Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 101, 1 Samuel 28
A fall 2024 Pew Research Center survey found “that 30% of U.S. adults say they consult astrology (or a horoscope), tarot cards or a fortune teller at least once a year, but most do so just for fun, and few Americans say they make major decisions based on what they learn along the way.”
Friends, listen to me, astrology, horoscopes, tarot cards, and fortune tellers are not fun. They’re dangerous and demonic. Stay away from them! Listen to the Lord’s words to His people as they’re preparing to enter the promised land.
“There shall not be found among you … anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.
Deuteronomy 18:10-14 ESV
Maybe you’d never dream of going to a fortune teller or necromancer. Are there other cultural norms that you have made part of your life? Gluttony? Cussing? Sex outside marriage? Pornography? Drug use? What about wasting countless hours of your brief life playing video games, watching TV, or scrolling through social media?
Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the many ways we have gone the way of the world, following the pagan culture of entertainment and selfishness. We want to worship You in Spirit and Truth. Help us to put to death what is earthly in us and to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiving and loving others, and following You with all our hearts for all our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 100, 1 Samuel 27
Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.”
1 Samuel 27:1 ESV
Be careful what you allow yourself to say to your heart, those things that are too dreadful or foolish to speak out loud, things you’d never utter to your husband or sister or parent or pastor because you know they’re not true and not right.
Some of us are prone to saying discouraging words in our own hearts. We need to remember what the Lord said in Deuteronomy,
“If you say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I. How can I dispossess them?’ you shall not be afraid of them but you shall remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which the LORD your God brought you out.”
Deuteronomy 7:17-19a ESV
Some of us are prone to saying boastful words in our own hearts. Again, we need to remember what the Lord said in Deuteronomy,
Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘Mypower and the might of myhand have gotten me this wealth.’ (Deuteronomy 8:17 ESV)
Do not say in your heart, after the LORD your God has thrust them out before you, “It is because of myrighteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,” whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is driving them out before you. (Deuteronomy 9:4 ESV)
Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, “I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.” This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike. (Deuteronomy 29:18b-19 ESV)
Remember the warnings of Psalm 10. The wicked man says in his heart, “I shall not be moved; throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity,” renouncing God and saying inhis heart, “You will not call to account”? while the helpless man says in his heart, “God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”
Rather, let us say to our hearts these words of David’s son, Solomon, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding,” and “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”(Proverbs 3:5, 29:25 ESV)
Heavenly Father, help me to be careful what words I say aloud, but also what words I say to my own heart, those things that no human being will ever hear. You know them, and I know them. You know my thoughts before I speak them. Help me to guard my heart for it is the wellspring of life. Help me to think about what is good and excellent and true and praiseworthy. Help me to take sinful thoughts captive and make my thoughts obey you. I recognize that I am unable to do this on my own. I need Your strength. Please help me do it for Your glory and for my good. In the name of Jesus Christ who saved me and redeemed me and rules over me, I pray. Amen
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 73, Judges 21
People always joke about Leviticus being the hardest book in the Bible, with maybe Numbers and Job being close runners up. Well, so far this year, I’ve read all three of those books, and none of them light a candle to how hard Judges has been for me. To see again and again the depravity of men, even so called “good men” like Gideon and Samson, has broken my heart time after time.
Judges ends with these words,
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
Judges 21:25 ESV
Whether people obey Him or not, Almighty Jehovah God is the Supreme, Sovereign Ruler. He is the King over Heaven and Earth. He rules over all creation, though mankind chooses to disobey Him, doing whatever seems right in their own eyes. We choose to follow our own deceitful, corrupted hearts rather than following the Lord.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 14:12 ESV
As an atheist, I saw helping others as a way I could make my mark in the world. I wanted people to think well of me. I wanted to be a good person. I made up all kinds of rules for myself and tried my best to keep them, but I couldn’t do it. I didn’t have any motivation higher than my own pride, and I didn’t have any strength higher than my own will power. Like these men in Judges, I was doing whatever seemed right to me, whatever was right in my own eyes, and that way led me straight to the center of the City of Destruction via the Slough of Despond. (Have you ever read “Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan? Might I suggest listening to an audio version of it. I’ve been listening to this versionread by Nadia May and I love it.)
But the Bible reveals another path. A better path. A path of humility and power, God’s power.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV
Heavenly Father, Your Way is right. All Your ways are good. Help us to know You, rightly discerning the path of life. May Your Word be a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. May Your goodness be a fetter, binding our wandering hearts to Thee. Lead us straight to You. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
From Everlasting (Psalm 90) – Sovereign Grace Music
FORMERATHEIST58
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 70, Judges 17-18
It seems that Micah is about using God rather than serving Him. He wants a priest and an ephod and carved images, not so he can rightly know and love God, but so that he can get them to do what he wants.
God isn’t a genie in a lamp that we can rub when we want our wishes granted. God doesn’t live to do our bidding. We need to know God rightly, so we can worship Him rightly. Wrong beliefs lead to wrong actions. Every. Time.
Quit following your heart and start leading your heart to follow God. His ways are right. His ways are better. Every. Time.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your immense mercy and grace. You didn’t have to love me. You didn’t have to save me. But You did. Thank You. I want to serve You for You are worthy. Give me discernment to recognize what is good and what is evil, and give me the power to choose good. For the Glory of Your Name and Your Kingdom. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Ten Shekels or the Lamb – Chris Sandford
Is He Worthy – Andrew Peterson – Highrock
Are you USING GOD … Or WORSHIPPING GOD? – FormerAtheist58
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 69, Judges 16
Judges 16 has lessons for both men and women. I have been blessed with two sons as well as two daughters. I see lessons here for both of them.
Sons, guys, be careful who you fall for. The wrong woman will lead you in the wrong direction. Strong men can become weak men in a woman’s hands. Get to know who a woman really is before you give her your heart. If you see that she has a selfish, manipulative, deceitful spirit, RUN!
Daughters, ladies, be careful how you use your seductive powers. You can manipulate a man into doing things both you and he will regret. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Don’t manipulate men, making them your puppet. It will only lead you astray.
For all of my children, for all of you reading this, it’s not too late. God can work through you to accomplish HIS purposes. He is the God of second and third and fourth chances. He is the God of redemption. He is on His throne. He works even through SINFUL men and women like Samson and Delilah and Bill and Kim.
Heavenly Father, I pray for my sons and my daughters, my granddaughters and my grandsons, men and the women. May their hearts belong to You. May You be their greatest treasure. Protect them from the sins of deceit and manipulation. Teach them and strengthen them to guard their hearts. Fill their hearts with pure, holy desires, that they would love what You love and hate what You hate. And remind them that it’s never too late to return to You. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Come Thou Fount – Shane and Shane
GOD WORKS even through SINFUL MEN and WOMEN like SAMSON and ME 🙋🏻♂️🙋🏼♀️
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 68, Judges 15
In Judges 15:11b (ESV), Samson explained to the men of Judah that he had taken vengeance on the Philistines for, “As they did to me, so have I done to them.” This reminded of the words of Jesus and Paul and Peter.
“But I [Jesus] say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:27-31 ESV
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21 ESV
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:13-23 ESV
Does God work even through our sin? Yes, certainly, He does. But, His desire is to be glorified in our humble submission to His will.
Check your motive. Is your heart fixed on God’s glory or your own? Are you thinking about bringing justice or bringing judgment? Are you seeking vengeance and vindication or repentance and restoration?
Heavenly Father, help me to be kind in the face of spite, helpful in the face of animosity, and patient in the face of irritability. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that my heart would burn with love rather than anger. Help me to remember that the anger of man will never achieve the righteousness of God. Give me a spirit that seeks to overcome evil with good. In the name of Jesus Christ, the One who ultimately and completely overcame evil with good, I pray. Amen.
Shane and Shane – Only There
If SAMSON met the GOLDEN RULE – FormerAtheist58
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 66, Judges 13
An angel appeared to Hagar in the desert (Genesis 16) and to Mary, the mother of our Savior Jesus (Luke 1). The Lord answered the prayers of Hannah when she asked for a son (1 Samuel 1). Abigail’s discernment and quick actions spared David from having revenge on foolish Nabal (1 Samuel 25).
Here, in Judges 13, the Lord has chosen Manoah’s unnamed wife, a barren, childless woman, to be His messenger to her husband.
Sisters, God wants to use YOU as a blessing to your husband, your children, your church, and your community. He has a purpose for YOU. If you’re married, encourage your husband as your head by sincerely, genuinely sharing your life with him. Whether you’re married or not, whether you have a house full of kids or not, if God has chosen you as His child, then He has chosen you to be His ambassador, a messenger of the most high God.
Brothers, God wants to use YOU as a blessing to your wife, your children, your church, and your community. He has a purpose for YOU. If you’re married, encourage your wife as your helper by sincerely, genuinely listening to her. If God has chosen YOU as His child, then He has chosen YOU to be His ambassador, a messenger of the most high God.
Heavenly Father, I pray that we would call out to You, seeking You, morning by morning and evening by evening and that we would hear Your voice as You answer me. Thank You for choosing me to be a vessel of Your grace. May that grace overflow to my husband and my children and their children. May that grace bring glory to Your Name. Give my husband and I discernment as we listen for Your voice. Help us to know when You are speaking and grant us unity in Your Holy Spirit. Help us both to be humble toward each other and to You. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Give Me Jesus – Fernando Ortega
Does God only speak to MEN? – FormerAtheist58
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 63, Judges 10
Have you ever thought about this – God brought His people into the Promised Land, an abundant land flowing with milk and honey, yet the Israelites ended up worshipping the gods of the very people God sent them to conquer?
God wanted the Israelites to drive out those idol-worshipping nations, but instead the Israelites joined in worshipping those idols themselves.
How often are we guilty of these very same things? How often are we Christians bowing to the idols of our culture – the idols of sports and wealth and comfort and fame? How often do we give Jesus our leftovers – after giving the world our time, talents, and treasures – rather than seeking Him first and giving Him our best?
Repent and return to Him today.
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32 ESV
Heavenly Father, Forgive us for presuming on Your kindness. Your kindness is to lead us to repentance. Forgive us for our whoring and adultery. We have chased after idols, false gods that can never deliver what they promise. We have turned to the world that You created and turned our backs on You, our Creator. Forgive us. Cleanse our hearts and hands and renew a right spirit in us. In the Name of Jesus Christ, the Sinless Lamb who was slain for our sins, we pray. Amen.
Christus Victor (Amen) – Keith and Kristyn Getty, Cochren & Co
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 62, Judges 9
Sometimes it takes years for the seeds you sow to bear fruit, but I promise you, they will. If you plant pumpkin seeds, you’ll harvest pumpkins. If you plant radish seeds, you’ll harvest radishes. Things always grow according to their kinds. God designed it that way.
The fruit might be glorious – a bountiful harvest of melons and tomatoes and berries – or the fruit might be pitiful – rotten and shriveled and sparce – but like Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
If you don’t want radishes, don’t plant radish seeds.
The Lord is a good, holy, just judge and ruler. Whether in this life or in eternity, He will repay each one according to his deeds. If you sow thoughts of bitterness and jealousy, you will become bitter and jealous, and your relationships will flounder. If you sow thoughts of humility and forgiveness, you will become increasingly humble and forgiving, and your relationships will grow.
Gideon’s son, Abimelech, allowed selfish ambition to take control of his life, and he and the men who helped him, paid the price for it.
Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, I trust You. You are good. You are the Almighty Sovereign Ruler over all things. Let me not grow weary of doing good, knowing that at the right time I will reap a bountiful harvest. Help me to overcome evil with good and to trust You to work justice in those situations that seem unjust in my eyes. Grow my faith, Father, and make me more like You. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
SOWING & REAPING – FORMERATHEIST58
My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62) – Sovereign Grace
How Great is the Greatness of God – Matt Boswell, Bryan Fowler, Matt Papa
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