February 20 Bible reading

February 20 Psalm 24 Mark 5:21-43; 6:1-6 Exodus 27; 28

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?

February 20 Psalm 24 Mark 5:21-43; 6:1-6 Exodus 27; 28

Psalm 24 Psalm 24 is amazing. David sings from a worship of God our Creator, through the benefit of a healthy relationship with God, to a revelation of both ancient and yet-to-be-fulfilled spiritual worship of God above all gods, King above all kings. Yahweh Creator God has provided us opportunity in this life. We belong to our Creator, along with everything that we see. When we are cleansed from our sin, we can enjoy our relationship with God.

Mark 5:21-43; 6:1-6 Jesus heals in response to faith and yet is surprised by the lack of faith in His hometown. Jesus showed power over death, bringing a little girl back from the dead. Jesus brought healing where doctors could not. And yet not everyone believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Today we can make the same mistake and miss out on a relationship with Jesus, the God of miracles.

Exodus 27; 28 In Exodus we see further detailed plans for the Tabernacle, a place of meeting with God. God wants us to understand that our relationship with Him is spiritual (more important than the natural world) and should be approached with love and respect. The role of the priest included representing the people to God, taking on their sin, seeking forgiveness and God’s direction. In our “priesthood of all believers” we share a responsibility to pray in intercession for each other. God’s instructions for Aaron and the priests also give us a picture of the activities of Jesus in prayer, making intercession for us. This truth should bring us comfort, strength, and purpose in our identity as priests and children of God.

February 19 Bible reading

February 19  Psalm 23  Mark 4:30-41; 5:1-20  Exodus 25; 26

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?

February 19  Psalm 23  Mark 4:30-41; 5:1-20  Exodus 25; 26

Psalm 23  David sings about the goodness of the living God. Psalm 23 includes the benefits of following God in a close personal relationship, looking to God as a guide, resulting in peace and a confident hope. David is satisfied and renewed in the presence of God. He had already walked through difficult days. David discovered God’s faithfulness despite the hardship. His relationship with God brought him transformative peace. David had worked as a shepherd and so this analogy of God as a good shepherd carried many applications. I recommend reading Phillip Keller’s book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”.

Mark 4:30-41; 5:1-20  Jesus taught with the use of stories and analogies. He spoke of the Kingdom of God as being supernatural, beyond their current understanding and expectations. Jesus called His followers to believe in His identity as Messiah and His power over the natural world. Jesus calms the storm. Jesus brings deliverance from torment. Jesus repeatedly proved His ability to control what they could not. We should worship Jesus, follow Jesus, and look to Jesus as our source of peace.

Exodus 25; 26  In Exodus, God gave specific instructions to build a Tabernacle, in part, so that there would be a place for their relationship with God, including thanksgiving and forgiveness of sin. So that this place would be safe, sacred, without distraction, and for a specific purpose. God instructs Moses to invite the people to give an offering toward building a place of worship, where God would live among them. Moses would accept donations from “all those whose hearts are moved to offer them”. God wanted the people to prioritize their relationship with Him. This included a high value on the covenant agreement with God. We see God making a way for forgiveness and bringing peace to His people.

February 18 Bible reading

February 18  Psalm 22:22-31  Mark 3:31-35; 4:1-29  Exodus 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 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?

February 18  Psalm 22:22-31  Mark 3:31-35; 4:1-29  Exodus 23; 24

Psalm 22:22-31  Feeling abandoned by God and overwhelmed by stress, David sang about what he was experiencing. He couldn’t see God at work on days when he was attacked. And yet he chose to praise God publicly. David chose to sing about God’s faithfulness. Despite his anguish at his own circumstances, David chose to gather with the believers so that the younger generation could hear about the goodness of God.

Mark 3:31-35; 4:1-29  Jesus teaches the value of our spiritual family. People who are devoted to Yahweh are part of the family of God. Teaching the 12 disciples, Jesu talks about taking God’s word to people who have a free will choice in how they will respond to it. We have an enemy to resist, who doesn’t want us to hear and respond to God’s Word. Some people will have an initial joy at God’s Word and yet allow personal challenges to keep them from responding faithfully. Worry and/or desire for the things of this world will keep some people from responding faithfully. Despite all of this, some people will responding faithfully to God’s Word and see supernatural results. We should listen, respond, and share God’s Word.

Exodus 23; 24  God calls His people to “not follow the crowd in doing wrong”, but live an honest life. God calls people to live fully devoted to Him and in return offers blessing and protection. Moses, and the people committed to God’s covenant agreement, found God to be present among them. The elders enjoyed a covenant meal in God’s presence, showing that this is about personal relationship with God and not transactional religion.

February 17 Bible reading

February 17  Proverbs 5:1-14  Mark 2:18-28  Mark 3:1-30  Exodus 21; 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?

February 17  Proverbs 5:1-14  Mark 2:18-28  Mark 3:1-30  Exodus 21; 22

Proverbs 5:1-14  Proverbs says, “listen carefully, then you will show discernment.” Choosing active learning of God’s wisdom will result in a change of behavior and words. From today’s reading, we receive instruction to avoid illicit sexual relationships. We read that they bring consequences. We should learn from this Proverb. It is a warning.

Mark 2:18-28  Jesus says that there will be a time for fasting. He predicts that the New Covenant will be like new wine in a new wineskin. I believe this relates to practices from the older covenants and practices of their heroes in the faith. The Sabbath practice honors God and brings benefit to the people who use it. As we focus on God, stop our usual work, spend time with our spiritual family in worship and our natural family and friends, we should be at rest in our salvation. This helps us. We are free to do good deeds and help others on the Sabbath. Jesus sets right what they had wrong about Sabbath. Jesus brings healing and freedom. Jesus chooses, calls out, trains, gives authority & mission to, releases the 12 disciples. The ability of Jesus to remove demons proves that He is more powerful. Jesus says that anyone who does His will is in His family.

Exodus 21; 22  God provides instruction for providing freedom and opportunity to people who had made themselves a bondservant in slavery over financial debt. Making amends is clearly a course of action God cares about. Weeding out Egyptian practices that the Israelites adopted takes time, even with God’s guidance. God cares about how we live. God commands that we show respect for others. God values freedom and follow-through on commitments. Justice and the fair treatment of others are values that God instills in His people. Love and respect for each human life are clear values of God our Creator and Redeemer.

 

 

 

February 16 Bible reading

February 16  Psalm 22:12-21  Mark 1:29-45; 2:1-17  Exodus 19; 20

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?

February 16  Psalm 22:12-21  Mark 1:29-45; 2:1-17  Exodus 19; 20

Psalm 22:12-21  Inside the great lament of Psalm 22, we hear them singing that God is their strength. We read an example of pouring out your heart to God and an example of telling God what you are suffering followed by how it’s impacting you. Take to God today. Sing to God today. Listen to God today.
Mark 1:29-45; 2:1-17  Jesus was awake before sunrise, in private prayer. His constant contact with Father God brought personal guidance. Jesus heals many people while He is moved with compassion. Jesus makes a point of referring to His identity as Messiah and that the miracle is a sign of His ability to forgive sins. Jesus calls Matthew, the despised tax collector, to be one of His followers. Jesus speaks to those with spiritual pride, the truth that His ministry is for those who see their own need.

Exodus 19; 20  By instructions given through Moses, God prepares His people for meeting with Him, entering a covenant relationship with Him, and beginning a new season for the Kingdom of God on earth. Consecration, a serious approach to being clean and set aside for this meeting, is seen as essential. God provides the 10 Commandments as a context for a healthy relationship with Him and others. They include His promise of grace on those who repent, love Him, and follow His directives. They also include God’s promise to punish those who reject Him (and the consequence that will follow). This meeting includes an amazing promise from God, “Build My altar wherever I cause My name to be remembered and I will come to you and bless you.”

February 15 Bible reading

February 15  Psalm 22:1-11  Mark 1:1-28  Exodus 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?

February 15  Psalm 22:1-11  Mark 1:1-28  Exodus 17; 18

Psalm 22:1-11  This is the Psalm that Jesus quotes from the cross. They sang this lament for crying out to God and not having heard an answer. And yet they sing His praises because He is worthy and because they remember that He rescued their ancestors. King David is overwhelmed by the violent challenges he faces. He will not be silent for a single night while calling for God to answer his prayer for help. David reminds God of how He rescued the Israelites in days gone by. What a contrast David sees between those days and his own! Despite this, he praises God describing a Creator who sits with those who praise Him. Distraught and calling for help, David chooses to trust God.

Mark 1:1-28  The “Gospel of Mark” was written by John Mark, cousin of Barnabas and faithful interpreter of the apostle Peter’s testimony. (Meaning he was the one who most often wrote down Peter’s sermons etc.) The early church viewed the book we now read, called “Mark”, as Peter’s memoirs. Mark traveled with Paul and Barnabas. His mother’s house was a gathering place for the early Jerusalem church and the place that the Lord’s Supper occurred. Jesus Christ is seen as the Son of God who became the Son of Man, our Messiah, and servant of Jehovah, who suffered for our ransom. This gospel seems to be written to people with a dominant Roman culture as the various Jewish customs are explained. There’s a clear focus on the “Good News” of Jesus. Jesus arrives, as predicted, He is baptized and God the Father speaks His love, approval, and joy over Him. Jesus calls people to believe and to repent of their sin. Jesus calls followers to become “fishers of men”.

Exodus 17; 18  Unprovoked, the army of Amalek attacked the Israelites. Using a team leadership effort, God helped them defeat the Amalekites. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, helped him understand team leadership. Moses delegated responsibilities of hearing complaints between offended parties (like small claims court). It’s important to note that Moses continued in his responsibility to intercede for the people. He prayed to God on their behalf. He spoke to the people on God’s behalf, communicating what God had said. Moses continued his responsibility to teach the Word of God. He continued to help them understand how to live out this faith in their daily lives. Moses utilized a team of leaders to ensure that the people would have someone available to them. This leadership team shared responsibility. This is a principle still relevant today. As Jesus taught His followers principles of prayer, “servant leadership”, and “mutual submission” they responded with team leadership, organization, delegation, and a lot of prayer. Praying for people, teaching God’s Word, and equipping people were core responsibilities that they carried.

February 14 Bible reading

February 14  Psalm 21:8-13  Matthew 28  Exodus 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 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?

February 14  Psalm 21:8-13  Matthew 28  Exodus 15; 16

Psalm 21:8-13  David has been called out of his hometown by the prophet Samuel, to be king of the Israelites. David obeyed the call of God and then faced violent opposition, multiple times. God is all-powerful. David was an eye witness to God’s victory over violent rebellion. No one can defeat the living God. We can join David’s celebration of God’s victories.

Matthew 28  Just as predicted, Jesus rose from the dead and walked among people for 40 days proving that He is alive. Father God accepted the death of Jesus as our once-and-for-all sacrificial payment for the atonement of our sins. The resurrection of Jesus is living proof of that fact. Jesus is alive. Before returning to Father God, Jesus commissioned His followers to urge people (of all ethnicities in all nations) to also become His followers. Jesus assured them that He would be with them spiritually every day and that He would return to the earth in body, one day.

Exodus 15; 16  Moses and 600,000 Israelite families sing their thanksgiving to God for their freedom from slavery. “With your unfailing love, you lead the people you have redeemed.” “The Lord is my strength and my song.” They sang about Yahweh’s sovereign control and powerful love. David learned from this song and we should too. God provided water, bread, and meat to eat for so many families now in need. There is nothing too hard for our God.