May 31 Bible reading

May 31  Psalm 68:28-35  John 19:28-42; 20:1-9  1 Samuel 29; 30; 31

Psalm 68:28-35

Our reasonable response to an all-powerful God is worship, by singing our praise to Him. The one true all-powerful God will be praised in eternity future by billions of humans. Each day we should lift up praise to God.

John 19:28-42; 20:1-9

The day after Jesus’ sacrificial death was the annual Passover celebration, and it fell on the weekly day of Sabbath. Jesus had released His spirit, and in death fulfilled the prophecy that “not one of His bones will be broken”. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is met with amazement, not anticipation by His disciples because they had not understood nor believed His prediction of it. As a witness to us (of the truth), these events have been faithfully recorded. Jesus predicted His own death, burial, and resurrection. These events unfolded as He predicted. We must recognize the significance of the purpose for these events as Jesus had taught. Jesus called people to repentance and a new spiritual life found in God.

1 Samuel 29; 30; 31

People to whom David had been faithful, betrayed him in favor of the Philistines, and made it possible for the Amelikites to burn down the town where David and his men had their families living (kidnapping their families). God gave David the ability to return all that was stolen. David prevented his fighters from being selfish in the distribution. The Philistines defeated Saul’s army, killing his sons. Saul killed himself. A sad narrative.

May 31  Psalm 68:28-35  John 19:28-42; 20:1-9  1 Samuel 29; 30; 31

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?

May 30 Bible reading

May 30  Psalm 68:21-27  John 19:1-27  1 Samuel 26; 27; 28

Psalm 68:21-27

Our God is the source of life. The sovereign God will bring justice, including the punishment of those who are unrepentant. There will be praises sung to the one true God who is worthy. We must consider this truth and respond.

John 19:1-27

The Jewish leaders, God’s chosen people (for whom God had done so much) refused to recognize Jesus as Messiah, they called for His death, condemning Him to die as one who was cursed. Pilate feared Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. The Jewish leaders publicly ascribed their authority, their king, to be the Roman ruler Caesar. Jesus was crucified as “king of the Jews”. Jesus chose death on a cross so that we may be forgiven of sin. The Roman torture and execution was the most excruciating way to die known to human history. John’s eyewitness account has been life-changing for millions of people. Jesus predicted these events. Jesus taught His followers the purpose of these events by walking them through the Scriptures, revealing how they pointed to Him and His purpose. We must recognize the purpose of this suffering.

1 Samuel 26; 27; 28

How can I say, “Thank You” for the love poured out for me? Again David refuses an opportunity to kill Saul, who was trying to kill him, deferring to God as judge between them. Samuel the prophet dies. Saul has a medium conjure up Samuel, asking for a victory over the Philistines. Samuel reminds Saul that God was punishing Saul and taking the kingdom from him.

May 30  Psalm 68:21-27  John 19:1-27  1 Samuel 26; 27; 28

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?

May 29 Bible reading

May 29  Psalm 68:15-20  John 18:25-40  1 Samuel 24; 25

Psalm 68:15-20

Our God saves. Our God provides rescue from death. Our God will live among us. We should see here, a sovereign powerful God offering salvation for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons would include making a personal relationship with God available.

John 18:25-40

As Jesus predicted, Peter, betrays Him three times. This becomes a significant memory in the relationship between them. From this day on, every time Peter mentions forgiveness the people who heard him registered this personal significance. Jesus brings forgiveness to the repentant. Jesus forgives the sin of personal betrayal. A sin that brought Him suffering. Pilate makes a point of Jesus’ identity and the idea of Jesus being the king of the Jews. The crowd in Jerusalem betrays Jesus by asking for the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. Do you see a Redeemer who suffered personally?

1 Samuel 24; 25

David refuses an opportunity to kill Saul and spares his life instead. David defers to God any right to judge Saul for his wrong. David believes that God will rescue him from Saul’s attempts to kill him. Abigail practices skillful peacemaking in preventing a violent conflict between her husband Nabal and David.

May 29  Psalm 68:15-20  John 18:25-40  1 Samuel 24; 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?

May 28 Bible reading

May 28  Proverbs 13:10-19  John 18:1-24  1 Samuel 21; 22; 23

Proverbs 13:10-19

Seeing a dream come true should be met with marked gratitude. Careful consideration before taking action requires wisdom. With wisdom, you can help people avoid some serious trouble.

John 18:1-24

In face of Roman soldiers and Temple guards, Jesus is honest about His identity. Jesus shields His followers, and not Himself. Peter attempts to protect Jesus violently. Jesus chooses to accept the suffering. As Jesus predicted, both Judas and Peter betray Him. Jesus and His followers feel the pain of these betrayals. This suffering is an important part of Jesus’ story. The High Priest of Israel ordered the beating of Jesus. This is an additional betrayal. Jesus asks why this decision has been made. Jesus maintains His innocence. Jesus is falsely accused and personally betrayed. Our Redeemer has experienced great suffering.

1 Samuel 21; 22; 23

David is described as being more faithful than any servant to King Saul. Jealous rage consumes Saul, and he kills priests who helped David flee. Saul’s son Jonathan encourages David with faith that Saul would not be able to kill David, and the belief that David would eventually be king. What life-giving words as David hides in the wilderness. Saul gave up, and David did not.

May 28  Proverbs 13:10-19  John 18:1-24  1 Samuel 21; 22; 23

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?

May 27 Bible reading

May 27  Psalm 68:7-14  John 17:6-26  1 Samuel 19; 20

Psalm 68:7-14

Our God sends refreshing. The Israelites remembered the specific ways in which they had seen God do this in years past. They had been led by God through dangerous places. Their relationship with God was an essential element of their identity. As it should be for us.

John 17:6-26

In preparation for His sacrificial death, Jesus prays to Father God asking that the New Covenant be established. This would include God drawing people from every nation into a loving relationship with Him, by believing in Jesus as their Savior. Jesus prays for all people who would ever believe in Him (through the words of His disciples). Jesus asks Father God to establish this supernatural unity, through love. Our Lord Jesus has not changed. Today his heart’s desire is the same. Jesus asks Father God to keep us, to direct us with His Word, and to bring us into unity. We must ask ourselves if we are aligned with the will of Jesus.

1 Samuel 19; 20

King Saul’s son Jonathan and daughter Michal protected David from their father’s jealous rage and efforts to kill David. In this we see a contrast between faithful loyalty in personal relationships and Saul’s jealousy, mentally obsessing over comparison in a self-destructive emotional spiral. Despite Saul’s attack, David does not seek revenge or his own personal advantage.

May 27  Psalm 68:7-14  John 17:6-26  1 Samuel 19; 20

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?

May 26 Bible reading

May 26  Psalm 68:1-6  John 16:5-33; 17:1-5  1 Samuel 17:38-58; 18

Psalm 68:1-6

Our God defends those who cannot defend themselves and provides for those who cannot provide for themselves. We are given the opportunity to participate in this work.

John 16:5-33; 17:1-5

Jesus describes the function of the Holy Spirit as a guide in truth, bringing conviction of sin, relaying to us the words of the Father, and the Son, telling us about the future and bringing glory to God. We are now given an opportunity to understand this teaching of Jesus about the Holy Spirit. Christians should be able to interact with the Holy Spirit in the ways that Jesus described. Are you looking to God the Holy Spirit in these ways? Jesus prays in preparation for His death, asking Father God to bring about His New Covenant. There’s much to learn about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit from the prayer of Jesus. Am I relating to God in ways that are respective of these truths, today?

1 Samuel 17:38-58; 18

Preparing to fight the giant Goliath, little David describes the name of God as being his weapon. David predicts that God will win so that people will have faith in God. What a contrast from Saul who wanted people looking to himself! David’s heart is the difference. King Saul grew jealous of David, a poor young man from a humble family.

May 26  Psalm 68:1-6  John 16:5-33; 17:1-5  1 Samuel 17:38-58; 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?

May 25 Bible reading

May 25  Psalm 67  John 15; 16:1-4  1 Samuel 16; 17:1-37

Psalm 67

The song of Psalm 67 quotes the blessing that God asked His priests to speak over His people. It included a request that God would show His smile of approval on His people. This song also brings a foreshadowing of the Good News of Jesus and Father God’s plan to draw people from every nation into this loving relationship. This Psalm should be in the repeated vocabulary of Christians.

John 15; 16:1-4

Jesus teaches about the purpose and value of an unbroken personal relationship with God, using the analogy of a grapevine. God, our Creator, is the life-giver and our ultimate source. Jesus provides a way for us to access God. We should not choose to separate from this relationship with God. We must carefully consider eliminating anything that would hinder our direct connection with God. The words of God help us remain connected with God, abiding in the love of Jesus. We are invited into this loving relationship that brings joy. We are also called to love each other in this way. Jesus again introduces the Holy Spirit in this context.

1 Samuel 16; 17:1-37

David is chosen by God, anointed to the purpose by Samuel. Despite his young age and lack of military experience Saul sees David’s courageous faith in God and gives him an opportunity to fight Goliath. David believes that God will deliver him in the same way He had in past challenges, within this new challenge.

May 25  Psalm 67  John 15; 16:1-4  1 Samuel 16; 17:1-37

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?

May 24 Bible reading

May 24  Proverbs 12:28; 13:1-9  John 14  1 Samuel 14:24-52; 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 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?

May 24  Proverbs 12:28; 13:1-9  John 14  1 Samuel 14:24-52; 15

Proverbs 12:28; 13:1-9

A healthy relationship with God leads to enjoying this life, and eternal life. Being careful with what you say can bring benefits. It’s helpful to recognize that, “opening your mouth can ruin everything”. Each of us can grow in our self-control of what we say.

John 14

In preparing His friends for His death, Jesus predicts His return and the eternal life they would enjoy in the future. Jesus reminds His friends that they have learned about Father God through their relationship with Him. This conversation is the context of Jesus helping them learn how to trust in Him. Jesus is also teaching them how to obey His teaching. In the next breath, Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit who would be a guide for them on the path of truth. They would have viewed the Holy Spirit as a leader in their journey of faith-filled following Jesus’ teaching. Repeatedly Jesus explains that His teaching has purpose. Jesus is helping them grow in their personal relationship with the One True Living God.

1 Samuel 14:24-52; 15

Saul’s impulsive nature and tendency to act without asking God for His plan brought unintended consequences. Saul confessed that he desired the approval of the citizens more than the approval of God. As a result, God would take the kingdom from Saul. Let’s not be mistaken, our God knows the state of our hearts & minds. It is our reasonable response to seek guidance from God.

May 23 Bible reading

May 23  Psalm 66:13-20  John 13:18-38  1 Samuel 13; 14:1-23

Psalm 66:13-20

This is the song of someone who promised God that they would come to worship Him at the Temple after they had been rescued from trouble. By confession of sin, the songwriter found the unfailing love of God. Finding forgiveness from God the psalmist returns to sing of the faithful love of God. It is transformative! Singing about it can be a form of communication in the relationship.

John 13:18-38

In preparing His friends and followers for His death, Jesus predicts that two of them would betray Him. During this conversation, Jesus directs them to show agape love to each other, with a selfless, faithful, patient, and kind commitment to each other. Jesus described a lifestyle of love. He taught His followers to walk in this lifestyle daily. Jesus’ followers would be known by a unity expressed with mutual humble service. This is love seen in action. Clearly, Jesus saw this as a priority. So should we.

1 Samuel 13; 14:1-23

King Saul could no longer wait for Samuel, and disobeyed by performing Samuel’s priestly work in an effort to inspire his troops to stay with him. Samuel declared this sin to be the reason that God would not establish Saul’s reign, but instead bring up another king (one with a heart for God). God gave Jonathan and his armor-bearer the ability to kill 20 of their enemies. Then God brought an earthquake. The enemy army was in a panic, melting away.

May 23  Psalm 66:13-20  John 13:18-38  1 Samuel 13; 14:1-23

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?

May 22 Bible reading

May 22  Psalm 66:1-12  John 12:37-50; 13:1-17  1 Samuel 10:9-27; 11; 12

Psalm 66:1-12

With shouting and singing, we should publicly declare the goodness of our God. This psalm reminds us of God miraculously parting the Red Sea and providing safe passage for the Israelites. God protected them from the Egyptians. God is our ultimate provider and help in time of need. Reminding ourselves of this helps with gratitude. Expressing this thankfulness will bring wisdom to our perspective. It helps to alleviate stress and improve our state of mind.

John 12:37-50; 13:1-17

Despite the miracles of Jesus, there were many people who did not believe in His identity as Savior. In preparation for His final Passover meal with His friends & followers, Jesus serves them by washing their feet and asking them to continue to serve each other with the same heart. Jesus led by example. We should serve each other with humility. Jesus taught that this lifestyle brings blessing.

1 Samuel 10:9-27; 11; 12

Saul is found hiding, despite Samuel’s description of God’s choice of him and the supernatural prophetic signs following. Saul becomes king and starts military action. Samuel addresses the nation, reminding them of what God had done and the terms of His covenant. This includes a reminder that they had sinned against God, rejecting His plan by asking for a king. At Samuel’s request God confirmed his words as truth by sending thunder and rain. Samuel makes a commitment to continue to teach them and pray for them.

May 22  Psalm 66:1-12  John 12:37-50; 13:1-17  1 Samuel 10:9-27; 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 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?