Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to 1 Samuel 8:5

Political hostility is tearing apart our relationships and churches. But Jesus is the Party Crasher. He is calling us to refuse to bow to partisan religions, even if we lean one way politically. As we dig into Scripture, we’ll see how he is disrupting politics-as-usual and inviting us into a grander vision for kingdom life.

Feelings of discontentment are no strangers in today's society. With instant access to millions of people and the ease with which it is possible to compare ourselves, we often become upset in an instant-gratification-driven society. This devotional helps us combat feelings of discontentment and recenter our focus back to Jesus.

This week, we will explore the book of 1 Samuel, engaging the transition of Israel from the age of judges to the age of kings. We will spend two days with each of the main characters—Samuel, Saul, and David—seeing both things to emulate and things to avoid as men of God.

They walk through the sea, are led by fire and smoke, break defensive walls and defeat powerful enemies. Yet Israel demands a king, defying God, who gives in after warning them. Very few kings honour God, and the rest drive Israel into exile, slavery and fragmentation. The leadership typifies church leadership today. There exist very few through whom God is building His kingdom and penetrating the ends of the earth.

The Bible is one of the key places we encounter God and His heart for a relationship with us, bringing nourishment and wholeness as we interact with it. It is one big story from beginning to end. This 9-day plan is based on a graphic called ‘The Bible’s Big Picture’ from The Infographic Bible. It helps to explain the Bible’s story, which is as relevant today as it’s always been.

This plan guides you through the story of the Bible, showing how all sixty-six books combine to form one unified narrative. Weaving together the rich theological truths found in Genesis through Revelation, this 9-day study shows the eternal significance of what God is doing in the world and how He invites us to be a part of it.

If you follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit has empowered you with spiritual gifts for his glory. Are you actively using them for the benefit of others? Do you feel like you’re misapplying them? This study dives into what spiritual gifts are, how God will use your gifts, and how to connect with other Christians who possess gifts different from yours.

When God gave the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel exclaimed, “Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." In this plan, we will study kingdoms of the past and future revealed in the Bible.

David's life emphasizes obedience, worship, and prioritizing God's presence. David facilitated Israel's access to God; Jesus did the same for all nations. The call is to continually seek God, stretching beyond comfort. Jesus tore the veil for unrestricted access. It's a challenge to desire all God has. Explore the 10-day journey into Amos, Saul, David, and Acts, unveiling the significance of a simple tent in Jerusalem.

This study of the Old Testament will help you understand how all the stories fit together and what lessons can be applied to your life today. You will better understand how God graciously reaches out to you, His child, and calls you to Himself just as He did to His people in the Old Testament.