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?

May 21 Bible reading

May 21  Psalm 65  John 12:12-36  1 Samuel 8; 9; 10:1-8

Psalm 65

In the power and majesty of the earth’s environment, David sees the presence of the living God at work, caring for what He created by design. Psalm 65 has David singing thanks to God, the hope of everyone, for answering prayer. Verses 3 and 4 connect so beautifully with verse 8. Have you had this experience with God?

John 12:12-36

Jesus calls people to receive eternal life by following Him. He predicts His own death and resurrection, explaining its purpose. Gentiles who had come to Jerusalem for Passover witness a dialogue between Jesus and Father God. There is a purpose which includes drawing people into this relationship between Jesus and the Father…this inclusion of all through Jesus the Passover Lamb into loving worship of Father God.

1 Samuel 8; 9; 10:1-8

The Israelites grow weary of the sins of the sons of the priest Samuel and ask for a king to rule them, “like all the other nations have.” This is a rejection of God as their King. Saul is chosen. Responding to Saul’s insecurity, Samuel predicts the Spirit God coming upon him and changing him.

May 21  Psalm 65  John 12:12-36  1 Samuel 8; 9; 10:1-8

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 20 Bible reading

May 20  Proverbs 12:18-27  John 11:45-57; 12:1-11  1 Samuel 5; 6; 7

Proverbs 12:18-27

Encouragement brings valuable help. Wise words may bring healing. Let’s choose to speak in this way to each other. This is how we become “life-giving relationships” with each other. Your quality of life will improve when you follow through with this decision.

John 11:45-57; 12:1-11

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the public awareness of Him went to a whole new level. The Jewish leaders saw Jesus as a threat to their way of life. They did not recognize Him to be the Way to a new life here and now, and the Way to eternal life. This group of leaders planned to kill Jesus and Lazarus, out of concern for defending their way of life. Many believed in Jesus because He raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus offered eternal life to all who would believe in Him as Savior.

1 Samuel 5; 6; 7

The Ark of the Covenant was an important God designed piece of furniture in the place of worship of Yahweh. When the Philistines captured it they saw their own idol fallen face down before it repeatedly. These events helped the Israelites forsake their idols and return to the worship of Yahweh. Samuel led them in this return to a lifestyle of worshipping Yahweh. There is one true living God.

May 20  Proverbs 12:18-27  John 11:45-57; 12:1-11  1 Samuel 5; 6; 7

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 19 Bible reading

May 19  Psalm 64  John 11:1-44  1 Samuel 2:27-36; 3; 4

Psalm 64

With enemies plotting against him, David sings about his faith that God will deliver him from their attack. He believes that in this he will see others respond to God as well. In this way, David sings about purpose coming from his troubled days. We should carefully consider the purpose of God, even in our difficulties.

John 11:1-44

Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, was sick and dying. When word reached Jesus, He predicted a miracle for Lazarus that would further prove His identity as Messiah. After the death of Lazarus, people are grieving despite the prediction of Jesus. We see the frustration of Jesus with their lack of faith. We also see the empathy of Jesus with their suffering. Jesus brought his friend Lazarus back from the dead. He explained that this miracle would help them believe in His identity as Messiah, the Savior of all who would believe and receive eternal life through Him. This same Jesus is alive today, offering eternal life to all who will believe.

1 Samuel 2:27-36; 3; 4

God spoke to Eli the priest, “I will honor those who honor Me, and I will despise those who think lightly of Me.” Eli had been allowing his sons to violate the place of worship. As a result, God brought punishment on his family, replaced him with Samuel, and brought judgment on the nation of Israel. Samuel heard the voice of God and obeyed. “As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.” 1 Samuel 3:19

May 19  Psalm 64  John 11:1-44  1 Samuel 2:27-36; 3; 4  – Happy Birthday Rebecca! You are the love of my life.

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 18 Bible reading

May 18  Psalm 63  John 10:22-42  1 Samuel 1; 2:1-26

Psalm 63

David sings about desiring the presence of God and finding the love of God to be better than anything else in life. David finds God to be helpful even when enemies are plotting against him. He made a life-long commitment to serve God. Singing about this helps us in prayer and meditation. It improves our quality of life.

John 10:22-42

Jesus again reveals Himself to be the Good Shepherd and their Messiah, offering eternal life. He describes believers as people who hear His voice and follow Him. Many people saw Jesus fulfill what John had predicted about Him. They saw Jesus perform miracles. They believed in Jesus as their Messiah. We should follow in their example.

1 Samuel 1; 2:1-26

Hannah dedicated the life of her son Samuel to the service of God because his birth was a miracle answer to prayer. God blessed Hanna for this decision. The priest Eli had sons who had no respect for God. They sinned against God. Samuel grew up in this setting.

May 18  Psalm 63  John 10:22-42  1 Samuel 1; 2:1-26

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 17 Bible reading

May 17  Psalm 62  John 9:35-41; 10:1-21  Ruth 3; 4

Psalm 62

David’s song suggests that we tell God what is on our hearts, and choose to trust God completely. David finds God to be a source of strength and peace even when He is waiting to see God take action on his behalf. How we deal with delay and disappointment is important. This is where we have an opportunity to grow in faith.

John 9:35-41; 10:1-21

Jesus described those who could not see Him as Messiah, as being spiritually blind. Jesus described Himself as a Good Shepherd who was willing to sacrifice His own life for His sheep. Jesus described our enemy’s plan to steal, kill, and destroy in contrast to His own plan to provide a rich and satisfying life. From this, we should learn the value of a Christ-centered life. Daily we should be considering, “What does Jesus think about this?”

Ruth 3; 4

Boaz and Ruth had each lived a virtuous and faithful life. They found redemption in a healthy marriage. God blessed this marriage. The genealogy of Christ is traced through it. They had experienced disappointment and delay. They chose to have faith in God. This choice improved the quality of their marriage.

May 17  Psalm 62  John 9:35-41; 10:1-21  Ruth 3; 4

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?