Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 98, 1 Samuel 25
Nabal is described as a rich man. David Guzik writes, “There are four kinds of riches. There are riches in what you have, riches in what you do, riches in what you know, and riches in what you are — riches of character. Nabal was a very rich man, but only rich in what he had. He had the lowest kind of riches.”
Abigail, on the other hand, was both “discerning and beautiful.” She was rich outwardly and inwardly. She was a wise woman married to a foolish man.
Many women find themselves in that position. Sometimes that happens because you came to faith in Christ after you’re married, but sometimes it happens simply because you were naive and chose a foolish man unwittingly. Either way, now you’re married. What are you going to do?
Humble yourself. Rather than focusing on that splinter in your husband’s eye, remind yourself of the log in your own. Matthew 5-7 is a great place to look.
Seek his good and not his harm. Leave vengeance up to God. Choose to overcome evil with good. Choose kindness. Choose to bless rather than curse. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 13 are good passages to study on this.
Trust God. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” The foolish woman tears down her own house with her hands. Be wise and put your trust in God – not in yourself, not in your husband, not in your wealth or position or family name. Trust in God.
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:1-5 ESV, a Psalm of David
Heavenly Father, I pray for my sisters all across my nation and around the world who are married to foolish men. Give them strength when they are weak. Give them discernment when they don’t know what to do next. Give them patience to wait upon Your deliverance and justice. Increase their faith. Help them trust in You and You alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 96, 1 Samuel 21-22
Samuel 21 begins with David running to Ahimelech, the priest. That’s a great place to start, but it goes downhill quickly as David tells one lie after another. Before fleeing to the Philistine city of Gath, Goliath’s hometown, David asked the priest for a spear or a sword because he’d “brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required taste” (1 Samuel 21:8). More lies.
What has happened to David’s faith?
What happened to the David who said, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with the javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts the god of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45)?!
What happened to David wanting all the earth to know that there is a God in Israel and all the Israelites to know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord’s?! (1 Samuel 17:46-47)
Friends, our flesh is so weak. Now is the time to prepare for that day when persecution comes, when someone is pursuing us. Are you prepared to stand?
Who do you fear more? God … Or man?
Today, November 2, 2025, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), is a great day to consider these questions.
Let me recommend the video series, PREPARE TO STAND, with Andrew Brunson who was imprisoned in Turkey for two years for his faith.
Heavenly Father, we lift up our persecuted brothers and sisters to You. Give them strength when they are weak. Protect them from the enemy’s schemes. Grow our faith, Father. Help us when our faith is weak. Help us to remember Your power and faithfulness. Let us not trust in any earthly weapon – not weapons of human intellect or power or violence – but let us trust in the sword of Your Spirit, Your Word, which is mightier than the mightiest human sword. Help us to hide it in our hearts and meditate on it night and day. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 95, 1 Samuel 18-20
Have you ever been envious of someone? Have you ever been upset when someone else got something that you didn’t? Someone else got a real Cabbage Patch doll, but you didn’t. Someone else had a new pair of Jordans, but you didn’t. How about when someone else got a promotion at work or an award at school, while you were passed by? Or maybe that guy you liked asked out your best friend instead of you? Envy rears its nasty head in all kinds of places and all kinds of ways.
As 1 Samuel 17 ends and 1 Samuel 18 begins, Saul asks David to lead his army, and yet Saul is very angry when he hears the women celebrating and singing David’s conquests. Even though the women sang of Saul defeating thousands, that’s not good enough when compared to David’s ten thousands, “and Saul eyed David from that day on” (1 Samuel 18:9 ESV).
Unfortunately, I have witnessed similar animosity and envy between Christian individuals, ministries, and churches. Rather than seeing one another as God’s fellow workers, linking arms together, all too many Christians are jockeying for position – judging their own success by getting more members, more followers, or more likes. Their concern isn’t for the purity and spread of the gospel. Their concern is for the popularity of their own personal ministry.
Let us not be like Cain, “who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous” (1 John 3:12 ESV). Rather, let’s be like Paul, who wrote, “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:8-9 ESV). Remember that love is patient and kind, not envying or boasting, nor being arrogant or rude (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 ESV). Let’s “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15 ESV) instead of being mad at those who rejoice and rejoicing at those who weep.
Envy is the way of the Pharisees (Mark 15:10), the way of the world, but not the way of Christ and His followers.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the body of Christ here on earth. We pray for each and every member, each and every pastor, teacher, ministry leader, church planter, every one bearing the name of Christ around the world. We pray that You will unite them to Your Word, to the gospel, and to one another. Protect us from the enemy, our adversary, the devil who wants to bring division and confusion and darkness. Keep us from envy and backbiting. Keep us on the straight and narrow path. Keep us close to the cross. For Your glory and our good, we pray. Amen.
Alas Did My Savior Bleed at the Cross – Justin Hill – Ed Sullivan
Before closing out, I want to give a “shout out” to some national ministries that have been great blessings to me.
David Guzik’s Enduring Word – I’ve used many of his resources when I’m studying for teaching at Community Bible Study. I love that I can choose to read, watch, or listen since his site includes written material as well as videos and audio downloads. You can even find links to his teachings on the Blue Letter Bible website and app by clicking on “commentaries.”
Truth for Life with Alistair Begg – I love how Mr. Begg teaches expositionally through the Bible verse by verse with passion and application.
Got Questions – A great resource when you’re researching something. For example, their article called, “What does the Bible have up say about envy?” ends with this paragraph. “The root of envy is a dissatisfied heart. We experience envy when we cannot have what our heart desires. We have not yet learned the secret of contentment (Philippians 4:10–13), of delighting ourselves in the Lord. The most effective way to avoid envy is to trust in the Lord and delight in Him: ‘Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:3–6).'” Amen!
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 94, 1 Samuel 17
Goliath was big. God is bigger.
Goliath’s armor was strong. God’s armor is stronger.
Goliath’s spear was mighty. God’s sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is mightier.
Just like we shouldn’t judge little David by external appearances, we shouldn’t judge our circumstances by external appearances. Put on your armor, take up your sword, and get in the battle! Quit standing on the sidelines. Remember what David said to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45 ESV
Heavenly Father, help me to look at life through the lens of Scripture and truth, to remember that You are on my side. Thank you for that mighty sword that I hold in my heart and in my right hand. Remind me to use it. Thank you for that armor that is mine and fits me like a glove. Remind me to put it on. Hide me behind the cross. Shelter me under Your wings. You are my mighty fortress. I have nothing to fear.
A Mighty Fortress is our God – Desert Hills Bible Church
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 93, 1 Samuel 16
When the harmful spirit was tormenting Saul, music would refresh him. I have experienced first hand the power that music has over me. It can make me feel anxious or peaceful, excited or restful.
Lyrics, too, have such power. Memorizing song lyrics is so much easier than a paragraph of prose of a similar length. What lyrics do you want stuck in your head? A jingle from some obnoxious commercial you saw on TV last night, a song from your teenage years that you heard while you were shopping at the grocery store, or a psalm, hymn, or spiritual song?
This morning, like most mornings, I woke up with a God honoring song running through my head. It set the tone for my quiet time with the Lord and helped me to focus my thoughts on things that are eternal rather than my never ending “to do list.”
This is why my advent book, “From Creation to Christ” features two songs every day. In fact, I created an Advent Playlist on YouTube to accompany it.
For the next month, pay attention to the songs running through your head and what impact they have on your thoughts and your mood.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful gift of beautiful music. You knew what a blessing it would be to our weary souls. I pray that we would use music to glorify and honor You and to lift our hearts, minds, and souls up to the heavenly places. Help me to be careful to think about what I’m thinking about, and to take any disobedient thoughts captive, renewing my mind with what is true and lovely and excellent and praiseworthy. Please show me if there is any music that I’m singing or listening to that dishonors Your Name or that leads me into darkness rather than light. For Your glory and honor I pray. Amen.
Psalm 1 – The Psalms Project
All Creatures of our God and King – Sovereign Grace Music
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 92, 1 Samuel 15.
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:22 ESV
Am I as faithful to obey God in the little things, as I am to obey Him in the “big ones”?
I go to church every week without fail, but am I as faithful in reaching out to a hurting neighbor or stranger in need?
I read my Bible every single day, but am I as diligent in being patient and kind to my husband and children day after day?
I answer each and every question in my Bible study workbook, but am I as conscientious in sharing the gospel and making disciples of the lost.
I try to take every opportunity I have to teach others about the goodness of God, but am I as careful on praying without ceasing and seeking the Lord’s guidance in my own daily life.
There are some areas of my life that I find easier to obey than others. How about you? What is easier for you to obey and where do you struggle?
I think some of the things that are easier for me to obey are because they are more enjoyable for me. I simply enjoy reading and singing and studying more than I enjoy serving and listening and being kind. But I’m afraid that some of the things are easier for me because they are more visible. Other people see me at church. Other people hear me teaching or participating in Bible study. Ouch 😳
Oh, Father, help me to live for Your “well done.” Protect me from seeking man’s praise rather than Your praise. I want to live for an audience of One. You are my perfect judge. Your opinion is what matters. Help me to trust and obey. Day by day. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
One Thing – Sovereign Grace Music
More Encouraging Scripture:
Galatians 1:10 ESV — For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Colossians 3:22 ESV — Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 91, 1 Samuel 13-14
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.”
1 Samuel 14:6 ESV
Sometimes we stand in our own way. We set up our own road blocks. We refuse to step out in faith simply because the bridge before us seems too difficult to cross.
We need to remember that “Nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) Nothing. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. God can do anything He pleases.
He has absolute authority over everything and everyone on earth. He can take down an army of thousands with two faithful men. He can slay a giant with one little stone. He can part the sea, and He can bring water out of a rock. He can bring manna out of the heavens, and He can make the fleece dry while the ground around it is wet.
Nothing is impossible with God.
He can save by angels. He can save by dreams. He can use ravens. He can use donkeys. He can send floods and earthquakes and hurricanes. He can work through the youngest of babies and the oldest of women.
Nothing is impossible with God.
Heavenly Father, give me the faith that I need to trust in You. Help me to get out of the boat and follow Your lead. Let me not put up road blocks by my unbelief. Make me like Abraham who was counted righteous because of his faith. May nothing cause me to doubt, for I know that You are able to save by many or by few. Indeed, nothing is impossible with You. In the Name of Jesus Christ who triumphed over sin, the devil, and the grave. Amen.
Nothing is Impossible with God – Luke 1:37 memory verse song
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 90, 1 Samuel 12
A.W. Tozer’s book, “The Knowledge of the Holy,” published in 1961, is the only book I’ve read again and again, well, besides the Bible and C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series.
I’d love to just quote the whole first chapter entitled, “Why We Must Think Rightly About God” for you, but instead I’ll share a few sentences and urge you to get the book for yourself.
“We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God.”
“Compared with our actual thoughts about Him, our creedal statements are of little consequence.”
“All the problems of heaven and earth, though they were to confront us together and at once, would be nothing compared with the overwhelming problem of God: That He is; what He is like; and what we as mortal beings must do about Him.”
I was thinking about these ideas while reading 1 Samuel 12, especially this verse:
For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.
1 Samuel 12:22 ESV
We must ask ourselves questions like,
Is there a God and what is He like?
Does He exist for my pleasure or do I exist for His?
Does He see me, know me, and care about me?
Is He in charge or am I?
The answers to these questions are found, and must be found, in God’s Word rather than in our emotions, logical conclusions, or Google searches.
Heavenly Father, I believe that You are all-powerful and all-knowing and holy and righteous and good because Your Word and Your Creation confirm it. You have created me and redeemed me for Your pleasure, for Your Name’s sake. I want to live for Your glory. I want to glorify and magnify Your Name. Help me. Strengthen me. Enlighten me. Draw all men to Yourself that there would be a great cloud of witnesses praising You for all eternity. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 89, 1 Samuel 11.
Once again I was reminded of the story of the Levite and his concubine which took place in Gibeah (Saul’s hometown) in Judges 19-21, particularly Judges 19:29 ESV, “And when [the Levite] entered his house, he took a knife, and taking hold of his concubine he divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel.” Along with Judges 21:14 ESV, “And Benjamin returned at that time. And they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead….”
Saul is a Benjaminite from the city of Gibeah. He would have known these stories. In fact, his family would have been directly touched by these events recorded in Judges.
Now notice the connections in 1 Samuel 11. Nahash the Ammonite is attacking the people of Jabesh-Gilead — Was Saul’s mother from there? His aunt? His best friend’s mom?
Saul took the yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them to all the other tribes in Israel — Just like what the Levite had done with his concubine’s body. It had worked last time to get the people involved, and it worked this time for Saul.
Our family’s traditions, the stories we grow up hearing, the attitudes of people around us, they impact our lives. How I react to my husband, my children, and the cashier at Walmart is shaped by my upbringing. The takeaway for me in this is twofold. One, as a mom, I want to consider the impact I’m having on my children. How am I shaping them by how I behave and what experiences I invite into my children’s lives? Two, as a grown person, how are my actions today being shaped not by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God but by my past. How am I following my passions, instincts, and impulses rather than the Lord?
Heavenly Father, I love You. All Your ways are right. All You do is good. Father, I want to follow You all the days of my life. I want to be conformed into Your image. Make me more like You. I pray that all my actions would be led by Your Holy Spirit who dwells in me and Your Inspired Word which is a lamp to my feet. Give me wisdom as a mother to recognize how my attitudes and actions, what I let into my children’s lives, what I put in front of their faces, will shape their lives in the future. Help me to live for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Teach What is Good 
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