The only path to acceptance before God is the way of the Savior, Jesus Christ, who alone can make us righteous. Flee from any confidence in your flesh. Today’s reading Isaiah 37-38; Philippians 3 Selected Verses Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us from his han

Here  we meet the contrasting examples of the fickle King Joash and the triumphant King Jesus.  We can trust in the One who overcame the world. Today’s Reading Second Chronicles 23-25; John 16:16-33 Selected Verses Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem

Many kingdoms have come and gone.  Only one Kingdom will last forever.  Do you belong to that Kingdom?  Do you know the King? Today’s reading Joshua 11-13; Luke 4:1-32 Selected Verses And Joshua turned back at that time and captured Hazor and struck its king with the sword, for Hazor formerly was the head of all those kingdoms.  Joshua 11:10 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all thi

God will not overlook the evil of causing others, especially His people and little children, to sin.  Here is a serious warning to heed. Today’s reading Numbers 30-31; Mark 9:30-50 Selected Verses The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”  So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord’s vengeance on Midian. Nu

Those who love the world and its allurements will learn the price for that love is incalculable.  Balaam became a horrible example to remember. Today’s reading Numbers 24-27; Mark 8:11-38 Selected Verses So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.  Numbers 25:3 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?  For what can a man give in return for his soul?  Mark 8:36-37 Reflections God warns us to

Today’s reading Genesis 25-26; Matthew 9:1-17 Selected verses Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.”  Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?”  Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.  Genesis 25:31-34 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physici

Is there a safe path through danger? Although we may be trusting in Jesus Christ for our salvation, we face the dangers of presumption and of pride.  Presumption says, “I am saved by grace. I need do nothing more.  I show my faith by being passive.”  Pride says, “Look at me.  See how I am progressing in my holiness. ‘I thank God I am not like other men’ (Luke 18:11).” Neither of these attitudes are befitting of a Christian.  We ought to seek holiness in our actions and relati

Paul confronted the Christians in Galatia who began to wander into a works-based salvation, depending on the law for their standing before God.  As Robert Robinson’s 18th Century hymn “Come thou fount of every blessing” reminds us, we need the Lord to take our hearts and seal them against such wandering from the gospel of God’s grace. Today’s reading:  2 Corinthians 11:1-Galatians 1:24 My selection: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the g

The Old Testament is less frequently read and preached than the New.  In today’s reading, Paul tells us why those thirty nine books from Genesis to Malachi were given and why we still need them. Today’s reading:  1 Corinthians 10:1-12:11 My selection: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has ov

Those who stand for truth will find their integrity tested.  The Apostle Paul stood the test at great cost. Will you? Today’s reading: Acts 21:37-24:27 My selection: Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” Acts 23:4-5 For more reflections on this passage, see the corresponding reading in my book Cover to Cover

“Few end well.” Today’s reading: 1 Kings 8:62-11:25 Once again we see an example of how difficult it is to handle success and prosperity without succumbing to serious temptations and the pitfalls of sin.  The Bible shows us how to live cautiously and dutifully, before the face of God (Coram Deo). Learn from Solomon, the great king with the sad finale.  Seek to end well. [For more reflections on this passage see the corresponding reading in my book Cover to Cover: Through the

Today’s reading: Joshua 7:1-9:27 I once spoke to a men’s group on the subject “Things I learned the hard way”. One of the things most of us learn the hard way is that sin never delivers the pleasure it promises. In today’s reading, Achan learned this lesson and became the horrible example for all of us. Learn from him. Try not to learn the hard way. [For more reflections on this passage see the corresponding reading in my book Cover to Cover: Through the Bible in 365 days]. S