Bible Study & Devotional Day 210

Guiding Scripture: Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

written by: Torrie Slaughter

The world teaches us that if we don't get the best, newest, latest model, then we are worthless. Hand-me-downs are only for poor people. If it doesn't have a brand name, the quality is inferior. Isn't it ironic that we want the authentic, highest-quality stuff? Yet we focus on temporary satisfaction and submit to idolatry?

God creates abundance so that there is knowledge to have leftovers. Our God is a God of plenty. He is a God of infinite wisdom, and He is a trustworthy source. Christ Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. When we seek Him we will be pleased with what we receive. Let us put our hope in him.

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Torrie via www.torrieslaughter.com

Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team, grow their online presence, improve communication with staff and volunteers by creating systems designed to combat inertia.

This devotional was submitted by the Founder of Our Given Purpose®, Torrie Slaughter

Bible Study & Devotional Day 209

Read today's passages

Psalm 22:1-18

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me,

so far from my cries of anguish?

2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,

by night, but I find no rest.3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;

you are the one Israel praises.[

4 In you our ancestors put their trust;

they trusted and you delivered them.

5 To you they cried out and were saved;

in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,

scorned by everyone, despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me;

they hurl insults, shaking their heads.

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Torrie via www.torrieslaughter.com

Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team, grow their online presence, improve communication with staff and volunteers by creating systems designed to combat inertia.

This devotional was submitted by the Founder of Our Given Purpose®, Torrie Slaughter

Read Today's Passages (July 27, 2022)

Contributing Writer: Holly Rigos

No matter how dire the circumstances, you can be redeemed!

Jehoshaphat inherited a kingdom and land of wickedness. According to 1 Kings 15:24, he was the son of Asa, and the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, in succession to his father.

It is said that the Lord was with him because he followed the ways of David.

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals. 2 Chron 17:3

Jehoshaphat spent the first part of his reign fortifying the Kingdom of Judah with military prowess and abolishing idol worship. He was on the fast track to building a bigger and better kingdom that was obedient to the One True God.

Yet, at these moments of prosperity and growth, man often relies on his own understanding and makes a fatal flaw in judgment. Jehoshaphat allied himself with the wickedest king Israel had known – Ahab.

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instargram to share your insights!

Connect with Holly Rigos

Wife.Mom.Storyteller.Photographer.Teacher.TechDIYer.Believer.

After enduring two family members succumbing to cancer, two family friends were killed in the line of duty only then to watch my own husband battle Lymphoma in his 30s. I was at a crossroads with my faith - I could either TRUST GOD or not. I choose to TRUST and CAPTURE our legacy for God’s glory.

This devotional was submitted by Holly Rigos, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Read Today's Passages (July 26, 2022)

Guiding Scripture: Romans 9:30-32- What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.

Contributing Writer: Joshua Slaughter

God is a separate Holy entity. We can try many things to get right with God. However, it can’t come at the cost of trying to keep the exact boundaries as before. You become new in that relationship. God forgives us and our sins are forgotten.

Do you forgive others as soon as they apologize, or do you take time and think about it? If you have to question the legitimacy of forgiveness, the relationship should also be questioned.

Are we able to trust our friends and aquantices? Can we take them at their word? If not, then what’s the point of it?

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instargram to share your insights!

Connect with  Joshua Slaughter

Joshua is the founder and host of Technically Unbothered, a podcast, mentality, and movement focused on helping others be comfortable with technology. Being 'Technically Unbothered' means growing horizontally with the ever-changing digital environment.

This devotional was submitted by Joshua Slaughter, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Read Today's Passages (July 25, 2022)

Contributing Writer: Broderick Slaughter

I know I've questioned His goodness when experiencing pain or uncertainty. The doubt that God is listening or if He can truly help.

Psalms 19 shows how David realizes God's presence around him, the goodness of mercy, and the magnificent wonders of the world.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instargram to share your insights!

Connect with Broderick Slaughter

Broderick is a man of God, devoted father, and loving husband. He is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration and transitioning into entrepreneurship. Broderick enjoys art, photography and is a fitness enthusiast. He loves to motivate people to push past their struggles to reach the purpose God intended them to have. He often reminds others, “Never limit yourself, we are here for a purpose.”

This devotional was submitted by Broderick Slaughter, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Bible Study & Devotional 205

Guiding Scripture: 2 Chronicles 12:1-2, 'After Rehoboam's position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord. 2 Because they had been unfaithful to the Lord, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam.'

written by: Torrie Slaughter

King Rehoboam had it all. An earthly kingdom, material wealth, and God on his side. Through Rehoboam's failure to maintain a spiritual connection with Yahweh, we learn just how tolerant our Lord is.

It's a curious thing to feel elevated and humble at the same time. That's the incredible joy of the Lord. To honor the opportunity to spread the Gospel in times of plenty or scarcity (Philippians 4:12). However, if pride gets in the way, God may hand us over to our flesh and humble us through His divine refinement. (2 Chronicles 12:5)

When asked the question: does God allow bad things to happen to good people? I boldly say yes and be grateful. Because our God is merciful, and 2 Chronicles 12:8 is one scripture that reminds us of His kindness. There is a marked difference between serving idols versus Yahweh and setting our hearts on seeking the Lord the way to doing His will. ( 2 Chronicles 13:10)

We have power through the indwelling Holy Spirit to rebuke evil and follow Jesus. (Romans 8:27)

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Torrie via www.torrieslaughter.com

Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team, grow their online presence, improve communication with staff and volunteers by creating systems designed to combat inertia.

This devotional was submitted by the Founder of Our Given Purpose®, Torrie Slaughter

Read Today's Passages (July 23, 2022)

Contributing Writer: Sheila Arrington

We all have those days when we feel like giving up. But the Holy Spirit always keeps us going and prays God's will in our lives. The best part about having this amazing Friend with you through everything- Is he knows what your heart desires, even if it's hard to say aloud or clearly think right now because of pain. Maybe loneliness has gotten a little too deep, but don't worry; the Holy Spirit knows what God wants and needs from each one of his children.

The Apostle Paul lets us know that whatever we may be experiencing, one day, we will see that it is all worth it. I know when I have walked through some challenges in life, I have felt lonely, tired, and frustrated, but as I push on and refuse to abandon all hope, there is a sign of His love, greatness, and power. Even if the sign is looking forward to a new or His sun shining brightly through my window, I am reminded He is there. There is hope, for in this hope, I know I am loved, and I am saved.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instargram to share your insights!

Connect with Sheila Arrington www.sheilaarringtonministries.com

Sheila is a licensed and ordained minister, known as an ardent prayer warrior and teacher of the Word. She is a sought-out speaker; women love her relatable transparency and energetic approach to sharing the Word and empowering women to live their God-given purpose.

A national speaker and founder of multiple Christian Conferences such as the "Purposely Designed Conference," "Yes, Mom, We Will Celebrate You," and Spirit, Soul, and Body Expo.

This devotional was submitted by Sheila Arrington, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Bible Study & Devotional (Day 203)

Read Today's Passages

Contributing Writer: Irvine Saint-Vilus

Sometimes, as Christians, our biggest problem with having faith is dealing with memory loss. This spiritual predicament is evident in the life of Asa, king of Judah, who was at war with Israel’s king, Baasha. In the past, Asa trusted the LORD God to fight his battles. God always came through for him, giving Asa victory over his enemies. However, when confronted with this new challenge, King Asa forgets his source of strength and solicits the aid of Ben-Hadad, king of Syria.

Listen to what Hanani the seer tells Asa about his memory loss problem, in

The result of his memory loss is inevitable defeat at the hands of the Syrians, the very ones he called for support.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instargram to share your insights!

Irvine Saint-Vilus

Irvine is a published author, worship leader, instructor, and speaker. Over the past two years, she worked as an instructional assistant helping autistic students in the school system. Irvine also had the privilege of working as a chaplain in a hospital setting, which allowed her to minister to patients, staff and work in a team environment where collaboration and accountability were essential. Irvine received a Bachelor's degree in English at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; a Master's degree in Divinity, and a School Counseling degree at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Read Today’s Passages

Contributing Writer: Kendra Dublin

Guiding Scripture: Psalm 17:1-15

Tell us what to do, God.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instargram to share your insights!

Connect with Kendra Dublin at www.kendra-dublin.com

Kendra is a Christian Life Coach, Author, Speaker and the owner of God’s Perspective for Me® LLC. She helps Christians release past wounds so they can turn their testimony into their online ministry and answer God’s call through purposeful preparation.

This devotional was submitted by Kendra Dublin, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Read Today's Passages July 20, 2022

Guiding Scriptures: Psalm 138:7, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.

Psalm 16:7, "I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me."

🔴 Encountering God's Presence in Tough Times

written by: LaVonda McCullough

Sometimes, you feel your faith is weak if you're like me. Maybe you don't always feel the joy God wants us to have. That's okay! We can build our faith and find joy in the presence of God through small steps each day.

Discovering joy when life is tough is "real," but the Bible says that we can find joy in the presence of God, even in difficult times.

You can trust God's direction and find safety in him, no matter what challenges come your way. So let us celebrate the joy in the presence of God, knowing that he is always with us, guiding us and supporting us through every moment of our lives.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instargram to share your insights!

Connect with LaVonda McCullough www.lavondamccullough.com

LaVonda is the CEO & Founder of Joyful Journey, she is a Biblical Life Coach, Author, Speaker and Co-Pastor specializing in women empowerment. Originally from North Carolina, LaVonda has travel throughout Europe and Africa speaking about healing through the power of prayer. She has lived in Germany since 2012 where shares her life with her husband of 30 years and together they have 3 children.

This devotional was submitted by LaVonda McCullough, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.