Daily Bible Reading

God’s Renewing Word of Thankfulness and Praise Introduction Ezra 4:24—5:17: Problems caused by neighboring people halted the rebuilding of the Temple from 535 to 520 B.C. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah persuade the people to start again, but authority to begin rebuilding is challenged. The rebuilding of the Temple took place during the reign of […]

God’s Renewing Word of Thankfulness and Praise Introduction Ezra 3:1-13: The priests rebuild the altar and begin offering sacrifices according to the instructions God had given Moses. The people celebrate the Festival of Shelters as a reminder of how God protected the people of Israel in the wilderness (see Leviticus 23:33-36; Numbers 29:12-40). The rebuilding […]

God’s Renewing Word of Thankfulness and Praise Introduction Ezra 1:1-11: Today we will begin reading excerpts from the book of Ezra which describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylonia and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. Jerusalem had been captured by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., and the Temple […]

God’s Renewing Word of Peace and Justice Introduction John 10:1-21: We conclude this month with a reading from John’s Gospel. In today’s reading, Jesus uses the images of shepherd, gate, and sheep to describe the relationship between himself and his followers. The sheep know the shepherd’s voice and follow him. Unlike a thief who comes […]

God’s Renewing Word of Peace and Justice Introduction Ezekiel 34:11-31: God promises to rescue the people and care for them and be their shepherd. Scripture Reading The Good Shepherd 11 “I, the Sovereign Lord, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them 12 in the same way as […]

God’s Renewing Word of Peace and Justice Introduction Ezekiel 34:1-10: Shepherds protected their flocks from being stolen, killed by wild animals, or wandering into danger. This metaphor of shepherd is applied to Israel’s leaders, many of whom had not been good shepherds; and because of their evil and neglectful ways, the sheep (the people of […]

God’s Renewing Word of Peace and Justice Introduction Ezekiel 18:21-32: Today’s reading continues the discussion from yesterday (Ezekiel 18:1-20) and emphasizes returning to God and receiving forgiveness. Scripture Reading 21 “If someone evil stops sinning and keeps my laws, if he does what is right and good, he will not die; he will certainly live. […]

God’s Renewing Word of Peace and Justice Introduction Ezekiel 18:1-20: The book of Ezekiel is set against the backdrop of the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Today’s reading focuses on the issue of intergenerational punishment. It describes various scenarios of parents and children committing sins, and it is the sinner alone who will be […]

God’s Renewing Word of Peace and Justice Introduction Deuteronomy 19:1-21: Today’s reading describes the establishing of cities of refuge—cities to which a person who accidentally kills someone may escape and be safe. The subject of witnesses and punishment for making false accusations concludes the chapter. Scripture Reading The Cities of Refuge 19 “After the Lord […]

God’s Renewing Word of Peace and Justice Introduction Deuteronomy 17:1-20: Today’s reading continues with Moses’s instructions for the administration of justice. A court of appeal is also established, with the levitical priests having authority to render final decisions. The chapter concludes with instructions concerning a king. Scripture Reading 17 “Do not sacrifice to the Lord […]