The One Year Chronological Bible
The 365 day reading plan
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
September 2023
Friday, September 1
Ezekiel 33 reminds us that God does not delight in the death of the wicked. Instead, there is much beauty and rejoicing when the lost sheep finally comes home, when the sinner returns, and when the wicked turn from their evil ways and find refuge in Him. Our righteousness does not save us; we have been lavished with His grace.
- Ezekiel 32:17-33:20
- Jeremiah 52:28-30
- Psalm 137
- 1 Chronicles 4:24-5:17
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 33:10-20
Saturday, September 2
No matter what mountains stand before us or battles we face, our God is greater. When we cry out to Him and put our trust in Him, we have all we need. His grace is sufficient. What battles are you currently trying to fight in your own strength?
- 1 Chronicles 5:18-26
- 1 Chronicles 6:35, 49, 4-15
- 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:28
- Focus Text: 1 Chronicles 5:18-20
Sunday, September 3
God revealed His sovereignty over history in numerous ways, including dreams and visions in Old Testament narrative. And in His sovereignty, God placed Daniel in a position of authority, enabling him to interpret some very significant dreams. This week’s readings include King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel’s explanation of the dream and its fulfillment, concluding with Nebuchadnezzar’s praise of God, acknowledging His omnipotence and sovereignty.
- 1 Chronicles 8:29-9:1a
- Daniel 4:1-37
- Ezekiel 40:1-37
- Focus Text: Daniel 4:28-37
Monday, September 4
Fourteen years after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, Ezekiel is given a vision of a rebuilt temple, which he began to describe in detail in yesterday’s reading. The temple and its furnishings are somewhat different from the former temple, but they picture the finished work of Christ. It further illustrates the return of Jehovah’s glory, which fills the temple and God promises to “live here forever among the people of Israel.”
- Ezekiel 40:38-43:27
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 43:1-12
Tuesday, September 5
God’s glory had departed the temple (Ezekiel 10:18) because of Israel’s sin and idolatry. When He returns to this future temple in glory, the door He entered is closed forever because “the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered there.” However, there will be activity in this temple as described in today’s reading. As has always been God’s intent, Israel will be closely associated with the temple, the place of God’s dwelling.
- Ezekiel 44:1-46:24
- Focus text: Ezekiel 44:1-4
Wednesday, September 6
Today’s reading includes the promise of a wonderful River of Healing that will flow from God’s temple. The division of the land and its boundaries is described, and there is an unexpected reference to God’s rewarding Nebuchadnezzar because of his obedience to God’s plan. There is also the announcement of the future revival of Israel’s glory.
- Ezekiel 47:1-48:35
- Ezekiel 29:17-30:19
- 2 Kings 25:27-30
- Jeremiah 52:31-34
- Focus text: Ezekiel 29:17-21
Thursday, September 7
In God’s marvelous plan, He has Israelite slaves rise to prominence in the world's most powerful nation. God’s plan for present and future kingdoms is revealed in dreams and visions. Daniel interprets the future for the reigning monarchs and has his own visions explained by God’s messengers. We gain a great view of history past (future to Daniel) and history future as we read these texts.
- Daniel 7:1-8:27
- Daniel 5:1-31
- Focus text: Daniel 8:15-27
Friday, September 8
Daniel in the lions’ den is the most familiar story this week, concluding with the king ordering his people to “tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.” In his prayer, Daniel asks for God’s forgiveness while acknowledging His righteous dealing with His sinful people. Note the interesting use of “70” in the writing: Seventy years that Israel will lie desolate and the “70 weeks” timetable in prophecy of the future and her return, which Gabriel reveals in his amazing prophecy of the coming of Messiah, to be laid out in later readings.
- Daniel 6:1-28
- Daniel 9:1-27
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23
- Ezra 1:1-11
- 1 Chronicles 3:17-19a
- Focus text: Daniel 1:4-19
Saturday, September 9
Genealogies are very important to the Jews. Most of us don't understand this, but their use here and in the Gospels is clearly purposeful. Ezra and Nehemiah are closely related in reporting on the return of God’s people to Jerusalem and their restoration work. The rebuilding of the altar and the temple are their two significant accomplishments. In spite of opposition, they could sing, “He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!”
- Ezra 2:1-4:5
- 1 Chronicles 3:19-24
- Focus text: Ezra 3:8-13
Sunday, September 10
Turmoil mixes with tragedy as God’s people are reminded of God’s emphasis: sin brings judgment. Mixed within the sadness a battles rages amongst kings and armies; despite all these things, a holy opportunity exists. There is a report which states, “the whole remnant of God’s people began to obey the message from the Lord their God” (Haggai 1:12a).
- Daniel 10:1-12:13
- Ezra 4:24-5:1
- Haggai 1:1-15
- Focus text: Haggai 1:12-15
Monday, September 11
Startling images of both anger and blessings are found in today’s readings. Thankfully, disciples know that through Christ all the promises of God are, “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
- Haggai 2:1-9
- Zechariah 1:1-6
- Haggai 2:10-19
- Ezra 5:2
- Haggai 2:20-23
- Zechariah 1:7-6:11
- Focus text: Haggai 2:4-5 and Zechariah 4:6
Tuesday, September 12
Not if, but when God chooses to work through leaders who consider themselves secular, the results will be clear. Your readings today offer insight into the administration of God’s mercies for desperate people (Zechariah 7:8-10 and 8:16-17). Likewise, disciples of Jesus are to faithfully follow in His steps, treating all people as bearers of the divine image (Genesis 1:27 and Matthew 25:31-46).
- Zechariah 6:1-15
- Ezra 5:3-6:14a
- Zechariah 7:1-8:23
- Focus text: Zechariah 6:15b and Ezra 6:1-14a
Wednesday, September 13
Avoiding unpleasant truths is not helpful. Zechariah brings harsh words of rebuke for God’s people and many surrounding nations. We do not ignore God’s truths, even as we stay alert for the words of promise like those found in Zechariah 9:9. See Luke 19:28-38 for a corollary.
- Zechariah 9:1-14:21
- Focus Text: Zechariah 9:9
Thursday, September 14
The timing of God, trusting in Him during times of stress, calls for great faith. A phrase in today’s reading emphasizes this truth: “for such a time as this.” Throughout the book, this emphasis records the brutality of the days as even Esther involves herself in the violence.
- Ezra 6:14b-22
- Ezra 4:6
- Esther 1:1-4:17
- Focus Text: Esther 4:14
Friday, September 15
Belief in God and His ways are not always told with gentle stories. We do not want to try explaining away or skimming over the brutal portions of such accounts. If you are ready for a rough episode, then proceed and take on the grim details in today’s reading.
- Esther 5:1-10:3
- Focus Text: Esther 9:1-19
Saturday, September 16
“Travel mercies,” is a frequent prayer request you might hear as family and friends anticipate an upcoming journey. Today’s reading reports a travel mercy request and the conditions, purposes, and wisdom in seeking God’s favor while Ezra leads a band of purposeful refugees on a very long walk.
- Ezra 4:7--23
- Ezra 7:1-8:36
- Focus Text: Ezra 8:21-23
Sunday, September 17
It was terribly disappointing. It was only a small remnant who returned from captivity; the majority remained behind in Babylon (after all, it was a 900-mile journey on foot). But the worst news was that the people who returned fell back into the same old sins as their forefathers! Incredible! Especially since those sins led them into captivity in the first place!
- Ezra 9:1-10:44
- Nehemiah 1:1-2:20
- Focus Text: Ezra 9:1-15
Monday, September 18
Ever feel like the world is under the control of the evil one? Well, in fact, often it is (see 1 John 5:19). That is, until God steps in and says, “Not this time!” For example, read about Sanballat, the Ammonites, and others who thought they could stop the Jews from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. But with Nehemiah and the people empowered by the Lord, nothing was going to stop them.
- Nehemiah 3:1-7:3
- Focus text: Nehemiah 4:1-6; 6:15-16
Tuesday, September 19
Imagine never having seen a copy of the word of God, maybe never even having heard Scripture read! After 70 years in captivity, the people who returned to Jerusalem were eager to hear Moses’ record of what God said. Not surprisingly, the people needed help in understanding the word of the Lord. But once they understood, they were ready to celebrate!
- Nehemiah 7:4-8:12
- Focus text: Nehemiah 8:1-12
Wednesday, September 20
One of the ways that God instructed the Israelites to remember the 40 long years living in the desert—after the exodus from Egypt, while waiting to enter the Promised Land—was to participate in the “feast of booths” (see Leviticus 23:33-43). It involved living in booths (make-shift shelters) for seven days every year. But between the time of Joshua and Ezra (about 1,000 years), the ungrateful and disobedient Chosen People failed to celebrate the feast of booths!
- Nehemiah 8:13-10:39
- Focus Text: Nehemiah 8:13-18
Thursday, September 21
When reading genealogies and lists of names—which are included in various places in the Bible—we’re reminded that Scripture was not written to us. But there are important things for us to learn from what was written. Note, for example, that the names mentioned as those who returned from captivity did not include the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, Dan, etc., of the northern kingdom. What happened to those northern tribes?
- Nehemiah 11:1-12:26
- 1 Chronicles 9:1b-34
- Focus Text: Nehemiah 11:1-9
Friday, September 22
It wasn’t long—after the wall around Jerusalem was completed—that Nehemiah discovered the people had fallen back into deep sin. Note these shocking statements in today’s reading: “Wasn’t it just this sort of thing that your ancestors did that caused our God to bring all this trouble upon us and our city?!” . . . “Wasn’t this exactly what led King Solomon of Israel into sin?!”
- Nehemiah 12:27-13:6
- Nehemiah 5:14-19
- Nehemiah 13:7-31
- Malachi 1:1-2:9
- Focus Text: Nehemiah 13:6-11, 15-18, 23-27
Saturday, September 23
With today’s reading, we come to the end of the Old Testament. God had tried everything possible to establish a meaningful and ongoing relationship with His people. And He went all in to accomplish that. But in frustration, He was ready to turn off the lights and remain silent for hundreds of years. (Stand by for next week’s readings and some great news!)
- Malachi 2:10-4:6
- Joel 1:1-3:21
- Focus Text: Malachi 1:6-14; 4:1-3
Sunday, September 24
The gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, begins in eternity past with the plan of God to reveal His glorious grace. It includes a record of His faithfulness to keep His promises despite failures of mankind on their part to live faithfully. It is a proclamation of that which is impossible with man but made possible by God.
- Mark 1:1a
- Luke 1:1-4
- John 1:1-18
- Matthew 1:1-17
- Luke 3:23b-38
- Luke 1:5-38
- Focus Text: John 1:1-18
Monday, September 25
Jesus and John, Messiah and His forerunner, are both miraculously conceived, having been angelically predicted, and are joyously welcomed into the world. Then both recede for almost three decades into relative obscurity while becoming strong in spirit and filled with wisdom. Light had entered for those in darkness, hope for those in despair, redemption for those in bondage.
- Luke 1:39-80
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Luke 2:1-40
- Focus Text: Luke 2:25-33
Tuesday, September 26
Despite satanic efforts to thwart God’s plan of redemption, John finally makes his public appearance announcing the coming of the promised Messiah. Salvation and judgment are coming in the person of the Christ, so John calls for repentance--a complete turnaround from worldly thinking.
- Matthew 2:1-23
- Luke 2:41-52
- Mark 1:1b-8
- Matthew 3:1-12
- Luke 3:1-18
- Mark 1:9-11
- Matthew 3:13-17
- Luke 3:21-22
- Focus Text: Luke 3:1-18
Wednesday, September 27
The public ministry of Jesus begins with another satanic attack in the form of direct temptation. Using God’s Word, Jesus resists the temptation. Having withstood that test, Jesus begins to call His disciples and reveal His glory to them.
- Mark 1:12-13
- Matthew 4:1-11
- Luke 4:1-15
- John 1:19-2:25
- Focus Text: John 1:35-51
Thursday, September 28
Whether a night-time, private encounter with a respectable teacher of Israel, or a daytime, public encounter with a Samaritan woman of questionable reputation, Jesus had the same message of hope. Thirsting people, spiritually dead in their separation from God, are offered living water and eternal life.
- John 3:1-4:45
- Luke 3:19-20
- Focus Text: John 3:16-21
Friday, September 29
After John was arrested, Jesus withdrew to Galilee. There His healing ministry and casting out of demons brought fame and attention. But His focus among the people was on preaching with the call to repent and believe. At the same time He began training some to become “fishers of men.”
- Mark 1:14-15
- Matthew 4:12-17
- Luke 3:23a
- John 4:46-54
- Luke 4:16-30
- Mark 1:16-20
- Matthew 4:18-22
- Mark 1:21-28
- Luke 4:31-37
- Mark 1:29-34
- Matthew 8:14-17
- Luke 4:38-41
- Mark 1:35-39
- Luke 4:42-44
- Matthew 4:23-25
- Focus Text: Matthew 4:23-25
Saturday, September 30
Jesus continues to select the twelve that will be with Him. Meanwhile He indicates to the people that He is introducing something new that will not fit into the old patterns with which they were familiar. Indeed, His miracles were not only amazing, He used them to validate His claim to have divine authority to forgive sin! The people had never seen anything like this.
- Focus Text: Mark 2:1-12
"Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.."
August 2023
Tuesday, August 1
Finally! A king who rejoiced when the Book of the Law was discovered. Josiah read and obeyed it. Then, he instructed the priests throughout the land to remove anything that had been used in the worship of pagan gods and ordered the people to celebrate Passover. Nahum’s prophecy of the judgment against Nineveh is contrasted with these reminders of God’s grace: “The Lord is slow to get angry” (v. 1); “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him” (1:7).
- 2 Kings 23:1-20
- 2 Chronicles 34:29-33
- 2 Kings 23:21-28
- 2 Chronicles 35:1-19
- Nahum 1:1-3:19
- Focus Text: 2 Chronicles 34:29-331
Wednesday, August 2
The words of two prophets are recorded in today's readings. Habakkuk lamented the violence and wickedness of his time, and then complained that God had not brought justice to relieve His people. But he protested when God used an evil and cruel heathen nation against them. How do you explain it? God will use whatever means necessary to bring His people back to himself. The prophet Zephaniah sees far into the future, warning of the great day of the Lord’s judgment and wrath.
- Habakkuk 1:1-3:19
- Zephaniah 1:1-2:7
- Focus text: Zephaniah 2:1-3
Thursday, August 3
GoodKing Josiah failed to follow good counsel and was killed in a battle he should have avoided. The prophets Zephaniah and Jeremiah deliver God’s promises of judgment against Judah’s neighboring nations. They also speak clearly of God’s judgment against Judah itself. Jeremiah laments over Judah’s impending judgment. Zephaniah decries the judgment but also prophesies and rejoices in God’s plan for the ultimate redemption of Judah.
- Zephaniah 2:8-3:20
- 2 Chronicles 35:20-27
- 2 Kings 23:29-30
- Jeremiah47:1-48:47
- Focus text: Zephaniah 3:14-17
Friday, August 4
Jeremiah delivers God’s warnings of judgment directly to the various kings of Judah. The priests and false prophets oppose his prophecies of doom and gloom and attempt to kill him. The people, however, remember God’s merciful deliverance of the nation in years past as a result of Micah’s ministry, and Jeremiah escapes. After a brief rebellion of Judah againstBabylon, the nation is taken into 70 years of captivity in Babylon.
- 2 Chronicles 36:1-4
- 2 Kings 23:31-37
- 2 Chronicles 36:5
- Jeremiah 22:1-23
- Jeremiah 26:1-24
- 2 Kings 24:1-4
- Jeremiah 25:1-14
- Focus text: Jeremiah 26:16-19
Saturday, August 5
TheLord reveals to Jeremiah His great “cup of anger” which is to be poured out on the nations. At the Lord’s command, Jeremiah records all of His messages and has them read to King Jehoiakim who rejects the message and burns the scroll.The prophet reproduces the message, adding even more judgments. Our readings this week conclude with a message of hope.
- Jeremiah 46:25-28.
- Jeremiah 25:15-38
- Jeremiah 36:1-32
- Jeremiah 45:1-46:28
- Focus text: Jeremiah 46:25-28
Sunday, August 6
According to Scripture’s account, God directs Jeremiah, His prophetic leader, to announce judgment. The ones hearing, as well as the one bringing the message, are each affected by God’s true judgment. The judgment is exacted; God then moves to support those who are faithful. Daniel and his friends become established asGod’s men in the court of Nebuchadnezzar.
- Jeremiah 19:1-20:18
- Daniel 1:1-21
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 19:1-6
Monday, August 7
Daniel and his cadre of committed believers shine like bright suns at high noon. Today you’ll read their stories of commitment. They find their way to be clearly marked, despite the enduring darkness. Can divine judgment be postponed forever? The answer will be obvious.
- Daniel 2:1-3:30
- Jeremiah 7:1-8:3
- Focus text: Jeremiah 7:21-23
Tuesday, August 8
Jeremiah reveals God’s spiritual assessment. We know assayers search for both gold and dross. The goal is separating the treasure from the trash. Jeremiah uses similar vivid language when setting out the spiritual condition of God’s people. His sadness sounds like the sorrowing words of Jesus (Matthew 23:37-39).
- Jeremiah 8:4-11:23
- Focus text: Jeremiah 8:4-6
Wednesday, August 9
Ejected from competition, an athlete is dismissed from the field of play. Suddenly, the entire team is ejected. Then the field itself is consumed by fire and divinely directed explosions. DuringJeremiah’s time it is no mere game-official canceling a match. Instead, theLord of Heaven’s Armies declares life is over. Today’s reading sounds like hell arrives with the dawn. We wonder if Jeremiah is alone. Is there a faithful remnant?
- Jeremiah 12:1-15:21
- Focus text: Jeremiah 12:7-9
Thursday, August 10
Laughter, occasionally inappropriate to be sure, filled a television show in which one of repeated songs began, “Gloom, despair and agony on me.” Delivered with pained expressions, there was often a sad but joking tale attached. Jeremiah does not sing, but agonizing words fill today’s reading. One bright presence, graced not with laughter but with faithfulness, appears in the form of the Recabites. Be sure you don’t become lost in despair but look for the story of the loyal Recabites
- Jeremiah 16:1-18:23
- Jeremiah 35:1-19
- Focus text: Jeremiah 35:1-19
Friday, August 11
The sorrow of Jeremiah continues reporting the spiritual tragedies which have penetrated and now surround God’s people. Woeful sights cover the countryside. Fortunately, the merciful long vision of the Lord promises an upcoming but unknown day when mercy will once again rise to lead the people.
- Jeremiah 49:1-33
- 2 Kings 24:5-7
- 2 Chronicles 36:6-8
- 2 Kings 24:8-9
- 2 Chronicles 36:9
- Jeremiah 22:24-23:32
- Focus text: Jeremiah 23:5-8
Saturday, August 12
Be careful! The warning may come from parents.Orange signs on the side roads repeat the warning: Be careful! If you’re in a boat: Be careful! Locate the PFDs. Those personal flotation devices can save your life. Likewise, be careful when you’re receiving spiritual advice! Be alert! Remain cautious! We know there are deceptive voices with powerfully duplicitous techniques. This is the case in our day even as it was in the days of Jeremiah. The focus text dramatically sets out the warning.
- Jeremiah 23:33-24:10
- Jeremiah 29:1-31:14
- Focus text: Jeremiah 23:33-40
Sunday, August 13
Reading through the prophets, it’s easy to become weary of all the judgment God has in store for sinners. But we need to be reminded of every bit of that. Thankfully, there is good news. If sinners repent and change their ways, God will relent! Today’s reading in Jeremiah 31 is about the amazing blessings in store for those who are faithful to the covenant. But heads up! God can change those plans too, if .. . (see Jeremiah 18:8-10).
- Jeremiah 31:15-40
- Jeremiah 49:34-51:14
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 31:31-40
Monday, August 14
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times” (so Charles Dickens begins his A Tale of Two Cities). As pictured in the OT prophets, it was the worst of times for Jerusalem and Babylon, but especially for Jerusalem, it could have been the best of times. Unfortunately, both cities came under God’s judgment:God used one to destroy the other, and, as a result, the other one was destroyed too.
- Jeremiah 51:15-58
- 2 Kings 24:10-17
- 2 Chronicles 36:10
- 1 Chronicles 3:10-16
- 2 Chronicles 36:11-14
- Jeremiah 52:1-3a
- 2 Kings 24:18-20a
- Jeremiah 37:1-10
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 37:6-10; 51:24-26, 42-48
Tuesday, August 15
The prophets were God’s ambassadors, but the messages they relayed were often unwelcome. As a result, prophets were tortured, jeered, flogged, chained, imprisoned, stoned, even sawed in two! (See Hebrews 11:32-38.) But despite what the people thought of the prophets, they were honored by God, for example, being given an amazing vision of the throne of God.
- Jeremiah 37:11-38:28
- Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 38:1-13; Ezekiel 1:4-28
Wednesday, August 16
“Father knows best” is generally true, even though what fathers say may not always make sense. For God the Father, sometimes what He said through the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel didn’t make sense either, on a human level. But true prophets know that God knows best, and they say and do what God says, even if it seems strange.
- Ezekiel 3:16-4:17
- Jeremiah 27:1-28:17
- Jeremiah 51:59-64
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 27:12-15; Ezekiel 4:1-15
Thursday, August 17
For people who only want to think of God’s love and grace, they will want to cover their ears asGod speaks through Ezekiel. But they shouldn’t! Everyone needs to come face to face with the height and depth of God’s attribute of holiness. The attribute sounds fine at first, but the implications can be terrifying. God hates sin and will pour out his wrath on people who live in sin. It’s more severe than we can possibly imagine.
- Ezekiel 5:1-9:11
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 5:5-17
Friday, August 18
The tabernacle, and then the temple in Jerusalem, were the representation of God’s presence on earth—especially the Shekinah glory in the Holy of Holies. But the temple had been so terribly desecrated by idols and the sinful practices of theIsraelites that God had enough. It turned out to be most tragic event in the history of the Jews: God removing His presence from the earth. The good news is that another form of God’s temple exists today (see 1 Cor. 3:16-17).
- Ezekiel 10:1-13:23
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 10:1-19
Saturday, August 19
It’s almost impossible to comprehend the extent of the idolatry, injustices, and empty worship of theChosen People. No wonder God told the prophets to announce such frightening consequences! It’s clear that God would do anything possible to get the people to realize how wicked they were and to repent, including telling Hosea to marry a prostitute; telling Ezekiel to lie on his side for over a year; and telling an X-rated parable. Read all of Ezekiel 16, if you have the nerve.
- Ezekiel 14:1-16:63
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 14:1-6; 16:1-22
Sunday, August 20
God desires a consistently righteous life that springs from a right heart. He takes no pleasure in the death of a person, but calls for repentance that leads to life.
- Ezekiel 17:1-19:14
- Focus text: Ezekiel 18:30-32
Monday, August 21
For the sake of His name God did not totally destroy rebellious Israel but spared the nation. Nevertheless, their continued rebellion would require judgment. Future generations did not learn and repeated the sins of their ancestors. When they inquired of God, He would not listen.
- Ezekiel 20:1-22:16
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 20:30-31
Tuesday, August 22
How great must have been the anguish of God over the people upon whom He had placed His love! Prophet, priest, prince, and people had all turned fromHim, and there was not even one found who could “stand in the gap.”
- Ezekiel 22:17-23:49
- 2 Kings 24:20b-25:2
- Jeremiah 52:3b-5
- Jeremiah 39:1
- Ezekiel 24:1-14
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 22:23-31
Wednesday, August 23
God judged Israel because of their sin. Yet the surrounding nations in their malice against God’s people were in turn also judged by God so that they would know that the Lord is God.Similarly, we are instructed in Proverbs 24:17-18 not to rejoice in the misfortune of our enemies.
- Ezekiel 24:15-25:17
- Jeremiah 34:1-22
- Jeremiah 21:1-14
- Ezekiel 29:1-16
- Ezekiel 30:20-31:1
- Focus text: Ezekiel 25:1-7
Thursday, August 24
The Lord God is powerful and able to do whatever He wishes. But He is also compassionate and merciful, showing grace even to those who have rebelled against Him and whom He has judged. Because of His character, revealed in His dealing with Israel, we are further affirmed in the hope which we have in Jesus Christ.
- Jeremiah 32:1-33:26
- Ezekiel 26:11-14
- Focus text: Jeremiah 32:27-44
Friday, August 25
Neither the commercial prowess of a state likeTyre or the historical religious prominence of a city like Jerusalem can spare them from the judgment of God when they reject Him and lift their hearts in pride against Him. We must take note today: God will not be mocked
- Ezekiel 26:15-28:26
- 2 Kings 25:3-7
- Jeremiah 52:6-11
- Jeremiah 39:2-10
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 26:17-21
Saturday, August 26
“Until there was no remedy” and “nothing could be done” – these are sobering words. The God with whom nothing is impossible exhausted His efforts to turn back His people from their rebellion. Let us never presume on God’s kindness and patience (cf. Rom 2:4), but quickly turn in repentance whenever we perceive sin in our hearts.
- Jeremiah 39:11-18
- Jeremiah 40:1-6
- 2 Kings 25:8-21
- Jeremiah 52:12-27
- 2 Chronicles 36:15-21
- Lamentations 1:1-22
- Focus Text: 2 Chronicles 36:15-21
Sunday, August 27
All of God’s acts are consistent with His character. He is merciful andHe is just. We must view our life in light of His character and not view His character in light of our circumstances.
- Lamentations 2:1-4:22
- Focus Text: Lamentations 3:19-32
Monday, August 28
There are hardships that come our way in life that are simply the result of living in a fallen and broken world. There are other hardships that come as a direct result of our own sinful actions or the sins of someone close to us. Either way, whatever agony befalls us we have the heartfelt prayers of Lamentations to show us how to express our grief to the Lord and make our petition known to Him.
- Lamentations 5:1-22
- Obadiah 1:1-21
- 2 Kings 25:22-26
- Jeremiah 40:7- 41:18
- Focus Text: Lamentations 5:15-21
Tuesday, August 29
Sometimes theLord asks us to speak a hard truth to someone, or we pour all we have into someone who is wavering or lost but they don’t listen. Our job is not to win hearts, but to plant seeds. If we are obedient to what He asks of us, the end results are not on us. Some may listen and others may walk away but our obedience is what we answer for. Take heart, the Lord is still at work in ways we cannot see.
- Jeremiah 42:1-44:30
- Ezekiel 33:21-33
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 42:18- 43:4
Wednesday, August 30
John 10 is a stark contrast to Ezekiel 34. We have a Good Shepherd of our souls. In a world where we see so many tasked with shepherding in the church the universal walking away, or “deconstructing,” we can rest in knowing our Good Shepherd remains with us, He will keep us safe, and no one can snatch us from Him.
- Ezekiel 34:1-36:38
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 34:11-16
Thursday, August 31
“What is the chief end of man? A man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” -- Westminster ShorterCatechism. Today’s reading reminds us that in the end, God will be magnified, and He will be glorified. Our aim in life is to glorify Him and enjoy Him now and forevermore.
- Ezekiel 37:1-39:29
- Focus Text: Ezekiel 38:23
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
July 2023
Saturday, July 1
Hezekiah did“what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.” As his first priority upon becoming king, he re-established the proper and sole worship of the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 29:3-31:21
- Focus Text: 2 Chronicles 29:2-11
Sunday, July 2
As we conclude the reading of Proverbs today and tomorrow, it’s good to think of this book as a handbook of ethics for God-followers. The various proverbs teach that godliness is more than a head or heart concern; godliness is practical. In this week’s readings, look for words like wise or wisdom, trust, understanding, justice, and discipline. Discover how they relate to your daily life and attitude.
- Proverbs 25:1-29:27
- Focus text: Proverbs 29
Monday, July 3
These two chapters are like appendices to the book. Chapter 30’s verses are different in construction from the other proverbs, but they continue to present a high moral and religious tone for the reader to understand. Chapter 31 is in two parts. The second, vv. 10-31, is an alphabetic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letter in the Hebrew alphabet. (Try writing a Mother’s Day poem with the English alphabet that way.) How blessed is the man to whom God gives a woman who lives in the “fear of the Lord.”
- Proverbs 30:1-31:31
- Focus text: Proverbs 30:7-19
Tuesday, July 4
Ask these questions as you read the Psalms: What do I learn about God (His character, conduct, and concerns)?What do I learn about people? What do I learn about relating to God . . . and others? Notice, also, how the psalmist expresses his longing for God. Jesus commented on that longing in Matthew 5:6
- Psalm 42-46
- Focus text: Psalm 42
Wednesday, July 5
Today’s psalms center around the King and his kingdom, exalting the king and featuring Jerusalem as the King’s city. Troubles are acknowledged that result in the fear of theLord. In contrast, the blessings of joy are emphasized in Psalm 84, andPsalm 85 prays for the restoration of Israel, God’s people.
- Psalms 47-49
- Psalms 84-85, 87
- Focus text: Psalm 84
Thursday, July 6
In the time of the psalmists, like today, the wicked and the righteous co-exist. We might wish otherwise, but we are assured that God, who is patiently watching and waiting (see 2 Peter 3:9), will finally judge the world. Meanwhile, our faith is being refined.
- Psalms 1-2
- Psalm 10
- Psalm 33
- Psalm 71
- Psalm 91
- Focus text: Psalm 91
Friday, July 7
Note the contrast in these psalms: God’s people worship Him in His creation and reign. But rather than worshiping, the wicked are arrogant and boastful and mistreat the less fortunate. Note God's response to that attitude. Can you identify some of what is involved in worship (e.g., music, offerings, and declaring God's holiness and glory)?
- Psalm 92-97
- Focus text: Psalm 92
Saturday, July 8
The first song recorded in the Bible was sung by Moses (Exodus 15), and throughoutIsrael’s history songs celebrated deliverance and military victories. The first three of today’s Psalms emphasize the importance of God’s people singing of theLord’s faithfulness with joy and hope.
- Psalm 98-100
- Psalms 102, 104
- Focus text: Psalm 100
Sunday, July 9
According to Psalm 105families are complex. Watching Israel, the family of families, thePsalm-writers develop and provide practical wisdom. Then, Psalm 106 bursts into rejoicing for God’s continued presence recalling faithful leadership from two individuals.
- Psalms 105-106
- Focus Text: Psalm 105:1-6
Monday, July 10
When volcanoes erupt, rock flows as magma and distributes its spew. When tectonic plates shift, mountain ranges form. Today’s psalms proclaim God’s presence in shaping both people and planet—by extension, the universe. These statements leave us wondering what’s occurring in the writers’ lives as they first spoke these words
- Psalm 107
- Psalms 111-114
- Focus text: Psalm 107:43
Tuesday, July 11
Deeply personal and filled with emotional power, today’s reading fills us with light like sunshine opens an afternoon. Through my life, my words, and financial resources, “I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people” (Psalm 116:14 NIV).
- Psalms 115-118
- Focus text: Psalm 116
Wednesday, July 12
Take a deep breath as you read today’s passage. Hear praise proclaimed as the poetry of psalms rings. Lung-filling statements of spiritual strength are bestowed by the Lord for the good of His people.
- Psalm 119
- Focus text: Psalm 119:153-160
Thursday, July 13
Celebration dances in Psalms like thunderstorms on a summer evening. The sky lights with praise. God’s people celebrate with hearts afire.
- Psalms 128-130, 132
- Psalms 134-135
- Focus text: Psalm 132:11-12
Friday, July 14
Reviewing your day’s activities is a good part of living the well-intentioned life. The Psalm writer provides for God’s people a review of multiple centuries, recounting God’s provisions. The review is more than information. The review provokes humility and hope for the future.
- Psalms 128-130, 132
- Psalms 134-135
- Focus text: Psalm 132:11-12
Saturday, July 15
Praise resounds from the heavens to human hearts. Let everything which has breath praise the Lord! Let creation resonate to His voice. Let the whole of heavens and eternity praise the Lord!.
- Psalm 136
- Psalms 146-150
- Focus text: Psalms 146-150
Sunday, July 16
Isaiah’s prophecies announce bad news for various countries, including Egypt, Cush (a country inAfrica south of Egypt), as well as for cities, Babylon, Tyre, and evenJerusalem! People may think they can get away with sinful practices, injustices, idolatry, etc. But absolutely not! God will judge them one and all.
- Isaiah 18:1-23:18
- Focus Text: Isaiah 22:5-14
Monday, July 17
Reading Isaiah can belike watching a video of a massive tornado—wind swirling, trees crashing, cars flipping, houses exploding! But suddenly, the storm is gone and the sun breaks through. What’s going on? It’s the prophets trying to get people’s attention. Judgment is coming! Unless sinners repent.
- Isaiah 24:1-27:13
- Isaiah 29:1-24
- Focus Text: Isaiah 24:1-13; 29:13-21
Tuesday, July 18
What are the metaphors in today’s reading describing? The bread of adversity and the water of affliction; his breath is like a rushing torrent; he shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction; you conceive chaff, you give birth to straw; your rigging hangs loose, the mast is not held secure.
- Isaiah 30:1-33:24
- Focus Text: Isaiah 33:2-6, 10-16, 20-24
Wednesday, July 19
Good news, bad news . . . good news, bad news . . . and on and on the prophets’ proclamations go—back and forth. But how can amazingly good news and terribly bad news both be correct? Well, read carefully to find out.
- Isaiah 34:1-35:10
- Micah 2:1-5:15
- Focus Text: Micah 3:1-12, 4:6-10
Thursday, July 20
Isaiah’s poetic pronouncements are surprisingly paused at this point, and instead we find a historical narrative inserted from the books of Kings and Chronicles. Why? The narrative drives the point home that Isaiah and Micah were trying to get across. The fact is, the Assyrians had destroyed the northern ten tribes and now were threatening Jerusalem! Stand by for news.
- Micah 6:1-7:20
- 2 Chronicles 32:1-8
- 2 Kings 18:13-18
- Isaiah 36:1-3
- 2 Kings 18:19-37
- Isaiah 36:4-22
- Focus Text: Isaiah 36:1-15
Friday, July 21
King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem were terrified by the possibility of being destroyed by the Assyrians. The odds were clearly against them. But not when God was on their side! In response to Hezekiah’s prayers and the words of Isaiah, God miraculously intervened. Check it out.
- 2 Kings 19:1-19
- Isaiah 37:1-20
- 2 Chronicles 32:9-19
- 2 Kings 19:20-37
- Isaiah 37:21-38
- 2 Chronicles 32:20-23
- Focus Text: Isaiah 37:1-7, 14-20, 33-38
Saturday, July 22
When King Hezekiah was close to death because of an infected boil, he confessed his pride and asked God to heal him. So what happened? Check out the miraculous sign God gave him, and the years added to his life! But then Hezekiah’s pride returned and led to a major mistake. Pride goes before . . . a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
- 2 Kings 20:1-11
- Isaiah 38:1-8
- 2 Chronicles 32:24-31
- Isaiah 38:9-22
- 2 Kings 20:12-19
- Isaiah 39:1-8
- Focus Text: 2 Chronicles 32:24-29; Isaiah 38:1-8; 39:1-8
Sunday, July 23
The final major section of the book of Isaiah begins with a call to future prophets or leaders to comfort the people of Israel with the surety of God’s word and His covenant with His people. His wisdom is seen in creation; He is greater than the nations, their idols, and all His own creation. He sees and strengthens those who place their hope in Him.
- Isaiah 40:1-44:5
- Focus text: Isaiah 40
Monday, July 24
Through Isaiah the prophet, Jehovah God declares that He is the first and last, the only Rock. Because Jesus is the Rock that followed Israel in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4), and because Jesus is revealed as the first and the last (Revelation 1:17), we see the deity of Jesus revealed. The wonderful praise of God in Isaiah is also true, therefore, of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Isaiah 44:6-48:11
- Focus Text: Isaiah 44:6-8
Tuesday, July 25
God’s promises of deliverance to Israel increase and become more and more focused on the Person who will deliver. But tucked in these chapters is also the word that the Lord’s Servant will be a light for the nations and His salvation will reach to the end of the earth (49:6). Israel’s great Messiah is our deliverer also!
- Isaiah 48:12-52:12
- Focus Text: Isaiah 49:5-7
Wednesday, July 26
The righteous Suffering Servant of the Lord had our sins laid upon Him (53:6). God calls the spiritually thirsty to come and be satisfied with His steadfast love (55:1ff). Though high and lifted up,He is ready to dwell with the humble (57:15). But do not delay, because we do not have any guarantee how long the door will be open. Seek the Lord while He may be found.
- Isaiah 52:13-57:21
- Focus text: Isaiah 55:6-9
Thursday, July 27
Pious ritual is no substitute for humbly living before God (Isaiah 58).Sin separates from God and man cannot save himself (Isaiah 59). But God promised Israel a Redeemer, which He fulfilled in sending His Son, the LordJesus Christ, who cited and applied the words of Isaiah 61:1-2a to Himself (cf.Luke 4:16-21). We can rejoice that Israel’s Redeemer is also ours.
- Isaiah 58:1-63:14
- Focus text: Isaiah 61:1-3
Friday, July 28
Amidst promises to Israel of future restoration and warnings of judgment, a prayer of Isaiah on behalf of the nation highlights two important truths for us. First, it is important to remember and recount the steadfast love of the Lord toward His people. Second, the Lord has worked for Israel and similarly for us to make for Himself an everlasting, glorious name. It is not to our praise that we are saved, but to Him belongs the glory.
- Isaiah 63:15-66:24
- 2 Kings 20:20-21
- 2 Chronicles 32:32-33
- Focus Text: Isaiah 63:7-14
Saturday, June 29
Personal distress brought the extremely wicked king, Manasseh, to repentance. But his son Amon did not learn from that and did evil, reapingGod’s judgment. The young Josiah, however, may have learned from his grandfather’s repentance, because he did what was right and sought God. All are good reminders both to be godly examples and to live godly with or without the right models to follow.
- 2 Kings 21:1-9
- 2 Chronicles 33:1-9
- 2 Kings 21:10-17
- 2 Chronicles 33:10-19
- 2 Kings 21:18
- 2 Chronicles 33:20
- 2 Kings 21:19-26
- 2 Chronicles 33:21-25
- 2 Kings 22:1-2
- 2 Chronicles 34:1-7
- Jeremiah 1:1-2:22
- Focus Text: 2 Chronicles 34:1-7
Sunday, July 30
God's chosen people continue in their idolatrous ways even though the prophet Jeremiah warns them of the consequences. Jeremiah mourned and wept over the sins of his people and the punishment they would suffer. But he also reported,“Yet even in those days I will not blot you out completely" (5:18), but they were to pay a great price for their sin. Do we mourn over our sin and the sin of our nation? Let us plead with God to bring this nation to its knees and spare it from complete destruction.
- Jeremiah 2:23-5:19
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 3:11-15
Monday, July 31
Sin has consequences. Our consciences tell us so, and God has revealed it in His word. If you don't listen to your conscience or read God's word, you will probably sin and face the consequences -- repeatedly-- just as the nation of Israel did. Today, little attention is paid to God's Word. Most of the world's leaders disregard any Higher Authority. Oh, that our leaders would respond as King Josiah did when he read the newly bound Book of the Law.
- Jeremiah 5:20-6:30
- 2 Kings 22:3-20
- 2 Chronicles 34:8-28
- Focus Text: Jeremiah 5:20-25
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
June 2023
Thursday, June 1
Hostility is rampant in our society, or at least it appears that way through the media we view daily. It is hard when we are faced with hostility and anger to be gentle in our speech. There are times we are meant to hold our tongues until we better understand a situation. For many of us, this isn’t always easy, but it is often wise.
- Proverbs 17:1-19:29
- Focus Text: Proverbs 18:13
Friday, June 2
Building off yesterday, our focus verse today and the passages we have read remind us there are many troubles that can be avoided by simply holding our tongues. When we use godly wisdom and discernment to hold back on speaking, we can avoid worse trouble and sometimes trouble all together. Why do I need to say this? Is it wise to say this now?
- Proverbs 20:1-22:16
- Focus Text: Proverbs 21:23
Saturday, June 3
As we wrap up this week’s reading, it is important to remember the hope that we have in Christ. When living a godly life on earth gets hard, we have hope. We must live with the end goal in sight, that we will one day dwell in the house of the Lord forever and we are never alone in the meantime.
- Proverbs 22:17-24:34
- Focus Text: Proverbs 23:17-18
Sunday, June 4
The Song of Solomon offers God's perspective on love. It has been interpreted in many ways, but it is included in Scripture for our learning and blessing. An ESV introduction of the book says, “Marriage is a gift of God . . . as such, [the Song] is a fitting image for God’s relationship with his people in both the Old and the New Testament.”
- Song of Songs 1:1-8:14
- Focus Text: Song of Songs 2:2-13
Monday, June 5
God blessed Solomon with wisdom above any other man, but after the building of the Temple, his life spirals downward. In disobedience to God’s explicit instruction, he marries many women and worships their false gods. Enemies arise against him including Jeroboam who divided the kingdom after Solomon dies. In spite of all he has, Solomon comes to the end of himself, acknowledging that “Everything is meaningless.”
- 1 Kings 11:1-43
- 2 Chronicles 9:29-31
- Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
- Focus text: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Tuesday, June 6
Ecclesiastes offers man's perspective on life. It explains the emptiness of everything apart from God. As Pastor Kip said in his introduction to the book, Solomon's view of life is the result of having wrong expectations. Solomon, the wisest of all men, investigates life, and in today’s reading deals with the futility of wisdom, pleasure, work, political power, and wealth. Throughout the book, the word meaningless appears nearly thirty times.
- Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:12
- Focus text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Wednesday, June 7
Ecclesiastes is one of the Books of Wisdom (others: Job and Proverbs), and in reading them we must acknowledge that both the follies and erroneous thoughts of men, as well as sound theological truth, are recorded. Careful reading of the book and comparing Scripture with Scripture leads to the discovery of truth and gives insights for a meaningful life.
- Ecclesiastes 7:1-11:6
- Focus text: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
Thursday, June 8
From the most powerful, wealthy, prominent kingdom of the time, Israel quickly falls into division. From then on, the two kingdoms followed different paths. The northern tribes (Israel) are always far from God, while Judah experiences occasional revivals. It would have been good if the rulers had followed Solomon’s counsel in the concluding verses of Ecclesiastes.
- Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14
- 1 Kings 12:1-20
- 2 Chronicles 10:1-19
- 1 Kings 12:21-24
- 2 Chronicles 11:1-4
- 1 Kings 12:25-33
- 2 Chronicles 11:5-17
- Focus text: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
Friday, June 9
After Solomon’s death, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the ten northern tribes, Israel, and the two southern tribes, Judah. In today’s readings we learn of the reign of six different kings, three in each domain. The three in the north lead the people into idolatry and violence. Asa, the third king in the south, institutes reforms and “did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD."
- 1 Kings 13:1-14:24
- 2 Chronicles 12:13-14
- 2 Chronicles 11:18-23
- 2 Chronicles 12:1-12
- 1 Kings 14:25-28
- 2 Chronicles 12:15-16
- 1 Kings 14:29-15:5
- 2 Chronicles 13:1-22
- 1 Kings 15:6-8
- 2 Chronicles 14:1-8
- 1 Kings 15:9-15
- 1 Kings 14:19-20
- 1 Kings15:25-34
- 2 Chronicles 14:9-15:19
- Focus text: 2 Chronicles 14:1-8
Saturday, June 10
Israel’s kings continue in their sinful ways. In contrast, Judah’s King Jehoshaphat is “deeply committed to the ways of the LORD,” and Judah prospers. The evil King Ahab comes to rule in Israel and wicked Queen Jezebel urges him to wage war against Judah. Our reading concludes with the introduction of the prophet Elijah who will be Ahab’s opponent throughout his reign.
- 1 Kings 15:16-22
- 2 Chronicles 16:1-10
- 1 Kings 16:1-34
- 1 Kings 15:23-24
- 2 Chronicles 16:11-17:19
- 1 Kings 17:1-7
- Focus text: 2 Chronicles 17:1-14
Sunday, June 11
Reading today’s passage, you’ll encounter thirty-four individuals. Additionally, there are numerous groups made up of as few as thirty-two people, while other groups are as large as seven thousand. If that were not enough, you will also encounter twelve different points of geography. Keep your focus on God’s presence. Preparations complete: God directs Elijah to center stage confronting evil in power encounters.
- 1 Kings 17:8-20:22
- Focus Text: 1 Kings 18:1-40
Monday, June 12
Today’s stories begin with Satan working an old trick. Satan ascribes to God limitations combined with a lack of love for His people. You can watch as Scripture reveals thunder and judgment upon the political figures involved in the foul spirituality. The smell is overpowering.
- 1 Kings 20:23-22:9
- 2 Chronicles 18:1-8
- Focus Text: 1 Kings 21:25-26
Tuesday, June 13
You may know that the four Gospels often present views of a single event in the life of Jesus. Were you aware the books of Kings and Chronicles often bring a similar approach to events? Today’s readings include a running chronicle of events and judgment with a view toward God’s mercy as His people cry out in alarm.
- 1 Kings 22:10-28
- 2 Chronicles 18:9-27
- 1 Kings 22:29-35
- 2 Chronicles 18:28-34
- 1 Kings 22:36-40, 51-53
- 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:30
- Focus Text: 1 Kings 22:51-53
Wednesday, June 14
There is faithful covenant-keeping by the LORD alone. Reading the Focus Text will give you an understanding of the issues confronting God’s people.
- 2 Kings 1:1-18
- 2 Kings 3:1-27
- 1 Kings 22:41-49
- 2 Chronicles 20:31-37
- 1 Kings 22:50
- 2 Chronicles 21:1-4
- 2 Kings 8:16-22
- 2 Chronicles 21:5-7
- Focus Text: 2 Kings 1:1-18
Thursday, June 15
The succession plan of God always has the next leader in the process of preparation. Described in the Focus Text, Elijah’s successor was immediately available. At other times it may be literally hundreds of years before it is obvious that a new leader from God appears.
- 2 Kings 21:1-25
- 2 Kings 4:1-44
- Focus Text: 2 Kings 2:1-18
Friday, June 16
Was it miracle water, or the presence of the Lord? Was it obedience? Strange stories include seven dunkings in a muddy pond which, of course, is not the real point of the story.
- 2 Kings 5:1-8:15
- Focus Text: 2 Kings 5:1-19
Saturday, June 17
When leaders fail to act, or abandon their spiritual responsibilities, disasters accumulate like vermin in a garbage pit. Bold actions in judgments are exacted against those who disobey the Lord.
- 2 Chronicles 21:8-20
- 2 Kings 8:23-29
- 2 Chronicles 22:1-7
- 2 Kings 9:1-10:17
- 2 Chronicles 22:8-9
- 2 Kings 10:18-31
- Focus Text: 2 Chronicles 21:12-15
Sunday, June 18
The readings this week are not for the faint of heart. For example, Athaliah, the blood-on-her-hands queen ruling in Judah, arranged for the entire royal family to be killed, including her own grandchildren!! Except for one infant who was kept in hiding for 6 years, when Athaliah was murdered, he succeeded her as king—at the age of 7!
- 2 Kings 11:1-3
- 2 Chronicles 22:10-12
- 2 Kings 11:4-12
- 2 Chronicles 23:1-11
- 2 Kings 11:13-16
- 2 Chronicles 23:12-15
- 2 Kings 11:17-21
- 2 Chronicles 23:16-21
- 2 Kings 12:1-16
- 2 Chronicles 24:1-22
- 2 Kings 10:32-36
- Focus text: 2 Kings 11:1-3, 21; 12:1-3 (compare 2 Kings 10:27); 2 Chronicles 24:20-21
Monday, June 19
In contrast to the hypocrisy of the kings, the faithful prophet, Elijah, continued to prophesy from his deathbed. Even more remarkable, after he died and was buried, his bones had miraculous powers!
- 2 Kings 13:1-11
- 2 Kings 12:17-21
- 2 Chronicles 24:23-27
- 2 Kings 13:14-25
- Focus Text: 2 Kings 13:14-21
Tuesday, June 20
Unfortunately, the animosity between the kings of Israel and Judah led to civil war, resulting in the sacred temple in Jerusalem being plundered. But worse, the worship of false gods was an ongoing problem, leading God to send a lineup of prophets to announce horrifying judgment if the people failed to repent (or, if they repented, there would be great days ahead). Question: Why did God send the prophet Jonah to an infamous Gentile city? The people there quickly repented. Hint, hint.
- 2 Kings 14:1-14
- 2 Chronicles 25:1-24
- 2 Kings 13:12-13
- 2 Kings 14:15-16. 23-27
- 2 Chronicles 25:25-28
- 2 Kings 14:17-22
- 2 Kings 15:1-5
- 2 Chronicles 26:1-21
- Jonah 1:1-4:11
- Focus Text: 2 Kings 14:9-14, 23-25; Jonah 3:1-10
Wednesday, June 21
You might want to skip reading the book of Amos, if you’re inclined to think you can disobey God and get away with it. Actually… if so, it’s the very reason you should read (and reread) this book! “Sinners in the hands of angry God” is frightening. Shockingly, Amos made clear that the Chosen People were no better off than the pagans!
- Amos 1:1-6:14
- Focus text: Amos 4:1-13; 5:18-27
Thursday, June 22
As stated in Hebrews 11:36-38, prophets were often flogged, chained, imprisoned, stoned, even sawn in two—“the world was not worthy of them.” In other words, the prophets declared the word of the Lord at great risk—mostly criticizing, occasionally energizing—all intended to call the people to repentance.
- Amos 7:1-9:15
- 2 Kings 14:28-29
- 2 Kings 15:8-29, 6-7
- 2 Chronicles 26:22-23
- Isaiah 6:1-13
- Focus text: Amos 7:10-17; 9:1-4, 8-10, 13-15; Isaiah 6:1-8
Friday, June 23
The prophets Micah and Isaiah were contemporaries, and they both pointed fingers of accusation at the Chosen People. The issues included idolatry, empty worship, injustices, self-centeredness, greed, even thievery. Consequently, God was going to unleash the Gentile armies of Assyria to enact His divine judgment. But the news wasn’t all doom and gloom.
- 2 Kings 15:32-38
- 2 Chronicles 27:1-9
- Micah 1:1-16
- 2 Kings 16:1-9
- 2 Chronicles 28:1-15
- Isaiah 7:1-25
- Focus Text: Micah 1:1-16; Isaiah 7:13-20
Saturday, June 24
The prophets are known for their use of images: light, darkness, fire, flames, mountains, rocks, trees, branches, leaves, water, hands, breath, and on and on. Most prophetic language is in poetic verse; consequently, the images are more often metaphoric than literal. “The trees of the field will clap their hands” is an example. But we should always be on the lookout for exceptions.
- Isaiah 8:1-11:16
- Focus Text: Isaiah 8:1-10; 11:1-9
Sunday, June 25
God promised future blessing to the nation of Israel even as the kings of northern tribes and many of Judah pursued spiritually rebellious paths. Despite occasional bright spots, like Hezekiah who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would judge them because of their sin and judge the surrounding, wicked nations whom God used as tools of judgment on Israel. God chose the prophet Hosea to picture His love for Israel as an adulterous nation.
- Isaiah 12:1-6
- Isaiah 17:1-14
- 2 Chronicles 28:16-21
- 2 Kings 16:10-18
- 2 Chronicles 28:22-25
- 2 Kings 18:1-8
- 2 Chronicles 29:1-2
- 2 Kings 15:30-31
- 2 Kings 17:1-4
- Hosea 1:1-2:13
- Focus Text: 2 Kings 18:1-8
Monday, June 26
God uses marriage to illustrate His relationship to His people. Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness was pictured in Gomer’s marital unfaithfulness. But Israel didn’t see it. They claimed to know God, but showed that they did not truly have that relationship to Him – a warning to us not to rely on religious ritual as a proof of knowing God.
- Hosea 2:14-8:14
- Focus Text: Hosea 8
Tuesday, June 27
Despite Israel’s waywardness, God’s love was greater. Though the LORD would punish, He would also call for repentance and would heal and bless. In the prophet’s closing words, “whoever is wise, let him understand these things.”
- Hosea 9:1-14:9
- Focus Text: Hosea 14
- Isaiah 28:1-29
- 2 Kings 17:5
- 2 Kings 18:9-12
- 2 Kings 17:6-41
- Isaiah 1:1-20
- Focus Text: 2 Kings 17:1-23
Thursday, June 29
The prophet Isaiah is focused on the people of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. God has a beautiful future in store for them (Isaiah 2:2-4), but judgment must come first (2:5- 4:1), because only those who are holy will enter into that glorious future (4:2-6). Setting the stage with a parable (5:1-7), Isaiah then explains the “bad fruit” which are the reasons for the coming judgment and exile (5:8-30).
- Isaiah 1:21-5:30
- Focus Text: Isaiah 5:1-7
Friday, June 30
The nations which God used to discipline His people would themselves be judged for their own wickedness. Mighty nations and long-time neighbors – Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, and Moab – would all fall.
- 2 Kings 16:19-20
- 2 Chronicles 28:26-27
- Isaiah 13:1-16:14
- Focus Text: Isaiah 13:9-12
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
May 2023
Monday, May 1
Today’s reading includes identical songs of David; only their context differs. Read them both to be encouraged by the promise of God’s deliverance and salvation. David sang the song in praise to God as he fled from his enemies, including King Saul. The Psalm was to be sung by Israel as a reminder of and praise for God’s deliverance of his people.
- 2 Samuel 22
- Psalm 18
- Focus Text: Psalm 18:1-6; 46-50
Tuesday, May 2
Today's reading could be titled, "Be sure your sin will find you out." Even King David - a man “after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22) - was not above sin. Satan caused him to sin by numbering the fighting men of Israel, an apparent lack of faith in God’s protection. How does David respond when God gives him a choice of punishments? How would YOU respond?
- 2 Samuel 24
- 1 Chronicles 21-22
- Focus text: 2 Samuel 24:18-25
Wednesday, May 3
The New Testament tells us that God is a god of order (1 Cor. 14:40), and that characteristic is demonstrated repeatedly in the Old Testament. Today we read about the division of duties among the Levites, who served at the Temple, the priests, and even the musicians. Can there be any doubt that God has particular places of service for his people today, as well?
- 1 Chronicles 23-25
- Focus text: 1 Chronicles 23:1-6
Thursday, May 4
More details on the organizing and duties of Israel’s officials are spelled out, including military commanders and tribal leaders. David gives final instructions to his royal successor, Solomon, including the plans for the Temple which God had not allowed David to build. His final words were those of Moses to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.”
- 1 Chronicles 26:1-28:21
- Focus text: 1 Chronicles 28
Friday, May 5
In a final act of generosity David gives his treasure to help build the Temple, and even as his life nears the end, he offers a song of praise to God. As the time for the transition to the new king nears, David’s son, Adonijah, aspires to the throne. David thwarts the attempt by publicly declaring Solomon to succeed him.
Saturday, May 6
David’s final words to Solomon are recorded just before his death, followed by a very brief summary of his 40-year reign. Our reading today also includes six of David’s psalms (songs) that are not connected to specific events in his life.
- 1 Kings 2:1-9
- 2 Samuel 23:1-7
- 1 Chronicles 29:26-30
- Psalms 4-6, 8-9, 11
- Focus text: 2 Samuel 23:13-17
Sunday, May 7
The disturbed heart of King David painfully asks: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?” (Psalm 13:1 NLT). Disciples, likewise, should not be surprised to discover themselves discouraged or possibly dishearten for life does not often permit a one-time decision to be faith’s final affirmation. The decision of faith first happens at a specific time and place, but then, occurs repeatedly over a lifetime.
- Psalms 12-17
- Psalms 19-21
- First Focus: Psalm 13:1-5
Monday, May 8
The resonant and familiar words of Psalm 23 enrich our souls. They are worthy of committing to memory. Perhaps you first heard them in the old King James text. Hear them renewed in the New Living Translation which begins: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”
- Psalms 22-26
- First Focus: Psalm 23
Tuesday, May 9
If you need a single-sentence-life-purpose statement, consider these straightforward words: “The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple” (Psalm 27:4 NLT).
- Psalms 27-32
- First Focus: Psalm 27:4
Wednesday, May 10
Opening his heart for inspection David prays that disaster comes to his enemies. He implores God to make the disasters quickly happen. “So, let sudden ruin come upon them! Let them be caught in the trap they set for me! Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me” (Psalm 35:8 NLT). Whether these requests are appropriate or sadly mistaken thoughts of revenge, true prayers are sometimes violent revealing our deep spiritual need.
- Psalms 35-38
- First Focus: Psalm 35:1-8
Thursday, May 11
“William Booth, believing he 19th-century English church had become too refined to reach the cities’ poor, took the gospel into the streets…it was not always safe…Charles William Fry, offered himself and his three sons as bodyguards….all four played brass instruments, which they dragged along to accompany singing...[as a salvation army] Booth’s supporters were soon dragging along concertinas, bells, hunting horns, banjos, tambourines, and drums to praise the Lord. Said one leader, ‘It sounds as if a brass band’s gone out of its mind.’” Adapted from Lyrics for the Living God, The Student Bible, New International Version, 1986, p.502.
- Psalms 29-41
- Psalms 53, 55, 58
- First Focus: Psalm 33:1-3
Friday, May 12
Who can bring healing to the nations? Wars and rumors of wars abound. Disciples dare not hide in an isolated reservoir of personal salvation. Our God cares for persons and nations. Let the whole earth hear His voice. We sing and dream of the day: “Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world” (Psalm 67:6 NLT).
- Psalms 61-62
- Psalms 64-67
- First Focus: Psalm 67
Saturday, May 13
It is sometimes inaccurately said that the wrathful God as expressed in the Old Testament is a different God in comparison to Jesus. Yet, if we ask David, who wrote many of the psalms as much as 1,000 years before Jesus appears, we find another view. We hear David say of God:
“But you, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness” (Psalms 86:15 NLT).
- Psalms 68-70
- Psalms 86
- Psalms 101
- First Focus: Psalm 86:15
Sunday, May 14
When we read the Psalms, we need to be prepared for the unexpected. There’s often drama going on behind the scenes, and hints of it comes through in the poetry. The psalms can range from exalting praise to languishing lament.
- Focus text: Psalm 103, 109
Monday, May 15
The psalms provide a model of a close relationship with God, and the heartfelt words of poetry are the perfect way to express how one feels toward God. Most of the Bible is a record of God speaking; but in most of the psalms God is listening.
- Focus text: Psalm 139, 141
Tuesday, May 16
The bedrock underlying how God relates to his people (and they to him) is the covenant relationship. God promises to bless as long as people agree to obey. In some of the psalms we read about the horrible consequences of disobedience.
- Focus text: (Psalm 89:19-52 note that the psalmist is quoting God in verses 19-37)
Wednesday, May 17
Sometimes the psalmists surprise us with honest questioning of their faith. The world and its values can seem attractive—for a while. But the psalmists always end up trusting God because they know he knows best.
- Focus text: Psalm 73:1-17; 74:12-17
Thursday, May 18
Some of the psalms are lessons from history. It was 500 years before when God miraculously led the people of out Egypt. The psalmist reminds us that everything God did was great, leading the people through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Unfortunately, the people rebelled again and again.
- Focus text: Psalm 78:1-39
Friday, May 19
Probably the worst thing ever to happen to the Jewish race was the destruction of Jerusalem and Judea by the Babylonian armies. Everyone that wasn’t killed was captured and deported. Some of the psalms cry out to God about this, even though it was actually God’s judgment on their disobedience.
- Focus text: Psalm 79
Saturday, May 20
When King David realized that his life was coming to an end, he declared that his son Solomon should succeed him on the throne. He assured Solomon that God would keep his promises and bless him if he would obey all God’s decrees (1 Kings 2:1-4). The good news was, Solomon got off to a great start.
- Focus text: 2 Chronicles 1:1-13
Sunday, May 21
Whether in the adjudication of moral justice or in civil administration, Solomon displayed God-given wisdom which was granted to him because the LORD loved His people.
Monday, May 22
Solomon expended much time and material in building not only the house of the LORD but also a palace, judgment hall, and personal residences for himself and for Pharaoh’s daughter whom he had married.
Tuesday, May 23
After the completion of the Temple and all its furnishings, Solomon had the Ark of the Covenant brought up and placed in the Most Holy Place. He acknowledged this as a fulfilment of God’s promise to his father David and, on the basis of the LORD’s covenant love toward Israel and David, Solomon pled for mercy and grace toward the nation.
- 1 Kings 8:1-11
- 2 Chronicles 5:1–14
- 1 Kings 8:12-21
- 2 Chronicles 6:1-11
- 1 Kings 8:22-53
- 2 Chronicles 6:12-42
- Focus Text: 2 Chronicles 6:12-17
Wednesday, May 24
As part of the Temple consecration service, Solomon blessed the people reminding them to be true to the LORD. But then fire came down from heaven, consuming the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple. Thereafter, the LORD appeared again to Solomon with an important contribution to the metanarrative of Scripture.
- 1 Kings 8:54–66
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-10
- 1 Kings 9:1-9
- 2 Chronicles 7:11-22
- 1 Kings 9:10-14
- Focus Text: 1 Kings 8:54-61
Thursday, May 25
The riches and wisdom of Solomon were famous. But the queen of Sheba saw more: the LORD was the source and He loved Israel forever and for that reason He made Solomon king in order to execute justice and righteousness.
- 2 Chronicles 8:1–18
- 1 Kings 9:15-10:13
- 2 Chronicles 9:1-12
- 1 Kings 10:14-29
- 2 Chronicles 9:13-28
- 2 Chronicles 1:14-17
- Focus Text: 1 Kings 10:1-9
Friday, May 26
It was God who gave Solomon his renowned wisdom. And it was God who had earlier promised to establish Solomon’s throne forever. Solomon knew the very important truth that human efforts are ultimately in vain. It has to be the LORD who builds the house.
- 1 Kings 4:1-34
- Psalm 72; 127
- Focus Text: Psalm 127
Saturday, May 27
The world, Satan, and our own sinful flesh battle for control of our hearts and minds. But the God who gave Solomon his great wisdom offers to us the same divine wisdom that we might have guidance, practice discretion, and pursue righteousness, justice, and fairness. Embrace it, practice it, teach it. Any other path leads to disaster.
- Proverbs 1:1–4:27
- Focus Text: Proverbs 1:1-9
Sunday, May 28
Wisdom and understanding don’t always come easily. There are far more things in this world that tempt us and call for our attention. Things that seem far more enticing and promising than what the Lord offers. It seems as if these easier things will surely give us the desires of our hearts, but they will never fill us. His goodness, wisdom and understanding are harder to mine but fare greater in reward.
- Proverbs 5:1-7:27
- Focus text: Proverbs 7:1-4
Monday, May 29
I can’t say I know many people who like to be corrected. Most of us do not like when someone speaks hard truth into our lives. However, Proverbs 9 tells us that the wise man will appreciate the correction and be wiser still because of it. It can be hard to hear, but we should be encouraged to pray through hard words spoken to us in case they are Spirit prompted truths.
- Proverbs 8:1-10:32
- Focus text: Proverbs 9:9-12
Tuesday, May 30
We should be careful what we allow to influence our hearts and minds in our day to day. The music we listen to and the things we watch either though TV or social media have a major impact on the way we think and feel. What we feed grows. What are you feeding?
- Proverbs 11:1-13:35
- Focus text: Proverbs 11:27
Wednesday, May 31
It is no surprise that we live in a fallen world. We are confronted all day long with the sin that surrounds us, and it can be so discouraging. But our God is still on the move and when we are tempted to just cave to the standards of this world, we can rest in Him knowing our righteousness, through Christ, is not forgotten.
- Proverbs 14:1-16:33
- Focus text: Proverbs 14:32
"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."
April 2023
Saturday, April 1
The cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance continues. Now especially the oppression by Midian and the call of Gideon points (again) to the importance of God’s deliverance of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and of the responsibility to recount God’s wonderful deeds.
- Judges 3:31-6:40
- Focus Text: Judges 6:1–27
Sunday, April 2
As you read the story of Gideon, note the trajectory it takes. 1) He led a small army to an amazing defeat of the Midianites. 2) He created an ephod which became an idol to the people. 3) His son, Abimelech, rebelled and established his own “kingdom” with devastating results. 4) The people were rebuked for being disloyal to Gideon.
- Judges chs. 7:1-9:21
- Focus text: Judges 9:7-21
Monday, April 3
What happens to a nation when the rulers are evil? Today's reading should drive us to pray for our nation's leaders. After Abimelech ruled for three years, the people revolted, and he killed many of them in several battles and he himself was killed. Two little-known judges served for 25 years and then we read that the people of Israel “did evil in the sight of the LORD.” Jephthah, who had been abandoned by his people, returned to serve as defender and judge.
- Judges 9:22-11:28
- Focus Text: Judges 11:1-11
Tuesday, April 4
Real life drama is often worse than fiction. The stories of Israel's judges would make a good TV series. Judge Jephthah had great battle victories, but he made a foolish vow that cost him his daughter’s life. An intertribal battle cost one tribe of Israel great loss of life. And then there's Samson, Israel's next-to-last judge, whose life is a confusing mixture of strength and weakness.
- Judges 11:29-ch. 15
- Focus text: Judges 11:29-40
Wednesday, April 5
Far too often, we hear of a prominent Christian pastor or teacher who has fallen into sexual sin. Today's reading is the story of Samson, a man of extraordinary strength who had a weakness for women that led to personal disaster and humiliation. A man of riddles, he finally revealed the secret of his power which led to his great fall. It's important to be sure the leaders we put in place are men and women of integrity and that we pray for our spiritual leaders.
- Judges 16-18
- Focus text: Judges 16:23-31
Thursday, April 6
One of the sad truths about The Church is the number of times a denomination or fellowship of churches have split—too often over something other than a doctrinal issue. Personal biases and tribal distinctions cause great division and disaster among God’s people. There is no “Hallmark movie” ending to the terrible sin of degradation that envelops Israel because of one man’s attempt at revenge. His vengeance brought on the terrible tragedy of another intertribal war, resulting in Benjamin’s tribe losing 25,000. What a terrible slander on Israel and her God!
- Judges 19-21
- Focus text: Joshua 21:15-21
Friday, April 7
The familiar story of Ruth is an encouragement to any who have lost everything and are pursuing a new and fruitful relationship. Far from Israel and, thus, in that time, far from God, she is like all of us, separated from God because of sin and without hope of redemption. It has been said that Jesus is pictured somehow in every book of the Bible The illustration of the kinsman-redeemer in this story is a beautiful picture of Jesus, the ultimate redeemer who paid the full payment required to set the sinner free.
- Ruth 1:1– 4:12
- Focus text: Ruth 4:1-12
Saturday, April 8
Most Bible genealogies contain men with names we don’t recognize and can’t pronounce. Very few list a woman, but Ruth is one of them. The story of how she became an ancestor of Jesus is a love story which could be written only by God. Blessed by the elders of Bethlehem, Boaz marries Ruth, and their baby, Obed, begins a genealogy that is continued in 1 Chronicles and ultimately leads to King David and finally to Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
Sunday, April 9
Hannah’s celebration-song actively proclaims God’s dominion. Her personally challenging emotions, conceived in pregnancy-prayers, connect this passage to many marriages. Please consider reading the account in several translations, delving more deeply into Hannah’s story.
- 1 Samuel 1:9-4:11
- First Focus: 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Monday, April 10
Demonstrating holiness and the significance of disobedience, the Ark of the Covenant demonstrates God’s presence. When The Presence is rejected, the Covenant People resort to another form of disobedience.
- 1 Samuel 4:12-8:22
- First Focus: 1 Samuel 8:1-9
Tuesday, April 11
When God chooses to accept a request which is against his instructions will anything good, will anything holy be the outcome?
- 1 Samuel 9:1-12:25
- First Focus: 1 Samuel 9:10-22 and 10:1-8
Wednesday, April 12
War, war, and more war continuously plague the Covenant People. Rather than a land filled with peace they encounter enemies within even as other foes surround their borders. As you read look for the multiple reasons why these conflicts occur.
- 1 Chronicles 9:35-39
- 1 Samuel 13:1-5, 19-23, 6-18
- 1 Samuel 14:1-52
- First Focus: 1 Samuel 14
Thursday, April 13
When personal glory seeks to supplant God’s rightful place as the leader of his nation, human bragging symbols will not last long. God’s sovereign decisions to punish or bless a nation are startling.
- 1 Samuel 15:1-17:31
- First Focus: 1 Samuel 15:12
Friday, April 14
For David, as a specially chosen individual, we might expect life to go forward without serious problems. Reading Psalm 59 you’ll discover spiritual enemies can continually oppose God’s people. David poetically describes them as “vicious dogs” (Psalm 59:6).
- 1 Samuel 17:32-19:17
- Psalm 59
- 1 Samuel 19:18-24
- First Focus: Psalm 59
Saturday, April 15
Overcoming strong opposition at the risk of life and limb, David’s wisdom leads him to praise God despite, not because of, his circumstances. This is a hard lesson.
- 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15
- Psalm 34
- First Focus: “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
Sunday, April 16
If you like adventure, don’t miss these chapters: a king in a rage; a fugitive on the run who is actually the king-in-waiting—if he’s not killed first; an evil man single-handedly murdering 85 priests of the Lord; and a psalm written about the evil man!
- 1 Samuel 22:1-23; 23:1-12
- Psalm 52, 57, 142
- 1 Chronicles 12:8-18
- Focus text: Psalm 57:1-7; 1 Samuel 22:9-23; Psalm 52:1-5
Monday, April 17
Ever go to the bathroom in a cave? Only to find out there were other people in the shadows watching you?! And one of them close enough to cut off a piece of your clothing?! Yikes! In this story there seems to be no end to the king’s blunders. More important is his adversary’s restraint.
- 1 Samuel 23:13-29; 24:1-25:44
- Psalm 54
- Focus text: 1 Samuel 24:1-22
Tuesday, April 18
Beware of what might happen while you’re sleeping. And beware of consulting dead spirits who might reveal information you really didn’t want to know. But you can rest assured that God will protect people who are faithful to him. Hint, hint.
- 1 Samuel 26:1-29:11
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-7, 19
- Psalm 56
- Focus text: 1 Samuel 26:7-25; 28:4-19
Wednesday, April 19
Sometimes reading through the Bible can be like riding a rollercoaster. The books of Joshua and Ruth have their high points. In the book of Judges, however, the rollercoaster gets stuck in the mud at the very bottom. The story in 1 Samuel is an up-and-down rollercoaster: high at first, but by the end, it’s off the rails with lots of fatalities.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-31:13
- 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 4:4
- 1 Chronicles 9:40-44; 10:1-14; 12:20-22
- Focus text: 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 2 Samuel 1:17-27
Thursday, April 20
We might expect that David, the king-in-waiting—as long as Saul was still alive—would quickly and easily ascend the throne after Saul’s death. But no, there was a large contingent of soldiers still loyal to Saul, and they went to battle against David’s men. It was a big mess.
- 2 Samuel 2:1-3:5; 23:8-39
- 1 Chronicles 3:1-4a; 11:10-47
- Focus text: 2:8-17, 28-32; 3:1
Friday, April 21
If “all is fair in love and war,” as the saying goes, maybe that helps to explain the cruelty and gruesomeness of the ongoing killings between the followers of Saul and David. Unfortunately, the messiness only became messier.
- 2 Samuel 3:6-4:12
- Focus text: 2 Samuel 4:1-12
Saturday, April 22
Finally, at the age of 30, David was enthroned as king over all Israel and Judah. Let the celebrations begin! And they surely did. You can read about how Jerusalem became the “City of David,” how many wives David added to his harem, and the deadly mistake a man made in touching the sacred Ark of the Covenant. Be warned: God expects strict obedience.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-25; 6:1-11
- 1 Chronicles 3:4b; 11:1-9; 12:23-40; 13:1-14; 14:1-2, 8-17
- Focus text: 2 Samuel 5:4-10; 6:1-11
Sunday, April 23
The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God with His people and the provision of atonement for their sin. It was therefore a joyous occasion to return it to a central place of worship. The living Christ residing in His followers is an even greater reason for joy.
Monday, April 24
God rejected David’s request to build a temple and instead spoke a blessing on David, a promise to make is house (family) great and establish David’s throne forever. There is none like the Lord, who shows such great mercy and grace.
- 2 Samuel 7:1–8:14
- 1 Chronicles 17:1–18:13
- Psalm 60
- Focus Text: 1 Chronicles 17:16-27
Tuesday, April 25
The heart of king David is revealed as he sought to show “the kindness of God” to someone of the house of Saul. Though Saul had sought regularly to kill David, David for the sake of Jonathan showed mercy and grace.
Wednesday, April 26
Again David’s heart is revealed: abusive of power, adulterous, deceitful, and murderous; but by God’s mercy: broken, humbled, repentant, and cleansed. We may learn of God’s ways, join in repentance, and declare God’s praise.
- 2 Samuel 11:1–12:25; 5:14-16
- 1 Chronicles 3:5-9; 14:3-7; 20:1
- Psalm 51
- Focus Text: Psalm 51
Thursday, April 27
Military success could be no consolation for the ever worsening situation in King David’s royal family as consequences of his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah multiply. Lust masquerades as love; a crafty cousin counsels deceit; lust erupts into incestuous rape; rightful parental anger neglects righteous consequences; hate seeks revenge in murder.
Friday, April 28
Though a person is forgiven, the consequences of sin can remain. Nathan had warned David (2 Sam 12:10–12). Now he continues to see those consequences, a judgment which he humbly accepts, leaving his life in the hands of the Lord.
- 2 Samuel 15:1–17:14
- Focus Text: 2 Samuel 16:5-14
Saturday, April 29
When circumstances are bad, when even family becomes an enemy, for what do you thirst? When inwardly you feel totally dry, what will quench that thirst? The Psalmist answers for us: God alone will satisfy, His power and glory and steadfast love.
- 2 Samuel 17:15–19:30
- Psalm 3; 63
- Focus Text: Psalm 63
Sunday, April 30
Israel is a rising, strong kingdom, and King David faces revolts and wages battles to preserve it. In the midst of his ventures, he sings to the Lord, asking for protection. How often do you sing in the middle of a battle?
- 1 Samuel 19:31-21:22
- Psalm 7
- 1 Chronicles 20:4-8
- Focus text: Psalm 7
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
March 2023
Wednesday, March 1
Despite the rebellious nature of the people of Israel, it was the LORD’s gracious intent to bless them. How does this encourage you, when you struggle with putting off sin in your life?
- Numbers 6:1-27
- Numbers 10:1-36
- Focus Text: Numbers 6:22-27
Thursday, March 2
The majority forgot the greatness of God and His promise to bring them into the land He promised. Only two remembered. This is our continuing challenge: to know clearly what God has promised (and not promised) and to rely upon Him to keep His word.
- Numbers 11:1–13:33
- Focus Text: Numbers 13:1-33
Friday, March 3
Upon what basis does Moses plead for the LORD to forgive Israel? Who is most important in his prayer? What should be the foremost concern in what you request from God?
- Numbers 14:1- 15:41
- Focus Text: Numbers 14:13-19
Saturday, March 4
The challenge to leadership was a critical event in the desert wandering. In Jesus Christ we have a greater leader than Moses and a greater High Priest than Aaron (Heb 3:1–6; 4:14ff). How much more should we submit to His leading and take advantage of His priestly service, giving thanks and praising Him for it?!
- Numbers 16:1-18:32
- Focus Text: Numbers 16:1-35
Sunday, March 5
Despite Israel’s complaining and sin, God provides a means for their cleansing, water for their thirst, and a way of healing from the judgment of their sin, a foreshadowing of God’s messianic promise.
- Numbers 19:1–21:35
- Focus text: Numbers 21:4-9; cp. John 3:14
Monday, March 6
Like Egypt earlier, the Moabites feared the multitudes of Israel and their strength. In an attempt to gain power over God’s people, they try to use Balaam, a heathen seer, to influence the Israelites. Again, God turns men’s evil intentions into good.
- Numbers 22:1–24:25
- Focus text: Numbers 22:21-41
Tuesday, March 7
Our reading begins with some of the Israelite men defying God’s law about sexual sin, resulting in a terrible plague. God relaxed the plague because of the brave deed of Phinehas, a later leader of Israel. A lengthy list of a new census of the tribes of Israel ensues.
- Numbers 25:1-26:65
- Focus text: Numbers 25:1-13
Wednesday, March 8
A successor to Moses is appointed and God gives instructions for offerings and festivals to be observed in the Promised Land.
- Numbers 27:1-29:40
- Focus text: Numbers 27:15-23
Thursday, March 9
God gives additional regulations to Israel about family vows. Israel defeats the Midianites in battle and the booty is distributed fairly among the warriors and the rest of God’s people.
- Numbers 30:1-31:54
- Focus text: Numbers 31:25-31; Numbers 31:48-54
Friday, March 10
Two tribes of Israel want to remain in the area before the Jordan River. Moses reluctantly accedes to their request, making them promise to come to the aid of the other tribes as they battle in Canaan. The record of their wilderness journey is listed before Moses delivers God’s final instructions to the people, demanding their obedience.
- Numbers 32:1-33:56
- Focus text: Numbers 33:50-56
Saturday, March 11
Before entering the Promised Land, boundaries are established by God and grants of land are apportioned by Eleazar the priest and Joshua the appointed leader. Provision is made to practice immediate justice, including cities of refuge for the innocently accused. And inheritance protection is put in place for women.
- Numbers 34:1-36:13
- Focus text: Numbers 34:1-15
Sunday, March 12
The journey toward The Land has been treacherous. Not everyone will live to see the special first-footfall day. As readers, be alert for a jolting account.
- Deuteronomy 1:1-3:20
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 1:6-8
Monday, March 13
Take these words to heart, acknowledging them as guardians to your families. You should absolutely know: “The LORD is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other” (Deuteronomy 4:39).
- Deuteronomy 3:21-5:33
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 4:39-40
Tuesday, March 14
God’s people: Give your full obedience to these commands, decrees, and laws. These words are for you. Hear them, understand them, then follow God’s instructions.
- Deuteronomy 6:1-9:29
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Wednesday, March 15
As an act of mercy Moses recites the incidents as the stone tablets were broken, then replaced.
- Deuteronomy 10:1-12:32
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 10:12-21
Thursday, March 16
God provides opportunities for His people to demonstrate a strong and continuous commitment of faith. Do not falter when temptation occurs!
- Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 13:1-3
Friday, March 17
There is a strong priority to reviewing God’s words each day. God expects every king in Israel to give careful attention and heed these laws.
- Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 17:14-20
Saturday, March 18
While learning to live together, while learning to live in The Promised Land, ensure that you are scrupulously honest in business with one another. Cheating in business is “detestable to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 25:16).
- Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 25:13-16
Sunday, March 19
As Moses neared the end of his time as rescuer and leader of the Israelites, he had many important things to emphasize. In particular, it’s shocking to read through chapter 28 with all the horrible things that could happen. (This chapter of 68 verses is # 4 on the list of longest chapters in the Bible.)
- Deuteronomy 26:1–29:1
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 26:16–19; 28:1–37
Monday, March 20
It was a solemn occasion when Moses gave the full and final disquisition on the covenant relationship between God and his people. The Israelites must have shuddered in their sandals to hear how important it was to obey God, and what would happen if they didn’t.
- Deuteronomy 29:2–31:29
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 30:11–20; 31:15–22
Tuesday, March 21
God often communicates to humans at special moments through a special genre. As you read these poetic lines, what emotions do you feel? Awe? Fear? Regret? Disdain? Note the conclusion: “these are not idle words” (Deut 32:47).
- Deuteronomy 31:30–32:52
- Psalm 90
- Focus Text: Deuteronomy 32:1–6, 36–43
Wednesday, March 22
Though Moses’ life came to an end, his legacy will live on forever, especially pertaining to God’s law and the terms of the covenant. Unfortunately, because of Moses’ act of disobedience, he died a healthy man on a remote mountain, prevented from entering the Promised Land.
Thursday, March 23
If you like drama, if you like miracles, if you like it when God does the unexpected, then these chapters are must reading. Facing the prospects of crossing the raging Jordan River, or conquering the massively fortified city of Jericho, you won’t be disappointed with how the “God of the impossible” solved such problems.
- Joshua 3:1–6:27
- Focus Text: Joshua 3:14–17; 4:1–7, 19–24; 5:13–15; 6:15–27
Friday, February 24
You’ll read in today’s chapters about the unexpectedly unfaithful and unfortunate Achan. But don’t miss the contrast with the unexpectedly faithful and fortunate Rahab from the beginning of the book of Joshua. She was a Gentile prostitute. Achan was a Jewish member of Joshua’s family. Shocking contrasts!
Saturday, March 25
How well do most of us understand a warrior’s world and what happens on battlefields? Unless we’ve been a soldier in the midst of life and death conflict, it will be hard to appreciate the ruthless killing resulting from the wars reported in the book of Joshua. Yet it was all part of God’s plan to prove to the Israelites that His power was greater than all others.
- Joshua 10:1–12:6
- Focus Text: Joshua 10:1–14
Sunday, March 26
God was faithful and kept His promise to Israel, defeating the Canaanite kings and giving Israel their land. Though others received their land by lot, Caleb received a special inheritance. Why was Caleb unique?
- Joshua 12:7-15:19
- Focus Text: Joshua 14:6–15
Monday, March 27
Land allotments continue for the tribes of Judah, Manasseh, and Ephraim, with special consideration given to Caleb (15:13–20), the daughters of Zelophehad (17:3–6), and both the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim (17:14–18). Divine command determined two special allotments. Even though need was another factor considered, fulfilment of prophecy marks the final one (cf. Gen 48:14–22; 49:22–26).
- Joshua 15:20-17:18
- Focus Text: Joshua 15:13–20; 17:3–6, 14–18
Tuesday, March 28
The remaining land is allotted to the last seven tribes (besides Levi). But Joshua must challenge them to take possession of the land which the Lord had given them – a reminder for us to know what God has promised in His Word and to live in faith that He will do it.
- Joshua 18:1-19:48
- Focus Text: Joshua 18:1–10
Wednesday, March 29
Joshua got the land the Lord had promised him, the Levites got cities and pasture lands as the Lord had promised, and cities of refuge were appointed for the protection of the unintentional killer which God had promised. Indeed; all the good promises that the Lord had made came to pass. HE keeps His promises!
Thursday, March 30
Faith is not blind trust. The LORD through Joshua sets forth what He had done for His people. God’s previous faithfulness was the basis for their future trust. Remember what God has done to strengthen your future faith.
- Joshua 22:1-24:33
- Focus Text: Joshua 24:1–18
Friday, March 31
Watch the fall from great successes and great commitment to abject moral failure. The generation who had seen the works of the LORD remained faithful, but the next generation did not. They did not know the work which the LORD had done for them. How important it is to recount the works of the LORD to the next generations!
- Judges 1:1-3:30
- Focus Text: Judges 2:11–23
“Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.”
February 2023
Wednesday, February 1
There’s a 400-year gap between the books of Genesis and Exodus, and God was apparently silent all those years. But with the thousands of descendants of Abraham becoming enslaved to the Egyptians, something needed to be done, and soon. Listen in as God ordains a run-a-way prince-turned-shepherd with an unexpected mission.
Thursday, February 2
After 40 years, God decided it was time to call Moses back from being a shepherd of sheep to become the shepherd of the Chosen People. The good news was, the greatest rescue effort ever would soon be launched.
- Exodus 4:18-7:13
- Focus Text: Exodus 5:22-6:8
Friday, February 3
Want to find out what happens when Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to loosen his vice-grip on his slaves, God’s Chosen People? Interested in watching one of the most impressive displays of power in human history? Keep reading.
- Exodus 7:14 – 9:35
- Focus Text: Exodus 9:13-35
Saturday, February 4
Heart-stopping plagues continue to devastate the land of Egypt; families awake in shock to the deadly blows of the angel of death, killing every firstborn son across the land. But not the Israelites: as long as they sacrificed a lamb and sprinkled the blood on the doorframes of their homes, they were passed over (“Passover”).
- Exodus 10:1 – 12:51
- Focus Text: Exodus 11:1-12-20
Sunday, February 5
Note how quickly God’s people can move from praise for deliverance (through water) to complain about the bitter water found.
- Exodus 13:1-15:27
- Focus text: Exodus 15:1-21
Monday, February 6
What do you learn from this week’s reading about God’s provision and protection for His people?
- Exodus 16:1-19:25
- Focus text: Exodus 19:1-9
Tuesday, February 7
What do we learn about God’s laws in regard to Himself, worship, and personal concerns?
- Exodus 20:1-22:15
- Focus text: Exodus 20:1-21
Wednesday, February 8
God’s provision is all-inclusive: property, society, justice, and mercy. He provides for Sabbath rest, festivals for celebration and worship, and angelic guardians, also confirming His covenant with Israel.
- Exodus 22:16-24:18
- Focus text: Exodus 24:1-18
Thursday, February 9
The Tabernacle in the wilderness was ordered by God in great detail (difficult to read sometimes) but each part is significant in illustrating His Great Plan of Redemption.
- Exodus 25:1-28:43
- Focus text: Exodus 27:20
Friday, February 10
Priests, altars, money, wash basin, oil, incense, and artisans are noted as specially appointed pieces and people dedicated to the worship of God.
- Exodus 29:1-31:18
- Focus text: Exodus 31:1-11
Saturday, February 11
Impatience leads to gross sin and severe consequences. But God is a God of second chances.
- Exodus 32:1-34:35
- Focus text: Exodus 33:12-23
Sunday, February 19
Reading Leviticus we’re reminded that sin has terrible consequences. In our case, the debt of our sins was paid for by the gracious sacrifice of blood flowing from Jesus’ body. But for people before Jesus, the debt was paid by sacrificial blood flowing from carefully selected animals. It’s a somber scene that had to be repeated again and again.
- Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47
- Focus Text: Leviticus 9:1-24; 11:44-45
Monday, February 20
The book of Leviticus strikes modern readers as exotic and puzzling, especially if we imagine ourselves being told these things. However, it wasn’t written to us, but to them. What we’re reading fit in with their culture, not ours. Nevertheless, it was for us. If we step back and take in the big picture, we can see that God’s instructions to them are reminders of his principles of purity and holiness for all of us.
- Leviticus 12:1 – 14:32
- Focus Text: Leviticus 14:19-20
Tuesday, February 21
The portion we’re reading today could be marked “for medical professionals only” or “X-rated.” It’s shocking that the Bible addresses such personal bodily functions. But here’s the point: the various kinds of impurities in our lives make the cleansing of divine atonement a necessity.
- Leviticus 14:33 – 16:34
- Focus Text: Leviticus 16:29-34
Wednesday, February 22
When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost their innocence; no longer without sin, no longer perfectly obedient, suddenly with lots to hide. From then on, the storyline of the Bible is about restoring what once was, so it can be once again. Today’s reading helps us understand what’s necessary to be part of God’s extreme makeover edition.
- Leviticus 17:1 – 19:37
- Focus Text: Leviticus 18:1-5, 29-30; 19:1
Thursday, February 23
In the midst of all the rules and regulations, an overriding concept keeps coming up. It’s actually both the reason for the rules and the goal line of life. Ponder these striking verses in particular: Leviticus 20:7, 22-26; 22:1-3, 31-33; Matt 5:48; 1 Pet 1:16.
- Leviticus 20:1 – 22:33
- Focus Text: Leviticus 20:7, 22-26; 22:1-3, 31-33
Friday, February 24
If you’ve ever wondered about the holy days in the Jewish calendar, they’re all here. As God’s people celebrated the special days, it was back to the future: God wrote the story of their past into their future.
- Leviticus 23:1 – 25:23
- Focus Text: Leviticus 23:1-44
Saturday, February 25
Leviticus 26, similar to Deuteronomy 28, is one of the most important presentations of God’s covenant relationship, both for them back then and for us. The two keywords are “if . . . then.” As the Israelites found out, if they were faithful to the terms of the covenant, then God would bless them abundantly. But if not . . . then (fair warning: it’s a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of angry God.)
- Leviticus 25:24 – 26:46
- Focus Text: Leviticus 26:3-42
Sunday, February 26
Historically the book of Numbers records the “desert wandering” of Israel between Sinai and Canaan; theologically it reveals the rebellious heart of Israel (and mankind in general) but also the just and gracious nature of God; devotionally it calls us to worship God with gratitude, trust, and obedience.
- Leviticus 27:1-34
- Numbers 1:1-54
- Focus Text: Numbers 1:1–4, 49–54
Monday, February 27
When God redeemed Israel out of Egypt, and the firstborn Egyptians died, He claimed the firstborn of all Israel for Himself and then called the men of Levi to be their substitutes. How did this picture the person and work of the Messiah? Cf. Rom 8:29; Heb 1:6; Mark 10:45.
- Numbers 2:1 – 3:51
- Focus Text: Num 3:12–13, 40–51
Tuesday, February 28
Just as every able-bodied Levite man had his task of serving or carrying, so also every member of the Body of Christ has his or her place to serve.
- Numbers 4:1 – 5:31
- Focus Text: Num 4:46–48
“Abraham believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
January 2023
Sunday, January 1
How did Adam and Eve go from Paradise Gained to Paradise Lost? Even as God proclaimed and enforced the painful consequences of sin, He showed grace. How?
- Genesis 1:1-3:24
- Focus Text: Foundational for the whole Story, the first three chapters of Genesis are “must read” material.
Monday, January 2
What broke God’s heart? How did He respond?
Tuesday, January 3
Today we encounter for the first time the important term “covenant.” In the ancient world, a covenant was a legal, binding agreement between two parties that brought them into a special relationship, which was defined by promises and obligations. After the flood, how did God plan for the earth and living things to continue His Story?
- Genesis 7:1-10:5
- 1 Chronicles 1:5-7
- Genesis 10:6-20
- 1 Chronicles 1:8-16
- Genesis 10:21-30
- 1 Chronicles 1:17-23
- Genesis 10:31-32
- Focus Text: Gen 8:1-22
Wednesday, January 4
How does God respond to mankind’s rejection of His plan and their futile attempt to replace Him? Don’t miss God’s offer of a covenant to Abraham, as these promises set the trajectory and drive the rest of The Story.
Thursday, January 5
How did Abraham, now old and “childless,” respond to God’s assurance that he would have an heir, and why is this response significant? Even though God ratifies His covenant with Abraham through a dramatic and bloody ceremony, in what ways does the covenant appear threatened?
- Genesis 15:1 – 17:27
- Focus Text: Gen 15:1-6
Friday, January 6
Who were the three mysterious “men” who visited Abraham (see 18:1, as well as Hebrews 13:2, for the answer) and what promise did they convey? How do we see both God’s grace and truth, His mercy and judgment, acted on in today’s passages?
Saturday, January 7
An Old Testament romance? How is this different from today’s courtship?
Sunday, January 8
Throughout The Story of the Bible we see God’s sovereignty over human events coupled with human decisions for which they are responsible. Watch how this plays out in the lives of Esau and Jacob.
- Genesis 25:1-4
- 1 Chronicles 1:32-33
- Genesis 25:5-6, 12-18
- 1 Chron 1:28-31, 34
- Genesis 25:19-26, 7-11
- Focus Text: Gen 25:19-26
Monday, January 9
The Hebrew name Jacob has several meanings, including “deceiver” or “supplanter” (someone who usurps). How does Jacob live up to his name in these chapters?
Tuesday, January 10
Through a dream, God repeats to Jacob the same covenant promises he had made to Abraham. Which of those promises takes a concrete step towards fulfillment in these chapters?
- Genesis 28:6 – 30:24
- Focus Text: Gen 28:1-22
Wednesday, January 11
What do these chapters tell us about Jacob’s messed-up family relations and about Rachel’s confused spiritual life? How do we see God working out His plan in spite of (and even through) messy lives?
- Genesis 30:25 – 31:55
- Focus Text: Gen 31:1-18
Thursday, January 12
A theophany is a visible manifestation of God. How does God appear to Jacob?
- Genesis 32:1 – 35:27
- Focus Text: Gen 32:22-32
Friday, January 13
One reason genealogies play a big role in The Story of the Bible is that God cares about the nations. Here we see the backstory on the nation of Edom, which hangs on the edges of The Story but still gets its own prophetic book (Obadiah).
- Genesis 36:1-19
- 1 Chronicles 1:35-37
- Genesis 36:20-30
- 1 Chronicles 1:38-42
- Genesis 36:31-43
- 1 Chronicles 1:43-2:2
- Focus Text: Gen 35:1-15
Saturday, January 14
About Joseph, the text repeatedly tells us: “The Lord was with him.” One thing that phrase can’t mean is that Joseph’s life was without disappointment or hardship. How does Joseph’s life evidence God’s presence?
Sunday, January 15
God had promised Abraham that “all peoples of the earth” would be blessed through him. How is this promise partially fulfilled through Joseph’s rise to power?
Monday, January 16
Before revealing his identity to his brothers, Joseph first tests them. What convinces Joseph that they changed (keep an eye on Judah)?
- Genesis 42:1 – 45:15
- Focus Text: Gen 44:1 – 45:15
Tuesday, January 17
The providential work of God and the personal experience of people are not mutually exclusive realities. How do we encounter both in today’s reading?
- Genesis 45:16 – 47:27
- Focus Text: Gen 46:25-34
Wednesday, January 18
Genesis concludes with a significant prophecy (49:10) and a profound theological statement (50:20). Both say something about God’s sovereignty and goodness, inspiring trust.
- Genesis 47:28 – 50:26
- Focus Text: Gen 50:12-26
Thursday, January 19
As one of the oldest books in the Bible, Job wrestles with one of life’s oldest questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? Before the human actors start processing this conundrum, we readers get a glimpse behind the curtain at the broader, spiritual context. Warning: Although Job and his friends communicate plenty of wisdom in this book, much of it is misapplied when it comes to Job’s situation. The book of Job, it turns out, serves as a corrective to an overly simplistic, formulaic understanding of life.
- Job 1:1 – 4:21
- Focus Text: Job 1:1-22
Friday, January 20
In his suffering and out of his limited perspective, Job asks God a lot of questions. It’s fine to ask God questions, but not all questions are equally legitimate. Look for questions that highlight our deepest needs and foreshadow what God will do. For example: “Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins?” (7:21).
- Job 5:1 – 7:21
- Focus Text: Job 7:1-21
Saturday, January 21
Although he does not understand the source or cause of his suffering, Job maintains a high view of God. At the same time, Job voices to God the longings and hopes of the human predicament: “If only there were someone to mediate between us.”
- Job 8:1 – 11:20
- Focus Text: Job 9:1-35
Sunday, January 22
Like Job, we all search for insight during the storms of life. We wonder, “Where is God in the midst of chaos?”
- Job 12:1 – 14:22
- Focus Text: Job 12:13-25
Monday, January 23
Deep suffering becomes more burdensome when so-called spiritual advisors add troubles to the soul. When God seems angry to whom shall we turn?
- Job 15:1 – 18:21
- Focus Text: Job 16:1-5
Tuesday, January 24
Abiding hope bursts forth during unlikely times, even when life is troublesome.
- Job 19:1 – 21:34
- Focus Text: Job 19:23-27
Wednesday, January 25
Bildad proclaims that a human being should be considered, “only a worm.” Consider the contrast between Bildad and the psalmist in Psalm 8:3-9.
- Job 22:1 – 25:6
- Focus Text: Job 25:1-6
Thursday, January 26
While searching for wisdom Job provides specific insights. He also admits that complete answers remain elusive.
- Job 26:1 – 29:25
- Focus Text: Job 28:1-29
Friday, January 27
A spiritual inventory before God, in honest review of your life, may look like the words of this passage.
- Job 30:1 – 31:40
- Focus Text: Job 31:1-40
Saturday, January 28
A younger man who has been silent finally speaks, providing a truthful and (mostly) spiritually-accurate statement.
- Job 32:1 – 34:37
- Focus Text: Job 34:12-15
Sunday, January 29
Today’s text records Elihu’s parting shot in his accusations against Job. You won’t be surprised by how thoroughly Job’s accuser misunderstands God’s silence when people are oppressed. But you’ll be delighted when Elihu unexpectedly switches gears and stands in awe of how great God is.
- Job 35:1 – 37:24
- Focus Text: Job 37:14-24
Monday, January 30
Prepare to be shocked with what happens next. After the long dialogue between Job and his so-called friends—as they piled on more and more questions about Job’s suffering—God turned the tables and pounded Job with questions of his own. “Who do you think you are, Job, questioning me?!” (Don’t miss Job’s humble reply: 40:3-5.)
- Job 38:1 – 40:5
- Focus Text: Job 38:1-21
Tuesday, January 31
Following a description of two of the strongest, most unearthly creatures imaginable. God challenged Job, “Can you make a pet out of such monsters? I can; I created them!” With that, Job’s story comes to a stunning and unexpected climax. He regretfully repented that he had been speaking to God out of complete ignorance. And in a special measure of grace, God more than restored what Job had lost at the beginning of the story. Amazing!
- Job 40:6 – 42:17
- Focus Text: Job 42:1-11