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?