Daily Bible Reading

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

These Old Testament prophecies regarding the various nations should impress us with the fact that God’s “eyes are in every place keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov.15:3). Israel had taken center stage, but the Lord is faithful to his own testimony in nature, in conscience, as well as in the foreign influence these nations had received from God’s written word entrusted to Israel. The stern warnings continue in Hebrews, which should lead us to always respond to every conviction of truth and the gospel we encounter.

— Pastor...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In Jeremiah 43, we read the familiar refrain of the unrepentant. When their appetite for compromise is not satisfied by the message of God’s people, they resort to slander and false accusations. Reading this 2,500-year-old story should remind us that there really is “nothing new under the sun,” as Solomon put it. People’s hearts are no different now then they were then. Which should help us to see why the exhortation from Hebrews 3:13 is so relevant.

— Pastor Mike

Jerem...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Details of the scheduled defeat of Israel in the sixth century before Christ are presented to us in today’s Old Testament reading. God is faithful to his promises—both for blessing and for judgment. As we read these sobering depictions in Jeremiah, may we be motivated by the New Testament warnings to urgently and confidently cling to the salvation that God has graciously provided us in Christ. Let us be thankful that though we deserve God’s just punishment, abundant grace is supplied to us through God’s merciful plan.

— Pastor...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Jeremiah is persecuted for speaking boldly in his day. May we always remember that God’s people are not exempt from serious opposition from the world—actually it is promised (cf. 2Tim.3:12). Take heart that in the end “they won’t get very far, for their folly will be plain to all” (2Tim. 3:9). Today in the New Testament we commence with our reading of the great book of Hebrews. I trust this year’s read through this challenging book will have a strengthening effect on your walk with Christ.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The attack on the word of God is nothing new. In today’s Old Testament reading we are reminded to stand strong in the face of opposition, knowing that regardless of the apparent successes to dismiss God’s word, the truth will always prevail. May our New Testament reading of the short book of Philemon encourage us that God has something important to say about the way our relationships should be valued and protected.

— Pastor Mike

Jeremiah 36-37

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

I trust that the hopeful prophecies regarding the “Branch” that “springs up for David” in today’s Jeremiah reading will remind you how God has been working out his redemptive plan for centuries. While we may tend to be impatient, I pray we will never doubt the coming culmination of God’s plan to enthrone his own Son as the rightful King of all the redeemed. Be sure to slowly take in all the great truths we find in Titus 3. What a great chapter to impress us with what is truly important and what is no...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In this classic text of the Old Testament we find the original context and initial expectations regarding the “New Covenant” promise of God. Let us be thankful for the aspects of this important passage that God has let us participate in, and let us anticipate the future completion of this sweeping promise. In the New Testament we read the brief second chapter of Titus. I pray that the powerful words of Titus 2 motivate you to “be zealous for good works” (v.14).

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The Lord expects his people not to be swayed from the truth—no matter how difficult things may be. Jeremiah’s warning to those in the first Babylonian deportation is reminiscent of the New Testament words that Christ’s Church not be “carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Eph.4:14). Today we begin the short read through the important pastoral epistle we call “Titus.” He had a tough “mission field” and Paul’s exhortation to Titus proves to be an apt reminder for those of us who seek to make a difference for Christ in the twen...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In today’s Old Testament reading an important truth is presented along with the dramatic visual of a “yoke”—the wooden contraption that securely linked animals together. God speaks metaphorically of binding yokes and breaking yokes, and we are reminded again of God’s powerful and sovereign work internationally, both then and now. In 2 Timothy 4 we read some sorely needed exhortations for the pastors of Christ’s churches to be fearless preachers of God’s word regardless of the social or ecclesiastical climate for the truth.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today the specifics of the Babylonian captivity are spelled out in Jeremiah’s prophecy. Also, we see more of the price that Jeremiah was to pay for telling the truth. In 2 Timothy 3 we begin to imagine that our age is not all that different from the days of Jeremiah—as men and women would rather function on assumption and speculation than on the clarity of God’s revealed truth. May we understand the importance of the centrality of Scripture as we read the text today.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As we see in almost all the prophets’ writings, there is today held out the specific hope of an ultimate restoration through God’s chosen One. That great Messianic prophecy is contrasted with the “lying prophets,” who are again called out for failing to bring the truth regarding sin, holiness, and God’s judgment. In our New Testament reading we encounter a set of memorable word pictures that I trust will be a great encouragement and motivation for our Christian lives today.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Some of the history of Jeremiah’s troubles is documented in today’s Old Testament reading. May this remind us, as Paul is trying to impress upon Timothy in our New Testament reading, that to speak up uncompromisingly about God’s truth will often invite ridicule, hostility, and painful opposition. Let us learn to speak the truth in love, never thinking that “love” somehow means we are not obligated to be truthful.

— Pastor Mike

Jeremiah 20-22

Jeremiah P...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As always, in today’s reading of Jeremiah God is concerned that his judgments are understood. We see the hope of God’s promised restoration of Israel, and the call for his people to trust in him. More vivid examples and illustrations are employed as God shows us his commitment to communicate clearly during this critical time in Israel’s history. In the New Testament we read some very important and practical instructions that should make us all reevaluate our priorities.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read of God’s use of natural disaster to carry out discipline on his wayward people. We also learn an important lesson about the “lying prophets” who want to falsely prop up people’s hopes by telling them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. In our New Testament we read divine instructions that place the care of needy family and extended family on the shoulders of family members and not the church. What a helpful and often overlooked set of principles in 1 Timothy 5.

— Pastor...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today’s Old Testament reading is prompted by Jeremiah’s reasonable question regarding what is happening to Judah. The Lord takes him to school on the divine covenants of the sacred nation. Then God enlists Jeremiah to portray a vivid illustration of the truths he is better coming to understand. In 1 Timothy 4 we read the sobering forecast regarding the church age. Let this challenge us to be the “good servant” described in the later part of this important chapter.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In his admission of the pain he feels over the indictments he is commissioned to deliver, Jeremiah shows us why he is sometimes called the “weeping prophet.” Speaking the truth to people about sin is never a joyful activity. Let Jeremiah’s burdened heart be a safeguard for us against the dispassionate or detached approach seen too often in many. In 1 Timothy 3 we see the high standard required of the leaders in the church. May this be a prompt for all of us to pray for those who lead in this important capacity...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

More today on the folly of sin, as Jeremiah reminds God’s people that they stubbornly pursue their sinful paths even after the Lord’s faithful discipline (7:28). The foolishness of the nation’s moral rebellion is poignantly illustrated in chapter 8 by God’s comparison of their behavior to the animal kingdom, which seems to know better than they do. As participants in Christ’s Church, 1 Timothy 2 will remind us all to be busy praying not only for fellow Christians, but also for those in secular positions of authority.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In Jeremiah’s preaching today we read about the frustrating reality of hardheartedness, which is such a common characteristic of humanity. Or to put it in the words of Hebrews 3:13, we need to see to it “that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” In the New Testament we begin our read of the “Pastoral Epistles” (i.e., 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus). God’s concern that Christ’s Church be all that it is meant to be will dominate our thoughts over the next couple of weeks.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read of God’s passionate and dramatic call to repentance through Jeremiah—to his wayward generation. How gracious God is to provide messengers that call people to repentance in light of his impending judgment. As unpleasant as it may seem, we must see the Lord’s mercy in the “harsh words” of the prophet, as he calls the people to see their sin for what it is. Even in the New Testament we read of what might have well been perceived as “harsh,” as the Apostle Paul calls the lazy busybodies to ge...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In the Old Testament today we begin our read of the book of Jeremiah. Much like the call of Moses, and many other important figures in the Old Testament, I hope your reading of these opening scenes will remind you that the greatness of God is what makes even the most unlikely saints powerful instruments in the Lord’s hand. In 2 Thessalonians 2 we see that Christians can be assured they haven’t missed the coming of Christ and gathering of his church, if the “man of lawlessness” and his associated “rebellion” has not yet arrive...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we wrap up this year’s read through the great book of Isaiah. I trust that this view to a “new heaven and new earth” brings much of the theology of Isaiah into sharp focus. May the memorable words in Isaiah 66:1-2 lead us to resolve to be people—”humble and contrite in spirit.” Today we also begin reading the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians which, in the very first chapter, reminds us that God is a just God and will vindicate his people. What an important reminder in a world where...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

More today on the restoration of God’s people, the Lord’s just response to sin, and the hope for the remnant of contrite people who turn to God in honest confession—clinging to his grace. In our New Testament reading we should be encouraged and challenged by this short letter from Paul, which is filled with hope and practical instruction.

— Pastor Mike

Isaiah 62-64

Zion’s Coming Salvation

62 For Zion’s sake I will not kee...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As we near the closing chapters of Isaiah we see again with clarity the problem of sin, which caused our need for redemption and deliverance. The ultimate redemptive work of God seen in today’s reading clearly stretches beyond the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. May we be encouraged by these sweeping and far-reaching promises. In 1 Thessalonians 4 we see the call to engage in the work of Christian sanctification in light of Christ’s forthcoming return.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In our reading of Isaiah 56 through 58, we again observe the “kindness and severity of God” (Rom.11:22). Note God’s gracious inclusivity in extending his salvation across national barriers, which many in Isaiah’s day failed to anticipate. I trust that our reading of the short third chapter of 1 Thessalonians will give us plenty to ponder in considering how deeply we really care about the spiritual growth of others.

— Pastor Mike

Isaiah 56-58

Salvation for Foreigners

56...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today in Isaiah 53 we read some of the most profound and revealing prophecies regarding the coming of the “Servant” who would redeem God’s people through offering his own life as a “guilt offering” (v.10). I trust you will be extremely thankful for the payment of Christ and the forthcoming fulfillment of a vast kingdom of peace that the Prince will one day establish—as the successive chapters detail. I hope your reading of Paul’s exemplary heart and ministry, in 1 Thessalonians, will prompt your own acts of sacrificial ministry.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The editorial heading in our reading of Isaiah 50 aptly captures the contrast: “Israel’s Sin and the Servant’s Obedience.” May we be grateful to God that though his people are often unfaithful, he demonstrates his faithfulness in his merciful plan to provide for his own (cf. 2Tim.2:11-13). I trust we will be motivated and encouraged as we begin our reading of the heartening letter to the faithful church in Thessalonica.

— Pastor Mike

Isaiah 50-52

Israel’s...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

God again shows his gracious character in his promise to restore his wayward people in today’s Old Testament reading. Let us appreciate the grace of God as we consider the gravity of sin in the face of a holy God. Be sure to thoughtfully read through the list of friends and colleagues that Paul praises in our reading of Colossians 4. I trust that our admirable friends and faithful coworkers understand our appreciation and thankfulness to God for them.

— Pastor Mike

...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Right out of the gate in Isaiah 45 we are confronted with a startling example of the profound Proverb that “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (21:1) – and that applies not just to the “good kings” of Israel. God’s sovereignty extends so clearly to the Persian king Cyrus, that the Lord calls him “his anointed” (lit.: his messiah). Let us never doubt the wise management of God over all things. I trust that the extremely practical third chapter of Colossians feeds...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

May the promise to redeem, forgive, and bless the nation of Israel found in today’s Isaiah reading bring to mind the fruition of all the blessings, pardon, and filling of the Spirit that the Messiah grants those from all nations in our age. With that in mind, what great and appropriate truths we read today in Colossians 2. I pray this great chapter may be a catalyst for thanksgiving and a safeguard from the liabilities of doctrinal error.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The call to trust God is crystal clear in today’s Old Testament reading. May the “kindness and severity” of the Lord be appreciated and heeded as we read these important prophecies in Isaiah. In our New Testament reading we jump into the great letter of the Apostle Paul to the Colossians. I pray that this God-breathed warning against false teaching will sharpen our discernment and awareness that everything which presents itself in the name of Christ may not be from Christ.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The rest of Hezekiah’s story unfolds in today’s reading. As sad and foolish as this is, it providentially plays right into God’s sovereign plan for his erring nation. In chapter 40 we reach a set of words and phrases popularized in western culture through the masterful eighteenth century composer George Frideric Handel. Let these familiar “Christmas” verses of “The Messiah” find their original context in our minds today. And may the final chapter of Philippians be a great encouragement and motivation for our Christian lives today.

— Pastor Mike