Daily Reading Week 20
Sunday
Proverbs 31
DISCOVER
What is the strong admonition given in verse 8-9? Think about ways you can stand up for the oppressed.
What are some of the unique qualities mentioned that describe the virtuous woman?
According to verse 30, what great quality
When you read this chapter, what do you find most interesting?
RESPOND
Proverbs 31 is without a doubt the “go to” passage when it comes to Mothers’s Day. Today churches all across the world will hear sermons from this particular passage and with good reason. This passage paints a beautiful picture of a godly woman. There are so many great qualities that scream out in this chapter. The caution for many is allowing this passage to be reserved to just women. No doubt, that appears to be the immediate interpretation, but there are a lot of good application points for all believers in this passage. We discover several great qualities mentioned that must not be isolated to women. In fact, it would be a great idea for all believers to dive into this chapter and see what God has to say about the believer that longs to show others just how much their family and the Lord truly mean to them. After a thorough reading and reflection, this passage really calls us to make sure that we do not read God’s Word and stop, rather all believers should long to live God’s Word in every aspect of our lives.
monday
1 Peter 3
DISCOVER
Based on verses 1-2, when we live our lives in ways that honor the Lord, what is the possible outcome?
What blessings come out of suffering for what is right? (v 13-15)
Think of a woman that you know who displays inner strength and beauty. What have you learned from her example?
RESPOND
Peter wrote to a group of people who were being slandered and threatened. They had committed no crime, but their witness to Christ’s love and their determination to dedicate themselves to Christ’s service made them constant targets. Despite their innocence, they lived in fear of the authorities who controlled their world.
Peter reminds these believers (and us today) that though Christ was executed, and though in human terms it looked as if his story was over, God raised him to new life. Although we do not live in a world dominated by Rome and first century authorities, we still know the feeling that our lives are subject to forces beyond our control. We are familiar with walking daily in a culture that can press against our biblical values. In the midst of this walk, remember that Christ walks with us in our suffering. Christ has already won the victory. Our task is to remain faithful and wait for God’s triumph to be revealed to the world.
tuesday
Titus 2
DISCOVER
Why is it important to teach sound doctrine? (v 1-5)
What does the grace of God bring? (v 11)
As believers, how should we live in this evil world? (v 12-13)
How would you describe self-control as it relates to the Christian life? How important is self-control in the life of the believer?
RESPOND
Titus 2 starts with a charge to teach in accordance with sound doctrine. Paul then gives instructions for different groups of people on how they should act and behave. After each instruction it is made clear that the purpose is so no one will be harmful to the God’s Word by their behavior. Matthew Henry said, “Those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their life, or else they pull down with one hand what they build up with the other.”
Understanding the reality that different groups of people have different needs, and play different roles, is an important part of any effective ministry. Paul understood this and trained the younger Titus on how to be effective in his ministry. While each group has unique characteristics and needs, there is one common thread between them all. Love….Love God, love others, and do something about it!
No matter who we are ministering to, showing them the love of Christ is always the right thing to do! Paul’s teachings are something that all of us can learn from. Whether we are the one teaching, or the one being taught, it is essential that we understand God’s Word and the role that we are to play in glorifying God and serving others.
Wednesday
Psalm 1
DISCOVER
How does the psalmist contrast the godly person and the wicked person?
What does the blessed man not do, as described in this psalm? (v 1)
When the believer meditates on God’s Word, what is the outcome? (v 3)
What is the tragic end for the wicked? (v 5)
RESPOND
Many commentators have referred to Psalm 1 as the “Doorway to the Psalms.” This song begins with an assertion declaring, “How blessed is the man,” then lists three different things that will cause the man to be blessed. The word translated “blessed” is also translated as “happy.” This is the same word Jesus used in His first sermon recorded in Matthew 5. Packed within this word is the life that Jesus would later describe in John 10:10. It is the idea of gaining a great fortune.
In today’s world nearly all people are striving for happiness. Some people are exhausting a lot of time and money in an effort to find happiness. The psalmist provides the basis for a lasting source. The man who is “blessed” is not reluctant to obey God’s law. The man who is “blessed” sees the law as an incredible benefit. God’s Word is viewed like a delicious meal. He is not merely eating to survive, but rather he is enjoying the meal. Jesus would later say in Matthew 6:11, “Give us this day our daily bread.” “The Bible is the book of my life. It's the book I live with, the book I live by, the book I want to die by.” -N. T. Wright
How much delight do you take in God’s Word? How often do you sit and enjoy His Word?
Thursday
Ruth 2
DISCOVER
How did Ruth meet her future husband, Boaz? (v 3)
What was it about Ruth’s character and actions that impressed Boaz?
When reading this chapter, how do you see God at work behind the scenes?
Boaz’s generosity goes far above and beyond what the Law required of him. Have you ever experienced generous hospitality from an unexpected source? How did you respond?
RESPOND
Having dedicated herself to the God of Israel in chapter 1, Ruth now begins to grow in her relationship and dedication to Boaz. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace.
The theme of favor runs consistently throughout this chapter. We witness the favor of the Lord as well as the favor of Boaz. God’s favor is evident in how He provided a way for Ruth to come to Bethlehem. If her husband was still alive, she wouldn’t be in Bethlehem. His disobedience would have led to his separation from Israel for ten generations. His death actually paves the way for her to come. God determines the field in which Ruth will glean, her “chance” encounter with Boaz, and Boaz’s relationship to Elimelech’s family. The Lord is showing favor to Ruth all along the way. We see Boaz extending favor toward Ruth as well. Ruth acknowledges this truth twice in chapter 2 (v. 10,13). Boaz takes interest in Ruth, provides access to his resources, assures her protection, commends her love for Naomi, invites her into his family, and sends her away with an abundance of provision. The favor shown by both the Lord and Boaz should remind us of the favor we have experienced from God as well. Ultimately, we experience His favor because He is faithful. Take a few moments spending time reflecting on God’s faithfulness in your life.
Friday
Ecclesiastes 2
DISCOVER
Solomon went on a hunt looking for pleasure. When he discovered it, how did it make him feel? (v 1)
What were Solomon's most significant activities and accomplishments as listed in 2:4-8?
How did Solomon’s accomplishments compare with others around him? In the end, how did all of this make him feel? (v 9-11)
What do you think are important words or phrases in verses 24-26?
What struck you most about this entire chapter?
RESPOND
Whether we acknowledge it or not, all of us are engaged in a quest for something which will meet the longings of our heart. We are all looking for the secret to finding delight anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstances. What we’re looking for, in other words, is the secret to contentment. In the midst of this search we can get focused on the wrong things. Unfortunately when our focus gets off, life can become seemingly impossible. Relationships aren’t what we want, jobs don’t seem as fun, and even our joyful times of life can seem fleeting. Simply stated, many times pleasure is only pleasure for a short period of time.
In modern society, we are pleasure seekers – we move from one pleasure to the next, but apart from God these pleasures are simply meaningless, chasing after the wind. It’s like we’re lead singers for the Rolling Stones and we go from day to day singing, “I can’t get no satisfaction!”
Ecclesiastes 2:26 says that God alone gives the gift of satisfaction to those who please Him. Without God nothing else satisfies – all the work, wisdom and wealth in the world cannot add up to satisfaction. Chuck Swindoll said, “In spite of the extent to which Solomon went to find happiness, because he left God out of the picture, nothing satisfied. It never will. Satisfaction in life will never occur until there is a meaningful connection with the living Lord above the sun.”
Where are you looking for your satisfaction and contentment?
Saturday
Psalm 150
DISCOVER
What do you find interesting about how this psalm begins and ends?
Based on verse 2, why should believers praise the Lord?
According to verse 6, who has been called up to sing praise?
What is one step you can take to make praising God a part of your life daily?
RESPOND
What a perfect way to end the psalms, with jubilant praise to God! This song is the last in a closing group of five (146-150) that all begin and end with “Praise the Lord.” Psalm 150 reminds us that praising the Lord will not be a silent activity. In the Bible the word “praise” occurs some 260 times. After all, this is the reason we were created (Isaiah 43:21). This psalm gives so many great reasons for us to praise the Lord. The Lord is beyond worthy of all our praise and worship. His goodness and holiness are immeasurable. Praising Him should not be something we only do on Sunday mornings. Our lives should be saturated with it!
Today, spend a few minutes intentionally praising the Lord. Praise him for his goodness, his kindness, his faithfulness, his love, his mercy, his grace, etc.