Daily Reading Week 23
Sunday
Nehemiah 8 (Scripture focus Nehemiah 8: 1-12)
Discover
Even though none of us can perfectly follow the Ten Commandments, they still hold deep meaning and purpose in our lives. In fact, God wants these commandments to be clearly and boldly taught.
In Nehemiah 8, we see Ezra reading the law of Moses to the Israelites after they returned from exile. Not only does the writer of Nehemiah support this, but he also highlights how the Levites helped explain God’s laws to the people. This wasn’t just a one-time event—it was part of God’s ongoing command to regularly teach His law. This wasn’t just for the Old Testament era. The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of God’s commandments. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, shows us how to live out God’s law (Matthew 5:17–48), and the apostles continue to affirm its value (Romans 13:9–10; James 2:8–13; 1 Peter 4:15).
So why is it still important to preach God’s law today, under the new covenant? Nehemiah 8 gives us a clue. When Ezra read the law, the people were moved to tears—they were convicted of their sin. These were people who already believed in God, yet the law still had a powerful effect. It reminded them of their need for grace and led them to repentance. That’s what God’s law does: it points us to Jesus. It shows us our need for a Savior—not just once, but again and again as we grow in our faith.
When we’re confronted with our sin, God doesn’t leave us in despair. The Holy Spirit not only convicts us but also comforts us, reminding us that we are forgiven and free in Christ. This leads to deep, joyful celebration—just like the Israelites experienced when they were reassured of God’s mercy.
Matthew Henry once said that “those who tremble at the convictions of the word may triumph in the consolation of it.” In other words, we can only truly rejoice in God’s grace when we first recognize how much we need it. Some people talk about God’s peace and grace without ever acknowledging their sin—but that kind of peace is shallow. Real peace comes when we see our brokenness and run to the cross, where true forgiveness and joy are found.
Respond:
1. How do you currently approach reading the Bible? Is it more for information or
transformation?
2. When was the last time you felt deeply moved by a passage of Scripture? What was it, and why did it impact you?
3. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper hunger for God's Word in your daily life?
Monday
Nehemiah 8 (Scripture Focus Nehemiah 8:13-18)
Discover:
In today’s passage we see a picture of a people rediscovering God’s Word and responding—not with hesitation, but with immediate and joyful obedience. The Israelites had just heard the law read aloud, and instead of brushing it off or delaying, they acted. They realized it was time to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, a festival that reminded them of God’s faithful provision during their ancestors’ wilderness journey. And so, they obeyed.
What’s remarkable is how their obedience wasn’t a burden—it was a source of great joy. They didn’t just go through the motions; they celebrated with gladness, building booths, gathering together, and rejoicing before the Lord. Verse 17 tells us, “There was very great rejoicing.” Obedience to God’s Word had opened the door to joy and blessing.
This reminds us that true revival isn’t just about emotional highs or spiritual goosebumps. It’s about a heart that hears God’s Word and responds with action. The Israelites didn’t wait for another sign or a fresh word—they acted on what God had already revealed. Sometimes, we may find myself waiting for God to move, when in reality, He’s waiting for us to take the next step in obedience.
Yes, there was sorrow earlier in the chapter when the people realized how far they had fallen short. That sorrow was real and appropriate—but it wasn’t the end of the story. Nehemiah reminded them that this was a time to celebrate, to thank God for His protection and provision.
Even though sin was still a reality in their lives, God had redeemed them, restored them, and brought them back to their land. He had given them a new wall and a fresh start. It was time to rejoice.
Respond:
1. Reflect on a time when you obeyed God and experienced joy as a result. What did you learn from that experience?
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to immediate obedience? What steps can you take to respond?
3. How can you incorporate reminders of God's faithfulness into your daily routine to
encourage obedience?
Tuesday
Nehemiah 9 (Scripture Focus Nehemiah 9:1-31)
Discover:
The Venerable Bede, an English monk from the 7th and 8th centuries, is best known for writing The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. But he also gave us one of the few early Christian commentaries on Ezra–Nehemiah. In his reflections on Nehemiah 9, Bede highlights the people’s confession of sin and their attentiveness to God’s law as a true act of devotion. He admired how the Jews “gave themselves over to listening to the divine law in order to renew their mind in God and come back purer and more devout for imploring his mercy.”
Spending six hours listening to Scripture and another three hours in confession and worship isn’t something we’re expected to do every day. Bede’s point still stands however. We can learn a lot from the people’s example. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” So, making time for God’s Word—both in personal study and in gathered worship—is essential for a vibrant spiritual life.
The Israelites in Nehemiah’s day had just come out of a long season of disobedience and spiritual decline. They knew they needed to be honest about their past—about how often they had turned away from God. That honesty was the first step toward renewal. In Nehemiah 9:6–35, they retold their history, acknowledging their failures and God’s faithfulness. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. They were preparing their hearts for a fresh start.
Even though they had returned to the Promised Land, they still felt the weight of captivity. Their confession wasn’t just about the past; it was a cry for God to move in the present. They were ready for restoration, and they knew it had to begin with repentance and a return to God’s Word.
Respond:
1. What does repentance mean to you, and how does it play a role in your relationship with God?
2. How can remembering God's faithfulness in your life lead you to a deeper sense of repentance and restoration?
3. In what ways can you incorporate confession and remembrance into your spiritual practices?
Wednesday
Psalm 19
Discover:
In theology, we often talk about two ways God reveals Himself to us: natural revelation and special revelation. Natural revelation is how God shows Himself through the world He created—through nature, the skies, the stars, and everything around us. Special revelation, on the other hand, is when God speaks more directly, like through prophets, apostles, or Scripture.
Natural revelation is more general—it’s not aimed at one person or group, but at everyone. That’s why it’s also called general revelation. It doesn’t give us all the details about salvation or God’s specific plans for our lives, but it does clearly show us that there is a Creator behind everything we see.
Psalm 19 paints a picture of this: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Everywhere we look, creation is pointing us to its Maker. And Romans 1:20–21 adds that through creation, we can see God’s power and divine nature. It’s enough to show us that we’re not here by accident—and that we owe our worship and gratitude to the One who made us.
Of course, natural revelation doesn’t tell us everything about God. We still need Scripture to understand His heart, His promises, and the good news of salvation. But natural revelation does its job well—it makes it clear that God exists and that He is worthy of our awe.
John Calvin said that even though God’s essence is beyond our full understanding, His glory is written so clearly in His works that no one can claim they didn’t know He was there.
Natural revelation may be limited, but it’s powerful. God uses it to make sure no one can say they never saw evidence of Him. Let’s not overlook the beauty and message of creation. Whether we’re talking with someone who doesn’t yet believe or simply taking a walk outside, we can let the world around us remind us—and others—of the God who made it all.
Respond:
1. How do you see God's glory revealed in creation around you?
2. In what ways has God's Word brought wisdom, joy, or light into your life recently?
3. How can you cultivate a deeper delight in God's Word?
Thursday
1 John 5
Discover:
As John wraps up his first letter, he shows us that the marks of genuine faith—loving others, believing in Jesus, and living a holy life—aren’t separate checkboxes. They’re deeply connected, woven together like threads in a single fabric.
In verse 1, John links belief in Jesus as the incarnate Son of God with being born of God. If we’re born of God, we’ll naturally love Him—and love His other children too. Then in verse 2, John flips the perspective and says we can know we truly love God’s people when we love God and keep His commandments. In other words, love for others flows from love for God, and love for God shows up in how we live.
In 1 John 4:20–21 John says that it’s impossible to love God if we don’t love His people. Here, John adds another layer: we can’t truly love others unless we first love God. And we can’t truly love God unless we obey Him. Love isn’t just a warm feeling—it’s shown in action, in obedience. Just like James reminds us that faith without works is dead, John reminds us that love without obedience isn’t real love.
John goes on to remind us that God’s commandments aren’t a heavy burden. Yes, the law shows us our sin, but for those who’ve been redeemed, it becomes a delight. That doesn’t mean obedience is always easy—sin still lingers, and we struggle. But John wants us to remember that God’s commands are good. They’re life-giving. As John Calvin once said, this reminder is meant to keep us from losing heart when obedience feels hard.
John’s message is clear: real faith shows up in real life. If we believe in Jesus, we’ll love God. If we love God, we’ll love His people. And if we love Him, we’ll want to follow His ways—not out of guilt, but out of joy.
Respond:
1. How do you perceive God's commands in your life—as burdensome or as life-giving?
2. What does living in victory through faith in Jesus look like for you?
3. How can you grow in confidence in your relationship with God?
Friday
Matthew 5
Discover:
Our Savior calls His disciples the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” two essential substances that transform the food they’re in. Just like salt and light, the church is meant to make a big difference in the world around us.
Salt is usually cheap and produced in very small grains, but it’s valuable becomes apparent through its uses. Christians are like salt, and we should make a positive impact on society, even if we don’t have much power. The meaning of Jesus’ metaphor isn’t just about one benefit we get from salt, but about its preservative quality. The church needs to keep society from rushing towards evil. Christianity has done this in the past, leading the way in advancing human rights.
Rural communities like the one Jesus was speaking to have a real appreciation of the darkness of a moonless night. But a city in the distance can give people hope and direction. Just like walking around at night without a flashlight is dangerous, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world. We should live like those who have been changed by the Spirit so that the world will notice and praise the Father.
Being salt and light isn’t impossible. Jesus first tells us what we are and then calls us to live up to that standard. In Him, we are salt and light, so we should live out what He has made us to be. If you feel like you’re not being salt or light, remember that Jesus says you are and that you can do it with the power of the Spirit.
Respond:
1. Which Beatitude resonates most with you, and why?
2. How can you be the salt and light in your community, reflecting God's love and truth?
3. In what ways can you align your life more closely with the values of the Kingdom of Heaven?
Saturday
Acts 2
Discover:
Theologians have pointed out that the Old Testament promised the Holy Spirit would bring worldwide repair and restoration. While the Holy Spirit was active even before Pentecost—in the world, in His Word, and in the hearts and minds of believers—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marked the beginning of "the last days".
In Acts 2, Peter explains the significance of Pentecost. We often associate Pentecost with the Holy Spirit's activity, but interestingly, Peter's first Pentecost sermon in Acts 2 focuses on Jesus Christ. Peter's main point is that the events of Pentecost show the world that Jesus Christ is ruling and reigning at the right hand of His heavenly Father. Jesus, our King, received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father and poured the Spirit out on the church. For Peter, these events are proof that Jesus now reigns as the King of glory. The old days of promise have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and the new era of the last days has begun in Him. God's people are now living in the time of Christ's Spirit-wrought repair and restoration.
In these last days, the world is being repaired and restored in the same way it fell and was broken. Dennis Johnson in his book “The Message of Acts” highlights the two stages of fall and redemption: brokenness and repair. In the fall, Adam first died spiritually because of his sin, and only after that did he die physically. Adam's spiritual fall led to physical brokenness that extended to all of creation.
But in God's amazing redemptive plan, Jesus came into the world and, through His death, repaired our spiritual brokenness, bringing us from death to life and into God's family. One day, Christ will extend this repair and renewal from our spiritual lives to our physical lives in the resurrection of our bodies and eventually to all of creation. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit signals that the last days have arrived, days of repair and restoration in Christ. Therefore, in light of the coming restoration, "we do not lose heart" (2 Cor. 4:16–18).
Respond:
1. How do you experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life?
2. In what ways can you contribute to the unity and mission of your local church community?
3. How can you be more intentional in seeking opportunities to share the gospel with others?