Bible Study & Devotional Day 181

Read Today’s Passages

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.'

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

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.

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 180

Read Today’s Passages

Guiding Scripture: Acts 19:15 'One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Clearing out the clutter helps us gain clarity. We see a more comprehensive, more pronounced picture of who we are in Christ. What we say versus what we do is the manifestation of our belief in Jesus.

If we belong to God through His Son Jesus, even the evil spirits will know it. These demons who roam the earth to carry out their father's work, Satan, have one job-kill, steal, destroy! It is wise for us not to ignore them, but it can become unhealthy to make spiritual warfare a primary duty. God is in control and rules over the heavens and earth.

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

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 18:3 'When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.'

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

The Kings of Northern and Southern Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. 1 and 2 Kings have that statement in common. Their wickedness was the first glimpse into what kind of character they had before we read about their reign.

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

Contributing Writer: Holly Rigos

Paul arrived in Corinth, a refuge city for persecuted Jews traveling from Rome under the rule of Emperor Claudius. He expelled all Jews from Rome, and no doubt, Jews deemed it unsafe to remain in any part of Italy.

From the first three verses, we have learned that:

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.

Guiding Scripture: Acts 17:30-31 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."

Contributing Writer: Joshua Slaughter

Acts 17:30-31 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."

Ignorance is bliss, quite a common colloquialism these days. Funny how things don't change. So the question is, "Why Now?" Why do we feel  God pressing the matter of repenting? The world wants us to believe we are all-knowing and taking responsibility for our actions is unnecessary—finances- health-education-are areas offer many loopholes or mindsets that we can avoid committing to a plan.

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.

Contributing Writer: Broderick Slaughter

Have you ever felt like God isn't there? When times seem rough and rugged, you may be at your lowest. That's how David felt; in Psalm 143:1-12, David, the young future. King was in distress; he felt distance from his Lord. His faith was leaving him; why were all these things happening to him, verses 4 and 5 say that He is losing hope; that he was paralyzed with fear, he has memories of the past and remembers all God has done, so why is this happening to him? God sometimes lets us get out of our way, we see things going wrong, but we want God to fix it when we want it fixed, not in His perfect timing.

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.

Read Today’s Passages

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 17:24, 'A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.'

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Each time we read the Bible, something different should become visible. After all, it is the living Word. How we apply historical knowledge and wisely examine our behavior helps us reflect the light of Jesus.

As you read today's passages, remember to keep God as your focus. No matter what your current circumstance, God is the Author of all life. We have many examples of detestable behavior. (2 King 6:28-29) But we also have significant instances of faith (Acts 16:15).

I am guilty of not seeking the Lord to increase my vision and being led by the blind. I have sacrificed many things, in desperation, without carefully considering the consequences. I was choosing to preserve earthly life rather than be uncomfortable.

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

Contributing Writer: Sheila Arrington

God has not given you a spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind. One of the hardest things you may go through in your life will be choosing faith over fear, persistence over defeat. That is indeed what the Shunammite woman faced. She decided to push through her fear and reached out to the one person she knew could give her what she wanted-her son, alive again.

The Shunammite woman decided on a course of action, and she stuck to it, not even sharing with her husband. There are times in our life when we need to get to the right source and help for our situation. She never once lamented over her predicament, at least not out loud. To take hold of the reigns of faith and push her fear aside. We see her speaking what she wants to be true: it will be alright. Everything is fine.

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.

Contributing Writer: Irvine Saint-Vilus

Let's face it! People were adept at wearing masks long before COVID-19 was ever on the scene. The stark reality is that many people display smiles on the outside, but inside they are suffering from broken hearts. That emotional pain can be excruciating and unbearable since there is no known physical cure for it. When a person experiences a broken heart, their spirit is crushed, and their life's vitality is sapped out of them like dry bones.

A friend once told me, "My heart is broken into a million pieces over my children because they don't contact me." Then, sometime later, I met with the same friend again, and things were different.

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.

Contributing Writer: Kendra Dublin

Satan is fully aware of how he plays people through deception every day. It is his job, and he stops at nothing to will his will into our lives. That is why we have a hard time accepting Jesus as Lord. Another law at work seems to work well until we realize who we are serving.

Evangelism in this day is brought with opposition as it was in Paul and Barnabas’ days. Everybody has their belief system, and when you challenge that stance, it’s easy for Satan’s voice to become the voice of those who you seek to save.

Many people were raised in the church but, because of life circumstances, left. Maybe they became Atheists, New Agers or believed that they are god; either way, they set Jesus to the side. And while Jesus was left in the dust, another god seeped into their hearts. How do you gain a person for Christ when they had an ear, but left for a new way? (Sounds like the breeding grounds from demonic oppression and possession.)

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.