Monday, April 22, 2013

The Chronological Bible- Week 16

This week belongs to David. At the beginning of the week, David ascends to the throne over all Israel. By the end of the week, he'll be fighting to take it back from his own son Absalom. The timeline moves quickly when reading through chronologically!

In this span of seven days, it is amazing to me how the stories of David can have such a wide variation. Some of these stories reveal an amazing faith as David builds the kingdom for the glory of God. Turn the page, though, and other stories reveal David's humanity and sinfulness. The good and the bad juxtaposed by just a few pages, or at times just a few paragraphs.

By the end of his life, though, David will be remembered as a man after God's own heart. New Testament writers will look back and say, "there's someone who ran after God." I don't know about you, but this gives me hope. Perhaps in some ways like David, I find that the good and the bad can exist quite closely in my life- moments of great faith followed quickly by moments of selfishness and sin. If David could have his ups and down, his highs and lows, and still be called a man after God's own heart, then I think there is hope for the rest of us.

What it says to me that faith before God has less to do with our actions and behaviors than we might think. The condition of our heart matters more than the results of our choices. God can redeem all things, and looks more at what's happening inside of me than outside of me. I can be a man after His heart, even if I stumble along the way.

What are you learning this week? What stands out to you?

Read on!

Nick

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Chronological Bible- Week 15

Intrigue. Conflict. Honor. Deception. Jealousy. This week finds us immersed in the time of the kings of Israel. The big three- Saul, David, and Solomon, will reign over Israel for a period of about 90 years. During this time, the borders of the country will be expanded, most of her enemies subdued, a strong sense of nationhood will develop.

But the heart of these stories is the people themselves. The kings take center stage, and it is their actions, decisions, and their heart for God (or lack there of) that will guide each story. In this week, I would encourage you to watch carefully the interactions between Saul and David. As Saul's kingdom declines and God clearly begins to anoint and lift up David, their courses of behavior become more and more telling. One trust, waits, and listens to God. The other lashes out in anger, protects himself and his reputations, and ultimately looses everything. There are lessons to be learned here about the true nature of godly leadership, and the life that honors Him.

May your reading this week be blessed!

What are you learning?

What are you challenged by?

Read on-

Nick

Monday, April 08, 2013

The Chronological Bible- Week 14

Well, hopefully you are having more success reading through the Chronological Bible than we are keeping the blog up to date! Things got a little hectic around Easter and a few weeks were overlooked, but the blog is back and ready for your input!

This, in my mind, is where reading the Bible chronologically gets really good. Up until this point, the Scriptures have been pretty linear- one story following another in a logical, sequential fashion. Now, however, we have stories occurring in multiple books, other books that interrupt or occur during the stories, and additional writings that provide comment, prayers, or prophetic words on the events that are happening. Placing the material together as the Chronological Bible does, really makes these stories come to life.

This week marks the inauguration of the era of the Kings. Saul, David and Solomon will all appear on the scene soon, followed by the lesser known kings of the divided kingdom. Before the kings ascend to the thrown, we meet the man Samuel. The prophet Samuel becomes a transitional figure between the sporadic, regional leadership of the judges and the over-arching rule of the monarchy. Samuel becomes the first nationwide leader in Israel since the time of Joshua. He plays a crucial role in directing the hearts and minds of the people back to God. In fact, he will take this role all the way into the reign of David. Watch how Samuel becomes a represenation of the voice and will of God throughout these stories!

What are you learning? What is God challenging you with this week?

Blessings on your week and on your reading. Read on!

Nick