Archive for the ‘Bible Reading’ Category

December 10, 2009 Focus Instead of Fear

Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4

Scripture Focus:

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 2:4–7 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

Observation:

God has not given me a spirit of fear. Instead, he gives me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Armed with such a spirit from God himself, I can focus on the job God has given ME to do. As I focus, God will give me understanding in ALL things.

Application:

There isn’t room for worry or fear in my life today. Worry and fear are paralyzing. Power, love, and a sound mind are energizing. That’s what God gives to me as I start my day, but I must focus. God doesn’t promise an easy, self indulgent life. Just the opposite. But the rewards are great. “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.”

Prayer:

May I walk in the power and love of God today. I know I have a sound mind, for I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), so God, please help me focus today on the things that matter.

October 14, 2009 Tree Or Chaff

Today’s Bible Reading: Nehemiah 11, 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

Scripture Focus:

Psalm 1:3–4 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

Observation:

What a comparison—a mighty tree versus chaff! One is enduring, the other floats away on the wind. What makes the difference? Whether or not we meditate on and follow the law of the Lord.

Application:

It’s very easy to get my sight off this foundational principle. So many other things vie for my attention and time. Time in the Word, time in prayer must be a priority. Life itself is short. Doing what matters most for eternity is wise.

Prayer:

Father God, I have been lax lately in coming to your Word for my daily sustenance and guidance. It should be the very air I breathe. Open my eyes to the truth today—that life is short, that eternal things count more than I imagine right now.