Daily Bible Reading

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. It is not hard to sympathize with Habakkuk’s concern over the mysterious and sometimes inscrutable way God accomplishes his divine plans. Yet in the end Habakkuk concedes the wisdom of God and his sovereignty, as we all should. More today in Revelation 14 on the mission and message of the 144,000 Jewish missionaries in the Great Tribulation. By God’s grace there is plenty of evangelistic success against that dreadful backdrop.

— Pastor Mike

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the short three-chapter prophecy of Nahum. While we normally think of Jonah in connection with Nineveh and Old Testament prophecy, this little book stands in contrast to the city’s past penitent reaction and God’s gracious reprieve. In Nahum we see that a generation or two later Nineveh’s citizens had grown impenitent and stubborn in their disobedience. God’s justice is promised to prevail against the unrepentant. We see in Revelation 13 a description of the pair of rebellious world leaders who are providentially granted great latitude during that evil...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In our Old Testament reading of Micah 6 and 7 we see that God has been profoundly concerned for Israel. We see the Lord’s urgent exhortation to patiently endure and wait for God’s deliverance. We also see again God’s gracious character in providing a solution for his faithful remnant who resolves to trust in him. In Revelation 12 we read of God’s future concern for the nations, as his plans for them unfold in this unique snapshot of biblical prophecy.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today in Micah we read of God’s good purpose to fulfill his excellent promises to his people—including the promise of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. In the New Testament we read Revelation 11 and reexamine the ministry of God’s unique messengers during the time of the Tribulation. May this encourage us to be found in Christ when he returns, and to be willing to stand with him here and now regardless of the cost.

— Pastor Mike

Mic...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The little book of Micah presents the strong indictment of God’s just judgments on a rebellious generation hundreds of years before the fall of Jerusalem. While the judgment was long in coming, their impenitent hearts ensured that God would carry out what is threatened in these chapters. In the New Testament we read the tenth chapter of Revelation, which describes the beginning of a section of prophecies that take us back in chronology to the three-and-a-half year mark of the Great Tribulation (cf. v.11).

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the book of Jonah, which is a familiar story to most. Unfortunately, way too many people miss the point. We need to read the last chapter carefully, making sure to see the problem with Jonah’s heart as we take hold of the remedy in our own. The “trumpet judgments” continue in our reading of Revelation 9, which is a sobering reminder of why the gospel is such an incredibly important message to proclaim in our generation.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the shortest book in the Old Testament—the book of Obadiah. In this little book we see God’s promise of judgment on the Edomites for cooperating with the Babylonians in their assault on Israel. Once more we see the truth that though God is sovereign in bringing the fall of Judah, he holds the evil participants responsible for their choices. This may be difficult for some, but it reminds us of the dignity granted to us as God holds us culpable for our actions regardless of the providential outcom...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Our reading of Amos concludes with the familiar pattern of God’s hope of restoration and forgiveness for those who see their sin for what it is. I trust that God’s promises in the final paragraphs will impress us with his good intentions for his wayward people. In Revelation 7 we read of the 144,000 Jewish missionaries who are especially chosen to proclaim faith in Christ during this time of judgment. As in Amos, we see God’s redemptive purpose toward those who are repentant.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today in the Old Testament prophets we see again the theme of those who are lulled into complacency regarding their sin by the prosperity they have enjoyed. May it be a reminder to us that when “everything is going well” such peace and prosperity may not be indicative of our spiritual health. In Revelation 6 we begin to see the “seven seals” broken (which depicts that God’s scroll of judgment is being unrolled and revealed in sections). This section is understood by many to describe the events of judgment that span the first half o...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We jump into the first section of Amos today in our Old Testament reading. We read that Amos, from his humble background as a shepherd, is called to be a spokesman of God. His prophecies begin with God’s attention on the surrounding nations, eventually turning the people’s attention to their own spiritual infidelity. As Romans 2 explains, our ability to see the sin of “outsiders” should remind us of our need to turn that discerning scrutiny to our own lives so that we are not found to be hypocrites. In Revelation 5 we see Chr...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the short book of Joel, which reminds us that when God’s people fail to heed the word of God, the Lord is faithful to bring discipline so that they will be holy. As Hebrews 12 tells us, all discipline is unpleasant, but God’s intention is that it will yield a life that is honoring to Christ. In Revelation 4 we read of John’s vision of God’s presence—from which will come the message and judgments that unfold throughout the rest of the book.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we conclude our read through the book of Hosea with more on the rebellion of Israel, and ending with God’s promise of forgiveness and restoration. We also continue our read through the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation 3. Let us note Christ’s love in his concern for our holiness and his call for us to live a thoughtful and holy life.

— Pastor Mike

Hosea 12-14

12 Ephraim feeds on the wind
a...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

How instructive and helpful are the words we read today in the book of Hosea. May we remember that the joy and happiness we desire are gifts from God—gifts that we are foolish to expect when we are rebelling against him. With all the expressions of God’s judgment on Israel, we read in Hosea 11 of God’s enduring love for his covenant people. In Revelation 2 we begin our read of the short letters of Christ to the seven churches of ancient Asia Minor. I hope each of these “postcards,” as I like to ca...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The compromised state of Israel in Hosea’s day is highlighted in our Old Testament reading. We see the high cost of disobedience in a series of vivid descriptions. Today in the New Testament we begin our read through the last book of the Bible—the book of Revelation. Let the depiction of the resurrected and glorified Christ help to eradicate the causal and inaccurate caricatures that settle so easily into our minds.

— Pastor Mike

Hosea 5-8

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

While we have read some dramatic living illustrations throughout the major prophets, the little book of Hosea seems to stand out. It is incredible (and in many ways dignifying) to consider the way God views our fidelity to him in worship, loyalty, and obedience. I hope today’s reading through the first few chapters of Hosea will make a lasting impression on our lives as we face the temptations to compromise. Jude, much like 2 Peter, shows great concern that Christians are not swept into the error of the false teachers. Let today’s New...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today, in the final two chapters of this book we read more of Daniel’s prophecies, which span from the ancient Persians to the end of time. May the timeless closing words of this book be an inspiration to us. In our New Testament reading we again are warned of those who infiltrate the church with their own self-promoting agendas. These are hard warnings to receive, but so essential. Again John states the advantage of face-to-face communication, something I hope will motivate us this week to get our chairs face-to-face for good conv...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The prophecy of the “seventy weeks decreed for [Daniel’s] people and [their] holy city” is one of the most fascinating and exacting prophecies in the Old Testament. For more on this prophecy, search “70-week” on the Focal Point website (Sorting out the End Times – part 6). In the little book of 2 John we are again told to be careful and discerning. It is so unfortunate (and maddening) that there is so much false information proffered in the name of Christ. Let us be doctrinally grounded and able to weather the theological storms.

— Pastor...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The apocalyptic visions of Daniel in today’s Old Testament reading remind us that often God’s predictive prophecies are steeped in images and symbolism that require our work to untangle. As Proverbs 2:1-6 tells us, understanding God’s truth often requires not only an attuned mind, but also one that will work hard to decipher and correlate a wide swath of biblical data. In the New Testament we conclude our read of 1 John, with a focus on the triumph of Christ and the truth of the gospel. After such intense calls for self...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We have seen Nebuchadnezzar become an example of God’s gracious work in the conviction of sin. If the king of this foreign power, who took many of the Israelites captive, saw with clarity the problem of pride and the needfor humility, certainly we should too. Today in Daniel 5 Belshazzar reminds us of why humility is logical—God is sovereign in raising up and casting down; he is able to quickly humble the proud. In our New Testament reading we see a helpful alliance of love and discernment. To be careful and discer...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

There is high drama in our Old Testament reading today. The three Hebrew captives model the godly resolve to not compromise regardless of the price. They had no idea at the time what kind of impact their courage would have on millions of people through the centuries. May we be ready to follow in their footsteps. In 1 John 3 we have some of the clearest unpacking of the truth that “faith without works is dead.” This is one of those chapters that must be read carefully in order to make sure that we interp...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we begin our read of Daniel and encounter a prophetic book with a large amount of historical material that becomes a lesson in itself. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah serve as stellar models of resolve, courage, and godliness. In 1 John 2 we see what a central role love for one another plays in our self-assessment of God’s work in our lives. Let it be obvious that we are new creatures in Christ by our sacrifice and service to other Christians this week.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We conclude our read of the weighty book of Ezekiel today, with an emphasis on the geography of the kingdom. While these passages have been debated, I trust that the focus on God’s fidelity to his own promises has been an encouraging reassurance to us all. In the New Testament we dive into the powerful and convicting book of 1 John. I hope this year’s read through this section of God’s word is enlightening and motivating.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

More today in Ezekiel on the Lord’s personal role in this vision regarding the kingdom and the city of Jerusalem. May we be moved to prepare for the return of Christ. In our New Testament reading we encounter a chapter that is packed with helpful truth regarding the judgment associated with Christ’s coming. I pray this will motivate our evangelism, apologetics, introspection, and urgency. The Lord’s patience should be understood as time to proclaim the message of repentance and faith.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

After lamenting the departure of God’s glory from the failing nation of Israel before the Babylonian captivity, we now see the vision of God’s glory filling the new temple in the kingdom. The exclusive “Gate for the Prince” is an amazing detail, which should not be missed as we consider Jesus Christ’s physical presence and active role in the kingdom that is being described. In 2 Peter 2 we read again the oft-repeated warning concerning false teachers during the present age. Let this encourage us to be discerning.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The temple specifications continue in Ezekiel 41 and 42. In the New Testament we are instructed to “make every effort to supplement our faith” with a long list of godly virtues. This list should be read slowly and prayerfully. I trust that the challenge found in this text will have an obvious impact on our thoughts, decisions, and attitudes today.

— Pastor Mike

Ezekiel 41-42

The Inner Temple

41 Then he brought me to the nave and measured...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Ezekiel’s vision of the temple, which has not yet been constructed to the listed specifications, is fascinating. We can conclude that this memorialized worship in a future temple will play an appropriate and strategic role during the period of time in which God fulfills his promises to the nation of Israel. In the New Testament we finish our read of 1 Peter with an emphasis on the blessing and responsibility of church leadership. May the principles of humility, eager willingness, and watchfulness be helpful exhortations for us all.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

This fascinating section of Ezekiel draws our minds to the eschatological truths of the book of Revelation. May we remember that as God has been faithful and just in his Old Testament judgments, his faithful and just judgments will again be brought on the end times world. In 1 Peter 4 we can feel the sense of stewardship to maximize God’s investments in our lives. Read this section prayerfully and be sure that you don’t let difficulty or suffering prevent you from faithfully serving Christ in this season of your life.

— Pa...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As always in these extended prophecies regarding the judgment promised to wayward Israel, God provides an amazing and hopeful promise of restoration. Notice the depth of God’s concern and his provision for the internal transformation that is foundational for the national restoration of his people. More practical instruction in 1 Peter today, chapter three of this important letter shows us a sympathy for the practical difficulties that we face as we seek to live for Christ. I pray this is a helpful read for us today.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Harsh words today in our Old Testament reading as God diagnoses and calls out the self-serving leaders in Israel. Don’t miss the Messianic aspects of this text and our reminder that Christ calls himself our “Good Shepherd.” In the New Testament we are led to contemplate some very practical principles that will undoubtedly adjust our expectations as we seek to live out our Christian lives in a non-Christian world.

— Pastor Mike

Ezekiel 34-35

Prophecy Against th...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

When we consider the strength and account of Egypt to this point in biblical history, perhaps we can understand what a monumental set of prophecies we have been reading. Today we read of the dreadful lament over Pharaoh and his doomed nation. We also read of God’s specific instructions for the Israelites who will be taken captive. In the New Testament we begin our brief read through the great little book of 1 Peter. May these opening passages be a challenge and an encouragement to us today.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The focus in today’s Old Testament reading shifts from Tyre to Egypt. Their prideful outlook and abuse of power are condemned, and God’s judgment is promised. This recurring theme of prideful, self-promotion should call to mind the repeated biblical principle that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” This is also reflected in the warnings we read in the New Testament today. We are encouraged to be patient in waiting humbly for God’s practical provisions in the midst of our sufferings and illnesses (Jms.5:7-11)

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