Daily Reading Week 42
Sunday
Daniel 6 (scripture Focus 16–23)
Discover:
Daniel 6 takes us into the Persian period of the Old Testament. Back in the early 7th century BC, the prophet Isaiah predicted that the southern kingdom of Judah would be taken into exile in Babylon. But he also foresaw that a ruler named Cyrus would eventually conquer Babylon and allow the people of Judah to return home (see Isaiah 39 and 45:1–13). That prophecy came true in 539/538 BC when Cyrus the Great defeated the Babylonian Empire. His general, Gobryas, captured the city, removed the co-rulers Belshazzar and Nabonidus (Belshazzar was killed, Nabonidus exiled), and Babylon became part of the Medo-Persian Empire. Cyrus then appointed Darius the Mede—likely another name for the Persian general Gubaru—to govern the region.
Unlike the Babylonians, who uprooted people from their homelands, the Persians had a different approach: they sent displaced people back to their native lands. Many Jews returned to the Promised Land, but others, like Daniel—who was likely in his late 70s or early 80s—stayed in Babylon. Daniel remained a respected figure and served as a top advisor to Darius. Unfortunately, his high standing stirred up jealousy among the other officials. They couldn’t find any fault in his work, so they targeted his faith instead.
It’s important to understand Daniel’s response. When he continued praying to God, he wasn’t trying to make a scene—he was simply sticking to his usual routine. He had always prayed, and he wasn’t going to stop now. Daniel shows us how to respond when our faith is challenged. We don’t need to be combative, but we also shouldn’t compromise our convictions. Like Daniel, we can remain respectful while staying true to our beliefs.
When we are faithful to God, He is faithful to us. God may not always deliver us from danger the way He rescued Daniel from the lions’ den, but He promises us something even greater—eternal life.
Respond:
1. How do you see Daniel’s faith overcoming fear in this story?
2. What “lions” (fears) are you facing right now?
3. What does it look like to kneel before the Lion of Judah instead of bowing to fear?
4. How can your faith in Christ encourage others who struggle with fear?
Monday
Matthew 10 (Scripture Focus Verse 28)
Discover:
Because Jesus became human, He understands our struggles in a deeply personal way. He truly walked in our shoes—choosing to live with all the limitations of humanity while still being fully divine. That’s why He knows exactly what we face, especially when we’re mistreated for following Him. In Matthew 10, He speaks directly to those fears.
Jesus knew that many of His followers would worry about what to say if they were ever dragged before hostile authorities. Not everyone feels confident speaking under pressure! But He reassures them: don’t be afraid—the Holy Spirit will give you the words you need in that moment. This isn’t a pass to skip studying Scripture, but a promise that God’s Spirit will show up powerfully when we feel weak.
Jesus also encourages us not to fear those who oppose the Gospel. In His time, people would share news from their flat rooftops. He tells His disciples to boldly proclaim His message, even if it brings trouble. The truth will eventually shine through, and those who stand for Christ will be vindicated.
Sometimes, following Jesus can even cause tension within families. He doesn’t cause the conflict directly, but His message can divide when some accept it and others don’t. The peace He offers is real, but not everyone is willing to receive it. When He says He brings a sword, it’s a way of expressing that division may come—not because He wants it, but because of how people respond to Him.
We don’t need to fear people who can only harm the body. Instead, we should hold a healthy fear and reverence for God, who holds our eternal destiny in His hands. For those who love Him, the promise is clear—we will rise to eternal life, body and soul.
Respond:
1. Why is fear of people such a strong influence in our lives?
2. What does it mean to “fear God” in a healthy, biblical way?
3. How can this verse free you from living for others’ approval?
tuesday
Isaiah 43 (Scripture Focus 1-2)
Discover:
We often ask ourselves, “What’s the worst that could happen?” It’s a common question in business and in life. We try to plan for worst-case scenarios—not just to be prepared, but because deep down, we’re afraid.
We fear what Job once said might become true for us: “The thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me” (Job 3:25). We’re afraid of pain, of being overwhelmed, of being left alone and exposed—without the strength, resources, or hope to carry on.
That’s exactly where Isaiah 43 speaks so powerfully. Right after a sobering prophecy about God’s judgment, He breaks in with a tender command: “But now, fear not.”
Why shouldn’t we be afraid, even when the worst happens? Here God gives us two reasons:
First, He says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 43:1). This word “redeemed” would have reminded God’s people of how He rescued them from slavery in Egypt, and later, how He would bring them back from exile in Babylon. For us today, it points straight to the cross—where Jesus gave His life to redeem us.
And this redemption is deeply personal. God says, “I have called you by name, you are mine.” That’s not a general invitation—it’s a specific, loving claim. When fear grips our hearts, we can remember: we belong to the One who gave everything to make us His.
Second, God says, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:5). He doesn’t promise to keep us from every fire or flood, but He does promise to be with us in the middle of it. When we feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or alone, He reminds us: “You’re not alone—I’m right here with you.”
When the worst-case scenario becomes reality, we can run to this passage and hear God’s voice loud and clear: “Fear not. I have redeemed you. I am with you. I love you.”
Respond:
1. Do you truly believe God has called you by name and claimed you as His own?
2. When you walk through hard seasons, do you focus more on the fire/flood—or on the One who is with you in it?
3. How can you replace fear with faith this week by holding onto the promise: “You are mine”?
Wednesday
Joshua 1 (Scripture Focus Verse 9)
Discover:
There are times in life when success feels out of reach. Starting a new job can be overwhelming—we wonder how we’ll manage everything expected of us. In college, the sheer volume of assignments at the start of a semester can feel impossible. New parents often feel unprepared for the enormous responsibility of raising a child. And when serious illness strikes, we may not know how we’ll get through it.
Joshua knew that feeling. He had served alongside Moses for years, and after Moses’ death, Joshua was chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land—a land filled with powerful enemies and daunting challenges. He had every reason to feel overwhelmed. As the new leader, he needed strength not just for himself, but for the people who were looking to him for courage.
That’s why God’s words to Joshua in Joshua 1 are so powerful. God reminded him of His promise: “I will be with you” (Joshua 1:1–5). And then He gave Joshua a clear command: “Be strong and courageous.” What more could Joshua need than the assurance that God was on his side? As Paul later wrote, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
But God’s presence didn’t mean Joshua could ignore God’s Word. In verses 7–8, God makes it clear that success would come through obedience—by meditating on His Word and living it out. While obedience doesn’t always lead to immediate blessing, and disobedience doesn’t always bring instant consequences, in the long run, those who follow God will be victorious.
God calls us to be strong and courageous as we follow Him. One of the best ways to grow in that strength is by trusting and obeying His Word. When we step out in faith and see God’s faithfulness in return, our confidence in Him grows. To be courageous, we must know what God has promised and how He blesses those who walk in His ways.
Respond:
1. Where do you need to be strong and courageous right now?
2. How can you trust God more in that area?
3. What prayer habit could you establish to fight fear more consistently?
THursday
Psalm 27 (Scripture Focus Verse 1)
Discover:
Fear has a way of creeping in when we least expect it. It shows up in the quiet moments before a big decision, in the uncertainty of a diagnosis, or in the loneliness of a new season of life. Sometimes, fear whispers lies that we are alone, unprepared, or not enough.
Psalm 27:1 offers a comforting reminder: we are not alone, and we are not without help.
David, the writer of this psalm, knew fear. He faced enemies, betrayal, and danger. Yet in the midst of it all, he declared with confidence that the Lord was his light, his salvation, and his stronghold. Light to guide him, salvation to rescue him, and a stronghold to protect him.
This verse doesn’t promise that we won’t face frightening situations. It promises that when we do, we have a God who is greater than our fears. A God who stands with us in the dark, who saves us when we feel overwhelmed, and who shelters us when we feel exposed.
So today, whatever fear you’re facing—whether it’s about your future, your family, your health, or your calling—remember this: the Lord is your light. He is your salvation. He is your stronghold. You are not alone. You are not without hope. And you do not need to be afraid.
1. What fears are hardest for you to shake?
2. How can this verse encourage you when fear rises?
3. What would change if you truly believed the Lord is your defender?
Friday
Isaiah 41 (Scripture Focus Verse 10)
Discover:
We’re human—naturally prone to all kinds of fears and uncertainties. Deep down, we carry a sense of vulnerability that no amount of bravado or “whistling in the dark” can truly erase. When something unsettles us, we instinctively look for reassurance.
Interestingly, the phrase Jesus used more than any other was simply: “Don’t be afraid.” He said it so often—to His disciples and to others—that it almost felt like His way of saying hello. While most people greet each other with a “Hi” or “Hello,” Jesus often began with “Fear not.”
Why was that? Maybe it’s because He understood just how deeply fear grips us—especially when we come face-to-face with the reality of a powerful, holy God. We fear His strength, His judgment, and perhaps most of all, the possibility of being rejected by Him.
What we long for most is the assurance that we’re safe—that we’re saved. Even if we don’t dwell on it often, something inside us knows that the worst thing that could happen is to face God’s final judgment without mercy. What makes that fear even heavier is the quiet certainty that we’ve done nothing to deserve otherwise.
Respond:
1. What comfort do you find in God’s presence during fear?
2. Why do you think God repeats “don’t be afraid” so often in Scripture?
3. What specific fear do you need to hand to Him today?
Saturday
Revelation 5 (Scripture Focus 5)
Discover:
John was invited into heaven to witness “what must take place” (Rev. 4:1)—a glimpse into the unfolding of history. But so far, his vision has only shown him the heavenly throne room and the beautiful worship happening there. Now, it’s time for John to understand the deeper truths about human history. But as today’s passage reveals, there’s a challenge that needs to be addressed first.
In Revelation 5:1, we see that God is holding a scroll in His right hand. It’s written on both sides and sealed with seven seals. This imagery echoes the prophet Ezekiel’s experience, where God gave him a scroll filled with messages to proclaim. Ezekiel’s scroll was open and meant to be consumed—symbolizing that he was to fully take in its message and share it. The scroll John sees is still sealed, and its contents remain a mystery.
To unlock the scroll, someone must be found who is worthy to break its seals. In ancient times, scrolls were tied with string and sealed with wax, bearing the signet of the sender and witnesses. Only the intended recipient had the authority to break those seals. Anyone else doing so was likely tampering with the message.
At first, no one is found who can open the scroll—not even the majestic heavenly beings. John is heartbroken and begins to weep, knowing that a message from God must be incredibly important. His sorrow is short-lived however. There is One who is worthy!
“The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals” (v. 5). This is Jesus—the Messiah, the Son of David. He holds divine authority and is fully able to open the scroll, reveal its message, and carry out God’s plan. He alone is worthy.
Respond:
1. How does seeing Jesus as the Lion change the way you face fear?
2. What victory do you need Him to bring into your life right now?
3. How can you remind yourself this week that the Lion of Judah has already won?