Daily Bible Reading

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read more about one of the three “seasons” of miraculous events (GT1’s as I like to call them; i.e., God’s breaking of natural law, as compared to God’s providential events). Just like in Moses & Joshua’s day, and in the day of Christ and the Apostles, this classical period of the prophets was marked by God’s supernatural authentication of the word of his spokesmen. Let us remember that whether it is the Law, the Prophets, or the New Testament, these authoritative messages came bearing God’s signature (Heb.2...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read about the interesting healing of Naaman the Syrian. Here is a man who was initially unwilling to humbly “step down” to appropriate God’s fix for his physical problems. Let us learn from this that while our world may mock us for clinging to the truth of the “simple story” of Christ’s redemption and the forgiveness of sin, there is no fix without following God’s instructions.

— Pastor Mike

2 Kings 4-5

Elisha and the...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In today’s reading, the forthright and bold ministry of Elijah comes to an end and the mantle is picked up by Elisha. May God provide many men and women in our generation who will care more about accuracy than popularity. Providentially, in our New Testament verses, we read again of the ultimate bold prophet of God—John the Baptist.

— Pastor Mike

2 Kings 1-3

Elijah Denounces Ahaziah

1 After the death of Ahab, Moab reb...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As we wrap up the book of 1 Kings may we learn to hate the greed and immaturity in our own lives, which we see displayed in Ahab’s. And I pray that the alliance of Ahab and Jehosophat will remind us of the serious repercussions of our own alliances. May we remember that “whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Pr.13:20). Thankful today for the great and memorable words of Christ in John 3, as we reread his teaching to Nicodemus.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We can sympathize with Elijah’s pain and despondency. But we should also learn from God’s concern to get him back on his feet and back in the battle. I pray that God continues to strengthen and encourage you amid the daily opposition you face when you stand up and speak up for Christ. Remember the words of Christ: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn.16:33b).

— Pastor Mike

1 Kin...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Unlike the periodic kingly bright spots in the southern kingdom, the northern kings of Israel form a long parade of compromise, idolatry, and all-out rebellion against God’s revealed truth. Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab are just the beginning of the sad story of the kings of the north. Thankfully, there is some hopeful and encouraging reading in John, as we recall the baptism of Christ and the enlistment of his disciples.

— Pastor Mike

1 Kings 16-18

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Sobering words in 1 Kings 14 directed toward the sinfulness and rebellion of Jeroboam. Let us always take notice when God articulates his judgments on those who disregard the truth they know, and encourage others to do the same. In our New Testament reading we dive into the gospel of John, a very different kind of biography of Christ. Praying that this read through John enriches your understanding of and love for Christ.

— Pastor Mike

1 Kings 14-15

...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We have to be careful from whom we get our counsel. What a classic example in 1 Kings 12 of the young king shopping for the advice he wanted to hear. May we embrace truth and wisdom from the spiritually mature, even when it doesn’t sit well with us at first. In Luke 24 we are reminded that our future resurrected bodies will be tangible like Christ’s—eating and breathing bodies. Thanking God that we are not made to exist eternally as disembodied spirits.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

By the grace of God, Solomon’s life and leadership are so exemplary that he rightly impresses the astonished queen of Sheba. In Luke we are privileged to reread the proof and divine validation of Christ’s acceptable life and death. Because he rose bodily from the dead we are assured that “though we die, we will live” (Jn.11:25). What an honor and certainty we should sense as we serve a risen King.

— Pastor Mike

1 Kings 10-11

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

While in today’s Old Testament reading Solomon’s temple is being constructed and occupied by the glory of God, in our New Testament reading, a thousand years later, we see Christ destroying the temple as the veil in Herod’s rendition is being torn—showing that the temple ceremonies are now rendered passé by the perfect sacrifice of Christ.

— Pastor Mike

1 Kings 8-9

The Ark Brought into the Temple

8 Then Solomon assembled the...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The construction of the temple in Jerusalem begins. Interestingly, this was not to be a “loud and noisy” affair (1Kgs.6:7). The decorum and solemnity of this building were to be evident even on the job site. Let us recognize, as the New Testament teaches, that God’s Spirit no longer wants people to see his abode in a building, but rather in the lives of the followers of Christ.

— Pastor Mike

1 Kings 6-7

Solomon Builds the...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the fascinating account of God’s dealings with the new king Solomon and his humble prayer for wisdom. May this instructive text inspire us to see the relative unimportance of the things the world chases after. As Solomon would later exhort all of us: “Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you” (Pr.4:7-8).

— Pastor Mike

1 Kings 3-5

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

3 So...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Transitions of power are often messy. Today we read of Solomon’s securing of the throne which, while not half as dramatic as the transition from Saul to David, certainly reminds us that the presumption of people is often in conflict with the will of God. May our reading of Peter’s denial remind us of the grace of God and of the way that stumbling saints are sought and restored by Christ.

— Pastor Mike

1 Kings 1-2

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We can be both motivated and warned from reading of David’s noble actions and sinful deeds. May his specific words of honor to his “mighty men” in chapter 23 prompt us to be more liberal in the honoring of our comrades. And may his distrust and insecurity in having to “number the troops” remind us, like David once sang, that trusting in our “chariots and horses” is foolish when God is guiding and directing (Ps.20:7).

— Pastor Mike

2 Samuel 23-24<...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

How helpful it is to read these “songs of deliverance” from David’s heart in chapter 22. Let us learn to pause and thoughtfully express our praise and thanksgiving to God when he, in various ways, faithfully delivers us. I hope that reading again of Christ’s betrayal in Luke 22 challenges us to reconsider our ultimate motivations for allying with Christ (cf. Jn.12:4-6).

— Pastor Mike

2 Samuel 21-22

David Avenges the Gibeonites

21 Now there was a...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The bold counsel of Joab to David was essential given the situation. Oh for the wisdom to know when to provide such corrective rebukes! As Proverbs says, “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser” (9:8-9). Praise God for the wisdom of Joab, and for the fact that David proved to be a wise man. May we be able to discern properly at these critical crossroads.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

More drama today in David’s life. What a difficult reign David endured. Reading of God’s sovereign protection and providential care for his people in the face of opposition should be a comfort and a cause for praise and thanksgiving. We read of the death of Absalom with a conflicted heart. We feel for David and the loss of his son, yet we see God’s just response to his subversion.

— Pastor Mike

2 Samuel 17-18

...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The classic subversion of Absalom should serve as a warning to us of the corruptive power of jealousy, envy, and self-promotion. So many of the troubles recorded in the Bible (and in our lives today) can be traced back to these common insidious sins. In Luke 20 we see Christ continue to contend for the truth in the face of his theological combatants. May we see from this that right doctrine matters, and that truth is worth standing up for.

— Pastor Mike

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

While God’s forgiveness is thorough and complete, today’s Old Testament chapters should sober us as we read of the residual earthly effects and reverberating consequences of David’s sins. May the family trouble of David be a motivation for us to step up our fight against sin (Heb.12:4). Don’t fail to note the shrewd and insightful tactics of Christ as he deals with his critics and detractors in Luke 20.

— Pastor Mike

2 Samuel 13-14

Am...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The moral failure of David and his subsequent repentance should serve as a poignant reminder of God’s grace and mercy. Because the ultimate “Son of David” resisted all temptation in our stead, his perfect life can be credited to sinners like David, and us. Praise God that the contrite can know the Lord’s incredible kindness, as he grants us unearned forgiveness.

— Pastor Mike

2 Samuel 10-12

David Defeats Ammon and Syria

10 After this th...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read one of the most important chapters of the Old Testament, in which God makes his covenant with King David. May this reading remind us that while there was a string of earthly kings between David and Christ, the ultimate “Son of David” is the One who will perfectly lead his people in a place without reference to sin, suffering, or rebellion.

— Pastor Mike

2 Samuel 7-9

God’s Covenant with David

7 Now w...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We are reminded of God’s justice and his people’s vindication in today’s Old Testament reading. May we be assured that even when things on this earth seem unjust and chaotic, God is keeping track and will one day settle the score. Let’s trust him and persist in faithfully doing what he has called us to do.

— Pastor Mike

2 Samuel 4-6

Ish-bosheth Murdered

4 When Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read of the beginnings of David’s tumultuous transition to the throne. We see his sincere love and concern for the honor of Israel’s disgraced king and his family. May we learn to appropriately honor those in the various positions of power today, even when their lives do not warrant respect. Let us also be encouraged to learn to persistently pray as we respond to Christ’s teaching in the initial section of Luke 18.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read of Saul’s sad end. Saul’s miserable death is a poetic end to his reign of compromise and spiritual rebellion. We should be thankful for our coming King who will reign as a holy and perfect Monarch, leading and directing us in righteousness. This great Christian hope is the final realization of the initial phase of the kingdom in which we currently live, and the one to which Jesus refers in Luke 17:20-21.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

What stinging words from Christ today in Luke 17:1-2! How small our view of sin and temptation. Let us learn to take sin and temptation much more seriously than we do. May we ponder this powerful warning so that we dare not become the avenue through which sins and temptations come to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us not be the reason someone sins today, tomorrow, or ever.

— Pastor Mike

1 Samuel 27-29

Davi...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

What a dramatic story of Nabal, David, and Abigail. There’s so much to learn from this fascinating account. Not the least of which is to regularly relearn the lesson of Romans 12:17-21, especially when our flesh wants to drag us into an imprudent fight. God has better solutions than our fleshly reactions quickly propose. Praise God for women like Abigail who know how to defuse these situations.

— Pastor Mike

1 Samuel 25-26

The Death of Sam...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Here in 1 Samuel 22 is the classic text that always reminds me of our coming vindication. It was this minority group—the outcasts of “Saul’s society” who lived in submission to the real king. While they were pushed to the fringe of “king Saul’s society,” one day they would march into Jerusalem with their newly inaugurated king as the vindicated princes of the kingdom. And so will those who now follow the Son of David.

— Pastor Mike

1 Samuel 22...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The parable of the “Lost Son” cannot be divorced from the opening two parables in Luke 15. Notice that this triad of parables is instructive regarding conversion—”lost and found”; “dead and alive.” Let’s be careful to utilize the parables of Christ the way they were intended. The “Lost Son” is a great picture of the way a gracious God seeks us when we are dead in our transgressions and sins. He draws us and makes us alive in Christ (Eph.2:1-10).

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The classic story of young David standing before Goliath ought to be read slowly and carefully. Perhaps we will gain fresh insight on this familiar account. Consider the zeal of this small shepherd who feared only God. See the value the Lord places on this kind of resolute trust and concern for the glory and honor of God. Also, in Luke 15, don’t miss the important preludes to the parable to the “Lost Son” that we will read tomorrow.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the context for the classic principle that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” The “sacrifice”, in context, is nothing more than Saul’s pathetic excuse for why he was greedily disobedient to the Lord’s command. May we learn to obey the clear directions of Christ even when they don’t immediately appear to satisfy our pressing desires and appetites.

— Pastor Mike

1 Samuel 15-16

The Lord Rejects Saul

15 And Samuel said to Sau...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In 1 Samuel 13 we read of Saul’s impatience and lack of trust as he foolishly assumes the responsibilities saved for the priest. Such a mix of the priestly office and the monarchy is unacceptable in anyone except the Lord Jesus Christ, who legitimately stands qualified as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Applicable to the sin of Saul, Christ today speaks of an honor that is granted and not assumed in Luke 14.

— Pastor Mike

1 Samuel 13-14

Sa...