Bible Readings: May 8-14

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 8-14

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

MONDAY, MAY 8

Read 1 Samuel 18

TAI: How would you define the word selfless? Jonathan here is the very picture of selflessness. What caused Saul to turn against David in suspicion? Note the contrasting response to David’s success—Jonathan vs Saul and then cross-reference John 3:29-30. The rest of the chapter contains intrigue from Saul toward David. How does David respond to these actions by Saul? What is the key to David’s great success and Saul’s distress?

PP: “…the Lord was with him.” “Heavenly Father, I know that the most important thing is my world today is that you are with me! I ask you to be present and powerful in my life today, by the Spirit. Fill me so that I may walk by the Spirit today. May I be selfless with regard to others, as Jonathan was toward David. You are my King and Master and Living God; I submit myself wholly and completely to you. May I be a fit vessel in your service today and every day.”

Additional readings: Proverbs 14:30; James 3:13-16

TUESDAY, MAY 9

Read 1 Samuel 19

TAI: Reflect on the powerful question of v. 5. “Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing…without cause” as it relates to the sin of abortion in our time—infants being killed without cause. Despite Jonathan’s intervention on David’s behalf, Saul again turns against David. What is the source of Saul’s troubled spirit? Why did the Lord allow this? Michal too protects David from her father. Explain the almost comical episodes of “prophesying.” God reigns.

PP: Confess to God the rampant sin of abortion in our age. Ask God to move in the hearts of mankind to end this troubling, evil practice to taking innocent blood without cause. Pray for the Alpha Center ministry here in Sioux Falls. Pray a prayer of praise to our Sovereign God, our Heavenly Father, who rules and reigns in your life. Ask God to give you a valiant, courageous heart to follow him.

Additional readings: Psalm 59: Psalm 56:3-6

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Read 1 Samuel 20

TAI: This is a powerful chapter to reflect on the faithful friendship of Jonathan to David. Though he wants to believe that his father truly loves David, David knows better and seeks a warning from Jonathan so he can flee from Saul if necessary. Why would Saul say that Jonathan had chosen David “to your own shame”? What did that mean? How did the warning come to happen? Reflect on faithful friendships in your own life that have protected you.

PP: Thank God for faithful friends who have been a gift and blessing in your life. Then thank God that Jesus is the most faithful and loving friend of all! (see John 15:15) Ask God to give you friends, mentors, and models of Christian devotion and faithfulness who will strengthen you and disciple you in the Christian life. Rejoice that Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. Intercede now for the friends God has given you, asking for his blessing on their lives, their Christian walk, families, etc. You might send a card or email to them saying, “I prayed for you today!”

Additional Readings: Proverbs 27:4-10: John 15:12-17

THURSDAY, MAY 11

Read 1 Samuel 21

TAI: After reading this chapter, be sure to read the additional material as well, including Jesus’s allusion to this chapter in Matthew 12 (and Mark 2). Why was Ahimelech trembling? What was the source of uncertainty or tension over eating the bread? (A study Bible would be a helpful resource here.) Note the presence of Doeg, which foreshadows a future event. This is a great story: note that David takes the sword of Goliath. How does David avoid the danger of being in the presence of his enemy Achish?

PP: “Something greater than the temple is here.” “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Pray a prayer of praise to the Father for sending his Son, Jesus, who is greater than the temple and Lord of the Sabbath. Thank God for the beautiful picture of the Lord’s Supper, when eating the bread points us to the cross. Thank God also for his gift of the Sword of the Spirit, the word of God! “Father, thank you that I can take on the Goliath’s of my life with the word of God in my hand! Help me take the Scriptures to heart.”

Additional Readings: Psalm 34; Matthew 12:1-8

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Read 1 Samuel 22:1-5 Be sure to read Psalms 57 & 142

TAI: Note that while Saul’s own family was divided in their loyalties, David’s family is drawn to him in the cave. Who else was drawn to him? This was God’s unique way of establishing a force loyal to David, confirming as well his unique leadership. How did David protect and care for his parents? For a sense of how David prayed during this season, reflect on the two Psalms. How could you pray these same thoughts and ideas to benefit your faith?

PP: Pray through the two Psalms. What imagery opens Psalm 57! “In the shadow of your wings” is worth pondering and praying for yourself and your loved ones. Notice how David intersperses praise and pleas, a good idea for our prayers as well. More beautiful imagery closes this Psalm. From Psalm 142: Does your spirit ever faint? Tell God all about it. “You are my refuge” is a wise and helpful prayer for hard times.

Additional Readings: Psalm 142; Psalm 57

SATURDAY MAY 13

Read 1 Samuel 22:6-23 Be sure to read the associated Psalms

TAI: “Under the tamarisk tree” – ESV Study Bible says that court was often held under a tree. Saul is “holding court” and expressing resentment—why? Saul’s complaints contain several untruths or distortions. “Saul does not trust in the Lord, and now he trusts no one else either, fearing even his own servants. Saul’s jealousy has distorted his vision” (ESVSB). Tragically, Doeg, a foreigner (as the text mentions multiple times), is willing to do what Saul’s servants knew not to do. How does David respond?

PP: Resentment and jealousy are powerful, distorting emotions that can cripple us, preventing wisdom, sound judgment, and good choices. Talk to the Lord about your own heart. Jealous? Resentful? Admit it to God, and ask for grace to forgive others and trust completely in him (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 52:8-9). Ask God to keep you from foolish attitudes and choices. Pray line by line through Psalm 63, and express your desire to seek God earnestly.

Additional Readings: Psalm 63; 52

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Read Proverbs 31:10-31 Memorize v. 30

TAI & PP: Thank the Lord for giving you life, and for your mother who birthed you. If your mother is living, pray for her. If you are a mother, thank God for the privilege and ask God for his grace and help and wisdom. Pray for women in the sphere of your life (family members, friends, etc) who have been unable to have children and may find Mother’s Day difficult. Young men, in seeking a wife who will also be the mother of your children, remember well the truth of Proverbs 31:30! Look for a wife who fears the Lord and walks with him. It is far more important than physical beauty. Young ladies, keep that in mind as you walk with God. Avoid any young man who cares more about physical charms than he does about spiritual character.