Team Daily Bible Reading for July 2023

316Judith

Bible Reading

Nehemiah 3:1-12

Commentary Thoughts

A Purpose Shared

Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. (v. 8)

So many names! In this section of Nehemiah 3, at least 18 specifically named individuals are recognized for their work repairing the walls of Jerusalem.

Add to that the many other anonymous sons and kinsmen who are also referenced in this passage.

Then, add to that the many names listed in this chapter beyond verse 12!

They were all following Nehemiah’s leadership in the rebuilding process.

While it may seem tedious to read such a passage, let’s think about why these names are recorded here.

In Nehemiah’s view (and God’s!), every person on this list is important, and their efforts were crucial.

In today’s reading, we get a good cross-section of the kinds of people who rebuilt the city’s walls.

There are priests, city officials, and various craftsmen, including a goldsmith and perfumer.

There are sons and brothers—and even the daughters of Shallum worked on the wall!

As Chapter 3 continues, we read of many others coming together to repair and rebuild the city’s walls.

Nehemiah wants us to see their cooperation and determination.

So much can be accomplished when the people of God come together for one shared purpose!

Are you ever tempted to think that your own efforts are insignificant?

Let Nehemiah 3 confirm to you that God doesn’t see it that way! Your work is significant and important to him.

As you pray, ask for unity and shared purpose among God’s people.

Healthyme7410

This is a great and inspiring thought. We are not islands serving God but we are a mighty army working together to accomplish great things for God. Unity is so important if we are going to be effective.

Healthyme7410

This is a great and inspiring thought. We are not islands serving God but we are a mighty army working together to accomplish great things for God. Unity is so important if we are going to be effective.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Nehemiah 4:1-16

Commentary Thoughts:

A Persistent Enemy

Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome. (v. 14)

Finally, some progress! The Jews in Jerusalem now had an effective leader in Nehemiah and a workforce of volunteers. They had a plan, and the walls were beginning to go up. But, almost as if on cue, their enemies showed up to cause problems. Would the work grind to a halt, as it had decades before, or would they hold strong to repair the ruins?

We see the challenges unfold for Nehemiah. The enemies of Jerusalem, led by Sanballat and Tobiah the Ammonite, began by insulting “these feeble Jews” (v. 2) and their pitiful attempts to rebuild the wall.

Nehemiah responded by praying (vv. 4-5).

Once the wall was halfway finished, their enemies turned to threats and plotted to attack the city and cause confusion. Nehemiah and the people prayed even more.

Nehemiah refused to be intimidated when the people themselves became discouraged by the work, and the rumors of attack continued. He armed and stationed the workers along the wall (vv. 9, 13).

Then he encouraged the people, reminding them they didn’t need to be afraid because their God was “great and awesome” (v. 14)!

Nehemiah was resolute. He refused to be discouraged. He didn’t fix his eyes on the enemy or on the ruins around him. He fixed his eyes on God, despite the enemy’s persistence.

Meanwhile, the work continued, the walls kept going up—and Sanballat and Tobiah became more desperate.

As you pray, fix your eyes on Jesus, not your circumstances.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Key Verse
Romans 5:11
Romans chapter 5:1-11

Commentary Thoughts

At Peace With God

Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:11)

The search for peace is something we can embark on for ourselves and by ourselves. Peace can be found in many places. Whether it be the spa, the gym or whatever place relaxes you, it's good to be intentional about seeking out well-needed sanctuary.

The word sanctuary comes from the Latin ‘sanctus’ which means sacred or holy. In our search for peace, we must be careful not to forget that which is sacred.

Our relationship with God has been reconciled through Jesus. Jesus has brought us into a living relationship with the Father, allowing us to be called friends of God.

As with all meaningful friendships, we need to be honest and vulnerable for that relationship to deepen. Go to God with the things you need to surrender, seeking His loving kindness to give you peace. Ask that He continue shaping you into the likeness of Christ.

African Proverb

Show me your friend and I will show you your character. ~ African proverb

Action:

Have a conversation with one of your best friends and say what you value about their friendship. After that conversation, reflect on how you can build a similar relationship with God, as He has called you a friend.

Healthyme7410

Great challenge. I do not express my appreciation as much as I should with some of my friends. I can not assume they know - I must express it. This is true of God also. I need to tell Him more often how much I appreciate His sacrifice.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Psalm 23:1-6

Commentary Thoughts:

When I preached to my church and read Psalm 23 during the first week of the pandemic, we didn’t know how long the dark times would last. We still don’t. But when I read through “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures and he leads me beside still waters,” these wonderful verses that remind us of who Jesus is for us, I had one thought.

I love people, and when people are going through a hard time, they’re looking for peace and comfort. They’re looking for solutions.

Not many people today come to Jesus for Jesus. They come to him for all the stuff that comes with him. It was the same when he was here on Earth. They came to Jesus for bread, but he said, “I am the bread. I can’t give you bread. I am the bread.” They wanted water, and he said, “I am the water.” Even his disciples who had spent several years with him said to him, “Just show us the way.” He said, “I can’t show you the way. I am the way.”

Our generation still looks to God for the stuff he can give, when what we really need is the person he is. This shutdown was the perfect storm. Let’s get everybody in their houses, let’s get them scared, let’s get them mad, let’s get them isolated and on their phones, let’s figure out some algorithms to tell them every reason they’re right about their views, and now they don’t even have to talk to people. They can just throw rocks through space with their thumbs with no consequences to themselves. And we just get madder and madder and madder. And then we also begin to look for peace in all the wrong places.

More than the healing, we need the Healer. We need Jesus, not just what he can give us. It’s a problem when you hear somebody say, “Yeah, I miss church. I really need to get back into it.” We don’t need an it. We need a who.

The Lord says he is our shepherd. He is our guide. We lack nothing in him. He has for us green pastures and still waters. He is our way. He is the only truth. He is our life. Pause and think on these massive truths and take upon yourself his easy yoke for today.

316Judith

Bible Reading

James 3:18

Commentary Thoughts

At Peace with Others

In some churches, there is an act called exchanging the peace which symbolizes Christian love and unity being shared among believers.

When we become used to following traditions, it can be easy to forget the rich meaning behind them. A strong community is one that is in peace, sowing this into the lives of others.

With increasing individualism in our societies, the walls are becoming seemingly higher to climb over, as is showing love and peace to those we don’t know.

Offering peace to others can be as simple as visiting an elderly neighbor, giving a cup of water, feeding the poor or caring for a child.

It may be forgiving someone who has wronged you, speaking up for the oppressed, going the second mile when you'd rather not budge an inch, or simply saying sorry.

These actions must be rooted in a life of prayer.

Prayer for true peace and building up the Kingdom of God on this earth.

African proverbs:

When there is peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. ~ Ugandan proverb

When a king has good counselors, his reign is peaceful. ~ Ashanti proverb

Tearfund sees real stories of transformation and peace building. Read a story of a Tearfund partner who helped turn back the tide of hatred in one Nigerian community.

Action:

Do you need to seek peace in a relationship with someone? Ask to meet and explain why you would like to do this. Ask God to show you how to offer Christ-like love and forgiveness.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Acts 8:26-40

Commentary Thoughts

During his earthly ministry, Jesus told his disciples that he would be crucified and rise again. After both happened, he told them, “Go tell the world about me.”

So they did. In Acts 9, Philip is an evangelist in Samaria who is in the middle of everything Jesus promised. He’s seeing miracles. The Church is growing. Jews and Gentiles alike are coming into God’s Kingdom.

Everything is happening just as Jesus promised when suddenly God tells Philip, “Go walk down this road from Jerusalem to Gaza.

This is a desert place.” And it’s a while before the next thing happens. I’m a visual person, and every time I read that story I think, “How long was Philip walking, just going nowhere?”

I’ve been in moments like that, where I felt, “Hey, we’re the good guys. We’re doing the things we’re supposed to do to tell people about Jesus, and now I feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere.

What in the world am I doing out here in this spiritual desert?” Did Philip have time to feel sorry for himself? We don’t have all the details.

But when we’re in the middle of a trial, we begin to search, manipulate, create, scheme, and work our way out of that situation. If we read the story of Philip on the desert road, we learn that as he is walking he spots a chariot up ahead.

He never would’ve seen the chariot had he stayed in Samaria in the middle of all the action.

Stephen’s obedience led to the salvation of an important member of the Ethiopian queen’s court who then takes the gospel to the continent of Africa.

It’s difficult to grasp this picture. The whole thing seems weird. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to your modern sensibilities—unless you’re right where God wants you to be.

When you’re on the road God has marked out for you, it ultimately will make sense—if not for you then at least for God’s Kingdom.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Galatians 1:6-10

Commentary Thoughts:

Whatever the reason we need healing or long for comfort and peace, our greatest hope of finding them is in the person of Jesus and the power of his Word.

God provides no shortcuts, but he does encourage us to search his truth daily for new mercies and to renew our minds. Our faithfulness in digging into Scripture before heartache hits is a key to finding the comfort and peace of God when we need it most.

The Apostle Paul pulls no punches when discussing the importance of the gospel in today’s passage. He is so certain of God’s Word that he says, “Even if we come to you next month and preach a gospel contrary to the one that we’ve shared with you from the beginning, may we be damned to the eternal punishment we deserve.”

That’s a stark comment. Why would Paul say that? Because he saw how easy it is for people to use God’s Word to justify twisting wrong ideas into their own truth.

I’ve seen events happen to people that changed their theology. Tragedy can do it. We can be all about God’s healing until the healing doesn’t come the way we wanted it. Suddenly, we start talking differently about God. Failure can do it. We fall, we commit a dark sin, we get called on it, and pretty soon it’s easy to rationalize our behavior when we’re in pain from failure.

We can start critiquing what we gradually believe is a judgmental Church. These days it’s often called deconstructing the gospel. What that means is somebody hurt the person’s feelings. Somebody left him out or called him out. Something happened to hurt him, so now he’s going to step away from all of it or go out the door guns blazing—on social media, of course.

It’s easy to fall for someone and, over time, hear them say, “I have a different way of looking at life. This is who I am now.” Unless you are steeped in God’s truth, someone else’s opinions forged by emotion can reshape your convictions.

We need always go back to God’s Word. I need to read the whole of Scripture over and over and over again because God’s Word is alive, living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and it cuts straight into the heart of us, cuts straight to the point.

We’ll find a preacher that won’t hit that point if we look hard enough. We can always find somebody who will agree with our pet peeves, and the search usually won’t take long. Then we can build a little club with them if we’re not careful. The prescription against such a slow fade is arduous but simple: We must keep going back to the true gospel and allow it to be our counsel.

316Judith

Bible Reading

James 1:19-25
Psalm 1:1-6

Commentary Thoughts

We fool ourselves when we are hearers of the Word but not doers of the Word. We’re like somebody who wakes up in the morning, looks at our face in the mirror, and thinks, “That’s not me,” and walks away without changing anything. I think the next thing that will get canceled in this culture is the mirror, because you can’t fix it. It has no filters. It’s just reality.

Pretty soon someone will invent filters for our mirrors because so many people like to be hearers and not doers. That’s another phrase for being a poser.

I don’t want to look in the mirror in the morning.

I’ve memorized where it is, and I know what it’s going to show, so I ignore it as I walk past it to the shower. I’m going to the shower first because I don’t like anybody, not even myself, before a shower. That’s where I begin to love the Lord again, in the shower, just slowly.

Have you ever had a part of your life where you didn’t want to walk up to the mirror of Scripture as described in James? God’s Word has no filters, which is exactly why it must be our counsel. What’s true about me is what God says about me, good or bad. I have to let God tell me who I am and remind me who he is, and Satan will fight with everything he has to prevent those moments.

I know the enemy has wrested me away from God’s Word, if I go to other places for my counsel. If my counsel is not from God, it’s from wickedness. When I’m walking in the counsel of the wicked, in short order I will be standing in the way of sinners because I soon will live in such a way that it turns people off to Jesus. Inevitably, I wind up sitting in the seat of scoffers because I don’t want to hear the truth anymore.

The mirror can be painful, but it is necessary. The more we look into the mirror of God’s Word, over time, the more we’ll see the reflection of Jesus.

316Judith

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Commentary Thoughts

Not only should God’s Word serve as our counsel, but it also has to be where we go for our convictions.

People have a lot of convictions these days.

Goodness gracious, do we ever have convictions.

I’ve literally experienced someone talk to me in tears over how they just can’t handle the impact of plastic straws on the environment, so they were going on a quest to get rid of plastic straws.

I thought to myself, “That’s good, because we have so many sea turtles in McDonough, Georgia that we desperately need you here.”

It used to be that if you were going to share your convictions with somebody you had to look them in the face. It’s amazing how peaceful and thoughtful and loving we thought we were before social media. We weren’t really—we were just too afraid to say what we were thinking. Now we’re at home with our thumbs, and we are warriors. The Bible contains plenty of convictions and truth, but we should remember it is all delivered through love.If I get my convictions from hashtags and websites, I’ll end up somewhere in the spiritual weeds every time. We must get our convictions from God’s Word alone.

God’s Word also has to be our compass, where we go for direction. Pros and cons lists and counsel from godly friends are great, but people tend to give advice at crucial moments based on what happened to them.

When I was trying to decide whether to go to Bible college, not a single voice told me it was a good idea. As a learning disabled kid barely surviving school, I didn’t read music. For some reason, I wanted to go to a ministry school to study music.

All I had was this verse in 2 Corinthians 12 where Paul prayed that God would take away a personal trial. He prayed three times for God to take it away, but what does God say to him? “My grace is sufficient for you, and my power is made perfect in your weakness.”

Do you know what God said to Paul there? He said, “I’m not going to heal you like you asked.” It had nothing to do with Paul’s lousy faith. It had everything to do with God’s purpose.

Apparently, God had a little bit bigger plan than Paul did.

I read that verse and told God, “If you’ll make me read better and process better, I’ll go.” That was my bargaining chip with God. But when I kept taking my feelings to his Word, I had to face the truth. His power was sufficient for me, whatever my thorn in the flesh.

Our feelings are valid, but that doesn’t make them true.

God’s Word is true.

It has to guide my decisions, direct me when I’m hurting, help me handle difficult moments, inform how I respond to my spouse and kids, and teach me how to deal with challenges at work.

Through his Word, God provides my counsel, my convictions, and my compass.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Isaiah 43:18-19

Commentary Thoughts

At Peace with the Past

Finding peace with the past can be a challenge, whether it be a decision you regret or forgiving someone who wronged you.

It is important to deal with the past so it cannot have power over the present or the future. Imagine it like riding a bicycle.

If you keep looking behind, or focus straight down, you will inevitably end up crashing into something. It’s important to keeping looking forward and engage in the new things that God is doing.

An important way to make peace with past hurts is to choose forgiveness. When you forgive someone who hurt you, it doesn't mean that you approve of what has happened. Rather, it means you are giving yourself permission to move on with your life.

Your beautiful past is good for two things: to learn from and to enjoy the life that God has given.

African Proverb:

When there is peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. ~ Ugandan proverb

Peace and reconciliation is a process of healing in which Tearfund has been blessed to be part of.

Here is one story from Rwanda about how forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds.

Action:

Are there situations where you feel you are carrying a shield due to lack of peace? If you feel brave, head to a local cemetery and walk through to gain a sense of perspective about the past.

Many gravestones will host a last message from loved ones saying “Rest in Peace”.

Give yourself time to let your guard down with God and make peace with yourself if you have regrets or unforgiveness about the past.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Lamentations 3:21-23

Commentary Thoughts

At Peace with the Present

It feels like a radical change to start of each day calling to mind God’s love, compassion and faithfulness. In the busyness of life, it’s important to protect some time, whether it is at the start or the end of the day, to ask God for the gift of peace.

African Proverb:

Silence gives rise to peace and with peace comes security. ~ East African Proverb

Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

The biggest blessing, once we have received this gift, is not to keep it to ourselves, but to offer it to others. To be givers of Peace in a world desperate for it. We can do this also by praying for the peace of others, for peace where there is conflict, for discernment and wisdom for the leaders and peacekeepers in conflict zones.

African Proverb:

Always being in a hurry does not prevent death, neither does going slowly prevent living. ~ Ibo proverb

At its best, the church stands as a ‘living picture’ and witness to the healing, reconciling and restoring work of Christ.

Tearfund’s action-focused platform called Rhythms has lots of actions that you can put into practice, living the calling to be a peacemaker in everyday life.

Action:

Go people watching. Pray for the strangers you notice, knowing those people are not strangers to God.

Pray they will experience God’s love, and feel surrounded by his presence despite whatever situation and chaos they may be experiencing.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 37
Key Verse: Verse 37

Commentary Thoughts

At Peace with the Future

Do you have peace about the future? Sleepless nights, stress and anxiety may prove otherwise.

Many voices ask for our attention. One voice says, “Prove you are a good person.” Another voice says, “You’d better be ashamed of yourself.” There also is a voice that says, “Nobody really cares about you,” and another, “Be sure to become successful, popular, and powerful.”

But underneath all these often very noisy voices is a still, small voice that says, “You are my Beloved, my favor rests on you.” That’s the voice we need to hear most of all. We need to stop placing our trust in our own ambitions and put our trust completely in God, finding peace in the future God has for us.

African Proverb:

A man with too much ambition cannot sleep in peace. ~ Chad Proverb

Prayer is the lifeblood of everything we do. Join Tearfund, and thousands of churches across the world, in prayer as we seek God’s peace and healing in a suffering world.

Action:

Draw up your five-year plan with all the things you would like to achieve during this time. Then write what you need from God to achieve your desires and what things you are willing to let go of or things you sense you need to offer to Him.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Genesis chapter 1

Key Verse
Verse 1

New Bible Reading Theme: Reaching Up In & Out

Commentary Thoughts:

Our first reach.

As you heard in the message our first reach is up.

Everything starts with God. While you pray and fast these next few weeks remember that God is the Creator of all things and He is the one leading you on this journey.

God is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. He knows what is ahead of you this year and what you need from Him in order to live it out.

He created the stars, the solar system, the world we live in, our bodies, and our hearts (both natural and spiritual).

On this journey, make sure to start every day by reaching up to God. Start your day with prayer, the Word, and listening for God’s voice.

Spend some time singing and praying in the Spirit. Once you know you have touched God, move forward into your day carrying His presence with you.

Today’s Reach:

Take some time right now to pray and read the Word and then listen for God’s voice. No matter how much or how little you hear, write in the space provided on the next page what you believe God is speaking to you.

316Judith

Bible Reading

James chapter 4

Key Verse
Verse 8

Commentary Thoughts

God can be reached!

It is mind blowing to think that God is waiting for us to act and that He will respond to our actions.

This is the God who is the Creator, the First, the Author, Alpha, Pre-eminent and Pre-existing.

Could He really be waiting on little ol’ me?! The answer that we see in scripture is ‘Yes!’ God desires a relationship with you!

He is watching over you and is waiting for your undivided attention. His desire is for you to go deeper. As you fast and pray you are drawing near to Him.

Today’s Reach:

Throughout the day, whenever you feel hungry or thirsty, take a moment to draw near to God in prayer. It doesn’t have to be long but just enough to get back to His presence.

Talk to God about what is presently happening or what is on your mind. Commit to trust Him in the situation.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm chapter 46

Key Verse

Verse 10

Commentary Thoughts:

Who are we reaching up to?

In the busyness of life it is easy to lose focus on Who God is. We step in and try to control the situations we encounter on a daily basis. When we do this in our own strength or for our own purposes we leave no room for God and often end up frustrated.

When you are praying and fasting realize that God is God! It sounds so simple but when you are still (quiet, at rest and not busy or distracted) you will realize how profound a realization that is.

It takes the pressure off of us to micromanage things we cannot control and removes many of our stresses and worries. In fact, your faith will be built and fears will melt away in the Presence of God Almighty who loves us and is working on our behalf. The outcome of this is that God will be glorified in our lives!

Today’s Reach:

In your prayer time set aside a few minutes to not say or do anything but dwell on the fact that God is God. Allow your mind to think about His awesomeness and greatness. From that point of awe speak praises and worship to Him in prayer.

Then, with the help of the Holy Spirit, write down areas you need to release control of to God and in prayer release them to Him.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Luke chapter 4

Key Verses:

Verses 3-4

Commentary Thoughts

What are you running to?

The devil tested Jesus in the most present of his needs; food.

We find the enemy, life, or circumstances pushing the button of our most pressing needs. We can satisfy that need in our way or God’s way.

Jesus shows us that it is far better to run to God for the answer to that need. He said, “by every word of God”.

Today’s Reach:

Look for the things you have been running to in order to satisfy your needs. Pray and search the Word to find out from God what he can provide to satisfy it.

316Judith

Bible Reading
Psalm chapter 91
Psalm chapter 60

Commentary Thoughts

What Is Coming Out Of My Mouth?

I will say to the Lord, "My Refuge and my Fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” –Psalm 91:2

Verse 2 says, “I will say...” Note the word “say” in this verse because we must learn to verbalize our trust. We answer back to God what He said to us in the first verse. There is power in saying His Word back to Him!

We are not told to just think the Word. We are told to say the Word. Joel 3:10 tells the weak to say, “I am a mighty man.” We find great men of God such as David, Joshua, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego declaring their confessions of faith out loud in dangerous situations.

Notice what begins to happen on the inside when you say, “Lord, You are my Refuge—You are my Fortress—You are my Lord and my God! It is in You that I put my total trust!” The more we say it out loud, the more confident we become in His protection. Power is released in saying it out loud.

When we say it and mean it, we are placing ourselves in His shelter. By voicing His Lordship and His protection, we walk in the door to the secret place.

God, Himself becomes our defensive site for us against all invading enemies. He is personally our protection. Promises of protection can be found throughout the Bible, but Psalm 91 is the only place in the Word where all the protection promises are brought together in one collection — forming a covenant written through the Holy Spirit. How powerful that is!

Have you ever tried to protect yourself from all the bad things that can happen? It’s like trying to keep the whole law. God knows we can’t do it.

Psalms 60:11b tells us “...deliverance by man is in vain.” God must be our source before the promises in Psalm 91 will ever work.

Verse 2 says, “I will say...”, reminding us to verbalize our trust.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, thank You for the protection promises available in Psalm 91. Help me learn to put my total trust in You as I speak Your Word aloud and believe it in my heart. You are my refuge. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm chapter 91
Key Verse: Verse 4

Isaiah chapter 40
Key Verse 31

Commentary Thoughts

Under His Wings

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings, you may seek refuge. –Psalm 91:4a

When you picture a magnificent flying bird, it is usually not a chicken that comes to mind. I’ve never seen a chicken pictured in flight—many eagles, but no chickens.

We quote the Scripture from Isaiah 40:31 that talks about being borne up on the wings of eagles or with wings like eagles.

There is a difference, however, between being “on” His wings and being “under” His wings.

This promise in Psalm 91 is not elaborating on the flying wing—but on the sheltering wing. One indicates strength and accomplishment, while the other denotes protection and familiarity.

When you picture the warmth of a nest and the security of being under the wings of the nurturing love of a mother hen with chicks, it paints a vivid picture of the sheltering wing of God’s protection that the psalmist refers to in this passage.

Is everyone protected under the wings?

Did you notice it says He will cover you with His pinions (feathers), and under His wings, you may seek refuge?

Again, it’s up to us to make that decision! We can seek refuge under His wings, if we choose to.

Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. –Matthew 23:37

Notice the contrast between His willingness and our unwillingness—His wanting to against our not willing to—His would against our would not. What an amazing analogy to show us theologically that there is protection offered that we don’t accept!

God is deeply committed to us—yet, at the same time, we can reject His outstretched arms if we so choose.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, help my heart to be willing to run to You in faith every time trouble or danger presents itself. May I choose to seek the refuge that You have made available to me. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm chapter 91
Key Verse: Verse 4

2 Timothy chapter 2
Key verse: Verse 13

Ephesians chapter 2
Key Verses: Verses 8 and 9

Commentary Thoughts:

A Mighty Fortress Is My God

His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. –Psalm 91:4b

It is God’s faithfulness to His promises that is our shield. It is not just our faithfulness! God will be faithful to the promises He has made.

When the enemy comes to whisper fearful or condemning thoughts in our mind, we can ward off his attack by saying, “My faith is strong because I know My God is faithful, and His faithfulness is my shield!"

How often I’ve heard people say, “I can't dwell in the shelter of God. I mess up and fall short too many times. I feel guilty and unworthy.” God knows all about our weaknesses. That's why He gave His Son.

We can no more earn this protection, or deserve it, than we can earn or deserve our salvation.

The main thing is—if we slip and fall, we must not stay down. Get up, repent and get back under that shield of protection.

Thankfully this verse says it is His faithfulness, not ours, that is our shield.

We must not point to what we’ve done or haven’t done but rather what Jesus has done for us. We dwell in His shelter by faith in God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

And faith is not hard. It is simply our response to what Jesus has already provided through His Blood. We cannot perform enough good deeds to keep ourselves in His shelter anymore than we can do enough to keep ourselves saved.

We have to realize we dwell in His shelter, not in our own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

For by His doing, you are in Christ Jesus who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness... –1 Corinthians 1:30

There is a difference, however, between making an occasional mistake and staying in willful sin.

Self-will and rebellion will keep us out of the secret place of protection because self-will is a wall we build between God and us.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, Thank You for Your unshakable faithfulness. My faith is strong because I know You are faithful. Your faithfulness is my shield. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 91:5
Romans 10:9-10

Commentary Thoughts

I Will Not Fear The Terror

You will not be afraid of the terror by night... –Psalm 91:5a

Note that verses five and six of Psalm 91 cover an entire 24-hour period emphasizing day and night protection. What is more important is that these two verses encompass every evil known to man.

The psalmist divides the list into four categories. The first—terror by night—includes all the evils that come through man: kidnapping, robbery, rape, murder, terrorism, wars…! It is the dread—or horror—or alarm that comes from what man can do to you. God is saying, “You will not be afraid of any of those things…because they will not approach you” (Psalm 91:5-7). The first thing verse five deals with is fear.

It is the goodness of God that He made provision before we ever asked! This is not for everyone; it is for those who know and believe the truth. Over and over Jesus told us, “Do not fear!” Why do you think He continually reminds us not to be afraid? Because it is through faith in His Word that we are protected—and since fear is the opposite of faith, the Lord knows fear will keep us from operating in the faith that is necessary to receive. It is no wonder God addresses the fear of terror first.

How do we keep from being afraid? Very simply! Fear comes when we think we are responsible for bringing about this protection ourselves. Too often, we think— “Oh, if I can just believe hard enough, maybe I’ll be protected!” That’s wrong thinking! The protection is already there. It has already been provided, whether we receive it or not. Faith is simply the choice to receive what Jesus has already done.

Our physical weapons are operated with our hands, but we operate our spiritual weapons with our mouths. Confessing with our mouth and believing with our heart starts with the new birth experience and sets precedence for receiving all of God’s good gifts (Romans 10:9-10).

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, thank You that I’ll not be afraid of any terror as I abide in the secret place. I put my complete trust in You and say aloud in faith the promises of protection You’ve provided for me. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 91

Key Verse: Verse 5

Ephesians. Chapter 6

Commentary Thoughts:

I Will Not Fear The Arrow

You will not be afraid of the… arrow that flies by day. –Psalm 91:5b

The second category of evil is the arrow that that flies by day. An arrow is something that pierces or wounds spiritually, physically, mentally or emotionally. This category indicates that you are in a spiritual battle zone—specific enemy assignments that are directed toward your life to defeat you.

Arrows are deliberately sent by the enemy and meticulously aimed at the spot that will cause the most damage. They are targeted toward the area where our mind is not renewed by the Word of God—perhaps an area where we are still losing our temper, or an area where we are still easily offended, or an area of rebellion or fear.

Seldom does the enemy attack us in an area where we are built up and strong. He attacks us where we’re still struggling. That’s why we must run to God! And when we do battle using our spiritual weapons, his arrows will not approach us.

God tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that we have a “shield of faith to extinguish all the flaming darts of the enemy.” These are not just plain arrows, they are “on fire”. And, God doesn’t say we can miss most of them. He says that we can extinguish “all” of them. When arrows are sent to wound us spiritually, physically, emotionally or financially, God wants us to ask and believe by faith that He will pick us up out of harm's way and deliver us from calamity.

We have a promise from God telling us not to be afraid of the arrow that flies by day. Assignments will rise up, but don’t be afraid. He has promised to protect us, and He has promised the arrows will not hit their target.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, help me to remember to run to You and believe by faith that You will pick me up out of harm’s way and deliver me from trouble as I put my trust in You. Thank You that I will no longer be afraid as I appropriate Your promises in my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 91
Key Verse: Verse 6

Commentary Thoughts

I Will Not Fear The Pestilence

You will not be afraid of the pestilence that stalks in darkness. –Psalm 91:6a

If you fight fears of fatal diseases, then this is the Scripture for you to take hold of!

The third category of evil that God names is pestilence. This is the only evil He names twice. Since God doesn’t waste words, He must have a specific reason for repeating this promise.

God knew the pestilence and the fear that would be running rampant in these end days.

The world is teeming with fatal epidemics that are hitting people by the thousands, so God catches our attention by repeating this promise.

It’s as though God is saying, “I said it in verse three, but did you really hear Me? Just to be sure, I am saying it again in verse six—you do not have to be afraid of the deadly pestilence!”

This is so contrary to the world in which we live that we have to renew our thinking before we can comprehend the fact that we do not have to be afraid of the sicknesses and diseases that are epidemic in the world today.

Our inheritance is not limited to what is handed down to us genetically from our ancestors.

Our inheritance can be what Jesus provided for us if we believe the Word and put it to work.

The enemy may try to cause sudden surprises to catch us unaware and knock us down, but God is faithful.

His Word is true no matter what the circumstances look like.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, thank You that I do not have to be afraid of disease and sickness. I have received your inheritance as my own. I choose to put my trust in Your Word as I dwell in the secret place. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm chapter 91
Key Verse: Verse 7

Commentary Thoughts

Though A Thousand Fall

A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you. –Psalm 91:7

Do we have the courage to trust God’s Word enough to believe that He means this literally? And, is it possible for it to be true, and yet still miss out on these promises?

Jesus answers the last question in Luke 4:27, “There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elijah, but none of them was cleansed.”

Only Naaman, the Syrian, was healed when he obeyed in faith. Not everyone will receive the benefits of this promise in Psalm 91. Only those who believe God and hold fast to His promises will profit; nevertheless, it is available.

And to the measure we trust Him, we will in the same measure reap the benefits of that trust.

God knew there would be times when we would hear so many negative reports, see so many needs and encounter so much danger around us that we would feel overwhelmed.

That is why He warned us ahead of time. We have a choice to make.

We can either choose to run to His shelter in faith and it will not approach us, or we can passively live our lives the way the world does, not realizing there is something we can do about it.

Psalm 91 is the preventive measure that God has given to His children against every evil known to mankind.

No place else in the Word are all the protection promises (including help from angels, as well as promises ensuring our authority) accumulated in one covenant to offer such a total package for living in this world.

Many see Psalm 91 as a beautiful promise that they file with all their other good reading material and it makes them feel comforted when they read it.

I do not want anyone to read this and fail to see the significance to these promises.

These are not written for our inspiration, but for our protection.

These are words of deliverance from affliction.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, thank You for the promises available to me in Psalm 91. I desire for my mind to be so renewed so that I consistently appropriate these promises for living victoriously and free from fear in this world. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Luke 4

Key Verse:
Verse 13

Commentary Thoughts

Make a plan and work a plan.

Our Founding Pastor, Pastor Jim, has a saying; “Make a plan and work a plan.” The reason this is so important is that it says “he (the devil) departed from Him until an opportune time.”

Why? Because the things you are overcoming through this time of fasting and praying will be tested again. Those issues may re-surface so you have to make a plan and work a plan.

The best defense is to be ready before any attack comes to you.

Today’s Reach:

Look over the areas from yesterday’s reach again. Think of ways you can be ready to defeat challenges when they come your way.

If the devil is going to come at you with these things again then you will be ready!

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 91

Key Verses:
Verses 11-12

Commentary Thoughts

Angels Watching Over Me

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. –Psalm 91:11-12

Most Christians read past this promise with very little thought about the magnitude of what is being said. Only after we get to Heaven will we realize all the things from which we were spared because of the intervention of God’s angels on our behalf.

I am sure you have read stories about missionaries whose lives were spared because would-be murderers saw large bodyguards protecting them—when, in fact, there was no one there in the natural.

And we can all recall close calls where we escaped a tragedy, and there was no explanation in the natural. It is possible “to entertain angels without knowing it” as it says in Hebrews 13:2, but sadly, I believe most Christians tend to disregard the ministry of angels altogether.

Verse 11 says, “For He will give His angels charge concerning you!” What does that mean?

When you take charge of something, you put yourself in a place of leadership. You begin telling everyone what to do and how to do it. If angels are taking charge of the things that concern us, God has given the angels, not the circumstances, the authority to act on our behalf. That same truth is repeated in Hebrews.

Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? –Hebrews 1:14

When we look to God as the source of our protection and provision, the angels are constantly rendering us aid and taking charge of our affairs. Psalm 103:20 says, “His angels mighty in strength…obey the voice of His Word.”

As we proclaim God’s Word, the angels hasten to carry it out. Faith is what releases this promise to work on our behalf.

Angelic protection is just another one of the unique ways in which God has provided protection. He charged angels to guard us in all our ways.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, as I proclaim Your Word in faith, these heavenly guards —your angels— have been given charge over me. Thank You for this added protection! In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 91

Key Verse:
Verse 13

Luke 10:19

Commentary Thoughts

The Enemy Under My Feet

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent (dragon in the KJV) you will trample down. –Psalm 91:13

God takes us from the subject of our being protected by Him and puts emphasis on the authority in His Name that has been given to us as believers.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you. –Luke 10:19

Christians have been given authority over the enemy. He does not have authority over us! However, our authority over the enemy is not automatic.

What does the Word mean when it says, “We will tread on the lion, the young lion, the cobra, and the dragon?” This is an illustration of things that are harmful in our lives. These terms describe the types of satanic oppression. So, what do these terms mean to us today?

“Lion problems”—are bold and loud—that come out in the open and hit us face on, like a car accident or an unexpected bill at the end of the month. God says that we will tread on them—they will not tread on us.

“Young lion problems”—come against us to harass and destroy gradually. Subtle negative thoughts that tell us we will not survive or that our spouse no longer loves us are examples.

“Cobra problems”—seem to sneak up on us like a snake in the grass throughout our day while minding our own business. They are what we might call an undercover attack—a deceptive scheme that keeps us blinded until it devours us.

“Dragon problems”—that Hebrew word in the Strong’s Concordance is “sea monster.” Fictitious or extinct—like a dragon—have you ever had a fear that was totally ungrounded? A figment of your imagination? Sure, we all have.

No longer are we to put up with the fears that once gripped our hearts and left us powerless at the sight of the evil. God has given us His Power of Attorney, and these problems now have to submit to the authority of His Name.

Pray Out Loud.

Help me learn to use the authority in Your name that has been given to me as a believer. I declare I have victory in my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 91:14
John 21:15
John 14:15

Commentary Thoughts

Because I Love Him

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will...
Psalm 91:14a

The author of the Psalm changes from talking in third person about God’s promises to God speaking to us personally from His secret place and announcing promises in the first person. It is a dramatic shift in tone as it moves to God speaking prophetically to each one of us directly, denoting significantly more depth in the relationship. This passage challenges the reader to set his love upon God. When he does, the promises come into effect, and God is indulgent with His promises to the one who loves Him.

Love is the cohesiveness that binds man to God, and God will be faithful to His beloved. Love always requires presence and nearness. Some people acknowledge that there is a God; others know Him. Neither maturity, nor education, nor family heritage, nor even a lifetime as a nominal Christian can make a person “know” Him. Only an encounter with the Lord and time spent with Him will cause one to lay hold of the promises in these verses of Psalm 91.

We need to ask ourselves, "Do I really love Him?" Jesus asked this of Peter, a disciple, “Peter, do you love Me (John 21:15)?” Can you imagine how Peter must have felt when Jesus questioned him three times? Even so, we need to question ourselves because these promises are made only to those who have genuinely set their love on Him. These seven promises are reserved for those who return His Love.

The Lord said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will obey Me!” Our obedience is a reliable sign that shows us that we really love Him. Do you love Him? If you do, these promises are for you!

Pray Out Loud.

Today and from this day forth, I set my love upon You, Lord. This seems so simple, yet it’s easy not to do. I choose to obey You as a sign of my love. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 91:14
Joel 2:32
Psalm 32:7
Luke 1:37

Commentary Notes:

God Is My Deliverer

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him…—Psalm 91:14a

A promise of deliverance is the first of the seven promises made to the one who loves God. Make it personal! For instance, I quote it like this: “Because I love You, Lord, I thank You that You have promised to deliver me.”

When I was young, I personally needed deliverance. I almost destroyed my marriage, my family, and my reputation because I was tormented with fear. One incident opened the door. I can remember the very instant my happy life changed into a nightmare that lasted eight years. And, one verse walked me out of this living mental hell: “All who call on the Name of the Lord shall be delivered (Joel 2:32).” Many of you desperately need God’s promise of deliverance. The Word worked for me, and it will work for you.

There are also other types of deliverances. There is the internal and the external. Ask yourself, “From what is He going to deliver me?”

God will deliver us from all of the following:

· Lion problems (life-threatening attacks)

· Young lion problems (constant harassment)

· Cobra problems (sneaky attacks which seem to come out of nowhere)

· Dragon problems (imaginary fears, past fears, vain imaginations)

· Terror by night (evils that come through man—war, terror, violence)

· Arrows that fly by day (enemy assignments sent to wound)

· Pestilence (plagues, deadly diseases, fatal epidemics)

· Destruction (evils over which man has no control)

In other words, God wants to deliver us from every evil known to mankind. What a promise! I thank God that He is the God of deliverance.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, thank You for being my Deliverer and for providing a means of escape from all the threats of violence and harassment, the sneaky problems and evil schemes of the enemy. I am so grateful for Your Word and the authority You have given to me as a believer. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.