January 31 Bible reading

January 31 – Psalm 18:1-6, Matthew 21:1-17, Job 19; 20; 21

Psalm 18:1-6

In Psalm 18 we see God as the source of strength. Creator? Yes. Beyond that, David draws strength from his relationship with God. David thanked God for His protection. David remembered what happened. He told the story. He thought about what it meant. David did not move on too quickly by staying focused on himself and forgetting about God. David learned from the experience and continued to share his gratitude.

Matthew 21:1-17

During His season of public teaching and healing, Jesus travels to Jerusalem. He chooses to enter the city with humility. Jesus is recognized as Messiah riding a young donkey into Jerusalem, the hope of Heaven. There’s a public celebration of Jesus’ arrival. He says that the gathering place, Temple, house of God, should be a house of prayer. Jesus removes people from conducting business in the Temple. God had spoken through Isaiah that the Jerusalem Temple would be a house of prayer for people from all nations, Isaiah 56:7. God spoke through Jeremiah that the Jerusalem Temple had become a den of thieves, Jeremiah 7:11. Jesus repeats this call to repentance of sin and dedication for a pure service to God in the Jerusalem Temple. In fulfillment of prophecy, the children praised Jesus the Christ.

Job 19; 20; 21

Job takes Bildad’s rebuke as an insult. Zophar is convinced that Job’s wealth had included corruption. Job is hurt by the words of his friends. Job calls out words that should give caution to anyone who seeks to comfort those who are suffering. “How can your empty cliché’s comfort me? All your explanations are lies!” In Job’s dialogue with friends about his suffering, Job returns to a hope in Heaven, seeing God face to face. Job’s prayer, Job 19:25-27, echoes Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 13:12, in hope of complete understanding someday in Heaven.

January 31 – Psalm 18:1-6, Matthew 21:1-17, Job 19; 20; 21

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?

January 30 Bible reading

January 30 – Psalm 17:13-15, Matthew 20:20-34, Job 15; 16; 17; 18

Psalm 17:13-15

The Psalmist sings of the hope of Heaven, seeing God face to face. A growing relationship with God brings this desire. Regardless of the challenges we face in this life, we should sing of the hope of Heaven.

Matthew 20:20-34

Jesus leads us by example in the humble service of others. Jesus gave His love and His life for all. Jesus taught His followers to serve people. Serving people is essential to the path of leadership. Jesus speaks of servant leadership as part of the value system of the Kingdom of God.

Job 15; 16; 17; 18

Eliphaz repeats his accusation of Job. Eliphaz asks if God’s comfort is too little. Job is honest about his anguish. Through his tears, Job insists that the disaster in his life is not a result of his sin. Job and his friends wrestle deeply with the question of whether or not suffering is the result of sin. Job again states the need for a Mediator between him and God. Job feels like he is near death. Bildad repeats his accusation against Job. This story means a great deal to me. It has helped me immensely. What are you learning from it?

January 30 – Psalm 17:13-15, Matthew 20:20-34, Job 15; 16; 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?

Black History Month reading

It is possible to learn from history. We should be able to learn without being fearful. As a Christian, I believe that God provides the ability to learn and therefore values learning. Even if you stick to the fast-food section of the Bible, Psalms, and Proverbs, you will find a high value on learning from history.

During Black History Month you may find fresh motivation for learning and reading.

More than ever before I am committed to learning from the mistakes of the past. This includes making right my own mistake of ignorance.

We love our neighbors. We listen to our neighbors. Eighty percent of the neighbors within a dozen blocks of us are African Americans.

I am committed to learning, showing love, and improving the quality of our collective lives.

Let’s learn so that we can show loving respect.

Here are a few books that you may find helpful:

Conversations with God by James Melvin Washington

The Black Church by Henry Louis Gates Jr

A Testament of Hope by Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Wilmington’s Lie by David Zucchino

Carry Me Home by Diane McWhorter

How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith

There is a River by Vincent Harding

January 29 Bible reading

January 29 – Psalm 17:6-12, Matthew 20:1-19, Job 11; 12; 13; 14

Psalm 17:6-12

David writes a song, regardless of his rough days, enemies, insecurities, and painful relationships. He writes a song that makes a request. “I’m praying because I know you will answer, show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.” Despite enemies and insecurities, David sings a declaration of faith that God will hear him. David describes God with “faithful love” words that God had used to represent Himself. David asks for protection from a real threat.

Matthew 20:1-19

In the Kingdom of God, there is kindness made available to people. God has the right to choose whom it will be given to. Jesus followers have no right to be jealous of whom it is given. Jesus speaks of the value system of the Kingdom of God, “first will be last, last will be first,”. Jesus prepared His followers for the events of His death, burial, and resurrection.

Job 11; 12; 13; 14

Zophar is still convinced that Job is guilty of sin he has not yet confessed. God must be punishing Job. “No” Job insists. Job rebuffs the accusation of these three “friends”. Job states that true wisdom & power are found in God. In turn, he pleads his case before God, asking how he has sinned, and describing life as short & full of trouble.

January 29 – Psalm 17:6-12, Matthew 20:1-19, Job 11; 12; 13; 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?

January 28 Bible reading

January 28 – Proverbs 3:11-20, Matthew 19:16-30, Job 8; 9; 10

Proverbs 3:11-20

God the Father loves us and this is why He brings adjustment and correction to us. If God had the wisdom to create all that we see, then I believe that He has the wisdom for how I should be living. This is a helpful perspective.

Matthew 19:16-30

Receiving the love of God, by faith in Jesus, should turn us away from selfishness. This leads to prioritizing the Kingdom of God over any natural resource (such as money). Jesus speaks the truth that with God everything is possible. We must open our faith-filled imagination to this truth. The Kingdom of God has a value system where those who seem like they are the least, in human perspective, are actually the greatest in God’s perspective. This must inform how we relate to others.

Job 8; 9; 10

Bildad brings a further baseless accusation against Job. His secret sin must have caused this suffering. Job understands human nature and the need for each of us to be forgiven. Yet Job maintains his innocence. The honesty of Job is essential to our learning how we should relate with God. Job asks God “why”, while pouring out his lament. In the middle of this, Job describes his perspective of God’s thoughtful involvement and participation in Job’s life from its very beginning.

January 28 – Proverbs 3:11-20, Matthew 19:16-30, Job 8; 9; 10

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

After reading the selected passages, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 27 Bible reading

January 27 – Psalm 17:1-5, Matthew 19:1-15, Job 4; 5; 6; 7

Psalm 17:1-5

Psalm 17 has a dialogue with God, reflecting on the benefit of a long-term relationship with God. David is asking deeper questions based on context within the relationship. David would open every area of his life to be searched by God. He was willing to change anything in his life to the way that God may want it to be. This included what he was feeling and the ways in which he was thinking and speaking.

Matthew 19:1-15

Jesus describes divorce as not God’s intended best but a concession to hard hearts. Jesus describes being single as possible for a few reasons and certainly not less than being married. Anyone who wants to get married should prepare themselves to make a life-long commitment. This is a decision to give love that is faithful, patient, and kind for the rest of your life. Jesus suggests that this is possible with God’s help.

Job 4; 5; 6; 7

Eliphaz responds to Job’s lament by questioning his character. He also questions Job’s relationship with God. Job asks Eliphaz to stop assuming that some secret sin is the reason for his suffering. Job sees suffering as a common human experience. In Job, we see that there are benefits to those who receive correction from God. Job is honest in telling his friends that they have not brought him help. Job honestly expresses his anguish to God, asking God to forgive him if he has sinned. Job asks God for relief and says that he is ready to die.

January 27 – Psalm 17:1-5, Matthew 19:1-15, Job 4; 5; 6; 7

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

After reading the selected passages, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 26 Bible reading

January 26 – Psalm 16, Matthew 18:10-35, Job 1; 2; 3

Psalm 16

In Psalm 16 we see the benefits of the realization that if God is my Director then every good thing I have comes from Him. I can respect and enjoy godly people. By choosing God as my guide I can have peace and strength. I see that God is always with me. Let us recognize God as our source for every good thing in this life. Let us sing our gratitude and our call for help.

Matthew 18:10-35

Jesus taught His followers that the heart of Father God is for all to know His presence.  Jesus speaks of the angels assigned to children being in the presence of God constantly. Jesus instructs us on conflict resolution. Jesus makes it very clear that God takes forgiving others very seriously. We get specific recommendations from Jesus on how to handle an offense with another believer. Direct personal conversations with reconciliation as the goal, are the way to go. Gossip, pretending it didn’t happen, or going to a person in leadership without talking with the person first, are mistakes. Jesus directed His followers to pursue unity. Jesus taught us forgiveness that goes way beyond what comes naturally. Every Jesus follower must choose the path of forgiveness.

Job 1; 2; 3

The oldest Scripture manuscripts available today are of the book of Job. We see God deeply involved in the question of human suffering in view of a loving Creator. Job did nothing to deserve the suffering he experienced. Did Job live a pure life and worship God because he had so much to be happy about? In a day, Job lost his wealth and all of his children. He did not blame God. Job lost his good health and yet he did not blame God. Job wished that he had never lived. He cursed the day he was born, but he did not curse God. Job suffered utmost tragedy and yet did not sin against God in his heart or with his mouth.

January 26 – Psalm 16, Matthew 18:10-35, Job 1; 2; 3

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

After reading the selected passages, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 25 Bible reading

January 25 – Psalm 15, Matthew 17:14-27; 18:1-9, Genesis 49; 50

Psalm 15

We see the ability to “stand firm forever” in God’s presence, worshiping, as a benefit to choosing a lifestyle that honors God. Receiving the love of God, recognizing the provision of God, and returning to worship God will bring us to a faithful lifestyle. As we choose this way of living, we will find benefits. We find such peace in the presence of God!

Matthew 17:14-27; 18:1-9

Jesus calls for faith, like a child, with humility. Jesus shows His followers power over demons. Jesus brought spiritual freedom to people. Jesus taught His followers about the importance of faith in spiritual ministry. Jesus taught His followers about the folly of dictating financial gifts for God’s house of worship. Repenting from sin with humility is essential, according to Jesus. People who tempt others to sin will be punished. Taking serious measures to avoid temptation is just what Jesus recommended.

Genesis 49; 50

Jacob’s last words include the consequences of sinful lust, anger, and violence. He also speaks of God Almighty blessing Joseph. Here we read the perspective Joseph had, seeing that “God intended it for good, so that” he could “save the lives of many people”. He spoke the truth of the personal responsibility that he and his brothers had in their decisions and the truth of God’s sovereignty.

January 25 – Psalm 15, Matthew 17:14-27; 18:1-9, Genesis 49; 50

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

After reading the selected passages, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 24 Bible reading

January 24 – Proverbs 3:1-10, Matthew 16:21-28; 17:1-13, Genesis 47:13-31; 48

Proverbs 3:1-10

We should engage in a relationship with God that includes all of our learning, loving, and listening. This prompts us to be thankful and tell others about this God that we value. Sharing is essential to the experience. When we meditate on God’s Word, we can better trust God and follow God. Solomon writes about purpose in wisdom and benefits from wisdom. Loyalty and kindness are essential to a Jesus style of servant leadership. Choosing to rely on God completely includes looking for God’s will in every area of life. When we live like this we will discover God’s guidance.

Matthew 16:21-28; 17:1-13

Jesus prepared His followers for His death. Jesus called them to wholehearted devotion and choosing a lifestyle of sacrificial love. Jesus called His followers to value the Kingdom of God above their natural life. This includes a willingness to set aside their own desires in favor of God’s desires. We are called to follow Jesus, not our own way. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus’ appearance change. They saw him talking with Moses and Elijah. They heard Father God speak His loving approval over Jesus, instructing them to follow Jesus.

Genesis 47:13-31; 48

Joseph had looked for the will of God and responded faithfully to all God had revealed. Joseph obeyed God and exercised good stewardship. Many people were spared starvation from famine because of Joseph’s faithfulness to God. Jacob shared, with his own son Joseph, God’s promise to bless them so that they could be a blessing to all people.

January 24 – Proverbs 3:1-10, Matthew 16:21-28; 17:1-13, Genesis 47:13-31; 48

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

After reading the selected passages, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?

January 23 Bible reading

January 23 – Psalm 14, Matthew 16:1-20, Genesis 45; 46; 47:1-12

Psalm 14

Regardless of how I’m feeling the Word of God is alive and speaking to me. The Psalmist sang, “God is with those who obey Him.” God extends us grace not based on our actions, but based on His character. Our response to His grace matters.  Our God is looking for a relationship with people who are looking for Him. It is foolish to think there is no God. They sang about God’s promise to bring the Messiah from the ancestry of Israel.

Matthew 16:1-20

Jesus felt the need to warn his disciples about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He wanted His followers to learn from His miracles and yet not become dependent on them for their faith. Peter recognized the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. The future of the church and the spiritual power is given to it, hinge on this truth. Even when we are rooting out false teaching we must stay focused on the identity of Jesus Christ and its meaning. Additionally, we must be sure that we are Jesus’ followers and not miracle followers.

Genesis 45; 46; 47:1-12

Upon discovery of his brother’s heart change, Joseph wept. Joseph revealed his identity and the perspective he had gained about God’s purpose. In the middle of an amazing reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, we see three times that Joseph declared “God sent me,” describing the truth of what happened. This forgiveness was possible because Joseph could see God at work in the middle of his worst pain. Out of this comes provision and blessing on the whole family. We see God’s favor and then good stewardship & faithfulness from Joseph.

January 23 – Psalm 14, Matthew 16:1-20, Genesis 45; 46; 47:1-12

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with 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, expressed through Jesus.

After reading the selected passages, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

• 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?