Book of 2 Samuel - Week 5

Congratulations! You made it! We are in our FINAL Week (Week 5) of our #biblestudy in the Book of 2 Samuel.

This week Monday - Thursday (April 30 - May 3) we will be reading 2 Samuel 21-24. Friday we have a special announcement!! We've got a Mini-Study planned for our Summer Study this year and we think you're really going to like it!

If you are just joining us, Welcome!
Just jump in where we are at and use the weekends (or your free time) to catch up.
*If you'd like to join our closed FB group comment below and we will get you added right away.

Here's the Week 5 Reading Schedule for our study in the Book of 2 Samuel.

 

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Week 5:
*As well as the #CompanionVerse for each chapter to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.

Monday:
"During David's reign, there was a famine for three successive years." 2 Samuel 21:1

Companion verse: 
"Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

Tuesday:
"O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my rock of refuge!." 2 Samuel 22:2

Companion verse: 
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Wednesday:
"{God} is like the morning light at sunrise on a cloudless morning, making the greensward sparkle after rain." 2 Samuel 23:4

Companion verse: 
"I know the Lord is always with me." Psalm 16:8

Thursday:
"No, I must pay for it, for I cannot offer to the Lord my God holocaust that cost nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24

Companion verse: 
"Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" Psalm 29:2

Friday:

STAY TUNED...for our SUMMER Study Announcement!





Week 5 Reflection Questions:

Monday: 2 Samuel 21

In this chapter, there is a famine that lasts year after year after year. David inquired of the Lord and he answered. God uses trials and tests to turn us back to Him.
What trials has God asked you to walk through to get your attention? How did you find him?  

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 22

This chapter gives us a beautiful Song of Praise from David to the Lord. He sings to God the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from his enemies. In his Song of Praise, David gives the Lord many names with high esteem.
What praise do you have for God? What titles do you call Him?

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 23
In this chapter, we read David's last words, the "inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most." He takes a moment to reflect on his life, the good the bad and the ugly, but he also recalls the many moments of blessings he received. Through the darkness there was Light. 
What blessings have you received in your life, despite the trials and tribulations along the way? 

Thursday: 2 Samuel 24
In this chapter, God is angry with David. David was to take a census and he did but he sinned in taking credit for the growth of his Kingdom when he should have given the glory to God. He is convicted for his sin, repents for it, is judged for it, and he and his people suffer a plague because of it. Not only that but he then has to please the Lord through his judgment. In the end, David offers a sacrifice for his atonement and erects an altar for God that he knows must cost him a sacrifice if it was going to please the Lord.
Following God can require sacrifice(s). What sacrifice(s) have you made to follow God? What do you need to give up in order to live a faith-filled life?

Friday: 
STAY TUNED...for our SUMMER Study Announcement!

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7 Things You Should Never Feel Guilty For

As followers of Christ, God asks us to be many things - charitable, forgiving, humble, steadfast, and kind but HE doesn't ask this of us at the expense of our own well-being, self-worth, and sanity.

Toxic people exist in the world and sadly, sometimes they're even disguised as friends and family. Toxic people take aboundingly, manipulate and tend to have no hesitation in bulling over someone (both literally and figuratively) to get what they want and/or get their way.

In fact, I've found that if you are too nice, too charitable, too accommodating, or too quick to forgive they'll hone in on you and take advantage of your kindness. Odder still, toxic people somehow masterfully make you feel guilty for their transgressions when in reality it was you who was the victim.

It takes a person of incredible bravery and strength to say "no more" yet remain unhardened by bitterness and resentments. The scripture tells us to "Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong." {1 Corinthians 16:13}

In other words, God doesn't want us to be a pushover he wants us to set boundaries, he wants us to protect our peace.

So...how do we do it? How do we live in a world full of obstacles, disappointment, and toxic people?

We follow seven simple Bible-based rules of life - and NEVER feel guilty for it!

1. Keep the Faith - God has a plan for your life, plans to prosper you, not to harm you {Jeremiah 29:11} but keep in mind God's timing is perfect, which might not align with your worldly view {Ecclesiasties 3:11}. If you walk with the King and keep your faith, nothing will be impossible for you! {Matthew 17:20}

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27


2. Don't be afraid to Change for the Better - Fear not, for God is with you always.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10


3. Know Your Worth - YOU are a child of God and his love for you is never-ending.

"The Lord does not look at things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -1 Samuel 16:7


4. Protect Your Peace - People probably come to you for help because your light shines bright but when we are stretched thin or pulled in a hundred different directions it is difficult to keep our inner light bright. It's okay to be selective with your time, your talents and your charity.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7


5. Stay True to Your Vision - Set Goals, then Crush Them! When God is with us we cannot fail. Establish your plan, pray about it, work hard for it, and you will succeed!

"Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." -Proverbs 16:3


6. Set Boundaries - You are allowed to say "No!" without explanation. Period.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." -Proverbs 4:23


7. Move On & Let God - You are allowed to walk away from anyone or anything that doesn't make you grow closer to God, that depletes your self-worth or darkens your spirit.

"But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:12

Lastly, it is God's will that you let go of your own transgressions, so long as you have heartfully confessed your sins, you will be forgiven.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9

God Bless,
L. M. Craig

Book of 2 Samuel - Week 4

We are embarking on Week 4 of our five-week #biblestudy in the Book of 2 Samuel. Welcome Back! 

This week (April 23-27) we will be reading 2 Samuel 16-20.
If you are just joining us, Welcome! Just jump in where we are at and use the weekends (or your free time) to catch up.
*If you'd like to join our closed FB group comment below and we will get you added right away.

Here's the Week 4 Reading Schedule for our study in the Book of 2 Samuel.

 

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Week 4:
*As well as the #CompanionVerse for each chapter to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.

Monday:
"What business is it of mine or of yours, that he curses?." 2 Samuel 16:10

Companion verse: 
"In your anger do not sin. Do not give teh devil a foothold. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up." Ephesians 4: 26-29

Tuesday:
"This time Ahithophel has not given good counsel." 2 Samuel 17:7

Companion verse: 
"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good spirit lead me on level ground." Psalm 143:10

Wednesday:
"Come what may, I want to run." 2 Samuel 18:23

Companion verse: 
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:9

Thursday:
"You have put all your servants to shame today by loving those  who hate you and hating those who love you." 2 Samuel 19: 6, 7

Companion verse: 
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" Romans 8:18

Friday:

"So all the Israelites left David for Sheba, son of Bichri. But from the Jordan to Jerusalem the Judahites remained loyal to their king." 2 Samuel 20:2

Companion verse: 
"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out" Proverbs 17:14







Week 4 Reflection Questions:

Monday: 2 Samuel 16

In this chapter, David is being judged and cursed by Shimel yet David took the high road. He did not retaliate. He did not utter an unkind word. He didn't curse back at Shimel. He let him be and in fact, removed himself from the incident altogether. 
When have you recently "taken the high road"?

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 17

This chapter gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how things are going for Absalom (David's son). Absalom's trusted advisor, Ahithopel, is encouraging him to take on David, to strike him down. Hushai, another member of Absalom's counsel disagrees and offers another plan of action. When Hushai's plan is chosen over Ahithopel's, Ahithopel is so offended he takes his own life. God has a plan for your life. Satan also has a plan for your life. Be ready for BOTH but be wise enough to know which one to fight against and which one to embrace.
What path do you feel God leading you down? Is Satan resisting it? How will you remain with God?

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 18
In this chapter, we learn of Absalom's defeat and death. David must be told and Ahimaaz is willing to do it. Even though Joab warns him that this is not good news to tell, he is willing to do it no matter what the outcome. His devotion and desire to do right by his King and by God outweigh his personal gain or possible reprove. The phrase, "What is right isn't always popular" comes to mind.
What good (or right) are you willing to do, regardless of the outcome?

Thursday: 2 Samuel 19
At the news of his son's death, David is shaken to the point of despair. He goes to his room over the city gate to weep. Although his army was triumphant he is in personal pain. Luckily, he has Joab, his tried and true friend, to get him back to his center. He calls him out! Although he is suffering, he is the King and has a job to do.
In this chapter David's banishment is lifted and thanks to the men of Isreal he has returned to the throne. We learn of Shemei's pardon for his treason, Mephibosheth's failure is excused, and Barzillai's kindness is recognized and reciprocated. But the chapter does not have a happy ending - the men of Judah fight with the men of Isreal for having been left out of the King's renewal. 
Who calls you out/ sees you for who you really are? 

Friday: 2 Samuel 20
In the previous chapter, we know that the Israelites are jilted with the Judahites. In this chapter Sheba, an Israelite, who probably aided Absolom's rebellion turns his brethren against David. Soon after Amasa, David's nephew and Absolom's general is killed by Joab's sword. In the end, it is the citizens of Jerusalem who deliver the head of Sheba to David, by throwing it over the fence and Joab is left in control of the entire army. The rise and fall effect throughout 2 Samuel is at times exhausting, just as David (and other characters) achieves success, he seems to be met by tribulation and hardship. One has to ask, could any of this have been avoided?
What quarrel do you need to drop before it becomes a dispute?

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Book of 2 Samuel - Week 3

Welcome Back! We are in Week 3 of our #biblestudy in the Book of 2 Samuel. 

This week (April 16-20) we will be reading 2 Samuel 11-15.
If you are just joining us, Welcome! Just jump in where we are at and use the weekends (or your free time) to catch up.
*If you'd like to join our closed FB group comment below and we will get you added right away.

Here's the Week 3 Reading Schedule for our study in the Book of 2 Samuel.

 

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Week 3:
*As well as the #CompanionVerse for each chapter to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.

Monday:
"She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite." 2 Samuel 11:3

Companion verse: 
"If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Tuesday:
"You have worked in secret, but I shall work this for all Isreal to see, in broad daylight." 2 Samuel 12:12

Companion verse: 
"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3

Wednesday:
"Do not be afraid, for it is I who order you to do it. Be resolute and act valiantly." 2 Samuel 13:28

Companion verse: 
"Don't mistake God's patience for His absence. His timing is perfect, and His presence is constant. He's always with you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Thursday:
"Let the word of my Lord the King provide a resting place." 2 Samuel 14:17

Companion verse: 
"Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" Matthew 18:33

Friday:

"May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness." 2 Samuel 15:20

Companion verse: 
"In all things give Thanks!" 1 Thessalonians 5:18






Week 3 Reflection Questions:

Monday: 2 Samuel 11
This chapter holds a sad story of adultery and murder that ends (in another chapter) with a powerful lesson. Bathsheba was bathing and David watched but it didn't stop there. He coveted her although she was married and took her for himself. Although he tried to hide his sins, even attempted to cover them up, it is recorded for all to see in the Bible. (We love the scripture for this reason - it tells the faults as well as the accolades of those God favored. David acted out of lust and sinned before the Lord - who sees all. 
God allows us free will, to act as we want. If we follow His plan we will be rewarded by his grace, if we stray we will suffer the consequences. How do you follow God's plan?

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 12

This chapter shows us the "Road to Recovery" as David acknowledges his sin, confesses it to God and then accepts the consequences.

Word of Conviction - "I am that man"

Word of Confession - "I have sinned against the Lord"

Word of Consequence - "Never the less...consequences to work with and work through"
The Parable of Nathan illuminates David's sin. He is then punished when Bathsheba conceives a child that is not her husbands, but Davids. David acknowledged his sins and repented. By the grace of God, he was given God's mercy. 
(Self Reflect) What do you need to acknowledge and repent for?

Wednesday: 2 Samuel 13
Adultery and murder were David's sins. In this chapter, it appears as though his sins have spread among his children, whom he loves dearly. Amnon defiled Tamar (his sister) then Absalom murdered Amnon (his brother) because of his misdeeds with Tamar. As if that weren't tragic enough it is David who sent Tamar to Amnon and then Amnon to Absalom acting as an accessory to both sins. He can't help but feel like this is punishment for his own sins, that his bad example drove his children to sin. What kind of example do you portray to those around you? To your children? To your spouse? 

Thursday: 2 Samuel 14
This chapter is where we see the end of David's lesson, which ultimately ends with Forgiveness. Absalom removed himself from David's protection, was exiled for his sins. Joab works to absolve Absalom of his crimes and works for him to be pardoned and have his banishment revoked. He takes many steps to bring forth David, the King's, compassion and concession, ultimately cultivating forgiveness so that David and Absalom could be brought back together. Who do you need to forgive? 

Friday: 2 Samuel 15
Absalom received peace with his father (David) yet proves to be his father's greatest trouble. In this chapter, Absalom's rebellion begins. He has been forgiven and re-established in David's court but wants more - he covets the throne for himself. He isn't content and therefore ungrateful. What are you grateful for?

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3 Simple Steps to Finding Inner Peace

3 Simple Steps to Finding Inner Peace

By: L. M. Craig

Nearly every day I bet you get asked, "How are you?" and I bet I can guess that your response is "I'm fine" when in reality you aren't. How did I know?

I do it too.

So often we go through life blindly running through the motions, unable to truly take in a person or a moment because we've made ourselves too busy to do otherwise. I don't just mean our schedules, I mean our minds. Our minds are cluttered with responsibilities to fulfill, tasks we need to accomplish, dreams we wish we could make come true, and a million other thoughts that run a gauntlet of emotions.

How many of your thoughts are positive each day? How many are negative?

Most of us don't even realize how much time we spend wading through negative thoughts because we have the ability to swim to shore and dry the negative off but sometimes the negativity is too much. We find ourselves caught up in a riptide of negative thoughts that carries us further and further into those dark waters of despair and before we know it we feel like we are sinking.



When you allow the negative aspects of our day to take hold of us we forfeit God's peace. Without even realizing it we give negative thoughts the power to shake our faith. If we "let go and let God" and refuse spend time focusing on the negative, on the things we cannot change, on our own negative self-talk, we will learn to inhale serenity and exhale the thoughts that trouble us. In other words, negativity will drown your spirit, if you let it but God's peace will uplift your soul.

"God grant me the serenity 
To accept the things I cannot change; 
Courage to change the things I can; 
And wisdom to know the difference."

The Serenity Prayer has always been one of my favorites. It's like a roadmap to inner peace. The first part of the prayer makes it sound so simple, accept what you cannot change. Okay. It's the second part that had me stumped for a while until the obvious answer was made clear.

Let me ask you - Have you ever noticed that sadly, it usually takes a major event to slow us down and make us really look or listen to the world around us. Or rather, it takes a nearly tragic event for us to stop, hit the reset button and be present.

Well, I've found the same is true of our faith. How will we have the courage to change what we can and the wisdom to know the difference without God?

When we become too busy to talk to God we are too busy to receive him. God, just like any parent, wants us to keep an open dialogue with him. He wants us to share our highs and lows, even though he already knows them because he wants to help us heal. Having a conversation with God should be as necessary as having your first cup of coffee.



I don't know about you but I love that first cup of coffee in the morning. Truly, I look forward to it. Our coffee pot chimes letting me know that a fresh cup of joe is ready for me to enjoy it, before the anticipated and hopefully coordinated chaos of my day begins.

Three years ago, when negativity seemed to be swimming all around me I was unknowingly offered a life preserver in the shape of a Bible. A post on Facebook announcing a study in the Book of Numbers caught my attention. The study was to run from Mon. - Fri. and claimed to only ask that participants read one chapter a day. I was skeptical but willing to give it a try. That Bible study changed my life, my mental perspective and ultimately my relationship with God.

Do you have a favorite Book? A story that stuck with you throughout your life? A narrative that changed you so much that it woke you up, or made you self-reflect?

That's what the Bible can do. When you make time to read and study God's Word it becomes apart of you, binding you to Him.



So, this week I pray you find inner peace.
1. Let go and Let God
2. Pray Daily
3. Read your Bible

God Bless,
L. M. Craig

Book of 2 Samuel - Week 2

Wow! We can’t believe we’re already done with Week 1 in our Study of 2 Samuel. 📖✔️ 

This week we read and reflected over 2 Samuel 1-5. This week (April 9 - 13) we will be studying 2 Samuel 6-10. Welcome back for Week 2!
If you are just joining us jump in where we are at and use the weekends or your free time to catch up. 

Here's the Week 2 Reading Schedule for our study in the Book of 2 Samuel.

Here's the #VerseoftheDay for Week 2:
*As well as the #CompanionVerse for each chapter as well to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.

Monday:
"Dance before the Lord with all your might." 2 Samuel 6:14

Companion verse: 
"Rejoice in the Lord always." Philippians 4:4

Tuesday:
"There is no one like you and there is no God but you." 2 Samuel 7:22

Companion verse: 
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Wednesday:
"The Lord brought David victory in all his undertakings." 2 Samuel 8:6

Companion verse: 
"God is within her, she will not fall." Psalm 46:5

Thursday:
"Fear not, I will surely be kind to you..." 2 Samuel 9:7

Companion verse: 
"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear." Psalm 118:6

Friday:

"Be brave, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. 
The Lord will do what is good in his sight." 2 Samuel 10:12

Companion verse: 
"Be strong and courageous for the Lord will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9



     
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Be-Brave-Bookmark-2-Samuel-1012-3737990


Week 2 Reflection Questions:

Monday:
David danced before the Lord with all his might without fear of judgment from others. He rejoiced and was glad before God. How do you rejoice the good that God is doing in your life? Do you worry about how others will react or what they might say?

Tuesday:
God's plans are bigger than ours, so we have to have patience and keep our faith. Dr. Martin Luther King says "You don't have to see the whole staircase to take the first step." The Lord will make a way for you, he will give you rest from your enemies, he will always be with you if you believe. What is in your heart, that you need to do, but are afraid to do? Say (or write) a prayer for Gods guidance.

Wednesday:
The Lord will bring you to victory if you only believe. What are you doing in your life to grow closer to God?

Thursday:
When we walk through the storm or into a situation that makes us uncomfortable, just as Mephibosheth did, it is easy to feel alone. Mephibosheth worried that because he was a descendant of Saul, who had rejected God, that he would be killed but he wasn't. Instead, David blessed him. How do you know that God is with you during a period of tribulation?

Friday: 
Be Brave! After the Ammonites insulted David he defeated them because he trusted God. Joab asked his people to have courage, to be brave as they went into battle because he also trusted God. What battle are you fighting? How will you be courageous?

Another aspect of studying the Bible that is original to us is our W.O.R.D. Guide Study Method.
We created this together! Initially, we just wanted something to help us soak in the word of God, to deepen our understanding of the scripture as well as grasp its important meaning. Now we are thrilled to share it with all of you!

Here's how it works:

W - Word of God (Write down your favorite verse(s) from today's scripture.)

We provide a #VerseoftheDay for you as well as a #CompanionVerse from another book of the Bible but you are NOT limited to them. Add a few of your own.

O - Observation (What did you observe while reading God’s word)

There is no wrong way to do this! Write down the bold headings and take notes as you read. Or make connections with previous chapters or other books of the Bible.

R - Reflect (Apply what God said to you today to your daily life.)

This is where you make personal connections with God's word. Quote other authors or apply the lesson(s) of this chapter to what is going on in your life. Think of this section as the "advice" you'd give to someone you love - that YOU should take yourself.

D - Devotion (What do you feel compelled to tell God in prayer.)

This is where you complete your study of the chapter by writing down a prayer - it's your time to talk to God.

All of our Basic W.O.R.D. Guides are just $2.00. They download as PDF Files right to your computer and can easily be printed.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-Samuel-WORD-Guide-2498220

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