Tag Archives: Teen Bible Study

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study,

Bible Study & Devotional

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

 

Guiding Scripture:1 Samuel 18:10-11 ‘The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. ‘

 

🔴Double-Minded

Have you ever met a person who is governed by multiple sources? (I’m not speaking of mental illness here as I am not a physician.) Many people suffer from indecisiveness. A fear that if they make the wrong decision, it will affect their…popularity or worse, their financial security.

Fame or the idea of being influential is seductive. We can easily fall victim to the lure of its attractive snare because who doesn’t want to command attention simply by entering a room.

In today’s passages of 1 Samuel, we read Saul’s broken promises( 1 Samuel 17:25, 1 Samuel 19:6) and jealousy prevail (1 Samuel 18:5). Something he does not acknowledge. His behavior is noticeable in contrast to David’s as he remains humble (1 Samuel 18:18). I have been the victim and the aggressor, which convicted my spirit of seeking the Lord’s healing balm.

Double-mindedness is a curse of the enemy and is a source of great confusion. Chaos abounds when leaders chose to follow their feelings and not the truth.

It isn’t enough to just say what we will do; we must follow through with action. For David to complete God’s work, he had to run and hide. Think about that for a moment. There may be something you have to walk away from that would otherwise grow and flourish under your leadership. But the evil spirits that invade those in your immediate circle may prevent victory.


Don’t be discouraged! (1 Samuel 18:12)

Keep God as your Ultimate Guide and follow His command. Never apologize for doing what He led you to do. It may require leaving areas and forging a different path, but ultimately the power of God will not leave those He has entrusted to build His kingdom.

 


 

 

 

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

Sunday, May 16, 2021

1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 15:12-14

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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 56

Written By Torrie Slaughter

🔴 Food Desert

Guiding Scripture: Mark 8:2, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.”

In Mark 8:1-10, Jesus demonstrates once again that He is a new Moses. Providing food in an isolated place and feeding over 4,000 people is reminiscent of the Israelites wilderness season. We’ve read Exodus and know the many ups and downs the Israelites faced spiritually, physically, and mentally. Vacillating between doubt, fear, and surrender, we watched as they made decisions that would compromise the covenant.

What Did We Learn?

  1. God’s Word is everlasting, and He is a God of order. 
  2. Action speaks louder than words, and we watch as Jesus continues to feed those who have faith. 
  3. The disciples took inventory and brought what was available to our Lord.

No matter where we are or what we experience, Christ provides. What may seem like a significant problem only requires obedience. Follow God, and He will provide. When we experience chaos, confusion, doubt, or feel overwhelmed, ask yourself: who do I believe Jesus to be? Whose leadership am I following?

 

 


 

 

 

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

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Leviticus 16:29-18:30, Mark 7:24:8:10, Psalm 41:1-13, Proverbs 10:15-16

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 33

🔴 Remember the Food

An interesting grumbling begins to happen as the Israelites think fondly back to their enslavement—the pots of meat. (Exodus 17:3) A form of influencing that dates back to the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:4-6) and links Esau’s (Genesis 25:29-34) attitude to many of us today. If we have a good meal, we may not think negatively about a system whose constrictive methods do not allow the worship of God—giving up an unknown treasure to meet an immediate need. 

Need for Refreshment?!

The bitter water (Exodus 15:23) in Shur’s desert needed a filtration system a branch to make the water sweet and drinkable. We see the imagery of the branch used here as tangible evidence of God. He will send His Messianic servant to restore the nation. 

How often do we forget to drink from the cup of the Lord before we begin performing our plans? 

We can get ahead of God if we aren’t mindful that He is the One who knows all. The enemy will remind us of our comforts and the seductive good food we crave. Fasting and bringing our appetites under control is one way to curb the temptation of acting before praying. 

The Lord rained down manna (what is it) from Heaven to feed the Israelites. A training to eat to live, not live to eat. God wants His congregation to look up for their strength and nourishment, not to human-made things. When we complain about the repetitive nature of God’s provision, then we forsake His command to follow Him.

Deception

The enemy’s lie is that we need to have excitement each day and dare to leap into new areas without looking to God for His answer. (The greedy appetite must be satisfied. Exodus 16:8) If we were to think about what we forfeit by giving in to temporary temptation, we would strive for the eternal benefit of being with Christ. 

Meditate on Proverbs 6:23 and ask yourself:

  1. How hungry is your need for alternative delectables? 
  2. What birthright will you disregard to satisfy a temporary desire?
  3. Will not God care for your needs if you trust Him?   

Try drinking from the sweet cup of Jesus and toss the bitterness away. Refinement takes time, and we should never tire of praising our Lord. (Revelation 4:8) Holy, Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty Who was and is and is to come. Exodus 16:4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”

Will you trust God, Who remains faithful to His word? Or will you chase the temporary excitement of autonomy and idolize the bread of the world? 

Will you only come to Jesus on your terms? 

 ~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

 

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

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Exodus 15:19-17:7, Matthew 22:1-33, Psalm 27:1-6, Proverbs 6:20-26

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