Daily Bible - Day #199 - Church Focus Ministries

July 18
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Today's Bible Verse

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12

Memorize this Verse:
Cover the verse text and using just the first letters of each word try to recite the entire passage.
11. A H S G F A S U T M B T L A B T L P B A A G A S W R T M A B I P T R B T L B T L W N I T W A A T W A E B T L W N I T E
12. A A T E A F B T L W N I T F A A T F A S S V

Today's Bible Reading

July 18
Today's Bible Reading Plan selections can be found below. If you don't have a Bible with you, just click the references to read each passage online:

Old Testament
2 Chronicles 13-16  —  7.5 minutes
Psalms 143  —  3.0 minutes

New Testament
Luke 11:14-28  —  3.5 minutes
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28  —  2.5 minutes

Total Average Read Time — 16.5 minutes

This reading plan will make it easy and fun for you to read through the entire Bible this year. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Although the plan begins with January, you can begin at any time during the year.
Each month’s readings are based on 25 days worth of readings, which means you get several free days if you ever fall behind. This makes reaching your goal a lot more possible!
Each day’s readings will include selections from both the Old and New Testament, reinforcing the incredible unity of the Scriptures. Perhaps most important, you will focus daily on the life of Jesus by reading a portion of one of the Gospels every single day of the year.

May God bless you as you open His precious Word each day, and remember to pray for His guidance in your study. It is our desire that you will become increasingly changed into His likeness by beholding the Lord through His Word.

Today's Meditation - Psalms

Read Psalm 88:14-18
It is a terrible thing to feel forsaken by anyone – but, to be abandoned by the Lord is the worst thing that can happen to a believer. The truth is, the Lord has NOT forsaken you – even when you feel that He has. He is always there. What is occurring in our lives is not only known to Him, but He is causing everything to bring Him glory, and doing it for our good (Romans 8:28).

The feeling of being forsaken – verse 14
The fears that continued to trouble him – verse 15
The fierceness of God’s wrath – verses 16-17
The friends who had forsaken him – verse 18

It is indeed a sad moment in the psalmist’s life. However, it is in those dark times that we find the strength and presence of the Lord. Sometimes we must experience loss in this life to know what we will gain in the Lord’s love and future blessings.
Verse for Meditation: Verse 14 – “LORD, why castest Thou off my soul? why hidest Thou Thy face from me?

Today's Prayer

“When I feel alone and forsaken, help me to remember Your love and will for my life.”