Daily Bible Reading

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

What a great experience for us to revisit the great psalter of the Old Testament. May this year’s reading of these songs of the Israelites be an enriching experience for us. Read these familiar words thoughtfully, and allow them to minister to you as though you were taking them in for the first time. As we read of Paul’s responsiveness to God’s call to Macedonia may we be nimble in our own lives and never make an idol of the place in which we live.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we conclude the Book of Job with a picture of God’s power and greatness, as well as his tender concern for the contrite Job. I hope that reading this important book has given us some perspective on the seeming injustices and inequities that we humans so often grapple with. May the resolutions in Acts 15 remind us of the kind of mutual respect and concern we ought to always carry for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

— Pastor Mike

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

God now speaks for himself, in Job 38, and answers all of the presumptuous discourse between these men. Interestingly, God’s response is akin to Paul’s answer to the difficult questions raised in the book of Romans—namely, God’s position of power, authority, and transcendence over mankind (see Romans9:19-21). So often in order to begin to rightly think through the perplexing issues we need an adjustment in our view of God. Today in Acts 15 we read the first half of the important resolution to the debates facing the early church.

— Pa...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The “bigness” of God in Elihu’s speech is only a prelude to how God is going to impress the whole lot of them when he arrives to establish his uniqueness as the Sovereign of the universe. Let us always work to maintain a high view of God, which is so necessary to keeping everything else in perspective.

— Pastor Mike

Job 35-37

Elihu Condemns Job

35 And Elihu answered and said:

2 “Do you think th...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The youthful Elihu boldly rebukes Job and affirms the righteousness of God. His words are sharp, but important. In Acts the gospel is again preached with a lot of references to the Old Testament. We are reminded that their mastery of the Bible served them well in the continued need to drive people’s attention back to the Scripture to demonstrate the importance of Christ and his work. May we become so acquainted with God’s word that we are always ready to elucidate the saving work of Jesus with the eternal truths...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we are introduced to Elihu who brings a new perspective to the situation in Job, and is the only one who is not rebuked by God at the end of the book. The Church continues to expand in Acts 13, but not without satanic opposition. Let us always be mindful that when it comes to our task as Christ’s emissaries we ultimately wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces that seek to undo the progress of truth in our world.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Job looks back with a painful longing to the time before his personal tragedies. May we benefit from seeing the big picture of the behind-the-scenes origins of this huge trial, as well as his forthcoming restoration. I trust the benefit will be that we will not lose hope when we face our own struggles, and instead be confident that God is at work and will eventually restore us all. May this perspective keep us from utter despair and hopelessness.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Job reaches an appropriate place of considering the transcendence of God in the inscrutable nature of his wisdom. Especially when things don’t seem to add up, let us all recognize that due to our limited perspective, we can be sure that we are missing the whole picture of what God is doing in the world and in our lives. I pray the recap and report of Peter in Acts 11 is a helpful motivation for us to advance the gospel in our generation.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Even amid his cries of injustice, Job knows that the only hope he has is the intervention and support of his Creator. In Acts we see God’s church expansion plan in bringing the gospel to Cornelius. I trust episodes like that one encourage you to stretch beyond your familiar spheres of relationships, and to boldly present the gospel when the doors are opened.

— Pastor Mike

Job 23-25

Job Replies: Where Is God?

23...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Coming off the stated principles of Zophar’s recent counsel (i.e., that the wicked are punished in this life), Job counters with his frustration that in this life that is certainly not always the case. This should remind us of the poignant words of Asaph in Psalm 73, where Asaph has to take our minds beyond the present circumstances to consider the justice of God—which may seem delayed but is never sleeping.

— Pastor Mike

Job 21-22

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Job’s emotional pain continues in today’s reading. As does the conventional wisdom of his friends. May we be careful not to take principles and assume there are no exceptions, or that the timing of applying those truths is always the same. In Acts 9 we see that Paul’s early Christian life begins with plenty of opposition and persecution. And because of that ongoing reality today, may we be impressed with the need to have more people like Barnabas who can wisely know when to stand in strong support of people who need...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Job finds no comfort in his counselors who have wrongly diagnosed his situation and offered several inapplicable words. I trust this gives us pause when we consider how we speak to those who are suffering. Of course there are times that Eliphaz’ counsel may be just what is needed, but knowing when it is, and when it’s not, requires wisdom, discernment, and insight. In Acts 9, God knocks Saul off his horse and we are allowed to see the impetus of the renowned repentance and life-change of the great Apostle Paul.

— Pa...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Job continues with his painful expressions, which include some bedrock resolves of his heart. May we be prepared for those times when our faith is tested by painful trials. And may our peacetime preparations serve us well for the times when we find ourselves under serious attacks. I hope that Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch reminds us that we should always be ready to step into God’s providential appointments.

— Pastor Mike

Job 13-15

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In our reading in Job today we can sympathize with Job’s anguish, but we must be careful not to endorse his degenerating thoughts about God and his oversight. In our Acts passage we see the indictment on Saul (soon to be Paul), who is in approval of the martyrdom of Stephen. As we consider the lives of both Job and Paul we should be reminded of God’s mercy and grace in forgiving, blessing, and greatly utilizing these men—even after their wayward thoughts and sinful actions.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In our Old Testament reading we see Job continue to spiral downward in his frustration and despair. Bildad’s assumptions and limited perspective on what has happened to Job in chapter 8 don’t help. As we finish reading Acts 7 we are introduced to the future Apostle Paul, when he was still known as Saul. We are reminded of the hostility that so often surfaces when we call people out on their sin and direct them to accept responsibility before God.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We begin reading the series of speeches that present much conventional wisdom, which the Book of Job proves doesn’t always hold true. I trust we will all become better and better students of the word, so that our counsel will reflect the breadth of God’s truth and not just the oft-repeated ideas that are passed about between Christians. In Acts 7 we continue the Old Testament history lesson boldly put forth by Stephen.

— Pastor Mike

Job 4-6

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we jump into the Book of Job and quickly understand that there is much more to life than meets the eye. May we all consider the spiritual battles that wage behind the scenes, and remember our desperate need to rely on prayer as we walk through life. Hopefully we can maintain the godly perspective of Job as he affirms that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away—and that his Name should always be praised regardless of our circumstances.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

God’s justice is poetically on display in our Old Testament reading as we wrap up the Book of Esther. While we are made to wait for God’s justice and our coming vindication let us remember that the Lord is faithful and will always right every wrong. In Acts 6 we read of the importance of the leaders of the church being committed to the word of God and prayer. We also see how important it is that all Christians faithfully serve in the role God has called them to and equipped them f...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The “Esther Banquet” of chapter 5 shows us the elegant diplomacy of this courageous young lady, who was used so powerfully by God to accomplish great things. Let us learn from her. In Acts 5 we see again the truth of Christ’s forecast regarding our clash with a sinful culture. As long as we shut up about the gospel we can be lauded as acceptable “do-gooders,” but if we are obedient to our “great commission,” calling people to repentance and faith in Christ, we can be sure to experience some version of what we read about in...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The dramatic story of God’s providential work through Mordecai and Esther, is a great reminder of the truth that God is always at work “behind the scenes” to advance his cause in our hostile and sinful world. In Acts 5 we read of Ananias and Sapphira and are reminded that God is as serious about sin and compromise in the New Testament as he was in the Old Testament. While God’s grace may patiently endure lots of transgressions in both Testaments, we can be assured of his consistent holy repulsion toward even the “...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we finish our reading of the Book of Nehemiah. This has been an instructive book teaching us that God can do amazing things through willing people. And that sometimes the Lord accomplishes a lot in a very short amount of time. The rebuilt walls of Jerusalem are dedicated, and reading of the word of God leads to further reformation and the detection of compromise. In Acts 4 we see the boldness and kindness of the earliest fellowship in the church—good principles to take note of here.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We encounter a great section today in our reading of Nehemiah, as the people repent and confess their sins. Their concern over sin extends to the preceding generation as they cry out to God: “Our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments” (9:16). How often do our prayers encompass a sorrow over not only our sins, but also the sins of others and what they have done to God’s heart? In Acts 4 the early church leaders pay the price for proclaiming the gospel; they argue that they wil...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The pattern from Ezra continues in Nehemiah—the lists of people are chronicled and the word of God takes a prominent position as the people are taught. The reading of the word by Ezra the priest in Nehemiah 8 is a great section of this book. Read it prayerfully. In Acts 3, Peter preaches in Solomon’s portico and proclaims the central response of the gospel: “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (v.19). That’s what our message is all about. Let us bring it clearly to our generation.<...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As with the work of Zerubbabel and Ezra, Nehemiah encounters the ridicule and anger of the critics and detractors of God’s work. Their opponents’ anger, jealousy, and hostility make the work difficult, but God, through the encouragement he provides his leaders, motivates the people and instills a kind of fortitude that they desperately need. Let us never be surprised at the opposition we face when we see that God is using us to advance his truth and make disciples. May you be motivated today to continue to speak up as they did in...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As we dive into the Book of Nehemiah today let us remember how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for his kingdom. I am always struck in reading this book by the way Nehemiah’s compassion, concern, and reliance on God are the core motivations that move him from the comfort of his everyday job to the trenches of sacrificial ministry. May we be led to think less of ourselves and all the little things that can hold our attention, and be more focused on the broad concerns and eternal prio...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

These chapters at the end of the Book of Ezra remind us of some of the serious consequences that are often associated with the subtle compromises of “going with the flow” of culture. Those who compromised had to endure the pain of true repentance and restoration in this unique situation. Praise God for his mercy and forgiveness. In Acts we see the early church being equipped, prepared, and commissioned to take the message of the acknowledgment of sin, true repentance, and God’s mercy near and far.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

There is a welcomed sense of success and accomplishment as Darius confirms the decree of Cyrus and the worship prescribed in the books of Moses is reestablished. What a great scene in Ezra 7 as the preaching and teaching from God’s word goes forth with receptivity and obedience. This restoration has its parallel in John 21, where the stubborn Peter is in need of Christ’s special appearance and instruction to drive him to his own restoration. May we be quick to repent and return when we find ourselves in the midst of our ow...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As with every good and godly project there will be critics, opponents, and detractors. Israel had their share as they were driven by God to lay the foundation to Zerubbabel’s temple project. May we have hope, courage, and tenacity as we face our own opposition in the good we seek to do for the risen Christ in our generation.

— Pastor Mike

Ezra 3-5

Rebuilding the Altar

3 When the seventh month came, and the ch...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we begin our read through the Book of Ezra. A generation has passed since the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon has since given way to the dominance of the Persians. God uses King Cyrus and employs Zerubbabel to lead the remnant of Israel back to their land. In the New Testament we finish the dramatic scene of Christ’s crucifixion. God’s sovereignty is clearly on display in our reading in both Testaments. I trust you can see God’s providential hand in your own life, and are confident that he is wo...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we close out the book of 2 Chronicles with a bright spot in the reforms of Josiah, followed by the downfall of Judah and the Babylonian captivity. In the New Testament we reach the center of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross—Christ taking our place and incurring the Father’s just response to our sin. Let us be motivated and heartened by our reading of God’s word today.

— Pastor Mike

2 Chronicles 34-36

Josiah R...