Daily Bible Reading

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 18 Introduction John 16:25–33: Today’s reading concludes the “Farewell Discourse” which began with John 14 (see the reading from May 12). While Jesus tells the disciples that the world will make them suffer, he assures them that he has defeated the world and that God loves them. Today’s Key […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 17 Introduction John 16:16–24: The disciples are unable to comprehend what Jesus tells them about his impending suffering and death. Jesus tells them that they will be sad for a while, but that their sadness will turn into gladness. Today’s Key Verse: John 16:22b [Jesus said to his disciples:] […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 16 Introduction John 16:4b–15: Jesus again tells the disciples about how they will suffer. He says that he is returning to God the Father but that he will send the Holy Spirit who will lead them and reveal the truth about God. Today’s Key Verse: John 16:15 [Jesus said:] […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 15 Introduction John 15:18—16:4a: Jesus tells his disciples that they will suffer persecution because they have chosen to believe in and follow him. He promises to send the “Helper”—the Spirit who will come from God the Father and who will reveal the truth about God. Today’s Key Verse: John […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 14 Introduction John 15:1–17: God’s people are sometimes described as a vineyard (see Isaiah 5:1–7; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 19:10–14; Hosea 10:1). Jesus identifies himself as the real vine and his followers as branches connected to the vine. Jesus tells his followers to remain in him so that they bear […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 13 Introduction John 14:15–31: Today’s reading continues the “Farewell Discourse” or final words of Jesus to his disciples prior to his arrest, trial, and death. Jesus promises his followers that he will send the Holy Spirit to teach and guide them. The reading concludes with Jesus offering his followers […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 12 Introduction John 14:1–14: Today’s reading begins a section in John’s Gospel referred to as the “Farewell Discourse,” in which Jesus gives final instructions to his disciples before he is arrested, tried, and put to death. Jesus promises to prepare a place for all his followers and says that […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 11 Introduction Psalm 47: Today’s reading is a psalm proclaiming that God is our supreme ruler. It is a celebratory hymn in praise of God’s kingship and was probably used in some form of liturgical procession. Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 47:8 God sits on his sacred throne; he rules […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 10 Introduction Acts 1:12–26: The apostles meet and pray with other believers. Peter acts as spokesman for the community, and the apostles proceed to choose a successor to Judas. Today’s Key Verse: Acts 1:14a They gathered frequently to pray as a group. Reading 12 Then the apostles went back to […]

God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal May 9 Introduction Acts 1:1–11: Many faith communities observe today as Ascension Day. Jesus tells his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until God gives them the Holy Spirit, empowering them to share the gospel everywhere. Then he is taken up to heaven. The apostles keep their eyes on the skies […]