Self-examination and boasting

Self-examination will lead to boasting. At least that’s what Paul says. And he says such self-examination and boasting is good and beneficial: But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. Two truths dominate this verse: the […]

Questions for Bible reflection

Thursday through Saturday serve as “days of reflection” on our church Bible reading plan. These may be days to catch up on missed readings; or, they may be an opportunity to think more deeply and broadly about some of the Scripture you have read in the past month. To help stimulate you in the process […]

Bible Reading Reflections, Mark 1-6

“And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach…” (Mark 3:14) Seven words form the foundation of Christ’s discipleship process for His band of twelve followers. So that they would be with Him. A few fishermen. A couple little brothers. A tax collector. A […]

Bible reading reflections

In our weekly Bible reading plan, today is a day of reflection. As I think back over the passages we’ve read in the past week (Genesis 1-17; Ps. 1-6), it is sobering how rapidly the story of sin progresses. Just think through the major narrative stories in these first chapters in Genesis: Genesis 3 — […]

Today’s Quote – Scripture (Boice)

James Montgomery Boice, Living by the Book: [continued from yesterday] Well, the world’s methods may fill churches, just as they can fill stadiums for rock concerts, but work done in that way will be the world’s work, not the work of God. [Psalm 119] tells us that if we would grow in grace and in […]

Today’s Quote – Scripture (Boice)

James Montgomery Boice, Living by the Book: We live in a day when people do not much value God’s Word, even in evangelical churches. We say that we value it, but our neglect of the Word belies our confession. We do not spend much time in serious Bible study. We do not memorize God’s Word, […]

Today’s Quote – Bible reading (Luther)

Martin Luther, For some years now I have read through the Bible twice every year. If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.

Today’s Quote – Bible reading (Whitney)

Donald Whitney, Simplify Your Spiritual Life, It’s not so much what we read in the Bible that changes us, but what we remember. Doubtless there are many believers who should increase their daily intake of Scripture, but many others are devoting all the time they can. If you cannot possibly add meditation to the time […]

Practical tips for reading your Bible and submitting to the Spirit

Read with the intent of knowing God and His mind, not “solving problems.” Establish a time and place that you will meet God every day — e.g., on sofa at 6:30 a.m. Keep a Bible, pad & pen (and maybe a devotional book) at that location. Read the Bible systematically & with balance (history, poetry, […]

Today’s Quote – Bible reading (Spurgeon)

Charles Spurgeon, Counsel for Christian Workers, It is always best to drink at the well and not from the tank. You shall find that reading the Word of God for yourselves, reading it rather than notes about it, is the surest way of growing in grace. Drink the unadulterated milk of the Word of God, […]

Read the Bible this year

A number of years ago, my folks asked me what I wanted for Christmas. At the top, as usual (some things never change), was a list of books. And I graciously was given several of the desired volumes. So a month or two after Christmas, my Dad asked me about one of the books (one […]

Jesus and Genealogies

This week my Bible reading took me to the book of 1 Chronicles. For many, these are the books that are difficult to read, particularly early in the morning. What is the purpose of these genealogies? is it really worth reading them? Don Carson provides helpful insight: …biblical genealogies accomplish many things besides the obvious […]