Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in 1 Samuel 15 and 16.
The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Psalm 144.
The Greek Testament reading is in Ephesians 5.
ESSENTIAL STUDIES.
1 Samuel 15 and 16, Teaching tools
Additional studies: 1 and 2 Samuel Index
Saul’s physical appearance and stature was better than all the people of Israel. And the people were pleased to have him as king because of it. I think even Samuel might have been a little bit pleased, for Samuel is the one who pointed out his appearance to the people. Israel had to learn that it is not appearance or stature or any of the things that the world regards, however, that makes a king; but the one whose heart is circumcised wholly to YHVH, which only YHVH can see, that makes a king who will be a blessing to his people, rather than a curse.
Psalm 144, Chiastic Structure
Additional studies: Psalms Book Five (107-150) Index
The central axis: Notice that the praise is sung before the peaceful result of the 2B pair is manifest? Yes, it is sung (present tense) even while the battle is still raging and before the victory is secure. But in faith the victory is secure, as God wins all His battles!
Ephesians 5, Walking after God
Additional studies: Ephesians Index
As a wife, I can testify that in order to turn my heart against my husband, the enemy tries (tried) to make me feel justified in whatever hurt or offended feelings I might have. “If he had not done this, then I would not feel this way,” etc. So then we begin to think that hardening our hearts against our mates is justified, or right. The Word of God is clear: there is no justification for hardening our hearts against our mates. If they have sinned against us, well, we have sinned against them, so forgiveness and tenderness is to characterize our walk before our mates and before the world. ♥
THREE-YEAR BIBLE.
The three-year plan is here.
Today’s reading is in Revelation 15.
Suggested study: Revelation 15, Bible for Beginners.
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