October 15 Bible reading

October 15  Proverbs 25:1-10  2 Thessalonians 3  Jeremiah 31:15-40; 32:1-25

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?

October 15  Proverbs 25:1-10  2 Thessalonians 3  Jeremiah 31:15-40; 32:1-25

Proverbs 25:1-10

No one person has comprehended all that there is to understand about the earth, let alone the galaxy. Our God is Creator of all that we see. Considering this leads us to respect the thoughts of God as transcendent of our own. Gossip brings damage including irreparable damage to your own reputation.

2 Thessalonians 3

We learn to pray that the Good News of Jesus is received by an increasing number of people, from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. We read Paul’s desire that they grow in understanding and expression of God’s agape love, as well as the strength & spiritual stamina found in a personal relationship with Jesus. A healthy work ethic is seen as a priority for Jesus followers.

Jeremiah 31:15-40; 32:1-25

Jeremiah predicts the mourning after death, fulfilled in Matthew 2:17-18, and God’s promise of hope in the future. A new covenant would be an essential part of a personal relationship with God. Forgiveness of sin and removal of guilt would be available through the Messiah. At a time of being attacked, Jeremiah believed that God is faithful and powerful (quoting God’s self-description found in Exodus 34:6-7) and recalling His miracles in the past. He purchased land to prove his faith in God at a time when it seemed foolish to do so.

 

October 14 Bible reading

October 14  Psalm 119:33-40  2 Thessalonians 2  Jeremiah 29:24-32; 30; 31:1-14

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?

October 14  Psalm 119:33-40  2 Thessalonians 2  Jeremiah 29:24-32; 30; 31:1-14

Psalm 119:33-40

With these verses we can sing a prayer request that our God would help us understand the Scripture and live by His guidance. We read an honest call for help with healthy focus. “God help me focus on You, on what is right, and on what is most valuable.” We can pray. In this way, we find our life made new.

2 Thessalonians 2

Paul writes to the Thessalonians an encouragement to believe that Christ will return. He warns them about false teachers and deceptive spiritual miracle workers such as the anti-christ, a figure in the future who will draw people away from following Jesus. Jesus will be victorious over such deceivers. Paul is thankful for the faith, of the Thessalonians, in Jesus. He encourages them to hold on to their faith and the truth they had been taught. Let us draw strength from a personal relationship with Jesus.

Jeremiah 29:24-32; 30; 31:1-14

God speaks, through Jeremiah, that He will punish the false prophet who leads people away. Through the prophet, God speaks both His justice and His mercy. This includes a promise of restoration for His people. God wants to provide for His people a peaceful life. We will yet see ultimate peace and victory in Jesus.

October 13 Bible reading

October 13  Psalm 119:25-32  2 Thessalonians 1  Jeremiah 27; 28; 29:1-23

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?

October 13  Psalm 119:25-32  2 Thessalonians 1  Jeremiah 27; 28; 29:1-23

Psalm 119:25-32

On our worst days, we can sing to God. Cry out of grief, discouragement, and depression. Ask God to help us with reality and help us understand the way God’s Word is a guide to navigate it.

2 Thessalonians 1

The church in Thessalonica had found “hardship as a pathway to peace” in following Jesus. They were growing in their faith and their agape love for each other. Paul, Silas, and Timothy celebrated their faithfulness, endurance, and spiritual growth. They asked God to give the Thessalonians the grace and ability to live in a way that pleases God. We need the daily help of God to live out a “Thank You” to Jesus for salvation. Choosing to love each other we can grow stronger spiritually. All of this is helped by expecting the return of Jesus.

Jeremiah 27; 28; 29:1-23

Jeremiah had to deal with false prophets, and their message (that people would be safe from God’s judgment of sin). Religion would not protect people from punishment. God sent a message, promising ultimate restoration of His people who were in exile. God instructed them to pray for and work for the peace of the city where they were in exile. God said that the health of the city was directly connected to their health. Even during this season of punishment God taught them how to find peace.

 

 

October 12 Bible reading

October 12  Psalm 119:17-24  1 Thessalonians 5  Jeremiah 25:15-38; 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?

October 12  Psalm 119:17-24  1 Thessalonians 5  Jeremiah 25:15-38; 26

Psalm 119:17-24

The poet in Psalm 119 has found wonderful truth and wise advice in the Scripture. He is moved by a desire for the Word of God. He finds it enjoyable. Meditating on what God has said is a life-giving practice.

1 Thessalonians 5

The return of Jesus to earth will be unexpected. No one knows when it will happen. Our responsibility is to live, full of hope, alert and clear-headed. We must encourage each other, be joyful, pray constantly, and be thankful regardless of our temporary circumstances.

Jeremiah 25:15-38; 26

God has grown weary of unrepentant evil people and the injustice of their actions. Through Jeremiah God predicts the punishment He brings and yet leaves an opening for their repentance. In response, the people wanted to kill Jeremiah. Some of the wise old men recounted the way their ancestors had responded to the prophet Micah and repented of their sin. Seeing their worship, God changed His mind. In this way, the old men kept the people from killing Jeremiah.

October 11 Bible reading

October 11  Proverbs 24:23-34  1 Thessalonians 4  Jeremiah 23:9-30; 24; 25:1-14

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?

October 11  Proverbs 24:23-34  1 Thessalonians 4  Jeremiah 23:9-30; 24; 25:1-14

Proverbs 24:23-34

Proverbs points out the value of honesty and hard work. This lifestyle will bring value to you, your family, and your community. Anyone who thinks of themselves as a Jesus follower should take this into careful consideration. Does my life reflect this truth?

1 Thessalonians 4

Out of a personal relationship with Jesus comes new life and confident hope. This brings inspiration and a new ability to choose a lifestyle of living for God, our Creator & Redeemer instead of living to please ourselves first. When we want to please God more than anything else we can live a “holy” life, focused on God, avoiding sexual sin. Out of “agape” love for God and others we grow in self-control. All of this springs from a belief that Jesus will return to earth with people who have loved God and experienced death. This great hope before us should inform every single day.

Jeremiah 23:9-30; 24; 25:1-14

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God spoke to the people of Judah about the way that He would punish the unrepentant and restore the repentant. We read a clear distinction between true prophets and false prophets. A true prophet is spending time in the presence of God, listening to the voice of God, and with great care and obedience speaking the word God instructed them to deliver.

 

October 10 Bible reading

October 10  Psalm 119:9-16  1 Thessalonians 2:17-20; 3  Jeremiah 21; 22; 23:1-8

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?

October 10  Psalm 119:9-16  1 Thessalonians 2:17-20; 3  Jeremiah 21; 22; 23:1-8

Psalm 119:9-16

How can we live by the guidance of God? Is a pure life possible? Carefully considering the meaning of Scripture, in an effort to apply what God has said, to our lives, is the way to go. This includes the memorization of Scripture. In this way, our personal relationship with God becomes more meaningful and we grow by using the Word of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20; 3

Paul, Timothy, and their ministry team express love and compassion for the church in Thessalonians. Paul warned of troubles to come and brought encouragement to the Thessalonians so that they might stand strong in faith through it all. This is all set in the expectation of the return of Jesus.

Jeremiah 21; 22; 23:1-8

The people of Jerusalem had turned away from God in favor of the worship of other gods. They had treated the Temple of God like a “lucky rabbit’s foot”, believing that it would still protect them from judgment. God said, “No, I will punish you for your sinfulness”. The church building is not protection for the unrepentant sinner. In contrast, God blessed King Josiah, in part, because he gave justice and help to the poor and needy. Josiah’s actions were seen as a sign of his relationship with God. In the middle of punishing evil rulers of Judah (descendants of David) God renews His promise to bring the Messiah from their family.

 

October 9 Bible reading

October 9  Psalm 119:1-8  1 Thessalonians 1; 2:1-16  Jeremiah 18; 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?

October 9  Psalm 119:1-8  1 Thessalonians 1; 2:1-16  Jeremiah 18; 19; 20

Psalm 119:1-8

God has spoken to us. We can choose to listen and learn from what God has said. We will then benefit from God’s Word and love it. Psalm 119 is focused on this relationship with God’s Word. This is a Hebrew acrostic poem of 22 stanzas, one for each successive letter of their alphabet. Each of the 8 verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading. This is one way that you can think through what you are learning about God’s love and then summarize it in a meaningful way. God’s love: always available, beneficial.

1 Thessalonians 1; 2:1-16

Paul writes to the Thessalonians shortly after his first visit, seen in Acts 17. He commends their faithful love in action from the hope they found in Jesus. Their relationship with Jesus brought life change and inspired their expectant hope for His return. As Paul and his team shared the Good News of Jesus, they lived to please God.

Jeremiah 18; 19; 20

Through Jeremiah, our Creator God speaks to His relationship with us as the relationship between a potter and clay. The people of Judah had stubbornly rejected God in favor of living however they wanted to. This should be a warning to us.