Friday, 30 April 2021

01 May 2021

 *Day 121/365 (May 1) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*Absalom's rebellion* 

Absalom's ambition - 2 Samuel 15:1-6 

David's trust in God - Psalm 62:1-12

Absalom's conspiracy - 2 Sam.15:7-12 

David's prayer - Psa.41:1-13 

David leaves Jerusalem - 2 Sam.15:13-16 

David's confidence in God's protection - Psa.63:1-11 

Ittai's loyalty - 2 Sam.15:17-23

David sends ark back - 2 Sam.15:24-28 

David's prayer for protection - Psa.61:1-8 

David on the Mount of Olives - 2 Sam.15:29-30 

David's prayer for help - Psa.3:1-8 

David's cry of anguish - Psa.22:1-18 

*A thought*:

David's response to the conspiracy against him was not to wallow in self-pity, but to draw from it the lessons that would make him a better servant of the Lord. When we see God's hand in all events, then we shall see all events in God's hand.

*Week #18 Memory Verse*:

Isaiah 48:17

This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'

Thursday, 29 April 2021

30 April 2021

 *Day 120/365 (April 30) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David's family troubles*

David and Joab capture Rabbath - II Samuel 12:26-31, I Chronicles 20:1-3

Praise for victory - Psalm 21:1-13

Amnon rapes his sister, Tamar - II Sam.13:1-20

Absalom murders Amnon - II Sam.13:21-29

Absalom flees to Geshur - II Sam.13:30-39

Absalom persuaded to return - II Sam.14:1-33 

*A thought*:

"Most problems in children", said one famous family counsellor, "are the reflection of what lies in the hearts of the parents". Did David's weaknesses work themselves out in his own offspring? We can only speculate - but it's a thought worth pondering. 

*Week #18 Memory Verse*: (We're starting a new week )

Isaiah 48:17

This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go'

29 April 2021

 *Day 119/365 (April 29) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*The birth of Solomon*

Nathan's parable and David's confession - II Samuel 12:1-15 

David's prayer for forgiveness - Psalm 51:1-19, 32:1-11, 38:1-22

God's love and mercy - Psa.103:1-22 

David's intercession -II Sam.12:16 

David's prayer for help - Psa.6:1-10

David's child dies - II Sam.12:17-23 

Solomon's birth - II Sam.12:24-25 

*A thought*:

The greatest deception in life is self-deception. David had deceived himself to such an extent that it took Nathan's barbed parable to bring him out into the open. "To thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day thou canst not then be false to any man" (Hamlet, Shakespeare).

*Week #17 Memory Verse*:

I John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

28 April 2021

 *Day 118/365 (April 28) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David and Bathsheba*

David and Mephibosheth -II Samuel 9:1-13 

Decisive victories over Ammonite-Syrian forces - II Sam.10:1-14, I Chronicles 19:1-15 

David defeats Syrian forces - II Sam 10:15-19, I Chr.19:16-19 

David's prayer for victory - Psalm 20:1-9 

David's sin - I Kings 15:5 

David's adultery - II Sam.11:1-5 

David's attempt at concealment - II Sam.11:6-13 

Uriah murdered - II Sam.11:14-27 

*A thought*:

How sad that David - "the man after God's heart" - could fall into the sin of adultery and murder. Somewhere inside David's heart, spiritual erosion had set in. Is there any spiritual erosion taking place in your life? Check now - before it is too late! 

*Week #17 Memory Verse*:

I John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"

Monday, 26 April 2021

27 April 2021

 *Day 117/365 (April 27) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David's songs of thanksgiving*

David's psalm of thanksgiving - II Samuel 22:1-51 

David's song of victory - Psalm 18:1-50 

He thanks God for victory - Psa.144:1-15 

*A thought*:

One of the things that God delights in is His people's praise. Has God given you a victory in the last few days or weeks? Then do as David did, and compose your own psalm of praise. You'll be surprised at the result. 

*Week #17 Memory Verse*:

I John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"

Sunday, 25 April 2021

26 April 2021

 *Day 116/365 (April 26) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David's military victories*

Joram congratulates David - II Samuel 8:9-10, I Chronicles 18:9-10 

David's prayer for deliverance - Psalm 60:1-12, 108:6-13

Edom subdued - II Sam.8:13-14, I Chr.18:12-13

Hadad flees to Egypt - I Kings 11:15-20

Spoils dedicated - II Sam.8:12, I Chr.18:11 

David's mighty men - II Sam.23:8-12, 18-39; I Chr.11:10-14, 20-47

David's government and officers - II Sam.8:15-18, I Chr.18:14-17 

*A thought*:

The list of David's victories is staggering. But had he gone to battle without God, it would not be his victories we would be reading about, but his defeats. When God sends, He fends - wards off all fatal harm on the way.

*Week #17 Memory Verse*:

I John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"

Saturday, 24 April 2021

25 April 2021

 *Day 115/365 (April 25) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*Israel increases her territory*

God's covenant with David - I Chronicles 17:3-15 

David's prayer & thanksgiving - II Samuel 7:18-29, I Chr.17:16-27 

God's chosen King - Psalm 2:1-12, 110:1-7

David's prayer of confidence - Psa.16:1-11

Territorial gains over the Philistines, Moab, the King of Zobah and Syria - II Sam.8:1-8, I

Chr.18:1-8 

David's thanksgiving - Psa.9:1-20 

*A thought*:

Despite all that Israel had gained, God led them to embark upon gaining even more territory. How is it with you in your Christian life? Is God leading you on to even greater gains? Then don't hold back. S-t-r-e-t-c-h yourself. God is with you.

*Week #17 Memory Verse*:

I John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from

all unrighteousness"

Friday, 23 April 2021

24 April 2021

 *Day 114/365 (April 24) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*Psalms of Praise*

Hymn of praise prepared - I Chronicles 16:4-7 

Hymn of praise sung - I Chr.16:8-22

God and His people - Psalm 105:1-15, I Chr.16:23-36, Psa.96:1-13, 98:1-9, 106:47-48 

Daily sacrifices instituted -I Chr.16:37-43 

Michal despises David - II Samuel 6:20-23

David's care for the ark - II Sam.7:1-3, I Chr.17:1-2 

God's covenant with David - II Sam.7:4-17 

*A thought*:

When God has His rightful place in the hearts of not just some, but all of His people, then the Church becomes like the temple in David's day - a habitation of continuous delight

and endless praise. Why is it not so? 

*Week #17 Memory Verse*:

I John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from

all unrighteousness"

Thursday, 22 April 2021

23 April 2021

 *Day 113/365 (April 23) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*The ark restored*

David's song of triumph - Psalm 68:19-35 

Preparation for the ark - I Chronicles 15:1-14 

The temple praised - Psa.132:1-18 

Musicians chosen - I Chr.15:15-24 

Ark brought to Jerusalem - II Samuel 6:12-15, I Chr.15:25-28 

God the supreme Ruler - Psa.97:1-12 

Ark set in its place - II Sam.6:16-17, I Chr.15:29, 16:1, II Chr.1:4 

What God requires - Psa.15:1-5 

The great King - Psa.24:1-10 

David blesses the people - II Chr.6:18-19, I Chr.16:2-3 

*A thought*:

When the ark of God's presence is given its rightful place, the inevitable result is jubilation and rejoicing. If your heart of is not singing today, perhaps this is the reason - God does not have His rightful place in your life.

*Week #17 Memory Verse*: (We're starting a new week)

I John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"

22 April 2021

 *Day 112/365 (April 22) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*Israel's victory*

Victory at Baal Perazim - II Samuel 5:19-21, I Chronicles 14:10-12

The second conflict - II Sam.5:22-25, I Chr.14:13-17

Decision to bring ark back - I Chr.13:1-4 

God's complete knowledge and care - Psalm 139:1-24 

Journey of ark from KiriathJearim - II Sam.6:1-5, I Chr.13:5-8 

God and His people - Psa.78:1-11, 67-72 

Ark brought to the house of Obed-Edom - II Sam.6:6-11, I Chr.13:9-14

David's song of triumph - Psa.68:1-18

*A thought*:

For God's blessing to flow, He must have the central place. The ark, which was the symbol of God's presence, had to be brought to Jerusalem - the city of God. Where does God dwell in your life? Is He marginal? Or central?

*Week #16 Memory Verse*:

II Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"

Tuesday, 20 April 2021

21 April 2021

 *Day 111/365 (April 21) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David: King of Israel and Judah*

Length of David's reign - II Samuel 5:5

Punishment of the wicked - Psalm 58:1-11

God, the great King - Psa. 93:1-5

A song of praise - Psa. 95:1-11 

Jerusalem becomes the capital city - II Sam.5:6-10, I Chronicles 11:4-9

A prayer of thanksgiving - Psa.118:1-29

House built for David - II Sam. 5:11-12, I Chr.14:1-2

David's promise - Psa. 101:1-8

Children born in Jerusalem - II Sam.5:13-16, I Chr. 3:5-9, 14:3-7

War against the Philistines -II Sam.5:17, I Chr.14:8

The Gadites join David - I Chr. 12:8-15

The Philistines gather -II Sam.5:18, I Chr.14:9

David brought water from Bethlehem - II Sam.23:13-17, I Chr.11:15-19 

*A thought*:

David's act of sacrifice in pouring out the water that came from the well of Bethlehem shows the depth of his sincerity and dedication. How does his action compare with your own willingness for self-sacrifice? Moderately?Closely? Or remotely?

*Week #16 Memory Verse*:

II Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"

Monday, 19 April 2021

20 April 2021

 *Day 110/365 (April 20) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*Israel United*

Michal and Abner return to David - II Samuel 3:6-21 

Joab murders Abner - II Samuel 3:22-29 

Murder of Ish-Bosheth -II Samuel 4:1-3; 5-12 

David made king over Israel - II Samuel 5:1-3; I Chronicles 11:1-3 

List of David's warriors - I Chronicles 12:23-40

Israel united under David - I Chronicles 29:26 

*A thought*:

What explains David's great success? One thing above all else - early in His life He made a commitment to the God of the covenant. And the God of the covenant made a commitment to him. Without this understanding, no life can be secure.

*Week #16 Memory Verse*:

II Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"

Sunday, 18 April 2021

19 April 2021

 *Day 109/365 (April 19) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David becomes King*

Mephibosheth's lameness -II Samuel 4:4 

David hears of Saul's death and laments - II Samuel 1:1-27 

Saul's descendants -I Chronicles 8:29-40; 9:35-44 

David becomes king - II Samuel 5:4; I Kings 2:11; I Chronicles 29:27 

*(Reign of David - 1025-985 BC)*

David annointed King of Judah - II Samuel 2:1-7 

Ish-Bosheth made King of Israel - II Samuel 2:8-11 

Civil war in Israel - II Samuel 2:12-32; 3:1 

Children born in Hebron - II Samuel 3:2-5; I Chronicles 3:1-4 

*A thought*:

David's lament over Jonathan's death - "Your love for me was wonderful" - is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. When you consider the death of Christ, and what it meant for you, do not those same words describe your feelings also?

*Week #16 Memory Verse*:

II Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"

18 April 2021

 *Day 108/365 (April 18) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*The deaths of Saul and Jonathan*

Ziklag spoiled - I Samuel 30:1-6 

David pursues the Amalekites and recovers everything- I Samuel 30:7-20 

David's distribution of the spoil - I Samuel 30:21-31 

Battle positions -I Samuel 28:4 

Saul consults the witch of Endor - I Samuel 28:3, 5-19 

Saul's terror - I Samuel 28:20-25 

Saul's defeat and death - I Samuel 31:1-13; I Chronicles 10:1-14 

*A thought*:

In God's sovereignty, the destruction of David's home - which outwardly seemed a calamity - was but the preparation for his next phase of service - kingship. The words "calamity" and "sovereignty" are incompatible.

*Week #16 Memory Verse*:

II Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"

Friday, 16 April 2021

17 April 2021

 *Day 107/365 (April 17) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David builds a great army*

David marries Abigail - I Samuel 25:39-44 

David again spares Saul's life and confronts him - I Samuel 26:1-25 

David retires to Gath - I Samuel 27:1-7 

David deceives Achish - I Samuel 27:8-12 

David's friends - I Chronicles 12:1-7 

The Philistines gather for battle: Achish's confidence in David - I Samuel 28:1-2 

David prevented from fighting - I Samuel 29:1-11 

Men who joined David - I Chronicles 12:19-22 

*A thought*:

Building anything for God requires dedication, determination and persistence. There are sure to be times of doubt and difficulty. David had his time of doubt, but he acknowledged it, resisted it, and moved ahead in the direction God told him to go. And so must you. 

*Week #16 Memory Verse*:

II Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"

Thursday, 15 April 2021

16 April 2021

 *Day 106/365 (April 16) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David spares Saul's life*

David goes to EnGedi - I Samuel 23:29

David's prayer - Psalm 17:1-15 

David spares Saul's life - I Samuel 24:1-7 

David shows his innocence - I Samuel 24:8-15

Saul acknowledges his fault - I Samuel 24:16-22

David's confidence in God - Psalm 57:1-11; 108:1-13 

Death of Samuel - I Samuel 25:1 

David's request - I Samuel 25:2-11

David's intention to destroy Nabal - I Samuel 25:12-17

Abigail pacifies David and Nabal dies - I Samuel 25:18-38

*A thought*:

One of the great principles of spiritual success is to honour leadership, even when that leadership seems to be working against you or shows signs of failure. David knew that Saul's authority was given to him by God. He respected that - and moved on to success.

*Week #16 Memory Verse*: (we're starting a new week)

II Corinthians 4:8-9 ... (this is a classic bedrock verse. Why don't you locate it in your bible and Memorize it).

Wednesday, 14 April 2021

15 April 2021

 *DAY 105/365 (April 15) PORTIONS TO READ:*

*Saul in pursuit of David*


David speaks of God's judgment and grace - Psalm 52:1-9


 David's complaint - Psalm 109:1-31


David's prayer for protection - Psalm 140:1-13 


God warns David - I Samuel 23:6-13


David's prayer of trust in God - Psalm 31:1-24


 David still sought by Saul - I Samuel 23:14-15 


David's prayer for help - Psalm 13:1-6 


Jonathan comforts David - I Samuel 23:16-18


David betrayed by the Ziphites - I Samuel 23:19-23 


David escapes - I Samuel 23:24-28


David's prayer for protection - Psalm 54:1-7


*A thought*:

Do you feel at this moment that Satan seems to be pursuing you to an unusual degree? Then do as David did, and focus your thoughts upon God. This is why God recorded David's words in His book, the Bible. He wanted you to focus your thoughts on Him. And when you do, you will find the same comfort that David did.


*Week #15 Memory Verse*:

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"

Tuesday, 13 April 2021

14 April 2021

 *Day 104/365 (April 14) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David's victory*

David at cave of Adullam -I Samuel 22:1 

David's prayer for help - Psalm 142:1-7 

Many come to David - I Samuel 22:2, I Chronicles 12:16-18 

David's evening prayer - Psalm 141:1-10 

David flees to Moab - I Samuel 22:3-5 

David's prayer for protection - Psalm 64:1-10 

Doeg slays the priests - I Samuel 22:6-20 

David's prayer for help - Psalm 35:1-28 

David saves the people of Keilah - I Samuel 23:1-5 

David offers Abiathar protection - I Samuel 22:21-23 

*A thought*:

Imagine taking a band of men who were "in distress or in debt or discontented" and turning them into a formidable army! What a picture it presents of One greater than David

 -Jesus - who takes utterly unworthy men and women and turns them into a mighty army -the Church of the Living God! 

*Week #15 Memory Verse*:

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"

Monday, 12 April 2021

13 April 2021

 *Day 103/365 (April 13) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David in difficulties*

Jonathan's covenant with David - I Samuel 20:12-23 

Saul seeks to kill Jonathan -I Samuel 20:24-34 

Jonathan and David part - I Samuel 20:35-42 

David's prayer - Psalm 26:1-12 

David flees to Ahimelech - I Samuel 21:1-9 

David's praise of God's goodness - Psalm 34:1-22 

David's prayer of trust in God - Psalm 56:1-13 

*A thought*:

While fleeing from Saul, David finds time to compose two magnificent psalms. This is what is meant by turning a setback into a springboard. Can you turn life's trials and setbacks

into a song? Try it today.

*Week #15 Memory Verse*:

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"

Sunday, 11 April 2021

12 April 2021

 *Day 102/365 (April 12) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David turns to his God*

Jonathan warns David - I Samuel 19:1-3 

David's confidence in the Lord - Psalm 11:1-7 

Saul's behaviour towards David -I Samuel 19:4-11 

Michal helps David - I Samuel 19:12-17 

David's prayer for safety - Psalm 59:1-17 

David flees to Samuel - I Samuel 19:18-24 

David's prayer for justice - Psalm 7:1-17 

David's prayer for guidance and protection - Psalm 25:1-22 

David consults Jonathan -I Samuel 20:1-11 

*A thought*:

Where do you turn for confidence when you are up against the wall? To art? To

literature? To music? To money? David turned to the Lord and remind himself that God was on the throne (Psalm 11:4). In the midst of life's insecurities, He is the greatest security

*Week #15 Memory Verse*:

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"

Saturday, 10 April 2021

11 April 2021

 *Day 101/365 (April 11) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*David's popularity increases*


David and Goliath -I Samuel 17:31-58 


Jonathan's friendship -I Samuel 18:1-4 


David's confidence in God's grace and care - Psalm 23:1-6 


David is praised - I Samuel 18:5-9 


Saul tries to kill David - I Samuel 18:10-13 


David prays for protection - Psalm 5:1-12 


David's wisdom - I Samuel 18:14-19 


David marries Michal - I Samuel 18:20-30 


David's prayer for help - Psalm 12:1-8 


*A thought*: 

David dressing up in Saul's armour was not the way to victory over Goliath. His defeat required special insight and sanctified cunning. When facing your 'Goliath' today, keep in mind that it is "Not by might not by power, but by My Spirit", says the Lord Almighty

(Zech.4:6) 


*Week #15 Memory Verse*: 

Isaiah 55:8-9 

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Friday, 9 April 2021

10 April 2021

 *Day 100/365 (April 10) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*The rise of David*

Samuel sent to Bethlehem - I Samuel 16:1-11 

Samuel annoints David - I Samuel 16:12-13 

The glory of God's creation - Psalm 19:1-14, 8:1-9 

David calms Saul - I Samuel 16:14-23 

Goliath's challenge - I Samuel 17:1-11 

David comes to the camp - I Samuel 17:12-30 

*A thought*:

Anger can be righteous as well as unrighteous. David's anger at Goliath's taunting of the Israelites was righteous because it arose from grief at what was happening to others, not from a grudge because of what was happening to him. Discerning this difference is vital.

*Week #15 Memory Verse*:

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"

Thursday, 8 April 2021

09 April 2021

 *Day 99/365 (April 9) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*The decline of Saul*

Jonathan's victory - I Samuel 13:23-14:23 

The people forbidden to eat - I Samuel 14:24-35 

Jonathan -the offender - I Samuel 14:36-46 

Continual war with the Philistines -I Samuel 14:47-48, 52 

Saul sent to destroy Amalek - I Samuel 15:1-9 

Saul commends himself - I Samuel 15:10-21 

Samuel's reply - I Samuel 15:22-23

Saul's imperfect humiliation -I Samuel 15:24-31 

Agag put to death, Samuel and Saul part - I Samuel 15:32-35 

*A thought*:

Failure to carry out God's instructions, however contradictory to reason they may appear to be, always results in great spiritual loss. Make it a life principle to do whatever God asks, even though you may not feel like it. God says, "To obey is better than sacrifice". It is!

*Week #15 Memory Verse:* (We're starting a new week)

Isaiah 55:8-9 .

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"

Wednesday, 7 April 2021

08 April 2021

 *Day 98/365 (April 8) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*War with the Philistines*


Jabesh Gilead delivered - I Samuel 11:1-11 


Saul confirmed as king - I Samuel 11:12-15 


Saul defeats Hagrites - I Chronicles 5:10, 18-22 


Samuel's integrity and his love for the people - I Samuel 12:1-25 


The Philistines' invasion -I Samuel 13:1-7, 16-22 


Saul sacrifices and is reproved for that - I Samuel 13:8-15 


*A thought*: 

God never acts out of character. Despite the rebellion of His people, He promises not to forsake them "for the sake of His great name" (1Samuel 12:22). And for that same reason, God will not forsake you. Remember that the next time you feel discouraged. 

*Week #14 Memory Verse*: 

2 Timothy 1:7 

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-

discipline"

Tuesday, 6 April 2021

07 April 2021

 *Day 97/365 (April 7) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*The story of Saul*

The Philistines defeated - I Samuel 7:9-14 

Samuel's leadership - I Samuel 7:15-17 

14th Judge, Abdon - Judges 12:13-15 

The corrupt government of Samuel's sons - I Samuel 8:1-3 

Israel asks for a king - I Samuel 8:4-22 

Samuel and Saul meet - I Samuel 9:2-27 

*[Reign of Saul - 1065-1025 BC]*

Saul becomes the 1st king of Israel - I Samuel 10:1-27 

*A thought*:

Israel's desire for a king was really a cover-up. Deep down inside, they resented the rule of God over them. They were like the boy who said, "My father told me to sit down, but I was still standing up on the inside". Does that remind you of anyone? 

*Week #14 Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline"

Monday, 5 April 2021

06 April 2021

 *Day 96/365 (April 6) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*Samson and Delilah*

Ark at Beth Shemesh - I Samuel 6:13-18 

The people destroyed -I Samuel 6:19-21

The ark taken to KiriathJearim-I Samuel 7:1-2

12th Judge, Ibzan - Judges 12:8-10

Samson and the Philistines -Judges 15:3-19

Samson's escape - Judges 16:1-3 

Saul's marriage and family - I Samuel 14:49,50 

13th Judge, Elon - Judges 12:11-12

Samson and Delilah - Judges 16:4-22

Samson's death - Judges 16:23-31 

Revival at Mizpeh - I Samuel 7:3-8 

*A thought*:

How reassuring is the truth that God is the God of the"second chance" - Samson's hair began to grow again! Have you failed in something God gave you to do? Then be encouraged - tell Him you are sorry, ask His forgiveness, and He will give you another chance.

*Week #14 Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self- discipline"

05 April 2021

 *Day 95/365 (April 5) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*The ark taken*

Jephthah's vow - Judges 11:29-40 

The Ephraimites quarrel with Jephthah -Judges 12:1-6

10th Judge, Jephthah, dies - Judges 12:7

11th Judge, Samson - Judges 15:20

The ark is taken - I Samuel 4:1-11

Eli's death and Ichabod's birth - I Samuel 4:12-22 

Dragon is broken - I Samuel 5:1-5

The Philistines afflicted -I Samuel 5:6-12, 6:1

Ark restored - I Samuel 6:2-12

*A thought*:

Why did Israel lose the battle even though the ark was with them? Perhaps they came to rely more on the ark than on God. When faith in God wavers, faith in inanimate

objects increased. And when that happens, victory is no longer assured.

*Week #14 Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self- discipline"

Sunday, 4 April 2021

04 April 2021

 *Day 94/365 (April 4) PORTIONS TO READ*:


*This calls Samuel*


Samson's riddle continued -Judges 14:15-20


Samson denied his wife - Judges 15:1-2


Eli's wicked sons - I Samuel 2:12-17


Samuel's childhood -I Samuel 2:11, 18-21, 26


Warning to Eli - I Samuel 2:22-25, 27-36


Birth of Saul - I Samuel 9:1, 14:51


God calls Samuel - I Samuel 3:1-10 


God tells Samuel of the destruction of Eli's house - I Samuel 3:11-18 


Samuel established as a prophet - I Samuel 3:19-21


Jephthah and the Gileadites -Judges 11:4-28 


*A thought*: 

Who can tell the far-reaching effects of prayer? Hannah prayed, and from her prayer came Samuel, the first great prophet and the last Judge in Israel. Pray on - your persistent praying can produce results you never dreamed possible. (Be encouraged by reading I John 

5:14-15)

*Week #14 Memory Verse*: 

2 Timothy 1:7 

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-

discipline"

Friday, 2 April 2021

03 April 2021

 *Day 93/365 (April 3) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*The story of Samson*

Samson's birth - Judges 13:24-25 

Jephthah's youth - Judges 11:1-3 

Elkanah and his family - I Samuel 1:1-8 

Hannah's prayer & Samuel's birth - I Samuel 1:9-28

Hannah's song - I Samuel 2:1-10

Israel's oppression and repentance -Judges 10:6-18

The Philistines in the west - Judges 13:1, Psalm 106:34-46

Samson desires a Philistine wife - Judges 14:1-4 

Samson kills a lion - Judges 14:5-9 

Samson's riddle - Judges 14:10-14

*A thought*:

One important fact spells out Samson's downfall - he was careless in the day of his power. Those who are careless about their God-given duties and responsibilities end up like Samson - disappointed, disillusioned and powerless.

*Week #14 Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self- discipline"

Thursday, 1 April 2021

02 April 2021

 *Day 92/365 (April 2) PORTIONS TO READ*:

*The story of Abimelech*


Jotham rebukes the Shechemites- Judges 9:7-21 


The Shechemites conspiracy - Judges 9:22-29 


Abimelech destroys Shechem - Judges 9:30-49 


Abimelech slain - Judges 9:50-57 


7th Judge, Tola, defends Israel - Judges 10:1-2


8th Judge, Jair - Judges 10:3-5 


[9th Judge, Eli]

Samson's conception - Judges 13:2-7


The angel appears to Manoah - Judges 13:8-14


Manoah's sacrifice - Judges 13:15-23 


*A thought*: 

"The measure of a man", said a great philosopher, "is what he does with power". Gideon's son, Abimelech, misused it, and ended his life in failure and defeat. How do you use the power God has given you? Carefully or carelessly?

*Week #14 Memory Verse*: 

2 Timothy 1:7 

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self- discipline"