Daily Reading Week 38
Sunday
Daniel 2 (Scripture Focus 46–47)
Discover:
In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar, awestruck by God’s revelation through Daniel, falls before him and declares, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries” (Dan. 2:47). The dream Nebuchadnezzar received, interpreted by Daniel, points to a stone “not cut by human hands” (Dan. 2:34), which shatters the statue of earthly kingdoms and grows to fill the earth. This stone is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Savior, whose kingdom crushes all opposition and expands without end.
The imagery of the stone reminds us that Christ’s kingdom is not of human origin. It is divine, unbreakable, and unstoppable. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Jesus entered history not as a product of human effort but as God’s appointed King. His victory over sin, death, and Satan was decisive, delivering a crushing blow to all of God’s enemies. As the Psalmist declares, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool’” (Ps. 110:1). Christ’s triumph is not merely a future hope—it is a present reality. His kingdom is advancing even now, as the gospel spreads to every corner of the earth.
In our day, we witness the rise and fall of nations, ideologies, and powers. These shifts can stir fear or uncertainty, but Scripture calls us to a different response. The turmoil of history is not random; it is the stage on which God manifests His sovereignty. Each collapsing empire, each fleeting ruler, serves as a reminder that only Christ’s kingdom endures. As Daniel’s vision foretold, the stone grows into a mountain that fills the earth (Dan. 2:35). Jesus is building His church, and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18).
Respond:
1. What does Nebuchadnezzar’s response teach us about God’s power?
2. Where in your life do you still struggle to surrender control?
3. How can recognizing God’s greatness help you release that control?
4. What step of surrender do you need to take this week?
Monday
Proverbs 19 (Scripture Focus verse 21)
Discover:
Ever wonder, “What’s God’s will for my job or career?” It’s easy to feel stuck or even stressed trying to figure out God’s plan for your life. Proverbs 20:24 puts it plainly: “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” The truth is, God doesn’t give us a detailed roadmap of His full plan. Instead, He gives us His Word—clear principles to guide our choices. This is His revealed will. For example, if a job tempts you to compromise your faith, you know it’s not for you. That’s a no-brainer.
But what about decisions that aren’t so obvious? The answer isn’t in trying to guess God’s hidden plans. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us.” So, focus on what God has shown us. Look at His Word, consider your gifts, think about your responsibilities to others, and check your desires to make sure they line up with Scripture. These guideposts help narrow things down.
Still, there’s more. Trust God’s leading. If you’re feeling frustrated or unsure, don’t obsess over whether you’re “in God’s will.” Instead, obey what He’s already shown you, do your best in the work you have, and trust Him to guide your steps. Look back at your life—hasn’t God always come through? He’s trustworthy. Keep following His revealed will, and rest in the fact that He’s directing your path, even when you can’t see the whole picture.
Respond:
1. When have your plans failed but God’s purpose still came through?
2. Why is it hard to accept that God’s purposes override ours?
3. How could trusting God’s purpose change how you handle stress or disappointment?
tuesday
Isaiah 46 (Scripture Focus 9–10)
Discover:
A.H. Strong once wrote that Jesus Christ is the One who not only created the universe but holds it together every moment. His steady will keeps everything from falling into chaos—it’s why we have a cosmos, an ordered world, instead of disorder. The Bible teaches that God is both the Creator and Sustainer of everything. He’s the primary cause behind all that
exists and all that happens, guiding history according to His perfect plan.
Today, though, we often miss this truth. When a hurricane hits, we explain it with science—wind currents, pressure systems—and stop there. We focus on secondary causes and ignore the Divine hand behind it all. But God is the ultimate cause, the One who sustains every moment of creation. As Acts 17:28 says, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” God alone exists in Himself; we depend on Him for every breath, every heartbeat, every second of existence.
More than that, God governs His creation as the sovereign King. His rule is absolute, but it’s not harsh—it’s loving, perfect, and holy. Unlike human rulers, God’s monarchy is one we can trust completely. He sustains us, provides for us, and guides us, all because of His goodness. Our response? To honor, obey, and worship Him with awe for His holiness.
Respond:
1. How does God’s control over history encourage you?
2. What fears could you surrender knowing He already knows the end?
3. How might this perspective change how you pray?
Wednesday
Psalm 115 (Scripture Focus Verse 3)
Discover:
How can we pray for our own needs without slipping into selfishness? It’s a real question, but Psalm 115 shows us it’s possible to bring our requests to God in a way that honors Him.
The psalm doesn’t tell us who wrote it or the exact situation, but clues in the text—especially verses 2 and 9–11—suggest Israel was in a tough spot. Their enemies were mocking, asking, “Where is their God?” The psalmist responds with a cry for help, confident that God is their “help and shield.” This was a prayer for deliverance from danger, but it wasn’t just about getting out of trouble.
What makes this prayer different is its focus. In verse 1, the psalmist pleads, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory.” The goal wasn’t just rescue for Israel’s sake but for God to show His power, love, and faithfulness. The prayer was rooted in a desire for God’s name to be glorified, not for personal gain. This teaches us a powerful lesson: we can pray for our needs—whether it’s a job, health, or safety—in a God-centered way by asking Him to use the answer to show His glory. When we pray like this, we’re not seeking our own praise but His.
Psalm 115 reminds us that God has already met our greatest need—salvation—through Jesus. By His grace alone, Christ saved us, ensuring all glory goes to God. As Augustine said, Christ died for sinners so we wouldn’t chase our own glory but give it all to Him. And in verses 3–8, the psalmist contrasts God with the powerless idols of the nations. Even when God’s help seems delayed, He’s the sovereign Creator who does whatever He pleases—unlike fake gods who can do nothing.
So, yes, we can pray for our needs without being selfish. We do it by tying our requests to God’s glory, trusting He’ll act in His perfect way and time.
Respond:
1. Why is it good news that God does what He pleases?
2. How do we sometimes treat God like He should serve our plans?
3. How would truly believing this verse free you from anxiety?
THursday
Colossians 1 (Scripture Focus 16–17)
Discover:
The Christian life often feels like a journey of rediscovering that Jesus is enough. We come to faith by the Holy Spirit, trusting Jesus alone to save us (John 3:1–15). But after conversion, we sometimes forget He’s still all we need. Maybe we’ve acted like the Galatians,thinking we have to follow every rule perfectly to earn God’s love, forgetting
that Jesus’ perfection covers us (Gal. 2:15–21). Or perhaps we’ve focused too
much on spiritual power, like Simon Magus, losing sight of Jesus, who sends the
Spirit (Acts 8:18–24). Maybe we’ve even chased extra religious practices—diets,
rituals, or superstitions—like the Colossians, just to feel secure (Col.
2:16–19).
Paul’s answer is simple: Jesus is enough. Growing as a Christian means living out this truth (Col. 1:24–29). In Colossians 1:16–17, Paul shows why. Jesus is the eternal Creator—through Him, God made everything, from the stars to the angels the Colossians were tempted to trust (John 1:1–3). Turning to anything else for spiritual help is like choosing a created thing over the Creator Himself. And Jesus isn’t just the Creator; He’s the Sustainer. “In Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17). Without Jesus, the universe would fall apart. If He has the power to keep the cosmos in order, how could we ever think we need anything or anyone else to be complete?
Let’s stop looking elsewhere for what only Jesus provides. He’s sufficient for our salvation, our growth, and every moment of our lives.
Respond:
1. What does it mean that your life was created “for Him”?
2. Where do you feel like things are “falling apart”?
3. How can you trust Christ to hold them together?
Friday
Matthew 6 (Scripture Focus 31–33)
Discover:
Prayer, like every part of our Christian life, should be shaped by God’s Word. The Bible tells us to do everything for God’s glory (1 Cor. 10:31), and that includes how we pray. So, how do we pray in a way that honors Him? The Heidelberg Catechism (Question 118) points us to the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging us to ask for everything we need—spiritually and physically—to live for God.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This comes in a passage where He’s addressing our worries about life’s basics—food, clothing, shelter. It’s easy to stress about these things, thinking it’s all up to us to make life work. We know how fragile life can be, how quickly things can go wrong.
But Jesus doesn’t say to ignore our needs or just “let go and let God.” Instead, He tells us to put them in perspective. When we focus on seeking God’s kingdom first—through prayer, obedience, and trust—He promises to provide what we need to serve Him. Prayer is a key way we seek His kingdom (Matt. 6:8–13). So, we can boldly ask for things like food to give us strength, clothes to cover us, or a home to keep us safe. These aren’t selfish requests—they equip us to live as faithful citizens of God’s kingdom.
When we pray for our needs with a heart set on God’s glory, we trust Him to provide what’s best for His purposes. And as He meets those needs, we’re strengthened to keep serving Him.
Respond:
1. What daily needs do you try hardest to control?
2. How can seeking God’s kingdom first reduce your worry?
3. Where do you need to trust God’s provision this week?
Saturday
Jeremiah 29 (Scripture Focus Verse 11)
Discover:
When Babylon conquered Jerusalem in stages—first in 604 B.C., then in 597 B.C., and finally in 586 B.C.—God’s people faced a harsh reality. Many, including Daniel, Ezekiel, and Mordecai’s ancestor, were taken into exile (2 Kings 24–25; Dan. 1:1–7; Est. 2:5–6). Yet,
even far from home, some clung to false hopes, listening to prophets who promised a quick return to Jerusalem (Jer. 29:15). Through Jeremiah, God set the record straight: the exile would last 70 years, and Jerusalem would face judgment for its unrepentant heart (Jer. 29:1–14).
But God didn’t abandon His people. He told them to settle in Babylon—build homes, marry, have children, and work hard (Jer. 29:4–6). This echoes the call He gave humanity to flourish (Gen. 1:28). Even in a foreign land, God’s commands still applied. They weren’t to put life on hold but to trust Him and live faithfully where they were. For us today, this reminds us that no matter our circumstances, God’s calling to follow Him remains.
Most of all, God promised hope. The exile wasn’t forever. After 70 years, He would bring His people back, showing His plans to prosper them and give them a future (Jer. 29:10–14). This points to His unchanging faithfulness—we can trust Him to work for our good, even in hard seasons.
Respond:
1. Do I believe God’s plans for me are better than the ones I’ve made for myself?
2. How can I practice surrender this week—by prayer, patience, or obedience?
3. Am I willing to trade my illusion of control for God’s promise of hope and a future?