March 25 Bible reading

March 25  Proverbs 8:1-11  Luke 5:33-39; 6:1-11  Numbers 19; 20; 21:1-3

Proverbs 8:1-11

God’s wisdom is more valuable than any earthly thing we could desire. Our personal experience and knowledge can help us understand just how important it is for us to turn to the wisdom of God. The truth is that this wisdom calls to us. There are many ways to recognize it. We must value it and search it out. We should be regularly asking ourselves, “What is the wisdom of God for today?”

Luke 5:33-39; 6:1-11

Jesus predicts that His followers will fast at the right time in the future. Jesus describes the Sabbath as a helpful principle and one that is not meant to be a legalistic restriction. In the new covenant, Jesus was bringing life-giving spiritual practices. Fasting on the Sabbath was prohibited because it was supposed to be a day of joy. He teaches that there are seasons that are right for certain spiritual practices. He also teaches that God brings in the new. He affirmed regular worship, prayer, and the public reading of Scripture. Jesus affirmed rest from our regular work and healing miracles on the Sabbath. We should pursue a healthy rhythm for work, worship, and rest.

Numbers 19; 20; 21:1-3

In Numbers we see that God cares about purity. The people complained. God gave Moses and Aaron instructions to reveal His provision of water. Instead, they spoke to the people like they would make the miracle happen (and struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it for God’s miracle). This is not what God instructed them to do. God is providing an opportunity to learn while sustaining them. God punishes their lack of faith and their disobedience. God wants His people to learn valuable lessons in this life.

March 25  Proverbs 8:1-11  Luke 5:33-39; 6:1-11  Numbers 19; 20; 21:1-3

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?

March 24 Bible reading

March 24  Psalm 37:10-20  Luke 5:17-32  Numbers 16:36-50; 17; 18

Psalm 37:10-20

God will provide for those who love Him. People who have bad intentions shown through their actions will be ultimately punished. If you’re facing a challenge from such a person, it is temporary. The love of God is better than anything in this life, even if you are poor. The Lord will take care of you. There is a reason for hope. This important Psalm is helpful (in its entirety) for considering such truth.

Luke 5:17-32

Jesus heals a man who could not walk as proof that He could forgive sins. This was a documented supernatural creative miracle (seen as one of the proofs of Jesus’ identity as Messiah). The people who witnessed it thought it was important for you to read about it. When we are facing an insurmountable challenge, we should pray. At that moment, we should remember just how powerful the miracle that we have already received is. We have received forgiveness of sins. When we pray for the new challenge, we should remember what God has already done. Our faith will rise. Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him. Jesus enjoys a meal at Matthew’s home with his friends. This personal time is also important. Jesus has been sent by the Father for people who know that they are far from God and need to repent of their lifestyle.

Numbers 16:36-50; 17; 18

Moses and Aaron stood in the way of God’s punishment on people (who had complained about them), pleading God for mercy. God acted supernaturally to establish the spiritual authority of Aaron and his priesthood. The Levites were instructed to give offerings (first fruits, the best of, and a tithe of the tithe) to the priests as unto the Lord. The presence of God among His people was to be seen as the most valuable of all. For each person, this should be approached with dedication, devotion, and loving respect.

March 24  Psalm 37:10-20  Luke 5:17-32  Numbers 16:36-50; 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?

March 23 Bible reading

March 23  Psalm 37:1-9  Luke 4:38-44; 5:1-16  Numbers 15; 16:1-35

Psalm 37:1-9

Psalm 37 is a Hebrew acrostic poem (each stanza begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet) for the purpose of being easier to remember because it is important. David borrows a phrase from Isaiah about learning from just how short life is. David sings about the importance of trusting God. He sings about slowing down to be able to enjoy God. Finding fulfillment and pleasure in God is the result David saw. We should quiet ourselves in the presence of God and wait patiently for Him to act. Living out of dedication to God is how David trusted God and received help from God.

Luke 4:38-44; 5:1-16

Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons. Jesus was not limited in what diseases He could heal. Jesus was not intimidated by any evil spirit. He removed them. Jesus traveled to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Jesus brought in a miracle catch of fish for Simon Peter. Peter, James, and John followed Jesus’ call to be taught how to be “fishers of men”. Jesus touched people who suffered leprosy, bringing them healing and showing them love. Jesus went to pray in the wilderness often, withdrawing from the crowd. Spending quality time in prayer was a priority for Jesus. It seems that this was large chunks of time, undisturbed. We should learn from this value that Jesus demonstrated.

Numbers 15; 16:1-35

In Numbers, God provides instruction for offerings and sacrifices given once they entered the Promised Land as ways that they could seek forgiveness, worship, and show appreciation. God wanted His people to enjoy expressing their devotion in their relationship with Him. This expression could be spontaneous and connected with specific promises (long-term and/or short-term). God also punishes rebellion.

March 23  Psalm 37:1-9  Luke 4:38-44; 5:1-16  Numbers 15; 16:1-35

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?

March 22 Bible reading

March 22  Psalm 36  Luke 4:14-37  Numbers 13:26-33; 14

Psalm 36

David sings about the faithful love of God, despite seeing the plans of evil people. He has worked as a shepherd spending most of his time outdoors. David experienced the faithful love of God personally. He observed people who drew strength and refreshing from their relationship with God. David worshipped God as the Most High and the most valuable. He saw the faithful love of God as more expansive and transcendent than the endless sky, the mountain heights, or the ocean depths. Have you considered the reality of God’s faithful love in this way?

Luke 4:14-37

What happened? Jesus went to be baptized. Jesus then went into a time of prayer and fasting for 40 days, when He was tempted. After that season, Jesus returned to Galilee filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The news was traveling fast about Jesus. In His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus went to the synagogue. There He revealed His identity as Messiah, reading from Isaiah 61. It was a declaration of Good News. As the fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus was bringing freedom to people spiritually enslaved. This passage describes the nature of the Kingdom of God. In Luke 4 we see people were furious when Jesus revealed Himself as Messiah. They could not handle the thought that the Son of God would be someone they knew. When Jesus revealed His purpose to invite “outsiders” to become “insiders”, they were furious. From Heaven, Jesus had witnessed the rejection of prophets sent by God. He predicted the rejection of His hometown. Jesus pointed to God’s reaching out to all people. His hometown religious people were enraged by such a gracious extension of God’s mercy. Jesus experienced personal rejection. Jesus suffered on our behalf.

Numbers 13:26-33; 14

The 12 spies described an amazing fruitful land of well-fortified cities, some with giants. They described it as a place that would “devour” whoever would go to live there. The people, who God had delivered from slavery, could not believe that God was doing anything more than leading them to be killed in Canaan. Caleb & Joshua had faith that God could protect them and give them the land. The people of Israel had seen the glorious presence of God and the miracles He had done, and yet they refused to listen to His voice. God was angered at their lack of gratitude and faith. They rebelled against God’s instruction despite His miracle provision. Moses interceded on behalf of their people. On the basis of God’s Word and proven character, Moses petitioned God for continued mercy. The generation of people who had witnessed a series of all-time great miracles could no longer believe in the power of God. They abandoned God. We see that God cares about how we respond.

March 22  Psalm 36  Luke 4:14-37  Numbers 13:26-33; 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?

March 21 Bible reading

March 21 Proverbs 7:21-27 Luke 3:23-38; 4:1-13 Numbers 11:4-35; 12; 13:1-25

Proverbs 7:21-27

Immoral sexual affairs carry serious life-changing consequences. Separation from God and others may result from pursuing such actions regardless of the Creator’s design. It may feel good at first but then it feels bad, a sure sign of things being out of order.

Luke 3:23-38; 4:1-13

The genealogy of Jesus shows that God cares about every life, honors faithfulness, and redeems mistakes. Each name listed represents a valuable life lived. There are lessons to be learned from each life. The devil comes to tempt Jesus when he sees an opportunity. Our enemy is twisting the words of God, for his own purpose, tempting Jesus away from the way of Father God. Jesus was fasting. Jesus used Scripture to resist the temptation. Jesus was listening when Father God spoke. Jesus knows the Word of God, our Scripture. The way that Jesus quotes Scripture should be an example. Understanding the truth of each Scripture, in context, Jesus was able to use the Scripture powerfully when the time came. It is worth noting that this was not the only time the enemy came to tempt Jesus. Our Savior Jesus Christ is an example to us, in resisting temptation.

Numbers 11:4-35; 12; 13:1-25

In Numbers, we see that the elders shared the responsibility of leading people. When the people were not satisfied with God and what He had provided, they complained. God punished complaining that showed a lack of appreciation, faith, and trust in their relationship. God cares about how we respond to Him.

March 21 Proverbs 7:21-27 Luke 3:23-38; 4:1-13 Numbers 11:4-35; 12; 13:1-25

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 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?

March 20 Bible reading

March 20 Psalm 35:19-28 Luke 3:1-22 Numbers 9:15-23; 10; 11:1-3

Psalm 35:19-28

God, please be my defender when people attack. God, you know exactly what is going on. God, you see everything. God, you are able to act on my behalf. God, I will praise you all day. This is how David sings his prayer in times of trouble and unjust attacks.

Luke 3:1-22

Forgiveness can be found. John the Baptist prepared people to find Jesus the Messiah. John called people to turn away from selfishness, confessing their wrongs, and turning to God. The prophet Isaiah foresaw this message from John, who taught water baptism as a way that we can make a public statement of their decision to look to God for forgiveness. John led people into an understanding of spiritual cleansing. John taught generosity, helping the poor, and good stewardship. John was clear about who Jesus is (and he understood his own identity within that context). He predicted Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to John for water baptism. At that moment we see the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father expresses favor and great joy over Jesus. There is strong and passionate love.  We must learn from this. We also read that John was not afraid to speak the truth to people in powerful positions.

Numbers 9:15-23; 10; 11:1-3

In Numbers, we see the people traveled where and when God directed them. God lived among them and spoke to them through Moses. God had freed His people from slavery in Egypt, led them, and provided for them. And yet the people complained and God responded with serious consequences. We must take care to not become distracted from God’s goodness by temporary difficulty. Our relationship with God must be more valuable to us than the conditions of our daily lives.

March 20 Psalm 35:19-28 Luke 3:1-22 Numbers 9:15-23; 10; 11:1-3

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?

March 19 Bible reading

March 19 Psalm 35:11-18 Luke 2:41-52 Numbers 7:66-89; 8; 9:1-14

Psalm 35:11-18

God, please be my defender, and I will thank You publicly. David laments the loss he feels. People that he cared for deeply are now laughing at his troubles. They falsely accuse him. They do him wrong despite his good deeds for them. Yet David returns to his commitment to praise Go in their public house of worship. His peace is found in the presence of God.

Luke 2:41-52

Joseph and Mary made an annual trip to Jerusalem, for the Passover celebration. 12-year-old Jesus stays at the Temple, after Passover, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. He describes the Temple as My “Father’s House”. Jesus respected the value of the place of worship and its teachers. Jesus held a high value on the house of worship and the Word of God, their Scriptures. We should learn from this. Jesus then “grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and all people.” We should desire to grow in these ways as well.

Numbers 7:66-89; 8; 9:1-14

In Numbers, leaders brought offerings for the dedication of the place of worship. When Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak to the Lord, he heard God talking to him. God placed value on a house of worship and the human experience of establishing it. God responded to their obedience by leading them, living among them, and speaking to them through Moses. God assigned Levites to ensure the sacred purpose of the house of worship. God placed value on lessons learned from Passover. We have a sacred purpose in worship and much to learn.

March 19 Psalm 35:11-18 Luke 2:41-52 Numbers 7:66-89; 8; 9:1-14

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 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?

March 18 Bible reading

March 18 Psalm 35:1-10 Luke 2:21-40 Numbers 7:1-65

Psalm 35:1-10

Choosing to set aside time so that you can consider the goodness of God, what it means to you, enjoying it, and celebrating it will bring you benefits in your life. David’s life was threatened by people he had done no wrong, more than once. He ran for his life multiple times. People chose to make him their enemy. In more than one situation, David watched as God miraculously protected him. David made his share of mistakes. David expressed the full range of human emotions. He also stopped to consider how God was involved. God’s selfless love is seen in helping people who are helpless. God does not help them for what can be gained from them. Who else is like that?

Luke 2:21-40

Joseph and Mary follow the covenant law of Moses in dedicating baby Jesus to God. Contagious joy was experienced by those who had been faithfully serving God and watching for the arrival of the Messiah. Simeon and Anna gave prophetic confirmation of the identity of Jesus as Messiah. Holding baby Jesus they recognized him as “salvation God prepared for all people….the light to reveal God to the nations.” We read that Jesus’ identity was predicted and affirmed by prophets both past and present. We should experience and reflect this same contagious joy at Jesus our Messiah.

Numbers 7:1-65

At God’s direction, Moses sets up the Tabernacle and dedicates it as a place of worship. In Numbers, we see that the people benefited from choosing to value their place of worship by honoring God with gifts. Each person’s gift mattered to God. Each person learned that their living God put a high value on their worship. Their interaction with their Creator was of great importance. We should learn from this. (As seen in Psalm 27:4)

March 18 Psalm 35:1-10 Luke 2:21-40 Numbers 7:1-65

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?

March 17 Bible reading

March 17  Proverbs 7:6-20  Luke 2:1-20  Numbers 5:11-31; 6

Proverbs 7:6-20

God provides us with direction and a warning against illicit affairs. God is not ignorant of human experiences. Our Creator has the wisdom we need. Our Creator has a right to speak to how we live. Sexual sin brings painful consequences.

Luke 2:1-20

Jesus, our Savior, the Messiah, the Lord, was born in Bethlehem as promised. There are several miraculous aspects of His birth recognized by many eyewitnesses. The shepherds saw exactly what the angels predicted. God’s people could choose to take a Nazarite vow, setting aside their life for the purpose of God. This allowed them to identify God’s call on their life, describe it to others, and live for that purpose. We should take note of the significance of prophecy fulfilled. God is involved in the birth of Jesus. Too many supernatural factors here for it to be a magic trick. What does this say to you about Jesus?

Numbers 5:11-31; 6

God’s design includes a married couple’s lifelong commitment to giving faithful love to each other. It can be a reflection of God’s faithful love that is patient and kind, as we see throughout Scripture. God intended marital sexual expression of love to be a sacred act of giving pleasure in a safe healthy context. God gave His people a clear idea of the consequences for illicit affairs. Nazarite vows included setting aside your life for the purpose of God. Anyone who wants to serve in Christian leadership must consider the truths revealed here. In Numbers 6:24-26, we see a beautiful blessing that could be given from the priests to the people, which God promised to honor.

March 17  Proverbs 7:6-20  Luke 2:1-20  Numbers 5:11-31; 6

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?

March 16 Bible reading

March 16  Psalm 34:11-22  Luke 1:57-80  Numbers 4; 5:1-10

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?

March 16  Psalm 34:11-22  Luke 1:57-80  Numbers 4; 5:1-10

Psalm 34:11-22

Lies bring consequences. Peacemaking requires thoughtful examination before taking action. God interacts with His people. He is paying attention. Psalm 34:18 describes what God is like every day and should inform how we live. God comes alongside the brokenhearted, bringing loving comfort to those whose spirits are crushed, and He will rescue them.

Luke 1:57-80

Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced miracles and were happy to welcome a baby boy. People noted the circumstances of John’s birth. The whole neighborhood recognized this birth as a miracle. They wondered what God would do through this baby. Zechariah spoke God’s promise of the mighty Savior, the coming Messiah. Zechariah predicted the role of his son, John the prophet, John the Baptist. In Luke 1:68-75 and 78-79, we read an amazing explanation of the Messiah’s role in the Kingdom of God. Are there more beautiful words than Luke 1:76-79? Jesus, our morning light from heaven! The purpose of John the Baptist was to tell people how to find salvation through the forgiveness of sins.

Numbers 4; 5:1-10

Moses, Aaron, the priests, and the Levites were responsible to care for the place of worship, the instruments of worship, and the ways of interacting with God. They led people by serving them. Purity in their camp included natural and spiritual cleanliness, focus, and purpose. God was removing their guilt. In Numbers, we see that every person matters to God. God gives purpose (and inherent value) to the work He has designed for His people. We can find fulfillment as we work.