Bible Readings: May 1-7

Faith Baptist Fellowship Podcast

Faith Bible Reading 2017

At Faith Baptist Fellowship we Love God’s Word (Psalm 119:97) and Prayer (Psalm 116:1-2)! God speaks to us through His Word. Ask Him to give you “ears to hear” and to be “doers of the word” as well.

Our plan for 2017 will take you through the key stories of the Bible in one year. The plan calls for reading one chapter of Scripture a day for six days. There will also be additional readings from two other passages that are key cross references to the main chapter. This plan shows how the many individual accounts of the Bible make up one interconnected story-God’s Story. This reading plan is also online at www.ownit365.com. On Sunday, we will have a passage from the upcoming Sunday sermon along with questions for Faith Group discussion.

We also suggest having a notebook and pen for answering questions and recording your thoughts/insights. Bring this notebook with you to Faith Group for discussions and prayer times. Select a quiet place and consistent time to read and pray.

Download PDF: Faith Bible Readings 2017 May 1-7

Abbreviations: TAI – Think About It | PP – Prayer Points

MONDAY, MAY 1

Read 1 Samuel 9 – it is important to also read ch. 10

TAI: What set Saul apart from others? It is clear from the text that Samuel knew from the Lord that Saul was coming, and he would be anointed king. How did Samuel honor Saul? What signs were to occur to acknowledge that the hand of God was upon Saul? What changed with Saul, setting him further apart and making it clear that God’s hand was upon him? What in the text foreshadows the troubles that Saul will have as a leader and king? Has God called you to some ministry, but you are ‘hiding in the luggage?’

PP: Thank God that in the shadow of the cross and empty tomb all believers receive the Holy Spirit. Ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit, and for grace to walk by the Spirit this day. Ask God to enable you to fulfill all that he has assigned to you by his Spirit, using your gifts and redeeming the time God has given you. Lay any reluctance you have before the Lord, for HE WILL DO IT! Pray through the 3 Directives shared by our Elder Council yesterday.

Additional readings: 1 Samuel 10; Deuteronomy 17:14-20

TUESDAY, MAY 2

Read 1 Samuel 11 once again be sure to read the next chapter

TAI: What predicament faced Jabesh? How did they initially respond? What leadership characteristics does Saul display in the course of this narrative? When some want to bring retribution to bear against those who questioned Saul, how does he respond? Study Samuel’s words to God’s people, listing of key phrases that are vitally important for prayer and walking with God to this day.

PP: Note v. 12:23! Prayerlessness is sin. Take your list of key phrases from chapter 12 (Samuel’s encounter with the people) and turn it into prayer to God. This prayer will include confession, asking God for help, submitting to his will, remembering what great things he has done for you—pray all of this in the name of Jesus. Ask God to give our nation leaders who face squarely the problems before us, rally the people in unity to the task, and enable us to win righteous and godly victories, yet without gloating.

Additional readings: 1 Samuel 12; 1 Timothy 2:1-2

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

Read 1 Samuel 13:1-15

TAI: In what way did Saul disobey the Lord’s command in this passage? Why was it wrong for him to do this? Saul was a man who at times was an effective leader and was used by God, but also a man who was reluctant, fearful, and cut corners. He should have trusted the Lord completely; instead he feared the enemy more than he feared God. How does fear work in your own daily walk? How are you tempted to cut corners in your walk with Jesus? Ch 15 tells us the bitter consequence of another time Saul cut corners.

PP: Fear is such a powerful emotion in us. Talk frankly to the Lord about the things you fear. Tell him that you want to fear him only! Confess to the Lord ways you have ‘cut corners’ in your day to day walk with him. Ask him to fill you with faith and grace and the Holy Spirit to live courageously and boldly for his glory. Pray the Elder Council and pastors of Faith Baptist Fellowship.

Additional Readings: 1 Samuel 15; Acts 13:16-23

THURSDAY, MAY 4

Read 1 Samuel 13:16-23 Read also ch 14

TAI: In this section, Saul’s uncertain character and rashness is contrasted with his son Jonathan, who displays great faith and confidence in the Lord and wisdom. Theoretically, Israel should have been routed, for they lacked the blacksmithing needed to have superior weaponry. But God is greater than the enemy, using fear and confusion to give the battle to Jonathan and his army. Who prevents Saul from being foolish with the life of his son?

PP: It is the Lord who gives the victory! Praise him for his grace, goodness, faithfulness, mercy, love, and holiness. Praise him for saving you, by grace, giving you the gift of faith to trust him. Praise him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank him that you can pray, and in doing so “ask, seek, and knock” again and again. Ask God to increase your faith. Ask him for courage and boldness. Ask God for wisdom, and to keep you from rash foolishness. He is able!

Additional Readings: 1 Samuel 14; 2 Chronicles14:11

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Read 1 Samuel 16

TAI: Where did Samuel find Jesse and his family? By what exercise did the Lord reveal to Samuel that David was the son set apart by God for anointing? What can we learn from that? V. 14 is such a sad verse; notice the origin of the harmful spirit. Ponder that. God allowed a harmful spirit to trouble Saul because he had not heeded the clear instruction given to him. Reflect on v. 18 in light of Saul’s character flaws. How did the young man David minister to Saul?

PP: So often we make choices based on outward appearance. Even Samuel was surprised that God chose the young shepherd to be anointed. Pray and submit yourself fully to God. Submit your life, your time, your talents, and yes, even your choices to God. Ask God to lead you to those choices which most please him and align with his word. Once again, pray through the 3 Directives shared by our Elder Council in last Sunday’s Quarterly meeting.

Additional Readings: Psalm 78:70-72; John 7:24

SATURDAY MAY 6

Read 1 Samuel 17 David versus Goliath of Gath!

TAI: After reading through this marvelous account, make a list of lessons we ought to take to heart from it.

PP: Thank God for the amazing grace he has shown you in Christ Jesus. Thank him for the surprising and unexpected victory of the cross of Christ, a triumph not of superior armor or battle skill but of blood and death. Ask God to give you much grace to believe that the victories to be won will come through the gospel of Jesus Christ, not worldly means. Pray for your Sacred 7. And pray again, in light of today’s reading, for the 3 Directives being pursued by our Faith Baptist Fellowship family.

Additional Readings: Psalm 23; 2 Samuel 21:15-22

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Read I Corinthians 11:17-34 for this Communion Sunday

TAI & PP: Reflect on the “proclamation without words” this is the Lord’s Supper. As we take the bread and the cup, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” How? Why?

• What would partaking in an unworthy manner look like?
• Why would someone become ill or even die because of it?
• What should be the sole focal point of the Lord’s Supper?

Pray that our Communion Service today would be pleasing to God and a powerful “proclamation without words” of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for our pastors and elders as they lead us in this commemoration of the cross and death of Jesus. Examine your own heart and mind, confess any known sin if needed, prepare for your own participation. “Break now the bread of life, dear Lord to me…”