Today’s Bible Reading

March 09

Old Testament I

Exodus 27:20 - 28:14 

Serving God is not an excuse to look gloomy, shabby or rough, God was interested in the design of the robe of Aaron and the priests.

Jesus established this too in the New Testament; (Matthew 6:15 “When you fast, do not look sober as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face).


Old Testament II

Psalms 73 

Psalm 73 is a psalm of trust with some features of the wisdom psalms. The psalm is unusual in that it tells a story about the psalmist’s struggle with envy, doubts, and his faith in God. But through his struggles, the psalmist Asaph learned to trust in God.

The structure of the poem is as follows:

  1. the temptation to be envious of the wicked (vv. 1–3);

  2. a description of the wicked (vv. 4–14);

  3. the realization that the end of the wicked is the balancing factor (vv. 15–20);

  4. the psalmist’s regret over his uncertainty (vv. 21–24);

  5. a renewed resolve to trust in God alone (vv. 25, 26);

  6. the destruction of the wicked (v. 27)

  7. a renewed trust in God (v. 28).


New Testament

Acts 15:36 - 16:15

15:36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing 

This is the right attitude to have as a Christian. This shows Paul and Barnabas really cares about those they have preached to.

We should learn from this. Think of the commitment required to go back to all the cities they have preached. This shows they aren’t just preaching the Gospel because Jesus asked them to. They believe in the mission. They don’t just want to “fulfil all righteousness” by just preaching and leaving those they have preached to. They decided to go back to check on them.

It’s possible some of the people they preached to might be considering going back to the world because of one challenge or other reasons. Paul and Barnabas revisit will let them know and they would be able to encourage the person and solve the problem.

It’s easier to check on people you have preached to in our world today. You could check up on them through calls, email list, social media e.t.c

Also, you shouldn’t forget them in your prayers.


16:6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.

16:7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

We have a record of the Holy Spirit forbidding the disciples from preaching in certain cities. The bible didn’t tell us why, but we could infer from this that it’s important for us to maintain a great relationship with the Holy Spirit so that we will hear Him on what to do and what not to do.

Preaching is a good thing, but the Holy Spirit forbade them here. Just because something is good doesn’t mean God wants you to do it. It’s important to listen to God and follow His lead always.

Action Point

  • have a personal fasting and prayer time( set the number of days in a week and be consistent)


  • take care of yourself, look good. you don't have to break the bank to look good


  • do not envy the wicked, continue to do good, even though it might not look like it, the reward of the wicked is destruction


Quotes

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

-Romans 12:21



The time is always right to do what is right

-Martin Luther KIng Jr.



We often miss hearing God's voice simply because we aren't paying attention.

-Rick warren



without the spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are like ships without wind. We are useless

-Charles Spurgeon


Prayer Points

  • thank God for never failing

  • ask God for forgiveness of sin

  • pray for the power Holy Spirit

  • pray for the grace to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives

  • pray for the grace to trust God more

  • pray for renewed strength to continue doing good

  • pray for discerning spirit

  • intercessory prayers for those yet to see the light of God

  • pray for christian missionaries all over the world




#BibleInAYearChallenge