August 5 Bible reading

August 5 Psalm 91:1-8 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-5 1 Chronicles 19; 20; 21; 22:1

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 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?

August 5 Psalm 91:1-8 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-5 1 Chronicles 19; 20; 21; 22:1

Psalm 91:1-8

Psalm 91 is one of my favorites. Today I am reminded of how this song is about the benefits of a personal relationship with God. They had responded to God’s purpose of living among them. They had seen miracles in God winning their freedom from enemies. The promises of God are tools of defense. Choosing to live in personal relationship with God should include “finding rest” in close proximity. From this Psalm, we learn to walk in the guidance of Gods’ promises (which include instructions for us). This directs us to a lifestyle of wholehearted devotion to God.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-5

The message of Jesus Christ a crucified Savior is foolish to some and yet bringing life-changing power to those of us who are being saved. In our relationship with Jesus, God has brought us the benefit of freedom from our destructive mistakes. We are now free from that past and clean in God’s sight. Paul’s ministry in Corinth had been focused on this message. It was persuasive by the power of the Holy Spirit. He called the Corinthian believers to stop fussing with each other. He’s saying, “You think you know, but you don’t know. You’re distracted from what’s important.”

1 Chronicles 19; 20; 21; 22:1

David’s military action brought freedom to the Israelites. King David was a man with a “heart after God” who cared for the people like a shepherd cares for his sheep. And yet he became deceived and sinned. God speaks to him. David repents. Both David and the people suffer consequences. They are forgiven.

August 4 Bible reading

August 4 Proverbs 19:3-12 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 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 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?

August 4 Proverbs 19:3-12 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 17; 18

Proverbs 19:3-12

Making good healthy decisions of faithful stewardship is a sign of wisdom. Generosity is another. Working to gain wisdom will help you. It will increase the quality of your life and the lives of those within your circle of influence. Life may be crumbling because of mistakes we have made, and yet it is easy to blame God in our anger. A liar will not escape the consequences. Run out of money and you will discover who your real friends are. Take care of yourself by searching out wisdom. It will bring benefits. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Control your temper. Choose to forgive.

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul writes to the church in Corinth, starting with thanking God and calling them to unity. In response, we should choose to live in unity with our church in “thought and purpose”. We should share values, vision, and mission. This includes sharing the Good News of Jesus, with clarity and simplicity. It becomes part of my personal identity. This grows as I share it with like-minded fellow believers.

1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 17; 18

At David’s instruction, the spiritual leaders make sacrifices, offer up praise and thanksgiving, prayers, and lift up worship in thankful music to God for “His faithful love endures forever”. The one true living God made covenant promises to David, responding to his humility. David’s gratitude included praise of a God unequaled. At God’s direction, David removed the enemies of God’s people. It is worth noting that this was a fulfillment of God’s justice on people who had proven to repeat horrible actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:4.

August 3 Bible reading

August 3 Psalm 90:11-17 Romans 16 1 Chronicles 15: 16:1-36

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 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?

August 3 Psalm 90:11-17 Romans 16 1 Chronicles 15: 16:1-36

Psalm 90:11-17

Life is short. May God help us learn to live with priority on what lasts forever. Through the good days and the bad, may we be satisfied by the unfailing love of God, singing with joy. We should start each day focused on the love of God. We can learn to have a positive focus without living in fantasy land. We should realize that God has given us the opportunity of today. Let’s make the most of it.

Romans 16

Paul writes with love and respect for the Roman church at large and appreciation for certain servant leaders in particular. We observe a high value on long term relationships. Paul and the appointed apostles were careful to teach from what Jesus instructed them to. There were other people who taught things contrary to this truth, out of selfish interests. Such teachers deceive people. Paul advises the Roman church to watch out for this and avoid it. God will soon defeat our enemy. God is able to strengthen us.

1 Chronicles 15: 16:1-36

David set up a new place of worship, that would be temporary, carefully following God’s instructions. Moving in the Ark of the Covenant, King David had dedicated priests to handle the process and sing joy for the restoration of God’s presence in Jerusalem. King David directed the thanksgiving to God with laughter in joy as they initiated this new space.

August 2 Bible reading

August 2  Psalm 90:1-10  Romans 15:14-33  1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 13; 14

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 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?

August 2  Psalm 90:1-10  Romans 15:14-33  1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 13; 14

Psalm 90:1-10

For generations, people have sung Psalm 90 a prayer from Moses. This song recognizes God as the living Creator. The One True Living God who is above and beyond things that we are unable to control. This God is available for personal relationship. This God is aware of our secret sin. This God is our Creator and available Redeemer. We can now pray direct informed prayers, such as “God of Creation, I confess my sin to You and look to You as my Redeemer.” Our reasonable response is to live out of wholehearted devotion to God, enjoying each day.

Romans 15:14-33

Paul explains that his letter to the Roman believers is meant to be a reminder of important truths. They know this stuff well enough to teach it, and yet they need a reminder. He expresses gratitude for the increasing number of people coming to faith in Jesus and his role in this mission from God. His mission is focused on reaching people who have not yet heard about Jesus the Messiah because this is part of the expressed will of God. Paul worked to discover God’s plans and desires. He then responded to this discovery by devoting his life to it. We can now follow in Paul’s example of just how to follow Jesus in life and mission.

1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 13; 14

It is important to note that David (and his leaders) searched out the will of God before making big decisions. They felt it necessary to come to agreement on whether a plan was in alignment with God’s will or not, before taking action. Sadly David did not follow this in his marriage decisions. We can learn from David’s decisions good and bad. Some of David’s team were people who understood the days that they lived in. They also understood the best course for Israel to take.

August 1 Bible reading

August 1  Psalm 89:46-52  Romans 14:19-23; 15:1-13  1 Chronicles 11; 12:1-22

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 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?

August 1  Psalm 89:46-52  Romans 14:19-23; 15:1-13  1 Chronicles 11; 12:1-22

Psalm 89:46-52

Mourning the consequences being suffered for having rejected God, the people of Israel cried out to their God. They called on God’s faithful love. Psalm 89 sings lament of what is wrong, asking God how long the dark ways will continue and yet the song ends with praising the living eternal God. They asked God to remember His promises to David. This is a powerful example to us. Honest communication with God is seen on the pathway to peace. In the face of contradiction, it is choosing to praise God. This is seen on the pathway to peace.

Romans 14:19-23; 15:1-13

Through prayer, Bible study, seeking mature counsel, and careful consideration we should develop personal convictions about how we live. God, who lovingly created us by design, has thoughts about the decisions we make and the lifestyle we choose. From this, we will find personal freedom. If a fellow believer thinks that what we feel free to do is wrong, we should not value our freedom as more valuable than our friend. This is an open conversation within a church family. Shared love includes self-control. Romans 15 directs me to be helpful and encourage faith in others. As we wait to see God’s promises fulfilled, we can take hope and encouragement from the Scriptures. As you trust in God, you may find yourself overflowing with joy, peace, and a confident hope. Paul took seriously his personal responsibility to pray for them. He asked God to meet their trust with an outpouring this peaceful confident hope.

1 Chronicles 11; 12:1-22

David’s role as King started with a recognition of his shepherd’s heart. This is a personal decision to care for the needs of individuals and the community at large. It includes a pure desire to serve people by leading them in a healthy God-first lifestyle. Ancient shepherds were patient, immediately responsive, and planning for the long-term. We can learn from this.

July 31 Bible reading

July 31 Proverbs 18:17-24; 19:1-2 Romans 14:1-18 1 Chronicles 9; 10

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 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?

 

July 31 Proverbs 18:17-24; 19:1-2 Romans 14:1-18 1 Chronicles 9; 10

Proverbs 18:17-24; 19:1-2

Carefully choosing the right word can bring results better than the finest meal. There are a variety of ways that a dispute can be resolved. We should be looking for those ways. This includes developing self-control with our words.

Romans 14:1-18

Set in the context of a lifestyle of wholehearted personal devotion to Jesus, as seen in Romans 12, we read these words about priorities. Living for the honor of God is more important than which day of the week we worship on. It is essential that we treat each other with loving respect regardless of our differences of opinions on lesser important spiritual matters. Healthy marriage brings a gracious favor from God, beyond what we deserve. Following Jesus includes living in a healthy relationship with God and people, a life of goodness, peace, and joy found in the Holy Spirit. If this is our priority, we will find it easier to defer to our friends over our freedoms in matters of natural living standards. If there is a difference of opinion about things like, what we eat or drink, we should be more concerned with God-honoring peaceful relationships than trying to convince them to see it our way. We should live in a way that helps unity.

1 Chronicles 9; 10

God restored His people from the punishment of Babylonian exile. The spiritual leaders returned to their homes first. In the end, Saul’s unfaithfulness to God brought about his death. God will restore the repentant and punish the unrepentant. Will our hearts submit to God?

July 30 Bible reading

July 30 Psalm 89:38-45 Romans 13 1 Chronicles 7; 8; 9:1

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 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?

 

July 30 Psalm 89:38-45 Romans 13 1 Chronicles 7; 8; 9:1

Psalm 89:38-45

The choir of Israel would sing this lament of the consequences they were seeing. Consequences for the ways in which they had rejected God. Psalm 89 recounts the punishment God allows on King David, whom He loves, bringing temporary separation in their relationship and public disgrace. For God, a goal of relationship restoration is the purpose that can come out of this pain.

Romans 13

Human authority is subject to God and may operate in alignment with God’s desire for mercy and justice. When it does not, we may speak truth to people in power and seek to bring change. We should recognize the truth of Romans 13 and live in respect to its truth. Remember, each person will give account to God for how they live. This includes people in authority. When they make decisions that cause harm they will be punished. Let us live by God’s intent that we love our neighbor in the same way we take care of ourselves. In this way, we will not break other commandments against abuse. We should live in constant awareness of God’s presence. Romans 13:11-14 helps me understand just how focusing on Jesus Christ can help with ridding myself of self-destructive tendencies. If I will wrap myself in personal awareness of Jesus Christ, sin will be far less attractive. Then I will be able to walk in the light of God’s love. Such freedom! Such grace!

1 Chronicles 7; 8; 9:1

God cares about every human life. Every person, in the 12 tribes of Israel was accounted for. They were all included in God’s story of redemption.

July 29 Bible reading

July 29 Psalm 89:30-37 Romans 11:33-36; 12 1 Chronicles 6

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 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?

 

July 29 Psalm 89:30-37 Romans 11:33-36; 12 1 Chronicles 6

Psalm 89:30-37

God remained true to His promise of faithful love and blessing, to David’s descendants. God may punish the sin and yet never stop loving His children. We see this in David’s story. God loves us. God guides us.

Romans 11:33-36; 12

Who can compare with our God, the One True Source of all Life? No one. Everything we see in the natural world was created by God and is intended for His glory. Seeking to understand this, as it relates to any created thing, will lead us to wisdom. Our reasonable response should be a lifestyle of wholehearted devotion (as described in Romans 12). One way to worship our Creator is to live every day for God’s purpose, from a place of gratitude. Another way to worship God is to learn how God wants us to think and be changed by it. We should be asking: How does God think? How should I be thinking about everything, as a result? In this way, we will find peace and purpose. It is not God’s desire that we are overwhelmed by the evil in this world, but that we see evil overwhelmed by good, with action. We should live out of authentic love seeking peace, being patient in trouble, and rejoicing in our confident hope in Jesus.

1 Chronicles 6

The worship of God is a priority. Here we read a record of who was responsible to facilitate the worship of God and to teach the Word of God. The organization of assigned responsibilities helped to ensure that the people would have a time and place for meeting with God. It also provided the people with spiritual servants and spiritual leaders “(servant-leaders”). It was (and is) a priority. Clearly, God cares about it. God instructed them with His own thoughts about it. God is constantly at work to facilitate the relationship with His people. We should respond with a value system of spiritual priorities.

July 28 Bible reading

July 28 Psalm 89:19-29 Romans 11:11-32 1 Chronicles 4:9-43; 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 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?

 

July 28 Psalm 89:19-29 Romans 11:11-32 1 Chronicles 4:9-43; 5

Psalm 89:19-29

God expressed love through His plan and promises for David. This benefitted David personally as well as the people at large. It is another point of evidence of the faithful character of God. David was a young man with humility and a passionate heart for God. When God selected David to serve the people as their leader, God committed to loving David and showing him kindness. God also promised to bless his descendants.

Romans 11:11-32

God has always been intentional about offering a personal relationship with Him. God is faithful in love. God does allow the painful results of rejecting His love, in the hope that we would turn to Him. Paul explains that the Jews had not fallen past the point of recovery, even after hundreds of years of rebellion. God had not given up on His people. God made salvation available to the rest of the world. Salvation is available when we trust in Jesus Christ. God is both merciful, kind, and severe in truth, punishing the guilty. If we stop trusting in His mercy through Jesus Christ, we will be subject to punishment. God will not withdraw the gifts He has given or His call to repentance and restoration. In our current human state, we do not completely understand God’s thoughts. We should be careful to not give God advice about what He should do. We cannot “out-give” God, for God’s grace to us has already been lavished on us beyond our ability to repay it.

1 Chronicles 4:9-43; 5

Pain in our life does not indicate that we will always live with that same pain. Jabez asked God for such a change. Jabez also asked God for blessing and God answered his prayer. Each life carries a lesson that we can learn from. Repeatedly we read of people who trusted God and cried out to the one true God who answered their prayers. Jabez was known for God answering his bold request for a blessing. Sexual sin vacated the birthright of Rueben and his descendants.

July 27 Bible reading

July 27 Proverbs 18:7-16 Romans 10:5-21; 11:1-10 1 Chronicles 2:18-55; 3; 4:1-8

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 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?

 

July 27 Proverbs 18:7-16 Romans 10:5-21; 11:1-10 1 Chronicles 2:18-55; 3; 4:1-8

Proverbs 18:7-16

The words of foolish people will trap them in results they would rather avoid. Humble people will receive honor. Smart people are always ready to learn. They listen. They are careful in their choice of words. They work hard. They are generous. These should be characteristics of people who are looking to God as their strength.

Romans 10:5-21; 11:1-10

New spiritual life comes from God, through Jesus Christ. It brings forgiveness and a state of being in a right-standing relationship with God. We can receive this by choosing faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Anyone who will believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that the resurrected Jesus is our Savior Lord will be saved from punishment and given eternal life. In salvation, God’s grace for us is free and undeserved. Out of gratitude, and with a sense of purpose, we should share this new life with others. Sadly, not everyone will receive this free gift by faith, but some will reject it.

1 Chronicles 2:18-55; 3; 4:1-8

God’s story cannot be told without an accurate description of His love for every human life. We are reminded of many stories in genealogies. In David, we see God’s grace, mercy, redemption, and restoration after serious mistakes of adultery and murder. We can respond to God in faith. God loves us.