Daily Bible Reading and Thoughts Shared
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Bible Reading
Matthew 2:1-6
2 Peter 1:20-21
Isaiah 53
Micah 5:2
Skeptics aren’t the only ones who raise questions about the Bible. Even Christians might ask: How can believers claim that the Bible is true compared with any other book used as a foundation for religion? What makes the Bible stand out from other pieces of writing that claim they also came from God?
So how do we authenticate the Bible? Consider its historical authenticity. The Bible has been substantiated both historically and archeologically as more accurate than any other book handed down through time. Research and analysis by historians, linguists, sociologists and archeologists have demonstrated the soundness of the Scriptures through forensic science, the discovery and study of ancient literature, and much more.
The Bible is set apart from all other books in one other way: its prophetic accuracy. A large portion of its prophecy has already been fulfilled with unblemished precision.
A classic example is the foretelling of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
In Micah 5:2, the prophet Micah told of our Savior’s birth over 700 years before it happened. Matthew has recorded the fulfillment of this prophecy for us in Matthew 2:1-6.
What makes this prophecy stand out is the obscurity of Bethlehem. Had Micah mentioned a major metropolis in Israel, the argument could have been put forth that Micah had merely guessed well.
Yet Micah recorded the mind of God by pinpointing this remote region as the site of Christ’s birth.
Prophetic Scripture is accurate in all its details because God Himself moved the writers to record it.
Of course, Micah’s prophecy is just one of several hundred that have already been fulfilled in Scripture. God is not bound by time, space or matter. He knows the beginning from the end, and prophecy involves the recording of His thoughts before an event historically happens.
In 2 Peter 1:20–21, the apostle wrote, “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”
If you were to mathematically figure the probability that 100 prophecies would occur accurately; that is, without any errors, it would require 200 billion earths populated with 4 billion people each to come up with one person who could give 100 accurate prophecies. In other words, it would be impossible.
But the Bible contains hundreds of prophecies written by a number of inspired writers over a period of centuries that already have come true.
That’s because these prophecies are not based on chance, but on the eternal knowledge of God.
Isaiah 53 alone contains a number of prophecies, including Jesus’ piercing, His scourging, and even His silence in the face of oppression and accusation.
The passage speaks of His grave and His purity. The passage also mentions that our own iniquities would be placed on Jesus as our sinless Savior. “He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains;” grief and sorrow tell a tale much more painful than scourging itself. Jesus came not only to bear our sins, but also our burdens.
In your pain, know this one truth: You are not alone. Jesus sees. He knows. He cares. He’s been there. And because He has suffered, He offers a comfort not merely rooted in intellectual assent but in compassionate understanding.1 -
Bible Reading
Hebrews 11:1
James 1:6
1 Peter 1:8-9
What should we do when we face Satan’s lies, especially the lie that God’s Word cannot be true? In the desert, Jesus was faced with a legitimate need—the need to eat to sustain Himself. His need wasn’t wrong. Jesus had the power to do what was suggested, but to do it at the demand of Satan would have been satisfying Himself apart from God.
What proceeds out of God’s mouth must be our foundation for everything. It must be the foundation for counseling, for work, for our families and for our finances. God has given us His definitive Word, and His Word addresses everything that is relevant to us today.
Christians who do not believe His Word and obey it do not see His power demonstrated today. God does not want us to pay homage to Him; He wants us to believe Him and act on faith. Faith believes God in the absence of empirical evidence.
In the Garden of Eden, Eve stumbled over this type of faith. She failed the test because she did not believe something she had never seen—death.
When it’s difficult to believe God but we act in accordance with His Word anyway, that’s faith.
In short, faith is believing something is so, even when it is not so, that it might be so—simply because God said so.1 -
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1
Key Verse: 15
Commentary Thoughts:
Are you the worst sinner you know?
Perhaps you are immediately starting to name all the people you consider worse than you. When we compare ourselves to other people, we can pretend that we’re not too bad. But what about when we compare ourselves to Christ?
That’s what Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, did in her book, The Lamentations of a Sinner.
Comparing ourselves to Christ in this way might drive us to desperation as the extent of our sin is exposed. But when we look to Christ, we see, not only our model, but also our Savior. We see the one who came into the world to save sinners. Our sin may be great, but his mercy is greater.
"Shall I fall in desperation?
No, I will call upon Christ,
the Light of the world,
the Fountain of life,
the relief of all careful consciences,
the Peacemaker between God and man,
and the only health and comfort
of all true repentant sinners.
By his almighty power he can save me
and deliver me out of this miserable state.
For this is the life everlasting, O Lord,
to believe you to be the true God,
and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
By this faith I am assured,
and by this assurance I feel the forgiveness of my sins:
this is what gives me confidence,
this is what comforts me,
this is what quenches all despair."
-Catherine Parr (1512-1548)1 -
Bible Reading
Romans 5
Key Verse: Romans 5:8
Commentary Thoughts
There Are a Thousand Ways We Experience God’s Love Every Day
Each breath you breathe is his gift to you. But as the Puritan Isaac Ambrose reminds us, God’s love shines brightest at the cross. This is where we see the full extent of his love.
It is revealed in the depths to which Christ was prepared to descend, leaving the glories of heaven for the shame of the cross. And it is revealed in who he endured the cross for. Anyone might love someone who is lovely, but only Jesus was prepared to die for his enemies.
The glory of heaven will not be the splendor of our surroundings, nor the choirs of angels. The glory of heaven will be the wounds of our Savior.
"Lord Jesus Christ,
Your graces shine brightest in your bitter Passion.
Your life was a gracious life, and you are full of grace.
But as a lily seems most beautiful when among thorns,
so your graces are best seen in your sufferings.
Your humility was profound:
that the most high God,
the only begotten and eternal Son of God,
should condescend so far as to be condemned,
that you should be crucified upon a cross,
between two thieves, as if you had been their ringleader.
Oh, what humility was this!
Your patience was wonderful.
“ When they hurled their insults at him,
he did not retaliate; when he suffered,
he made no threats” (1 Peter 2 v 23).
Oh, what patience was this!
Your love was fervent.
“ This is love: not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4 v 10).
Your love is the supreme example of love:
the fire that should kindle all our sparks.
Oh, what love was this!"
-Isaac Ambrose (1604-1664)1 -
Bible Reading
Zephaniah 3
Key Verse 17
Commentary Thoughts:
We Have a Singing God! It’s an Amazing Thought
The infinite love of God is seen most clearly at the cross. That’s where we see the vast gulf between our provocations and the price Christ paid to redeem us. But this, says the 18th-century English theologian Anne Dutton, was not the end of Christ’s love.
Christ not only rescues us from sin; he also embraces us as his bride. He takes delight in us. He rejoices over us. He sings his love to us.
A compassionate person might take pity on a hideous creature, but only Christ would take us as his own, embrace us in our ugliness, and beautify us through his grace.
Can you hear his love song to you? It comes to you today in the gospel message. And it is embodied in bread and wine.
"Lord Jesus, we blush with shame,
for though we are the objects of your heart’s delight,
we wound and pierce you daily by our sins.
To our shame we count you unworthy of us,
though we are poor, base, little selves,
and yet you gave your great, glorious, matchless Self
for us and to us!
But, oh, even this is not the end of your love.
For to show your glory and reveal your heart,
you kiss and embrace us!
You rejoice over us with joy and singing (Zephaniah 3:17),
as if we were altogether lovely and delightfully fair!
Though you are our God and our Maker, we hear you say:
“You have stolen my heart,
my sister, my bride” (Song of Songs 4:9).
“How beautiful you are and how pleasing,
my love, with your delights!” (Song of Songs 7:6)
This is your voice to the most vile, ungrateful worms
whom you love and call your bride!
Oh, what dark creatures we are,
and yet you call us fair and your fair ones!
Oh, stupendous grace!
Wonder at it, you blessed angels!
Praise Emmanuel’s love, you winged flames!
Oh, that our hearts would melt and break
and be filled with love, under this
all-penetrating,
all-subduing,
all-surpassing love!
Glory to the Lord our Lover!"
-Anne Dutton (1692-1765)1 -
Bible Reading
Ephesians 3
Key Verses: 17-19
Commentary
In today’s prayer, Charles Spurgeon marshals all his considerable powers of oratory to express the love of Christ.
He tries to quantify Christ’s love by measuring the distance between what he came from and what he came to: “from the height of majesty in glory to the depths of shame on earth”.
But Spurgeon, like Paul in Ephesians 3, readily admits that describing Christ’s love cannot be done.
Yet, even though Christ’s love is something that “surpasses knowledge”, Paul still prays that his readers might “know this love”. We will never bottom out Christ’s boundless love. But we need to see more and more of his love.
Every time we sin, we need to appreciate afresh this love that welcomes sinners.
Every time we suffer, we need to appreciate afresh this love that mysteriously works all things for our good. Every time we face temptation, we need to appreciate afresh this love that captures our hearts.
"Your love, O Christ,
in its sweetness,
its fullness,
its greatness,
its faithfulness
surpasses all human comprehension.
Where shall language be found
which shall describe
your matchless love,
your unparalleled love,
toward the children of men?
Your love is so vast and boundless
that, as the swallow skims the water
without diving into its depths,
so all descriptive words
merely touch the surface of your love,
while depths immeasurable lie beneath.
For your love took you
from the height of majesty in glory
to the depths of shame on earth.
The most inspired mind
must utterly fail to fathom this love.
Here is love!
And truly it is love
that surpasses knowledge.
Oh, let this love fill our hearts with adoring gratitude
and lead us to practical manifestations of its power."
-Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)1 -
Exodus 3:6-7
Commentary
Once Moses responded to God and took off his shoes, God revealed to him who He was. We read this in Exodus 3:6-7.
God makes Himself known to Moses by first identifying who He is: the God of his father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He reminds Moses of His history before He tells Moses of what is to come. Not only that, He also lets Moses know that He has seen the affliction of the Israelites in Egypt, and He is aware of the same atrocities that plagued Moses’s heart some forty years earlier.
Remember that this whole thing started years ago. Moses thought he knew what he was supposed to do, to be used by God to deliver the people. He knew God had a handle on his life. He just hadn’t gone about it God’s way.
The calling and purpose were clear. The path just got distorted because Moses had too much Egypt in him at that time, to the degree that he sought to bring about the resolution through his own methods and means.
But, by introducing Himself to Moses in this way, God let Moses know that He had not forgotten the covenantal promises He made to Moses’s ancestors or what He had planned to do through Moses.
God had not forgotten what He had planned to do for His people either to fulfill those promises.
There may be something God put on your heart to do years ago, but it has yet to be fulfilled. I don’t know how long you may have been struggling as you wait on God. Or perhaps you have gotten to the point where you have given up hope that He will even do anything at all.
But I want to encourage you to keep your eyes open for the living Lord.
God hasn’t forgotten you. He knows where you are. He knows how you got there. He knows how long you have been there.
And like He did with Moses, He can call your name for you to carry out the plan He’s placed on your life, even if you have gotten off the timetable you had once envisioned for your life.1 -
Bible Reading
Exodus 13:21-22
Commentary Thoughts
In times of doubt that arise like these, you must remember that God always has a purpose in what He does.
God took the Israelites on the long route on purpose. He took them to the edge of the Red Sea on purpose. In fact, He led them straight into the corner Himself.
God had the Israelites right where He wanted them. He wanted them there so badly that He didn’t even allow for the opportunity for them to get lost.
During the day, He led them by a pillar of cloud. At night, He led them by a pillar of fire.
This was His plan. And His plan had a very important purpose.
The first half of a football game is never the whole story for how things will wind up. Many teams that are losing after the first half wind up winning the game in the end. Much of this shift comes because of their meeting with the coach at half-time when adjustments are made.
So if your story up to this point is one of loss, defeat, regret, and disappointment, then meet with God at your burning bush. Or, if necessary, ask Him to give you one.
He can reverse the things that make it appear that your life is over. He can move you from a regular existence to a premium, super-unleaded one and bring you to a victorious life as you discover and fulfill your kingdom destiny.1 -
Bible Reading:
Genesis 22
Key verses 13-14
Commentary:
One reason God puts you in a challenging situation such as a test is to give you the opportunity to enter into a relational encounter with Him. He does so by asking you to give up your own “Isaac.” What is an “Isaac”? An “Isaac” is anything you love, treasure, or value most.
God experiences your love for Him above the most valued thing in your life when your feet reveal your faith, especially when you obey without knowing in advance all the details.
Some promises God initiates and fulfills in His sovereignty simply because He has chosen to.
But there are many promises— and I would dare to say the majority of them—that He does tied to what we do.
God waits patiently on us to experience the level of our love and trust both for Him and in Him.God wants to feel your love. He doesn’t just want to hear it. He wants to feel it.
Choosing Him over something you already love gives God the opportunity to feel it. When God wants to give you a kingdom encounter with Him, it will involve a contradiction that involves a choice.
It may include having to choose to give up the thing you treasure most. But as bad as that seems, God is opening up the door for a kingdom encounter to take place.
Little did Abraham know that all the while he was hiking up one side of the mountain, God was bringing his solution up the other side of the mountain.
While Abraham climbed up the steep path, the ram climbed up the other side.
Now, this had to have been the quietest ram in the history of all rams. If a ram is caught in a thicket, it has to be trying to wiggle to get out. But God kept the ram still. God kept the ram quiet.
Abraham couldn’t have seen or heard the ram ahead of time because God chose not to reveal what He was up to until obedience had been completed.
You see, a lot of us are looking for the ram when we haven’t finished the obedience.
As a result, God is keeping the ram quiet. The solution is already there. It just isn’t revealed until after God experiences from us what He desires to experience.
Far too often, we accuse God of not coming through for us when we are the ones who didn’t do what He had said.
Yet God didn’t show Abraham anything until Abraham took the knife to slay his son.
Abraham arising early in the morning wasn’t enough.
Abraham chopping the firewood wasn’t enough.
Abraham climbing the mountain wasn’t enough.0 -
Todays Bible Reading:
Psalm 104:1-17
Commentary
God (alone) is your Source. You only have one Source. As simple as that sounds, it is life transforming when you truly understand it. You cannot have multiple sources. Anything outside God is a resource. It is not a source. It’s merely a vehicle of provision. The grocery store is not your source. It’s merely a resource you go to. They don’t make the food. They sell the food. It’s not your source. It’s a channel through which you get something rather than the origination of the something you get.
Whenever you treat a resource as though it were the source, you have made it an idol. For some people, their job is an idol. Or their bank account is an idol. Even their contacts can be an idol. Or their education. Whatever is viewed or relied on as a source other than God instantly becomes an idol.
God is your Source. And until you establish that principle in your heart and mind as truth, you will always be controlled by either the presence or absence of a resource. Because when your resources go left on you, or your friends go left on you, or your health goes left on you, you will succumb to worry, doubt, dread, and despair. But when you recognize God as your one and only Source, circumstances do not have to ultimately dictate your emotions or actions.
One reason this truth is so important, and why it’s so freeing for me personally, is that when you come to understand and believe it, you will no longer be controlled by anyone or anything. No one can own you. If God is your Source and your resources turn sour, you are still not controlled because you were never depending on your resources to begin with. They were merely a mechanism through which God was choosing to provide. But God has a million mechanisms, and then some, through which He can provide. He used a raven to feed His prophet Elijah, after all, and ravens were even classified as “unclean” birds in Israelite culture (1 Kings 17:2–16).
God doesn’t need our permission to use whatever resource He chooses to. Which is also why it’s never wise to box God into our own understanding. He can hit a bull’s-eye with a crooked stick. His ways are higher than ours. His provision can often come through unexpected and unknown channels.1 -
Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 1
Commentary:
The story of Hannah is one that many of us can relate to. We’re in a difficult situation, yet, despite our persistent prayers, it doesn’t get better. Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah and couldn’t conceive children, but Peninnah, the other wife, could.
In biblical culture, bearing children for a woman was critical because they would be the ones to care for you. So not only did Hannah bear her own internal shame and pain, but Peninnah “would provoke her bitterly to irritate her” (1 Samuel 1:6).
Hannah’s pain drove her to tears—so much so that she was accused of being drunk at the temple when she was crying out to God for a child!
Hannah and Elkanah’s yearly Shiloh trip to sacrifice to the Lord was most likely her saddest day. She worshiped the Lord even though her persistent problem worried and distressed her. She would watch as those around her enjoyed their children and rested securely in their futures.
I suspect you’ve been in a position like this as well. The problem wasn’t that the situation got worse—nothing changed for Hannah. Doubts most likely crept into her head concerning whether or not her husband would continue to love her.
Can you appreciate how Hannah must have felt?
Even though her situation didn’t change she put her trust, hope and belief in God.
The point to this story is that Hannah persevered year after year—overcoming her worries through both prayer and worship. God knew her pain and His silence must not be perceived as inattentiveness or lack of involvement.
God was bringing Hannah to the point where she was willing to give back to God the very thing she wanted most—her son Samuel. God had a special plan for him to be a great prophet. The only way Hannah would be moved to this place of surrender was through her painful barrenness. Hannah promised the Lord that she would give Him Samuel if He would open her womb. He did and she kept her vow. And God blessed Hannah with five more children (1 Samuel 2:21).
Friend, if there is something specific that you are worried about, consider going to the Lord and willingly give it up or give it back to Him. Oftentimes, He is waiting for you to trust Him before He will move. It is far more important to fulfill His purpose and plan in your life. In doing so, you will find He also fulfills your desires.1 -
Bible Reading
Matthew 6:25-27
Commentary Thoughts:
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Matthew 6:25-26
The first thing Jesus wants us to realize from Matthew 6:25-26 is that if we are bound by the emotional stronghold of worry, we have forgotten who our Father is. He says our heavenly Father finds us more valuable than the birds and flowers. He introduces this section about worry by saying in verse 25, “For this reason.”
For what reason?
In verse 24 it says, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” If money is your master, you’re going to find yourself worrying about it and not serving God.
Jesus put worry in perspective when He asked, “Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)
If we do all we can and then entrust the outcome to God, worrying is pointless.
God’s people who know Him and have a relationship with Him should not live or think the same way as those who do not. God is insulted by our worry; and it impedes our ability to function as trusting children of His.
Lois and I have a getaway spot away from the hustle and bustle of city life. When I wake up in the mornings there, I often hear the birds singing outside of my window full of peace and joy because they aren’t worried. These are birds with no bank account, mutual funds and no career paths. They understand that the One who created them has provided all their needs.
God feeds the birds yet they have no eternal value to Him. But you have so much value to Him that He gave His only Son to purchase your salvation and redemption from hell.
You may have been raised in an environment where your needs were not met while the needs of those around you were. Or you experienced betrayal in a close relationship—maybe a marriage and all of that is evoking emotions of worry, dread and doubt. Jesus is talking about your heavenly Father, not other people who may neglect you or forsake you. When you make that distinction in your mind and in your thoughts, that God is not like the others, you will be on your way to wiping out worry. For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Matthew 6:25-26
The first thing Jesus wants us to realize from Matthew 6:25-26 is that if we are bound by the emotional stronghold of worry, we have forgotten who our Father is. He says our heavenly Father finds us more valuable than the birds and flowers. He introduces this section about worry by saying in verse 25, “For this reason.”
For what reason?
In verse 24 it says, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” If money is your master, you’re going to find yourself worrying about it and not serving God.
Jesus put worry in perspective when He asked, “Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)
If we do all we can and then entrust the outcome to God, worrying is pointless.
God’s people who know Him and have a relationship with Him should not live or think the same way as those who do not. God is insulted by our worry; and it impedes our ability to function as trusting children of His.
Lois and I have a getaway spot away from the hustle and bustle of city life. When I wake up in the mornings there, I often hear the birds singing outside of my window full of peace and joy because they aren’t worried. These are birds with no bank account, mutual funds and no career paths. They understand that the One who created them has provided all their needs.
God feeds the birds yet they have no eternal value to Him. But you have so much value to Him that He gave His only Son to purchase your salvation and redemption from hell.
You may have been raised in an environment where your needs were not met while the needs of those around you were. Or you experienced betrayal in a close relationship—maybe a marriage and all of that is evoking emotions of worry, dread and doubt. Jesus is talking about your heavenly Father, not other people who may neglect you or forsake you. When you make that distinction in your mind and in your thoughts, that God is not like the others, you will be on your way to wiping out worry.0 -
Bible Reading for Today
Matthew 2:1-18
Psalms 2:1-12
Commentary Thoughts
The Wise Seek Him
A wise man once said that wise men still seek God. In the blackness, they see the brightness of his star. Jesus stood out from the moment of his conception.
The wise seek him because no other name is given among men whereby they may be saved from death.
His wonderful words were without precedent, and those who are wise build their house upon the rock of his Word.
The foolish ignore Him—too busy with the cares of this life to be concerned with the next. Heaven is the last thing on their minds.
God offers eternal life, and His offer is universal. Whosoever may come. That includes Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. Yet a considerable portion of humanity chooses to remain in the dark.
Tears should fill our eyes at such a reality because we know that they run from the pleasures of heaven and instead walk toward the pains of hell. We empathize with them because we, too, once walked in their shoes.
Father, wash me of anything that tried to cling to my soul this day.0 -
Bible Reading:
Matthew 4:23-25
Matthew 5:1-20
Psalms 4:1-8
Commentary
Can You Imagine?
Do you ever imagine what it would have been like during the time Jesus walked in Galilee? Imagine hearing his gracious words as he taught in the synagogues, as he preached the gospel of the kingdom, and as he healed all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. What a joy it must have been to see sick people and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics receive complete healing.
What would it have been like to see a dead person, surrounded by mourners, suddenly raised from the dead?
Tears of joy must have flowed like a river.
Even though we can only imagine what it must have been like to be there, we have the next best thing: the precious set of writings called the New Testament, which tells us what Jesus both did and taught. We are privy, like a fly on the wall, to intimate conversations and behind-the-scenes happenings with Jesus and his disciples—in meticulous detail.
Father, thank you for your wonderful Word. Never let me doubt so much as one syllable.1 -
Bible Reading:
Malachi 3
Key Verses: 7-12
Hebrews 4:12
Commentary Thoughts: by Tony Evans
The Theft of Stewardship
In His Presence:
The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
1. Communism teaches that the government owns everything.
2. Capitalism teaches that the individual owns everything.
3. Christianity teaches that God owns everything.
At the heart of Christian stewardship is the assumption that the earth is the Lord's, the world and all who dwell in it.
There is absolutely nothing that sits outside of the ownership of God.
The Bible is clear that men attempt to rob God—stewards attempt to rip off the Owner.
Malachi 3:7-12 makes this point. At this time the Israelites held a very low view of God. He remained faithful, and even though they were disobedient, they were not consumed (v. 6), but they had turned from the God of their fathers.
Oh, they were still showing up for church, but they did not treat God as the sovereign, omnipotent ruler that He is.
The Israelites were made to realize that they were thieves because they were oblivious to it on their own. They asked: "How shall we return [to the Lord]?" (v. 7).
God answered: "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings" (v. 8).
God used the example of how the Israelites were handling their offerings to demonstrate their spiritual poverty. It's hard to measure spiritual robbery, so this was a visible, tangible illustration of their theft of God.
Like a thermometer registers a physical representation of an internal illness, God used the thermometer of tithes and offerings to register the Israelites' spiritual temperature.
One Minute Please
You can always tell how a person is doing on the "inside" by how they function on the "outside".1 -
Bible Reading
Psalms 5:1-12
Matthew 5:21-42
Commentary Thoughts
Truth in the Heart
The Sermon on the Mount is without question the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest preacher who ever lived. It was a prophetic fulfillment of the promised Messiah, magnifying God’s law and making it honorable (see Isaiah 42:21).
The religious leaders had dishonored it and made it vain so that it had lost its power to bring the knowledge of sin to those who heard it. Jesus changed that by showing that the moral law not only requires us to account for our actions but also for the words we have spoken, the intent in our hearts, and the deeds done in darkness.
Most of the world thinks the Sermon on the Mount is a heartwarming sermon when it’s truly the opposite. It convicts us. It shows us how far we have fallen short of the glory of God. Those who try to be justified by it are trying to leap across the Grand Canyon with their legs tied. It’s impossible for imperfect souls to keep a perfect law. But used rightly, the Sermon on the Mount acts as a mirror to show us our true sinful state, and it sends us to the cleansing blood of the cross.
Father, I praise you for the wonderful Sermon on the Mount.📖1 -
Bible Reading
Romans 5:8
Matthew 10:1-31
Proverbs 1:20-33
Proverbs 4:23
Free from Sin
Fear and love are not opposed to each other. The words of Jesus are designed to put the fear of God in our hearts, and they certainly do if we believe them. Even if we don’t, they still hold true.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If we don’t fear our Creator, we haven’t begun to be wise. And the way to fear God is to understand his holiness. He’s without sin, which means he is just. And since he is just, he will bring every work to judgment including every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.
Those of us who hold these statements as truths keep our hearts free from sin. And the way to keep our hearts free from sin is to obey Scripture when it tells us to guard our hearts with diligence, for out of it are the issues of life (see Proverbs 4:23).
Then immediately after these verses that make us tremble, Jesus spoke of the Father’s great love for his children. And he proved this great love for us beyond doubt at the cross (see Romans 5:8).
We can walk in his fear and at the same time bask in his love.
Father, may I tremble this night at the thought of you and at the same time reflect on your love for me.1 -
Bible Reading
Psalms 42:1-6
Luke 11:33-54
I Will Rejoice
Some days I feel downcast, and I don’t know why. I find myself saying with the psalmist, Why are you cast down oh my soul? I have everything to be thankful for. Plus, all my sins are forgiven, and I have everlasting life!
Then there are times when I’m in the lions’ den yet have unspeakable joy. My only explanation is that it is perhaps spiritual oppression.
The way to battle the demonic realm is through prayer. David said, “O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan.” (Psalm 42:6).
He prayed and then he remembered God from the land of Jordan. In other words, he thought about his relationship with God before he crossed over to the promised land. That’s what we must do. We must remember what God has saved us from. He hasn’t treated us according to our iniquities.
Therefore, I will rejoice and offer the sacrifice of praise even though I feel down.
That is evidence of trust in God.
Father, I am so thankful for what you have done in my life.1 -
New Devotional Theme: Experiencing Jesus Together through Lent
Bible Reading:
Philippians 3
Key Scripture Focus:
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 NIV
A Call To: Draw Near
Ahhh, here’s the point of Christian life—“I want to know Christ.” To know Christ in every way! Earlier in this scripture passage, it talks about “not having a righteousness of my own,” but one based on Jesus and faith in Him only, not my own attempts to be good. Knowing Jesus is more than knowing about Jesus. Knowing Jesus means trusting Jesus. Trusting He loves you and me. Leaning on His sinless life and death on a cross to save us because we can’t …absolutely cannot save ourselves!
Relying on His resurrection for new life inside our own souls now, and eventually a new life physically, just like Jesus, when we too, are raised from the dead. What a massive relief to know that I cannot save myself, but Jesus can and Jesus does. Now good days, hard days, all days become about abiding in Jesus.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you want to know Jesus and abide in Him more fully?
Praise + Prayer:
I want to know You more, Jesus! I don’t want to keep You out of any area of my life. Instead, I want to know You in every single part of my life…good days and days where I am suffering. Help me trust and abide in You, knowing that Your death and resurrection life both save and sustain me. Thank you. Amen!1 -
Bible Reading
Hebrews 2
Key Verses: 14-18
Commentary Thoughts
Scripture: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV
A Call To: Draw Near
As the men walked out after Bible Study, I noticed that one guy was seated in the corner, his eyes fixed on the floor.
When I asked what was going on, he quietly said, "I have an addiction problem with my computer. My wife has no idea that I've battled this for over ten years."
Hebrews 2 declares that because of the death of Jesus, we have been set free and are not "held in slavery."
That day in a locker room, the question hung in the air. If we are no longer slaves to sin, then why a decade of defeat? To answer the question, we began by talking about the mercy of Jesus.
Hebrews 2 describes him as our "merciful and faithful high priest," which means that our sin doesn't change His love for us.
Hebrews 2 also declares that "He is able to help those who are being tempted." But how does he help us?
As we talked, a question formed in my mind. "In light of this, would you say that your Christian life has become about sin management?" The answer was immediate.
“Yes. When I manage to stay pure for a few weeks, I feel good about my faith walk. When I stumble and fall, I feel like I'm far away from God. It's all I can think about."
We talked and prayed, and then I suggested something radically different. "Here is your assignment. For the next several months, I want you to stop focusing on sin, and instead focus on Jesus. Delight in Him. Sing to Him!"
Several months later, I was in another locker room when suddenly I saw him, and as he walked across the room, I could see the light in his eyes. He whispered, "It worked! I'm free!"
Reflection: Has your walk with Jesus become a life of sin management, or do you still delight in the Lord? How does worshipping Jesus help you when temptation knocks on your door?
Prayer: Jesus forgive me for allowing my walk with You to drift into sin management. Forgive me for treasuring my sin instead of treasuring You.0 -
Bible Reading:
Matthew 6
Key Verse: 21
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Matthew 6:21 NLT
Commentary:
A Call To: Draw Near
The word treasure can evoke many images. One may think of an old pirate treasure of rubies, silver, and gold. There have been many treasure hunters who would devote their lives to this elusive loot. Some men and women have gone as far as losing their life in the peril of the search.
When I read Matthew 6:21, it is sobering to realize that a wrong desire that becomes a strong desire can lead to the loss of my life. There is another word for such strong desires: it is called lust. Many of us are familiar with lust, especially in a sexual context. I once pictured lust as a spirit that lures the human desire beyond love or affection. It can become so strong that the pursuit of this false love can become exploitative. In today's culture, it is the very thing that destroys relationships, marriages, along with one's own life. For some, it's not another person we lust after; it's food, a pick-up truck, or shopping, or sultry series on Netflix.
We must be careful not to let false treasure lead us and lure us away from the real treasure in our lives. When we align ourselves with the pure desire for God, we then allow Him to be the fulfillment of that desire in our hearts. He is the only one who can quench that desire. Through the consistent reading of His Word, He supplies us with the answers we have been looking for in the wrong places.
Reflection:
Can you imagine if we pursued God with the intensity of diving for treasure at the bottom of the ocean, and the response we would get from our heavenly Father?
The next time you are in worship, think about the time and energy it takes to pay for your dream car and think about how you can give more energy and time to praise God. Pursue Him and listen for His voice. In times of silence, lean into what He has already spoken in His Word.
Praise + Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love and mercy move us to pursue You with greater intent. That we would search for Your voice in our lives as if it were the ultimate treasure. I pray that our hearts would be filled and healed by Your love. Let it overshadow all other desires so that our hearts become reliant on Your love alone.0 -
Bible Reading:
John 7:38
Luke 5:31-32
Matthew 26:47-56
Commentary:
Starting Over
Life can bring times where our past causes us to feel far from God. Everyone has done things they are ashamed of and we all fall short of God’s holiness.
Only Jesus can take our past mistakes and make us clean again. It is powerful to know the extent to which Jesus forgives. Christian Songwriter Jordan Feliz shares insights on experiencing mercy. He does this as he talks about his song “The River”.
Listen to Jordan
Jesus can handle whatever past you have and can bring you into God’s glory. Jordan Feliz talks about experiencing God’s mercy on a daily basis. Forgiveness that comes through Jesus is available no matter what we have done. John 7:38 says there will be “living water” flowing inside us. There is joy knowing that we are new creations through Christ. Our past no longer holds us back from praising and glorifying God.
Apply
How do you usually find yourself dealing with the past sin in your life?
Describe how it feels to know that you receive new mercies daily on behalf of what Jesus has done!0 -
Bible Reading:
Romans 5
Key Verse:
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Commentary:
A Call To: Reflect
Love is more than a noun. It’s more appropriately a verb. Love is demonstrated by an action. Love is not primarily an emotion, though the world emphasizes the feelings of love.
“But God demonstrates”. He puts His love in very concrete, even unbelievable terms. A righteous and holy God created us in His image. But mankind chose to go his own way and made a big mess of things.
While we were in that unattractive state, He actually DIED for us, voluntarily laying down His life that we might be restored to our holy and righteous God.
Reflection:
What would motivate the all-powerful creator to stoop to this planet and actually die a painful, humiliated death for awful, terrible, rebellious sinners?
What do you want to say to Jesus?
Praise + Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I can’t even begin to comprehend such unconditional, extravagant love. You didn’t just think it, or feel it, You actually showed it in the way you died on the cross. I’m humbled and grateful. Thank You, Jesus. Amen0 -
Bible Reading
Ephesians 5
Key Verse: Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
Commentary
A Call To: Reflect
It has been said by friends and family that I love people! Truthfully, I really do!! I have colleagues at praiseLive that say to me, “You know everyone!”
Obviously, that is an exaggeration, but it makes me pause and reflect on “knowing everyone.”
Jesus knows everyone, He is the creator. He even knew the ones that would betray Him, the ones that would reject Him and the ones that would crucify Him and yet He loved them!
Jesus loves you so much that He was willing to be crucified on a cross--that is true love and sacrifice. That is the kind of love I want to strive for, with the help of Jesus, that I would be able to love others so sacrificially.
What is a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God?
Jesus knew that the Father is drawn to pleasing scents - the scent of a holy offering and a loving sacrifice. What does that look like?
Jesus released that scent, a heavenly aroma, in this world. His fragrance conveyed the sweetness and beauty of the love of the Father. It is the aroma of love, grace, mercy, kindness, goodness and holiness.
Jesus loved so much that He gave His life as a sacrifice for everyone, but also as an act of worship to His Father.
Jesus smelled Heavenly!!!! His aroma was undeniable and people wanted to carry His same aroma.
He draws us to the Father so that we can have eternal life through Him, Jesus our Saviour!
Reflection:
What is your aroma? Do you want to release the same aroma that Jesus did? What does love look like in your life when someone hurts you or betrays you?
Praise + Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
We praise and adore You! You are worthy of all our praise!! Your name is above every other name. You are Holy and there is none beside You! Please show us how to love as You love! To love “everyone.” Jesus, let us have Your aroma to draw people into relationship with You! Let our aroma be a fragrant and sweet offering, a sacrifice, an act of complete worship to You!
Amen0 -
Bible Reading:
John 15
Key Verse Focus:
“For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends,” John 15:13
Commentary:
A Call To: Reflect
I envision myself being wrapped in his love, like a fuzzy blanket on a cool winter night, when I read this verse. I envision Father God looking into my eyes with his fiery eyes saying, “My child, I love you so much that I sent my son to die in your place. I asked him to do this so that you will have eternal life with me in Heaven. I chose you before the beginning of time. I never had a plan B.”
Perfect love is also loving someone knowing that they may not love you back. God has never held back in his relationship with you or me. He’s not afraid of rejection or our imperfections. He’s not afraid of our doubts or our process.
He has already chosen you and provided us with a redemptive plan---JESUS!
He is a perfect father with an everlasting love. Reflect on how sacrificial his love truly is for you.
Reflection:
Ask Jesus if there are any lies that you are believing about his perfect love for you? If you heard yes, ask him to show you what they are.
Repent for believing the lies and then ask Jesus what the truth is.
Praise + Prayer:
Father God, we praise You and thank You for being a perfect Father to us. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to take our place and die a horrific death so that we can spend eternity with You. Thank You for choosing me first.
Help me have a greater revelation of Your love for me.
I want to encounter Your love in fresh ways. Soften my heart so that I may receive all that You have for me today.
I love You, Father. Amen.0 -
Bible Reading Psalm 143
Key Verse: “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.“ Psalm 143:5 NIV
A Call To: Meditate
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘meditate?’ Do you imagine a quiet, dark room with a lavender scented candle burning, sitting with your legs criss-crossed, hands resting on the knees, taking deep breaths through the nose with throaty exhales? Then what do you think about?
Guided meditation has become a rising star in the mental health, self-help and self-care worlds. It’s a popular talk show topic, supported by research studies with tons of books, apps, pod-casts, you-tube videos and all the streaming music platforms have playlists to aid in developing a practice. Why? Because it works well.
But, this shouldn’t be a surprise to the believer since most ‘newly discovered’ beneficial therapies are essentially guided by Biblical truths.
Meditation is not a new fad but there is a difference in the Biblically endorsed meditation. Meditation is a tool used to reflect on the Word and work of God. It’s meant to be a practice, meaning you have to do it often because if you can’t remember what you had for lunch last week, how will you remember what the Lord has done unless you intentionally take time to focus and think about it.
Biblical meditation is the best form of meditation.
If you want to develop this optimal meditation practice, the focus of your meditation must be on the Lord, His Word and His work in your life.
Thinking about this over and over (meditating) will change your thought life, which will change your behaviors and grow your faith.
Reflection: What do you find yourself meditating on (thinking about over and over again) when you are still? How can you be more intentional about Biblical meditation? What about starting with Psalm 143:5 and meditating on all that God has done for you this week?
Praise + Prayer: God, thank You that you are the originator of every good and perfect thing. Thank you that You knew we need meditation as a practice in our lives and You didn’t leave us to figure it out on our own or rely on man. You have given us instructions on how to meditate so that You are glorified and our faith grows. I have so much to meditate on because You have done so much for me. Help me to not give in to the enemy who would want me to forget all Your works. Help me commit to meditation daily so that I can always remember. In Jesus’ name, Amen.0 -
Bible Reading
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119:97-99
Commentary:
A Call To: Meditate
I love Lent. Some people “give up something for Lent”. I remember as a kid going to very somber Lenten services in my little country church.
But now Lent is something very sweet to me, very personal, very contemplative. This is a time to meditate on His word. To review His commands.
To seek His wisdom, which is wiser than the purported wisdom of this world. To gain insight into God’s eternal plan for our salvation.
Break away from the formalities and traditions, and take your humble place at the foot of the cross. Get alone and tell God how much you love Him.
Reflection:
Here’s your question to ponder: What in your life do you need to set aside right now to gain a greater appreciation for what Jesus has done for you through His death (to defeat sin) and His resurrection (to defeat death)?
Praise + Prayer:
Dear loving Father. I pause just now to meditate on your Word. Give me wisdom and insight into Your ways. Help me to carry those thoughts with me in the coming days as we observe Your death and resurrection. I love you, Jesus. Amen0 -
Bible Reading
Matthew 4
Key Verse Matthew 4:4
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,” Matthew 4:4 NLT
Commentary
A Call To: Meditate
Have you ever fasted from anything for 40 days? Depending on what you are fasting from, the temptation to break your fast is real. A couple of years ago the Lord asked me to do a 40 day Daniel Fast.
I was unsure of how I would complete this since I was so used to drinking coffee every morning and loved sweets, especially chocolate! As the fast progressed, I was amazed at the grace that God had given me to go without coffee or sweets.
There were still temptations to break my fast, and I caved one time, but I do believe that His grace is sufficient for us! Because of this experience, I have incorporated fasting more regularly into my life.
I often thought of Jesus when he was fasting in the wilderness for 40 days, only consuming water and having the enemy constantly provoking Him.
He didn’t have the comfort of His home or distractions to take His mind off of what He didn’t have. His convictions were strong. Between the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, He was able to overcome all that the enemy threw His way.
I have given in too often to my flesh more than I would like to admit. As I have let the Word of God renew my mind and transform my perspective, saying no has become less of a struggle.
Discovering the grace that God provides is life changing. It truly takes the pressure off of feeling the need to be perfect. Allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to my heart and heal the broken places of my life adds another level of confidence in what God is capable of doing in my life.
Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Let’s be believers that are sustained by the Word of God to satisfy our temptations. He will help us overcome the temptations in our lives.
Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you are needing Jesus’ help to over come an area of temptation? Invite Jesus into this area of your life.
Ask Him if there are any lies that you are believing around this temptation and then ask Him for the truth and how He sees you.
Praise + Prayer:
Father, I thank You that we don’t have to overcome temptations on our own. I thank You for Your grace. I thank You that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always with me and that I’m never alone in my weakness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and let the Fruits of Your Spirit be more evident in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.0 -
Bible Reading
With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth. I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”
Psalms 119:13-16 Berean Study Bible
Commentary:
A Call To: Meditate
Proclaiming the truth of God's Word is an honor.
But, preaching God's Word to ourselves is what changes us and gives us credibility to share about Jesus with our inner circle.
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones says it this way: "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?"
When you have a moment, write these phrases from Psalm 119 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you personalize each statement.
"With my lips I proclaim..."
"I rejoice in..."
"I will meditate on..."
"I will delight in..."
"I will not forget..."
As you speak to yourself, faith and hope will arise because your God sees your determination not to forget His word.
Reflection:
What is an area in your life where you have been listening to yourself instead of preaching God's Word to yourself?
Praise + Prayer:
Jesus, I rejoice in such great salvation, and I meditate on Your sacrifice. I will not listen to my emotions or the messages that tell me I don't have enough. I delight in You!0 -
Bible Reading
Matthew 4:1-17
Key Verse: Verse 17
“From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 NLT
Commentary:
A Call To: Repentance
Do you remember when you first accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Almost 30 years later and I can vividly remember that moment. I was nine years old, sitting in the church basement after the Easter service, enjoying brunch with my family and the gospel message was shared.
I remember this tugging feeling in my heart and I knew that I needed Jesus. I repented of my sins and confessed with my words that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I could have eternal life. I made a decision that day to live my life for Him.
“Repent of your sins and turn to God.” When I read that, I see that God had already chosen me.
He was already pursuing me, I just needed to choose Him in return. I didn’t have to get my act together before I could enter into a relationship with Him, it was just a gentle prompting by the Holy Spirit that I was missing something--- that was Jesus. Sin keeps us separated from God. He is inviting us into something so much greater!
Reflection:
Write down your salvation testimony and then ask God for an opportunity to share it with someone.
Praise + Prayer:
Father, Thank You for Jesus and thank You for choosing me. Purify my heart and mind. Show me the areas of my life that I need to repent and trust You. I ask that You would open up an opportunity where I can testify of how good You are!
Open my eyes to see the one that needs you today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.0
