Team Daily Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts for February 2024
316Judith
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Bible Reading
James 3:18
1 John 2:29
Commentary Thoughts
DAY 5: ELOHE TSADEKI – GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS
We’re always looking for the next big thing. The secret to becoming organized. The key to getting in shape. The surefire plan to financial stability.
We read books, listen to podcasts and sign up for seminars. And while organization, physical fitness and financial security are all worthy pursuits, we need to make sure we’re not missing the big picture when we’re seeking the next big thing.
The main point of life is to follow God, to become like Him and live our lives for Him.
And becoming like God means growing in goodness and righteousness.
From the Lord flows mercy, grace, might and strength—all qualities we need in our lives and in our world.
God gives us all we need through His Word and Spirit to live in abundant joy. When we choose His desires over our own and strive to become more like Him, He guides and directs us.
Following God’s plan may be more challenging than sticking with six easy steps to getting fit or ten ways to cut the clutter in your home. But it’s also far more rewarding.
When we turn to God and hand our lives over to Him, He forgives us and gifts us with His compassion.
He helps mend our broken relationships and fills our hearts with righteousness, grace and
peace.
Good fruit comes from following God and allowing His righteousness to guide our steps.
James 3:18
1 John 2:29
Commentary Thoughts
DAY 5: ELOHE TSADEKI – GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS
We’re always looking for the next big thing. The secret to becoming organized. The key to getting in shape. The surefire plan to financial stability.
We read books, listen to podcasts and sign up for seminars. And while organization, physical fitness and financial security are all worthy pursuits, we need to make sure we’re not missing the big picture when we’re seeking the next big thing.
The main point of life is to follow God, to become like Him and live our lives for Him.
And becoming like God means growing in goodness and righteousness.
From the Lord flows mercy, grace, might and strength—all qualities we need in our lives and in our world.
God gives us all we need through His Word and Spirit to live in abundant joy. When we choose His desires over our own and strive to become more like Him, He guides and directs us.
Following God’s plan may be more challenging than sticking with six easy steps to getting fit or ten ways to cut the clutter in your home. But it’s also far more rewarding.
When we turn to God and hand our lives over to Him, He forgives us and gifts us with His compassion.
He helps mend our broken relationships and fills our hearts with righteousness, grace and
peace.
Good fruit comes from following God and allowing His righteousness to guide our steps.
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February 2, 2024
Bible Reading
Nehemiah 8:10
Romans 15:13
Commentary Thoughts:
DAY 6: EL SIMCHATH GILI – GOD MY EXCEEDING JOY
Think about the joy you experience when you master something for the first time.
Perhaps you learned a foreign language well enough to finally be able to communicate with native speakers in another country.
Or you put in mile after mile and finally crossed the finish line of a marathon.
Maybe you’ve been trying for years to earn your college degree, and you finally step up on that stage to collect your diploma. You feel a plethora of emotions, but joy is always at the forefront.
All good things come from God, and He rejoices in all good things. He is the only and true source of joy, and when we put our trust in Him, we can experience joy in all our circumstances.
We can have joy in the midst of struggle, if our hope is in the Lord.
The mistake we often make is seeking joy outside of God. When we value ourselves according to someone else’s opinion of us or the salary we earn or our social position, we miss out on real joy.
We miss the joy in the journey, the joy of discovery, the joy of a heart open to God.
And we also miss the incredible opportunity to share the joy of the Lord with others.
But when we’re filled with the joy that comes from God, we radiate love and pleasure to those around us and know true joy.0 -
February 3, 2024
Bible Reading:
Psalm 33
Introduction
Today’s reading opens with an exhortation to shout for joy, to praise and thank the LORD, and to sing a new song to him. Assurance of the LORD’s constant love comes from trusting in and obeying the LORD.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 33:5
The LORD loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth.
Reflect
Today’s psalm is a communal hymn of praise. What verses express God’s love and God’s greatness? The writer instructs us to worship and honor the LORD (verse 8). How will you do that today?
Pray
Righteous God, all your works are dependable and all your words are true. I give thanks to you with my whole heart and soul because of your constant love. I put my hope in you and trust in your holy name. Amen.0 -
February 5, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 136
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
Psalm 136: Today’s reading is a hymn of thanksgiving for God’s eternal goodness and love. Written as a litany that was probably sung by the priests during worship, the words “his love is eternal” are a congregational response at the end of each verse.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal.
Reflect
Verses 4–9 recount the story of creation as recorded in Genesis 1:1–19, and verses 10–22 recall God’s saving acts in Israel’s history.
When reading this psalm, what is the effect of the repeated response at the end of each verse? Try writing your own litany by recalling times in your life when you experienced God’s goodness and love and inserting the words “his love is eternal” at the end of each sentence.
Pray
Your love, O Lord God, is eternal. I thank and praise you and proclaim your mighty deeds. You are the greatest of all gods and the mightiest of all lords. You alone are God, and your love is eternal. Amen.0 -
February 7, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 138
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
Psalm 138: This psalm is a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s love and care, and the writer expresses trust in God’s promises.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 138:1a
I thank you, LORD, with all my heart.
Reflect
Verse 2 refers to God’s “constant love and faithfulness,” an indication of the covenant bond that unites God and people.
In what ways have you experienced God’s constant love and faithfulness?
In verse 3, the psalm writer refers to answered prayer. When or how have you experienced an answer to prayer?
Pray
I thank you, LORD, with all my heart. Your love and faithfulness are constant. I call out to you, and today I thank you for ………………..,,,.,,,….,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, In Jesus
Name I pray, Amen…..0 -
February 8, 2024
Bible Reading
John chapter 3
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 3:1–21: Nicodemus, a Pharisee, approaches Jesus at night and questions him about the Kingdom of God.
Jesus describes what it means to be born of the Spirit and says that, by believing in him, one will have eternal life.
The reading concludes with a contrast between light and darkness.
Light is a prominent image in John’s Gospel (see 1:4–5, 9; 8:12; 9:5) and indicates the presence of God.
Today’s Key Verse: John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.
Reflect
Nicodemus appears only in John’s Gospel (see 7:50–51; 19:39–42).
How does Jesus respond to Nicodemus’s questions?
What is your understanding of the Kingdom of God and being “born of water and the Spirit” as described by Jesus in verse 5?
What does eternal life mean to you?
Reread verse 16 and substitute your name for “the world.” Have you ever memorized this verse?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are my Savior. Thank you for offering me eternal life by believing in you. Help me grow in faith and share the good news about God’s love with those I meet today. Amen.
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February 9, 2024
Bible Reading
John 3:22-36
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 3:22–36: The disciples of John the Baptist speak to him about those who are being baptized by Jesus and following him. John acknowledges that his own ministry must now decrease as the ministry of Jesus increases.
Today’s Key Verse: John 3:34
The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit.
Reflect
In today’s reading, the ministries of Jesus and John appear to occur simultaneously. What is John’s reaction to what his disciples tell him?
What are your thoughts about John’s words in verses 29 and 30?
How are his words an indication of his faithfulness and witness?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I rejoice with you when others accept you as their Savior. Like John the Baptist, my happiness is complete when I hear and obey your voice. Amen.0 -
February 10, 2024
Bible Reading
John 4:1-26
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 4:1–26: Today’s reading is the beginning of a lengthy discourse between Jesus and a Samaritan woman.
In Jesus’s day, a Jewish man conversing with a woman in public was a violation of social convention. Jesus teaches about life-giving water and worship and reveals to her that he is the Messiah.
Today’s Key Verse: John 4:14b
[Jesus said]: “The water that I will give them will become in them a spring which will provide them with life-giving water and give them eternal life.”
Reflect
How does Jesus initiate his conversation with the Samaritan woman? What is your understanding of the “life-giving water” that Jesus offers? Do you know someone who needs to hear about Jesus’s life-giving water? If so, what will you say to them?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you know everything about me and what is in my heart. By the power of your Holy Spirit, guide me in the way of truth. Thank you for the life-giving water you offer and for the gift of eternal life. Teach me to obey your teachings and to spread your message of love and forgiveness to those I meet today. Amen.0 -
February 11, 2024
Bible Reading
John 4: 27-42
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 4:27–42: Today’s reading concludes the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. She leaves her water jar behind and returns to town and tells the people about her encounter with Jesus. The people come to Jesus, listen to his message, and believe he is the Savior of the world.
Today’s Key Verse: John 4:34
“My food,” Jesus said to them, “is to obey the will of the one who sent me and to finish the work he gave me to do.”
Reflect
How do the disciples react when they see Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman? What is your understanding of the “food” that Jesus speaks of (verse 34)? With whom will you share your faith in Jesus today?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are the Savior of the world. Thank you for the life-giving food you offer and for your life-giving message of salvation. Nurture me in faith and teach me to be obedient to your will. In your holy name, I pray, Amen.0 -
February 12, 2024
Bible Reading
John 4: 43-54
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 4:43–54: Jesus leaves Samaria and returns to Galilee. A government official approaches Jesus and begs him to heal his son. The official believes Jesus’s words, and his son is healed. As recorded in John’s Gospel, this is the second miracle that Jesus performed. His first miracle occurred at a wedding in Cana (see John 2:1–12).
Today’s Key Verse: John 4:50
Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live!” The man believed Jesus’ words and went.
Reflect
Why do you think the government official believed Jesus’s words even before he arrived home? What impact did the healing of his son have on his family? What does today’s reading teach you about faith?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I place my faith and trust in you, knowing that nothing is impossible for you. Help me to grow strong in my faith and reach out to those who need to hear your message of love and salvation. Amen.0 -
February 14, 2024
Bible Reading
John 5:1-18
Commentary Thoughts
February 14, 2024
Introduction
John 5:1–18: Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath.
This action angers the Jewish authorities, who are now determined to kill him. The man who had been healed is upbraided by the Jewish authorities for carrying his mat, since carrying one’s bedding on the Sabbath was considered work and thus against the Law. Jesus challenges the authorities on their interpretation of the Law.
Today’s Key Verse: John 5:17
Jesus answered them, “My Father is always working, and I too must work.”
Reflect
The pool mentioned in today’s reading was just north of the Temple area. It was believed that the first sick person to go into the pool after the water was stirred up would be healed.
What did Jesus say to the man who wanted to be healed (verse 8)?
How did Jesus’s response to the Jewish authorities challenge the Law that forbids working on the Sabbath verse 17)?
(Note the play on the word “work” in this verse.)
What does this verse teach you about God?
What angered the Jewish authorities (verse 18)?
Pray
Lord Jesus, open my ears and my heart to hear your voice, and teach me to be obedient to your will. Help me when I am weak and tempted to sin, and remind me that you are “always working,” ready to reach out to me in mercy and love. Amen.0 -
February 17, 2024
Bible Reading
John chapter 6
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 6:60-71
Jesus is aware that there are those in the crowd who will choose to turn away. Jesus says that God’s Spirit gives life, and Simon Peter affirms that Jesus is the Holy One who has come from God.
Today’s Key Verse: John 6:68
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.”
Reflect
Why did some of the people in the crowd turn away (verse 60)?
What did Jesus say about God’s Spirit (verse 63)?
What did Jesus ask the twelve disciples (verse 67)?
What did Simon Peter say (verse 68)?
What is your understanding of Peter’s response?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God. The words you have spoken have brought me God’s life-giving Spirit. I trust in you, knowing that you have the words that give eternal life. Amen.0 -
February 18, 2024
Introduction
Bible Reading
Psalm 51: Today’s reading is a psalm asking for God’s forgiveness, and it is attributed to King David.
After David had arranged to have Uriah killed in battle so that he could marry Bathsheba, who was pregnant with David’s child, the prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin (see 2 Samuel 11:1—12:15).
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 51:1
Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins!
Reflect
How would you describe the tone of David’s prayer?
What does he confess?
What does he ask of God?
How might this prayer serve as a model of confession for you?
What do you need to confess to God today?
Pray
Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love, and wipe away all my sins. Create a pure heart in me and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Keep me forever in your presence so that I may know the joy that comes from you and your salvation. Teach me to obey you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
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Family Day, BC Canada; February 19, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 57
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
Psalm 57: This psalm is an individual prayer for God’s protection from enemies. It is attributed to David at a time when he was hiding in a cave while running away from King Saul (see 1 Samuel 24).
The psalm includes two refrains (verses 5, 11) that attest to the greatness and glory of God.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 57:2
I call to God, the Most High, to God, who supplies my every need.
Reflect
How would you describe the tone at the opening of this psalm? In verse 4, enemies are described as lions. In the psalms, enemies are often compared to lions or wild animals (see 7:2; 17:12; 22:12–13; 35:17; 58:6).
What does this tell you about the kind of danger the psalm writer was facing?
How is confidence in God expressed?
Pray
I thank you, Lord God, for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Great are you, God Most High, and
your glory is over all the earth. Amen.0 -
February 21, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 108
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
Psalm 108: In today’s reading, the writer prays for help while he expresses confidence in God.
Verses 7–9 refer to the land of Israel and its neighbors. Shechem was in the territory of Manasseh west of the Jordan River. Sukkoth and Gilead were in the territory of Manasseh east of the Jordan. The Ephraim tribe settled in central Canaan, and its name sometimes stood for the whole northern kingdom. Judah was the name for the entire southern kingdom. The people of Moab were descended from Lot, the nephew of Abraham (see Genesis 19:30–38), and Moab and Israel had been enemies in the past (2 Samuel 8:2). The people of Edom were descendants of Esau, one of Abraham’s grandsons (see Genesis 25:29, 30; 36:9), and they, too, had been enemies of Israel (2 Samuel 8:13–14).
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 108:5
Show your greatness in the sky, O God, and your glory over all the earth.
Reflect
You may wish to compare Psalm 108 with Psalms 57 and 60. Some scholars suggest that parts of these two psalms were combined to form Psalm 108.
What verses speak of asking God for help against Israel’s enemies?
What verses speak of trust in God?
How do you experience confidence in God’s love for you?
Pray
Lord God, you are mighty and victorious. Whenever I need your help, I know I can turn to you, trusting that you hear my prayer. Hold me close to you and surround me with your loving
presence. In your holy name, I pray, Amen.0 -
February 22, 2024
Bible Reading
John chapter 7
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 7:1–24: Jesus returns to Galilee and meets with his brothers, who urge him to go to Judea to attend the Festival of Shelters (also known as the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles).
This autumn agricultural celebration commemorated God’s providing for the people during their journey in the desert following the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:33–43; Deuteronomy 16:13–17).
Jesus attends the festival in secret, but midway through the festival he teaches in the Temple.
The Jewish authorities are surprised by Jesus’s teachings and knowledge.
Today’s Key Verse: John 7:16
Jesus answered, “What I teach is not my own teaching, but it comes from God, who sent me.”
Reflect
In urging Jesus to go to Judea, Jesus’s brothers were implying that proof of his works was needed, an indication they did not believe in him.
What did Jesus’s brothers say to him (verses 3–4)?
How did Jesus respond (verses 6–8)?
How did Jesus respond to the Jewish authorities when he began to teach in the Temple?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God and that your teachings come from God. I seek to do what God wants and to serve you as a faithful disciple. Amen.0 -
February 24, 2024
Bible Reading
John 8:1-11
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 8:1–11: The religious leaders bring to Jesus a woman caught in adultery and seek to test him by asking for his judgment in the matter. Jesus once again confounds them with his response.
Today’s Key Verse: John 8:2b
All the people gathered around [Jesus], and he sat down and began to teach them.
Reflect
The Law of Moses required two witnesses in cases like this accusation of adultery (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15), and also that both adulterer and adulteress be put to death (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22).
The Pharisees were thus in violation of the legal requirements in not presenting witnesses and not bringing along the adulterer.
What is your reaction to how Jesus handled the matter?
What did he say to the woman?
What does today’s reading teach you about Jesus?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I come before you today with a repentant heart, seeking forgiveness. Thank you for your love and mercy, and for the chance to live a new life in you. Amen.0 -
February 25, 2024
Bible Reading
John 8:12-30
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 8:12–30: In the debate between Jesus and his opponents, Jesus is questioned about who his father is, and he draws upon the Divine Name, “I Am Who I Am” to define his connection to God, his Father. John’s Gospel includes seven of Jesus’s “I Am” sayings (6:35, 48; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:5), and today’s reading begins with one of them.
Today’s Key Verse: John 8:12b
“I am the light of the world,” [Jesus] said. “Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.”
Reflect
Reread verse 12.
What does it mean to you to “have the light of life” by following Jesus?
How does Jesus respond when he is asked about his father (verse 19)?
Jesus draws upon God’s Divine Name in his confrontation with the religious leaders.
Reread verses 27–29.
What does Jesus say to the Jewish authorities about his relationship with God?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world, and I have the light of life because I choose to follow you. You have revealed God’s love to me and made me a child of God. Teach me to live in the light of your love and to reflect your love in my daily encounters with others. Amen.0 -
February 26, 2024
Bible Reading
John 8:31-59
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 8:31–59: Jesus’s opponents claim Abraham as their father (verse 39), and today’s reading focuses on the debate over their claim as children of Abraham and Jesus’s claim that God is his Father.
In this confrontation, Jesus declares his opponents to be children of the devil, and the religious leaders accuse Jesus of having a demon in him.
Today’s Key Verse: John 8:31, 32
So Jesus said to those who believed in him, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Reflect
Reread verses 31 and 32. What does being set free by the truth that Jesus speaks of mean to you? In today’s reading, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am’” (verse 58).
God’s divine name, “I AM,” was first revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14), and Jesus’s use of the name, as noted in yesterday’s reading (8:23–29), connects him to aspects of God’s nature and so identifies himself with God.
How does Jesus’s use of the divine name underscore his argument with his opponents?
What does Jesus’s use of the divine name mean to you?
Pray
Lord Jesus, your Word is truth, and you have promised eternal life to all who obey your teachings. Teach me to be obedient to your will and give glory and honor to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.0 -
February 28, 2024
Bible Reading
John chapter 9
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 9:13–41: Today’s reading begins by introducing a controversy over violation of the Sabbath law. The Pharisees and the Jewish authorities question both the healed man and his parents, and they expel the healed man from the synagogue. According to verse 22, the Jewish authorities threatened to expel anyone who became a follower of Jesus. The chapter concludes with Jesus confronting the Pharisees about their own spiritual blindness.
Today’s Key Verse: John 9:39
Jesus said, “I came to this world to judge, so that the blind should see and those who see should become blind.”
Reflect
How does the healed man describe Jesus (verse 17)?
How does he respond to the Jewish authorities after they insult him (verses 30–33)?
What does he confess to Jesus (verse 38)?
You may be familiar with the hymn, “Amazing Grace,” which is based on the healed man’s statement in verse 25.
What is your understanding of Jesus’s statement in verse 39?
In verses 40 and 41, how does Jesus respond to the Pharisees?
What does he say to them about their “blindness”?
Pray
Dear Jesus, truly you offer me amazing grace by revealing God’s love to me and offering me forgiveness of my sins, salvation, and eternal life. Help me to see you more clearly each day and lovingly serve you. Amen.
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February 29, 2024
Bible Reading:
John 10
Key Verse: Verse 11
Commentary Thoughts
Introduction
John 10:1–21: Jesus uses the images of shepherd, gate, and sheep to describe the relationship between himself and his followers. The sheep know the shepherd’s voice and follow him. Unlike a thief who comes only to steal or destroy, and unlike a hired worker who fails to protect the sheep, Jesus as the good shepherd is willing to die for the sheep. Jesus’s words once again cause division among the people.
Today’s Key Verse: John 10:11
[Jesus said:] “I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep.”
Reflect
Jesus says, “I am the gate” (verses 7, 9) and “I am the good shepherd” (verses 11, 14).
These two statements are among those that are referred to as the “I am” passages in John’s Gospel, as noted earlier in the reading for February 21.
In today’s reading, what do the images of “gate” and “shepherd” convey to you about Jesus?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, and you
were willing to die for my sake. I seek to follow
you. Lead me each day with your gentle and loving voice. Amen.0