Reading our Bible translates us into truth, sanctification, and glory.
The power of God’s word is to bring salvation in everything. Obedience to read is a ticket to transformation, way beyond the cost of the time and effort it takes to read. This week, we are in for rich fulfillment in the New Testament—Acts, James, 1 Peter, and the beginning of 2 Peter—two to three chapters a day. These are the most important portions of the scriptures because they are the gospel of salvation.
In the Old Testament, we will continue in 1 Samuel, Psalms, Daniel, and Hosea, a rich prophetic history filled with patience and comfort.
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ACTS
Acts 12 – 18
Lessons in prayer, the first missionary sending from Antioch, success, and then conflict back in Antioch over the law of Moses. The decision is made by the Holy Spirit and apostles in Jerusalem to not burden Gentiles with the law of Moses and a letter is sent back to Antioch with Barnabas and Paul along with other leaders. The second missionary journey begins with new teams: Barnabas and Mark, and Paul and Silas. We follow Paul and Silas to Philippi into beatings, jail, and a mighty earthquake. Then on to Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth.
EPISTLES
James 2 – 5
James is the Lord’s brother and Leader of the church in Jerusalem. His epistle has been likened to Malachi because of his straight-shooting, not mincing words, and call to humility, patience, and prayer. When reading this epistle, I find the plumbline of faith is brought forward into clear vision and promise. I love James, he keeps me honest.
1 Peter 1 – 5
Peter is a transformed apostle, no longer headstrong, he is submitted to God in all relationships. He has found himself in inheritance, faith, and grace. God’s word is the incorruptible seed of which we have been born again, as we are to desire the pure milk of the word of God. We are living stones being built up as a spiritual house to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Follow Christ’s example and follow in His footsteps, “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2: 23).
Chapter 3 is a word to wives and husbands, and then to our relationship with one another, leading us into blessing during conflicts and sufferings for doing good. Chapter 4 continues to expound on Christ’s sufferings and our partaking of Christ’s sufferings. Better to suffer as a Christian than a murderer, thief, evildoer, or busybody. Chapter 5 calls us back to humility, submission, and trust. This book is a letter of proof of transformation through submission to Jesus in all situations.
2 Peter 1 – 2
In his second epistle, Peter knows his departure from the earth is imminent and is writing to leave a reminder of the appearance of Christ and to warn of the false teachers that are seducing those who had escaped the corruption of the world through lust. Peter is strong in his warnings and demands us to hold to our faith and patience, and not become moved by false arguments that God is doing nothing.
HISTORY
1 Samuel 18 – 26
These chapters outline David’s life in the palace as he is consistently driven away by Saul’s jealousy and fear. It is a powerful narrative of David’s trust in the Lord during injustice from his king. Trying to avoid all traps without taking matters into his own hands, he spares Saul’s life two times and sees reconciliation a few times, only to be driven out by Saul every time he becomes jealous of David’s success.
POETRY
Psalms 144 – 148
These Psalms are filled with praise and strong confidence in God. They resound together as a mighty cascade of God’s unlimited ability and His help in all situations: “He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147: 10, 11).
PROPHETS
Daniel 10 – 12
These last three chapters of Daniel are rich and full of prophetic insight. In Chapter 10, we see how Daniel is exhausted by the many revelations and completely without strength until the Lord “strengthens” him. A concordance will reveal the great exchange if you look up the words “strength” and “strengthen” and see they are two different Hebrew words of different meanings. Empowered to continue on, Daniel can now receive the revelation of the last days: “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days” (Daniel 12:13).
Hosea 1 – 2
Hosea is a prophet asked by God to do things to show Israel God’s pain and rejection, and His love and redemption. He is told to marry a prostitute, have children, and witness her unfaithfulness. In Chapter Two, this apostasy is ascribed to Israel, but with the great promise of God’s love and redemption through the Valley of Achor (Trouble) as a door of hope. Some of the most poignant promises of adoption, marriage, and fruitfulness are found at the end of Chapter Two.
