Daily Bible Reading

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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’s Note

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’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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)

— Pastor M...

Pastor’s Note

In this indictment of Tyre and its prince, the text of Ezekiel 28 begins to reveal something of the spiritual connection and parallel to the fall of Satan. This is a veiled but helpful description of the one “in Eden, the garden of God… an anointed guardian cherub” (vv.13-14). May this impress us with the severity of pride and self-promotion (v.17). And let our New Testament reading drive that point home with the insight that our “friendship with the world [and its reflection of Satan’s self-seeking independence] is enmity with God” (Jms.4:4).

— Pastor Mik...

Pastor’s Note

In an intense comparison God displays the gravity of Israel’s sin by the relative grief of Ezekiel over the death of his wife. The following chapters show us the Lord’s justice in relation to the neighboring nations. James 3 provides us with a sobering reminder of the power of our words. May today’s reading be a helpful motivation for us to seek to display and to more frequently verbalize the “wisdom from above” (vv.13-18).

— Pastor Mike

Pastor’s Note

The extent of Israel’s sin is described in today’s Old Testament reading. In Ezekiel 23 the parable of “Oholah and Oholibah” dramatically depicts the unfaithfulness of Samaria and Jerusalem (the capitals of the northern and southern kingdoms). In our New Testament reading God warns us of the sin of partiality and explains the necessary presence of good works in the lives of genuine Christians.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor’s Note

God’s just anger toward sin is never capricious or impulsive, but always measured and appropriate. While we, as sinners, are tempted to think otherwise, our real surprise should be in reaction to the gracious provision of the redemptive Messiah that is alluded to in Ezekiel 21. Today we begin our read through the great little book of James. I hope that in your read of this first chapter you will see that James is less proverbial and varied as many suppose. May the themes tie together clearly as you work your way through this impo...

Pastor’s Note

The Old Testament “parable” of the two eagles in Ezekiel 17 should remind us of God’s sovereignty over all nations—in this case, Babylon and Egypt. God accomplishes his purposes, and our call is to be faithful to the Lord regardless of the national or international upheaval that may take place. We close out our reading of Hebrews with a variety of practical instructions, and some appropriate summations of the supremacy of Christ over the old covenant ceremonies.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor’s Note

May the bold personification of Israel in this dramatic illustration of Ezekiel 16 challenge us to see the gravity of sin and the personal nature of God’s concern for our holiness. May it also remind us of the profound depth of God’s grace. I hope that our reading of Hebrews 12 will help us to better understand the working of God’s discipline in our own lives.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor’s Note

Today in Ezekiel we read one of the frequent warnings that not all those who say they speak for God actually do. The lifestyle and message of God’s spokesmen should be objectively evaluated, both then and now. I trust that in the second half of Hebrews 11 you are reassured that prosperity and advancement in this world doesn’t always reflect God’s blessing, and that the absence of this world’s accolades is often the lot for those who are highly regarded in God’s economy.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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

Today’s Reading is:

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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 supplement your reading...

Pastor’s Note

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 thorough and endu...

Pastor’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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 Mike

Pastor’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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 Mike

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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 not.

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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 twenty-first ce...

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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’s Note

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’s Note

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

Pastor’s Note

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’s Note

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 Mike

Pastor’s Note

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