Encounter the Bible

Welcome to Week 2 in 1 Kings.  Our readings this week focus on the life of Solomon.  We saw last week how God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted and that he asked for wisdom.  God answered that request in abundance (doesn't God usually work that way?!).  God also fulfills his promise to David as Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem.  At the height of Solomon's reign is the completion and dedication of the temple where God again promises that he will establish Solomon's throne forever.  But Solomon fails as he gives in to the idols of his wives and concubines.  By the end of Solomon's reign, things are falling apart in Israel.  What can we learn from Solomon?  Why would God keep his promise to Solomon when Solomon failed so badly?  How does the story of Solomon prepare us for the stories of the kings who followed? Enjoy your reading! Our guiding questions are these:  What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything ...

This week we transition from 2 Samuel to 1 Kings, but it seems as though the story seamlessly continues as the throne transitions from David to Solomon.  Of course, not all goes smoothly and it is Nathan the prophet who steps in, with the help of Bathsheba, to ensure that the throne goes to Solomon.  It's in the early chapters of 1 Kings that we read about Solomon's request for wisdom.  God keeps that promise, making Solomon the richest and wisest man to ever live.  As you follow the storyline, don't miss who is working behind the scenes.  While we see power struggles and family intrigue, ultimately it's God who is working in the nation that he has called to one day bring his Messiah. Enjoy your reading! Our guiding questions are these:  What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confusing or troubling? Did anything make you think differently about God? How might what you read change the way you live? Please post a comment below with some of y...

Welcome to Week 2 of 2 Samuel! This week we learn more about both David's family and David's reign.  Even though David is a "man after God's own heart," dysfunction, war, and tragedy mark this season of his life.  As David flees, does he stop trusting God?  In all of the political maneuvering, is David acting justly?  All of these questions come to mind as we read these chapters.  How is God able to work through such a flawed person as David?  More importantly, how is God able to work through flawed people like us? Enjoy your reading! Our guiding questions are these:  What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confusing or troubling? Did anything make you think differently about God? How might what you read change the way you live? Please post a comment below with some of your questions, comments, and reflections from this week's reading.

This week we enter into 2 Samuel, the continuing story of the life of David.  Saul is dead; David is now king.  That doesn't mean things will be easy!  But David experiences a time of success as king, achieving victory in battle and securing the land for the Israelites.   But then David makes a critical mistake...actually, two mistakes.  Note both of them in chapter 11.  One is very obvious; the other requires some careful reading and noting a small detail.  Despite David's mistakes, he is still a man after God's own heart.  That's important to keep in mind as we read the highs and lows of David's life. Enjoy your reading! Our guiding questions are these:  What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confusing or troubling? Did anything make you think differently about God? How might what you read change the way you live? Please post a comment below with some of your questions, comments, and reflections from this week's readi...

  Welcome to Week 3 of 1 Samuel.  As we enter the last section of 1 Samuel, we are fully immersed into the life of David.  As one who was called "a man after God's own heart," some of what you read might cause you to question that statement.  It's an awkward time for David as he has been anointed king, but Saul is still on the throne.  David does his best to honor Saul's reign, but is also aware of the position to which God has called him. As you read, pay attention to what God is doing in David's life to prepare him for his leadership role and to prepare the people to move from being a fledgling nation to a strong powerful nation that would influence the world around them. Enjoy your reading! Our guiding questions are these:  What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confusing or troubling? Did anything make you think differently about God? How might what you read change the way you live? Please post a comment below with some of your questio...