January 27 Bible reading

January 27 – Psalm 17:1-5, Matthew 19:1-15, Job 4; 5; 6; 7

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 27 – Psalm 17:1-5, Matthew 19:1-15, Job 4; 5; 6; 7

Psalm 17:1-5

Psalm 17 has a dialogue with God, reflecting on the benefit of a long-term relationship with God. David is asking deeper questions based on context within the relationship. David would open every area of his life to be searched by God. He was willing to change anything in his life to the way that God may want it to be. This included what he was feeling and the ways in which he was thinking and speaking.

Matthew 19:1-15

Jesus describes divorce as not God’s intended best but a concession to hard hearts. Jesus describes being single as possible for a few reasons and certainly not less than being married. Anyone who wants to get married should prepare themselves to make a life-long commitment. This is a decision to give love that is faithful, patient, and kind for the rest of your life. Jesus suggests that this is possible with God’s help.

Job 4; 5; 6; 7

Eliphaz responds to Job’s lament by questioning his character. He also questions Job’s relationship with God. Job asks Eliphaz to stop assuming that some secret sin is the reason for his suffering. Job sees suffering as a common human experience. In Job, we see that there are benefits to those who receive correction from God. Job is honest in telling his friends that they have not brought him help. Job honestly expresses his anguish to God, asking God to forgive him if he has sinned. Job asks God for relief and says that he is ready to die.

January 26 Bible reading

January 26 – Psalm 16, Matthew 18:10-35, Job 1; 2; 3

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 26 – Psalm 16, Matthew 18:10-35, Job 1; 2; 3

Psalm 16

In Psalm 16 we see the benefits of the realization that if God is my Director then every good thing I have comes from Him. I can respect and enjoy godly people. By choosing God as my guide I can have peace and strength. I see that God is always with me. Let us recognize God as our source for every good thing in this life. Let us sing our gratitude and our call for help.

Matthew 18:10-35

Jesus taught His followers that the heart of Father God is for all to know His presence.  Jesus speaks of the angels assigned to children being in the presence of God constantly. Jesus instructs us on conflict resolution. Jesus makes it very clear that God takes our forgiving others very seriously. We get specific recommendations from Jesus on how to handle an offense with another believer. Direct personal conversations with reconciliation as the goal, are the way to go. Gossip, pretending it didn’t happen, or going to an authority without talking with the person first, are mistakes. Jesus directed His followers to pursue unity. Jesus taught us the forgiveness that goes way beyond what comes naturally. Every Jesus follower must choose the path of forgiveness.

Job 1; 2; 3

The oldest Scripture manuscripts available today are of the book of Job. We see God deeply involved in the question of human suffering in view of a loving Creator. Job did nothing to deserve the suffering he experienced. Did Job live a pure life and worship God because he had so much to be happy about? In a day, Job lost his wealth and all of his children. He did not blame God. Job lost his good health and yet he did not blame God. Job wished that he had never lived. He cursed the day he was born, but he did not curse God. Job suffered utmost tragedy and yet did not sin against God in his heart or with his mouth.

January 25 Bible reading

January 25 – Psalm 15, Matthew 17:14-27; 18:1-9, Genesis 49; 50

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 25 – Psalm 15, Matthew 17:14-27; 18:1-9, Genesis 49; 50

Psalm 15

We see the ability to “stand firm forever” in God’s presence, worshiping, as a benefit to choosing a lifestyle that honors God. Receiving the love of God, recognizing the provision of God, and returning to worship God will bring us to a faithful lifestyle. As we choose this way of living, we will find benefits. We find such peace in the presence of God!

Matthew 17:14-27; 18:1-9

Jesus calls for faith, like a child, with humility. Jesus shows His followers power over demons. Jesus brought spiritual freedom to people. Jesus taught His followers about the importance of faith in spiritual ministry. Jesus taught His followers about the folly of dictating financial gifts for God’s house of worship. Repenting from sin with humility is essential, according to Jesus. People who tempt others to sin will be punished. Taking serious measures to avoid temptation is just what Jesus recommended.

Genesis 49; 50

Jacob’s last words include the consequences of sinful lust, anger, and violence. He also speaks of God Almighty blessing Joseph. Here we read the perspective Joseph had, seeing that “God intended it for good, so that” he could “save the lives of many people”. He spoke the truth of the personal responsibility that he and his brothers had in their decisions and the truth of God’s sovereignty.

January 24 Bible reading

January 24 – Proverbs 3:1-10, Matthew 16:21-28; 17:1-13, Genesis 47:13-31; 48

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 24 – Proverbs 3:1-10, Matthew 16:21-28; 17:1-13, Genesis 47:13-31; 48

Proverbs 3:1-10

We should engage in a relationship with God that includes all of our learning, loving, and listening. This prompts us to be thankful and tell others about this God that we value. Sharing is essential to the experience. When we meditate on God’s Word, we can better trust God and follow God. Solomon writes about purpose in wisdom and benefits from wisdom. Loyalty and kindness are essential to a Jesus style of servant leadership. Choosing to rely on God completely includes looking for God’s will in every area of life. When we live like this we will discover God’s guidance.

Matthew 16:21-28; 17:1-13

Jesus prepared His followers for His death. Jesus called them to wholehearted devotion and choosing a lifestyle of sacrificial love. Jesus called His followers to value the Kingdom of God above their natural life. This includes a willingness to set aside their own desires in favor of God’s desires. We are called to follow Jesus, not our own way. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus’ appearance change. They saw him talking with Moses and Elijah. They heard Father God speak His loving approval over Jesus, instructing them to follow Jesus.

Genesis 47:13-31; 48

Joseph had looked for the will of God and responded faithfully to all God had revealed. Joseph obeyed God and exercised good stewardship. Many people were spared starvation from famine because of Joseph’s faithfulness to God. Jacob shared, with his own son Joseph, God’s promise to bless them so that they could be a blessing to all people.

January 23 Bible reading

January 23 – Psalm 14, Matthew 16:1-20, Genesis 45; 46; 47:1-12

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 23 – Psalm 14, Matthew 16:1-20, Genesis 45; 46; 47:1-12

Psalm 14

Regardless of how I’m feeling the Word of God is alive and speaking to me. The Psalmist sang, “God is with those who obey Him.” God extends us grace not based on our actions, but based on His character. Our response to His grace matters.  Our God is looking for a relationship with people who are looking for Him. It is foolish to think there is no God. They sang about God’s promise to bring the Messiah from the ancestry of Israel.

Matthew 16:1-20

Jesus felt the need to warn his disciples about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He wanted His followers to learn from His miracles and yet not become dependent on them for their faith. Peter recognized the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. The future of the church and the spiritual power is given to it, hinge on this truth. Even when we are rooting out false teaching we must stay focused on the identity of Jesus Christ and its meaning. Additionally, we must be sure that we are Jesus’ followers and not miracle followers.

Genesis 45; 46; 47:1-12

Upon discovery of his brother’s heart change, Joseph wept. Joseph revealed his identity and the perspective he had gained about God’s purpose. In the middle of an amazing reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, we see three times that Joseph declared “God sent me,” describing the truth of what happened. This forgiveness was possible because Joseph could see God at work in the middle of his worst pain. Out of this comes provision and blessing on the whole family. We see God’s favor and then good stewardship & faithfulness from Joseph.

January 22 Bible reading

January 22 – Psalm 13, Matthew 15:10-39, Genesis 43; 44

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 22 – Psalm 13, Matthew 15:10-39, Genesis 43; 44

Psalm 13

If we will honestly wrestle with the discontentment, frustration, pain, and questions within our soul we can find a deeper peace in the love of God. We can then rely completely on God’s unfailing love. We can then recognize where God is at work. We may see a profound heart change inside people who have hurt us in the past. David spoke honestly to God in private prayer. He would sing to God. His songs would be written down so that they could be sung by the gathered believers. Notably, this includes Psalm 13 asking God how long He will allow David’s enemies to succeed. David is honest about his stress and questions. David calls God into action and promises to trust God at the same time. At this moment David recalls God’s unfailing love and goodness. This should serve as an example for us.

Matthew 15:10-39

Jesus reveals a focus on external behaviors as a faulty approach to our faith walk. Jesus brings our faith to focus on issues of the heart. Cleansing of our spiritual heart will lead to change seen on the outside. Jesus shows power over demons. He responds to faith and presents freedom available to all who receive it in faith. Jesus continued to do healing miracles and provided food miraculously for thousands of people.

Genesis 43; 44

Joseph provided food for his father’s family. Joseph tested his half-brothers to see if they would protect his brother Benjamin. Judah offered his own life in protection of Benjamin. This exchange revealed to Joseph what was in the heart of his brothers. God cares about our hearts and what we choose to value most.

January 21 Bible reading

January 21 – Psalm 12, Matthew 14:22-36; 15:1-9, Genesis 41:41-57; 42

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 21 – Psalm 12, Matthew 14:22-36; 15:1-9, Genesis 41:41-57; 42

Psalm 12

David gives the band a song for the gathering of believers. He is weary of defiant and violent criminals. He is singing about God taking action on behalf of the poor and oppressed. David has found God to be faithful and his promises to be pure. God is looking for interaction with us, honest dialogue, a relationship with who we really are, what we are truly thinking and feeling. God cares about what we are really thinking and feeling. God wants us to call out for help. When we realize that His “promises are pure” we are better able to trust Him completely.

Matthew 14:22-36; 15:1-9

Still looking for solace, Jesus sends the disciples ahead to cross the lake by boat. A storm brings heavy waves. They’re in trouble. Jesus appears walking on the water. Peter wants to join him. Peter takes steps on the water, but when he takes his eyes off Jesus he sinks. Jesus pulls Peter out and uses this as a teaching moment. Jesus asks the all-important question, “Why did you doubt Me?” We must gauge the condition of our hearts. The identity of Jesus as Messiah is the focus. Jesus calls into question the spiritual orientation of religious people who defied him. Jesus exposed their selfishness.

Genesis 41:41-57; 42

Just as Joseph had predicted the Egyptians saw seven years of abundant crops. He was a good steward in organizing their savings in preparation for the predicted seven years of famine to come. This set up a reunion with his brothers, exposing their guilt for selling him into slavery. Joseph saw God respond to the state of his heart and the character of his lifestyle.

January 20 Bible reading

January 20 – Proverbs 2:12-22, Matthew 14:1-21, Genesis 40; 41:1-40

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 20 – Proverbs 2:12-22, Matthew 14:1-21, Genesis 40; 41:1-40

Proverbs 2:12-22

A lifestyle of loving God with all you’ve got will help you make wise decisions. Learning from God will bring guidance on how to live each day. This will protect you from dangerous relationships and keep you from sexual sin. You are able to make decisions to follow God’s life-giving way. If I will choose to live by God-fearing wisdom I will run from sexual immorality and I will stay on the paths of the righteous (healthy relationships with God and others).

Matthew 14:1-21

John the Baptist confronted the sexual sin of Herod, a violent ruler. Herod has John put to death. Jesus wants to be alone when he hears the news but more than 5,000 people are following him. Jesus was moved with compassion for them despite his grief. Jesus provided food for them miraculously. Jesus healed the sick. Jesus cared about their spiritual needs and their natural needs. What a contrast between Herod living for his own pleasure and Jesus’ giving life to others!

Genesis 40; 41:1-40

Falsely accused and in prison, Joseph doesn’t give up. God gives Joseph the interpretation of dreams. Joseph provides the meaning of the dreams and suggestions for action. Joseph doesn’t take credit for himself but attributes God for this ability. Joseph is restored from prison to a place of authority over Potipher’s resources. On any given day God has wisdom for us. We are given the opportunity to seek God and live faithfully in response to all that God has already done for us. Joseph showed wisdom in saying, “It is beyond my power, but God can do this.”

January 19 Bible reading

January 19 – Psalm 11, Matthew 13:36-58, Genesis 38; 39

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 19 – Psalm 11, Matthew 13:36-58, Genesis 38; 39

Psalm 11

On ordinary days and days when things are falling apart, our God is alive, aware, able, and active. This is the faith statement sung by David when chaos and violence seem unchecked. “What should I do?” David sings. David believes that God is in control. We can choose to trust God. Turning to God we will see His face. He has an attentive focus on each human.

Matthew 13:36-58

Jesus taught His disciples that the Kingdom of God transcends everything in our natural world. We would be wise to recognize the priority of the Kingdom of God. Jesus called people to receive new spiritual life and repent of their self-oriented ways. Jesus predicted a day when all will be made right and our decision to follow Him will be rewarded. Jesus told us that the Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything on earth. Jesus taught these things repeatedly and plainly. Jesus only did a few miracles in His hometown where they did not believe in Him as Savior.

Genesis 38; 39

Israel’s son Judah had been influential in selling his brother Joseph into slavery. Judah chooses sexual sin over God’s ways. Judah’s sons are wicked. Judah remains caught up in the customs of this world and sinful decisions. God is always aware of what is going on and brings consequences. Joseph’s master Potiphar recognizes the favor of God on him and puts him in charge of his resources. Joseph resists the temptation of sexual sin. Falsely accused, Joseph is put in prison where God continues to show him favor. God brings redemption to messed up human relationships. God can show His faithful love even when we are falsely accused and wrongfully punished.

January 18 Bible reading

January 18 – Psalm 10:12-18, Matthew 13:18-35, Genesis 36; 37

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 18 – Psalm 10:12-18, Matthew 13:18-35, Genesis 36; 37

Psalm 10:12-18

The Psalm prays for the helpless, troubled, grieving, fatherless, homeless, and oppressed. God knows their hope and will bring justice. Psalm 10 calls God into action against violent criminals who hurt the poor while scoffing at God. The song asks God to help people who have been wronged and can no longer provide for themselves. It’s a prayer for God to make right the wrongs and bring peace to people who have none.

Matthew 13:18-35

Jesus explains the parable of seeds warning us about the importance of understanding spiritual perspective, the need to resist our enemy, and the danger of allowing the worries of this life to choke out our response to God. Through it, Jesus calls His followers to become more focused on God’s truth than anything in this life. Drawing strength from God’s truth for life we will see fruit every season. Jesus brings perspective about the Kingdom of God, and how God can bring supernatural results out of that which looks like not enough. God loves us. God has a plan for us. The kingdom of God transcends the natural world we see.

Genesis 36; 37

Esau’s families are the original people of Edom. They multiplied and branched out into new territory. Israel loved Joseph more than any of his eleven other sons. Joseph is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. We will yet see the will of God at work above and beyond the brokenness of these human relationships. In Joseph, we see that when God gives us a glimpse of His plan it is incredibly helpful to have hope.