Tag Archives: bible reading

A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional 187

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 18:17 ‘ He who states his case first seems right until his rival comes and cross-examines him.’

 

🔴He Said, She Said, They Said

The whole truth can cause division in unstable environments. If the leader(s) succumb to insecurity, laziness, indifference, or fear, truth is held captive. Honoring God becomes a grey area with specks of light attempting to escape. 

 If you wonder if we have an example of Proverbs 18:17 in the Bible, please be reminded of Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant. 

In 2 Samuel 16:1-3, Ziba meets King David as he leaves the Royal city to ‘escape’ Absolam. Ziba takes advantage of an opportunity to slander the crippled Mephibosheth and gains material wealth. Ziba stated his case first.

Later…

In 2 Samuel 19:24-30, King David returns, and at the crossing of the Jordan river, Mephibosheth comes to him. Mephibosheth did not care for his feet, bathed, or groomed himself as he waited to cross-examine Ziba’s statements. In the end, King David offered to divide the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba. However, Mephibosheth refused and was content that King David returned home safely. 

Is It Well?

Motivated by power, selfish ambition, or greed develops a lustful heart. It isn’t easy to read the intentions of others if private conversations are preferred. Many of the things we take for granted should become things we thank the Lord. Having a quorum and making decisions to carry out the Lord’s work shows us as friendly. 

Open Court

Working as a team with a common goal ends the bickering while facilitating a harmonious environment. We can all say the same thing differently as we are living expressions of Jesus’ story.

 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4, Acts 24:1-27, Psalm 4:1-8, Proverbs 18:16-18

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional 185

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Acts 22:19-21, ” ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ “

 

🔴But, Not Yet

Have you ever felt you deserved something right away? Most of us think of good stuff that will enhance our quality of life. It is rare to desire punishment.

Acts 22:19-20 reflects Paul’s comprehension of the Kingdom of God. He acknowledges that he knows he must endure the consequences of his rebellion. Those who trusted and believed in Jesus Christ, Paul sought out and condemned to death. Even while preaching and teaching, he knew how his previous actions hurt his testimony.

Our God is merciful and works out everything for the good of those who love Him. Just as Shimei cursed David (2 Samuel 16:12)while he and his household were fleeing to Jerusalem to escape Absolam, Paul justified his attackers’ actions.

As you read today, think about the times you’ve stood idly by perhaps protecting your reputation or finances. What do you deserve for guarding your idols?

Do not fret or be dismayed because Satan wants us to believe that our God will not forgive our trespasses. The guilt and shame can either improve or weaken our Christian testimony. When people notice how we deal with conflict and the measures used to resolve it may increase the division. Only God can unify and bring about peace. However, be warned. If the hearts of those surrounding us do not align with Jesus, be prepared to endure a bit longer.

God will send you to other places to further the Gospel. All you need to do is submit to His will and listen to His voice. Never tire of telling your personal conversion story.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “If my testimony makes anyone wish to emulate me, it is a mistaken testimony; it is not a witness to Jesus.”

 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Sunday, July 4, 2021

2 Kings 23:31-25:30, Acts 22:17-23:10, Psalm 2:1-12, Proverbs 18:13

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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Please consider supporting Our Given Purpose® by becoming a monthly sponsor or leave a tip in the tip jar!

 

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , , , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional Day 160

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 16:32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

🔴Tap Out

In wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and other MMA competitive sports, the opponents will ‘tap-out to concede. The winner is declared, and the defeated opponent stands beside his conquerer to congratulate him (most of the time).

There are moments in life when we are caught off-guard with our anger and may behave irrationally. I have said and done things in exasperated frustration several times. Until a few months ago, I handled my anger well. I was at peace; until it was thoroughly disturbed by an ‘opponent’.


I learned that if pushed too far, my righteous indignation wells up. (James 1:19)

I missed the opportunity to ‘tap- out’ gracefully.

I thank God that He used that situation to prepare me for the road ahead. Instead of waiting until complete exhaustion consumed me and I came to my wit’s end, I can trust His Holy Spirit’s guidance. There were other problems I could solve. By removing myself as an obstacle to my overzealous opponent, I could concede.

As you read today’s passages, think about how King Solomon used his gift of administration to place the correct people in charge. And in Acts 7 as Luke retells the story of the once rejected Moses’ rise to leadership.

If you allow God to enhance the training you have undergone throughout life, you will always be spiritually prepared. Anger will not overtake you. Choose to solve a different problem and move into another territory as Jesus did in His ministry.

Tapping-Out isn’t the end of the war, only a section of the battle.

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Thursday, June 10, 2021

1 Kings 7:1-50, Acts 7:30-50, Psalm 128:1-6, Proverbs 16:31-33

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

Join us on the YouVersion App

 

Support Our Given Purpose® by becoming a monthly donor or leave a tip in the tip jar!

 

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional Day 154

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Psalm 121:2 ‘My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ‘

 

🔴Confidence

Today we begin the Book of Acts as Luke tells us (Theophilus) how Jesus changed the trajectory of humanity. Receiving the Holy Spirit as a guide and teacher is the gift Christ leaves to all who love Him. We can trust our Lord to provide wisdom when we don’t know what to do.

Partnering with God requires us to ask, seek, and pray without ceasing. His Word is a Light unto our path, but only if we stay sober-minded. To have confidence in our God is a stance of faith. Taking the next step while trusting our feet to be on solid ground is the challenge. The world manipulates truth and tells us we won’t die if we go against our Lord. Being independent, self-sufficient, and creating a unique path seems worthy.

Blazing a Trail

God wants us to rely on Him. We can follow His commands as a set apart individual within the body of Christ.

As you read today’s passages, think about Sheba from 2 Samuel 20 and Shimei from 2 Samuel 16. These men made impactful decisions. Both were bold, but their motivations were different. Ponder the influence of the wise woman (2 Samuel 20:16-19) who dared to speak to Joab that she might save the city from destruction.

Consider what you would do to strengthen a community instead of increasing division. Is God your source of strength? Are you confident in His sovereignty?

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Thursday, June 3, 2021

2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 , Acts 1:1-26, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 16:18

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

Join us on the YouVersion App

 

Support Our Given Purpose® by becoming a monthly donor!

 

 

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: 1 Samuel 29:4-5 ‘But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men? Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands?”  

🔴Reputation

“Your reputation proceeds you.”
A frightening phrase if you’re not sure who gave an account of your character.

In 1 Samuel 30, David and his men crossed paths with an Egyptian near death on the road. His master left him because he was sick (teaching from Jesus is found in Luke 10:25-37).
We choose moment by moment how the information we receive will benefit ourselves alone or the entire company we keep.

If we have a reputation of discarding people who aren’t performing well or who don’t follow directions- we may be praised for efficiency. The truth is that we will never please everyone with our actions.

As we read the account of David’s life, we can see ourselves.

Our reputation to do God’s will and compassionately lead with love is glorifying to Him. Think about your opportunities to build on the greatness of Christ. Use His light to guide others.

 

 

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Friday, May 21, 2021

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13, John 11:55-12:19, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 15:24-26

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

Join us on the YouVersion App

 

Join The Community

 

Want to hear more from Torrie?

Listen to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show

 

 

Reverse Engineer: Real Lessons from Fake Success – Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show

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  2. Things that Stunt Your Growth: The Good-By Strategy
  3. Prelude to Season 9- Why Journaling is a Vibe!