October 18 Psalm 119:57-64 1 Timothy 3 Jeremiah 38; 39; 40:1-6
Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.
Reading the Bible is helpful in taking next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.
- What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
- Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
- What should you do about that truth?
October 18 Psalm 119:57-64 1 Timothy 3 Jeremiah 38; 39; 40:1-6
Psalm 119:57-64
The unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. When we recognize God’s love and guidance we will find peace about the direction of our lives. This will lead us to continually turn away from selfishness and turning to the way of life that God desires for us. Here we read about morning, noon, and night conversation with God. Whoa! The songwriter has found God to be faithful in love. The songwriter seems to choose gratitude (for God) on a daily basis.
1 Timothy 3
Paul gives Timothy clear qualifications for elders and deacons, which should be upheld today. Hospitality, self-control, faithfulness, and integrity are notable among the list. Here we read qualifications, priorities, and term limits. Each local church should be served by people such as described here. There must be accountability for the church by people, such as described here. I am thankful that this is true of our church family. Paul reminds us of priority truths about Jesus, our powerful Messiah who was revealed in a human body. We should read this passage repeatedly to keep a victorious Jesus in our view.
Jeremiah 38; 39; 40:1-6
Jeremiah suffered at the hands of the leaders of Jerusalem (the city God had supernaturally made possible). He was beaten and imprisoned. God preserved him and brought leaders of an evil nation to free Jeremiah and restore him. Even people from Babylon recognized that God was just in punishing His people. God will judge the unrepentant guilty, and forgive the repentant.