September 11 Bible Reading and Daily Study

“The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.” ~ Psalm 119:64

Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in Isaiah 27 and 28. The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Psalm 72, and the Greek Testament reading is in 1 Thessalonians 1. Additionally, the three-year plan reading is in John 12, while the daily reading for Day 396 includes John 5:16 – 6:24.

Study Schedule and Essential Studies

To help organize your study, here is the breakdown of the readings for today:

Testament/Section	Scripture Reading	Focus Theme
Hebrew Testament	Isaiah 27 and 28	Teaching tools
Psalms / Proverbs	Psalm 72	The reign of the Messiah
Greek Testament	1 Thessalonians 1	The voice that speaks without words
Three-year Bible Plan	John 12	Bible for Beginners
Daily Reading Day 396	John 5:16 – 6:24	Words of life

Insights from 1 Thessalonians: A Testimony of Faith

The demonstration of power is what caused the Gentile and pagan Thessalonians to realize that what Paul was telling them was the truth. It activated their faith so that they could be saved. So then notice how the surrounding region received the word of the Lord from the Thessalonians: it was by the testimony of their changed lives, their departure from paganism and their faith toward God—that is the word of the Lord, the testimony of Jesus, that spread far beyond their city walls and preached to all far and near.

Reflections on the Gospel of John

The end of chapter 5 sounds a lot like what we’ve been reading from the prophets, speaking judgment on those who have been told the truth of God yet have not acknowledged it. Verses 39 and 40 say, “These are the very scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” Similarly, the people are chastised for not having followed the words of Moses. In verses 45-47, we read, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

Hope and the Authority of the Son

As in the prophets, though, there is a glimmer of hope. Verse 24 says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” We should note that the Father has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Few affirmations of scripture are as hopeful as the affirmation that Jesus, who atoned for our sins, is also our judge.

Meditation and Divine Guidance

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Remember that God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Prayer focus: Lord, thank you for giving us a judge who is also our savior.