Read To Me Daily Semester 2Sample

1SAMUEL 1:
Yesterday we heard the charming conclusion of the story about Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The words of the town women have prophetic significance: “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family.” (NLT) The words have a double meaning for us today, as we see them looking forward to Jesus our Redeemer.

Continuing the history of Israel, we now move to the transition from the period of judges to the period of kings. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally one book in the Hebrew Scripture. They were separated in the Greek Septuagint. The books are named after Samuel, not written by him. In 1 Samuel, we see that Samuel is not just a judge, but also a prophet, and that he anointed both Saul and David. This book contains many of the favorite Bible stories told to children.

PSALM 90:
The traditional titles in the Psalms (given as headings or footnotes in our Bibles) were written centuries afterward by the Rabbis and we need not consider them part of the inspired Word. This title of Psalm 90 may identify Moses as the author, or the Rabbis may have meant that this psalm reflects a Mosaic perspective. No other psalm is labeled like this one. This is a good psalm for meditating on the meaning of our life and our short life-span.

ROMANS 1a:
Yesterday in the final chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul continued giving instructions on how to teach particular groups in the church, ending with teachings for slaves and for rich people. Note that those who give generously to help others store up heavenly treasures and “a good foundation for the future.” Paul's closing encouragements to Timothy are moving because we can sense Paul's deep love for Timothy.

We move back in time slightly from 1 Timothy to Romans. Romans was written perhaps 6-9 years before 1Timothy, written at the time that Paul was in Corinth. Be sure to observe the topic sentence for Romans in chapter 1, verses 16-17. This book is an outstanding presentation of that thesis in impeccable logic. As a translator, I often use those two verses as an example of how hard it is to understand a literal translation versus a meaning-based translation. I encourage you to compare the NLT with something like the ESV— to see what I mean. 

Let’s pray.
Our heavenly Father, Ethan the psalmist could not see what we now see— that You have been perfectly faithful to your promises. The Son of David is next to you on your throne in heaven. And the New Jerusalem will one day come. As we wait for that day, we pray that you would keep us free from foolish and harmful desires for temporary things. Keep us free from the love of money. Keep us also from useless religious quarrels and debates. We’re putting on our running clothes, Lord, that we might run the race for true beliefs. Help us to clothe ourselves with the righteousness of Christ. Help us to treat others with gentleness and love. And today we pray for endurance in the race.