Week 22 Readings

Week 22  

May 27 Song of Solomon 5:2-8:14; Psalm 45

May 28 Proverbs 1-4

May 29 Proverbs 5-8

May 30 Proverbs 9-12

May 31 Proverbs 13-16

June 1 Proverbs 17-20

Week 21 Review

May 20 Psalms 111-118

May 21 1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37; 71; 94

May 22 Psalm 119:1-88

May 23 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

May 24 Psalm 119:89-176

May 25 Song of Solomon 1:1-5:1

What an exciting week! The Egyptian Hallel to seeing David’s death and Solomon’s ascension, then the longest Psalm and the sensuous beginning of the Song of Solomon.

Week 21 - The Egyptian Hallel

When you read Psalms 113-118, did you know that you were reading a historic document called the Egyptian Hallel? Hallel means “praise” and the word Egyptian reminds the people of their bondage and miraculous release by God. During the first century, Psalms 113-114 were sung before the Passover meal and Psalms 115-118 were sung after. These songs of praise , read by us today, connect back to King David and Solomon and the building of the Temple. We share those writings with our Lord, who used them to remember His people’s history the night before He was crucified.

Week 21 Readings

May 20 Psalms 111-118

May 21 1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37; 71; 94

May 22 Psalm 119:1-88

May 23 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

May 24 Psalm 119:89-176

May 25 Song of Solomon 1:1-5:1

Week 20 Review

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

1 Chronicles 29:14 (ESV)

May 13 Psalms 97-99

May 14 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30

May 15 Psalms 108-109

May 16 1 Chronicles 23-26

May 17 Psalms 131; 138-139; 143-145

May 18 1 Chronicles 27-29; Psalm 68

Week 20 Readings

May 13 Psalms 97-99

May 14 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30

May 15 Psalms 108-109

May 16 1 Chronicles 23-26

May 17 Psalms 131; 138-139; 143-145

May 18 1 Chronicles 27-29;  Psalm 68

Week 19 Review

May 6   2 Samuel 13-15

May 7   Psalms 3; 4; 13; 28; 55

May 8   2 Samuel 16-18

May 9   Psalms 26; 40-41; 58; 61; 62; 64

May 10 2 Samuel 19-21; Psalms 5; 38; 42

May 11 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57

This week we learn more about David’s exploits – and of the deaths of his son and rape of Tamar. The opening scene was fitting of a current TV show (proving that nothing really changes!).

Absalom, David’s son, had a sister named Tamar. Tamar’s half-brother was Amnon. Amnon pretended to be sick to lure Tamar into his bedroom, ostensibly to bake him some food. During this visit, Amnon raped Tamar. Amnon broke the commandment in Leviticus 18:9:

You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home. Lev 18:9 (ESV)

Leading by example -- forgiveness

I stand amazed today at the example of Christ in the life of a sister.  

I was in a leadership meeting at my church today, and this sister said something that *could* have been offensive to some by way of making a joke. I saw immediately that she was joking, and of course it didn't bother me, but sine I was one that the statement *could* have offended, this dear woman took a moment to seek me out and make sure that there was no offense taken.

What an example of Christian leadership! I challenge you (and myself) to follow this dear lady's lead and take the opportunity to ask forgiveness -- even if you're not sure that it's necessary. It's another way to show Christ's love to both believers and non-believers. Thank you, dear sister, for giving me an example to follow.

Week 19 Readings

May 6   2 Samuel 13-15

May 7   Psalms 3; 4; 13; 28; 55

May 8   2 Samuel 16-18

May 9   Psalms 26; 40-41; 58; 61; 62; 64

May 10 2 Samuel 19-21; Psalms 5; 38; 42

May 11 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57

Week 18 Review

April 29 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalms 1-2; 33; 127; 132

April 30 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18

May 1 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalms 20; 53; 60; 75

May 2 Psalms 65-67; 69; 70

May 3 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 51

May 4 Psalms 32; 86; 102; 103; 122

What a week! We started by hearing God tell David that David is not going to build God’s house, but that God would build David’s house, and David’s son would  have the honor of building God’s house. Can you imagine hearing God say that God Himself would build for you? Did you know that He did promise to build you a house?

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3 (KJV)

Jesus Himself promises to prepare a place for you if you have accepted Him as your Savior. Sometimes God’s grace astounds me. We receive salvation as a free gift – there’s absolutely nothing that you or I can do to earn our way into heaven. After that, Jesus, the One who voluntarily hung on a cross and died for me – for you – for the world, promised us that He was personally preparing a place for us!  What a God!

Week 18 - Psalm 69

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

Psalms 69:13 (ESV)

Sometimes I wish “they” could devise a reading plan that gives us a Psalm every other day or so. To me, reading many Psalms in a day can take away their impact. My Wednesday reading was such a day (Psalm overload). One Psalm stood out to me, and that’s why I am devoting a special post to Psalm 69.

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Comments, please!

A few people have emailed to say they don't know how to add a comment, so I thought I'd try to help.

At the end of each post you'll see "# comments" which tells you how many other people have commented. If you click on those words, you'll receive another screen that says "post a comment".

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Week 18 - Why Did David Pour Out the Water -- "The Three"

A friend wrote me this week regarding my use of the term “the three”. Her question:

“What do you mean by exploits of “the three”?”

She wasn’t sure how to post a comment, so I will reply to her here – and I pray that my answer will give you more understanding of the living Word of God.