Daily Bible Reading

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We find an important reminder in today’s Old Testament reading concerning the importance of staying faithful to God even when the society or the culture has abandoned their fidelity to the Lord and his truth. In our New Testament reading we arrive at the rich summary of how faith in God changes everything. May our reading of the first half of Hebrews 11 be an encouraging and motivating encounter with God’s word.

— Pastor Mike

Ezekiel 10-12

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

May our reading in Ezekiel be a perspective-building exercise for us today. Let us learn to hate idolatry in any and every form. I trust that the opening verses in our New Testament reading will drive us to reevaluate our involvement with the people of God; and that we will persist in our commitment to make time and give thought to corporately working together to “stir one another to love and good deeds” (v.24).

— Pastor Mike

Ezekiel...

Today’s Reading is:

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We learn more about Ezekiel’s prophetic role in today’s Old Testament reading. We also see God’s good intentions for his creation, which are so quickly and angrily forfeited by many. As we again encounter God’s just response to sin, may it motivate us to see our temptations to compromise and rebellion as God sees them. In our reading of the first half of Hebrews 10 we focus on the “once-for-all” sacrifice of Christ.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we begin our read through the book of Ezekiel. Notice the parallels found between this opening vision and those found in the fourth and fifth chapters of Revelation. In these strange depictions God reminds us that he certainly isn’t a “domesticated deity.” Let us worship him appropriately. The finality of Christ’s sacrifice is underscored in our New Testament reading today. I hope we can more profoundly appreciate the invaluable sacrifice that has been provided to cancel our debt, because of our thoughtful reading of Hebrews 9.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In Lamentations 3 we find some familiar words, which prompted the lyrics of the old hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” I trust the original context of those words allows you to appreciate the amazing perspective that Jeremiah communicated in this passage. In our New Testament reading we continue with an emphasis on the intercessory work of Christ. In this God-breathed explanation I hope you can recognize the critical importance of the representation we have in Christ.

— Pastor Mike

Lamentat...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we begin our brief read through the emotive book of Lamentations. Faced with the devastation of Jerusalem, and knowing full well why, Jeremiah commences with his “lament” concerning the destruction of this centrally-important capital city. I hope this sobering read through Lamentations reminds us all of the high cost of rebellion, as well as the justice and mercy of God. In Hebrews 7 we again pick up the connection of Christ to the “non-Levitical” priest Melchizedek. If this is all too confusing for your current knowledge of God’s word, be sure to supplemen...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As we conclude the lengthy book of Jeremiah, I hope your respect for God’s zeal for holiness and truth has been bolstered. May we never see God as an indulgent grandfather who sits back saying, “Boys will be boys.” But may we have the appropriate fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. This is also what we encounter when reading Hebrews 6 today. We are warned that though many can benefit from a connection to the people of God, just as in Old Testament Israel, what is necessary is a thorou...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The prophecies directed to the national neighbors of Old Testament Israel continue in today’s reading in Jeremiah. We see again that pride and self-confidence are the insidious downfall of any nation. This theme is common not only here in the Old Testament prophets, but throughout the Bible—from beginning to end! Our reading in Hebrews 5 is a motivating section that should be a catalyst for our timely spiritual growth.

— Pastor Mike

Jeremiah 49-50

Judgment on Ammon...

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