SCRIPTURE: Psalm 4:1-8 OBSERVATION: David seems to be in the midst of a crisis, and the people who are troubling him are also mocking him, “turning his glory into shame”. Those with David are despairing, “who can show us any good?” David refuses to give up. He appeals to God for help (mercy) and declares his…
Author: Norm
Bible Readings (September)
September 1. Daniel 5:1-16 2. Daniel 5:17-30 3. Daniel 6:1-16 4. Daniel 6:17-28 5. Daniel 7:1-14 6. Daniel 7:15-28 7. Daniel 8:1-14 8. Daniel 8:15-27 9. Daniel 9:1-19 10. Daniel 9:20-27 11. Acts 16:6-15 12. Acts 16:16-40 13. Acts 17:1-15 14. Acts 17:16-34 15. Acts 18:1-17 16. Acts 18:18-28 17. Acts 19:1-22 18. Acts 19:23-41 …
Aug 22 — Psalm 3:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 3:1-8 OBSERVATION: There is a bigger story behind this psalm, the sad relationship between David and his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 13-19). David shows amazing confidence in God’s help, even though it hasn’t come yet. David speaks with violent passion against his own son (v.7, “strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of…
Aug 21 — Psalm 2:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 2:1-12 OBSERVATION: This Psalm is written from King David’s perspective as he deals with neighbouring kingdoms under his rule, agitating for rebellion. David claims God’s backing, therefore the plots and schemes are in vain; their best bet is to surrender to and support God’s appointed ruler… or else. David’s rule is a prophetic anticipation…
Aug 20 — Psalm 1:1-6
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 1:1-6 OBSERVATION: The best (most blessed) way to live (ie the way to happiness, success, well-being, etc.) is by living according to the will of the Lord. They will live rooted, fruitful lives, like a tree growing close to water. Those who go against the Lord, the way that the wicked (sinners, mockers) do,…
Aug 19 — Acts 15:36-16:5
SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:36-16:5 OBSERVATION: John had abandoned them earlier (Acts 13:13), but now wants to join them again. Barnabas wants to show him grace for his failure, but Paul is not yet ready to welcome him back. This results in a major disagreement and separation, and raises the question of why Paul was being so hard-headed? Or…
Aug 18 — Acts 15:22-35
SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:22-35 OBSERVATION: The official decision is made, the non-Jews will not be expected to keep the Law of Moses, with the exceptions noted – not as laws binding on all Christians but as helpful advise for believers at that time, under those circumstances. Their decision is communicated as “it seemed good to the Holy…
Aug 17 — Acts 15:1-21
SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:1-21 OBSERVATION: A constant problem in the church, people telling some believers that they are not good enough, do not measure up. The old covenant revealed through Moses was in effect until Jesus came (Galatians 3:19-23), it not longer is binding as a religious code (its moral claims are universal, still applying today, like “you…
Aug 16 — Acts 14:21-28
SCRIPTURE: Acts 14:21-28 OBSERVATION: After a successful disciple-making journey, they go back to encourage/equip the disciples already made. Paul’s encouragement involves strengthening, being challenged to stay true, and preparing them for hardship; he also appoints elders (more spiritually mature believers) to help them. Paul describes the kingdom of God as something that disciples are still entering,…
Aug 15 — Acts 14:1-20
SCRIPTURE: Acts 14:1-20 OBSERVATION: Paul was an effective speaker, even if he was not impressive when he spoke (2 Corinthians 10:10) or easy to understand (2 Peter 3:15-16). The Lord confirms/backs up Paul’s message of grace with miracles. Despite the opposition, they stay on in Iconium for a long time, until a plot finally forces them to leave. They just…