Category: Daily Bible Reading

Job 1:1-3:26; 1 Corinthians 14:1-17; Psalm 37:12-29; Proverbs 21:25-26

Even though it does not seem like it, when challenges arise in our lives, we really can handle them. Job is the “poster child” for suffering and unfair tragedy. But when you look at the beginning of the story, you see some very important information.

First, God does not author the challenges that we face. The source of Job’s problems and calamities was satan (which means accuser). When troubles enter your life, please know that they are not being created by God. They are being brought by satan whose chief joy is to defeat you. The second great lesson we learn about Job’s story is that God has confidence in His children. God actually brags on Job’s faithfulness. He asks satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job?”

This is the tough truth. Regardless of how bad our circumstances are God knows that we can handle whatever the devil throws at us. There is strength on the inside of us that goes untapped except during the challenges that we face in life. Job learned more about himself, his friends and his Heavenly Father through everything he endured.

Don’t fight against God when you go through hardships. Instead of asking “why me?”, you should ask, “What now?” In other words, “because You know that I can handle this, what should my next step be?” If we ask questions like this, we will not lose hope or heart and quit. You will go through to the other side because if you are in it, God knows that you can handle it.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Job 4:1-7:21; 1 Corinthians 14:18-40; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 21:27

Esther 8:1-10:3; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 21:23-24

In a world filled with unbridled ambition, can you be a person who will wait for God to elevate you. How about this? When you know there is a plot against you or there are people conspiring to do you harm, can you trust that God will be your defender?

Trusting God is not a process whereby we ask God to bless our plans. Trusting God means that you won’t move until He gives you clear direction. When the Jews were under a death sentence, they did not take up arms and fight, they prayed and fasted. God answered. If they had arisen and fought for themselves, they would have missed the wonderful way that God would vindicate them.

God wants to vindicate you as His child. I know you may want to fight your own battles, but let God show you that He can truly set a table before you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23). When God exalts you, no one can bring you down.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Job 1:1-3-26; 1 Corinthians 14:1-17; Psalm 37:12-29; Proverbs 21:25-26

Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22

When God is on your side, there is no foe that can defeat you. If we truly understood the depth of God’s love for us and His unreserved willingness to defend us in all situations, we would never fear anyone. Yet, too often we don’t think we deserve this type of protection.

The entire Jewish nation was under the threat of annihilation. They knew this was not God’s will for their lives. So they fasted and prayed and they stood! They stood up for their lives. Esther stood up for them and the very person who had plotted to kill them ended up being killed himself. 

Why would God do all of this? Because they are His children. The same is true for you. Stop being afraid of people and their schemes. God is truly your defense. He knows how to fight for you. Step aside and let Him fight. When He fights, He wins. And, He is ready to fight for you. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: Esther 8:1-10:3; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 21:23-24

Esther 1:1-3:15; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20

God always has a plan. Even when we cannot understand what is happening and why things are happening, we can be certain that nothing is haphazard. God sees the long view of history and knows every twist and turn based on the decisions we make. No matter what road we take, God knows where it will lead. God has so much knowledge, that He can redirect our steps at any point to get us back to where He wants us to be. 

The story of Esther appears like one where “fate” is at work and things just seem to work out. However, it is not fate, luck or chance, there is a divine plan and God is putting people in strategic places so that His will is done. 

Don’t resist when strange doors of opportunity arise for you. Discern if God is planning something big and desires your involvement in order for it to be completed. You should never fret even when there are plans and schemes lodged against you. God has put people in place to help you. He knew you would be there and He made a way to get you through it. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22

Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18

There is power in Thanksgiving. As the people prepare to re-dedicate the Temple, they assemble two choirs to walk around the walls. They had one charge: to offer thanksgiving to God. Look at the picture: the walls are  completed and the people are excited to welcome God. They mount the walls (which is their greatest achievement) and they begin to thank God.

They put their human accomplishment in the proper perspective. They knew that it would not have been possible without the help and hand of God. What would happen if we really just lived our lives with an attitude of gratitude. Instead of looking at what we don’t have and what we should have, why not be thankful for what we do have?

Rebuilding the Temple and the walls was no small feat and it took a great deal of time, yet they did not focus on the difficulties (which they could have done). They chose to rejoice. We can become very anxious and ungrateful in life if we are prone to look at the problems instead of the promises. If you remember that you are just passing through your problems, you will be able to praise your way through.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Esther 1:1-3:15; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16

Service to God is the highest form of living. We were created to serve God by serving others. This is where we find purpose. Nehemiah had a mammoth task of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. His role was more than construction. He was also charged by God to reinstitute authentic worship.

Authentic worship includes not only honoring the Word of God but also yielding your time to serve God. Here are some aspects of our service to God. First, everyone has a role to play. God never expects us all to do the same thing but He does expect us to do something. There is a place for you in the service of the Lord. Next, everyone is a master at something. In the same way that you don’t have to do everything, you also don’t have to do everything well. But, there is one thing that you do well and that one thing is needed in God’s Kingdom.

Lastly, It takes everyone doing their part to make everything run smoothly. The Temple was a massive building and the work that needed to be accomplished was huge. It took people who were willing to do their part and do their part well because every “job” is important. Whatever you are called to do for God is important in God’s eyes. It may not be a visible position (it does not have to be) but it will be important to God and to fulfilling His will on earth.

Are you serving in God’s house? If not, you should, because the reason you were born will be found as you faithfully serve.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13

God’s mercy cannot be comprehended! It literally makes no logical sense. We live in a culture that constantly cries for “getting what we deserve.” We have been trained to think that there are certain things that we ought to have for whatever the reason. When you receive mercy and recognize it, you are glad that you did not receive what you deserve. 

That’s exactly what mercy is: not getting what you deserve. If the truth be told, when we look at our positives and negatives, it is clear that we do not deserve the unfailing love of God which He shows to us. The children of Israel knew about the mercy of God. As soon as they received one blessing, they turned their backs on God. Yet, God never gave up on them. And, God never gives up on us. 

God’s mercy always trumps judgement. Receive His new mercies every morning so that you can see how much He loves you! Don’t fight for what you think you deserve. Receive God’s mercy and you will not get the judgement and consequences that you do deserve! 

Tomorrow’s Reading: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16

Nehemiah 7:73-9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12

What is your view about the Word of God and its effect on your life? When you hear its words read or taught, what is your response? As Nehemiah restores true worship to Israel, Ezra brings the Book of the Law of Moses and reads for about 5-6 hours to all the men, women and children who were old enough to understand. The Levites were dispatched among the crowd and helped the people understand as the Law was read.  

As they heard the Word of God, they were so moved by it, that they wept. We are not told why they wept. It could have been from conviction about their sins or confidence in a God who loved them enough to give them clear instructions. Nevertheless, Nehemiah tells the people that on the day that they hear and understand the law, it should bring joy and celebration! 

God’s Word is so vital to our lives and it should never be taken lightly. If Nehemiah encouraged the people to have joy from just reading the Law of Moses, how much more should we who have the New Testament be filled with joy knowing how much God loves us and has a purpose and plan for us. It is this joy that strengthens us to keep moving forward towards our destiny. “The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.” (Psalm 119:130)

Tomorrow’s Reading: Nehemiah 9:22-10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13

Nehemiah 5:14-7:73; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10

Integrity has often been described as what you do when no one is watching. Some things may be legal but they may not be moral. What serves as the umpire of your life so that you can distinguish between the two? Just because we can do something does not mean that we should do it. Every believer needs some code or standard that helps him or her make these crucial decisions.

There was a custom that governors and political leaders would get generous perks because of their service. Nehemiah, though he was entitled to these benefits, forfeited them because of the harm that it would do to the people who were already struggling. Was it his right? Yes. But, was it moral? No! Why would Nehemiah make a decision like this, which put a greater burden on him and a lesser burden on others? It’s simple: The Fear of the Lord.

You see, when all is said and done, we will have to stand before God and give an account of our actions. Nehemiah understood that even though he was a servant of the king, he answered to a higher authority. How about you? If your position affords you certain inducements that unfairly put a strain on others, will your fear of God cause you to forego them? It may not be a benefit but an action that you take. Whatever it is, even if it is legally right, you have to ask, “Will it please God?”

One day you will have to stand before God and tell Him why you took certain actions. Keeping this in mind will always keep you in line with God and His purposes.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Nehemiah 7:73-9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 21:5-7

Being a person of integrity means that you stand up even for those who are being mistreated. Nehemiah had enough going on with his project to rebuild the walls. They were under major threats to disrupt their work. They were so concerned about the enemy that they were rebuilding the walls with one hand and holding a weapon in the other.

While all this is going on, Nehemiah learns that the people were being oppressed because of the urgent need for food. They were selling their children into slavery in order to get basic necessities. Nehemiah could not allow this to continue because he knew that rebuilding the walls meant nothing if the people who dwelt within the walls were bound and oppressed.

He confronted the injustice and established a new way that people should be treated. Do you have a heart to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves? We can build great structures but there is nothing more important than building people.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Nehemiah 5:14-7:73; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10