The Story Reading

Sunday- The Story Chapter 14 (pgs. 193-195)
Monday- The Story Chapter 14 (pgs. 195-198)
Tuesday- The Story Chapter 14 (pgs. 198-202)
Wednesday- Ecclesiastes 1-6
Thursday- Proverbs 22-23
Friday- Ecclesiastes 7-12
Saturday- Psalms 134-135

Bible in a Year (Chronological Reading)

Sunday- Psalm 89; 96; 100; 101; 105; 132
Monday- 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17
Tuesday- Psalm 25; 29; 33; 36; 39
Wednesday- 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18
Thursday- Psalm 50; 53; 60; 75
Friday- 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20
Saturday-Psalm 65-67; 69-70

Memorize/Reflect: “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong…” (1 Kings 3:9)

Personal Reflection: What led to Solomon’s greatness? What led to his decline? How can I avoid the pitfalls that Solomon faced?

Discussion: How does our culture and world turn the heat up like the frog in the kettle? What are some of the dangers if we don’t notice and jump out of the water before it gets too hot? What is one area in your life where you need to be careful the world does not draw you into things that can seem “normal” or “acceptable”?

Prayer Direction: Pray for God’s wisdom to fill your heart and lead your life.

“Live It!” Challenge: Take time to read Proverbs 1-3, Ecclesiastes 1-5, and Song of Songs 1-5. Notice the wisdom and teaching God brings through Solomon at various times of his life.

Monthly Prayer Focus: For the next two weeks, we will focus on listening prayers. Ask God, “Am I walking in wisdom and where am I living foolishly?” Ask God to give you a heart and mind committed to wisdom and a life that reflect the wisdom of God.

Extra Resources for this week: Make sure you have a copy of The Story. Also, consider buying a copy of the book, A Tale of Three Kings. This book, by Gene Edwards, takes a unique and powerful look at King Saul, King David, and the short reign of King Absalom.

Small Group Resources for this week: Chapter 13 of The Story: Getting to the Heart of God’s Story (Adult Curriculum). You can purchase this 31-week study for 40% off at the Connections Center in the Shoreline lobby. (If you can’t afford this and are going to be part of a group, please contact Romel.)

The Story Reading

Sunday- The Story Chapter 13 (pgs. 175-178)
Monday- The Story Chapter 13 (pgs. 178-183)
Tuesday- The Story Chapter 13 (pgs. 183-185)
Wednesday- The Story Chapter 13 (pgs. 185-188)
Thursday- The Story Chapter 13 (pgs. 188-192)
Friday- Proverbs 1-3
Saturday- Proverbs 20-21

Bible in a Year (Chronological Reading)

Sunday- 1 Chronicles 7-10
Monday- Psalm 102-104
Tuesday- 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11-12
Wednesday- Psalm 133
Thursday- Psalm 106-107
Friday- 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23; 1 Chronicles 13-16
Saturday- Psalm 1-2; 15; 22-24; 47; 68

Memorize/Reflect: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1)

Personal Reflection: What are the ways I try to cover up my sins? What do I need to confess to God right now?

Discussion: At what points could Dave have stopped the process of sin and repented before it went too far? Why do you think that David kept going with his sin and attempted to cover it up until he was called out by Nathan?

Prayer Direction: Take time to confess your sins to God and ask for Him to remind you of the amazing grace of Jesus that cleanses you and covers your sins.

“Live It!” Challenge: Dare to be a Nathan. Think about a person that you love and care about who is doing things or making decisions that you know are wrong. Prayerfully and humbly talk with them about what you see and encourage them to confess and repent (turn the other way) of this sin.

Monthly Prayer Focus: For the next three weeks, we will focus on listening prayers. Ask God, “Is there hidden sin in my life?” Ask God to give you courage to confess this sin to Him and to a close Christian friend so this person can be a Nathan in your life. If you don’t dare ask someone to keep you accountable in this area of struggle, pray a bold prayer that God will send someone to confront you about your sin.

Extra Resources for this week: Make sure you have a copy of The Story. Also, consider buying a copy of the book, A Tale of Three Kings. This book, by Gene Edwards, takes a unique and powerful look at King Saul, King David, and the short reign of King Absalom.

Small Group Resources for this week: Chapter 12 of The Story: Getting to the Heart of God’s Story (Adult Curriculum). You can purchase this 31-week study for 40% off at the Connections Center in the Shoreline lobby. (If you can’t afford this and are going to be part of a group, please contact Romel.)