May 1 Bible reading

May 1  Psalm 54  John 2  Joshua 19; 20; 21:1-19

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 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?

May 1  Psalm 54  John 2  Joshua 19; 20; 21:1-19

Psalm 54  David’s in trouble, and yet taking time to pray, worship, and speak of God’s goodness. He is calling out to God. David has seen the help of God. He’s singing about it. This is an important decision and a spiritual practice.

John 2  At a wedding party, Jesus’ mother Mary presses Him to save the family the embarrassment of not having enough wine for their guests. Jesus turns the water into wine. This is His first miracle and the time that His disciples start to believe. Jesus shows respect for His mother and the feelings of the host family. In Jerusalem, Jesus finds the Temple perverted by misuse of money and economic status. The Son of God cares about spiritual priorities and good stewardship. Jesus had a passion for the house of worship.

Joshua 19; 20; 21:1-19  Through Joshua, God continues the instruction previously given to Moses for the establishment of Cities of Refuge so that a person causing an accidental death would be given a fair trial. God cares about a society of equal opportunity, freedom, and removing social shame over status.

April 30 Bible reading

April 30 Proverbs 10:31-32; 11:1-8 John 1:29-51 Joshua 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?

April 30 Proverbs 10:31-32; 11:1-8 John 1:29-51 Joshua 17; 18

Proverbs 10:31-32; 11:1-8 People, who are learning from their relationship with God, can give helpful perspective and suggestions for healthy next steps. Thinking you have it all figured out is dangerous. A humble approach will bring you wisdom.

John 1:29-51 John “the Baptist” publicly announced the identity of Jesus as the “Messiah”, the predicted Savior. Andrew had been following this John. He heard John’s statement and in turn grabbed his brother Peter so that they could follow Jesus together. Philip was from Andrew & Peter’s hometown. He grabbed Nathanael and they also followed Jesus. God cares about our personal relationships.

Joshua 17; 18 The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are given extra land due to their size. They are given permission to clear trees and settle as much of the forests of the hill country as they wanted. Our God cares about healthy peaceful relationships and the practical necessities.

April 29 Bible reading

April 29 Psalm 53 John 1:1-28 Joshua 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?

April 29 Psalm 53 John 1:1-28 Joshua 15; 16

Psalm 53 God brings strength to those who are following Him. Our Creator is a God bringing mercy and justice. Those who reject Him will see consequences. Those who worship our Creator Redeemer will know the peace and joy of God living among them. God will ultimately restore them.

John 1:1-28 Jesus, the Son of the living God, existed before any human. Our Creator God is three in one, triune, always in perfect relationship. God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Son have been in constant dialogue throughout human history. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the one who brings light and new life. Jesus came to earth and offered to anyone who would believe Him (and accept Him) the right to become a child of God. Through Jesus, we can find the unfailing love of God.

Joshua 15; 16 The “Promise” Land is assigned to the various tribes of Israel as a provision from God through Joshua. God gives specific instructions so that no one is left out. Our God cares about healthy peaceful relationships and the practical necessities.

April 28 Bible reading

April 28 Psalm 52 Luke 24:36-53 Joshua 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 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?

April 28 Psalm 52 Luke 24:36-53 Joshua 13; 14

Psalm 52 David sings about the benefits of trusting God completely and choosing to consistently be in God’s presence, with faithful people. He finds transformative moments and healthy lifestyle. There’s security, a sense of identity, and a sense of belonging. David makes a decision to love God with all his heart.

Luke 24:36-53 After resurrection, Jesus again walks His followers through the Scriptures about how His death, burial, and resurrection had been predicted. This is proof of His identity. The purpose He reveals for all of this is, “forgiveness of sins for all who repent”. Jesus clearly wanted his followers to remember His purpose, to live for it. This is the starting point for all followers of Jesus.

Joshua 13; 14 As Joshua grew old, God promised to drive out the evil people from the land. God instructed Joshua to distribute the land to the Israelites, according to His instruction. At 80 years old Caleb was the last leader to request the land promised to him. When he completed his conquest the land finally at rest from war. The promise of this land was realized. 40 years from the days that Joshua and Caleb had first seen it. God was faithful to His promise. God responded to the people when they turned away from their sin and worshipped Him.

April 27 Bible reading

April 27 Psalm 51:10-19 Luke 24:1-35 Joshua 11; 12

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?

April 27 Psalm 51:10-19 Luke 24:1-35 Joshua 11; 12

Psalm 51:10-19 David confesses his sin of adultery and murder. He repents and asks God to show mercy. After asking God to remove his guilt, he seeks a restoration of the relationship with God and a refreshing renewal of his soul. David commits to singing praise of God and teaching others about God. This is a song David sang through his season of restoration. It helps to sing the truth.

Luke 24:1-35 Jesus’ resurrection from the dead brings proof that Father God accepted His death as payment to atone for our sin, and that Jesus is our Messiah, the living Lord. A couple of Jesus’ followers had heard the report of His resurrection and yet they were walking away from the city confused and discouraged. Jesus walks with them, asks them questions, and then opens the Scriptures to explain the proof of His identity as Messiah.

Joshua 11; 12 Following the instructions of God, Joshua completed the military conquest that God had directed to punish the evil. It made a way for them to live in safety as a benefit of their worship of Yahweh.

April 26 Bible reading

April 26 Proverbs 10:21-30 Luke 23:26-56 Joshua 9:16-27; 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 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?

April 26 Proverbs 10:21-30 Luke 23:26-56 Joshua 9:16-27; 10

Proverbs 10:21-30 A healthy relationship with God brings benefits. Living independently of God brings consequences. Considering this should bring us worship as a reasonable response and gratitude. God provides the opportunity for repentance and redemption. Those who reject it will be judged. Giving thanks to the Creator and obeying His instructions reflects a healthy relationship with God.

Luke 23:26-56 Even in the final moments of Jesus’ life, after being tortured, He brings forgiveness to a convicted criminal. Jesus’ love gives life! Jesus spoke His faith in the Father in the final moments. His friends felt deep sorrow at His passing. In the process of providing for our redemption, God has felt much pain. Our response should include asking ourselves, What do we learn about Jesus from this? What does that say about God? What does that say about His care for me?

Joshua 9:16-27; 10 Joshua honors the agreement with the Gibeonites despite their deception. God blessed Joshua’s loyalty to a promise he made without seeking God’s direction. Amorites attacked Gibeon because of the treaty with Joshua. God punished the Amorites through Joshua, a hail storm, and causing the sun and moon to hold still until the Israelites had won the victory over them. In obedience to God’s command, Joshua brings punishment for wickedness by leading the campaign to wipe out the kings and people of this region.

April 25 Bible reading

April 25 Psalm 51:1-9 Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-25 Joshua 8; 9:1-15

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?

April 25 Psalm 51:1-9 Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-25 Joshua 8; 9:1-15

Psalm 51:1-9 David repents of his adultery and murder. He pleads with God to not be punished in the way he deserves. David asks God to cleanse him from these mistakes and heart attitudes. David asks God to restore joy. David makes public confession and amends, changing behavior and lifestyle. This is an example of repentance. Psalm 51 2 Samuel 11-12.

Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-25 Jesus is publicly mocked, falsely accused, and sentenced to die. Herod and Pilate question Jesus but cannot find a reason to punish Him. The people demand the death penalty. This speaks to the innocence of Jesus and the injustice of His execution. We must consider what Jesus endured on our behalf. We should also consider the way that God cares about injustice.

Joshua 8; 9:1-15 God grants the Israelites victory of Ai after their repentance of theft. Joshua follows the instructions for the worship of God, down to the details. Then he reads the Word of God to the people. This included the benefits promised for obeying God and the consequences guaranteed for disobedience. Joshua made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without consulting God, and as a result was tricked by them.

April 24 Bible reading

April 24 Psalm 50:16-23 Luke 22:39-62 Joshua 5:13-15; 6; 7

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?

April 24 Psalm 50:16-23 Luke 22:39-62 Joshua 5:13-15; 6; 7

Psalm 50:16-23 God will punish those who pretend to be in a relationship with Him. God provides opportunity for repentance and redemption. Those who reject it will be judged. Giving thanks to the Creator and obeying His instructions reflects a healthy relationship with God. Meditating on this (even singing about it) can be very helpful.

Luke 22:39-62 Through honest prayer, Jesus asks God if there’s an option other than His death and yet chooses submission to the Father’s will. We continue to learn more about a personal relationship with God the Father, through Jesus’ example. As Jesus predicted, one of His closest friends betrays Him and one denies even knowing Him. Jesus gives love through it all. One chooses to believe that there is hope in Jesus and the other does not. Each of us has been given a choice in how we will respond to God. Thankfully Jesus now prays for us. Jesus can speak to human experience and suffering that includes personal betrayal.

Joshua 5:13-15; 6; 7 God delivers on His promise to give the Israelites the city of Jericho and honors their promise to spare Rahab and her family. A man named Achan stole things that had been set aside for God, and suffered the consequences. It is vital that we listen to God’s instructions for a healthy relationship with Him and for a healthy lifestyle in this life.

April 23 Bible reading

April 23 Psalm 50:1-15 Luke 22:1-38 Joshua 3; 4; 5:1-12

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?

April 23 Psalm 50:1-15 Luke 22:1-38 Joshua 3; 4; 5:1-12

Psalm 50:1-15 An attitude of gratitude brings benefit from God. Choosing to thank God, to speak of God’s goodness regardless of our circumstance…that is a relationship choice that God will respond favorably to. Thanking our Creator God is a reasonable response. Our God brings mercy and justice. A day will come when all of humanity will recognize the sovereignty of God. Let us respond to God with worship.

Luke 22:1-38 Jesus explains the significance of the “Good News” found in this New Covenant, as they share the Passover meal in Luke 22:14-20. Jesus taught them to share this meal in the future, as a reminder. Our understanding of this is essential to how we view God and how we view ourselves. The disciples argue about who among them would become greatest. Jesus responds by teaching servant leadership as the way to follow Him, Luke 22:24-27. Servant leadership is inherent to a life of following Christ. We should continue to follow Jesus in this way.

Joshua 3; 4; 5:1-12 God provides a miraculous dry path for His people to cross the Jordan River, as a sign of His supernatural strength. God wanted them to remember His provision as an act of love, and personal relationship. Joshua leads the Hebrew people in returning to their covenant agreement lifestyle, a life-long commitment to their Creator.

April 22 Bible reading

April 22 Proverbs 10:11-20 Luke 21:5-38 Joshua 1; 2

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?

April 22 Proverbs 10:11-20 Luke 21:5-38 Joshua 1; 2

Proverbs 10:11-20 A person who has found wisdom in their personal relationship with the living God can speak words of counsel that will be refreshing like a life-giving drink of water. The journey of growing up includes learning how to choose your words carefully.

Luke 21:5-38 Jesus encouraged His followers to live anticipating His return. We must consider this as reality for us today. Jesus also predicted suffering, with a purpose, in the future for his followers. Jesus experienced death before glory, and predicted the same for many of his followers. There will be ultimate victory and perfect peace found in Jesus.

Joshua 1; 2 God encouraged Joshua, promising not to fail or abandon him. God gave Joshua directions. This included a directive to continually study the Word of God. The land God gave them was described as a place of rest. This is important to understanding the nature of God. The residents of Jericho were afraid because they believed God was with the Israelites. Rahab chose faith in Yahweh. She helps the Israelites and later joins this family of faith. She’s mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.