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Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church

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May 27
1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127 (biblegateway.com) Faithful Foundations: Stewardship, Legacy, and Trust in God’s Provision As David’s reign nears its end in 1 Chronicles 26-29, we see a remarkable shift in focus, not toward military conquests or royal achievements, but toward faithful stewardship, spiritual leadership, and legacy. David organizes the temple gatekeepers, treasurers, officers, and musicians, all to ensure that worship and obedience to God will continue after his
ASaunders
May 5, 2025


May 28
Psalm 111-118 (biblegateway.com) Psalms of Praise and Promise Psalms 111–118 form a rich tapestry of praise and thanksgiving. These psalms, many of which were likely sung during festivals and communal worship, call God’s people to remember His mighty works and respond in trust and awe. From the reverent reflection of Psalm 111 to the triumphant declaration of Psalm 118, we are drawn into a rhythm of gratitude that highlights who God is. He is gracious, compassionate, powerful
ASaunders
May 4, 2025


May 29
1 Kings 1-2; Psalm 37, 71, 94 (biblegateway.com) Finishing Well: Trusting God Through Power, Age, and Injustice The transition from David to Solomon in 1 Kings 1-2 is one of the most pivotal leadership shifts in biblical history. David, now old and frail, must secure God’s promise by installing Solomon as king amidst political intrigue and rebellion. Alongside this narrative, Psalms 37, 71, and 94 echo the spiritual lessons needed for such times. These are lessons of patient
ASaunders
May 3, 2025


May 30
Psalm 119:1-88 (biblegateway.com) Anchored in the Word: Finding Life in God’s Commands Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses, and it is a masterful acrostic poem. It is divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet (from Aleph to Tav). Each stanza contains 8 verses, and every verse within a stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter. Additionally, nearly every verse refers to God’s Word using various terms emphasizing d
ASaunders
May 2, 2025


May 31
1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72 (biblegateway.com) Wisdom from Above: God’s Gift for a Just and Lasting Kingdom The early reign of Solomon shines as a moment of divine favor, marked by humility, prayer, and the pursuit of wisdom. In 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1, we witness Solomon’s famous request—not for power, wealth, or victory, but for a discerning heart to govern God’s people well. His request pleased the Lord, who not only granted wisdom but added riches and honor
ASaunders
May 1, 2025


April 1
Judges 6-7 (biblegateway.com) From Fear to Faith: Gideon’s Journey to Victory Judges 6-7 introduces Gideon, an unlikely hero called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Israel, once again trapped in the cycle of disobedience and suffering, cries out to God for help. In response, God chooses Gideon—a man filled with doubt and insecurity—to lead the charge. Through a series of events, including Gideon’s hesitant obedience and God’s miraculous confirma
ASaunders
Apr 30, 2025


April 2
Judges 8-9 (biblegateway.com) The Danger of Forgetting God Judges 8-9 continues the story of Gideon and his legacy, revealing both triumphs and failures. While Gideon successfully led Israel to victory over the Midianites, his later actions—creating an ephod that led to idolatry—foreshadowed Israel’s continued spiritual decline. The consequences of disobedience become even more evident in the rise of his son, Abimelech, who seizes power through violence and deceit. These chap
ASaunders
Apr 29, 2025


April 3
Judges 10-12 (biblegateway.com) Faith, Foolish Vows, and Division The cycle of sin and deliverance continues in Judges 10-12, showcasing both God’s mercy and the consequences of Israel’s repeated rebellion. After falling into idolatry once again, Israel faces oppression from the Ammonites and Philistines. This time, God initially refuses to rescue them, reminding them of their pattern of unfaithfulness. However, when the people truly repent, He raises up Jephthah, an unlikely
ASaunders
Apr 28, 2025


April 4
Judges 13-15 (biblegateway.com) Lessons of Faith and Failure Judges 13–15 introduces the story of Samson, one of Israel’s most well-known judges. His birth was announced by an angel to his barren mother, signifying that he was set apart for God’s purpose from the beginning. As a Nazirite, Samson was to live a life of dedication to God, yet his life was marked by personal weaknesses and impulsive decisions. These chapters reveal how God used Samson’s extraordinary strength to
ASaunders
Apr 27, 2025


April 5
Judges 16-18 (biblegateway.com) From Strength to Idolatry In Judges 16-18, we witness the culmination of Samson’s story and the moral decline of Israel. Samson’s personal failures reach their tragic conclusion, but these chapters also reveal Israel’s continued descent into idolatry and lawlessness. In these narratives, the actions of individuals and tribes illustrate the consequences of disobedience, while offering deep insights into God’s sovereignty, grace, and justice. Th
ASaunders
Apr 26, 2025


April 6
Judges 19-21 (biblegateway.com) Subtle Compromises: Recognizing and Removing Worldly Influences in Our Faith The final chapters of Judges depict one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history, showing the moral and spiritual decline that resulted from Israel’s failure to follow God. These chapters illustrate the consequences of a nation without leadership and without obedience to God’s law. The phrase “In those days, there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in
ASaunders
Apr 25, 2025


April 7
Ruth 1-4 (biblegateway.com) Redeemed by Grace The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of God’s redemption, faithfulness, and providence, set against the dark period of the Judges. It takes place when Israel was caught in a cycle of sin and disobedience, yet amidst national chaos, God’s hand is seen in the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman who chooses to follow the God of Israel. The book not only highlights human faithfulness but ultimately points to Jesus Christ, our Kinsman-Redee
ASaunders
Apr 24, 2025


April 8
1 Samuel 1-3 (biblegateway.com) Prayer, Purity, and Calling: Hannah’s Faith, Eli’s Failure, and Samuel’s Commission The book of 1 Samuel begins in the days when the judges still ruled Israel, possibly during the closing years of Samson’s life. The period of the judges had been marked by widespread corruption, and even the priesthood was tainted by sin. In contrast to this darkness, God was already at work raising up a faithful leader. Samuel was Israel’s last judge and the fi
ASaunders
Apr 23, 2025


April 9
1 Samuel 4-8 (biblegateway.com) Trust, Repentance, and God’s Sovereignty In these chapters, we witness a nation at a spiritual crossroads. Israel suffers a devastating defeat, the Ark of the Covenant is captured, and the priestly leadership is weighed and found wanting. Yet in the midst of loss and judgment, God is not silent. Through the rise of Samuel and the people’s plea for a king, we see both the consequences of disobedience and the faithful hand of God at work behind t
ASaunders
Apr 22, 2025


April 10
1 Samuel 9-12 (biblegateway.com) The King They Wanted, The God They Needed Chapters 9 through 12 of 1 Samuel mark a pivotal transition in Israel’s history, from a theocracy under God’s direct leadership to a monarchy led by human kings. Though the people demanded a king “like all the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:5), God graciously allowed it and guided the process by choosing Saul. In these chapters, we see God’s sovereignty on display as He orchestrates Saul’s rise, Samuel’s a
ASaunders
Apr 21, 2025
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