Team Daily Bible Reading and Commentaries for November 2024
316Judith
Posts: 9,466 Member
November 1, 2024
Bible Reading
Hebrews 13:1
Commentary Thoughts
A Christian Virtue
I am being very frank about this and I hope I am being helpful: Do not ever say you are not right with God because you like some people better than others!
I believe you can be right with God and still not like the way some people behave. It is easy to love those who are friendly; others rub us the wrong way or perhaps they cut us down.
The writer to the Hebrews has appealed to us as Christian believers to “let brotherly love continue”—in other words, “never stop loving one another in the Lord.”
Here is what I have found: It is possible to love people in the Lord even though you may not like their boorish or distasteful human traits. We still love them for Jesus’ sake!
Yes, I believe you can be right with God and still not like the way some people behave.
Our admonition is to love them in a larger and more comprehensive way because we are all one in Christ Jesus.
This kind of love is indeed a Christian virtue!
Prayer - "Father, help me to love people for Jesus’ sake even when they do or say things that annoy or hurt me".
Bible Reading
Hebrews 13:1
Commentary Thoughts
A Christian Virtue
I am being very frank about this and I hope I am being helpful: Do not ever say you are not right with God because you like some people better than others!
I believe you can be right with God and still not like the way some people behave. It is easy to love those who are friendly; others rub us the wrong way or perhaps they cut us down.
The writer to the Hebrews has appealed to us as Christian believers to “let brotherly love continue”—in other words, “never stop loving one another in the Lord.”
Here is what I have found: It is possible to love people in the Lord even though you may not like their boorish or distasteful human traits. We still love them for Jesus’ sake!
Yes, I believe you can be right with God and still not like the way some people behave.
Our admonition is to love them in a larger and more comprehensive way because we are all one in Christ Jesus.
This kind of love is indeed a Christian virtue!
Prayer - "Father, help me to love people for Jesus’ sake even when they do or say things that annoy or hurt me".
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November 2, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 3:13-14
Commentary Thoughts
"Toward the mark"
It is one of the devil’s oldest tricks to discourage Christian believers by causing them to look back at what they once were.
It is indeed the enemy of our souls who makes us forget that we are never at the end of God’s love.
No one will make progress with God until the eyes are lifted to the faithfulness of God and we stop looking at ourselves!
Our instructions in the New Testament all add up to the necessity of looking forward in faith—and not spending our time looking back or just looking within.
Brethren, our Lord is more than able to take care of our past. He pardons instantly and forgives completely, and his blood makes us worthy!
The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend. If the “root of the matter” is in you and you are born again, God is prepared to start with you where you are!
Prayer - "Thank You, Lord, that we can never reach the end of Your love for us. Your love, like all Your attributes, is never-ending".0 -
November 3, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 1:11
Commentary Thoughts
The Winsome Saints
Much of Christianity overlooks the fact that if we are led by the Spirit of God and if we show forth the love of God this world needs, we become the “winsome saints.”
The strange and wonderful thing about it is that truly win- some and loving saints do not even know about their attractiveness.
The great saints of the past did not know they were great saints. If someone had told them, they would not have believed it, but those around them knew that Jesus was living His life in them.
I think we join the winsome saints when God’s purposes in Christ become clear to us.
We join them when we begin to worship God because He is who He is! Brethren, God is not a charity case—He is not some frustrated foreman who cannot find enough help.
Let us remember that God has never actually needed any of us—not one! But we pretend that He does, and we make a big thing of it when someone agrees “to work for the Lord.”
God is trying to call us back to that for which He created us—to worship and to enjoy Him forever!
Prayer - "Thank You, Lord, for the faithful men and women who have gone before us. Thank You for the example of their lives that delighted in having close fellowship with You".0 -
November 4, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Timothy 3:5
Commentary Thoughts
Failure Of Religion
Millions of men and women refuse to face up to the fact that religion, in and of itself, is not enough for the sinner’s need.
It is amazing how many things religious people want to do to you.
They can start with infant baptism and end up with the last rites when you are 108 years old—and all of that time they will manipulate you, maul you and sweet massage your soul.
When it is all done, you are just what you were. You are just a decorated and massaged sinner—a sinner who did not eat meat, or on the other hand, a sinner who did eat fish!
When religion has done all it can, you are still a sinner who either went to church or did not go to church.
Religion can put us on the roll and educate us and train us and instruct us.
But after all that, there is still something within our beings that cries, “Eternity is in my heart and I have not found anything to satisfy it!”
Only our Lord Jesus Christ is enough to satisfy the eternal longing in our souls.
Prayer - "Lord, deepening my relationship with You is more important than my involvement in “religious traditions” that have nothing to do with my eternal destiny.
I Love You, Lord Jesus".0 -
November 5, 2025
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:8
Commentary Thoughts
Striving For Numbers
In Christian circles today, the church that can show an impressive quantitative growth is frankly envied and imitated by other ambitious churches.
Numbers, size and amounts seem to be very nearly all that matters—with a corresponding lack of emphasis on quality!
This is the age of the Laodiceans. The great goddess, Numbers, is worshiped with fervent devotion, and all things religious are brought before her for examination.
Her Old Testament is the financial report, and her New Testament is the membership roll.
To these she appeals as the test of spiritual growth and the proof of success or failure in most Christian endeavors.
A little acquaintance with the Bible should show this up for the heresy it is.
To judge anything spiritual by statistics is to judge by something other than scriptural judgment.
Yet this is being done every day by ministers, church boards and denominational leaders.
And hardly anyone seems to notice the deep and dangerous errors.
Prayer - “Lord, I pray this morning for the pastor and elders of my church, that their chief desire will be to invite the Holy Spirit of God into our church to do His refining work in the lives of our people.”0 -
November 6
Bible Reading
Psalm 23:1-3
Isaiah 53:6
Commentary Thoughts
The Shepherd provides for the needs of His sheep.
David could confidently affirm “I shall not want” because he understood that the care of the sheep was the responsibility of the shepherd.
Sheep, by their nature, are dangerously unaware of their needs and limitations. The shepherd must forcefully lead them to a place where food is abundant; he must compel them to “lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:1-3).
You can compare this scenario to a young child who insists that he or she has no need for a nap (with the well-worn phrase “I don’t want to!”), and yet the parent must force him or her to lie down, knowing the fits and meltdowns that await a tired, cranky child.
The voice of Jehovah Rohi, the Divine Shepherd, may not always lead us to where we want to go or think we should go, but we can be confident that He knows our needs better than we know them.
Perhaps, like sheep, our bleating protests and stubborn desire to turn aside to our “own way” (Isaiah 53:6) is simply a reflection of our sinful ignorance regarding the fact that the Shepherd knows the way to “green pastures” and “still waters”—pastures and waters He will use to “restore our soul” (Psalm 23:2-3).0 -
November 7
Bible Reading
Psalm 23:4-5
Deuteronomy 31:8
Commentary Thoughts
The Shepherd is present with His sheep and protects them from harm.
David knew that sheep were easily frightened. He also knew that predators would use this skittish nature to their benefit.
A panicked sheep that stumbles away from the protection of the flock becomes easy prey for a wolf or bear.
The protecting presence of the shepherd is the only hope for the sheep as the shepherd prods and guides them with his rod and staff to a place of shelter and safety.
David had learned that the Divine Shepherd is inseparable from His people, and he was confident that God would be with them even in “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4-5). He had experienced the truth of Moses’s counsel to Joshua that:
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).0 -
November 9, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 23:3-6
John 10:11
John 10: 27-28
Commentary Thoughts
The Shepherd guides His sheep on the paths that lead home.
Because the shepherd provides for the needs of his sheep and is present with them even in the face of danger, the sheep learn to obey the shepherd.
As they experience the goodness and lovingkindness (Psalm 23:6) of the shepherd, they learn that they can trust his voice as he summons them to follow.
Likewise, David knew that Jehovah Rohi, the Divine Shepherd, was both directing him “in paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3) and guiding him, ultimately, to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
In the Gospel of John, Jesus identifies Himself as “the good shepherd” who “lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
Jesus went on to note that “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me…no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).
What more could a sheep ask for than a shepherd who is willing to give his life for the protection of the sheep?
Have you learned to hear, trust and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd?
Like David, we can also come to know the provision, presence and guidance of the Lord as our Shepherd, and as we do, we will learn to call Him Jehovah Rohi.0 -
November 10, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 2:14
Colossians 1:21
Commentary Thoughts
FROM ENEMY TO EXAMPLE
"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
We were once enemies of God, alienated from Him in our minds.
By the power of His Holy Spirit we have been transformed and He causes us to always triumph in Christ.
He parades us before the world, making Himself known through us when we obey Him. When we know we will be in the spotlight before the world in the flesh, we should be intentional to look and act our best, as His child.
Likewise, as believers, we walk courageously, knowing God has chosen us to be an example in the earth of the transforming power of Christ.
"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight..." Colossians 1:21-22 KJV
QUESTION: Can you identify three areas of your life which reflect your transformation in Christ?0 -
November 11
Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 2
Philippians 4:18
Commentary Thoughts
FROM SELFISHNESS TO A SWEET SMELLING SAVOR
"For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?" 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 KJV
When the Bible speaks of a sweet smelling savor in the nostrils of God, it is referring to the aroma of sacrifice. We have been transformed by the Spirit of Christ from the sin and selfish nature of our past.
Our lives of sacrifice are a sweet aroma that rises up to God. It is a sweet smell to those who are saved, and hopefully attracts some unbelievers into His kingdom. To those who reject God, the fragrance of our lives is the smell of death.
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18 KJV
QUESTION: Are you living a life which is a sweet fragrance to God, attracting others to Him as well?0 -
November 12, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 2:17
Romans 1
2 Timothy 2:15
Commentary Thoughts
FROM RECKLESS TO RESPONSIBLE
"This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can." 2 Corinthians 2:17 MSG
We have been transformed by the power of Christ. We are no longer living the reckless and undisciplined life of our past. Now we have a great responsibility to share our faith. We are to be careful stewards of the Word, not adulterating or compromising it, but always remembering our God is a witness of all we say and do.
"I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." Romans 1:14-15 KJV
QUESTION: Have you incorporated study of God's Word into your life, to be approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, but rightly dividing the Word of truth?0 -
November 12, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 2:17
Romans 1
2 Timothy 2:15
Commentary Thoughts
FROM RECKLESS TO RESPONSIBLE
"This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can." 2 Corinthians 2:17 MSG
We have been transformed by the power of Christ. We are no longer living the reckless and undisciplined life of our past. Now we have a great responsibility to share our faith. We are to be careful stewards of the Word, not adulterating or compromising it, but always remembering our God is a witness of all we say and do.
"I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." Romans 1:14-15 KJV
QUESTION: Have you incorporated study of God's Word into your life, to be approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, but rightly dividing the Word of truth?0 -
November 14
Bible Reading
Romans 8:6
Psalm 91:1
Colossians 3:5
Commentary Thoughts
God’s Peace
A PLACE OF TRANQUILITY
Life is a mad rush. We crave tranquility and serenity on life’s journey. Take the initiative for quieter meals around the table, routines before bedtime and heartfelt conversations in the car.
Sometimes we take a moment to be still, but during this time there is so much that needs to happen that we end up going to bed with more “noise” than tranquility.
During the time we take to just be still before the Lord, we mostly experience peace that cannot be described in words.0 -
November 15
Bible Reading
John 14:27
Romans 15:33
James 3:18
Commentary Thoughts
PEACE IN THE MIDST OF CONFLICT
Are you seeking the kind of peace that is more than a feeling and not dependent on good circumstances?
This peace is called Jesus – the Prince of Peace.
He doesn’t give you peace, and He wants to be your peace.
Peace grows from your relationship with Him.
So you don’t only seek after it, but you also want to be a peacemaker.
Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God during conflict.
It is not to give up biblical principles, but to live them. Peace be with you!0 -
November 16
Bible Reading
Proverbs 16:32
2 Peter 3:9
Romans 5:3-4
Commentary Thoughts
THE ART OF PEACEFUL LIVING
We live in a hectic world where everything should have happened yesterday already. There is not even time to be patient.
One of the best definitions of patience is to calmly carry on with life, with the knowledge that God is in control.
Patience is to love under pressure.
Maybe you can practice your patience this week by driving in the slow lane and showing love for your family during your busiest hour.0 -
November 17
Bible Reading
Psalms 119:50
2Corinthians 1:3-4
Isaiah 66:13
Commentary Thoughts: Theme in All these Readings have been God’s Peace
Today: FINDING COMFORT
Have you encountered the dark side of life: the doctor’s examination results, the call from the hospital and a police officer ringing your doorbell?
Do you know the place where comfort is found in someone rather than something?
Comfort lies deeper than wiping away tears and handing out tissues.
True comfort gives light to your darkness.
Find comfort in God’s presence.0 -
November 19, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 31:3
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Proverbs 29:25
Commentary Thoughts
HIDING FROM DANGER
What are the dangers that frighten you physically (sickness, distress, violence) or mentally (temptation, discouragement, depression)?
The same way a father carries his daughter, God will carry you through every danger.
He will hide you under the soft feathers of His wings.
He will give light within your darkness.
He will protect you from danger.
He never sleeps nor slumbers.
He will be a safe hiding place in your darkest night.0 -
November 20, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 16:11
John 14:1-3
Commentary Thoughts
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, the young woman who lived in a very painful set of circumstances.
She had an abusive stepmother and step-sisters who hated her and wanted to make her life miserable.
Every day she lived in an environment of neglect and rejection, experiencing so much heartache as she waited on her family members hand and foot.
Then, one day everything changed.
It was supernatural. Thanks to the intervention of her fairy godmother, she ended up at a ball wearing a beautiful gown and catching the eye of the prince, who soon fell in love with her.
When she accidentally left her glass slipper behind, the prince searched the whole countryside to find the woman to whom it belonged.
In time, the writer of the fairy tale could sum it up this way: “And they lived happily ever after.”
There is a parallel to this story for those who believe in Jesus Christ.
The Son of the King has searched us out so that your own story can have a happy ending.
He’s going to take you home to be with Him eternally.
No matter what challenges you face in your life, you have a divine Prince of Peace who has prepared a home for you!
What do you need to be rescued from in your
life? Who can give you the happy ending you long for?0 -
I will post the new Bible Reading later today!0
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November 22
Bible Reading
Revelation 7:9
Hebrews 12: 22-23
Commentary Thoughts
Heaven is home. It’s home because it's where your heavenly Father is. It’s a place to experience love and rest and purpose. It’s a family location. All your brothers and sisters in Christ will be there.
Heaven will be populated by those who love God.
The Old Testament saints will be there—we can have lunch with Abraham, grab a cup of coffee with Jacob, and walk the malls of heaven with Esther and Ruth. David and Moses will be there, and we can ask Adam and Eve why they ate that fruit.
All the New Testament saints will be there as well—Paul, and Peter, and all the apostles.
And we can have a glorious reunion with those we loved on earth and missed so much when they passed away.
Best of all, God will be there with open arms to receive us into our eternal home.
When He left this earth, Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:3). The reservations have been made in your name and He’s ready when your time comes to check in.
Who are you looking forward to being reunited with in heaven?0 -
November 24, 2024
Bible Reading
James 1:17
Commentary Thoughts
A Healthy Dose of Gratitude
Are you needing a boost of joy and strength for your day? Try adding a healthy dose of gratitude to your routine. Include a time of praise and worship as you exercise; post five things you’re thankful for on social media, your bathroom mirror, or your household white board; or share what you most appreciate from your day over dinner with someone you love. The method doesn’t matter as much as establishing the habit—a habit of praise.
God’s gifts don’t need fancy packaging to qualify for gratitude. Most of life happens in the small surprises and simple pleasures. That means anything counts! From an extra-long hug from your child, to another driver letting you in front of them during a rough commute, to trying on a beautiful new shade of lipstick or enjoying a taste of chocolate after a good meal, God’s goodness is all around. We just need to be watching for it.
A thankful heart can’t help but mine deeper and deeper for the gems that are within each new day. Likewise, a grateful mind keeps looking higher and higher, above life’s difficulties or frustrations, to the One who is above it all. Even on our worst days, we can thank God because we trust that He sees the bigger picture, and He has good plans for us. There’s really nothing like a healthy dose of gratitude. Don’t go a day without it!
Lord, I choose to be mindful of the blessings You’ve built into my day. From the greatest miracle to what seems ordinary, I know these blessings come from You.0 -
November 25, 2024
Bible Reading
Galatians 2:20
Commentary Thoughts
Letting Go
The world will tell you that the ultimate success is a big bank account, or being famous, or having a husband and kids.
If we’re honest, though, many of us define success by our ability to either juggle all the demands of life or control what happens in our worlds.
But the real test of success is our friendship with God and the depths to which we trust Him.
I learned this firsthand. I’m a very motivated person and a really hard worker who gives 100 percent in whatever I do, so I’m used to ambitiously hunting down success.
But there came a time in my life when I had to let go of trying to make success happen and start being available to what God had for me.
That meant setting aside my desires to keep acting in order stay at home and be the primary caretaker of our kids.
The cry of the surrendered heart is “Here I am, God. Use me however You choose.”
For people like me who prefer to be in control, reaching this place of surrender is as challenging as it sounds.
But there is a big upside: Once you’re there, it takes the pressure off of success. You no longer have to be responsible for it.
You can focus on being faithful, letting God handle the success of your efforts.
He will, you know. And you’ll be able to be fully present to everything He is doing in you and through you.
You are the One who can be trusted with the
depths of my dreams and desires.
As I surrender control, increase my trust that You’ll work all things for what You know is best.0 -
November 26
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:8
Commentary Thought's
Think On These Things
If forming good habits were easy, we’d all be happy, healthy, and fit comfortably in that cute party dress.
But it’s the good habits that give us a run for our money, right?
Which means we need to bring our best to the effort.
If you’re struggling to develop a new habit, it might help to ask yourself: “What’s holding me back?
Is it fear, a lack of motivation, or a lack of information about how to reach my goal?”
A little research or a life coach can go a long way in providing the how-tos.
And in Scripture after Scripture, God encourages us to “be strong and courageous,” because the battles we face are actually His to win, if only we seek His help. Bringing Him into the fight with us makes fear start to fall away.
As for motivation, why not try putting mindfulness to work for you?
The Bible advises us: “Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
After you’ve done something consistently, you know how good it feels and how beneficial it is for you.
So the next time you’re tempted to stay in bed instead of getting up to exercise, don’t give power to your tiredness.
Think instead on how much happier you’ll be once you’ve finished your workout. Think on the good results you’re achieving—better health, more confidence, a stronger body, a longer life with the people you love.
And think on the fact that you’re worth it. God says so. And if He says so, you can believe it!
Then put your feet on the floor and keep pushing to be your best. The future you will thank you.
I stand in awe that You are more than willing and able to fight the hard battles with me.
As I invite You into the process, dread and fear will diminish, and healing and renewal can begin0 -
November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving Day
Bible Reading
Psalm 17:6
Commentary Thoughts
Answered!
I suppose that anyone who prays has done this, but I’ve sometimes caught myself thanking God for “answered prayer,” when what I really meant was, “Thank You, God, for answering the way I wanted!"
What I see in Scripture, though, is that whenever His sons or daughters pray, God answers; it’s just that sometimes it’s “no” or “not now” or “this instead” rather than “sure, here you go, child.”
This has pushed me to examine myself and my reasons for praying in the first place.
And it’s been pretty convicting for me, to say the least. Is God solely my divine 911—my emergency standby—or my Friend whom I take everything to?
Am I coming to Him only for His gifts, or to know Him better?
Do I pray as a spiritual-sounding means of getting what I want, or to truly seek what God wants?
And when He does answer, do I trust that He has me covered, no matter the answer?
The difference in my attitude matters more than I want to admit sometimes.
And the litmus test is this:
I’m deeply, actually relating to Him when I not only desire His will above my own, but when I can respond, “I trust You, Lord,” to any answer of His.
I repent of being shortsighted in my relationship with You. Draw me deeper and deeper into our friendship, teaching me to seek You and Your will above all.0 -
November 30
Bible Reading
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Commentary Thought's
Sitting It Out
We’re living in a culture where almost no one hesitates to say what’s on their mind. In the court of public opinion, every topic is fair game; every comment carries weight. So Paul’s sound advice to a young pastor is a good word for us today.
Social media, office politics, bickering among friends or family members or within a church—petty arguments are popping up around us almost constantly, like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Anytime they do, God invites us to pause, take a breath, and consciously decide: Am I going to join in or sit this one out?
We do have that choice. And according to Paul, it’s a choice worth taking seriously.
Conflict is essentially a bicycle built for two. When one person steps off and quits their quarrel ride, you can guarantee that, unless another rider comes along, the bike won’t be going much farther.
There are undoubtedly situations and topics that deserve our full (and patient) engagement. Paul’s own life bore this out. But for those little opinions that only stir up trouble, or the nitpicking over inconsequential things? We can leave those fight-starters alone, lest they become fire-starters.
Though sometimes I’m tempted to spout my opinion, give me the grace to hold my tongue and walk away from the pettiness before it starts.0