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?