Today’s Bible Reading

July 6

Old Testament I
Joshua 23
Joshua 23 contains a speech given by Joshua to the leaders of Israel as he nears the end of his life. He reminds them of God's faithfulness in giving them the land and instructs them to remain faithful to God by obeying His commands and not intermingling with the neighboring peoples who worship false gods.

Joshua warns the Israelites that if they turn away from God and follow after other gods, they will be punished and driven out of the land, just as God had driven out the Canaanites before them. He encourages them to be strong and courageous in their obedience to God, reminding them that God will fight for them and be with them always.

Joshua also reminds the Israelites of the importance of keeping the covenant they had made with God and obeying His laws, and encourages them to teach their children to do the same. He concludes his speech by urging them to love and serve God with all their hearts and souls, and to continue to trust in Him as they enter into the next phase of their journey.

Old Testament II
Isaiah 17, 18
Isaiah 17 and 18 both contain prophecies concerning the nations surrounding Israel.

In Isaiah 17, the focus is on the judgment of Damascus, the capital of Syria. The prophet declares that Damascus will become a heap of ruins, and its glory will fade away. The reason for this judgment is that Damascus has forsaken the God of Israel and trusted in its own strength and alliances with other nations. The destruction of Damascus will serve as a warning to the surrounding nations that trust in military might and worldly alliances rather than God.

In Isaiah 18, the focus shifts to Ethiopia (Cush), a nation located south of Egypt. The prophet speaks of a time when Ethiopia will send ambassadors to Jerusalem, seeking an alliance with the people of God. Isaiah declares that God will see this act of faith and respond by defeating Ethiopia's enemies and protecting them from harm. The prophecy concludes with a call for all nations to come to the Lord and worship Him, the one true God.

Overall, these prophecies remind us of the importance of trusting in God rather than human strength or alliances. They also point to the ultimate victory of God over all nations and the invitation for all people to come to Him and find salvation.

New Testament
2 Thessalonians 2
 2 Thessalonians 2 is a chapter in the New Testament of the Bible written by the apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica. In this chapter, Paul addresses the concerns of the Thessalonians regarding the return of Jesus Christ.

Paul starts by cautioning the Thessalonians not to be deceived by false teachings that suggest the day of the Lord has already come. He reminds them of the signs that must take place before Christ's return, including the rise of the man of lawlessness and the rebellion that will follow.

The man of lawlessness is described as one who exalts himself above all that is called God and sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Paul suggests that this man is already at work, though he has not yet been revealed.

Paul also encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith and to hold on to the teachings that they have received from him, whether by word or by letter. He reminds them of the encouragement and comfort that come from the hope of eternal life.

In conclusion, 2 Thessalonians 2 emphasizes the importance of staying true to the teachings of Christ and not being led astray by false teachings or claims about the return of Jesus Christ. It also highlights the need to be watchful and prepared for Christ's return, and to hold on to the hope of eternal life that comes through faith in him.