April 27 Bible reading

April 27 Psalm 51:10-19 Luke 24:1-35 Joshua 11; 12

Psalm 51:10-19

David confesses his sin of adultery and murder. He repents and asks God to show mercy. After asking God to remove his guilt, he seeks a restoration of the relationship with God and a refreshing renewal of his soul. David commits to singing praise of God and teaching others about God. This is a song David sang through his season of restoration. It helps to sing the truth.

Luke 24:1-35

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead brings proof that Father God accepted His death as payment to atone for our sin, and that Jesus is our Messiah, the living Lord. A couple of Jesus’ followers had heard the report of His resurrection and yet they were walking away from the city confused and discouraged. Jesus walks with them, asks them questions, and then opens the Scriptures to explain the proof of His identity as Messiah. Jesus is alive. Jesus points to the purpose of His death, burial, and resurrection. This includes new spiritual life, spiritual cleansing, forgiveness, and joy available to you.

Joshua 11; 12

Following the instructions of God, Joshua completed the military conquest that God had directed to punish the evil. It made a way for them to live in safety as a benefit of their worship of Yahweh.

April 27 Psalm 51:10-19 Luke 24:1-35 Joshua 11; 12

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 26 Bible reading

April 26 Proverbs 10:21-30 Luke 23:26-56 Joshua 9:16-27; 10

Proverbs 10:21-30

A healthy relationship with God brings benefits. Living independently of God brings consequences. Considering this should bring us worship as a reasonable response and gratitude. God provides the opportunity for repentance and redemption. Those who reject it will be judged. Giving thanks to the Creator and obeying His instructions reflects a healthy relationship with God.

Luke 23:26-56

Even in the final moments of Jesus’ life, after being tortured, He brings forgiveness to a convicted criminal. Jesus’ love gives life! Jesus spoke His faith in the Father in the final moments. His friends felt deep sorrow at His passing. In the process of providing for our redemption, God has felt much pain. Our response should include asking ourselves, “What do we learn about Jesus from this? What does that say about God? What does that say about His care for me?”

Joshua 9:16-27; 10

Joshua honors the agreement with the Gibeonites despite their deception. God blessed Joshua’s loyalty to a promise he made without seeking God’s direction. Amorites attacked Gibeon because of the treaty with Joshua. God punished the Amorites through Joshua, a hail storm, and causing the sun and moon to hold still until the Israelites had won the victory over them. In obedience to God’s command, Joshua brings punishment for wickedness by leading the campaign to wipe out the kings and people of this region.

April 26 Proverbs 10:21-30 Luke 23:26-56 Joshua 9:16-27; 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 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 25 Bible reading

April 25 Psalm 51:1-9 Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-25 Joshua 8; 9:1-15

Psalm 51:1-9

David repents of his adultery and murder. He pleads with God to not be punished in the way he deserves. David asks God to cleanse him from these mistakes and heart attitudes. David asks God to restore joy. David makes public confession and amends, changing behavior and lifestyle. This is an example of repentance seen in Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 11-12.

Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-25

Jesus is publicly mocked, falsely accused, and sentenced to die. Herod and Pilate question Jesus but cannot find a reason to punish Him. The people demand the death penalty. This speaks to the innocence of Jesus and the injustice of His execution. We must consider what Jesus endured on our behalf. We should also consider the way that God cares about injustice.

Joshua 8; 9:1-15

God grants the Israelites victory of Ai after their repentance of theft. Joshua follows the instructions for the worship of God, down to the details. Then he reads the Word of God to the people. This included the benefits promised for obeying God and the consequences guaranteed for disobedience. Joshua made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without consulting God, and as a result was tricked by them.

April 25 Psalm 51:1-9 Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-25 Joshua 8; 9:1-15

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?

April 24 Bible reading

April 24 Psalm 50:16-23 Luke 22:39-62 Joshua 5:13-15; 6; 7

Psalm 50:16-23

God will punish those who pretend to be in a relationship with Him. God provides opportunity for repentance and redemption. Those who reject it will be judged. Giving thanks to the Creator and obeying His instructions reflects a healthy relationship with God. Meditating on this (even singing about it) can be very helpful.

Luke 22:39-62

Through honest prayer, Jesus asks God if there’s an option other than His death. And yet Jesus chooses to submit to the Father’s will. We continue to learn more about a personal relationship with God the Father, through Jesus’ example. As Jesus predicted, one of His closest friends betrays Him and one denies even knowing Him. Jesus gives love through it all. One chooses to believe that there is hope in Jesus and the other does not. Each of us has been given a choice in how we will respond to God. Jesus prays for us now. Jesus can speak to human experience and suffering (that includes personal betrayal).

Joshua 5:13-15; 6; 7

God delivers on His promise to give the Israelites the city of Jericho and honors their promise to spare Rahab and her family. A man named Achan stole things that had been set aside for God, and suffered the consequences. It is vital that we listen to God’s instructions for a healthy relationship with Him and for a healthy lifestyle in this life.

April 24 Psalm 50:16-23 Luke 22:39-62 Joshua 5:13-15; 6; 7

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 23 Bible reading

April 23 Psalm 50:1-15 Luke 22:1-38 Joshua 3; 4; 5:1-12

Psalm 50:1-15

An attitude of gratitude brings benefit from God. Choosing to thank God, to speak of God’s goodness regardless of our circumstance…that is a relationship choice that God will respond favorably to. Thanking our Creator God is a reasonable response. Our God brings mercy and justice. A day will come when all of humanity will recognize the sovereignty of God. Let us respond to God with worship.

Luke 22:1-38

Jesus explains the significance of the “Good News” found in this New Covenant, as they share the Passover meal in Luke 22:14-20. Jesus taught them to share this meal in the future, as a reminder of this truth. Our understanding of this is essential to how we view God and how we view ourselves. The disciples argue about who among them would become greatest. Jesus responds by teaching servant leadership as the way to follow Him, Luke 22:24-27. Servant leadership is inherent to a life of following Christ. We should continue to follow Jesus in this way.

Joshua 3; 4; 5:1-12

God provides a miraculous dry path for His people to cross the Jordan River, as a sign of His supernatural strength. God wanted them to remember His provision as an act of love, and personal relationship. Joshua leads the Hebrew people in returning to their covenant agreement lifestyle, a life-long commitment to their Creator.

April 23 Psalm 50:1-15 Luke 22:1-38 Joshua 3; 4; 5:1-12

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 22 Bible reading

April 22 Proverbs 10:11-20 Luke 21:5-38 Joshua 1; 2

Proverbs 10:11-20

A person who has found wisdom in their personal relationship with the living God can speak words of counsel that will be refreshing like a life-giving drink of water. The journey of growing up includes learning how to choose your words carefully.

Luke 21:5-38

Jesus encouraged His followers to live anticipating His return. We must consider this as reality for us today. Jesus also predicted that there would be suffering, in the future for his followers. Jesus helped them understand that there would be purpose brought through the suffering. Jesus experienced death before glory, and predicted the same for many of his followers. There will be ultimate victory and perfect peace found in Jesus.

Joshua 1; 2

God encouraged Joshua, promising not to fail or abandon him. God gave Joshua directions. This included a directive to continually study the Word of God. The land God gave them was described as a place of rest. This is important to understanding the nature of God. The residents of Jericho were afraid because they believed God was with the Israelites. Rahab chose faith in Yahweh. She helps the Israelites and later joins this family of faith. She’s mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.

April 22 Proverbs 10:11-20 Luke 21:5-38 Joshua 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?

April 21 Bible reading

April 21 Psalm 49 Luke 20:27-47; 21:1-4 Deuteronomy 33; 34

Psalm 49

Like a proverb, the song of Psalm 49 discusses the wisdom found in understanding the futility of choosing to trust in personal wealth instead of God, the Redeemer. Further, this song reveals an eternal perspective with the understanding that only God provides victory over death. We see this in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Luke 20:27-47; 21:1-4

Jesus taught that we will live forever. He made it clear that God is sovereign over all humans who have ever lived. The identity of Jesus as Messiah carries significant truth. One day we will all recognize this. Jesus encouraged a courageous generosity with our finances given to the house of worship.

Deuteronomy 33; 34

Moses speaks a blessing over God’s people before he passes away. Moses knew God “face to face” while he walked on this earth, in a way that no one else has since. God cared for Moses, even his physical needs. What a relationship he had with the living God!

April 21 Psalm 49 Luke 20:27-47; 21:1-4 Deuteronomy 33; 34

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 20 Bible reading

April 20 Psalm 48:9-14 Luke 19:45-48; 20:1-26 Deuteronomy 31:30; 32

Psalm 48:9-14

At worship, we make time to meditate on the unfailing love of God. This song is written by people who understand the value of deep consideration of who God is and what God is like. They responded to what they had learned from the things God had done throughout history. This included the way in which Jerusalem was established.

Luke 19:45-48; 20:1-26

Jesus prioritized prayer – communicating with God. Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 in saying that the Temple should be a “house of prayer”, driving out the merchants. Jesus taught in the Temple daily, during this time. Jesus confounded the religious leader’s attempts to challenge His authority, by asking questions. He didn’t bully them with truth. Jesus explained that the way that their religious leaders were rejecting Him had been predicted by the prophets centuries ago. It was yet another sign that He was the Messiah. Jesus responded to the disingenuous question about taxes with a statement of eternal perspective regarding good stewardship.

Deuteronomy 31:30; 32

Moses recites a song publicly for the Israelites describing the one true living God and their opportunity in how they would choose to respond to Him. Moses asks them to pass along these words to their children.

April 20 Psalm 48:9-14 Luke 19:45-48; 20:1-26 Deuteronomy 31:30; 32

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 19 Bible reading

April 19 Psalm 48:1-8 Luke 19:11-44 Deuteronomy 30:11-20; 31:1-29

Psalm 48:1-8

God deserves our praise. We should describe the goodness of God, the value of God, the loving nature of God. We should spend time and energy to do so. Write it down, think about it, and express what you learn. This is a way to grow in this personal relationship.

Luke 19:11-44

Jesus gives us eternal perspective on how God values good stewardship (the wise healthy use of the resources we have). We should desire a life that is productive for God’s purposes. Here we have opportunity for growth. Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem as a triumphant king. The people shout their gratitude for His miracles and recognition of His identity. Jesus wept for the people who did not receive their opportunity for salvation. Jesus mourned the destruction that would come to the city of Jerusalem. We should learn from His example of lament.

Deuteronomy 30:11-20; 31:1-29

God speaks clearly, giving people a choice to either love Him or reject Him. God loves us so much that He chooses to respect our free will, our ability to choose. God prepares the Israelites for what will happen as a result of their choices. This is where the journey of Moses will come to an end and Joshua will be commissioned. God is constantly at work throughout human history.

April 19 Psalm 48:1-8 Luke 19:11-44 Deuteronomy 30:11-20; 31:1-29

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 18 Bible reading

April 18 Proverbs 10:1-10 Luke 18:31-43; 19:1-10 Deuteronomy 29; 30:1-10

Proverbs 10:1-10

People with wisdom are happy to receive instructions. Our God provides for the needs of those who love Him. Integrity guides people into a healthy and safe lifestyle.

Luke 18:31-43; 19:1-10

Jesus predicts His own death, burial, and resurrection. The predictions that Jesus provided were specific. This is further proof of His identity as Savior. Jesus responds to faith by healing a blind man and giving him sight. Jesus made personal connections with people of all sorts and did not presume what they wanted from Him. Zacchaeus had become a wealthy tax collector by cheating people. Jesus’ love brings a complete change of heart, salvation, (and an identification of faith like Abraham’s).

Deuteronomy 29; 30:1-10

God offers the Israelites a covenant relationship with specific terms, blessings, and possible consequences. God offers His love, provision, and blessing if they will turn to Him with all their heart and soul. Our Creator’s compassionate wisdom prompts His instructions to us. We’re given an opportunity to hear about a beneficial way to live.

April 18 Proverbs 10:1-10 Luke 18:31-43; 19:1-10 Deuteronomy 29; 30:1-10

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 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?