Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 28)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

July 9 (Read: Prov. 16)

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.” (Prov. 16:32 NASB)

Anger is a normal emotion.  It is not a sin to experience anger; it is what we do when we feel angry that matters (see Eph. 4:24).  An outburst of anger is a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:20), but it is possible to express anger and still be in the Spirit.  Jesus demonstrated that when He cleared the temple of the money changers.  He reacted in a very controlled manner to the evil that was present.  The disciples recognized it as zeal for the house of God (Jn. 2:14-17).  The way to control anger is not to suppress it; it is to restrain it.  Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit; He helps us to “rule our spirit” (Gal. 5:23).  When we consider the admonition to be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger”, we see that the emphasis is on listening.  We need to take time to process what is causing those feelings of anger.  Being slow to respond does not mean that we should not respond at all.  If something must be said or done, it should be with wisdom.  Jesus knew exactly why He needed to act as He did, and communicated clearly, “My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a robbers’ den.” (Lu. 19:46).   

Help me, Lord Jesus, to control my emotions.  You have given me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  As I walk in communion with You, Holy Spirit, I have grace and peace to act in wisdom and love. (2Tim. 1:5)

July 10 (Read: Prov. 17)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 11 (Read: Nu. 1)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 12 (Read: Nu. 2 & 3)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 13 (Read: Nu. 4)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 14 (Read: Nu. 5 & 6)

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.” (Nu. 6:24-26 NASB)

By praying this blessing over the sons of Israel, Aaron was placing the name of the Lord on them.  As New Covenant priests of the Lord, we also can pray this blessing over people.  If we meditate on the meaning of the blessing, we can exercise faith to receive all that it represents.  When the Lord shines His face upon people, He is being gracious to them.  God’s grace includes His mercy (Heb. 4:16).  By faith, we can declare the blood of Jesus over them.  God will watch over to protect the unsaved as He leads them to choose salvation.  It is His kindness that provides time and opportunities for them to come to repentance (Rom. 2:4).  Even for believers, we can intercede on their behalf to receive mercy, blessings, and protection.  After receiving these, they will know His peace which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:8).  In a lot of ways, this is like the blessing that the apostles prayed for believers: “May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure.” (1Pe. 1:2) (see also Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:3; Gal. 1:3; etc.)

Father, You instructed Aaron on how to bless Your people.  Help me to pray blessings in faith as a priest in Christ.  If they do not know Your love and the gift of salvation, may You protect them and direct their hearts to know You.  If they are believer in Jesus Christ, may You multiply Your grace and peace to them.

July 15 (Read: Nu. 7)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 27)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

July 2 (Read: Phil. 3 & 4)

“I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ.” (Phil. 3:8 NASB)

To gain Christ, we must first lose whatever we have allowed to fill that area of our lives.  Otherwise, we will try to keep our life while trying to gain the life of Christ in us.  It just does not work that way.  “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matt. 16:25).  A verse that has helped me understand the way to walk with the Lord is, “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him…” (Col. 2:6).  We received Christ as our Lord through surrender and faith, and that is how we must walk with Him.  To do this effectively, we must be aware of the influence this world tries to have on us.  The Apostle John summarized it as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1Jn. 2:16).  We will grow in the Lord as we develop our spiritual senses to correctly discern between good and bad motives (Heb. 5:14).  Our soul is transformed as we repent of wrong motives and, through faith, become strong in the grace that is Christ Jesus (2Tim. 2:1). 

Thank You, Father, for the grace to obey.  I have put off the old nature that is conformed to this world, and I have put on the new nature created in Your image.  Through the discipline of repentance and faith, I put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.  (Col. 3:9,10; Rom. 13:14).

July 3 (Read: Philem.)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 4 (Read: Col. 1 & 2)

“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” (Col. 1:28 NASB)

Is the gospel you accepted the same one the apostles preached?  Are you satisfied with only having believed on the Lord for salvation or are you pursuing maturity?  Paul told the Colossians that his ministry was to preach, admonish, and teach.  Many churches are mainly concerned about evangelism and fellowship.  They are not admonishing and teaching converts to follow all that Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:20).  You must take responsibility for your own spiritual growth.  Even if you are receiving good training and fellowship from a church or ministry, you must receive it with humility (Jas. 1:21).  Receiving ministry is not always about having someone pray for you.  You should submit also to the ministry of the Word.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.” (2Tim. 3:176,17).  If you lack spiritual maturity, you will not be fully equipped.  Instead, you will be “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine”. (Eph. 4:14).  Your obedience to the truth will be inconsistent; it will be too easily hindered by a lack of self-control. (Gal. 5:7). 

Thank You, Father, that You will complete the work You have begun in me.  I submit to the ministry of Your word for instruction and correction.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for helping me to understand and discern my steps.  Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the grace to obey the truth that is in You.  (Phil. 2:13; 1Pe. 1:22).

July 5 (Read: Col. 3 & 4)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 6 (Read: Ps. 82, 83 & 84)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 7 (Read: Ps. 85, 86 & 87)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 8 (Read: Ps. 88 & 89)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 26)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

June 25 (Read: Rom. 8 & 9)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 26 (Read: Rom. 10 & 11)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 27 (Read: Rom. 12, 13 & 14)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21 NASB)

The Lord Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and as His disciples we must do the same (1Jn. 3:8).  How we do that from Christ’s perspective is very different than what the world would tell us.  Jesus taught us to “turn the other cheek”.  We are not to return evil for evil, but to respond with love.  “So far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Rom. 12:18).  Overcoming evil is more than refusing to react in revenge, it is reacting in love.  If we do nothing about evil, it will continue to increase.  We can conquer evil by winning one heart at a time.  “He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins. (Jas. 5:20).  Sinners will come under conviction when they see the gospel expressed through our lives.  This does not refer only to unbelievers, but also to believers who stray from the truth (Jas. 5:19). 

Help me, Lord Jesus, to always respond with love when others treat me unfairly.  I will not seek to defend myself because You are my Protector.  I will not concern myself with the loss of thing because You are my Provider.  I will not fear what man can do to me, because You are always with me.  I put my trust in You to live through me to overcome evil with good.  Even if suffer for You, I will also reign with You.  (Ps. 18:2; Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:6; 2Tim. 2:12).

June 28 (Read: Rom. 15 & 16)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 29 (Read: Eph. 1, 2 & 3)

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” (Eph. 1:19 NASB)

Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to take the hope of salvation as a helmet (1Thess. 5:8).  The purpose of this helmet is to guard our thoughts.  To stay strong in the Lord, we need hope as well as faith.  Hope helps us to persevere.  Some aspects of our salvation will only be seen after the Lord returns.  We wait in hope for the redemption of our bodies.  We also wait in hope for a new heaven and a new earth.  We do not yet see all that God has prepared for us, but we are sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit.  He is given as “a pledge of our inheritance” (Eph. 1:14).   What is our inheritance?

Christ became heir to the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:16), especially the promise that “All nations shall be blessed in you” was inherited by Christ.  Because we are in Him, His inheritance becomes ours.  We are blessed in Christ!  When God made this promise to Abraham, He had in mind the complete redemption of mankind and of creation (Rom. 8:20,21).  Our inheritance is to live eternally with God, in glorified spiritual bodies, and to reign with Christ, over a new heaven and a new earth.  When this comes to pass, we will see the fulfillment of the beatitude, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5).

Thank You, Father, for my inheritance in Christ.  Thank You for sealing me with Your Holy Spirit.  I put on faith as a breastplate and hope as a helmet.  (Eph. 1:14; 1Thess.  5:8).

June 30 (Read: Eph. 4, 5 & 6)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

July 1 (Read: Phil. 1 & 2)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 25)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

June 18 (Read: Ps. 73 & 74)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 19 (Read: Ps. 75, 76 & 77)

“My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud; my voice rises to God, and He will listen to me.” (Ps. 77: NASB)

Sometimes it seems like our prayers do not accomplish much.  We pray, and we even sense the presence of the Holy Spirit, as He helps us to pray.  Why does it seem like God is not listening?  At times like that, we need to reassure our hearts.  The enemy will say that there is no point in praying, but we must be persistent.  We must press on with fervency, because “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (Jas. 5:16).  As we wait on the Lord to answer, we can strengthen our faith by meditating on His promises, and on His works (Ps. 77:12).  God is faithful; He will listen, and He will answer.

Thank You, Father, for listening to my prayers.  I am righteous because of what Jesus has done.  Through faith and patience, I will receive what You have promised. Help me, Holy Spirit, to pray with faith, according to the will of my Heavenly Father. (Heb. 6:12)

June 20 (Read: Ps. 78)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 21 (Read: Ps. 79, 80 & 81)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 22 (Read: Rom. 1 & 2)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16 NASB)

When Paul preached to the Corinthians, he wanted their faith to rest on the power of God (1Cor. 2:5).  Faith is essential to receive anything from God, but what we rest our faith upon will determine its effectiveness.  Salvation is possible because of God’s power that was demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead.  Whether salvation, or any other promise of God, it is important that our faith rests upon the power of God, not anything else.  We cannot think too much about faith; we simply need to do it.  It is a matter of the heart, not the mind (Mk. 11:23).  Even when we begin to see answers to prayer, we must be careful not to become prideful.  Taking our eyes off the Lord and turning the attention to ourselves will cause us to be distracted by the wind and the waves.  Our faith must be in God, not in our ability to believe.  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6).

Thank You, Father, for giving me the measure of faith.  My faith is strong when I keep my eyes on You and meditate on Your promises.  You have not left me alone, but You have sent me Your Holy Spirit.  With Your help, Holy Spirit, I will rest my faith in the power and character of God, rather than on my ability to believe.  (Rom. 12:3; Jn. 16:7). 

June 23 (Read: Rom. 3 & 4)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 24 (Read: Rom. 5, 6 & 7)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 24)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

June 11 (Read: Lev. 17 & 18)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 12 (Read: Lev. 19 & 20)

“You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” (Lev. 19:18 NASB)

Jesus said that loving God first and loving our neighbour as ourselves is the summation of the Law (Matt. 22:40).  He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.  The various instructions for animal sacrifices were not the essence of the Law; they merely pointed to the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah.  Having become righteous through faith in the finished work of the cross, we now have fellowship with God.  We are called to know Him and to be like Him.  He is love, so we must walk in love.  When we do this, we fulfill His Law.  The Israelites had the same commandment to love, but they did not obey it, because they did not mix the word with faith (Heb. 4:2).  The mystery of the Gospel is Christ in us (Col. 1:27).  It is because He lives in us that we have the ability to obey God.  We walk from faith to faith (Rom. 1:17).  First, we believe in Him for mercy; then we believe in Him for grace.  Not only are we forgiven, but we are enabled to do what is right.  Let us, therefore, “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” (Heb. 4:16). 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for overcoming sin and death for me.  I have been crucified with You and now have life in You.  Your grace enables me to walk in righteousness.  By faith, I choose to obey the commandment of love.

June 13 (Read: Lev. 21 & 22)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 14 (Read: Lev. 23 & 24)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 15 (Read: Lev. 25)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 16 (Read: Lev. 26 & 27)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 17 (Read: Prov. 15)

“A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.” (Prov. 15:18 NASB)

Overcoming anger should be of utmost importance to us.  So much harm is done when we react angrily with words or actions. The key to overcoming this problem is to recognize its activity and to give it no place in our heart.  When we have difficulty overcoming a problem, the reason is often because we want something it has to offer.  Anger is like that.  We may think that raising our voice in anger gets the response we desire from others.  Or, there may other reasons why we think using anger “in a controlled way” is beneficial.  Scripture does not agree with that thinking.  We must renew our mind to the principle that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God” (Jas. 1:20).  The fruit resulting from anger will not be righteous fruit.  It may produce what looks like good behaviour, but it does not result from a change of heart. 

The key to victory over any sin is repentance and faith.  We will not believe God for mercy and grace if we deny the behaviour or if we blame others for it.  We must accept responsibility for our own behaviour.  God is more than willing to forgive us and to help us overcome sin. 

Help me, Lord Jesus, to control anger.  It is normal for me, as a human being, to experience strong emotions like anger but Your word says that I should not sin with anger.  Help me to discern how it operates in my life.  Thank You for mercy and for the grace I need to overcome it.  (Eph. 4:26; Heb. 4:16; 5:14)

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 23)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

June 4 (Read: Lev. 4, 5 & 6)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 5 (Read: Lev. 7 & 8)

“Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him.” (Lev. 1:1 NASB)

To consecrate Aaron to the priesthood, Mosed had to wash him, then anoint him with oil and with the blood of the ordination sacrifice.  As believers in Christ, we a called to a royal priesthood (1Pe. 2:9).  Our bodies are washed with water, and our hearts are sprinkled clean by the blood of Jesus.  Additionally, we are anointed with power from the Holy Spirit.  All three are needed to fulfill our calling.  We must be saved and filled with the Holy Spirit to serve Him effectively.  The Holy Spirit clothes us with power for service.  After Jesus rose from the dead, He breathed on the disciples so they could receive the Holy Spirit (Jn. 20:22).  Then He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they would be anointed with power from on high (Lu. 24:49).  Receiving the Holy Spirit “in us” occurs when we are saved.  Power from on high is received when the Holy Spirit comes “upon us” (Acts 1:8).  First, we are set apart onto Him; then we are empowered for service.  The promise of the Holy Spirit’s anointing is “for you as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.” (Acts 2:39). 

Thank You, Father, for sealing me with Your Holy Spirit when I believed the Gospel.  Thank You also for immersing me in Your Spirit when I believed Your promise.  Your Word says that I should be continually filled with Your Spirit, so I ask You to refresh Your anointing upon me.  Even the disciples were filled again with the Holy Spirit when they prayed for boldness to preach Your word.  I yield, therefore, my body to You Holy Spirit so I may glorify God with it.  (Eph. 1:13; Acts 1:8; Eph. 5:18; Acts 4:31; 1Cor. 6:20)

June 6 (Read: Lev. 9 & 10)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 7 (Read: Lev. 11 & 12)

“I am the Lord your God.  Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy.” (Lev. 11:44 NASB)

The Law of the Old Testament contained various instructions on food.  For the Israelites, this resulted in them being set apart from the nations around them.  These things were “a mere shadow of what was to come; but the fulness belongs to Christ.” (Col. 2:17).  In Him, we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (1Pe. 2:9).  As a holy nation, we are still different from the world around us, but the difference is not “according to the traditions of men, according to the elementary principles of the world” (Col. 2:8).  We are different because Christ lives in us.  We are justified by His precious blood and sanctified by the Holy Spirit (2Thess. 2:13).  Our soul is purified by obedience to the truth (1Pe. 1:22).  It is not obedience through our own efforts, but through faith.  The Spirit of Christ living in us give us grace to obey.  We walk in this grace by faith.  We need not struggle to believe.  We simply rest in the confidence that God is working in us and He will complete the work He has begun (Phil. 1:6; 2:1). 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for living in me, transforming me into Your image.  I walk in the Spirit through the measure of faith You have given me.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for helping me put to death the deeds of the flesh.  The Law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.  (Rom. 12:3; 8:13; 8:2).

June 8 (Read: Lev. 13)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 9 (Read: Lev. 14)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 10 (Read: Lev. 15 & 16)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 22)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

May 28 (Read: Mk. 15 & 16)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 29 (Read: Ps. 71 & 72)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 30 (Read: Prov. 11)

“When pride comes, then comes dishonor; but with the humble there is wisdom.” (Prov. 11:2 NAS)

Humility is normally associated with grace (1Pe. 5:5), but in this verse, we find it associated with wisdom.  Knowledge and wisdom are closely related; wisdom is the correct application of knowledge.  From a heavenly perspective, wisdom is the application of knowledge in a spirit of love.  “Who among you is wise and understanding?  Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” (Jas. 3:13).  Knowledge without love results in pride (1Cor. 8:1).  If we want to be wise, we must guard against pride.  The humble are teachable.  When people are puffed up by knowledge, they become unbalanced in their understanding.  “If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know.” (1Cor. 8:2).  Pride will even prevents people from learning what they should; instead, they will “accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires” (2Tim. 4:3).  Another problem with pride is that it causes us to resist correction.  A humble person will accept correction and obtain wisdom.  “One who neglects discipline rejects himself, but one who listens to a rebuke acquires understanding.” (Prov. 15:32).  They way I resist pride in my life is through repentance and faith.  I refuse to give it a foothold.  If I find any trace of it, I confess and repent of it.  I do not dwell on it because it has no power over me.  Instead, I resist it through faith in the power of the cross, and I present myself to God as a servant of righteousness. (Rom. 6:11-14).

Father, Your word says that if I lack wisdom, I can ask for it and You will give it to me generously.  Search my heart, Lord, and see if there is any pride there.  You resist the proud but give grace to the humble.  Thank You for setting me free from the power of pride and for leading me in the everlasting way.  (Jas. 1:5; Jas. 4:6; Ps. 139:23,24).

May 31 (Read: Prov. 12)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 1 (Read: Prov. 13)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 2 (Read: Read: Prov. 14)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

June 3 (Read: Lev. 1, 2 & 3)

“Now the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting.” (Lev. 1:1 NAS)

Moses had a close relationship with God.  What made his relationship so special was his humility.  “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any person who was on the face of the earth.” (Num. 12:3).  He was also very faithful.  God said of him, “He is faithful in all my household.” (Num. 12:7).  Because Moses found favor in God’s sight, he was shown His glory (Ex. 33:17).  Whenever he entered the tent of meeting, the pillar of cloud would descend upon the tent and God would speak to Moses face to face (Ex. 33:9-11).  Joshua, as the servant of Moses, would be there in the tent with Moses.  He must have had some wonderful spiritual experiences because when Moses returned to the camp, Joshua “would not depart from the tent” (Num. 33:11). 

We may not have a calling like Moses or Joshua, but we can all have a close relationship with God.  We can also be like Joshua, who desired to remain in the presence of God.  If we serve faithfully in God’s house, we can partake of some of the crumbs that fall from the table when those more spiritual than us minister to God.  Eventually, our humility and faithfulness will be rewarded and we may, like Joshua, obtain our own calling to serve the Lord.

Lord Jesus, when You walked the earth, You taught the disciples how to pray and how to minister in Your name.  You did not leave us alone on this earth to continue Your work, but You sent us Your Holy Spirit.  Help us, Lord, to recognize the presence of Your Spirit in our lives, and to be attentive to His voice.  The Early Church walked in His fellowship and power, and there is no reason why we cannot.  Bring us, Lord, to the same degree of experience because You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Jn. 16:7; Heb. 13:8).

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 21)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

May 21 (Read: Mk. 5)

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid, only believe.’” (Mark 5:36 NAS)

Too often, our faith is weakened by fear.  We are anxious when we should be at peace.  Jairus’ faith settled when he chose to listen to the Master instead of those around him.  Our circumstances can speak quite loudly, and the sound can even be amplified by our family and friends.  What we need is to hear from the Lord. When we take time at the start of our day to fellowship with God, we are more alert to His voice as we complete the tasks of our day.  I like the verse that says, “But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1Cor. 6:17).  To me this means that my spirit and the Holy Spirit live together in my body.  My spirit is sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, so all I need to do is be sensitive to my spirit.  This happens when I am praying, worshipping, and meditating on the Scriptures.  If there is an issue that I am believing God for, I meditate on His promises.  I try also to maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day (1Thess. 5:17).  Giving thanks in all circumstances is one way to accomplish this.  Praying in the spirit is another way.

Your words, Lord Jesus, are full of life.  I open my heart to Your still small voice, Holy Spirit.  You guide me into all truth.  You help me to hear what my Father and my Lord are saying.  (Heb. 4:12; 1Ki. 19:12; Jn. 16:13)

May 22 (Read: Mk. 6)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 23 (Read: Mk. 7 & 8)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 24 (Read: Mk. 9)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 25 (Read: Mk. 10 & 11)

“You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” (Mk. 10:42,43 NKJV)

How effective has our obedience to the Lord been on the topic of leadership?  Jesus came to serve and not be served (Mk. 10:45), but He also knew how to exercise authority.  “And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mk. 1:22).  Whenever He spoke to evil spirits, He spoke authoritatively, but when dealing with people, His approach was different.  He humbled Himself as a servant and became obedient to God, to the point of death (Phil. 2:7,8).  His leadership was by instruction and example.  He placed the good of others before His own but was careful to discern between good and evil.  His service was to mankind, but His obedience was to God.  We must be careful to lead the same way.  “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10b).  One of my favourite lessons on authority is from the centurion who knew how to be “in authority” while being “under authority”.  Even as an officer in the Roman army, he recognized the spiritual authority of the Son of God.  Jesus called this “great faith”.  (Math. 8:8-10).  When we recognize our spiritual authority, we can exercise authority through prayer rather than through dominance.  “But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”  (Jas. 1:19,20). 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me authority over all the power of the enemy.  Give me wisdom to exercise this authority as Your servant.  In love, You gave Yourself up for me as a fragrant offering to God.  I choose also to offer my members as a living sacrifice, that I may serve others in love.  (Lu. 10:19; Jas. 1:5; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 12:1; Gal. 5:13).

May 26 (Read: Mk. 12 & 13)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 27 (Read: Mk. 14)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 20)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

May 14 (Read: Ps. 55, 56, 57 & 58)

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid, what can mere mortals do to me?” (Ps. 56:3,4 NAS)

It is important as disciples that we learn to control our negative emotions. We should not suppress them, but neither should we give in to them.  What helps me to manage them is to redirect my thoughts and exercise my faith.  If I am experiencing negative emotions, I try to discern the thoughts behind them.  There may be good reasons why I am experiencing these feelings, but if I turn my attention to God, I can choose to believe His word instead of those negative thoughts.  “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you.’  So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.  What can man do to me?’”. (Heb. 13:5,6).  The same method works for other emotions like discouragement.  “Why are you cast down, O my soul?  And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him.” (Ps. 42:11 NKJV).  I will thank God in all circumstances because He is merciful, and quite able to make all things work for my good (Rom. 8:28; 1Thess. 5:18). 

Thank You, Father, for loving me and sending Your Son to pay the price for my redemption.  You loved me even when I was separated from You.  How much more will you demonstrate Your love to me now that I have been reconciled.  Help me, Lord, to always put my trust in You.  You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2Tim. 1:7).

May 15 (Read: Ps. 59, 60, 61 & 62)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 16 (Read: Ps. 63, 64, 65 & 66)

“If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear; but God has heard; He has given attention to the sound of my prayer.” (Ps. 66:18,19 NAS)


How blessed I am that God has forgiven my sins (Ps. 32:1,2).  Because I have been redeemed through the precious blood of my Lord, I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3-7).  As I continue to walk in the light, His blood cleanses me from all sin (1Jn. 1:7).  Through faith, I have been justified and have been given access to God’s grace (Rom. 5:1,2).  Besides faith, all that is required is that I confess my sins (1Jn. 1:9).  There is no need to perform religious works; by His love, I am accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:5,6).  Not only am I redeemed by the blood, but my soul is transformed though obedience to the truth (1Pe. 1:22).  I am “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2Cor. 10:5). 


Thank You, Father, for working in me to both to will and to do what is pleasing to You.  I am not overcome by evil, but I overcome evil with good. I overwhelmingly conquer because of Your love.  Nothing can separate me from Your love.  (Phil. 2:13; Rom. 12:21; Rom. 8:31-39)

May 17 (Read: Ps. 67 & 68)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 18 (Read: Ps. 69 & 70)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 19 (Read: Mk. 1 & 2)

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mk. 1:15 NAS)

To receive the message of salvation when it is preached, it is necessary to repent and believe the message.  The way to grow in Christ is the same.  “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being bult up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” (Col. 2:6).  To achieve transformation in different areas of our lives, we must go through a period of death, burial, and resurrection.  First, we must hear the word of God.  As we accept the word of the Lord, we put to death the old ways and choose to believe Him for the grace to obey His instructions.  The change is rarely immediate.  Between death and resurrection, there is always a period of burial.  During this time, we reaffirm our decision to let go the old, and we allow the seed of the Word to germinate in our hearts.  Before long, the word is formed in us and we begin to walk in it by faith.  No one likes this time in the grave, so many return to the old ways instead of persevering until the change occurs in them.  Even for spiritual growth, faith and patience are required to inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12). 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You train me as a disciple to hear Your instructions.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for judging those evil ways in me and convincing me of righteousness.  I am transformed into Your image as I obey Your Word.  (Isa. 50:4; Jn. 16:8; Jas. 1:25)

May 20 (Read: Mk. 3 & 4)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Old and New Testament Balance (Wk. 19)

This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once.  To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.

Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits.  If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below.  I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing

The daily readings for this week are included below.

May 7 (Read: Ex. 24 & 25)

“And there I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel.” (Ex. 25:22 NAS)

God made a covenant with the descendants of Israel and allowed His presence to rest over the ark of the covenant.  Moses would meet with God behind the veil and talk with Him face to face (Ex. 33:11).  God has always wanted to fellowship with His children.  The Israelites drew back because of fear so they only came to know His acts, but Moses came to know His ways (Ps. 103:7).  Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus opened the way for us to know the Father personally.  God may speak to us through others, but we must never rely on other men to speak for us with God.  Instead, we should draw near to God ourselves.  The children of Israel could have risen above their fear through faith in God’s mercy.  Because of their unbelief, however, they failed to enter a place of rest in God’s presence (Heb. 3:19).  We must not allow the fear of God to keep us away from Him.  Instead, we should believe in His love which can dispel fear (1Jn. 4:18).  We should also believe in the power of the blood of Jesus to make us righteous.  “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22).  As we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us and make Himself known to us (Jas. 4:8).

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for making a way for me to know the Father.  Thank You, Holy Spirit for Your abiding presence.  With Your help, I have fellowship with my Father and my Lord.  Thank You for manifesting Your presence to me and through me.

May 8 (Read: Ex. 26 & 27)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 9 (Read: Ex. 28 & 29)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 10 (Read: Ex. 30, 31 & 32)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 11 (Read: Ex. 33, 34 & 35)

“So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” (Ex. 34:30 NAS).

If we spend time in the presence of the Lord, we will be transformed into His image, from glory to glory (2Cor. 3:18).  The anointing of the Spirit rests upon us, even after our time of prayer.  Transformation occurs because the Holy Spirit reminds us of what we have seen and heard, and helps us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only.  “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.” (Jas. 1:23,24).

After we spend time in God’s presence, others will sense the glory of the Lord upon us.  Some may pull away because of fear, but those who are hungry, like Joshua, will want to be where we have been.  “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.  When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.” (Ex. 33:11)

I love You Lord, and I want to know your ways that I may find favor in Your sight.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for helping me to hear and see what the Lord is saying.  Thank You also for helping me to be a doer of the word, and not a hearer only.  (Ex. 33:13; Rev.1:10-12)

May 12 (Read: Ex. 36 & 37)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.

May 13 (Read: Ex. 38, 39 & 40)

The daily devotion will be added later.  Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.