Today’s Bible Reading

July 14

Old Testament I
Judges 7
In Judges 7, we see Gideon and his army of 32,000 men preparing to face the Midianites. However, God tells Gideon that his army is too large, and instructs him to send home anyone who is afraid. 22,000 men leave, leaving only 10,000.

But again, God tells Gideon that his army is too large, and instructs him to take his remaining men down to the water to drink. Only those who lap up the water with their tongues like a dog are to be kept. 300 men are found to have drunk this way, while the rest kneel down to drink.

With this small army, Gideon is instructed by God to attack the Midianites. He divides his men into three groups, and they surround the Midianite camp at night. Gideon's men blow trumpets and break jars to create a loud noise, which causes confusion and panic among the Midianites.

The Midianites turn on each other in the dark, and Gideon's army is able to defeat them with relative ease. The victory is attributed to God's intervention, and Gideon and his men are hailed as heroes.

Old Testament II
Isaiah 28
Isaiah 28 is a chapter in the book of Isaiah that contains a prophecy about the downfall of the kingdom of Israel and a message of hope for the faithful remnant of God's people.

The chapter begins with a warning to the rulers and priests of Israel who have become drunk with power and pleasure, but who will soon be brought low by God's judgment. Isaiah likens them to drunken men who stumble and fall, unable to understand the messages of the prophets sent by God to warn them.

Isaiah then speaks of a cornerstone that God will lay in Zion, which represents a foundation of faith and righteousness upon which the faithful remnant can build their lives. This cornerstone is Jesus Christ, who will come to bring salvation and redemption to God's people.

Isaiah also speaks of a time of tribulation that will come upon the people of Israel, a time of judgment and punishment for their disobedience. But he also promises that God will not abandon his people and will provide a way of escape for those who trust in him.

In the latter part of the chapter, Isaiah turns his attention to the subject of farming and uses it as a metaphor for spiritual growth and development. He compares the process of farming to the process of spiritual growth, where the farmer must be patient and persistent in order to see a fruitful harvest.

Overall, Isaiah 28 emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, and the consequences of disobedience and rebellion. It also highlights the promise of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ for those who put their trust in God.

New Testament
1 Corinthians 7
 First Corinthians chapter 7 is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, in which he provides guidance on various issues related to marriage and singleness.

Paul starts by addressing the issue of sexual immorality and advises that it is better to be married than to burn with passion. He then gives advice to those who are already married, instructing them not to withhold sexual intimacy from their spouse except for a short time of prayer and fasting.

Paul also addresses those who are unmarried, encouraging them to remain single if they can devote themselves fully to God's work. However, if they cannot control their passions, it is better for them to marry than to burn with lust.

The apostle goes on to address those who are married to unbelievers, advising them to stay in the marriage if their unbelieving spouse is willing to stay with them. If, however, the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not bound to stay in the marriage.

Finally, Paul discusses the issue of divorce and remarriage, advising that divorce should be avoided if possible and that a believer should not divorce an unbelieving spouse who is willing to remain in the marriage. However, if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not bound to stay in the marriage and is free to remarry.

Overall, Paul's guidance in 1 Corinthians 7 emphasizes the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life, including marriage and singleness, and encourages believers to seek wisdom and guidance from God in making decisions about these matters.