May 8 Bible reading

May 8 Proverbs 11:19-28 John 5:31-47 Judges 7:8-25; 8

Proverbs 11:19-28

What contrast in how God related to those who follow Him and those who reject Him! The consequences of living independently from God are severe. The benefits of serving God are endless. Peter gives caution to us (in direct response) in 1 Peter 4:18. We’re called to live this life, here and now, by a value system of priority on serving God. Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of verses 24 and 25 is excellent, “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” Generosity is easy when you walk with the wisdom that all earthly resources are temporary.

John 5:31-47

Jesus responds to the challenge of Jewish leaders to His identity. He uncovers the way that they had prioritized the machinations, methods, and tools of spiritual practice more than they prioritized God (and therefore Jesus Himself). Jesus illuminates the way that the Scriptures reveal His identity. This group of spiritual leaders valued the Scripture in their external behaviors but not their internal hearts. They did not recognize the way that all of their Scripture pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. They said that they valued Moses and yet they did not recognize the way that Moses pointed to Jesus as Messiah. Jesus also lists the testimony of John the Baptist and the miracles He had performed as further proof. Jesus made it clear that His ministry was not contingent upon their approval.

Judges 7:8-25; 8

Gideon responded to God’s call for action and saw miraculous victories for his family and nation. Together they witnessed miracles of historic proportions. With their freedom won, the Israelites responded to peace by forsaking God, their Provider, in favor of worshiping idols. Gold and polygamy were sinful traps that Gideon did not avoid. God is faithful, and yet the people that He loves turn away from Him. May God forgive us when we repent for doing the same thing.

May 8 Proverbs 11:19-28 John 5:31-47 Judges 7:8-25; 8

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.
Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.
• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?

May 7 Bible reading

May 7 Psalm 57:7-11 John 5:16-30 Judges 6; 7:1-8

Psalm 57:7-11

Early in the morning, David sings about his peace of mind believing that God’s love will not fail him. David reflects on what he learned from surviving Saul’s efforts to kill him. David now has a heartfelt confidence in God. He found the faithful love of God to be greater than anything else on earth. David prays to a God whose love is transcendent beyond anything we see.

John 5:16-30

The Jewish leaders challenged Jesus by focusing on His healing miracles performed on the Sabbath. They challenged His spiritual authority. Jesus reveals His identity as Messiah and His purpose. This includes calling people to believe in Him. He wanted them to receive eternal life as a result. Jesus offers the truth of His own spiritual authority, given by Father God. It is our reasonable response to worship.

Judges 6; 7:1-8

Again the Israelites turned away from God and did evil in His eyes. In response, God handed them over to the Midianites who attacked Israel. When the Israelites cried out to God for help, He sent an angel to direct Gideon to deliver them from the Midianites. Gideon essentially said, “My life experiences of violence and being taken advantage of, don’t line up with what God is saying is possible. And yet I have interacted with God, who is about peace. God’s got this.” To be sure that Gideon would not be able to think they had won in their own strength God reduced their army from 32,000 down to 300.

May 7 Psalm 57:7-11 John 5:16-30 Judges 6; 7:1-8

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?

• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?

• What should you do about that truth?

May 6 Bible reading

May 6  Psalm 57:1-6  John 4:43-54; 5:1-15  Judges 4; 5

Psalm 57:1-6 

David sings his belief that God will not fail him. We can learn from this practice of meditation, singing, praying. David learned from his life experiences. He truly approached life as a personal relationship with God, learning as he went.

John 4:43-54; 5:1-15 

Jesus heals a boy who had been near death. While doing this miracle, Jesus asks the people in Galilee if they might believe in Him without the miracles. Jesus heals a man who could not walk and instructs the man to stop sinning. Jesus cared about the man’s natural and spiritual health. The religious leaders were more concerned with this man following their added rules, to the point of legalism. May God help us become more like Jesus in motivation, value system, and methods.

Judges 4; 5 

A prophet named Deborah directs Barak to deliver the Israelites from a ruling Canaanite king. She gives him the promise that God would provide the victory. Barak insists that Deborah go with him. As a result, Deborah becomes the spiritual and natural leader of Israel. Barak and Deborah sang a duet of praise to God for their freedom. Then the Israelites enjoyed 40 years of peace.

May 6  Psalm 57:1-6  John 4:43-54; 5:1-15  Judges 4; 5

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

•             What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?

•             Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?

•             What should you do about that truth?

May 5 Bible reading

May 5  Psalm 56  John 4:27-42  Judges 2:6-23; 3

Psalm 56

David sings about a roller coaster of internal thoughts and feelings. He is being harassed and attacked by people twisting his words and plotting to come after him. David sings about the way that God is aware of the situation and how he’s feeling. Despite feeling afraid, David chooses to trust God, sing of God’s goodness, and to live aware of God’s presence, thankful for God’s promise.

John 4:27-42

Many people in a Samaritan village find faith in Jesus, believing Him to be the Savior of the world. Jesus teaches His followers that the fulfillment found by being part of this process is a life-giving and valuable reward. The sower and the reaper are to rejoice together, understanding that the harvest is the Lord’s. It is God who initiates and completes. The free-will response of a person with whom we are sharing this Good News, is not ultimately our responsibility. This is why we must not equate the “results” (seen here and now) of Christian ministry with the value of our personal identity. This is also why we must not compare ourselves with others. We must find peace in Jesus above all else.

Judges 2:6-23; 3

After Joshua’s death, a new generation of Israelites chooses to not believe in Yahweh, the God who had done miracles for their parents. God allows consequences and responds when they repent. God is constantly showing love. God is constantly teaching. What can we learn from the lives of the Israelites?

May 5  Psalm 56  John 4:27-42  Judges 2:6-23; 3

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?

May 4 Bible reading

May 4  Proverbs 11:9-18  John 4:1-26  Judges 1; 2:1-5

Proverbs 11:9-18

Choosing a life of honesty and healthy relationships with others is good for your city. Choosing to not gossip or speak badly about your neighbors will be a help to the neighborhood. Here we recognize important daily decisions that can positively impact our homes and our neighborhoods.

John 4:1-26

Jesus sat down at a well, tired and thirsty from days of walking. Jesus makes Himself available for conversation with a woman from Samaria. This is a decision counter to the culture of Jews viewing themselves as superior to Samaritans. It’s easy for us to talk with people and yet NOT truly see who they are or perceive what they’re experiencing. Jesus truly sees her and recognizes that her heart is craving something more than what she was currently finding in life. In this setting, Jesus calls her to a fulfilling relationship with God and reveals His identity as Messiah. This story tells us a few very important things about the love of God.

Judges 1; 2:1-5

Despite God’s promises the Israelites failed to follow through on their commitment. As a result, God stopped winning battles for them. They failed to drive out all their enemies. When we reflect on reading the New Testament (and the lessons from the book of Hebrews) we should be reminded of this. It had a far-reaching impact on the history of the Israelites.

May 4  Proverbs 11:9-18  John 4:1-26  Judges 1; 2:1-5

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?

May 3 Bible reading

May 3  Psalm 55:12-23  John 3:22-36  Joshua 23; 24

Psalm 55:12-23

David sings about the betrayal of a close friend. Through tears and distress, he chooses to ask God for help and believes that God will come through. This song includes a call for others to give what weighs them down to God. “God will take care of you”, he sings. We must remind ourselves of this truth and put it into practice. The more we share it with others the better it is for everyone.

John 3:22-36

John the “Baptist” sees a transition of fewer people following him in favor of following Jesus. John is happy about this. John taught his students six truths about the Messiah. With clarity, John points out the purpose of Jesus as the Messiah, making a way for those who would believe in Him to have eternal life. Here again, we see the specific purpose of the life of Jesus Christ. If we grow calloused to the spiritual needs of others we have drifted away from the primary purpose of our Savior.

Joshua 23; 24

At the end of his life, Joshua calls everyone together and reminds them that God had been faithful to fulfill every single promise He had made to them. Joshua calls them to a point of decision whether or not they will renew this covenant agreement with God. They are called to serve God wholeheartedly. Every person who had experienced what God had done for them, served God from that point on.

May 3  Psalm 55:12-23  John 3:22-36  Joshua 23; 24

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?

May 2 Bible reading

May 2  Psalm 55:1-11  John 3:1-21  Joshua 21:20-45; 22

Psalm 55:1-11

David honestly sings about his problems and resulting anxiety. He asks God directly for help. The song includes his desire to escape the trouble. Don’t pretend it’s all good when it’s not. God loves you. God wants to hear from you. We have many good examples of people calling on God’s help, describing what is wrong.

John 3:1-21

Jesus explains the new spiritual life that is available to anyone who would believe in Him as Savior. In a conversation with Nicodemus a Jewish religious leader, He describes this as being “born again”. Jesus reveals this as being possible because of the love of God. We must recognize that Jesus places the love of God at the center of the story. The love of God is priority. New life, a new hope, is only possible as a gift through the love of God. Jesus opens the invitation to all who would believe in Him as Messiah.

Joshua 21:20-45; 22

The Israelites saw God bring His promises to fulfillment in the lifetime of Joshua. They were given a new homeland, with peace on every side. Joshua instructs all Israelites to love God, to live in the way God instructed, and to serve God heart and soul. A personal relationship with the loving God is constant throughout human history.

May 2  Psalm 55:1-11  John 3:1-21  Joshua 21:20-45; 22

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?

May 1 Bible reading

May 1  Psalm 54  John 2  Joshua 19; 20; 21:1-19

Psalm 54

David’s in trouble, and yet taking time to pray, worship, and speak of God’s goodness. He is calling out to God. David has seen the help of God. He’s singing about it. This is an important decision and a spiritual practice.

John 2

At a wedding party, Jesus’ mother Mary presses Him to save the family the embarrassment of not having enough wine for their guests. Jesus turns the water into wine. This is His first miracle and the time that His disciples start to believe. Jesus shows respect for His mother and the feelings of the host family. In Jerusalem, Jesus finds the Temple perverted by misuse of money and economic status. The Son of God cares about spiritual priorities and good stewardship. Jesus had a passion for the house of worship.

Joshua 19; 20; 21:1-19

Through Joshua, God continues the instruction previously given to Moses for the establishment of Cities of Refuge so that a person causing an accidental death would be given a fair trial. God cares about a society of equal opportunity, freedom, and removing social shame over status.

May 1  Psalm 54  John 2  Joshua 19; 20; 21:1-19

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?

April 30 Bible reading

April 30 Proverbs 10:31-32; 11:1-8 John 1:29-51 Joshua 17; 18

Proverbs 10:31-32; 11:1-8

People, who are learning from their relationship with God, can give helpful perspective and suggestions for healthy next steps. Thinking you have it all figured out is dangerous. A humble approach will bring you wisdom.

John 1:29-51

John “the Baptist” publicly announced the identity of Jesus as the “Messiah”, the predicted Savior. Andrew had been following John. He heard John’s statement and in turn grabbed his brother Peter so that they could follow Jesus together. Philip was from Andrew & Peter’s hometown. He grabbed Nathanael and they also followed Jesus. God cares about our personal relationships. As we receive the love of Jesus we should be motivated to share it with the people in our lives.

Joshua 17; 18

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are given extra land due to their size. They are given permission to clear trees and settle as much of the forests of the hill country as they wanted. Our God cares about healthy peaceful relationships and the practical necessities.

April 30 Proverbs 10:31-32; 11:1-8 John 1:29-51 Joshua 17; 18

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?

• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?

• What should you do about that truth?

April 29 Bible reading

April 29 Psalm 53 John 1:1-28 Joshua 15; 16

Psalm 53

God brings strength to those who are following Him. Our Creator is a God bringing mercy and justice. Those who reject Him will see consequences. Those who worship our Creator Redeemer will know the peace and joy of God living among them. God will ultimately restore them.

John 1:1-28

Jesus, the Son of the living God, existed before any human. Our Creator God is three in one, triune, and always in perfect relationship. God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Son have been in constant dialogue throughout human history. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the one who brings light and new life. Jesus came to earth and offered to anyone who would believe Him (and accept Him) the right to become a child of God. Through Jesus, we can find the unfailing love of God.

Joshua 15; 16

The “Promise Land” is assigned to the various tribes of Israel as a provision from God through Joshua. God gives specific instructions so that no one is left out. Our God cares about healthy peaceful relationships and the practical necessities.

April 29 Psalm 53 John 1:1-28 Joshua 15; 16

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?

• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?

• What should you do about that truth?