Daily Bible Readings

In August of 2024, the congregations of China Methodist Church and Forest Park Methodist church started on a journey to read the Bible together over two years. To facilitate this, I have created a reading schedule and am providing some daily thoughts to help along the way.

Each day’s entry contains the assigned reading (with a link to read it online at Bible Gateway) and a contemplation on how the section relates to life or to other parts of scripture. There is also a short reading from the Wisdom writings of the Bible and a suggested prayer focus. The most important part, though, is the words of scripture themselves; they are our surest guide to life.

– Mark Fleming, pastor

Most recent reading:

  • Day 235 2 Kings Chapters 8 – 9
    The era of the kings descends into intrigue and murder

    Succession
    2 Kings Chapters 8 and 9
    After starting with a story of the just king Jehoshphat restoring property to the woman of Shunem, the narrative returns to the intrigue and scheming that marks the reign of many of the kings of Israel, Judah and neighboring nations.
    When Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, is ill, Elisha prophesies that he will recover from his illness, but still die, and that his son, Hazael, will succeed him and cause grief for Israel. Ben-Hadad then survives his illnesss but is murdered by Hazael, who becomes king.
    After Jehoshaphat, Judah is governed by two kings who do evil, Jehoram and Ahaziah.
    In Israel, God leads Elisha to have Jehu anointed as king even while Joram still lives.
    Joram seems to have been unpopular even with his own people, as everyone from officers to messengers to the queen’s eunuchs quickly switches allegiance to Jehu.
    Queen Jezebel is also killed when some of her servants switch sides and throw her from a window.

    Chart of kings and prophets of Israel and Judah

    Thursday meditation

    Proverbs 24:13-14
    Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
    Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

    Prayer focus
    God, let us not be so distracted by which humans have power for the moment, and look to you.

    -Rev. Mark Fleming

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