May 17 Bible reading

May 17  Psalm 62  John 9:35-41; 10:1-21  Ruth 3; 4

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 17  Psalm 62  John 9:35-41; 10:1-21  Ruth 3; 4

Psalm 62

David’s song suggests that we tell God what is on our hearts, and choose to trust God completely. David finds God to be a source of strength and peace even when He is waiting to see God take action on his behalf. How we deal with delay and disappointment is important. This is where we have an opportunity to grow in faith.

John 9:35-41; 10:1-21

Jesus described those who could not see Him as Messiah, as being spiritually blind. Jesus described Himself as a Good Shepherd who was willing to sacrifice His own life for His sheep. Jesus described our enemy’s plan to steal, kill, and destroy in contrast to His own plan to provide a rich and satisfying life. From this, we should learn the value of a Christ-centered life. Daily we should be considering, “What does Jesus think about this?”

Ruth 3; 4

Boaz and Ruth had each lived a virtuous and faithful life. They found redemption in a healthy marriage. God blessed this marriage. The genealogy of Christ is traced through it. They had experienced disappointment and delay. They chose to have faith in God. This choice improved the quality of their marriage.

May 16 Bible reading

May 16  Proverbs 12:8-17  John 9:1-34  Ruth 1; 2

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 16  Proverbs 12:8-17  John 9:1-34  Ruth 1; 2

Proverbs 12:8-17

“Healthy, stable, productive, calm when insulted, and truthful,” should describe a person who loves God and others. Wise words and hard work bring benefits and rewards. We will find the quality of our life has improved when we apply the wisdom of the proverbs.

John 9:1-34

Jesus reveals the power of God and His identity as the Messiah in healing a blind man. The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as the Messiah. They used their Sabbath customs in their attempt to question Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah. Jesus proved that God will do miracles on the Sabbath, unrestricted by the legalistic misinterpretation of God’s word. This miracle met the need of the man whose life was changed and served as further proof of Jesus’ identity as Messiah.

Ruth 1; 2

Ruth and her mother-in-law had both been left as widows. Ruth chose to follow Naomi in her return to her homeland, Judah, and the worship of Yahweh. Ruth finds in Boaz an honorable kinsman-redeemer. Boaz recognizes the faithfulness of Ruth and calls for the blessing of God on her. They had seen the mistakes of others. They lived with faithfulness.

May 15 Bible reading

May 15  Psalms 61  John 8:31-59  Judges 20; 21

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 15  Psalms 61  John 8:31-59  Judges 20; 21

Psalms 61

When David is overwhelmed by challenges, he sings his request of God for help and an ability to live daily aware of God’s love. David sings about a personal relationship with God where the love of God is a constant source of peace. David has learned that God is more powerful than anything else in this life. He makes a commitment to the daily worship of God.

John 8:31-59

Jesus calls His followers to a lifestyle of being faithful to His teachings. They will find freedom in this life of learning from and responding faithfully to the words of Christ. It is freedom found in a life-long commitment and devotion to Jesus. Temple leaders challenged the identity of Jesus. They looked to Abraham as a father in their faith and yet did not understand the primary life lesson of Abraham. They could not recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise Yahweh God had made to Abraham. Jesus explained the truth.

Judges 20; 21

Sexual sin and murder brought about a civil war and the death of thousands. The Israelites bore the consequences of living a life of doing whatever they wanted. When people choose to live independently of God’s will destruction follows. Humans can be convinced they are doing right and yet be completely wrong. This is one reason God has provided objective truth in Scripture, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Messiah Jesus Christ.

May 14 Bible reading

May 14  Psalm 60:5-12  John 8:12-30  Judges 18; 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?

May 14  Psalm 60:5-12  John 8:12-30  Judges 18; 19

Psalm 60:5-12

With a poem used for teaching, David sings His request for God’s help and protection. You can also do this. It’s a helpful context for us to draw strength from our relationship with God. What have I learned about God? What have I learned about who I am in relationship to God? What does this say about me?  Considering the answers to these questions should be life-changing.

John 8:12-30

Jesus reveals and further explains His identity as Messiah and as the Son of God. Quoting Isaiah’s prophecy, Jesus calls them to eternal life through repentance and receiving this salvation by grace. Jesus predicts that some will believe His identity as Messiah when He is crucified. Jesus calls people to a point of decision, whether they will follow Him or not. This is relevant to us today. There can be a season of searching, and yet there is a time to make a decision. Will I accept Jesus or reject Jesus?

Judges 18; 19

In Judges 18 and 19, we see that when people turn away from the worship of the one true living God they degrade themselves into the worship of false things. Out of this came one of the worst sexual sins in a generation, the death of a woman, and ultimately war. Repeatedly we read stories of people who reject a relationship with God, choosing self-reliance, and who suffer the consequences of that decision.

May 13 Bible reading

May 13 Psalm 60:1-4 John 7:45-53; 8:1-11 Judges 16; 17

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 13 Psalm 60:1-4 John 7:45-53; 8:1-11 Judges 16; 17

Psalm 60:1-4

David sings about the way that God protects those who serve Him. The Psalms are used as a prayer book, a collection of songs, for meditation, for expression, and for learning more about our relationship with God & others. This includes the lessons learned in David’s life. He saw consequences for wrongdoing. David learned of God’s justice and mercy.

John 7:45-53; 8:1-11

The Jewish leaders are ready to arrest Jesus but Nicodemus comes to His defense. In an attempt to trap Jesus into saying something that could be used against Him, the religious leaders bring Him a woman caught in adultery to see if He would direct punishment toward her according to their customs added to God’s law. Jesus deterred them and called her to change. Jesus brought hope and new spiritual life.

Judges 16; 17

Samson had been given strength for the purpose of God. He had been raised to live by a commitment to God’s purpose. When Samson chooses to step outside his commitment to God’s purpose we see consequences. He asked God to give him the ability to punish the wicked Philistines. Idol worship continued with Micah even after he repented of theft.

May 12 Bible reading

May 12 Proverbs 11:29-31; 12:1-7 John 7:14-44 Judges 14; 15

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 12 Proverbs 11:29-31; 12:1-7 John 7:14-44 Judges 14; 15

Proverbs 11:29-31; 12:1-7

The consequences of living independently from God are severe. The benefits of serving God are endless. Peter gives caution to us (in direct response to verse 31) in 1 Peter 4:18. We’re called to live this life, here and now, by a value system of priority on serving God. Living by wisdom brings benefits. Being foolish brings consequences. Exercising self-control and welcoming correction is necessary for learning. Living a God-centered life brings stability.

John 7:14-44

Who is Jesus? We must consider this question and the relevance of the answers to our relationship with Him. Jesus explains to His followers that He has come to earth from Father God and will return to Him. At that time the Holy Spirit would come as promised. Jesus calls those who are spiritually thirsty to come to Him for “living water”. Jesus offers salvation, healing, and refreshing.

Judges 14; 15

Samson lusts after a Philistine woman which God had forbidden. He talks about her like a piece of property. This woman was given to the “best man” at his wedding instead. Samson took revenge on their families and village. Despite his sin, God had mercy on Samson, giving him an ability to punish the Philistines for their wickedness.

May 11 Bible reading

May 11 Psalm 59:9-17 John 6:60-71; 7:1-13 Judges 12; 13

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 11 Psalm 59:9-17 John 6:60-71; 7:1-13 Judges 12; 13

Psalm 59:9-17

At a time when Saul is trying to kill him, David sings about God’s protection. David draws strength from his relationship with God. This strength is spiritual and natural. It is very real throughout his whole person. It is a life choice and a life source.

John 6:60-71; 7:1-13

Jesus makes a specific point of asking His followers if they believe in His identity as Messiah. To Jesus, this was more important than their activities, more important than their ability to repeat the Scriptures, or their attendance to these gatherings. At that time, no one in Jerusalem had the courage to speak favorably of Jesus, confessing their belief in Him as Messiah.

Judges 12; 13

The pattern of the Israelites forsaking God continues. God sends a message predicting the birth of Samson, and calling his family to ensure that he would take a Nazarite vow. This meant that Samson was to dedicate his life to serving God.

May 10 Bible reading

May 10 Psalm 59:1-8 John 6:25-59 Judges 10; 11

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 10 Psalm 59:1-8 John 6:25-59 Judges 10; 11

Psalm 59:1-8

David chooses to believe that God will protect him as Saul is trying to kill him. Soldiers of a king who wants him dead are waiting to ambush him. David believes God to be more powerful than the enemies he faces. David looks to God for personal strength and protection.

John 6:25-59

Jesus calls the crowd of people following Him to seek new spiritual life through Him, and not be distracted by temporary natural things. The crowd wanted the benefit of Jesus’ miracles without relating to Him as Savior. It seemed that they also wanted to have the ability to perform miracles themselves, possibly more than they wanted Jesus as Messiah. Jesus explained the desire of Father God that they receive this new life by recognizing Him as Savior and responding with belief. Sadly many of them had become more attached to a religious experience than they were to a personal relationship with God.

Judges 10; 11

The Israelites continue to turn away from God and worship false gods. God allows them to feel the pain of consequences. The Israelites confessed their wrong and changed their behavior. God reminded them of the many miracles He had done for them. They made a fresh commitment to serve God alone. The Spirit of God comes upon Jephthah, allowing him to win their freedom. He makes a foolish vow to God and suffers the consequences of the rash decision. Our God grieves at human suffering.

May 9 Bible reading

May 9 Psalm 58 John 6:1-24 Judges 9

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 9 Psalm 58 John 6:1-24 Judges 9

Psalm 58

David sings his anger at rulers perpetrating injustice. He calls God to judge those unrepentant people who abuse others. David believes that God will bring justice in a land where some people choose to mistreat others. He sees benefit for people who choose to live for God. David sees God making right that which is wrong. We believe that when Jesus returns God will make all things right.

John 6:1-24

Several thousand people gathered around Jesus (because of His healing miracles), and they needed to be fed. Jesus provides lunch with a miracle of bread and fish. The people took this to be another sign that Jesus was the Messiah Savior they were waiting for. When their excitement turned to a political focus Jesus walked away to be alone. Jesus is able to do what we see as impossible. He walked on water and multiplied food miraculously. We must recognize that God has a plan. We should submit to God’s wisdom, recognizing that here and now things won’t always work out the way that we prefer. And yet God has a plan for the best possible results.

Judges 9

Abimelech, one of Gideon’s sons, kills all but one of his brothers, to gain political power. God punished him and his men by ensuring their deaths and removal from power. Our God will bring justice. Our God cares about how we treat each other. Our God will make right that which is wrong. Let us pray for His justice and mercy.

May 8 Bible reading

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 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 to verse 31) 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.