September 20 Bible reading

September 20  Psalm 109:1-20  Galatians 5:7-26  Isaiah 47; 48; 49:1-7

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 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?

September 20  Psalm 109:1-20  Galatians 5:7-26  Isaiah 47; 48; 49:1-7

Psalm 109:1-20

David is being attacked with lies, false accusations, and spiteful curses. Envious people are spewing poison at him. Despite his efforts to do good and show them, love, it is hate they are showing. In this situation, David appeals to God. Let’s learn from this. God cares about what we are going through. David communicates honestly with God. The best days of his life are made possible because he believes this truth and lives by it. David makes this decision on the worst days.

Galatians 5:7-26

Paul refutes false teaching that has a distorted focus on external behaviors. As Jesus followers, we are free from a legalistic approach to life. Paul instructs us to use our freedom to serve each other in love. This should be included in our motive to love our neighbors. It’s only possible when we let the Holy Spirit guide our lives. We should see the Holy Spirit change our cravings to that which is opposite of our sinful nature. Paul has identified several sins, such as sex outside of marriage, worship of something other than God, selfishness, divisiveness, and drunkenness. In contrast, a life led by the Holy Spirit will produce: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Following Jesus compels us to walk away from selfishness. It also brings us this amazing list of character traits found as a result. Who wouldn’t want such a peaceful life?

Isaiah 47; 48; 49:1-7

Through the prophet Isaiah, God predicts the judgment on Babylon. The Babylonian nation had oppressed the Israelites. When these predictions came true it was recorded in their history and serves as another proof of God’s sovereignty. Repeatedly God outlines the contrast between the characteristics of what they had been focused on and His own character of faithful love. We also read more prophecies about the coming Messiah, who would be a light to all people offering salvation to the nations throughout the earth. One day all rulers will bow to Jesus.