeeze in more reading?

3.  What advice would you give to others who are just beginning this journey or are struggling to keep up.

Digging In:

4.  Refer to Leviticus and list the 5 main sacrifices

5. God lays out the elements and purposes of these offerings with some specificity. Is there too much detail here? What does this suggest about God’s involvement with his people’s lives?

6. What happens to Aaron’s sons in Leviticus 10: 1-2? What does this tell us about how God expectus us to interact with Him?

Applying it:

7.  In Numbers we find God’s people wandering in the wilderness for several decades after failing to believe God would lead them to victory.  Have you ever experienced a similar delay due to fear or similar lack of belief? How can we apply this to our lives today?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin.  Here is the main information page as well.