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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 181

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: 2 Kings 17:40-41, ‘They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day, their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.’

🔴Introduction to Idolatry

As we read how the kings did evil in the Lord’s sight, we are also aware of the idolatry introduced and established. Each king had the opportunity to develop something as part of their reign. But, unfortunately, most continued with the idolatrous worship of lesser gods. 

What’s even more problematic is the statement in 2 Kings 17:41b, which says: ‘to this day, their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.’ Most of us take that as at the time of the writing. But truthfully, we are still following the idolatrous ways of our ancestors and mentors. 

The Serpent (cunning, crafty, animal) introduced humanity to rebellion in the Garden of Eden. While the Lord walked in the cool of the day, the hearts of man and woman were seduced by power. The power to have something they believed was not accessible. 

Obedience and reverence didn’t appear as luxurious. 

Not too long ago, I had a conversation with a remarkably talented young lady. She was at the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey and was trying to balance her past and her present. She shared that she was exhausted with the life coach/counselor search. All of them wanted to know about her familial history. 

My question to her: What is the secret worth keeping?

By breaking the chains of once-taboo topics opens the path to love, understanding, and acceptance. But, if we cannot face the reality of the hand-me-down idolatry, we will continue to introduce it to the next generation.  

As you read today’s passages, think about what you inject into your family and neighbors. Are you passing down idolatry?

Prayer: Lord, let us know You and hear Your voice above all. Amen

 

 

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

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

2 Kings 17:1-18:12, Acts 20:1-38, Psalm 148:1-14, Proverbs 18:6-7

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 109

Written By Torrie Slaughter

 

🔴 Candy Coated Cash (From Luke 24 Day Devotional)

Luke 19:28-40 Jesus our Lord and Savior, Provider, Prince of Peace, and Lord of Lords, rode through the streets of Jerusalem on a colt. Jesus embodies for us what it means to have a wealthy Spirit and not wealth in materials. Nearing the time of His death for our sins He rode the back of a donkey. How much more humble should we be? Jesus teaches in this one chapter how we can live a life redeemed by Him and be more prosperous than we could ever imagine. His provisions are more than enough. 

But when we get greedy…

Luke 19:45-48 We turn places of worship into storefronts, hiding what has been given to us through His grace because we are lazy or weaponize the Word of God. We take our talents for granted, and we become thieves. Jesus cleared the Temple again. He was furious at the religious teachers partnering with the day’s business leaders, politicians, and lawyers. The Temple was a sacred place. The Religious teachers were hindering true worship by not focusing on Scripture or God. They continued to rob people and mistreat them on what was considered Holy Ground. 

If people acted like this in the church, what would be the expectation when they were away? 

Jesus tossing over the money changers tables and driving out those selling animals for sacrifices was a clear answer of what they should not be doing.

Jesus is the Sabbath. He is our rest. His Word is what we meditate on, and we are to draw nearer to Him. Jesus is our refreshment in times of thirst and our spiritual food to replenish our starving souls.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you forgiven a debt owed or returned the favor to someone who went above and beyond for you? 
  2. Have you hidden any talents out of fear?
  3. Are you damaging God’s business by not sharing His Word with others?

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written and re-edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. The excerpt originally appeared in The Gospel of Luke 24 Day Devotional. 

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Monday, April 19, 2021

Joshua 19:1-20:9, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 13:12-14

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 77

Written By Torrie Slaughter

 

Guiding Scripture: Luke 3:1-21 and Proverbs 11:17 Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

 

🔴In and Out

Are you a different person online? Let’s be honest it’s easy to stand up for injustice or hide our emotions behind a repost. We can vent, brag, or show kindness with a few clicks. But what is meant to be private will eventually see the light of day. It could be shameful or worse, a buried skeleton that peeks out at Satan’s command.

The proverbial shoe dropping. 

I’m not perfect. I’ve made numerous mistakes, there are things I’m not proud of and wish had never happened. I know the enemy will make use of my past as this ministry grows. However, I am ready. (Matthew 10:28) God prepares us when we repent and make improvements. The Truth of His Word is good for correction, training, and reproof. While I know God did not remove the consequences of my transgressions, I (we) can walk faithfully forward with God leading the way. Living a transformed life is the goal of a Christ-follower. Forgiveness, kindness, understanding, grace, and mercy are attributes of our Divine Holy Rabbi. Getting to know Him is how we increase our awareness and spiritual maturity.  

(The following is an excerpt from Publicy Pious, Privately Perverse -Gospel of Luke 24 Day Devotional)

John, the forerunner of Christ, came to preach the two sides of repentance 1. to turn away from sin and 2. to turn toward God. (Luke 3:3) John called out the corrupt religious leaders, referring to them as “a brood of vipers.”(Luke 3:7) They outwardly appeared holy, but inwardly, they were sinful and did not follow God’s command. (Matthew 23:1-7) They wore their fine robes, enjoyed celebrity status, sat with high-ranking politicians and leaders. The Pharisees rested on the fact that they were descendants of Abraham, earning them a place in eternity simply because of their ancestry. (John 8:33) John was a stark contrast to these refined teachers. (Matthew 3:4) His clothing was something straight out of the wilderness, his diet was odd, and his message made people uncomfortable.

What we ‘like’ or lust over is a choice.

We usually aren’t suspicious of the wealthy, well-dressed, prosperous, alluring people in life and rarely question their motives. We imitate them and support whatever business venture or idea they’re selling. However, we are turned off by people who push us to become morally righteous because we don’t like how the lesson is ‘packaged.’

The truth is we think we can hide behind our online personas, our excuses, our busyness, and our emotions as if God can not see through it all. (Hebrews 4:13) The more we try to conform to this world, the less like God we will be. During John’s ministry, he called sinners to repent; that message is also for us. When we repent, we should regret what we have done. The forgiveness we receive will help us lead a changed life, turning towards God.

 

Points to Ponder:

  • What areas do you lack restraint?
  • What are you constantly apologizing for but have not turned away from doing?

 

 

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written and submitted with an excerpt from The Luke 24 Day Devotional by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Numbers 26:52-28:15, Luke 3:1-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 11:16-17

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 74

Written By Torrie Slaughter

 

Guiding Scripture: Psalm 58:11 Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

🔴 A United Release

What is an imprecatory corporate Psalm?

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. That means we can use the Word of God to learn. 

Psalm 58 is an imprecatory corporate Psalm. What does that mean?

To imprecate is utter (a curse) or invoke (evil) against someone or something. Imprecatory Psalms are those that invoke judgment or tragedy upon one’s enemies or those perceived as the enemies of God.

If you are reading along with us using the One Year Bible plan, you will recall God instructing Moses to consecrate His people. (Exodus 19:10) To consecrate means to make holy, separate, or dedicated to a higher purpose. To abstain from personal indulgence.

God is the One Who makes us holy.

The Israelites could not come into contact with death because God is life. Touching dead things would defile the person until they washed and atoned for their sins. However, GREAT IS OUR LORD! We know the Savior redeems us. In Isaiah 6:7-8, we read a (foretaste of glory divine). God’s Holy coal touches Isaiah’s lips, transferring His holiness to Isaiah. The Son of God comes to touch those who are unclean and free them from sin’s bondage. 

Be careful how you walk. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

To be cathartic or ceremonially clean and present themselves as holy would mean they changed their minds and physical appearance. (Numbers 19:19, Romans 12:1-2)Bathing and washing their garments were part of the outer cleansing, and renewing the mind was the inner spiritual cleansing. 

Catharsis is the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions. 

Through God, we can release the unconscious conflicts we experience to stand as witnesses to His great power. Psalm 58:1-11 is one example of how corporate worship unites believers in a cathartic experience and deliverance through Holy Spirit guidance. Singing, praising, invoking judgement, and removing oneself from those believed to rebel against God; was the way the Israelites set themselves apart to receive God in their heart. 

As we continue reading Numbers and move into Deuteronomy, watch how God proceeds to show mercy and desire a relationship with His chosen people. Those who believe in Jesus are grafted into His kingdom. Be mindful and keep watch. Are you repressing feelings of fear, pity, or anger? We can release those emotions within healthy ecosystems that invite transformation. Allow God to lead you so that you can experience freedom in corporate worship. Invoke God’s Holy judgment on those who rebel and live an authentic life of God’s perfect purpose for you. 

~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written and submitted by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Monday, March 15, 2021

Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 72

Written By Torrie Slaughter

(With an excerpt from The Gospel of Luke 24-Day Devotional ©2018)

Guiding Scripture: Luke 1:16  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,

🔴 Silence and Reflection

We begin the Gospel According to Luke; we journey to learn more about God through the reading of His Word. It is helpful for us to start with the basics and give some background. Luke is a Gentile physician and historian that occasionally traveled with the Apostle Paul. The purpose of Luke’s story is to provide an orderly account of the fulfilled things. The belief that Jesus is the accomplishment of God and Israel’s covenant story serves as a valuable faith lesson to us now. The Gospel According to Luke and its sequel, Acts of the Apostles, gives us a richer understanding. Luke’s attention to detail and desire to get many eye witness statements reached audiences beyond the immediate Gentile and Israelite community.

Worthy

We know Zechariah and Elizabeth were God-fearing people and were both in the priestly line of Aaron. The exciting fact about serving in the Temple is the order by which one can offer prayers. Some priests only experienced standing in the Holy of holies once in a lifetime, if at all. God’s timing is always perfect.

Luke 1:20 “And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

Not so long ago…

I saved a turtle’s life. No, I didn’t give it mouth to mouth, but I saw it on the road, picked it up, and placed it in a safer area. He looked back at me, and I felt his gratitude. With a smile on my face and warmth in my heart, I walked away… SMACK!!! I killed the gnat that was flying around my face. Yep, I saved the turtle and “silenced” the gnat. Why??? Well, the apparent reason; gnats get into places they shouldn’t!! Buzzing around eyes and ears, they are annoying little… buzzers.

Are You Easily Annoyed?


I shocked myself with my thoughts. I reacted with compassion for the turtle and annoyance to the gnat. (Insert the people in your life.)
We don’t always understand the bigger picture, so we question and react poorly. I recognized my need to be mindful of my impulses, and even though it was a gnat, it showed me how quickly emotions change.

God Shows Mercy


In Luke 1:13-17, The angel Gabriel came to give Zechariah good news. An answer to his prayers! Not only was he going to have a son, but this child would announce the coming of the long-awaited Savior of the world. But, Zechariah smacked down this excellent news with his questions and doubts. Through the angel Gabriel, God responded to Zechariah by silencing him. Zechariah’s posture needed to change. God’s divine timing was at hand, and Zechariah was unaware of the glorious miracle that was about to take place.

Zechariah’s doubt demoted him. He was part of an intricately woven master plan but questioned the authority and ability of God. Zechariah underwent a divine season of reflection while learning new ways to communicate more effectively. WOW! That made the wonder of this miraculous event even more powerful and historic. God’s arrival in human form was something to behold, a prophecy fulfilled. But He had to work around His created humans.

Whether we meet turtles crossing the road or gnats that fly around us, we are responsible for what we feel, say, or do. Will we react in understanding, doubt, or annoyance? Let’s be careful not to quickly dismiss the events in our lives simply because we can not see the immediate usefulness. God’s plan defines us; we all serve a purpose in His WILL. How much involvement we have may depend on God being able to trust us.

Points to Ponder

  • For what am I idly praying?
  • Am I living out my purpose in God’s plan, or have I given myself “busy” work?
  • Has God rendered me silent in an area I wanted to celebrate because I doubted Him?

~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written and submitted by Torrie Slaughter (with a portion from The Gospel of Luke Devotional Save the Turtles, Silence the Gnats) the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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