In our reading last week, we experienced Esther who becomes a queen and bravely speaks up to save her people.  This week, we discover the Jews seeking to reestablish themselves as a faithful people who look for the Messiah. Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  Ezra 7, Nehemiah 1-2, 4, 6-8,

Malachi 1-4 

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In our reading last week, we discovered that at long last and through the amazing generosity of the Persian king, the Israelite people were allowed to go home and rebuild the temple. Now we experience Esther who becomes a queen and bravely speaks up to save her people. Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  Esther 1-9

In our reading last week, we discovered powerful accounts of people like Daniel, who stood up to
national leaders and proclaimed their faith in God, even when it meant their lives were threatened.
Now, at long last and through the amazing generosity of the Persian king, the Israelite people get to go home and rebuild the temple. Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  Ezra 1-6, Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1, 8 

In our reading last week, the exile is complete with the final portion of the Hebrew people being taken into exile by Babylon.  But God promises that He will restore His people.  Indeed, we discover powerful accounts of people like Daniel who stood up to national leaders and proclaimed their faith in God, even when it meant their lives were threatened.  Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  Daniel 1-3, 6, Jeremiah 29-31

Week 17 (Jan. 23 - Jan. 29) - The Kingdom's End

In our reading last week, the downfall of Israel about 2,700 years ago began with people being taken into exile by Assyria.  Now, 150 years later, the exile is complete with the final portion of the Hebrew people being taken into exile by Babylon.  But God promises that He will restore His people.  Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  2 Kings 21, 23-25,2 Chronicles 33, 36,
Jeremiah 1-2, 4-5, 13, 21,Lamentations 1-3, 5,
Ezekiel 1-2, 6-7, 36-37 

Last week, we saw the beginning of Israel’s downfall (722 B.C.) in the north despite efforts of very Godly people like Elijah who sought to call people back to following God.  This week, that downfall becomes final with people being taken into exile by Assyria.  But God’s grace is always present, this time in the powerful message from the person of Isaiah.  Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  2 Kings 17-19, Isaiah 3, 6, 13-14, 49, 53 

In our reading last week, things began to fall apart for Israel 3,000 years ago.  The nation will be divided into the north called Israel and the south called Judah.  It is the start of great upheaval and the road to the Hebrews losing the promised land it took so long to gain.  This week we see the beginning of that downfall in the north despite efforts of very Godly people like Elijah who seek to call people back to following God.  Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  1 Kings 17-19,  2 Kings 2, 4, 6 , Hosea 4-5, 8-9, 14,  Amos 1, 3-5, 9

Last week we witnessed David’s son, Solomon, as he becomes king.  Solomon is known for wisdom, a lot of wives and for building an amazing temple to honor God.  However, this building project was accomplished by essentially enslaving his own people which will cause eventual conflict.  This week things begin to fall apart.  The nation will be divided into the north called Israel and the south called Judah.  It is the start of great upheaval and the road to the Hebrews losing the promised land it took so long to gain.  Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  1 Kings 12-16

This week we experience David’s son,
Solomon, as he becomes king. Solomon is known for wisdom, a lot of wives and for building an amazing temple to honor God. However, this building project was accomplished by essentially enslaving his own people which will cause eventual conflict. Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference: Psalms 23, 32, 51; 1 Kings 1-8, 10-11,

2 Chronicles 5-7; Proverbs 1-3, 6, 20-21

Last week we witnessed a new king in David, one whom Israel still looks to with great honor in our day.  He is a man who will discover great earthly success, but he will also exhibit some terrible behavior. It is that dark side of David that we experience this week. But God forgives David and will support his reign because he has a heart for God. Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  2 Samuel 11-12, 18-19, 1 Chronicles 22, 29

Week 11 (Dec 12 - 18) - From Shepherd to King

Last week we discovered that God’s people desired a human king to go along with their heavenly King. That didn’t go well. This week we will read about David, a king that Israel would look to with great honor. He is a man who will experience great earthly success, but he will also exhibit some terrible behavior. Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible Reference:  1 Samuel 16-18, 24, 31, 2 Samuel 6, 22
1 Chronicles 17, Psalm 59 

Last week we experienced an incredible story of love and commitment during a great time of need.  At potential cost to her own future, a woman named Ruth devotes herself to Naomi, her mother-in-law,and Naomi’s God when both of their husbands die. This week we will share the human struggle to want earthly reassurance as God’s people to have a human king to go along with their heavenly King.  Welcome to our continuing encounter of the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible reference:  1 Samuel 1-4,  8-13,  15

Week 9  (November 27-December 4) - The Faith of a Foreign Woman

This week we experience an incredible story of love and commitment during a great time of need.  At potential cost to her own future, a woman namd Ruth devotes herself to Naomi, her mother-in-law, and Naomi's God when both of their husbands die.  It is an wonderfully uplifting chapter as we continue the greatest story you will ever read.

Bible reference:  Ruth 1-4

This week we turn to the story of the Judges.  These are not the type of judges we are familiar with in our society but people that God raises up to lead his people.  At times things go well for the Israelites, but their sin, brokenness and fickle behavior cost them dearly.  The men and women God chose to keep the Nation of Israel together faced enormous challenges that required great leadership.  You'll discover another fascinating series of adventures and misadventures as you continue your reading of The Story.

Bible reference:  Judges  Chapters 2-4, 6-8, 13-16