August 9 Bible reading

August 9 Psalm 93 1 Corinthians 5 1 Chronicles 28; 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?

August 9 Psalm 93 1 Corinthians 5 1 Chronicles 28; 29

Psalm 93

The God we worship is an eternal Spirit, majestic, and powerful. We cannot control a violent raging ocean. God is stronger than the waves. We turn to a God who is able to do more than we imagine. The One True Living God is more powerful than the forces of our natural environment. We should revere this God. Our reasonable response should include awestruck wonder and a life of wholehearted devotion.

1 Corinthians 5

Paul writes to the Corinthian church about their acceptance of a man, calling himself a believer, who is living in sexual sin without repentance. If a person joins the church claiming to be a believer they should confess and repent of sin, seeking a change in their lifestyle. Within the church, we must help each other move toward a lifestyle that is honestly following Jesus. The purpose includes the restoration of people. Helping each other grow spiritually closer to Jesus. That said, we cannot pretend that a problem doesn’t exist. Pastor Paul gives us instructions to call a person who claims to be a believer to walk away from their sin. If they refuse to do so then we should not pretend otherwise. We are called to not associate with them as though they are a believer. We should still show respect in doing so. Paul describes the difference between this and how we relate to unbelievers.

1 Chronicles 28; 29

Before his passing, King David instructs his son Solomon to “learn to know God,” to “worship and serve” God with all his heart and mind. He charges his son to be courageous, with the words God spoke to Joshua. King David invited everyone to follow his example of courageous generosity, with an understanding that all we have comes from God. There is a public repeating of God’s covenant guidance for Solomon, as the new king, and for all the people.

August 8 Bible reading

August 8 Proverbs 19:13-22 1 Corinthians 4 1 Chronicles 26:20-32; 27

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?

August 8 Proverbs 19:13-22 1 Corinthians 4 1 Chronicles 26:20-32; 27

Proverbs 19:13-22

Have you ever searched out God’s thoughts about people who live in poverty? Proverbs 19:17 may change how you feel. We should search for wisdom. Without healthy boundaries, a child may grow up into a life in ruins, Proverbs 19:18. Learning self-control will improve your quality of life. The integrity of your character is more important than one month’s income.

1 Corinthians 4

Paul understands that only God is the ultimate authority. He and his team of leaders have carefully followed the example of Jesus. They are patient with those who abuse them, loving those who would-be enemies. They believe that God is alive, aware, able, and active regarding the mess that the Corinthian believers were making of the church and their relationships. The Corinthians had fallen into comparing their perceived personal value by possessions and pedigree (including which spiritual leader they were associated with). Pastor Paul is trying to draw their focus back to Jesus Christ. He is working toward reconciliation, repentance, and restoration for the sake of a healthy church. Today we see the same work needed.

1 Chronicles 26:20-32; 27

David made sure that qualified people were assigned to manage the nation’s treasury, military, and government. David brings a critical re-establishing of their responsibilities. Every human life is valuable to God. There is inherent value in work and in serving the needs of a group of people. That is why their names are listed here.

August 7 Bible reading

August 7 Psalm 92 1 Corinthians 3 1 Chronicles 24; 25; 26:1-19

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?

August 7 Psalm 92 1 Corinthians 3 1 Chronicles 24; 25; 26:1-19

Psalm 92

We find Psalm 92 written for the day we set aside for worship and rest. It’s a song for Sabbath a weekly day to rest from labor, worship God, and be renewed by God’s presence. We benefit from thanking God and singing about His goodness. It is good for us to focus on God’s faithfulness, in the morning and in the evening. Upon reflection, we can thank God for all that He has done. This is an amazing life-giving practice. It is helpful in private, and it is helpful with the gathered believers. As I live my life focused on God, I can thrive and be fruitful even in old age.

1 Corinthians 3

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul addresses arguments, jealousy, and any focus on a leader more than a focus on Christ as evidence of immaturity. The foundation of our lives should be Jesus Christ. This will bring eternal fruit. Following Jesus should be a focal point of our identity. God the Holy Spirit lives among us as we dedicate our lives to Him. Pastor Paul is trying to bring the Corinthian believers into a healthy relationship with God and healthier relationships with each other. They have become distracted and fragmented by comparing themselves to each other. They have slipped into being controlled by their sinful human natures. No, let us all come back to a place of living focused on Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 24; 25; 26:1-19

King David is setting up a place of worship, and organizing priests, musicians, and gatekeepers so that it is constantly cared for. He is doing so in response to God’s directions. This work is happening so that people will have a place set aside for the worship of God. It will be a place of forgiveness for sin. It will be a place where they will be aware of the presence of God’s presence. The organization and administration of responsibilities are essential to this special place. The same is true today. It is our worthwhile pursuit.

August 6 Bible reading

August 6 Psalm 91:9-16 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 1 Chronicles 22:2-19; 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 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?

August 6 Psalm 91:9-16 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 1 Chronicles 22:2-19; 23

Psalm 91:9-16

As we make God our safe place, we will not be overcome by the evil of this world. When we call on God, He will answer. God will rescue those who love Him. God will be with people who trust in Him. Choosing a life of wholehearted devotion to God is one way that we can “make the Lord our refuge”. We love God with the best of our energy. We rely on God completely. In this way, we find promise and protection.

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Pastor Paul is calling the Corinthian believers to rally around Jesus, in unity. Let us live focused on Jesus. Paul’s teaching in Corinth was focused on Jesus who was crucified. Paul taught simply and in humility so that they would trust in the power of God revealed in this Good News. The Holy Spirit gives people the ability to receive and understand this Good News of Jesus. Let us focus on Jesus. Let us pursue unity in our church family.

1 Chronicles 22:2-19; 23

An aging King David obeys God’s instruction to set up hi son Solomon to build the Temple so that the place of worship would no longer need to be carried from place to place. David instructs Solomon to seek God with all his heart and soul. obeying God’s instructions, and encouraging him to be courageous. At all times, people could be found serving in the Lord’s presence.

August 5 Bible reading

August 5 Psalm 91:1-8 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-5 1 Chronicles 19; 20; 21; 22:1

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?

August 5 Psalm 91:1-8 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-5 1 Chronicles 19; 20; 21; 22:1

Psalm 91:1-8

Psalm 91 is one of my favorites. Today I am reminded of how this song is about the benefits of a personal relationship with God. They had responded to God’s purpose of living among them. They had seen miracles in God winning their freedom from enemies. The promises of God are tools of defense. Choosing to live in a personal relationship with God should include “finding rest” in close proximity to God. From this Psalm, we learn to walk in the guidance of Gods’ promises (which include instructions for us). This directs us to a lifestyle of wholehearted devotion to God.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-5

The message of Jesus Christ a crucified Savior is foolish to some and yet bringing life-changing power to those of us who are being saved. In our relationship with Jesus, God has brought us the benefit of freedom from our destructive mistakes. We are now free from that past and clean in God’s sight. Paul’s ministry in Corinth had been focused on this message. It was persuasive by the power of the Holy Spirit. He called the Corinthian believers to stop fussing with each other. He’s saying, “You think you know, but you don’t know. You’re distracted from what’s important.”

1 Chronicles 19; 20; 21; 22:1

David’s military action brought freedom to the Israelites. King David was a man with a “heart after God” who cared for the people like a shepherd cares for his sheep. And yet he became deceived and sinned. God speaks to him. David repents. Both David and the people suffer consequences. They are forgiven.

August 4 Bible reading

August 4 Proverbs 19:3-12 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 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 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?

August 4 Proverbs 19:3-12 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 17; 18

Proverbs 19:3-12

Ready for some one-liners from Proverbs? Making good healthy decisions of faithful stewardship is a sign of wisdom. Generosity is another. Working to gain wisdom will help you. It will increase the quality of your life and the lives of those within your circle of influence. Life may be crumbling because of mistakes we have made, and yet it is easy to blame God in our anger. A liar will not escape the consequences. Run out of money and you will discover who your real friends are. Take care of yourself by searching out wisdom. It will bring benefits. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Control your temper. Choose to forgive.

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul writes to the church in Corinth, starting with thanking God and calling them to unity. In response, we should choose to live in unity with our church in “thought and purpose”. We should share values, vision, and mission. This includes sharing the Good News of Jesus, with clarity and simplicity. It becomes part of my personal identity. This grows as I share it with like-minded fellow believers.

1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 17; 18

At David’s instruction, the spiritual leaders make sacrifices, they offer up praise and thanksgiving, prayers, and lift up worship in thankful music to God for “His faithful love endures forever”. The one true living God made covenant promises to David, responding to his humility. David’s gratitude included praise of a God unequaled. At God’s direction, David removed the enemies of God’s people. It is worth noting that this was a fulfillment of God’s justice on people who had proven to repeat horrible actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:4.

August 3 Bible reading

August 3 Psalm 90:11-17 Romans 16 1 Chronicles 15: 16:1-36

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?

August 3 Psalm 90:11-17 Romans 16 1 Chronicles 15: 16:1-36

Psalm 90:11-17

Life is short. May God help us learn to live with priority on what lasts forever. Through the good days and the bad, may we be satisfied by the unfailing love of God, singing with joy. We should start each day focused on the love of God. We can learn to have a positive focus without living in a fantasy land. We should realize that God has given us the opportunity of today. Let’s make the most of it. Each day is a gift.

Romans 16

Paul writes with love and respect for the Roman church at large and appreciation for certain servant leaders in particular. We observe a high value on long term relationships. Paul and the appointed apostles were careful to teach from what Jesus instructed them to. There were other people who taught things contrary to this truth, out of selfish interests. Such teachers deceive people. Paul advises the Roman church to watch out for this and avoid it. God will soon defeat our enemy. God is able to strengthen us.

1 Chronicles 15: 16:1-36

David set up a new place of worship, that would be temporary, carefully following God’s instructions. Moving in the Ark of the Covenant, King David had dedicated priests to handle the process and sing joy for the restoration of God’s presence in Jerusalem. King David directed the thanksgiving to God with laughter in joy as they initiated this new space.

August 2 Bible reading

August 2  Psalm 90:1-10  Romans 15:14-33  1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 13; 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 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?

August 2  Psalm 90:1-10  Romans 15:14-33  1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 13; 14

Psalm 90:1-10

For generations, people have sung Psalm 90 a prayer from Moses. This song recognizes God as the Creator. The One True Living God is above and beyond things that we are unable to control. This God is available for a personal relationship. This God is aware of our secret sin. This God is our Creator and available Redeemer. We can now pray direct informed prayers, such as “God of Creation, I confess my sin to You and look to You as my Redeemer.” Our reasonable response is to live out of wholehearted devotion to God. We can love God with the best of our energy and enjoy each day.

Romans 15:14-33

Paul explains that his letter to the Roman believers is meant to be a reminder of important truths. They know this stuff well enough to teach it, and yet they need a reminder. He expresses gratitude for the increasing number of people coming to faith in Jesus and his role in this mission from God. His mission is focused on reaching people who have not yet heard about Jesus the Messiah because this is part of the expressed will of God. Paul worked to discover God’s plans and desires. He then responded to this discovery by devoting his life to it. We can now follow in Paul’s example of just how to follow Jesus in life and mission.

1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 13; 14

It is important to note that David (and his leaders) searched out the will of God before making big decisions. They felt it necessary to come to agreement on whether a plan was in alignment with God’s will or not, before taking action. Sadly David did not follow this in his marriage decisions. We can learn from David’s decisions good and bad. Some of David’s team were people who understood the days that they lived in. They also understood the best course for Israel to take.

August 1 Bible reading

August 1  Psalm 89:46-52  Romans 14:19-23; 15:1-13  1 Chronicles 11; 12:1-22

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 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?

August 1  Psalm 89:46-52  Romans 14:19-23; 15:1-13  1 Chronicles 11; 12:1-22

Psalm 89:46-52

The people of Israel cried out to their God, mourning the consequences being suffered for having rejected God. They called on God’s faithful love. Psalm 89 sings a lament of what is wrong, asking God how long the dark ways will continue. The song ends with praising the living eternal God. They asked God to remember His promises to David. This is a powerful example for us. Honest communication with God is seen on the pathway to peace. In the face of contradiction, it is choosing to praise God.

Romans 14:19-23; 15:1-13

Through prayer, Bible study, seeking mature counsel, and careful consideration we should develop personal convictions about how we live. God, who lovingly created us by design, has thoughts about the decisions we make and the lifestyle we choose. From this, we will find personal freedom. If a fellow believer thinks that what we feel free to do is wrong, we should not value our freedom as more valuable than our friend. This is an open conversation within a church family. Shared love includes self-control. Romans 15 directs me to be helpful and encourage faith in others. As we wait to see God’s promises fulfilled, we can take hope and encouragement from the Scriptures. As you trust in God, you may find yourself overflowing with joy, peace, and a confident hope. Paul took seriously his personal responsibility to pray for them. He asked God to meet their trust with an outpouring this peaceful confident hope.

1 Chronicles 11; 12:1-22

David’s role as King started with a recognition of his shepherd’s heart. This is a personal decision to care for the needs of individuals and the community at large. It includes a pure desire to serve people by leading them in a healthy God-first lifestyle. Ancient shepherds were patient, immediately responsive, and planning for the long-term. We can learn from this.

July 31 Bible reading

July 31 Proverbs 18:17-24; 19:1-2 Romans 14:1-18 1 Chronicles 9; 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?

July 31 Proverbs 18:17-24; 19:1-2 Romans 14:1-18 1 Chronicles 9; 10

Proverbs 18:17-24; 19:1-2

What you say matters. Proverbs help us understand the value of this. Think before you speak. Carefully choosing the right words can bring results better than the finest meal. There are a variety of ways that a dispute can be resolved. We should be looking for those ways. This includes developing self-control with our words.

Romans 14:1-18

We read these words about priorities set in the context of a lifestyle of wholehearted personal devotion to Jesus, as seen in Romans 12. Living for the honor of God is more important than which day of the week we worship on. It is essential that we treat each other with loving respect regardless of our differences of opinions on lesser important spiritual matters. Healthy marriage brings a gracious favor from God, beyond what we deserve. Following Jesus includes living in a healthy relationship with God and people, a life of goodness, peace, and joy found in the Holy Spirit. If this is our priority, we will find it easier to defer to our friends over our freedoms in matters of natural living standards. If there is a difference of opinion about things like, what we eat or drink, we should be more concerned with God-honoring peaceful relationships than trying to convince them to see it our way. We should live in a way that helps unity.

1 Chronicles 9; 10

God restored His people from the punishment of Babylonian exile. The spiritual leaders returned to their homes first. In the end, Saul’s unfaithfulness to God brought about his death. God will restore the repentant and punish the unrepentant. Will our hearts submit to God?