September 2 - 8, 2018

Daily Bible Reading for the Week of September 1-8, 2018

9/2      Proverbs 18-21 - Chapter 18 reminds us to listen carefully before we respond; to appreciate the mate "wife", verse 22, the Lord has given; and to realize the importance of being a friend to our friends.  Chapter 19 speaks of not blaming God for the results of our careless living.  We are told to discipline our children while there is time for them to profit from it.  Chapter 20 tells us that a man who lives honestly will be a blessing to his children.  Chapter 21 helps us realize that God is in control of the thoughts and actions of rulers.  We're also told to keep ourselves out of trouble by guarding our tongues.

9/3      Galatians 1,2 - Paul wrote Galatians with "rule-keeping forms of Christianity" in mind.  His overall emphasis is that we weren't saved by good works, and, therefore, our sanctification isn't earned by good works either.  Salvation and sanctification are both given on the basis of God's grace in our lives.  Good works in a Christian's life are the result of salvation, not the cause of it!  The same is true with our sanctification.  We yield to the control of the Holy Spirit and that brings good works in our lives.  We don't do good works in order to be controlled by the Spirit.

9/4      Proverbs 22-26 - Chapter 22 starts off by emphasizing our good reputation is something to be treasured.  Chapter 23 has a good warning against careless consumption of alcohol.  Chapter 24 reminds us not to take pleasure when wicked people get into trouble.  We should pray for them to learn the lessons God is teaching.  Chapter 25 gives us proverbs of Solomon that some of King Hezekiah's men copied.  Chapter 26 gives us in verses 4 and 5 two ways how to handle the folly of fools.  We're also taught not to give in to laziness.

9/5      Proverbs 27-31 - In chapter 27 we're reminded that we should live one day at a time.  In chapter 28 we're reminded that confession of sin is rewarded with God's mercy.  Chapter 29 starts out with a warning to respond positively to God's rebuke or else face judgment.  Chapter 30 are words of another godly poet, Agur.  His "two things" he desires in verses 7-9 are very important to consider.  Finally, in chapter 31, the Book of Proverbs ends with the recognition of the life of a godly woman. 

9/6      Galatians 3,4 - Paul's emphasis here is that the Old Testament Law made people aware of their sinful nature.  The Law could not change people's hearts.  Only God's Son could do that.  People needed to look forward to God's ultimate sacrifice to not only take away the sin of their lives, but to put to death the sinful nature in their lives.  

9/7      Ecclesiastes 1-4 - I've often been taught that Solomon wrote this book from the perspective of a man living his life according to the "natural man's" way of thinking.  Life can certainly seem pretty vain and worthless without recognizing God's plan in all He allows.  These opening chapters focus on "finding pleasure" and thinking that "time" brings all kinds of events to everybody. 

9/8      Ecclesiastes 5-8 - These chapters give good advice, such as not making promises you don't intend to keep, chapter 5, and in chapter 8, verse 11, the importance of implementiing penalties for crime promptly if you wish to see those penalties deter other people commiting the same crimes themselves.