January 17 Bible reading

January 17 – Psalm 10:1-11, Matthew 12:46-50; 13:1-17, Genesis 34; 35

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 17 – Psalm 10:1-11, Matthew 12:46-50; 13:1-17, Genesis 34; 35

Psalm 10:1-11

People may not believe that God is aware of them and the harm they are causing, but He is. There are people who take advantage of the poor and yet believe that there will be no consequences for their actions. They live like God doesn’t exist. They lie, cheat, steal, and murder. Psalm 10 calls God into action.

Matthew 12:46-50; 13:1-17

Anyone who responds to Yahweh in faithful obedience is part of the family of Jesus. Some of Jesus’ teaching came in the form of stories. The parable of the sower helps us understand that God has initiated a relationship through truth and each person has an opportunity to respond. When a person responds to Jesus faithfully the seed that God provided is found fruitful. Sadly not everyone will respond. Some will ignore Jesus. Some will allow the things of this life to distract them. Those who respond to Jesus by hearing what He has said will find joy. Following Jesus will help us see our spiritual family and our priorities in relationships. Some people will have a hard heart and not respond to Jesus. The few people who hear Jesus and respond with staying power will see results that are multiplied.

Genesis 34; 35

Jacob’s sons avenge the rape of their sister. God sees sins committed in unhealthy relationships and calls Jacob back to Bethel, a place of worship. Jacob calls his whole family to rid themselves of idols and worship only God who had revealed Himself as “Almighty”. God speaks purpose to them and promises them land. Jacob and his family respond to God in obedience. Again God renames Jacob as Israel. God reveals Himself as El Shaddai the Almighty God.

January 16 Bible reading

January 16 – Proverbs 2:1-11, Matthew 12:22-45, Genesis 32; 33

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 16 – Proverbs 2:1-11, Matthew 12:22-45, Genesis 32; 33

Proverbs 2:1-11

When I have found grace through Jesus, I want to love God more than anything else. My human nature can make that difficult. Learning helps. Choosing to live each day aware of who God is, is where true wisdom begins. Growing in an understanding of who I am in a relationship with God will help me apply wisdom to my daily life. Growing in wisdom requires focus and effort. We must ask God. It is God who can give us knowledge, understanding, insight, and wisdom. Wise choices will have lasting benefits. Understanding will keep us.

Matthew 12:22-45

Leaders who were in the position to teach people the truth about God were challenging the identity of Jesus as Messiah instead. Jesus confronted evil spirits and removed them from people. These leaders claimed that Jesus worked in collaboration with the devil. Jesus refuted this showing His superior power and its good results. They demanded miracles. Jesus called for repentance and reminded them of Ninevah. One day everyone will recognize the powerful identity of Jesus Christ. Jesus says that we speak out of our hearts and that we will be known by the “fruit” of our lives. He informs us that there will be consequences for those who do not repent.

Genesis 32; 33

Jacob is following God’s direction and moving his family to the land God had promised. Jacob fears his brother Esau and cries out to the God of unfailing love. Jacob was looking for a blessing from God beyond all that God had already provided. Arriving at land promised to him Jacob wrestles with God, is renamed “Israel”, and nervously reunites with his brother. Peacemaking remains important to God.

January 15 Bible reading

January 15 – Psalm 9:13-20, Matthew 12:1-21, Genesis 31

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 15 – Psalm 9:13-20, Matthew 12:1-21, Genesis 31

Psalm 9:13-20

David has learned from his life experiences. He has observed the Almighty God at work. God sees the twists and turns of humanity. God brings justice. Death and eternal separation from the God of love will be the experience of all who reject our Almighty God. Those in need can find God ready to help. In one sense, God saved me so that I can praise Him.

Matthew 12:1-21

The gentle way of the leadership of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. The religious leaders of Yahweh’s Temple were looking for ways to refute Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah. They had turned God’s principle of Sabbath worship and rest into legalism, missing the point. Jesus does a healing miracle on the Sabbath. Jesus teaches that you can do good, handle emergencies, care for basic needs, and serve the house of worship (in a rotation schedule) on the Sabbath. In both the healing miracle and his gentle response Jesus gives us an example.

Genesis 31

God will honor those who seek to make peace through a serious life-long commitment. Laban resented his son-in-law Jacob and kept making one bad decision after another. Jacob responded to God’s guidance and began to return to his homeland. Rachel still had a mixture of sin in her heart. Jacob negotiated a peace treaty with Laban and thanked God for it, with the whole family.

 

January 14 Bible reading

January 14 – Psalm 9:7-12, Matthew 11:16-30, Genesis 29; 30

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 14 – Psalm 9:7-12, Matthew 11:16-30, Genesis 29; 30

Psalm 9:7-12

The more I get to know God the more I trust Him. Our God has always been in control and will always be in control. God is a shelter for the oppressed who trust in Him. God avenges murder, cares for the helpless, and does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.

Matthew 11:16-30

Jesus spoke the truth about people who did not respond to the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus denounces towns that did not repent and believe in response to His miracles. Jesus calls to the weary, that they would exchange what they are carrying with Him, finding rest in Him. Jesus called people to find spiritual rest in their relationship with Him. Jesus invited them to learn and spiritual growth.

Genesis 29; 30

Jacob falls in love with Rachel the daughter of his uncle Laban. He agrees to work for seven years as a dowry to marry Rachel. When the time comes, Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah, the firstborn. Jacob marries both in the agreement of another seven years of work. They all see the consequences of sin. Rachel becomes impatient with infertility and jealous of her sister Leah’s sons. She gives her husband a servant as a surrogate. Leah’s jealousy causes her to do the same.  God responds to the fact that Leah was unloved. God responds to their prayers despite their sins. Twelve sons are born. God is faithful to His promise in covenant agreement with Abraham.

January 13 Bible reading

January 13 – Psalm 9:1-6, Matthew 10:32-42; 11:1-15, Genesis 27; 28

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 13 – Psalm 9:1-6, Matthew 10:32-42; 11:1-15, Genesis 27; 28

Psalm 9:1-6

In my relationship with God, I have discovered joy. I will overflow with joy because the God who created me has also redeemed me. We should respond to God by praising who He is, and all He has done, in song and in talking about what He has done.

Matthew 10:32-42; 11:1-15

From the instructions of Jesus to His disciples we should learn the value of selfless love for God. When we live for God’s purpose we find fulfillment. There’s a direct relational response from God to us regarding whether or not we accept Jesus. God can redeem the mistakes we make in how we relate with others. Our worship matters. Jesus recognized the ministry of John the Baptist and John recognized the identity of Jesus as Messiah.

Genesis 27; 28

Aging Isaac was ready to give his final blessing. Rebekah wanted her husband to give Jacob the first-born blessing instead of Esau. They tricked Isaac and the blessing went to Jacob. Esau hated his brother. Isaac sent Jacob to find a wife from his uncle Laban’s daughters. Jacob realized that God was in a place he had not previously recognized. God revealed to Jacob the promise of His covenant with Abraham. This land would be theirs. Jacob’s family would be blessed to be a blessing to all people through the Messiah to come. Jacob set up a place of worship and committed to giving a tithe.

 

January 12 Bible reading

January 12 – Proverbs 1:20-33, Matthew 10:1-31, Genesis 25; 26

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

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?

January 12 – Proverbs 1:20-33, Matthew 10:1-31, Genesis 25; 26

Proverbs 1:20-33

Solomon wants us to learn the value of seeking wisdom. Apathy toward seeking wisdom will bring consequences. God is patient with us, waiting for us to turn to His wisdom, ready to pour out His spirit on us if we do. Every day of our lives presents us with opportunities. Living by wisdom will bring peace.

Matthew 10:1-31

Jesus called together twelve of His close followers. Giving them purpose, spiritual authority, and gifts He sent them out to announce the Kingdom of God and its New Covenant. The twelve were given a faith mission to spread the Good News. Jesus told them to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus assures them that God will take care of them, in this life and the next. He instructed them to use knowledge in purity and yet be constantly learning. There will be a clear distinction between those who follow Jesus and those who do not.

Genesis 25; 26

Abraham saw the promise of God fulfilled and yet in its continual process. Abraham passed away at 175 years old a blessed man. Ishmael remained at odds with Isaac. Rebekah gave birth to miracle twins, Jacob and Esau, who struggled with each other. Despite a famine, God confirmed His promise first given to Abraham and now carried by Isaac. Despite Isaac’s mistakes, God was faithful to His promise.

January 11 Bible reading

January 11 – Psalm 8, Matthew 9:14-38, Genesis 24

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 11 – Psalm 8, Matthew 9:14-38, Genesis 24

Psalm 8

David spent time taking care of sheep. He learned from paying attention to them and observing the natural world around him. The night sky was something that he was familiar with and something he was in awe of. Considering the same God who created all of that would look out for him, was too much for David. This God is truly amazing!

Matthew 9:14-38

There is a time for fasting. Jesus brought personal healing, at times in response to faith. He recognized the belief in their hearts as seen through the action they took in the direction of their miracle. Jesus instructed His followers to pray, asking God to send them more people would join their effort to reach others with the message of hope in Jesus.

Genesis 24

At 127 years old Sarah passes away. Abraham grieves the loss of his wife, and Isaac the loss of his mother. God’s promise to Abraham includes many descendants through the line of his son Isaac. God provides a wife for Isaac from the line of Abraham’s ancestors. In the life of Isaac and Rebekah, we see the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. We also see marriage with purpose and sanctity beyond personal pleasure. This included Rebekah’s willful decision. Her response went beyond what was asked of her. She saw the need for water and took action.

 

January 10 Bible reading

January 10 – Psalm 7:10-17, Matthew 8:23-34; 9:1-13, Genesis 21; 22; 23

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 10 – Psalm 7:10-17, Matthew 8:23-34; 9:1-13, Genesis 21; 22; 23

Psalm 7:10-17

David learned that God is gracious to people who will confess and turn away from their wrongdoing. David also learned that God will bring punishment to those who refuse to repent. When David faces opposition these truths bring him comfort.

Matthew 8:23-34; 9:1-13

Repeatedly Jesus proved His identity with miracles and revealed His unique nature by serving people that most of humanity had given up on. Jesus brought healing and freedom to people in desperate need. Taking the specific action needed Jesus restored people to an ability to live a peaceful life. Bringing forgiveness to sin was clearly a priority of Jesus’ actions. Jesus removed guilt. It is a miracle.

Genesis 21; 22; 23

God did what He said He would do. He gave Sarah a baby boy, Isaac, despite Abraham’s old age. God brought about His own plan in the great Redemptive Narrative including Ishmael the son of Abraham and Hagar. Abraham and Sarah lacked trust in God’s process for His promise and chose a sexual sin instead. God tested Abraham’s faith. Through the experiences of Hagar and Abraham, we gain the descriptions of God as the “One who sees me” and the “One who provides”.

January 9 Bible reading

January 9 – Psalm 7:1-9, Matthew 7:24-29; 8:1-22, Genesis 19; 20

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 9 – Psalm 7:1-9, Matthew 7:24-29; 8:1-22, Genesis 19; 20

Psalm 7:1-9

We must understand that God looks deep within our minds and hearts. He cares about what we are thinking and feeling. David has a personal relationship with God where he has learned that God knows the motives and character of all people. David looks to God for protection from wicked people.

Matthew 7:24-29; 8:1-22

If we will listen to the teaching of Jesus, follow it, and build our lives on it we will not be crushed by the storms of life. The “house” of our life will be secure. When we learn from the teaching of Jesus and take action with it, we will find peaceful stability in life. Jesus brings healing and restoration to people in “impossible” situations. Jesus responded to faith. Jesus predicted many Gentile believers in fellowship with the Jewish heroes of faith in Heaven to come. Jesus calls us to wholehearted devotion.

Genesis 19; 20

God cannot find ten faithful people in Sodom and Gomorrah. They are beyond hope. Sexual sin is rampant. God brings judgment and yet preserves Abraham’s nephew Lot and his daughters. Lot’s wife shows us that we must be more focused on God’s direction than the ways of this world, the people/places/things, the culture of this natural world. Abraham prayed for others even at times when he was a mess. The sexual sin of Lot’s daughters brings about the people of the Moabites and the Ammonites. Out of insecurity Abraham had a habit of concealing his marriage to the beautiful Sarah. Self-preservation led Abraham to sin.

January 8 Bible reading

January 8  Proverbs 1:8-19  Matthew 6:25-34; 7:1-23  Genesis 17; 18

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

January 8  Proverbs 1:8-19  Matthew 6:25-34; 7:1-23  Genesis 17; 18

• 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?

Proverbs 1:8-19

Each of us can learn from our parents. Listening is essential to growing in wisdom. People who are greedy for money find themselves on a self-destructive path. Proverbs 1 gives us the idea that wisdom starts with the fear of God. This is a constant awareness of God including worship, submission, trust, relying upon, reverence to, and love of God.

Matthew 6:25-34; 7:1-23

Jesus teaches His followers to value the Kingdom of God above anything of this natural life and to pursue the will of God above all else. From that posture, Jesus teaches us to not worry about what we need in this life because our Father God will provide. Jesus reveals God to be a good Father who loves us. We are taught to pray with persistence for this reason. Jesus teaches that His followers can be recognized by their faithful loving actions of obedience to His Word.

Genesis 17; 18

God has seen the faithful action of Abram. God changes Abram’s name to Abraham to reassure him of God’s specific promises in this covenant agreement. God promises a lasting benefit for Abraham and his descendants. Sarah laughs at what seems impossible in God’s promise. Abraham pleads with God to not punish a city full of sinful people for the sake of ten faithful people.