TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Isaiah 39:1-41:16
Ephesians 1:1-23
Psalm 66:1-20
Proverbs 23:25-28
Isaiah 39:3 — Joshua said the same thing about the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:6). Seek the LORD first before you start making alliances (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Isaiah 40:3 — John the Baptist quoted this to identify his role (John 1:23, Mark 1:3).
Isaiah 40:5 — The Lawrence University Orchestra performed this part of Handel’s Messiah:
Isaiah 40:8 — The only two things that will live forever are God’s Word and a person’s soul. Spend time in God’s Word and with people!
Isaiah 40:11 — The Shepherd of Psalm 23 will come (from Isaiah’s perspective) and has come (from ours)!
Isaiah 40:12 — This sounds a lot like the end of Job. This wisdom poetry reminds us that we are unable to compare the LORD to anyone (Isaiah 40:25)!
Isaiah 40:28 — This is a great memory verse on the nature of God: His infinitude!
Isaiah 40:31 — This is an incredible chapter we’ve read, ending with the phrase “wings as eagles.” From our good friend Ron Hamilton:
Isaiah 41:10 — Another great verse to memorize thanks to another good friend Earl Martin:
Ephesians 1:1 — We’ve read Paul’s doctrinal discussions with the Romans, his dealings with the deep troubles of the Corinthians, his disputations with the defecting Galatians, but now we read of his delight in the Ephesians!
Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption through his blood! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Ephesians 1:11 — Notice how “inheritance” is used three times – we’ve obtained an inheritance through Christ (Ephesians 1:10), the Holy Spirit is the “down payment” (Ephesians 1:14), and there is unknown riches of glory ahead (Ephesians 1:18). All things, starting with our redemption, are through Jesus Christ!
Psalm 66:3 — As we mentioned before, the English language has devolved. “Terrible,” from the Latin Terreo (frighten), has been hijacked to mean “poor quality (I did a terrible job).” It’s true meaning is “impressing terror, dread, awe.”
Psalm 66:18 — The Psalmist shares with us this important truth about prayer. As we see sad tales of pastors falling into sin, we realize that their sins were done in secret. What’s sad is that, like David, it’s possible to spend a year as the leader of God’s chosen people, and yet not spend any time with God (2 Samuel 11:27).
Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.
